Biography:

Kamakshi Worah has completed her MBBS from Vinobabhave University, Jharkhand, India. He is currently doing her pathology residency from MGM Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India.

Abstract:

Present study was aimed to observe the varying trends in dysplasia and cancer of cervix in cytologically screened population of women attending the gynaecology outpatient department. Smears were prepared by using the swab techniques, the cervical os and ectocervix were then scrapped with the same applicator. Cells on the cotton tipped swab were spread on one clean glass slide, the slide was immediately placed in fixative solution of absolute alcohol. The smears were then stained by papanicolaou staining method. About 3991 patients were screened above the age group 20 years. About a third (34.6%) of women had normal cytological smears. A large portion of women had cytological finding consistent with inflammatory changes. Smears from 143 women (3.6%) revealed various grades of dysplasia and 17 (0.4%) women had features suggestive of malignancy. The frequency distribution of all cervical intraepithelial neoplasm and cervical cancer was found to be CIN1- 38.7%, CIN2- 26.9%, CIN3-23.7% and cancer 10.6%. The present study reveals that 84.4% of all CIN1 cases were in the age group of 30-59 years. 74.4% of CIN2 and CIN3 cases were in the age group 40-69 years. The commonest symptom in all cervical neoplasm was white discharge and the commonest sign being cervical erosion in CIN and growth on cervix in cervical cancer. Exfoliative cervical cytology has come a long way with newer and better techniques, better knowledge of risk factors, earlier detection of cancerous and precancerous lesion of cervix and thus more effective control of a once fatal disease.

Biography:

Patricia Bacus is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta. Research interests involve anything neuroscience related and currently looking at sensorimotor integration but recently has found a flare for pathology. In her spare time Patricia participates in Student Governance and program planning for a variety of student groups.

Abstract:

Technology is playing a huge role in setting the future of society and medicine and with the many innovations that come medicine has had to adjust and keep up with the latest tools, methods and techniques. 3D printing has stopped being about just printing neat plastic objects but has evolved into bioprinting with a precision for biological material, biochemical and living cells ensuring the spatial components are proper for functional need and ability of the organ. It has gone from bioprinting two dimensional tissue and hollow tubes to making development for solid organs. Stem cells play a crucial role in the regeneration processes in the human body and recent research has shown that stem cells can be successfully used to assemble mini-tissue structures. In many organs like the liver and pancreas the function of the organ does not depend on a particular macroscopic structure and so making an organ by putting many mini-tissue structures together would work, as long as ducts and vessels are properly connected. However with the kidney the normal function of the kidney to concentrate the urine which is necessary to maintain life depends on the countercurrent multiplier and medullary osmotic gradient which can only be maintained with the normal macroscopic structure of kidney lobes and cortex, outer medulla and inner medulla. Without this concentrating ability of the kidney and normal macroscopic structure, the ability to produce hypertonic urine, all the body water would be lost via the urine and death would ensue. This need for a given macroscopic structure and for certain components to be in particular places in sequence for the whole structure to work is the reason why the 3D printed kidney remains the “moon shot”, the most difficult challenge in 3D printing of organs. Ultimately it is an achievable goal which will substantially improve medical care worldwide.

Biography:

Sina Marzoughi is a student in undergraduate neuroscience at the University of Alberta. He is the founder and executive director of the Edmonton World Health Organization Simulation (Edmonton WHO), a global health conference that provides opportunity for students to explore pragmatic global health challenges, approaches and solutions. He also has an interest in creating Smartphone applications for health education and already has two such applications published for the iPhone and iPad.

