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Dear friends and readers, I hope you would have enjoyed reading our previous issue. Once again, I am delighted to bring to you the October 2019 edition of the Microbioz India Health edition, supported by the cover story entitled “5 tips to consider before undergoing knee replacement” by Dr CS Yadav, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Joint Replacement Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital an informative article for better knee replacement.
Featured article
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Added to this, the current edition has a special featured guest article entitled “Artificial intelligence improves biomedical imaging” an article sourced from ETH Zurich with Journal reference Nature Machine Intelligence, 2019; DOI: 10.1038/s42256-019-0095-3. The article improves the role of Artificial intelligence in improving Biomedical imaging, The Scientists used machine learning methods to improve optoacoustic imaging.
Product Launches
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The edition also covers recent Healthcare news articles and product launches collected from worldwide sources to update the readers with the current trends in the industry
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Researchers identify new mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to ferroptosis
An international team of researchers has found a different way cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy, suggesting a new target for drugs.
School-based HPV immunization program 20 dramatically reduces rates of cervical pre-cancer A school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in British Columbia, Canada, is dramatically reducing rates of cervical pre-cancer in B.C. women, according to a new study.
Advanced preclinical imaging system helps 27 researchers better understand the ageing processes Research published in Nature by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science (KAIST) found that lymphatic vessels in the scull involved in the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid often become compromised with age.
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ear friends and readers, I hope you would have enjoyed reading our previous issue. Once again, I am delighted to bring to you the October 2019 edition of the Microbioz India Health edition, supported by the cover story entitled “5 tips to consider before undergoing knee replacement” by Dr CS Yadav, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Joint Replacement Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital an informative article for better knee replacement.Persistent knee pain along with difficulty in walking, climbing stairs; knee stiffness in the morning hours; painkillers are a part of daily routine… sounds relatable? If yes, then chances are that you have been recommended a knee surgery. Every year, osteoarthritis affects over 15 million Indians and approx. 1.5 lakh knee replacement procedures are performed. Added to this, the current edition has a special featured guest article entitled “Artificial intelligence improves biomedical imaging” an article sourced from ETH Zurich with Journal reference Nature Machine Intelligence, 2019; DOI: 10.1038/s42256-019-0095-3. The article improves the role of Artificial intelligence in improving Biomedical imaging, The Scientists used machine learning methods to improve optoacoustic imaging. This relatively young medical imaging technique can be used for applications such as visualizing blood vessels, studying brain activity, characterizing skin lesions and diagnosing breast cancer. However, quality of the rendered images is very dependent on the number and distribution of sensors used by the device: the more of them, the better the image quality. The new approach developed by the ETH researchers allows for substantial reduction of the number of sensors without giving up on the resulting image quality. This makes it possible to reduce the device cost, increase imaging speed or improve diagnosis. We have the latest market research news and insightful product launches inside, collected from worldwide sources to keep you updated with what is going on in the industry. Dear friends and readers, I hope you find some value in the magazine. Also, I would like to thanks you for being together in this beautiful journey so far. We would love to have your valuable feedback and suggestions as they help us to come up with better content each time. For any further valuable addition, please write to us
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the Articles, Advertisements published in the magazine belong solely to the author, advertisers and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in a Microbioz India magazine cannot guarantee and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind caused by this magazine and errors and for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.
Cover Story
tips to consider before undergoing knee replacement Dr CS Yadav, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Joint Replacement Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Persistent knee pain along with difficulty in walking, climbing stairs; knee stiffness in the morning hours; painkillers are a part of daily routine… sounds relatable? If yes, then chances are that you have been recommended a knee surgery. Every year, osteoarthritis affects over 15 million Indians and approx. 1.5 lakh knee replacement procedures are performed. National Health Authority’s recent move offers patients a choice of implants in major surgeries such as knee and hip replacement. Thereby empowering Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries to opt for good quality prosthesis. While implants form a vital part of the procedure, it is not the only aspect which contributes to a successful replacement. Professor CS Yadav, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Joint Replacement Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, throws light on the things one must consider before undergoing knee replacement. Expert check – Knee replacement surgery is a complex procedure and requires specialized training and surgical skill-set. More the surgical experience of a surgeon, lesser are the chances of complications. Therefore, enquire about your doctor’s experience, years of practice, technological expertise and number of knee replacements performed per year.
Since, knee surgery requires hospitalization it is important to choose a center that maintains good hygiene level and uses sterile equipments. Appropriate hospital infrastructure and equipment contributes significantly to surgical success.
Healthcare infrastructure – Infections are one
Recovery support – Advancements has enabled
of the most dreaded complications of surgery.
patients to walk just hours after the surgery using
Know your new knee – A good quality implant can make a huge difference in helping you lead a pain-free, active life. With advent of technology, innovations such as a single radius knee, navigationbased replacements, has revolutionized knee surgeries making way for efficient and effective solutions which may last up to 2 decades. While your surgeon can recommend what’s best for you, it is crucial to know what is getting placed in your body. Implant quality can be ensured by checking: USFDA approval - confirms that the product is evaluated, approved as per most stringent guidelines and is high quality Clinical legacy – assures that the product is widely used and proven owing to its long-term success Survivorship - indicates that the product is durable and lasts longer thereby reducing chances of revision surgery.
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Cover Story walker. Our thigh muscles play a crucial role in recovery as they provide knee with strength and mobility. Technologies like single radius knees which mimics the natural knee motion support these muscles aiding in quicker recovery and lesser physiotherapy sessions.
