Free Video DVD Available to Help Hospitals Inform Patients, Families about Safe Lifting Policies

Franklin, Mass. – July 31, 2007 – A new, free video clip is available to help hospitals and nursing homes inform patients and their families about safe lifting policies. The brief video can be viewed online -- or may be requested as a DVD -- from Liko, the pro bono sponsor of the healthcare industry’s popular “Safe Lifting Portal” injury prevention site.

The video, titled "Help Us Prevent Caregiver Injuries," was produced by Liko to help hospitals inform patients or family members about being lifted or transported using a mechanical assistive device. Available at www.safeliftingportal.com/gettingstarted/patients.html, the video is designed to help inform patients and family members of an institution’s injury prevention policies and solicit their continued cooperation. The video is available in several versions including English and Spanish.

The video is a supplement to the "Safe Lifting Library," an industry-leading resource of books, articles, and e-links ranging from nursing injury research studies to contemporary articles and legislative initiatives on the broad topic of preventing caregiver injuries incurred when lifting or repositioning patients.

Launched this spring, the Safe Lifting Library helps the staffs of hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities locate the background information and resources necessary to justify, initiate, and maintain safe patient handling programs.

The library also serves ancillary groups such as healthcare insurance providers, workers’ compensation agencies, risk management firms, and government organizations, with an interest in driving down nursing injury rates. At present, according to NIOSH statistics, nurses and other caregivers in the U.S. are among the most likely to incur musculoskeletal injuries during the course of their work.

Other sections of the Safe Lifting Portal cover topics such as deploying a program, achieving buy-in from caregivers, and calculating projected savings using an interactive return-on-investment calculator.

To view the free video, or request a free DVD, visit the Safe Lifting Portal at: http://www.safeliftingportal.com/gettingstarted/patients.html

Visit The Safe Lifting Library at: www.safeliftingportal.com/safeliftinglibrary.

About Liko
Liko is one of the world’s leading suppliers of patient lift and transfer solutions. The company’s products include mobile lifts, overhead ceiling mounted systems, and a variety of injury prevention solutions. For more information on Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038; telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642; or visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/

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Technorati tags: Liko, Safe Lifting, patient safety, hospital, healthcare, nurse, caregiver, injury prevention, risk manager, safety officer, safety official risk management

Texterity Announces Digital Magazine Interface and Portal for Apple’s iPhone

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. – July 26, 2007 – Texterity Inc., a leading provider of digital publishing solutions, has launched a beta version of the first digital magazine interface and portal designed for the Apple iPhone. This is the first time users will see a publisher’s complete magazine, as originally published, on the iPhone.

Texterity and a select group of publishers will offer free digital editions, designed for the iPhone’s Safari browser, of over 20 different magazines for iPhone users to read and enjoy through Texterity’s new digital magazine iPhone portal.

Texterity’s solution will enable publishers to reach increasingly mobile and digitally connected audiences by providing iPhone users with a magazine portal and viewing experience, explained Cimarron Buser, Texterity VP Marketing & Product Planning.

“The iPhone is a leap forward in the integration of the web and mobile devices. We are excited to provide the benefits of a complete magazine in a portable format that can be viewed virtually everywhere,” stated Buser. “With one tap, an iPhone user can read their favorite magazine anytime using the Texterity interface.”

“This is a great benefit for iPhone users and a value-added opportunity for our publishing partners to provide their readers with yet another choice of viewing platforms. This makes Texterity the first digital magazine interface allowing users to read full magazine content on the iPhone,” he said.

Frank Gilbane, CEO Gilbane Group, Inc., said, “The combination of Apple's projected sales of 10 million iPhones in 2008 with the quality of the iPhone display officially launches the mobile phone and PDA market as a serious platform for publishing digital content. It is difficult to underestimate the effect of this additional channel for consumer and business content.”

iPhone users can read 20+ free digital publications

Texterity has initially included over 20 publications, representing a wide range of interest areas, in the beta version. As part of the demonstration, publishers have made free digital editions available to any iPhone user.

The URL to read these issues on an iPhone is http://iphone.texterity.com/magazines.


(For those without an iPhone, please visit www.texterity.com/iphone for more information.)

The magazine editions available from Texterity as free iPhone editions are:

• The American Lawyer, ALM Media
• Baseline, Ziff Davis Media
• Cabinet Maker, Watt Publishing Company
• CIO Insight, Ziff Davis Media
• Cottage Living, Time, Inc.
• Craft, O'Reilly Media
• eWEEK, Ziff Davis Media
• Elite Traveler, Universal Media
• ID Magazine, F+W Publications
• Industry Week, Penton Media
• Make, O'Reilly Media
• Northern Home & Cottage, Prism Media
• Oracle Magazine, Oracle Publishing
• Popular Science, Bonnier Magazine Group
• Quest Magazine, Quest Media
• Quick & Simple, Hearst Corporation
• Every Day with Rachael Ray, The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
• Ready Made, Meredith Corporation
• Statement Magazine, EJJ Publications
• Taste of Home, Reiman Media Group
• Telephony, Penton Media
• Vibe, Vibe Media
• WoodenBoat, WoodenBoat Publications

Publishers are joining the beta test for the opportunity to reach a new audience and offer cross-platform convenience.

