Haichong “Kai” Zhang is developing an MRI-guided robotics system to detect and monitor prostate cancer.

WORCESTER, Mass. (PRWEB)
October 22, 2019

A biomedical engineer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is creating a new medical robot that uses minimally invasive technologies to safely and accurately detect and monitor prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American men.

Haichong (Kai) Zhang, assistant professor in biomedical engineering and robotics engineering, received a five-year $1,869,423 Director’s Early Independence Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for his ongoing work to create a robotic system that will detect and analyze three different indicators of prostate cancer: a 3D image of any mass; high levels of a protein produced by cancer cells; and tissue with low-oxygen levels caused by cancer growth.

By simultaneously focusing on these different but complementary signs of prostate cancer, Zhang expects his system will be more accurate than current tests like ultrasounds and biopsies unguided by MRIs. His work also may eliminate the need for radioactive contrast dye, which is used in traditional scans and poses other health risks.

“One fifth of men will be diagnosed to have prostate cancer in their lifetime and the recurrence of it is very high,” said Zhang, who is the PI on the research project, “Multiparametric Photoacoustic Imaging-Based Identification of Aggressive Prostate Cancer” (DP5 OD028162).

“Right now,” he said, “the best methods for detecting prostate cancer early are not nearly as accurate as we need them to be, and they are not risk-free. My goal is to create a minimally invasive, easily accessible, and cost-effective way to better detect this cancer.”

According to 2016 cancer data from the NIH, prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer and nearly 200,000 new cases were diagnosed in the U.S. that year. Diagnosis of prostate cancer generally involves a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigens (PSA) that may indicate cancer, a manual rectal examination, biopsies, and ultrasounds. Biopsy samples taken randomly often lead to the underestimation of a high-risk prostate cancer, false negative diagnoses, and the need for repeat biopsies. The NIH reported that the grade or stage of prostate cancer was only accurately determined in 37% of biopsied cases.

Zhang and Gregory Fischer, professor of robotics engineering and a widely known pioneer in the emerging field of MRI-guided robotic surgery, will create a surgical imaging robot that works within an MRI machine to insert an imaging probe into the patient’s rectum, adjacent to the prostate. Once an image is captured, the probe will be robotically manipulated so it can capture other images from slightly different angles, ultimately compiling a 3D image of the prostate and any tumor that is present. This technology will show the tumor in earlier stages than an ultrasound image, which generally shows the structure of the prostate but not a tumor’s location, and often fails to detect early stage tumors. The robotic system also is being designed to conduct guided-needle biopsies. By using the photoacoustic system, the robotic arm can pinpoint the tumor and specifically target it.

Zhang’s robotic device will use photoacoustic imaging, which is the combination of optical imaging and ultrasound, pulsing light into tissue and receiving acoustic waves in return. The acoustic signal provides information about the health of the tissue, which a traditional ultrasound does not. Different kinds of tissue emit different kinds of acoustic waves so the system will be able to differentiate between healthy, well-oxygenated tissue and tissue that is hypoxic, or depleted of oxygen. Cancer cells reduce the transportation of oxygen and nutrients in surrounding blood vessels.

“Three-D images, PSMA detection and hypoxia detection are all complimentary,” said Zhang. “They all give us different clues, different approaches to detecting cancer at a much higher sensitivity. That means we should be able to detect prostate cancer earlier when it’s much more treatable.”

Fischer said he is excited to work with Zhang to create the next-generation of his MRI-guided robot for prostate cancer detection and treatment. “With Zhang’s technology, we’ll have a greater ability to identify a mass and to directly target it with a biopsy needle. That’s key.”

Zhang also is working with researchers at Johns Hopkins University to develop a non-radioactive contrast agent that can be used during the photoacoustic imaging to target PSMA, a specific protein expressed in prostate cancer that may indicate the presence of an aggressive form of the disease. This may eliminate the need for current contrast agents, which are radioactive and can pose additional health risks.

The NIH Director’s Early Independence Award, established in 2010, is part of the organization’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which supports what the NIH describes as “exceptionally creative scientists pursuing highly innovative research with the potential for broad impact.” The award provides an opportunity for junior scientists who have recently received their doctoral degrees or completed medical residency to skip traditional post-doctoral training and move immediately into independent research positions. Thirteen such awards will be made for 2019.