Rehabilitation
– Post knee surgery, it is mandatory for patients to undergo at least 8 weeks of physiotherapy sessions. Highly advanced technologies today provide a wide range of motion as opposed to earlier times with fewer physical therapy. A round knee allows stable and efficient
movement while climbing or descending stairs, squatting, playing badminton, amongst others. Factors that impact outcome of knee replacement include experience of surgeon, hospital infrastructure and quality of implant being used. Government’s recent move to offers patients choice of implants in major surgeries such as knee and hip replacement is a testimony that government acknowledges that quality of implant plays a critical role in success of surgery. Since implant cost is no longer part of the surgery package, beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat can now opt high quality implants under the scheme that can help patients combat complications caused by a poor-quality implant.
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Market Research
ZIFI-FDC LTD breaks world record for pledges received for a health campaign (Antibiotic Resistance) Mumbai, 7th October 2019: ZIFI-FDC have officially broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title of the Most pledges received for
health campaign of completing Antibiotic course. Antibiotic Resistance is one of the major challenges that doctors are facing today worldwide. Antibiotic Non-Compliance has been one of major factors for Antimicrobial Resistance. To address this raging public health concern of Antibiotics Resistance and Antibiotic noncompliance, ZIFI-FDC Ltd. took the initiative and ran a campaign called ‘SANKALP’, where FDC Spectra Field force involved all key stakeholders like Patients, Doctors, Chemists and Paramedical staff by taking a pledge from them for completion of full course of Antibiotic therapy. ZIFI took the initiative to educate maximum number of patients about the importance of completing the full course of antibiotic therapy and supporting Health care professionals (Doctor, Paramedical staff & Chemists)
ZIFI through SANKALP Campaign has covered maximum number of people by taking their pledge for completing the full course of antibiotic therapy, 5,69,057 (five lakh Sixty nine thousand fifty seven) pledges were taken by key stake holders like doctors, chemists, patients and paramedical staff, thereby breaking the world record which was audited and approved by Guinness World Records. FDC would like to thank all doctors, patients & Chemists involved in this social awareness of completing antibiotic course to reduce the AMR. This Global recognition is representation of FDC’s commitment towards wise Antibiotic usage and Compliance, where Mr G. C.Kandpal, Sujit Barge have lived the passion of protecting current Antibiotic with wise usage and Mr. Narendra Sharma has executed to the ground in coordination with FDC-Spectra Field force under the able guidance of Mr Masood Shauqi for completing the campaign in specified period. Along with this we appreciate the efforts of Mr. Kushal Bhagchandani (Kushaya Crafts) for conceptualising this work and getting the record achievement end to end. About FDC: A journey of a million miles begins with a small step." A young visionary, Anand Chandavarkar, in the backdrop of India's independence struggle, dreamed of building a world class company in 1936. His vision of freedom was to create, to build, and to industrialize, in order to make the nation self-reliant in healthcare. In 1940, this partnership firm was incorporated as a private limited company Fairdeal Corporation (Private) Limited and in 1986 its name was changed to FDC Private Limited. Thereafter, FDC became a public limited company, and was listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India in 1996.
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Market Research FDC Ltd. is one of the leading pharma companies based out of Mumbai which is widely recognised for Brands Like Electral, Enerzal, ZIFI etc. Our leading brand in anti-infective category is ZIFI which is the formulation of cefixime. ZIFI is the No.1 Prescribed cefixime Brand & also it the No.1 prescribed antibiotics among all antibiotics.
Indian Non-Profit YRGCARE Selects NetSuite to Support its Mission to Save More Lives NetSuite helps non-profit expand operations across India and focus time, resources and expertise to support those in need India, October 15, 2019 – YRGCARE, an Indian non-profit that provides clinical care to individuals diagnosed with HIV and other infectious diseases, has selected Oracle NetSuite to support its mission to save more lives. Through NetSuite’s Social Impact program, YRGCARE has been able to focus its resources on helping those in need and support a growing number of patients across India by taking advantage of unified platform to streamline business processes and reduce operating costs. Founded in 1993 by the late Dr Suniti Solomon, a pioneer in India’s fight against HIV, YRGCARE has supported more than 20,000 patients ranging from small children to pregnant women and other infected adults. To bring its clinical care, education and research to more people and support expanded services for patients with hepatitis C, tuberculosis, STDs and other infectious diseases, YRGCARE has expanded from three locations across India to 15. To support its growing operations, which currently help approximately 4,000 people a year, and ensure all resources are used as efficiently as possible to support its mission, YRGCARE selected NetSuite. “We are focused on the needs of those who are not receiving care, support, education, and information about HIV other infectious diseases,” said Ganesh Aylur Kailasam, chief program officer and research
administrator, YRGCARE. “I joined YRGCARE when we launched 25 years ago and as we have grown to help more and more people, our operations have become more complex. With NetSuite we have been able to reduce that complexity so we can ensure we can spend time and resources on making a real difference in people’s lives.” With NetSuite, YRGCARE has been able to automate previously manual processes and enhance visibility across its growing operations. NetSuite has enabled YRGCARE to reduce the time taken to close its financial processes from 45 days to 10 days and redeploy resources that were previously dedicated to procurement and IT management to focus on directly helping those in need. The enhanced visibility into business operations has enabled YRGCARE to track expenses on a perproject basis and comply with reporting requirements from donors, which includes several U.S. government agencies, while also meeting Indian government tax requirements. “Nonprofits like YRGCARE do amazing and incredibly difficult work and that requires complete focus,” said Graeme Burt, VP & Chief Commercial Officer, Oracle NetSuite JAPAC. “With NetSuite, the YRGCARE team has been able to drive efficiencies across their core business processes so they can focus their time, resources and expertise on reducing the spread of infectious diseases in India. We have huge admiration for the YRGCARE team and applaud their commitment to the communities in which we live and work.” As a nonprofit, YRGCARE is benefitting from donated software through the Oracle NetSuite Social Impact program. Through the Suite Pro Bono part of the program, the organization is receiving support, at no cost, from skilled NetSuite employees to help them use the platform more effectively. About YRGCARE YRGCARE, founded in 1993 in Chennai, India is a premier HIV/AIDS service organization offering services including: Adolescent and young adult sexuality education, HIV intervention at workplaces and communities, Voluntary counselling and testing services, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, Care and support services to over 20,000 People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), education and advocacy to reduce violence against women and much more.