“Cross-platform, digital magazine delivery and mobile access are key elements of our audience marketing strategies for all of our more than 110 leading trade magazines,” said Blair Johnson, Vice President, Business Development, Penton Media. “We're extremely pleased that IndustryWeek and Telephony will be among the first publications available to users of Apple's advanced iPhone platform, through this release of Texterity's new reader.”

“eWEEK's editorial mission is to provide unbiased, expert contextual analysis of the technology landscape for senior IT decision makers and resellers to shorten their buying cycles and drive business results,” stated Karl Elken, Group Publisher and Vice President, Ziff Davis. “eWeek has the largest audited digital magazine circulation; our readers already value digital magazines so we are thrilled to be part of Texterity's iPhone reader beta test that offers another cutting-edge way to access our digital edition.”

“We are excited about Texterity releasing an iPhone magazine interface and portal,” stated Janet Donnelly, Consumer Marketing Director, Meredith Corporation. “This is a perfect fit with ReadyMade. We will have access to young, creative urban adults through a new dynamic communication channel. Our readers love to try before they buy and will have that great opportunity with a digital edition on their iPhone.”

“We are great believers in providing readers with the choice to view our publication through multiple viewing mediums,” stated Dan Woods, Make magazine’s Associate Publisher. “We have had a lot of success with digital editions and other cross-platform communications vehicles, from blogs to Podcasts, and we anticipate that our readers will be very excited about an iPhone reading interface.”

“Enabling readers to access digital editions of Popular Science through the iPhone is a ground-breaking new way for us to further extend the value of our publication,” stated Robert M. Cohn, Consumer Marketing Director, Bonnier Corporation. “We are always looking for new ways to expand our reach and Texterity’s new iPhone reading experience will enable us to engage readers in a fresh and exciting way.”

Texterity extending successful digital publishing interface to iPhones

Texterity is building its iPhone interface based on the company’s long-standing “browser-only format” that does not require Flash or plug-ins to ensure broad compatibility and easy access. Texterity’s technology philosophy is already powering more than 400 digital titles through traditional Internet browsers and is also “ideally suited for tailoring a solution for the iPhone,” said Carl Scholz, Texterity Vice President of Technology.

“Given all the iPhone’s advanced technology, including the visual clarity of its 3.5 inch, 160 dpi viewing screen, the iPhone is a ‘natural’ platform for mobile readers to access digital magazines,” stated Scholz.

Scholz said Texterity’s goal is to ensure its new iPhone reading experience delivers the same high levels of innovation and usability represented by the iPhone and expected by its users, including the ability for iPhone users to enjoy:

• Quick and easy digital magazine access from the iPhone platform and mobile networks.
• Seamless integration of some of the most popular digital magazine features within the iPhone interface.
• An exact digital replica of the print edition, including all of the high-quality graphics and original layout.

Texterity’s publisher clients gain a new cross-platform distribution method for their digital magazines as well as value-added premium to attract new readers.

“With digital magazine reader satisfaction rates on the Internet remaining high – 88% of readers are ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with their digital edition according to our 2007 BPA worldwide-certified Digital Magazine Reader Survey – we’re not going to accept anything less for iPhone users,” Buser said.

Scholz said the beta test will evolve as a program of “continuous improvements” based upon user feedback. “Publishers are continuing to contact us about our efforts, and we’ll have a number of additional titles available at the time of our official launch,” he noted.

About Texterity
Texterity (http://www.texterity.com/ is a leading provider of complete digital publishing solutions. With the most flexible solution in the industry, publishers can choose a custom program ranging from basic services to fully outsourced solutions with innovative circulation-building programs. Named to the “EContent 100” as one of the “100 Companies that Matter Most in the Digital Content Industry,” Texterity provides the only true no-download solution. Top publishers such as Time, Inc., Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP), Dow Jones & Co., CMP, Penton Media, PennWell Corporation, Hearst, Condé Nast, Ziff Davis Media, IDG, Bonnier Corporation, and O’Reilly Media all utilize Texterity to provide a rich viewing experience using only a standard web browser. Privately held, Texterity is headquartered in Southborough, Mass.

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Technorati tags: Texterity, Apple iPhone, iPhone, digital magazines, digital magazine reader survey, digital edition, digital publishing, digital magazine solutions

Advanced Instruments to Feature Industry-Leading Food & Dairy Product Testing Solutions and New Study Findings at 2007 IFT Expo

NORWOOD, MASS. – July 27, 2007 - Advanced Instruments and its subsidiaries, Spiral Biotech and Delta Instruments, will highlight a wide range of leading dairy and food products testing and analysis solutions, and present the results of two new studies, at the 2007 IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) Annual Meeting & Food Expo Advance Program, July 28 - Aug. 1, 2007, in Chicago.
“The solutions range from the introduction of a revolutionary automation system for dairy herd improvement labs to the world's only 3-minute fluorometric method with multiple international agency approvals - and more," said Ken Micciche, director of marketing at Advanced Instruments. "All however, lead the industry in their respective applications. In terms of accuracy, reliability, efficiency, ease of use, and customer support, Advanced Instruments products are proven solutions."

