SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published collaborative study[1] in the Journal of Hepatology, featuring HistoIndex – a global leader in stain-free digital pathology solutions for managing fibrotic diseases – alongside Merck & Co., MSD, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a panel of distinguished international liver pathologists showcased how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the evaluation of liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
MASH, a condition often linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, causes liver inflammation and fibrosis. Accurate staging of fibrosis is crucial for diagnosing MASH and determining treatment options. In addressing the inherent variability in fibrosis staging, HistoIndex's AI digital pathology platform has been shown to enhance the reliability of clinical trial outcomes by offering a more objective approach in evaluating fibrosis.
The study, which analyzed 120 digitized histology slides from two separate Phase 2b MASH clinical trials (NCT03517540, NCT03912532), revealed that AI assistance significantly improved inter-pathologist agreement on fibrosis staging, particularly for early-stage fibrosis (F0-F2). Compared to traditional methods, the HistoIndex's stain-free digital pathology platform using Second Harmonic Generation/Two Photon Excitation Fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) provided a more consistent, accurate and detailed assessment of fibrosis severity across the disease spectrum (Figure 1). Thus, enabling pathologists to address the long-standing challenge of intra- and inter-pathologist variability in MASH biopsy evaluation.
"I am excited about the findings of this study, which highlight how AI-assisted SHG/TPEF imaging and quantitative fibrosis scoring have improved inter-pathologist agreement, especially for early-stage fibrosis (F0-F2)." said Dr. Arun Sanyal, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Molecular Pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and Principal Investigator of the study. "This increased accuracy not only enhances confidence in staging but also has the potential to streamline clinical trial processes and reduce the need for third-pathologist adjudication."
"Witnessing the journey of this study from concept to fruition has been incredibly rewarding, made possible by the collaboration across global teams." said Dr. Gideon Ho, CEO of HistoIndex, "The findings, especially the improvement in inter-pathologist agreement with AI-assistance, are set to transform both clinical trial assessments that transcend into precise and personalized care for MASH patients."
This study marks a significant step forward in leveraging AI to aid pathologists in both MASH clinical trials and routine patient care, offering a promising pathway for improving consistency and accuracy in diagnosing and managing MASH as a global health challenge.
About MASH
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by steatosis and inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure, and an increased risk of liver cancer. The presence of ballooned hepatocytes (enlarged and damaged liver cells) is a key feature distinguishing MASH from simple steatosis. Pathologist assessments of liver biopsy remain the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the severity of MASH. Histological categorial scoring systems are often used as surrogate endpoints to evaluate drug efficacy in clinical trials. These endpoints are limited in capturing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. As a result, there is a growing need for more accurate and reliable tools, such as AI-based digital pathology solutions, to improve the assessment of treatment response and disease severity in MASH.
About HistoIndex
Founded in 2010, HistoIndex pioneers in stain-free, fully automated imaging solutions for visualizing and quantifying fibrosis in biological tissues. By combining cutting-edge biophotonic technology with AI-based analysis, HistoIndex provides innovative tools to improve the assessment of fibrosis changes and drug efficacy. HistoIndex's breakthrough digital pathology solutions are currently used in accelerating clinical research, expediting pharmaceutical drug development, and transforming medical standards.
References:
[1] "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.11.032 |
[2] Adapted from Graphical Abstract in "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" by Desiree Abdurrachim et al. |
[1] "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.11.032
[2] Adapted from Graphical Abstract in "Utility of AI digital pathology as an aid for pathologists scoring fibrosis in MASH" by Desiree Abdurrachim et al.
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BRIDGING CLINICAL RESEARCH AND CLINICAL CARE WITH AI-AIDING PATHOLOGISTS TOOL
HENGDIAN, China, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhang Xinyuan, founder of Vimi Wellness and a relationship expert, hosted "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage," a five-day theatrical competition held from October 27 to 31, 2026, bringing together women from across China for professional training and stage performances. Winners earned the opportunity to sign on for roles in the online drama series The Secret Garden of Sisters 2. The event also featured Zhang's annual keynote and the launch of the "108 Happiness Hubs Partner Program." This marks the second consecutive year Vimi Wellness has held its annual large-scale in-person event.
