Archive for month: August, 2020

Johns Hopkins researchers have devised a computerised process that could make minimally invasive surgery more accurate and streamlined using equipment already common in the operating room.

In a report the researchers say initial testing of the algorithm shows that their image-based guidance system is potentially superior to conventional tracking systems that have been the mainstay of surgical navigation over the last decade.

‘Imaging in the operating room opens new possibilities for patient safety and high-precision surgical guidance,’ says Jeffrey Siewerdsen, Ph.D., a professor of biomedical engineering in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. ‘In this work, we devised an imaging method that could overcome traditional barriers in precision and workflow. Rather than adding complicated tracking systems and special markers to the already busy surgical scene, we realised a method in which the imaging system is the tracker and the patient is the marker.’

Siewerdsen explains that current state-of-the-art surgical navigation involves an often cumbersome process in which someone

A new way to artificially control muscles using light, with the potential to restore function to muscles paralysed by conditions such as motor neuron disease and spinal cord injury, has been developed by scientists at UCL and King

Experts from the Too Fit to Fracture Initiative presented the results of an international consensus process to establish exercise recommendations for people with osteoporosis, with or without spine fractures. The results were presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases in Seville, Spain.

Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method, the international multidisciplinary panel examined literature on exercise effects on: 1) falls, fractures, BMD, and adverse events for individuals with osteoporosis or spine fractures; and 2) pain, quality of life, and physical function after spine fracture. Evidence was rated as high, moderate, low, or very low.

In addition, a consensus process was used to established recommendations on assessment, exercise, and physical activity in the context of three cases with varying risk – one having osteoporosis based on bone density; one having osteoporosis and 1 spine fracture; and one having osteoporosis and multiple spine fractures, hyperkyphosis and pain.

The panel recommends that all individuals with osteoporosis should engage in a multicomponent exercise programme that includes resistance and balance training; they should not engage in aerobic training to the exclusion of resistance or balance training.

Other key points included:
current national physical activity guidelines are appropriate for individuals with osteoporosis in the absence of spine fracture, but not for those with spine fracture;
after spine fracture, aerobic activity of moderate intensity is preferred to vigorous; physical therapy consultation is recommended;
daily balance training and endurance training for spinal extensor muscles are recommended for all individuals with osteoporosis;
restrictions are a disincentive to activity participation, and for people with osteoporosis but no history of spine fracture, desired activities should be encouraged if they can be performed safely or modified;
health care providers should provide guidance on safe movement, rather than providing generic restrictions (e.g., lifting);
physical or occupational therapist consult is recommended for advice on exercise and physical activity among those with a history of spine fracture, particularly in the presence of balance or posture impairments, pain, comorbid conditions or that increase the risk of adverse events with exercise or activity, or unsafe movement patterns.

Lead author Dr Lora Giangregorio, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada, stated, ‘People with osteoporosis and spinal fractures should be encouraged to participate in resistance training and balance training, as the strongest evidence we have supports multimodal exercise programs. We have developed evidence-based recommendations, as well as a report that addresses the ‘frequently asked questions’ of patients and health care providers around physical activity. We hope that the recommendations are helpful to health professionals worldwide as they guide their osteoporosis patients in safe, effective – and enjoyable – exercise regimens.’ International Osteoporosis Foundation

Scientists reported today the first human recipients of laboratory-grown vaginal organs. A research team led by Anthony Atala, M.D., director of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

The new interferon-free, all-oral, three direct-acting-antiviral (3D) treatment regimen in development by AbbVie has achieved very high rates of virological response in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1); according to the results of three studies presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2014.
The 3D regimen consists of the HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor ABT-450 dosed with ritonavir, the NS5A inhibitor ABT-267, and the NS5B RNA polymerase inhibitor ABT-333.
‘Using this investigational 3D regimen, with or without ribavirin, these studies have demonstrated consistently high cure rates across a number of patient types, including the more difficult-to-treat subtype GT1a, and HCV patients with compensated cirrhosis,’ said EASL’s Scientific Committee Member Dr. Alessio Aghemo, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan. ‘The impressive SVR12 results seen are consistent with the results from AbbVie’s phase II studies,’ he added.
In the SAPPHIRE-I study, treatment na