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Market Research In partnership with leading centres from around the world, YRGCARE is currently implementing research in the fields of epidemiology, laboratory
countries and dependent territories. For more information, please visit https://www.netsuite.com/portal/in/
sciences, prevention, implementation science and treatment outcomes. It is among the few institutions in Asia monitoring the emerging HIV drug resistance.
Follow NetSuite’s Cloud blog, Facebook page and @NetSuiteJAPAC Twitter handle for real-time updates.
For more information on how nonprofits and social enterprises are leveraging Oracle NetSuite, visit www.netsuite.com/socialimpact About Oracle NetSuite For more than 20 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organisations grow, scale and adapt to change. NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based applications, which includes financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, professional services automation and omnichannel commerce, used by more than 18,000 customers in 203
About Oracle The Oracle Cloud offers complete SaaS application suites for ERP, HCM and CX, plus best-in-class database Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from data centers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Featured Article
Artificial intelligence improves biomedical imaging Scientists at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich have used machine learning methods to improve optoacoustic imaging. This relatively young medical imaging technique can be used for applications such as visualizing blood vessels, studying brain activity, characterizing skin lesions and diagnosing breast cancer. However, quality of the rendered images is very dependent on the number and distribution of sensors used by the device: the more of them, the better the image quality. The new approach developed by the ETH researchers allows for substantial reduction of the number of sensors without giving up on the resulting image quality. This makes it possible to reduce the device cost, increase imaging speed or improve diagnosis.
Optoacoustics (see box) is similar in some respects to ultrasound imaging. In the latter, a probe sends ultrasonic waves into the body, which are reflected by the tissue. Sensors in the probe detect the returning sound waves and a picture of the inside of the body is subsequently generated. In optoacoustic imaging, very short laser pulses are instead sent into the tissue, where they are absorbed and converted into ultrasonic waves. Similarly to ultrasound imaging, the waves are detected and converted into images. Correcting for image distortions The team led by Daniel Razansky, Professor of Biomedical Imaging at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, searched for a way to enhance
image quality of low-cost optoacoustic devices that possess only a small number of ultrasonic sensors. To do this, they started off by using a selfdeveloped high-end optoacoustic scanner having 512 sensors, which delivered superior-quality images. They had these pictures analysed by an artificial neural network, which was able to learn the features of the high-quality images. Next, the researchers discarded the majority of the sensors, so that only 128 or 32 sensors remained, with a detrimental effect on the image quality. Due to the lack of data, distortions known as streak type artefacts appeared in the images. It turned out, however, that the previously trained neural network was able to largely correct for these distortions,
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Featured Article thus bringing the image quality closer to the measurements obtained with all the 512 sensors.
In their current research, the scientists used an optoacoustic tomography device customised for
In optoacoustics, the image quality increases not only with the number of sensors used, but also when the information is captured from as many directions as possible: the larger the sector in which the sensors are arranged around the object, the better the quality. The developed machine learning algorithm was also successful in improving quality of images that were recorded from just a narrowly circumscribed sector. "This is particularly important for clinical applications, as the laser pulses cannot penetrate the entire human body, hence the imaged region is normally only accessible from one direction," according to Razansky.
small animals, and trained the machine learning algorithms with images from mice. The next step will be to apply the method to optoacoustic images from human patients, Razansky says.
Facilitating clinical decision making The scientists stress that their approach is not limited to optoacoustic imaging. Because the method operates on the reconstructed images, not the raw recorded data, it is also applicable to other imaging techniques. "You can basically use the same methodology to produce high-quality images from any sort of sparse data," Razansky says. He explains that physicians are often confronted with the challenge of interpreting poor quality images from patients. "We show that such images can be improved with AI methods, making it easier to attain more accurate diagnosis." For Razansky, this research work is a good example of what existing methods of artificial intelligence can be used for. "Many people think that AI could replace human intelligence. This is probably exaggerated, at least for the currently available AI technology," he says. "It can't replace human creativity, yet may release us from some laborious, repetitive tasks."