Zhang earned his PhD in computer science at Johns Hopkins. While there, he received a nearly $200,000 grant from the Department of Defense and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs to work on imaging research related to his current project.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI, a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPI’s pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. WPI offers more than 50 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 14 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu

Media contact:

Alison Duffy, Director of Strategic Communications

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, Massachusetts

508-831-6656, amduffy@wpi.edu

In the midst of an unprecedented addiction crisis, this partnership provides thousands of IC&RC-credentialed professionals access to critical, evidence-based education presented by the field’s leading experts.

MALVERN, Pa. (PRWEB)
October 22, 2019

HMP, a leading healthcare event and education company, today announced an expanded partnership with the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), the leader in the credentialing of prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery professionals. As part of the arrangement, the National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD) East and West, part of HMP’s Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network, are official conferences of IC&RC. The two organizations will work jointly on educational and marketing initiatives around the two meetings.

Organized in 1981, IC&RC is the largest credentialing organization in the world and represents more than 50,000 professionals in the U.S. and globally. IC&RC promotes public protection by offering internationally recognized credentials and examinations to professionals.

For more than ten years, the NCAD brand has focused on delivering exceptional face-to-face education to address addiction disorders. In 2019, the meeting expanded into East and West offerings. Through comprehensive clinical agendas, the meetings allow attendees to hear new research and share cross-discipline insight on forward-thinking topics such as medication-assisted treatment, benzodiazepine use, and advances in treatment technologies. Nearly 1,000 professionals participated in NCAD East in Baltimore, Maryland, in August, and 400 are expected to participate in the inaugural NCAD West, taking place October 24–26 in Denver, Colorado.

“We are honored to be strengthening our collaboration with IC&RC,” said Doug Edwards, Director, HMP Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network. “In the midst of an unprecedented addiction crisis, this partnership provides thousands of IC&RC-credentialed professionals access to critical, evidence-based education presented by the field’s leading experts in order to continue to advance the profession and quality care for those challenged by addiction.”

“The IC&RC looks forward to this enhanced strategic partnership with HMP,” said Crystal Smalldon, RSSW, CCAC, CIAC, IC&RC President and Executive Director. “Together, IC&RC and HMP are committed to advancing the profession. HMP produces the leading national conferences in this field, and this agreement provides a unique opportunity to provide our community of professionals the highest quality education to continually improve and refine patient care and recovery services. This represents real impact.”

To learn more about NCAD East and West, visit theaddictionconference.com.

For media inquiries, contact Kelly McCurdy at pr@hmpglobal.com.

About HMP

HMP is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical—and is a multichannel leader in healthcare events and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include Consultant360, the year-round, award-winning platform relied upon by primary care providers and other specialists; Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S.; Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit, the largest annual gathering on the opioid crisis; EMS World Expo, North America’s largest EMT and paramedic event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com.

About the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)

IC&RC promotes public protection by setting standards and developing examinations for the credentialing and licensing of prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery professionals. Organized in 1981, IC&RC has 73 member certification and licensing boards in 48 U.S. states and territories, four Native American regions, all branches of the U.S. military, and 11 international regions. Representing more than 50,000 professionals, IC&RC is the global leader in the credentialing of prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery professionals. To learn more about IC&RC, visit internationalcredentialing.org.

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“We are excited and encouraged in the market’s response to Virtue Technologies,” says Gibran Ameer, “moreover, we are very pleased in the confidence that Claritas Capital has placed in us.”

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (PRWEB)
October 22, 2019

Virtue Technologies, a leading provider of post-acute healthcare technology solutions, announced today that Claritas Capital, a Nashville-based private equity firm, has invested in the company. Created out of a joint venture between TwelveStone Health Partners and VirtueRN, the new company addresses the fragmented market that exists among organizations who communicate orders to service providers and the patients who need them in post-acute care environments. The solutions streamline workflow processes and increase the level of communication that occurs across the continuum of post-acute care.

“The delivery of post-acute care can often be quite challenging,” says Gibran Ameer, Chief Executive Officer of Virtue Technologies. “Technology is a means to un-complicate and simplify business processes – our solutions do just that. This results in a positive impact to operational efficiencies, costs, revenue cycle and ultimately a better patient experience.”

“Virtue Technologies is unique as they have successfully developed innovative technology solutions based on the founders’ deep understanding of the complexities associated with providing care and serving patients in the post-acute care market,” said Theresa Sexton, Partner, Claritas Capital. “We are excited to support the Virtue Technologies team as they provide solutions which promote service excellence, increase productivity, and fills the gaps in an otherwise fragmented marketplace.”

“We are excited and encouraged in the market’s response to Virtue Technologies,” says Gibran Ameer, “moreover, we are very pleased in the confidence that Claritas Capital has placed in us.”