Abstract:

Biological evolution is slow. Brain implants and bio-artificial organs will be part of the near time evolution of human beings through technological improvements. As carbon based systems and silicon based systems increasingly merge in human patients of the future pathologists will learn to interpret the interface (brain computer interface) and combination of these two disparate world that they suddenly see looking down the microscope. There is already a very large cadre of people examining processed silicon under the microscope so it is not such a stretch to imagine this being incorporated into the job description of pathologists. The most promising bioartificial kidney uses silicon filter. Microscopic examination is a logical way to assess the "health" of the filter. It works both ways as increasingly cells are also being incorporated into computers. Right now the cell component of bio-artificial organs are encapsulated to prevent their escape into the body, and therefore hard to examine. But the health of these cells is very important to the function of the bio-artificial organ so eventually there will be means to examine them morphologically and this task will add to the richness of the pathologist's work experience. The brave new pathological world of Humanity 2.0!

Biography:

Punit Virk is currently in the final year of his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Alberta. He is the founder and advisor to the University of Alberta’s Partner’s In Health chapter. His current research interests involve the exploration of genetic therapies for highly pathological, rare genetic diseases like Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. Punit has sat on advisory committees for undergraduate biology textbook development and teaching and learning in Science.

Abstract:

Many are familiar with the Moore's law exponential curve of price performance of computing and the extension of its influence over the world, in general. This idea is rooted in the belief that machines will be smarter than the whole human race combined in 2045 and will possess the means to take over the future agenda of the world. Moore's law in muted in medicine due to regulatory and safety considerations. So what stimulates exponential change in pathology? What are the drivers and inhibitors? Are our digital pathology systems going to wake up some day soon and tell us they can do our work better than we can? Will they be right about that? How much of a pathologist's work can only be done by a human being? When does the permanent vacation for flesh and blood pathologists begin? We all have a stake in the answers to these questions which pathologists seem to have been reluctant to ask until now!

Biography:

Rongjia Liu is currently studying in the nutrition and dietetics program at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is interested in the connection between human nutrition and health and aspires to become a registered dietitian after graduation. Rongjia works with Dr. Solez on many of his projects, including planning for the upcoming 2015 Banff Transplant Pathology meeting in Vancouver, videography for the course LABMP590 on technology and the future of medicine, and assisting with the weekly pathology-nephrology clinical rounds at the University of Alberta hospital. Rongjia enjoys cooking, playing badminton, reading, and volunteering in her free time.

Abstract:

From its beginnings in 1991 the Banff Transplant Pathology meetings have used physician led consensus generation which is very different from the professional facilitator led consensus generation usually employed. The success of this approach over twenty-four years speaks for itself. There is a literature on such expert led consensus generation which outlines the approach which has been taken in the meeting. Kaner’s 2007 book Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-making, 2nd ed page 59 "Listening with a Point of View", states that these steps should be employed by the expert facilitator: 1) Raise the issue. State your position, 2) Ask for reactions, 3) Respond as a facilitator would by drawing people out and paraphrasing what they are saying; err on the side of more drawing people out, 4) After at least two moves of facilitative listening, give yourself the floor to speak, explain your perspective, answer questions, explain, advocate as needed, 5) Repeat steps 2-4 as needed remembering to balance your own point of view with at least twice as much facilitative listening. These skills and how to follow these five steps are now being passed on the new generations of pathologists as the Banff consensus generating process continues to evolve and expand through successive meetings and mentoring cycles within the framework of the newly formed Banff Foundation for Allograft Pathology.

Biography:

Korey Fung is an undergraduate student in the Nutrition and Food Sciences program at the University of Alberta. His current academic interests involve Global Health and Food Sensory Perception. He plays an important role assisting Dr. Solez in the Technology and Future of Medicine course and in the organization of the upcoming 2015 Banff Transplant Pathology meeting in Vancouver and other related matters, including the technical support for NKF cyberNephrology Email discussion groups, such as the the 2200 member RENALRD group for renal dietitians across the world. In addition to his academics, Korey is an avid cook, artist and violinist.