Revealing tissue function Unlike optoacoustics (also known as photoacoustics), many imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, X-ray or MRI, are mainly suitable for visualizing anatomical alterations in the body. To receive additional functional information, for instance concerning blood flow or metabolic changes, the patient has to be administered contrast agents or radioactive tracers before the imaging. In contrast, the optoacoustic method can visualize functional and molecular information without introducing contrast agents. One example is local changes in tissue oxygenation -- an important landmark of cancer that can be used for early diagnosis. Lipid content in blood vessels is yet another potential disease marker, which can aid an early detection of cardiovascular diseases. It should be noted, however, that because the light waves used in optoacoustic imaging, unlike other waves, do not fully penetrate the human body, the method is only suitable for investigating tissues to a depth of a few centimetres beneath the skin Story Source: Materials provided by ETH Zurich. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: 1. Neda Davoudi, XosĂŠ LuĂs DeĂĄn-Ben, Daniel Razansky. Deep learning optoacoustic tomography with sparse data. Nature Machine Intelligence, 2019; DOI: 10.1038/s42256-019-0095-3
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Research News
Researchers identify new mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to ferroptosis An international team of researchers has found a different way cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy, suggesting a new target for drugs. Chemotherapy kills cancers cells by preventing them from multiplying and by inducing 'cell death', a natural process that can be enhanced with drugs. One form of cell death, called ferroptosis - irondependent cell death - is caused by the degradation of fats (lipids) that make up the cell membrane. Now, a team led by researchers from Germany and including Imperial College London scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to ferroptosis. Many aggressive and drug-resistant cancers are vulnerable to ferroptosis but they can also use particular mechanisms to block it. The team's work, published today in Nature, provides a new target for drugs that suppress the newly discovered mechanism, allowing ferroptosis cell death to take hold in susceptible cancer cells. Professor Ed Tate, from the Department of Chemistry at Imperial, said: Discovering a completely new way cells gain resistance will allow us to design drugs that target this mechanism. In fact, we already have drug leads we previously developed that
indirectly target this mechanism, and are testing them in the lab. Ferroptosis relies on oxidation on lipids in the cell membrane - the stripping of electrons from these lipids, causing them to degrade. It was already known that one molecule, called glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), reverses this process, acting as an antioxidant. There are drugs that target GPX4, but most cancers are still resistant to ferroptosis. Now, the research team discovered a different molecule called FSP1 that also acts as a lipid antioxidant, rescuing cancer cells from ferroptosis cell death even when they are starved of GPX4. As well as identifying FSP1's role in preventing ferroptosis, the team also found several potential ways to target it with drugs and therefore reduce resistance. To work, FSP1 needs the help of an enzyme called N-myristoyltransferase, or NMT. Previously, the team at Imperial developed drug leads for suppressing the activity of NMT in order to block infection by the common cold virus. Andrea Goya Grocin, a CRUK-funded PhD student in the group of Professor Tate in the Department of Chemistry, applied a suite of
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Research News chemical tools developed at Imperial to study FSP1 and its modification by NMT. Andrea said: As therapy-resistant tumours gain resistance to ferroptosis, treatments that promote ferroptosis based on inhibition of FSP1, GPX4, NMT, or a combination of all three, have great potential for translation into future clinical applications.
Source: Imperial College London Journal reference: Doll, S. et al. (2019) FSP1 is a glutathioneindependent ferroptosis suppressor. Nature. doi.org/10.1038/s41586-0191707-0
School-based HPV immunization program dramatically reduces rates of cervical pre-cancer A school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program in British Columbia, Canada, is dramatically reducing rates of cervical pre-cancer in B.C. women, according to a new study. The evaluation of the HPV vaccination program in B.C. was conducted jointly by researchers at BC Cancer, the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre and the University of British Columbia and highlights the success of the program in reducing pre-cancers. Pre-cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in the cervix most often discovered during routine Pap tests. If not treated, pre-cancer can develop into cervical cancer. The study found that B.C. women who had received the HPV vaccine as Grade 6 girls had a 57 per cent reduction in the incidence of cervical pre-cancer cells compared to unvaccinated women. We are excited by these initial findings. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence highlighting the positive impact of the HPV vaccine and regular cervical screening on preventing cervical cancer. And, with increased vaccine uptake, we would expect to see a further decrease in cervical cancer rates." Dr. Gina Ogilvie, senior research advisor, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre and professor at the UBC school of population and public health
HPV has been identified as the cause of almost all cervical cancers. In 2008, B.C. implemented a voluntary publicly funded school-based HPV immunization program. Eleven years later, the first groups of women vaccinated through this program have reached adulthood and entered the Cervix Screening Program. By linking records from the provincial Cervix Screening Program with immunization registries, researchers were able to compare outcomes between the women who had received vaccinations to those who had not.
Women included in the study received the quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against two types of HPV responsible for approximately 70 per cent of all cervical cancers. The HPV vaccine that is now administered in the school-based program protects against seven types of the virus that cause about 90 per cent of cervical cancers. As today's Grade 6 girls receive a more comprehensive
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Research News vaccine, rates of pre-cancer are expected to decline even further in coming years. HPV is common in both men and women and can be easily spread through sexual contact. Most people will contract HPV at some point in their lives, and it is important to get vaccinated before becoming sexually active. The vaccine is now available for free to both girls and boys in Grade 6 and protects against cervical, anal and some rare penile cancers. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own, some cause pre-cancerous lesions that can develop into cancer over time if not treated. It can
take more than 10 years for pre-cancerous cells to develop into cervical cancer. Regular cervical cancer screening is important to identify abnormal or pre-cancerous cells, before they cause symptoms. "The HPV immunization program in B.C. is in its 12th year now, and it's very gratifying to be able to show such positive outcomes through prevention of this infection and its complications in women," said Dr. Monika Naus, medical director, communicable diseases and immunization service, and professor at the school of population and public health at the University of British Columbia. Source: University of British Columbia
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Product Launches
Advanced preclinical imaging system helps researchers better understand the ageing processes Research published in Nature by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science (KAIST) found that lymphatic vessels in the scull involved in the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid often become compromised with age. This finding was only possible through advances in imaging technology. Using MR Solutions’ 3T/17 preclinical liquidhelium free MRI system the KAIST researchers observed how the meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), mainly in the basal part of the skull, are involved in the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They found that, as people age, the integrity of the mLVs and subsequent CSF drainage is impaired.