Five Days of Performance: Women Step Into the Spotlight
As the centerpiece of Vimi Wellness's 2026 annual event, "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage" brought women's personal development into the world of theater. Participants entered Hengdian's film and television production facilities for professional acting classes, character development, and rehearsals.
The five-day program included morning exercise, theatrical training, traditional costume photography, and a final competition. Participants arrived at the red carpet in qipao, traditional Chinese dresses, and took the stage to showcase their performances. They came from diverse backgrounds, including working mothers, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, and retired women embracing new experiences.
At the awards ceremony, ten awards were presented, with winners receiving opportunities to sign on for roles in The Secret Garden of Sisters 2. The first installment, released under the title Wild Grass and Sweet Vines, previously premiered on Hongguo Short Drama, a Chinese short-form drama platform.
Zhang emphasized that new opportunities mattered more than trophies. For many participants, the experience was a chance to rediscover and express themselves, stepping in front of the camera as individuals rather than being defined solely by family roles.
Annual Keynote: Redefining What It Means to Become a Better Self
During the event, Zhang delivered her annual keynote, The Body Is the Beginning of All Good Things, which was also livestreamed. Addressing what it means to become a better version of oneself, she outlined three dimensions: physical strength, psychological resilience, and maintaining one's sense of self in relationships.
On physical well-being, Zhang emphasized that health is the foundation of quality of life and emotional well-being. She encouraged women, particularly in middle age, to prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, emotional balance, and quality sleep.
On psychological resilience, she highlighted the importance of consistent practice and self-adjustment, explaining that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about adapting to challenges and continuing to grow.
On relationships, she introduced the concept of maintaining one's sense of self: understanding and respecting others while expressing personal needs, establishing boundaries, and preserving individual identity.
Zhang also reviewed Vimi Wellness's achievements over the past five years, including 2,000 days of online morning and evening classes, 126 sessions of its 21-day training programs, and a community of more than 100,000 women. She announced the brand's 2027 goal: to make becoming a better version of oneself a lasting way of life rather than a temporary goal.
"Vimi Wellness Partner Program" Launched to Extend the Power of Growth
The keynote concluded with the launch of the "Vimi Wellness Partner Program," which aims to recruit 108 partners across China, with a planned allocation of three per province or region. Partners will bring Vimi Wellness's support system and personal development programs to local communities through women's growth workshops and in-person courses. The program is also recruiting partners internationally, aiming to extend its philosophy of mutual support and shared growth to more countries and regions.
The program offers five areas of support: a professional framework including attachment models, relationship assessment tools, course SOPs, progress-tracking tools, and case studies; 12 personal development lessons across three stages; enhanced in-person courses at Vimi Wellness's Hangzhou and Hainan campuses; monthly livestreamed training sessions; and exclusive Vimi Wellness brand authorization.
Applicants must be Vimi Wellness members who have completed the brand's courses and training programs and share its belief that becoming a better version of oneself is a way of life. Brand ambassadors and previous competition winners receive priority consideration. Both domestic and international partners will be selected through a mutual process involving individual applications and brand evaluation.
"Women should support women. We can use the paths we have walked to light the way for others who share our aspirations," Zhang said. "This work carries social value while also offering sustainable business opportunities."
The initiative aims to extend the impact of personal growth into wider communities. Through sharing, companionship, and mutual support, partners can help more women build confidence, understand themselves, care for themselves, and continue growing. The goal is to create a wider culture in which women support and inspire one another.
In closing, Zhang referenced a poem by Mary Oliver, encouraging women to reflect on how they spend their one precious life. She expressed her hope that every woman would have the ability to care for herself, the resilience to face challenges, the courage to make choices in relationships, and the kindness to support others while remaining independent and shining in her own right.
About Vimi Wellness
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hangzhou, China, Vimi Wellness specializes in women's intimate health and relationship psychology. The brand holds 25 national patents, and founder Zhang Xinyuan has 17 years of industry experience. Its proprietary Vimi Lingdongshu pelvic floor muscle training system has served more than 100,000 women.
Vimi Wellness operates a research and education center in Hangzhou and has established a health and wellness base in Boao, Hainan, in collaboration with Shulan Hospital. Its integrated model combines education, products, and medical services to provide comprehensive health support for Chinese women throughout every stage of life.
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Vimi Wellness Founder Zhang Xinyuan Hosts "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage," Celebrating Women's Growth Through Performance