Abstract:

Technology in genome sequencing is expanding at an exponential rate. Already this technology has revolutionized cancer pathology. A new era of Genomic Pathology is upon us where we see much earlier disease diagnosis and personalized patient treatment programs. However there is a discrepancy in the field between the rapidly advancing genome technology and available pathologists who are qualified in the practice of using the genomic data as a means to identify and diagnose disease and as an adjunct to conventional anatomical pathology. Pathologists have had to relearn genetics! New classifications will need to be devised because in some instances the genomic differences may prove to be more important than previously noted anatomical differences. On the other hand the tissue specimens themselves have remained much as in the past in Genomic Pathology and it has remained mainly adjunctive to conventional pathology. Contrast that then with what Kim Solez has called Tissue Engineering Pathology, specimens coming from stem cell generated organs and regenerative medicine. Here the specimen type itself is brand new and some of the anatomical abnormalities observed are also without past precedent. New classifications will need to be devised. It is a brand new area of pathology practice, not adjunctive. Both Genomic Pathology and Tissue Engineering Pathology will become routine parts of mainstream pathology practice in the next decade.

Biography:

Abhinav Walia has completed his MBBS at the age of 24 years from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, India.He is currently pursuing his residency in MD Pathology at MGM Medical College, Navi Mumbai, India. He has participated and presented posters and oral papers in various conferences and workshops across India. He is exploring the possibility of adding value to his knowledge and curriculum by participating in various ongoing Pathology conferences and workshops across the globe.

Abstract:

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world. India accounts for one fifth of the world’s burden of cervical cancer. Cytology screening by the Papanicolaou smear remains the main stay for control of cervical carcinoma. Liquid-based cervical cytology was developed to improve the diagnostic reliability of Conventional Pap smears. The present study was undertaken to evaluate a manual liquid based cytology technique (SurePath) and to compare the sensitivity of LBC with conventional Pap smear. The aim of the study was to compare the cytomorphology of conventional pap smears and manual liquid based cytology smears and to find out whether manual liquid based cytology method can be established for routine use in our laboratory setup. In the present study cervical smears were collected by the gynaecologist using Ayre’s spatula for the conventional Pap smear method and using SurePath cytobrush for manual liquid based cytology technique. 200 cases were examined for cytomorphological parameters. The details regarding cell size, cytoplasmic and nuclear details were studied for making the diagnosis. The observed results indicated that women screened with an LBC sample had significantly decreased detection rates of inadequate smears and increased detection of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)/ atypical cytology. Cells were better preserved and not obscured by blood, mucus, or inflammatory cells. The results showed increased sensitivity of LBC without loss of specificity. Liquid based cytology improves the quality of the sample and reduces the likelihood of false negative cytology results. Thus it will significantly improve early detection and treatment of cervical lesions.

Biography:

Petro Vavrukh has completed his Ph.D at the age of 27 years from Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University (Ukraine). He is the associate professor of pathological anatomy, dissection course and forensic medicine departments of I. Ya. Horbachevsky Ternopil State Medical University (Ukraine), pathologist in Ternopil Regional Bureau of Pathologists, Ternopil (Ukraine). He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals. Member of the European Society of Pathology and Association of Pathologists of Ukraine

Abstract:

Background: The problem of Breast Cancer (BC) is one of the most important in modern oncology, due to its large spread in many countries of the world, where it took first place in the structure of malignancies in women. Aim: The aim of our work was to create an expert system for the diagnosis of breast cancer (separate morphological form) based on aggregate quantitative traits atypia cells. Materials & Methods: The object of the study was the nucleus and cells of glandular epithelium from punctured material of a ductal breast cancer for cytology. Light morphometry was performed by computer analyzer color images based on global microscope «Bresser» made in Germany, digital camera Leica DC 200 frames and grips (Leica, Germany) lens x 40. For morphometric study used a software tool AMS. It was used for measuring the area of cells, their nuclei and cytoplasm, calculating nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. The measurement results are transferred to the metric system by aligning digital camera. 50 Nucleus were calculated in each of cytological preparations, and then a mean value of individual parameters was defined. The total sample size was approximately 5000 nuclei. Each kariometric parameter was tested by the expert system on cytologic specimens with breast cancer. We tested 70 cytological preparations with confirmed histologic diagnosis. These punctate swabs selected for testing were processed by computer image analysis. Then on the basis of cytometrix data for each case were calculated quantitative parameters, which values were compared with deciding criteria which are specific to breast cancer. The test results were determined informativeness of each parameter. Evaluation of informativeness was performed by calculating accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Express-system, which included standard matrix (S-matrix) – the basis of diagnostic criteria for breast cancer, has been made to automate the process of diagnosing. Benchmarks and mathematical transformation (calculation of average values, plotting histograms, the distribution area of the nuclei and cytoplasm) were transformed into quantitative parameters that adequately describe the abnormal cell nuclei. The parameters which were obtained have been automatically introduced in the X-matrix constructed in the same format as the S-matrix. Then the computer program in real time comparing elements (quantitative parameters) obtained by X-matrix with elements S-matrix. The program is logged by coincidence x element of the corresponding s element. When the value of the X matrix fell in the range of S matrix elements coefficients corresponding cytometryx parameters were match. Diagnostic index was calculated as the sum of the coefficients cytometryx parameters that fell into the range of values for the S-matrix. In our cases, the clinical trials of the expert system, it was found that out of 14 cases of malignant disease of the breast diagnostic index was 70%.

Biography:

Uzma Bukhari has completed MBBS from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. She has completed MPhil histopathology from Karachi University Pakistan. She has been completed residency in FCPS (Fellow of college of physician and surgeon Pakistan) from Dr. Ziauddin hospital Karachi and going to appear in exam this year. Currently she is working in histopathology clinical laboratory of Dr. Ziauddin hospital. She has published 10 research papers and one paper has been published internationally.

Abstract:

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and pattern of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in adults in a tertiary care hospital. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Histopathology Department, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital over a period of 09 years, from 2005 to 2013. 192 cases of Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) were retrieved from surgical pathology record. After routine H & E stain examination, a panel of immunohistochemical stains was applied on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue. The data was analyzed for type of lymphoma, age & sex distribution, site of biopsy and immunophenotypic features. Results: Out of 192 cases of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), 132 (69%) were males & 60 (31%) were females. Mean age of patients was 46.7 years and median age was 47 years. B cell lymphoma was out numbered (87%) than T cell lymphoma (13%). Diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma was the commonest (113) B cell lymphoma followed by other types of lymphoma. 52% cases were from extra nodal sites followed by 34% of nodal lymphoma. Site of biopsy was not mentioned in 14% cases. Conclusion: In adults, B cell lymphoma is more frequent than T cell lymphoma with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the commonest non Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background & Aims: Ten eleven translocation (TET) enzymes convert 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and play crucial roles in biological and pathological processes by mediating DNA demethylation; however, the functional role of this epigenetic mark and the related enzymes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains unknown. Methods: We analyzed 5-hmC levels using tissue microarray from a 323 HCC patient cohort. We determined RNA expression levels of TET family proteins, the TET expression-silencing microRNA-29a, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in 108 HCC patients. The methylation status of SOCS1 promoter was examined using glucosylation of genomic 5-hmC followed by methylation sensitive polymerase chain reaction (glucMS-qPCR). We determined miR-29a and TET family members’ functional effects using RNA interference and transgenic expression in HCC cells and evaluated xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Results: TET family enzymes down regulation is one likely mechanism underlying 5-hmC loss in HCC. There was a significant inverse correlation between miR-29a and TET expression in HCC tissues. Dot blot assay revealed that miR-29a up regulation and down regulation in HCC cells yields distinct global DNA hydroxymethylation patterns, and that increased DNA methylation of SOCS1 promoter is associated with miR-29a overexpression in HCC cells. Furthermore, miR-29a silencing anti-metastatic SOCS1 through direct TET family targeting, resulting in SOCS1 promoter demethylation inhibition. Finally, miR-29a overexpression correlates with poor clinical outcomes and TET-Family-SOCS1-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 axis silencing in HCC patients. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that 5-hmC loss is an epigenetic hallmark of HCC, and miR-29a is an important epigenetic modifier, promoting HCC metastasis through TET family targeting. Moreover, these results offer a new strategy for epigenetic cancer therapy.