taken during the project with 32 dynamic scans with time interval of 4 minutes 36 seconds. A contrast agent was also used during the research with MR Solutions’ Powerscan software solution providing data collection. MR Solutions’ preclinical MRI and PET imaging systems won the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for Innovation in 2016 and 2019. The company has over 30 years’ experience and in excess of 2000 installations across the world. Its unique liquid helium free MRI scanners are renowned for their excellence in terms of superior soft tissue contrast and molecular imaging quality. MR Solutions has its global headquarters in the UK, with offices in the USA and distributors and support staff in all the major markets across the world. Story source/Credit: MR Solutions
Flammable Storage Cabinet Available in Several Sizes Designed to store flammable chemicals, a storage cabinet from Hemco, Independence, Mo, is available in widths of 30, 36, and 48 inches. Standard size is 35 inches high and 22 inches deep.
The team’s findings are helping to better understand how these mLVs contribute to the neuropath physiological processes that are associated with the ageing process. The full research findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature, August 2019. Professor Sung-Hong Park, Associate Professor of Bio and Brain Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science, said: “It’s only now with far better imaging systems such as MR Solutions’ 3T MRI scanner that this type of research is possible”.
The cabinet is insulated with high-temperature fiberglass and is UL 1275 listed. The front access doors are lined, and the edges are sealed. The flammable storage cabinet is available with a locking mechanism to keep chemicals secure. The shelf is removable for storing large containers. Story source/Credit: Hemco
MR Solutions’ 3 Tesla MRI system provided preclinical molecular imaging of rodents in in-vivo applications. Two baseline reference scans were
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Product Launches
Hematology Analyzers Minimize Manual Microscopy Slide Reviews Horiba UK Medical, Northhampton, UK, says that two studies demonstrate the effective performance of its new Helo automated hematology platform on body fluid and pathological samples.1,2 Horiba’s high-throughput Yumizen H2500 and H1500 automated hematology analyzers were able to use the platform for enhanced precision of complete blood counts and white blood cell (WBC) differential testing, the company says. Body fluid analysis was included as standard in the process. The performance efficiencies can improve diagnosis, minimize unnecessary slide reviews with manual microscopes, and improve laboratory
workflow, according to the two scientific evaluations. Conducted by Nantes University Hospital, the first study focused on the need to automate analysis of biological fluids for robust and reliable reporting of results. Hematological analysis of body fluids can provide clinicians with valuable diagnostic information about a number of serious medical conditions. Manual microscopy has traditionally been used to determine total and differentiated WBC in body fluids. However, results can be affected by interoperator variability, and the results take time to analyze. Using an automated method of analysis of WBC in a body fluid smear can improve turnaround times and accuracy. To ensure the robustness and reliability of automated body fluid analysis in routine laboratory workflows, the Nantes study used the Yumizen H2500 to evaluate the performance of the automated analysis cycle. The study included 98 samples from ascitic, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cerebrospinal, pericardial, and pleural fluids, which were used for comparative and differential
leukocyte and erythrocyte counts. They confirmed the good analytical performance of the Yumizen analyzer in comparison with a conventional microscopic count and a reference analyzer. The second study, conducted by the Institut Bergonié Comprehensive Cancer Center, explored the flagging efficiency of the new Helo analyzer. Pathological samples from patients with altered hematopoiesis often trigger a WBC-differential flag because of poor cell separation. Such a flag is meant to trigger the requirement for a manual slide review by microscopy to confirm the WBC differential. Laboratory workload would be optimized if instances of manual slide review could be reduced without compromising patient care. The second study compared the flagging performance in the WBC differential of the Yumizen H1500/H2500 with a routine analyzer. The study included patients with pathology or treatment- affecting hematopoiesis, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with oncohematologic disorders. The study involved 228 pathological samples—100 from patients on chemotherapy for solid tumors and 128 from patients with malignant blood disease. It demonstrated an improvement in the WBC differential analysis and reliability of the Yumizen H1500/2500 analyzer over a routine analyzer. Precision and specificity improved because of better cell separation, leading to a significant 21% decrease in unnecessary morphology reviews by microscopy, according to Horiba.