About Virtue Technologies

Virtue Technologies is a provider of cloud-based software committed to solving the challenges of the highly fragmented pharmacy market. The solutions strive to drive out cost and improve a pharmacy’s revenue cycle by improving staff efficiency, removing waste, increasing patient satisfaction, and providing unparalleled visibility to pharmacy operations. In an environment of shrinking reimbursements, growing audit risk, and persistent demand from patients and caregivers, Virtue Technologies provides the solutions the market demands.

About Claritas Capital

Nashville-based Claritas Capital has been making health care investments since its founding in 2002. The Principals’ experience covers three decades of investing in the health care industry. Claritas Capital provides flexible capital solutions to health care, technology, and business services companies, and real estate projects. The firm has made equity investments in over 50 companies that have collectively raised over $6 billion of financing.

Jason Jacobs, COO

Virtue Technologies

jason.jacobs@virtuescript.com

(803) 932-6450

Kali Huff, Investor Relations

Claritas Capital

khuff@claritascapital.com

(615) 690-7183

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I have the unique opportunity of being both a fertility doctor and patient. I tell the story from both sides of the exam table. – Dorette Noorhasan, MD, author of Miracle Baby

DALLAS (PRWEB)
October 22, 2019

Dr. Dorette Noorhasan offers a unique perspective on the fertility struggle women face in her book, Miracle Baby: A Fertility Doctor’s Fight for Motherhood (Brown Books Publishing Group), which releases today, October 22, 2019. As a board-certified OB-GYN and fertility specialist, Noorhasan writes to educate, encourage, advise and support people who want to bring a new life into the world. Her own journey to motherhood was filled with many difficulties and unexpected turns that led to a role reversal.

“I have the unique opportunity of being both a fertility doctor and patient,” Noorhasan said. “I tell the story from both sides of the exam table.”

Miracle Baby is Noorhasan’s emotional and inspirational memoir, revealing her experiences of tragedy as a child, her journey from South America to the United States of America with her family, and the personal hardships she endured before her son was born via surrogacy. In this narrative, she opens wide the discussion of fertility complications from which one in eight women suffers. Her story offers comfort to women in similar situations and displays the power of hope, courage and determination in producing the miraculous.

Dr. Noorhasan has also developed The Fertility Manual: Reproductive Options for Your Family, which will be released in November 2019. It will serve as an accompanying guide for her readers to explore and understand fertility possibilities they may have never considered.

“The role of The Fertility Manual is to provide basic fertility terminology,” Noorhasan said. “The book will educate readers who might be seeking fertility treatment with the knowledge they need to ask their doctors the right questions as they pursue parenthood.”

For more information about the author and her books, please visit http://www.noorhasan.com.

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Rigaku presents “The Rigaku Oxford Diffraction XtaLAB Synergy: from powder analysis to electron density study and protein structure solution” at SERMACS

Rigaku, a key sponsor of the event, is presenting its lines of benchtop X-ray analytical instrumentation at Booth 13.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (PRWEB)
October 22, 2019

Rigaku Corporation is pleased to announce its attendance at the 71st Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, (SERMACS) in Savannah, Georgia, October 20-23, 2019. Held each fall, the meeting includes a variety of symposia topics covering analytical, biological, computational, inorganic, medicinal, organic, physical, and polymer chemistry.

Rigaku, a key sponsor of the event, is presenting its lines of benchtop X-ray analytical instrumentation at Booth 13.

On the opening day of the event, a presentation on single crystal X-ray diffraction technology was given entitled, “The Rigaku Oxford Diffraction XtaLAB Synergy: from powder analysis to electron density study and protein structure solution.” The session highlighted the performance of the Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-S X-ray diffractometer.

Instruments in the XtaLAB Synergy series from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction include a dual wavelength microfocus sealed tube    (the XtaLAB Synergy-S), or microfocus rotating anode (the single wavelength XtaLAB Synergy-R and dual wavelength XtaLAB Synergy-DW diffractometers).

Each system includes a combination of a powerful microfocus X-ray beam and highly sensitive direct photon counting Rigaku HyPix detector, designed to allow powder, small molecule and protein crystallographers to cover a wide range of crystallography experiments.

More information about single crystal X-ray diffractometers from Rigaku is available at http://www.rigaku.com/products/smc.

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general-purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,400 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 90 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities.

For further information, contact:

Michael Nelson

Rigaku Global Marketing Group

tel: +1. 512-225-1796

michael.nelson@rigaku.com

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