MSIS is pleased to announce the availability of the IVAC (InVivo Animal Core) Aperio Image Capture System (IVACICS). The ULAM IVAC team has purchased an Aperio Image Capture System, which includes an automated image capture microscope instrument and configurable image management software, eSlide Manager, from Leica. IVAC's Image Capture System will be used by the ULAM IVAC team to to develop a fee-for-service model to sell image capture services to regional users that do not have their own instruments. IVAC Pathology is the only histology core on campus dedicated exclusively to research histology of animal models and the only core that offers interpretive services from board-certified veterinary pathologists.
Learning about Animal Research
My primary focus has been to support our Research Community since coming to the Medical School in 2006. It wasn’t until I met the In-vivo Animal Core (IVAC) team members for the implementation of the Aperio Automated Image Capture Microscopy Instrument, that I learned about this growing discipline located in Building 36 at the North Campus Research Center. I focused on the IT aspect of the project, but broadly was responsible for the implementation and coordination of eSlide Manager, a configurable image management software from Leica Biosystems.
However, I had now ventured into the world of Animal Research, a new world for me. Working directly with some of the IVAC faculty and scientific advisors that consisted of Veterinary Pathologists, Toxicology Specialists, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacokineticcs and Vet Anesthesists/Pain Management, and Study Design and Immunologists, I was forced to recognize the presence of activism and the ongoing debate about the ethics of using non-human animals as test subjects. Suddenly, I am facing the implementation of an IT system that is outside of the realm of ePHI and HIPAA data, but will require the same due diligence as an IT Service Manager.
The In-vivo Animal Core team is dedicated and has put in long hours during the implementation of the Image Capture System because they believe in their mission to excel in project-specific preclinical in-vivo (in the living body of a plant or animal) studies. I have a newly found respect for this type of research as I realized the contributions animal research made to the world’s major medical advances over the decades going back to the Pre 20th Century. In the past 50 years, animal research, conforming to high ethical and welfare standards has helped millions with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord damage and parasitic infections like malaria, as well as,
However, I had now ventured into the world of Animal Research, a new world for me. Working directly with some of the IVAC faculty and scientific advisors that consisted of Veterinary Pathologists, Toxicology Specialists, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacokineticcs and Vet Anesthesists/Pain Management, and Study Design and Immunologists, I was forced to recognize the presence of activism and the ongoing debate about the ethics of using non-human animals as test subjects. Suddenly, I am facing the implementation of an IT system that is outside of the realm of ePHI and HIPAA data, but will require the same due diligence as an IT Service Manager.
The In-vivo Animal Core team is dedicated and has put in long hours during the implementation of the Image Capture System because they believe in their mission to excel in project-specific preclinical in-vivo (in the living body of a plant or animal) studies. I have a newly found respect for this type of research as I realized the contributions animal research made to the world’s major medical advances over the decades going back to the Pre 20th Century. In the past 50 years, animal research, conforming to high ethical and welfare standards has helped millions with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord damage and parasitic infections like malaria, as well as,
- 1970’s: CT scanning for improved diagnosis; Chemotherapy for leukemia; Medicines to treat ulcers; inhaled asthma medication; Migraine medication.
- 1980’s MRI scanning for improved diagnosis; Prenatal corticosteroids improving survival of premature babies; Treatment for river blindness; Life support systems.
- 1990’s: Combined therapy for HIV infection; Meningitis vaccines; Better medicines for depression; Medicines for breast and prostate cancer; Medicines for type 2 diabetes.
- 2000’s: Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease; Monoclonal antibodies for cancers; Cervical cancer vaccine; Clotting agent from milk; Bird flu vaccine.
- 2010’s: Stem cells for spinal, heart and vision repair; Oral or inhaled insulin for type 1 diabetes; Angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer; Gene therapy for muscular dystrophy ( Health Timeline) http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/why/health-timeline/
As I marvel at the great strides we have made in medicine, and having personally interacted with the IVAC team, I am thankful for their contributions to early, preclinical, and translation research.
What we are doing to help
The IVAC Image Capture System will have a tiered support model with the vendor, Leica Biosystems, who will be providing initial support for the Image Capture System, the eSlide Manager workstation, and the application. The MSIS support staff members will provide server and desktop support in collaboration with the Leica Support Staff and the IVAC team for troubleshooting, and desktop support of the workstation, as necessary. For more information, please go to IVACICS in the Knowledgebase for support information.
A special thanks to the IVAC Team Members, Bob Sigler, Carrie Schray, Florin Timpau, and Wendy Rosebury-Smith; the Leica Biosystems Technical Support Staff, Marc Friedman, Mark Webb, and Kevin Kelly; and MSIS Support Team Members; Sue Boucher, Bruce Taylor, Brett Miller, Sarr Blumson, and Jim Deneen for working together to bring this exciting new ULAM service.
The In-vivo Animal Core (IVAC) serves as a research resource in support of early, preclinical stage, translational research, and is developing a fee-for-service model, to sell image capture services to regional users that cannot afford their own instruments.
What a cool, "Leaders and the Best" achievement for ULAM and MSIS, both! Congratulations!
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