References Inquel A, Broly M, Chevalier M, et al. Evaluation of the body fluid cycle of the Yumizen H2500 analyzer (Horiba Medical SAS) [poster, online]. Presentation at the International Society for Laboratory Hematology, Vancouver, Canada, May 9–11, 2019. Available at: www.horiba.com/fileadmin/uploads/
medicaldiagnostics/documents/feedback/evalua tion_-_yumizen_h2500_-_chu_nantes__france.pdf. Accessed October 14, 2019. Correia P, Blanchi J, Seguy F, Durrieu F. Interest of Horiba Medical Yumizen H1500/H2500 technology in patients with WBC-diff abnormalities due to malignant blood disease or chemotherapy treatment [poster, online]. Internal poster from oral presentation at EuroMedLab2019, Barcelona, Spain, May 9–23, 2019. Available
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Product Launches at: www.horiba.com/fileadmin/uploads/
medicaldiagnostics/documents/feedback/evalua tion_-_yumizen_h1500-h2500__institut_bergonie_-_bordeaux__france.pdf. Accessed October 14, 2019. Featured image: The Yumizen H2500 hematology analyzer from Horiba Medical. Story source/Credit: Horiba UK Medical
CompuGroup Medical Upgrades Its Laboratory Information System
trends, inventory management, and specimen storage. The document management option assists labs with attaining and maintaining CLIA regulatory compliance. The system’s new .net infrastructure enables CompuGroup Medical’s USbased developers to continue enhancing the software with improvements and updates more quickly than was possible in the past. Story source/Credit: CompuGroup Medical
IoLight Introduces Inverted Microscope for Observing Cell Cultures
CompuGroup Medical, Phoenix, has released a new version of its laboratory information system (LIS) that features memorized report parameters and the automatic assignment of Medicare G-codes for drug test billing. Version 19.9 of the CGM Labdaq LIS includes base functionality and alerts. Users can customize the home screen to provide technicians and lab managers with instant access to analyzers, reports, and other data. CompuGroup Medical says the upgrade is
The creator of the world’s first high-resolution portable microscope has introduced a compact, inverted microscope that can be used in laboratory incubators. The new digital instrument from IoLight, Whitchurch, UK, offers a unique method for observing cell cultures. “Using the knowledge and skills gained from creating our pioneering portable microscope, we have developed a very compact, lightweight, and robust inverted microscope that is even tough enough for use inside an incubator,” says Andrew Monk, founder of IoLight. “The IoLight inverted microscope is just 170 mm and sealed to protect the inner workings. This means it is perfectly suited to observing cell culture in a lab incubator without having to open the door.”
based on feedback from users in laboratories across the United States. CGM Labdaq 19.9 has an improved turnaround time monitor that enables labs to offer faster and more accurate turnaround estimates than was possible using previous versions of the LIS. Version 19.9 also introduces a simplified workflow for receiving some samples, which means the enhancements affect every phase of the analytical process. Version 19.9 features exclusive options that expand LIS functionality with advanced analytics and
The inverted microscope enables monitoring of cell development, with the lens underneath the petri dish looking up into the sample and illuminators both above and below the sample. Because the inverted microscope accommodates a petri dish, observation of cells and organisms can be achieved by standard laboratory procedures rather than by preparing a slide sample. Technicians can use a Wi-Fi connection to store images from the inverted microscope on a tablet,
Andrew Monk, IoLight.
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Product Launches mobile phone, or laptop, so that they can be shared instantly with collaborators anywhere.
Darkfield image from the inverted digital microscope by IoLight.
The IoLight inverted microscope uses both bright field and dark field illumination. Bright field mode illuminates high-contrast samples from above, displaying them against a bright background. Dark field mode illuminates lower contrast or even transparent samples with scattered light, highlighting them against a dark background. Access to both modes enables technicians to image a wide range of samples. The ‘first batch’ of inverted microscopes has been shipped to universities in the United States and the United Kingdom, where they are being used to
research and examine algae and other subjects, Monk says. “Customers really like the ability to view images on a mobile phone, and because it is wireless, users can leave the microscope inside an incubator so they do not have to disrupt the experimental conditions.” Story source/Credit: IoLight.
Roche Launches Companion Diagnostic to Identify Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Eligible for Treatment with Tecentriq Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland, has expanded the use of its Ventana PD-L1 (SP 142) assay for patients undergoing treatment for triplenegative breast cancer in regions where the CEmarked Roche cancer immunotherapy medicine atezolizumab (Tecentriq) is available. The Ventana PD-L1 assay is the first companion diagnostic to aid in identifying triple-negative breast cancer patients eligible for treatment with Tecentriq plus chemotherapy (nabpaclitaxel). Each year, 300,000 patients around the world are diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive disease with limited treatment options.1,2 A diagnosis of triplenegative breast cancer means that the three most common proteins associated with breast cancer growth—estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2/neu—are not expressed on the tumor. Roche says the launch of its Ventana PD-L1 (SP142) assay represents an important step in its personalized healthcare strategy to fit treatments to patients who can benefit most from a specific medicine. Using the assay to assess the status of the PD-L1 biomarker on tumor-infiltrating immune cells is essential for identifying such patients, according to the company. The announcement follows FDA’s March approval of the assay as the first companion diagnostic to identify triplenegative breast cancer patients eligible for the Tecentriq combination.
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Product Launches
Thomas Schinecker, Roche Diagnostics.
“Until recently, the only treatment option for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients was chemotherapy,” says Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “With our expanding menu of companion diagnostics and targeted cancer immunotherapies, Roche is proud to continue to deliver on our mission to make personalized healthcare a global reality, ensuring the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.” The Ventana PD-L1 (SP142) assay was developed to enhance the visual contrast of tumor-infiltrating immune cell staining. In triple-negative breast cancer, PD-L1 is primarily expressed on tumorinfiltrating immune cells rather than on the tumor cells themselves. Launched in 2016, the Ventana PD-L1 (SP142) assay is the primary diagnostic assay within the Tecentriq clinical development program and was used to enroll and stratify patients in Tecentriq clinical trials. It was the enrollment assay used in the Impassion 130 trial, the first positive Phase III immunotherapy regimen study in triple-negative breast cancer. The assay was the first to evaluate patient PD-L1 biomarker status using immune cell staining and scoring within the tumor microenvironment.