In addition, as part of the Expo's Scientific Technical Program, Advanced Instruments will present the results of two new cryoscopy-focused studies during the scheduled Poster Sessions:

• The session titled “The Effect of Bronopol on the Freezing Point and Impedance of Milk Samples” will focus on the results of a study designed to quantify the effect of adding a preservative to a milk sample to be tested cryoscopically, and


• The session titled “The Effect of Raw Milk Storage Conditions on Freezing Point Depression, pH, and Impedance” will detail the findings of a study to show the effects that storage conditions have on FPD, pH, and impedance of raw milk.

Advanced Instruments will showcase the following solutions and systems in exhibit number 3074 at IFT 2007:

• The new CombiScope™ AutoLab™, the dairy industry's first solution that fully automates the entire dairy herd improvement (DHI) or payment lab sampling and analysis process from start to finish. The CombiScope AutoLab consists of a RAM Mechanical industrial robot/sample preparation system and two Delta Instruments CombiScope Analyzers.
  The automation provides consistent, reliable sample preparation and handling. The CombiScope AutoLab's robotic arm loads raw milk samples into a tray, for transport by conveyor to the CombiScope sample pipette for precise component analysis and high-speed somatic cell counting. The CombiScope performs precise component analysis and high-speed somatic cell counting. The innovative solution sets a new standard of excellence and benefits for DHIAs, their patrons, payment labs and the industry. Available from Delta Instruments,
  http://www.aicompanies.com/autolab.

• The Fluorophos® Test System, the company's rapid, extremely sensitive fluorimetric method that delivers accuracy over a range of ALP levels, including low values, for milk from cows (whole, semi-skimmed, skimmed and flavored) as well as from sheep, water buffalo, and goats. Benefits include higher precision, reproducibility, and a ten-fold improvement in test sensitivity. The Fluorophos® Test System is a true international reference for the industry. In May 2007, the European Union (EU) adopted the Fluorimetric Method (ISO Standard 11816-1) as the new standard in assessing the correct pasteurization of milk. The system has also been unanimously approved as a full international standard method by The International Dairy Federation (IDF 155), the International Standards Organization, (ISO 11816), and the CEN European Standards Organisation and is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Interstate Milk Shippers, and AOAC International. Available from Advanced Instruments, www.aicompanies.com/ai_products/alp/alp.htm.



• The Advanced 4250 Single-Sample Cryoscope, which uses the industry-preferred freezing point method to precisely determine added water in milk. The 4250 delivers superior accuracy and reliability in two minutes and, with its on-board sample identification, broad measurement range and optimal sample size requirement, the Advanced 4250 provides accurate results in either timed plateau or plateau-seeking mode. Available from Advanced Instruments, www.aicompanies.com/ai_products/cryoscope.htm.



• The BagMixer®, a solid sample preparation system which blends sample materials with a stomach-like action in a sterile bag that preserves cells for better microbiological analysis. In use, the bag is repetitively squeezed to break up the contents while special filter bags automatically separate the juice or inoculum from the solids. The BagMixer is silent and easy to use and features variable time and speed of blending. There is a range of accessories facilitate bag handling and storage. Available from Spiral Biotech, www.aicompanies.com/SBI_products/sample/sample.htm.

For more information on any Advanced Instruments, Spiral Biotech or Delta Instruments solution, visit booth number 3074 at the 2007 IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) Annual Meeting & Food Expo Advance Program. Or, contact Advanced Instruments online at http://www.aicompanies.com/, info@aicompanies.com, our toll-free number (800)225-4034 or +1(781)320-9000.

About Advanced Instruments, Spiral Biotech and Delta Instruments
Founded in 1955, Advanced Instruments, Inc. is the world's largest supplier of freezing-point osmometers used in clinical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories. The company is also a leading supplier of analytical instruments and test kits for the food, dairy, and industrial microbiology markets. Based in Norwood, Massachusetts, USA, the company also produces Fiske® Associates brand diagnostic instruments and operates Spiral Biotech, Inc., and Delta Instruments as wholly-owned subsidiaries.

For nearly 30 years, Spiral Biotech, Inc. has developed and supported automated microbiology systems for food, dairy, and environmental sciences. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advanced Instruments, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of freezing-point osmometers for clinical and research applications. Visit Spiral Biotech online at http://www.spiralbiotech.com/.

Advanced Instruments' Delta Instruments CombiScope(tm) Analyzer is a highly reliable system that performs both milk composition analysis and somatic cell counting for rapid milk testing in dairy labs. The solution combines a spectrophotometer using established infrared technology for elemental analysis, plus FDA-approved, fluorescence flow cytometry for fast and accurate counting of somatic cells. The dual-purpose analyzer quantifies the amount of fat, protein, lactose, and solids content accurately and automatically in milk and milk products, as well as precisely measuring the total number of somatic cells in raw milk. Visit Delta Instruments at www.aicompanies.com/ai_products/combiscope.htm.

