New guidelines approved by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Directors recommend the collective use of a thorough patient history and specific physical examination manoeuvres, in addition to observation and specific diagnostic tests to more definitively diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a common source of hand numbness and pain affecting approximately 3 million Americans
Ji and colleagues used a microscopy technique called stimulated Raman scattering, or SRS, to image cancer cells in human brain tissue. SRS produces different signals for proteins and lipids, which can then be assigned a colour (blue and green, respectively), allowing the authors to differentiate brain cortex from tumour from white matter. Biopsies from adult and paediatric patients with glioblastoma revealed not only distinctive features with SRS microscopy but also the presence of infiltrating cells in tissues that appeared otherwise normal with traditional staining. Such infiltrating cells are important to catch early because leaving them behind after surgery nearly always leads to cancer recurrence. To make this SRS microscopy approach amenable to routine use in neuropathology, the authors also created an objective classifier that integrated different image characteristics, such as the protein/ lipid ratio, axonal density, and degree of cellularity, into one output, on a scale of 0 to 1, that would alert the pathologist to tumour infiltration. The classifier was built using more than 1400 images from patients with glioblastoma and epilepsy, and could distinguish between tumour-infiltrated and non-tumour regions with >99% accuracy, regardless of tumour grade or histologic subtype. This label-free imaging technology could therefore be used to complement existing neurosurgical workflows, allowing for rapid and objective characterization of brain tissues and, in turn, clinical decision-making.
Science Translation Medicine http://tinyurl.com/oxq8ojx
Stem cells that have been specifically developed for use as clinical therapies are fit for use in patients, scientists have found. The research focused on human embryonic stem cells. It paves the way for clinical trials of cell therapies to treat conditions such as Parkinson
Since up to 90% of patients develop hospital- acquired anemia by their third day in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) with many requiring subsequent transfusions, blood conservation strategies can be of significant benefit to patients and will help reduce costs of care. The new paper observes that within the ICU setting, the total amount of diagnostic (iatrogenic) blood loss is a significant predicator of anemia and subsequent allogeneic transfusion. Notably, iatrogenic blood loss is the factor most easily controlled by the intensivist – the paper discusses the main methods of reducing the contribution of blood tests to the incidence of iatrogenic anemia. Entitled
Protective mastectomies that preserve the nipple and surrounding skin prevent breast cancer as effectively as more invasive surgeries for women with a genetic mutation called BRCA that raises their risk of developing breast cancer, a multi-institution study led by Mayo Clinic found. The research should reassure patients and surgeons that nipple-sparing mastectomies, which leave women with more natural-looking breasts than other mastectomies, are a safe way to reduce breast cancer risk in BRCA carriers, the authors say..
Researchers from the University
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
A system incorporating a smartphone app may help adolescents and young adults with spina bifida to improve their daily selfmanagement skills, suggests a paper.
With features including mobile reminders and messaging with healthcare providers, the
An interactive web system with the help of your mobile phone can be an effective tool for better blood pressure control. Test persons lowered their blood pressure, were better able to understand how their lifestyle affects their blood pressure and actively participated in follow-up discussions.
Well controlled blood pressure reduces the risk for cardio-vascular complications. In addition to taking daily medication, persons with high blood pressure need to understand the sometime complicated connection between the blood pressure values and daily life. Blood pressure medication combined with changes in lifestyle gives good results, but despite awareness of this, few people are able to reach a well controlled blood pressure.
In her thesis, researcher Ulrika Bengtsson developed and evaluated an interactive system for persons living with high blood pressure that, with the help of their own mobile phone, can be used to self-manage the high blood pressure on a daily basis.
As of the 1st of October 2015, SCHILLER Latin America merged with SCHILLER America to form the subsidiary SCHILLER Americas. This entity has responsibility over the entire American continent, with cardiologist Francesco Iacona, former General Manager of SCHILLER Latin America, in the role of CEO. Consolidation of both territories comes with many advantages: all processes are being optimized, reaction time is further reduced. Customers will benefit from increased efficiency thanks to resource sharing, from office space to personnel and services, including inventory management, purchasing and logistics. This merger is the starting point for an even stronger representation of SCHILLER in America.
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