to visually enhance and score PD-L1 protein on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In an analysis based on 14.4 months of median follow up, Tecentriq shrank tumors in 15% (95% CI: 11, 19) of people evaluable for efficacy whose disease progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 310). Tecentriq shrank tumors in 26% (95% CI: 18, 36) of people whose disease had medium and high levels of PD-L1 expression (n=100). The Impassion 130 study is a Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. It is evaluating the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of Tecentriq plus nab-paclitaxel compared with placebo plus nab-paclitaxel in people with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have not received prior systemic therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Tecentriq is a cancer immunotherapy that has the potential to be used as a foundational combination partner with other immunotherapies, targeted medicines, and various chemotherapies across a broad range of cancers, according to Roche. The monoclonal antibody is designed to bind with the PD-L1 protein, which is expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7-1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the activation of T cells. The immunotherapy is approved in the United States, the European Union, and other countries. It can be used either alone or in combination with targeted therapies. Available on the automated BenchMark IHC/ISH series instruments, the Ventana PD-L1 (SP142) assay uses the OptiView amplification kit and the OptiView DAB IHC detection kit. The assay performs specific staining of tumor cells and immune cells. It is approved for use in the United States and European Union as a companion diagnostic in urothelial carcinoma and as a predictive assay for the use of Tecentriq in nonsmall cell lung cancer. For more information, visit Roche.
References
The PD-L1 (SP142) assay is proven to identify patients most likely to respond to treatment with Tecentriq, as demonstrated by higher overall response rates in Cohort 2 of the Imvigor 210 clinical trial. The novel approach uses immunohistochemistry (IHC) technology designed
Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Siegel RL, Torre LA, Jemal A. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(6):394–424; doi: 10.3322/caac.21492. Eliyatkin N, Yalçin E, Zengal B, Aktas S, Vardar E. Molecular classification of breast carcinoma: from traditional, old-fashioned way to a new age, and a new way. J Breast Health. 2015;11(2):59–66; doi: 10.5152/tjbh.2015.1669. Story source/Credit:Roche
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Guest Posts
Flinders University study provides new insights into how the colon functions New insights into how the colon functions and actually expels its contents have been revealed for the first time following decades of study by Flinders University researchers. It promises new diagnostics tools and treatments for gastrointestinal disorders to address problems with bowel movements leading to constipation, diarrhea and pain, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Propulsion of intestinal contents is controlled by millions of neurons within the wall of the gut, known as the enteric nervous system. Capable of operating independently of the brain, a functioning enteric nervous system is essential for life - but exactly how it functions has been a mystery. By unravelling the neural circuits of the enteric nervous system in guinea pigs and humans Professor Marcello Costa and colleagues are able to understand how the enteric nervous system ensures that food is slowly mixed and propelled along the digestive tube, allowing for absorption of nutrients and excretion of waste. For the first time we have combined video recording intestinal movements with a pressure-measuring manometric probe, enabling movements, pressures and electrical activities to be recorded all at the same time within the colon. This powerful combination of techniques applied to a guinea pig colon identified several distinct neural mechanisms involved in the propulsion of colonic contents. This answers the deceptively simple question of how neural mechanisms within the colon manage the propulsion of bowel contents.
Professor Marcello Costa, Flinders University "The findings also show how studies in human and animals can be complementary, identifying fundamental mechanisms that are shared across species - in this case guinea pigs and humans. "Currently we treat intestinal disorders by addressing the symptoms, such a stopping-up diarrhea or softening stools to ease constipation, but as a result of this new understanding of the neural networks of the enteric system, clinicians may be able to develop treatments that treat the cause of the problems" Professor Costa says. Source: Flinders University Journal reference: Costa, M. et al. (2019) Roles of three distinct neurogenic motor patterns during pellet propulsion in guinea�pig distal colon. The Journal of Physiology. doi.org/10.1113/JP278284
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Guest Posts
BioVersys Receives CARB-X Award of up to US$ 8.92 Million for Development of Novel Antimicrobial Therapies 1. 2.
For development of first-in-class stand-alone anti-virulence small molecule drugs – a paradigm shift in AMR therapy CARB-X funds BioVersys up to US$ 8.92 million to support the development of first-in-class antivirulence small molecule drugs that disarm bacteria, opening the door for a paradigm shift in AMR therapy
BioVersys AG, a privately owned, multi-asset Swiss pharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of small molecules for multidrugresistant bacterial infections with applications in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and targeted microbiome modulation, announced today, US$ 3.94 million in non-dilutive funding from CARB-X, with the possibility of US$ 4.98 million more if certain project milestones are met. BioVersys is developing new drugs designed to disarm bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA of its virulence determinants including toxins, that cause serious skin infections that can spread to muscles, lungs and other body parts. Molecules of the BV200 series have the potential to be used as stand-alone therapy as well as in combination with antibiotics, thus improving many available antibiotic therapies and supporting stewardship. The most advanced compounds are in Lead Optimization. Dr. Marc Gitzinger, CEO and co-founder of BioVersys: “We are delighted that CARB-X recognizes the immense potential of BioVersys’ anti-virulence program (BV200) through this funding award. The diversity in the challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diseases, requires us to broaden our approach beyond classical antibiotics, and further R&D investment in novel paradigm shifting approaches such as antivirulence is vitally important. BioVersys is