Advanced Instruments' products are supported by a worldwide network of direct sales people and independent distributors. Reach Advanced Instruments online at http://www.aicompanies.com/ or contact customer service at (800)225-4034 or +1(781)320-9000.

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Technorati tags: Advanced Instruments, Fluorophos, fluorimetric, alkaline phosphatase, ALP, Institute of Food Technologists, IFT, IFT Expo, cryoscopy, cryoscope, combiscope, autolab, dairy herd improvement, DHI, BagMixer

Dermatologists and Pathologists Assemble for In-Depth Training on Confocal Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation

ROCHESTER, NY – July 27, 2007 – More than two dozen dermatologists and pathologists assembled in New York City for the first in a series of in-depth courses to train future diagnostic readers on the interpretation of in-vivo confocal images of pigmented lesions.

Led by one of the world’s leading in-vivo confocal imaging medical researchers, Dr. Giovanni Pellacani from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Modena, Italy, the course was hosted by Lucid, Inc. (http://www.lucid-tech.com/), developer of the VivaScope confocal imagers and the VivaNet™ telemedicine information system.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to educate confocal diagnostic readers. This educational process is a critical step if the dermatology community is to adopt in-vivo confocal imaging for widespread use in skin cancer screening,” commented Dr. Pellacani.

“Dr. Pellacani’s course topics ranged from an overview of confocal imaging technology to the technology’s application in the diagnostic imaging of pigmented lesions and melanomas,” said Jay Eastman, Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Lucid, Inc. He continued, “Dr. Pellacani’s course in New York was a day and a half of intensive introduction to diagnostic reading of in-vivo confocal images. Due to the enthusiasm and interest of the participants for further training, we are now working with Dr. Pellacani to formulate an advanced readers course to be held in the fall in Modena, Italy.”

Lucid’s non-invasive VivaScope® confocal microscopes provide cellular resolution images of skin that may be used by a physician to assist in forming a clinical judgment for a variety of skin conditions. Lucid’s VivaNet™ , a HIPAA compliant DICOM-Network, is intended to provide fast, accurate, and secure storage, retrieval and transfer of VivaScope® digital cellular resolution images across the Internet to facilitate professional collaboration and consultation between the attending physician and confocal diagnostic readers.

During a typical VivaScope® imaging session, both dermatoscopic quality, full color macroscopic pictures and microscopic, cellular resolution images of the patient’s skin are imaged. Once all of the images for a single session are completed, the images and patient related data are transferred for storage to the secure VivaNetTM server and are immediately available for retrieval by and transfer to authorized diagnostic readers for their review and collaboration with the attending physician.

For information on Lucid’s continuing series of courses and educational sessions, VivaScope® or VivaNetTM technology, contact Lucid by phone at 585-239-9800, by email at info@lucid-tech.com, or on the web at www.lucid-tech.com.

About Lucid Inc.
Lucid Inc., based in Rochester, New York, USA, is a medical device and information company dedicated to creating innovative cellular imaging technology and using the Internet to securely deliver accurate, real-time VivaScope® cellular resolution images to medical professionals. When coupled with its digital VivaNetTM system, the company’s ability to image in-vivo (living) tissue will aid medical practitioners and pathologists in skin cancer screening with clarity, speed and patient comfort. For more information about Lucid Inc., visit http://www.lucid-tech.com/.

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Technorati tags: training, education, dermatology, dermaologists, actinic keratoses, field cancerisation, VivaScope, confocal microscopy, in-vivo confocal microscopy, pigmented lesion, melanoma, telemedicine server, pathologists, microscopy, DICOM, DICOM-compliant, confocal imager, cellular resolution image

EH&E Adds Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to Roster of Compliance Support Clients

NEWTON, MASS. – July 18, 2007 – EH&E, a full service environmental engineering and consulting firm, has announced Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), a leading cancer research and care center in Boston, Massachusetts as a new EH&E regulatory compliance support site client.

EH&E’s healthcare support site was designed to save valuable time and meet ever-changing OSHA and Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO) compliance challenges. The eH&E-Healthcare support site will specifically enable DFCI staff to more efficiently manage the facility’s Environment of Care (EC) compliance program and help meet new Joint Commission requirements for continuous compliance.

The customizable, web based support site, eH&E-Healthcare, is easily integrated with existing facility systems and processes for record keeping, data storage, permits, and employee training. eH&E-Healthcare provides direct support from EH&E experts through the site content, tools, expert advice, and organizational structure, helping to ensure facility compliance with current regulations.

Specific features of eH&E-Healthcare, such as the Hazard Surveillance Assistant and Pre-Construction Infection Control Risk Assistant, can help DFCI staff to ensure that rounds are conducted in a timely manner and add wireless capability, saving time and increasing efficiency. In addition, both features automate the reporting process and make generating key metrics a one-step process.

When an institution is organized in a campus configuration, eH&E-Healthcare provides a central location for all EC staff and managers to view compliance status and easily access and share key documents. A Microsoft platform minimizes the learning curve so staff can quickly navigate the site to enter and retrieve new data and update information.