Biography:

Makari Hanumanthappa K has completed his MSc Biotechnology in 2003 from Kuvempu University and MPhil in 2008. He is serving as Assistant Professor and Head in Department of Biotechnology, IDSG Government College, Chikmagalur, India. He has published more than 30 research and review papers in reputed journals and has been serving as reviewer for many scientific journals. He is a fellow member for various national and international scientific organizations. He is the recipient of Environmentalist-2010 award for his outstanding research contribution in Microbial Biotechnology from National Environmental Science Academy, India. He is pursuing PhD in Microbiology from Bharathiar University.

Abstract:

Bacteriophages are the natural bacterial killers and viruses of prokaryotes. Phage infects the bacteria more specifically, causes lytic or lysogenic activity in cells. Research on phages is a fast expanding area in plant protection. Several experiments have shown phage mediated bio- control of bacteria. Ralstonia solanacearum is a phytopathogenic, Gram-negative bacterium causes wilting symptoms in many solanaceous vegetable crops including potato and ginger. It infects to roots and specifically invades in the plant tissue, extensively multiplying in xylem part of the plant leads to wilting, resulted heavy economic losses to the farmer. The chemical control of bacterial infections inside plant tissue is unsuitable and inaccessible since high multiplication rate and colonizing deeper inside the plant tissue. Use of synthetic antibiotic for the control of bacteria has been resulted increased antibiotic resistance. Therefore, in the present investigation an attempt was made to isolate bacteriophage against R. solanacearum. The aim of this research work was to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages against R. solanacearum. The phytopathogenic R. solanacearum was isolated from infected potato and ginger plants. The PCR and 16S rRNA sequence analysis were used for the identification of the bacteria. Four bacteriophages Ï•RsA1, Ï•RsB1, Ï•RsC1 and Ï•RsD1 were isolated specific to R. solanacearum. The electron microscopic analysis was done to observe morphology and RAPD analysis was conducted to identify genetic diversity of phages. In-vitro confirmation phage activity against bacteria was done. The results of the study greatly anticipated that phages can be used as potent antimicrobial agents in plant protection.

Biography:

Dr. Martins Momoh 47years old, from Edo state Nigeria, west Africa. He had early education in edo state Nigeria. Attended University of Lagos, graduated with MBBS in 1994. Served as a medical officer with National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi from 2000 to 2006. Proceeded to National post graduate medical college of Nigeria, for residency training in histopathology with lagos university teaching hospital training point and graduated with FMCPATH in 2013. Presently a Lecturer, consultant pathologist and Head Histopathology department Benjamin Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University Ilishan Remo Nigeria. Am married to Eunice and blessed with children.

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is relatively rare in Nigeria. There is paucity of data regarding its prevalence in Nigeria. Recent population based studies have shown that it is on the rise; and with this may come the risk of progression to Barrett’s esophagus and a potential of progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study is to determine the autopsy prevalence of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) at LUTH. Materials and methods histopathological analysis of paraffin-embedded tissues stained with hematoxyllin and eosin as well as special stains like PAS, Alcian blue and Giemsa were used on the gastro esophageal samples from 100 autopsy cases. Representative gastric samples were also examined. Results The prevalence of GORD in this study was thirteen percent and no case of Barrett oesophagus and dysplasia was recorded. Conclusion Gastro esophageal reflux disease has thus shown an apparent increase in prevalence compared to previous studies. More clinico pathologic study will be required to confirm this assertion.