committed to continue its development of novel targeted antimicrobials and deliver new treatment options to AMR patients worldwide.” Dr. Seng Chin Mah, Chairman of BioVersys: “BioVersys continues its innovative approach to generating high value medicines in the AMR space with an anti-virulence therapy. This CARB-X award is testimony to the fact that we not only need to develop new drugs but also to preserve existing ones. BV200 serves this dual purpose. We will continue to execute on our multiasset corporate strategy to progress several muchneeded therapies to clinical development in the coming years and eventually to patients with urgent unmet medical need. In doing so, we will also increase stakeholder value.” Dr. Sergio Lociuro, CSO of BioVersys: “CARBX funding of our BV200 series is a strong validation of BioVersys’ approach to drugging new targets such as bacterial transcription regulators, for generating highly novel therapies that can change the way we treat antimicrobial diseases in the future.“
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Guest Posts The versatility of S. aureus to survive host immune responses and cause a diverse range of diseases has been attributed to its ability to express a comprehensive repertoire of virulence determinants including toxins. The BV200 series has been developed using the company’s TRIC technology (Transcriptional Regulator Inhibitory Compounds) and are not direct acting antibiotics, but rather a new class of molecule, capable of disarming bacteria of their arsenal of harmful virulence determinants. Molecules of the BV200 class inhibit the transcriptional regulator AgrA which controls the production of virulence determinants including α-toxin, phenol-solublemodulin (PSM) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxins that are directly linked to severity of S. aureus-mediated skin and skin structure infections (SSSI) and pneumonia. By preventing the expression of toxins, BV200 molecules have significant potential to reduce tissue damage, disease progression and, consequently, reduce infection severity and mortality rates in patients, irrespective of the resistance status of the pathogen. About BioVersys AG BioVersys AG is a privately owned Swiss pharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of small molecules acting on novel bacterial targets with applications in Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and targeted microbiome modulation. With the company’s award-winning TRIC technology we can overcome resistance mechanisms, block virulence production and directly affect the pathogenesis of harmful bacteria, towards the identification of new treatment options in the antimicrobial and microbiome fields. By this means BioVersys addresses the high unmet medical need for new treatments against life threatening resistant bacterial infections and bacteriaexacerbated chronic inflammatory microbiome disorders.
Our most advanced R&D programs are in preclinical development for nosocomial infections (hospital infections), and Tuberculosis in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and a consortium of the University of Lille. In 2020 BioVersys plans to launch its first Phase I clinical trials. BioVersys is located in the Technologiepark in the thriving biotech hub of Basel. Follow us on Twitter @Bioversys. About CARB-X Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to accelerating early development antibacterial R&D to address the rising global threat of drug-resistant bacteria. CARB-X is led by Boston University and funding is provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the US Department of Health and Human Services , the Wellcome Trust, a global charity based in the UK working to improve health globally, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund (GAMRIF), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and with in-kind support from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). A non-profit partnership, CARB-X is investing up to $500 million from 2016-2021 to support the development of innovative antibiotics and other therapeutics, vaccines, and rapid diagnostics. CARB-X supports the world’s largest and most innovative pipeline of preclinical products against drug-resistant infections. CARB-X is headquartered at Boston University School of Law. Follow us on Twitter @CARB_X.
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Guest Posts
Common denominator that triggers asthma in favorable environments In recent decades, asthma has become a major public health problem. The exponential increase in asthma cases in industrialized countries over the past 50 years is due to major changes in our environment. Among these environmental factors: excessive hygiene, ambient air pollution or respiratory viral infections... Until now, the mechanism by which these particular environments induce the development of asthma was unknown. In a study published in Nature Immunology, Professors Thomas Marichal (FRS-FNRS Research Associate, Welbio and ERC investigator) and Fabrice Bureau (Welbio investigator) and their teams from GIGA ULiège identified a totally unexpected actor who represents a common denominator in different pro-allergic environments: particular neutrophils are recruited into the lung and are responsible for allergic sensitization and asthma development. This discovery allows new therapeutic options to be considered in the prevention and treatment of allergic asthma. Coraline Radermecker, the first author of the study, first developed three models of asthma in mice induced by pro-allergic environments: excess hygiene, exposure to ozone (an air pollutant) and infection with the influenza virus. In all three models, only mice exposed to pro-allergic environments and then exposed to mites, major allergens in humans, developed symptoms of allergic asthma. She and her colleagues then observed the recruitment of specific innate immune cells, neutrophils, only in the lungs of mice exposed to pro-allergic environments. These neutrophils, once in the lung, release their DNA, causing inflammation that is conducive to the development of an allergic response such as asthma. Surprisingly, when mice exposed to pro-allergic environments are treated with compounds that prevent the recruitment of these neutrophils or the release of their DNA, mice are protected from disease development. A recent study identified this same type of particular neutrophils in the blood of a population of American farmers, the Hutterites, exposed to a very high rate of hygiene and having a very high prevalence of allergic asthma. The latter suggests that these neutrophils are also present in humans and may be involved in the development of asthma in humans. In addition, a molecule already used in human medicine to treat cystic fibrosis, pulmozyme, could be used to destroy DNA released by neutrophils and prevent the development of asthma in people exposed to high-risk environments.
Story Source: Materials provided by University of Liege. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: Coraline Radermecker, Catherine Sabatel, CĂŠline Vanwinge, Cecilia Ruscitti, Pauline MarĂŠchal, Fabienne Perin, Joey Schyns, Natacha Rocks, Marie Toussaint, Didier Cataldo, Sebastian L Johnston, Fabrice Bureau, Thomas Marichal. Locally instructed CXCR4hi neutrophils trigger environment-driven allergic asthma through the release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Nature Immunology, 2019; DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0496-9
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PUBLISHED ON: 25th October 2019 RNI NUMBER: UPENG/2017/73675