For a free white paper that offers hospital administration insight into common areas of EC vulnerability and provides ideas for cost-effective solutions, visit: http://www.eheinc.com/jcaho.htm.

For more information on EH&E’s EC regulatory compliance solution, eH&E-Healthcare, visit http://www.eheinc.com/solutions_healthcare.htm or call 1-800-825-5343.

About EH&E
EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com/) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for over 18 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients. Our new series of eH&E web compliance solutions is just the latest example of our continuing effort to provide this knowledge and information to a wider range of companies.

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Technorati tags:EH&E, Dana Farber, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, environmental health & safety, EH&S, laboratories, labs, JACHO, The Joint Commission, OSHA, compliance support, EH&S manager, lab manager, environmental manager

Lucid Initiates Association of VivaScope Confocal Diagnostic Readers in Europe

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA, July 18, 2007 – Lucid, Inc. today announced the formation of an association of European diagnostic readers whose objective is to provide image reading services for private European dermatology practices using Lucid’s VivaScope® in-vivo confocal imaging technology. Lucid’s VivaScope confocal imagers can non-invasively image skin in-vivo with cellular resolution. This potentially permits pathologic diagnosis without the need to excise tissue. The European diagnostic readers will validate the procedure utilizing Lucid’s VivaNet™ telemedicine information system to transfer and manage clinical data between the private practice imaging sites and the locations of diagnostic readers.

The diagnostic readers involved in the association include some of the World’s leading in vivo confocal imaging medical researchers. Initial participants in the Association for the Vivanet study include:

• Dr. Salvador González (Ramon y Cajal Madrid);
• Dr. Giovanni Pellacani (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia);
• Dr. Josep Malvehy (Hospital Clinic. Barcelona and CEDILP),
• Dr. Susana Puig (Hospital Clinic. Barcelona and CEDILP);
• Dr. Ralph Braun (University Hospital Zürich);
• Dr. Marco Ardigo (San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome); and
• Dr. Rainer Hofmann-Wellenhof (Medical University Graz).

It is anticipated that additional European medical professionals will join Lucid’s diagnostic reader’s association as confocal imaging technology becomes routine practice in dermatology offices throughout Europe.

The diagnostic readers in the association are skilled in the diagnosis of a wide range of skin diseases including skin cancer, precancerous skin conditions and inflammatory skin diseases. Since the diagnostic readers operate in the networked environment of the VivaNet, consultations and second opinions among these experts is straightforward. The association will launch its pilot activities in the September of 2007 as the initial European confocal imaging sites come online. Full implementation of the association’s diagnostic reading services is expected to begin by the end of calendar year 2007.

The combination of Lucid’s confocal imagers and its VivaNet medical information system is a solution Lucid has pursued over the past several years. The launch of VivaNet in August, will make this combination a reality for patients and physicians alike.

Confocal Imaging Is Entering Routine Clinical Use in Europe

“I routinely use Lucid’s non-invasive confocal imagers in my dermatology practice here in Madrid, as do several of my colleagues involved in the European diagnostic readers association.“ stated Dr. Salvador González, a pioneer in the use of in vivo confocal microscopy for the analysis of skin diseases. “The availability of this network of expert confocal diagnostic readers via Lucid’s VivaNet should lead to growing acceptance of this technology by private dermatology practices in the Europe.”

“The availability of Lucid’s VivaNet™ system should enable the routine use of confocal imaging in dermatology practices,” said Jay Eastman, chairman and CEO of Lucid, Inc. “It allows dermatologists and confocal diagnostic readers to easily exchange medical information in a secure environment, thus allowing routine collaboration between these medical professionals in difficult to diagnose cases. Just as MRI and CT scans have largely eliminated the need for routine ‘exploratory surgery’, in-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy may one day eliminate the need for many routine invasive skin biopsies,” Eastman said.

Skin cancer is a significant concern in Europe, as it is in the United States and Australia. For example, according to the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR), approximately 59,400 new cases of melanoma occurred in Europe in 2003 (the latest year for which data is readily available) and about 15,900 deaths occurred as a result, a death rate nearly twice that of the United States. The average 5-year survival of patients diagnosed with melanoma in Europe throughout the period 1978-1989 increased in males from 59% to 70% and in women from 76% to 84%.

About Lucid Inc.
Lucid Inc., based in Rochester, New York, USA, is a medical device and information company dedicated to creating innovative cellular imaging technology and using the Internet to securely deliver accurate, real-time VivaScope® cellular resolution images to medical professionals. When coupled with its digital VivaNetTM system, the company’s ability to image in-vivo (living) tissue will aid medical practitioners and pathologists in skin cancer screening with clarity, speed and patient comfort. For more information about Lucid Inc., visit http://www.lucid-tech.com/.

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Technorati tags: [dermatology] [dermaologists] [actinic keratoses] [field cancerisation] [VivaScope] [confocal microscopy] [in-vivo confocal microscopy] [pigmented lesion] [melanoma] [telemedicine server] [pathologists] [microscopy] [DICOM] [DICOM-compliant] [confocal imager] [cellular resolution image]

Advanced Instruments to Feature the Anoxomat Mark II Anaerobic System, and Report Findings on New Osmolality Study, at AACC’s 2007 Annual Meeting

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – July 17, 2007 -- Advanced Instruments will showcase the Anoxomat™ Mark II anaerobic system for the cultivation of anaerobic, micro-aerophilic, and capnophilic bacteria in clinical laboratories along with its line of osmometers and neonatal bilirubin analyzer –at the AACC’s (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) annual meeting in July.

In addition, in a Technology/Design Development session at the meeting titled “Performance Characteristics of a New Single Sample Freezing Point Osmometer,” Advanced Instruments will report the results of a study conducted to evaulate linearity and imprecision performance parameters of the new Advanced® Model 3320 osmometer. The presentation, number E-49, will be held on July 19th from 9 AM to 11 AM.

Anoxomat Mark II: Delivering Advantages for Clinical Lab Managers

The Anoxomat Mark II’s automatic jar evacuation/replacement technology is an excellent alternative to the use of anaerobic chambers and gas bags currently used in clinical laboratories.

Advanced Instruments will feature its Anoxomat Mark II anaerobic system at the 2007 AACC Annual Meeting, July 15 – 19, 2007, in booth number 4901.

“The Anoxomat Mark II creates microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions quickly – delivering significant advantages for clinical laboratory managers. Moreover, managers report that the Anoxomat delivers significant savings in terms of consumables, time, effort, and money versus anaerobic jars, anaerobic glove cabinets, or CO2 incubators,” said Anthony Pappas, National Sales Manager, Advanced Instruments.

Angelika Lichtenfeld of Calgary Lab Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, reported saving “a considerable amount in gases – perhaps a quarter” of what the laboratory used previously.

The Anoxomat is also fast and easy to use, makes the work process more flexible, and its built-in quality assurance guarantees reliable results, Pappas added.

Dr. Hanna Wexler of the VA Wadsworth Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., said, “Because of the way the Anoxomat jar works, I can open it up, take out a sample, and make it anaerobic again very quickly.”

Benefits of the Anoxomat Mark II system include:

• Substantial cost-of-ownership savings versus the expense of consumables, pre-reduce media, and ongoing costs involved with chambers and gas bags,


• “Walk-away convenience” and ease of use due to the Mark II’s new, intuitive software and touch-screen interface,


• Automatic quality assurance programming features that ensure an airtight status, warn of pressure leaks, and bind any residual oxygen after evacuation cycling,


• Rapid achievement of anaerobic conditions, reaching anaerobiosis as quickly as one to three minutes as opposed to one to four hours for gas bags or chambers,


• Repeatable environmental conditions, with gas mixtures remaining consistent within 0.5 percent of desired values, and


• Unmatched flexibility allowing users to take plates in and out of jars and return to anaerobic environments in minutes rather than hours.

Anoxomat’s Excellence in Technology

The Anoxomat system is highly efficient and cost effective at cultivating pathogens and attaining growth performance that easily equals or exceeds that of chambers or gas bags.

Each Anoxomat cycle involves an evacuation phase, followed by replacement using an oxygen-free gas mixture. One cycle achieves 70% to 80% removal of the original atmosphere and gives a microaerophilic environment in one minute. Three cycles achieve an anaerobic atmosphere in less than 3 minutes.

A built-in quality assurance system checks for leaks before incubation. The system also checks whether the catalyst is capable of achieving the desired conditions and warns you if there's a threat of gas failure.

The resulting gas mixture stays well within 0.5% of the desired value. This high precision, combined with the well-known reproducibility of these conditions, “gives microbiologists a strong tool to draw accurate conclusions from repeated findings,” Pappas said.

The Anoxomat Mark II Anaerobic System is immediately available from Advanced Instruments, Inc. and Spiral Biotech.

For more information, visit Advanced Instruments, Inc. at the 2007 AACC Annual Meeting, July 15 – 19, 2007, in booth number 4901.

On the Web, visit the Anoxomat Mark II product information webpage at www.aicompanies.com/SBI_products/Anoxomat/anoxomat.htm or reach Advanced Instruments or Spiral Biotech at www.aicompanies.com. Contact the companies by phone at 1-800-554-1620 or 1-781-320-9000.

About Advanced Instruments and Spiral Biotech

Founded in 1955, Advanced Instruments, Inc. is the world’s largest supplier of freezing-point osmometers used in clinical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology laboratories. The company is also a leading supplier of analytical instruments and test kits for the food, dairy, and industrial microbiology markets. Based in Norwood, Massachusetts, USA, the company also produces Fiske® Associates brand diagnostic instruments and operates Spiral Biotech, Inc., and Delta Instruments as wholly-owned subsidiaries.

For nearly 30 years, Spiral Biotech, Inc. has developed and supported automated microbiology systems for food, dairy, and environmental sciences. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Advanced Instruments, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of freezing-point osmometers for clinical and research applications. Visit Spiral Biotech online at http://www.spiralbiotech.com/.

Advanced Instruments’ products are supported by a worldwide network of direct sales people and independent distributors. Reach Advanced Instruments online at http://www.aicompanies.com/ or contact customer service at 800-225-4034 or +1-781-320-9000.

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ASCO Introduces Series 8256/8356 Stainless Steel Solenoid Valves with NSF 61 & 169 Approvals

FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – July 16, 2007 – ASCO, the world’s leading manufacturer of solenoid valves, today introduced its NSF Stainless Steel valves.

These solenoid valves carry National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) 61 and 169 approvals, permitting their use in both potable water or food service applications. In addition, these valves are also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).

“With its dual NSF ratings and rugged stainless steel body, our valve can be incorporated across a wide variety of light industrial and commercial applications,” said Nicholas Buccheri, Vice President, Marketing, ASCO. The NSF Stainless Steel 8256/8356 series valves can be used in any application where a valve is needed to control consumables such as potable water. This includes food service and ice making equipment, vegetable misters and sprayers, beverage dispensers, water purification and conditioning systems, animal feeding equipment, automatic faucets, humidification systems, and dental equipment.

The new valve family comes in 2-way and 3-way constructions with 316 stainless steel bodies. This stainless steel design ensures that strict NSF standards for minimizing lead leaching are met. Unlike many competitors who only use NSF approved materials, ASCO’s NSF valves are fully certified, making it easier for OEMs to have their systems approved. Customers will also benefit from rugged threaded ports, which are stronger than plastic and prevent cross-threading and stripping.

NSF Stainless Steel 8256/8356 series solenoid valves are now available globally from ASCO sales representatives and distributors. For more information, contact ASCO at 800-972-ASCO, by e-mail at info-valve@asco.com or visit www.ascovalve.com.

About ASCO
ASCO, a division of Emerson, has been the world’s leading manufacturer of solenoid valves for over 100 years. The company markets its products through a network of direct sales offices, technically-oriented representatives, and distributors throughout the world. For more information contact ASCO at 800-972-ASCO, by e-mail at info-valve@asco.com or visit http://www.ascovalve.com/

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2006 were $20.1 billion. For more information, visit http://www.gotoemerson.com/.

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Public Relations contact: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc.

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Technorati tags: ASCO, food service, NSF, potable water, stainless steel valve, solenoid valves, valves

Experts at Mt. Holyoke College and Hampshire College, EH&E to Detail Compliance Solutions at CSHEMA Conference

NEWTON, MASS. – July 9, 2007 - EH&E, Inc. (http://www.eheinc.com) will present with Mt. Holyoke College during the “Case-Study Review of an EH&S Support System Based on a Standard Microsoft Platform” presentation at the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) 2007 Conference.

During the presentation Bob Foster, EH&E’s Director of Marketing, and Nancy Apple, Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at Mt. Holyoke and Hampshire Colleges, will lead a discussion on the topic of EH&S management systems and the details involved with developing, implementing, and maintaining an EH&S management system.

The presentation, to be held July 25, 2007 at 2:05 p.m., will review two recent installations of EH&E’s laboratory safety and regulatory compliance solution, eH&E-Campus (www.eheinc.com/solutions_campus.htm).

EH&E will also feature their laboratory safety and regulatory compliance solutions for colleges and institutions with labs at the CSHEMA 2007 Conference, July 21-26, 2007, in booth #14.

EH&E’s web-based compliance solutions enable any institution with a laboratory to manage stringent and complex EH&S regulations, including those imposed by OSHA and The Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO). The eH&E-Campus solution provides direct support from EH&E experts through the site content, including templates, tools, expert advice, and organizational structure, helping to ensure facility compliance with today’s regulations.

Since the solutions are customizable, the institution’s existing systems and processes for record keeping, data storage, permits, and employee training can be integrated easily, avoiding costly programming. Once in place, authorized Safety Committee members can access the site from any web-enabled computer to update or review EH&S information.

For more information on EH&E and their laboratory safety and regulatory compliance solutions, visit EH&E in booth #14 at the CSHEMA 2007 Conference, July 21-26, 2007. Or, visit them online at http://www.eheinc.com or by phone: 800-825-5343.

About EH&E
EH&E (http://www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of environmental and engineering consulting services for over 18 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing business-focused solutions for issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients. Our new series of eH&E web compliance solutions is just the latest example of our continuing effort to provide this knowledge and information to a wider range of companies.

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Press contact: Tiziani Whitmyre, http://www.tizinc.com/

[EH&E] [environmental health & safety] [EH&S] [laboratories] [labs] [JACHO] [The Joint Commission] [OSHA] [compliance support] [EH&S manager] [lab manager] [environmental manager]

Easy Strategies to Save Money When Planning a Reunion

Portland, Maine – July 9, 2007 – Each year more than 200,000 family reunions take place in the United States. Family reunions, along with class reunions, religious reunions, and military reunions easily become a fun and anticipated event for attendees.

“Planning a reunion, however, requires much attention to detail - especially so when large numbers of people are invited or are traveling to a new location,” says Steve Robertson, General Manager of Eventective (http://www.eventective.com/), the web’s most comprehensive meeting and event space search engine.

“From deciding on the right date, selecting a location and event space, scheduling food, to coordinating travel logistics, the tasks can easily grow to become overwhelming and costly,” he said.

To manage these challenges, some groups hire a professional meeting planner, while others designate reunion duties to members of the group. For the majority that choose to handle organizational tasks themselves, Robertson offers these strategies to make the reunion planning process cost-effective and productive:

• Negotiate – Leverage the number of attendees, quantity of food and beverage, and use of overnight accommodations to negotiate a deep discount or complimentary event space. It is also completely acceptable to ask a vendor to match - or beat - the price of a competitor. To start, email venue management directly for a price quote.


• Think Non-Traditional – Out-of-the-box venues like outdoor parks, dude ranches, and resorts offer many benefits, and not just to reunion guests. Often there is greater availability of booking dates as well as more affordable rental costs and services. When looking for a unique location, search beyond the obvious urban centers and explore the surroundings.


• Compare Costs – Shop around to compare the cost, accessibility, and overall benefits of event spaces, disc jockies, and caterers. Be sure to evaluate the pros and cons of each as well as their value. Ask a friend or family member to recommend vendors they have used for previous events.


• Go Free - Look for meeting locations that are free or waive the event space fee if you utilize their onsite catering services. Check with affiliate organizations to see if they recommend a preferred vendor or onsite event space that you can utilize.


• Get Creative – Find creative ways to save on food and beverage. If catered, ask if passed hors d’oeurves will be less costly than buffet style appetizers. Work with the chef to create a menu that utilizes local foods and vegetables that are in season - and less expensive. Search online for a vendor that will work with your needs and budget.


• Be Clear - Make sure the group’s needs are clearly communicated and get everything in writing. This not only provides confirmation of event selections and price agreement, but will expose any hidden charges or unnecessary fees. When sending invitations to attendees, utilize web-invites that deliver all event info and details directly to the attendee.


• Search the Web – Use search engines to find facilities and vendors that meet the group’s needs – and budget. When searching, use keywords such as city, event type and date. Better yet, to quickly and easily compare venues and vendors nationwide, utilize event specific search engines like Eventective http://www.eventective.com/.

The important thing to remember is that everyone wants to be comfortable, which means that the atmosphere, facilities, and food are important.

“Smart, advance planning will help you to avoid spending big money in ways that won’t make a lot of difference to reunion attendees,” said Robertson, “Instead, plan an event where everyone can enjoy, relax and catch up with friends and family.”

For reunion planners, Eventective's listings feature 318,000 event spaces, 95,000 facilities, and 40,000 related service providers throughout the U.S. and include traditional hotel and restaurant-based properties as well as niche and special-interest facilities that are often not presented elsewhere.

Eventective (http://www.eventective.com/), headquartered in Portland, Maine, is the Web's most comprehensive meeting and event space search engine. With more than 25,000 visitors a day, Eventective is also one of the most popular venue search resources on the Internet.

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Press release contact: Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc., http://www.tizinc.com

[Eventective] [reunion] [reunions] [religious] [military] [class] [wedding] [family event] [family reunion] [party planning] [bar mitzvah] [event space] [resort] [ranch] [restaurant] [hotel] [event directors] [convention planning] [event facility] [event planning] [event venue] [meeting planning] [meeting space]

New, Free White Paper Details Compliance Requirements for Pharmaceutical, Medical Device Manufacturers

AGAWAM, MASS. – July 9, 2007 – A new, free white paper, detailing critical industrial sterilization and contamination control programs and compliance challenges in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing industries is now available for download at www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper.

One of the biggest challenges faced by medical device manufacturers is determining exactly what is required for compliance. For parenteral manufacturers, the environmental control parameters are highly stringent and pose significant compliance challenges.

In the white paper, titled “Environmental Testing & Monitoring: Deciphering Compliance Requirements for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” Microtest Project Manager Scott Mackin, reviews key elements of a best practice environmental testing program, including sterilization standards, FDA compliance requirements and vital factors in maintaining controlled environments.

At Microtest (http://www.microtestlabs.com/), Mackin has assisted a number of medical device manufacturers in designing, implementing, and maintaining both sterilization and environmental monitoring programs.

Microtest, a full service testing services and contract manufacturer, offers a complete range of onsite and remote monitoring programs for specialized environmental testing services. Microtest experts utilize cutting edge technology and processes to determine viable microbial and nonviable particulate levels of any area used for medical device and pharmaceutical cleanroom or manufacturing purposes.

Download the free white paper, “Environmental Testing & Monitoring: Deciphering Compliance Requirements for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” at: www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper. Or, for more information, visit Microtest on the Web at www.microtestlabs.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-631-1680.

About Microtest
Microtest is a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology industries. Based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA, the company's expertise and flexible processes enhance product safety and security, accelerate time to market, and minimize supply chain disruption. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com/ or call 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

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Press release contact: Tiziani Whitmyre, http://www.tizinc.com

[Microtest] [pharmaceutical manufacturing] [pharmaceutical testing] [medical device] [compliance] [sterilization] [FDA regulations] [white paper] [whitepaper]