Articles tagged with Systems Biology
Physicians can play a leading role in achieving comprehensive health care reform by working towards payment and delivery system reforms that achieve 1.5% annual savings, covering all Americans. Reforms include integrated systems of care, innovative payment models and performance measures to promote care coordination.
A national survey of physician practices found that physicians spend an average of three work weeks per year on administrative tasks required by health plans. This translates to a cost of $31 billion annually and 6.9% of all U.S. expenditures for physician and clinical services.
The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights the US healthcare system's fragmentation as a major cause of the current crisis. Dr. Kurt Stange's seven-part series proposes solutions by focusing on primary care and integrative services to promote healing and efficiency.
The CARILLON Mitral Contour System safely treats leaky mitral valves even in patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. After treatment, patients experienced less shortness of breath and reported a better quality of life.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence, with patients experiencing a substantial improvement in symptoms. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises to train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.
A new study found that electronic prescribing systems can significantly reduce order implementation and entry times, leading to lower personnel requirements and costs. While medication errors were not statistically significantly reduced, the system's efficiency gains translate to long-term cost savings.
The Venus prototype uses near-infrared light to measure metabolic rate, tissue oxygen, and pH without needle pricks. This technology has numerous applications, including emergency medical care, sports performance, and patient monitoring, and may improve survival rates for trauma victims and astronauts in space.
Researchers have constructed a systems biology map of iron metabolism, a crucial process in animal cell survival. The study aims to improve our understanding of iron regulation and its potential manipulation for therapeutic benefits.
A $10 million Simons Foundation gift supports a joint initiative between Rockefeller University and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ. The initiative brings together biologists, mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists to explore quantitative approaches to biological problems.
The Olympus platform enables surgeons to perform gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, and urological or gynecological surgery through a single incision in the belly button. The TriPort access system and EndoEYE technology provide high-quality images and flexibility for minimal trauma.
A Web-based reporting system helped identify four event patterns from morbidity reports and three from near-miss reports, addressing issues like chest tube placements and nurse-to-physician communications. However, under-reporting was disappointing, with only 27.2% of readmissions and 41.6% of inpatient deaths reported.
Researchers from Regenstrief Institute have developed a technology that allows public health officials to send instant alerts to doctors and hospitals using an existing clinical messaging service. This approach minimizes delays in notification, which can be critical in disease outbreak response.
A Commonwealth Fund-supported study found that half of non-surgical Medicare patients are readmitted without follow-up care, highlighting gaps in patient management and the need for coordinated care. The study suggests interventions to improve discharge planning, education, and follow-up care to reduce rehospitalizations.
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has launched a new graduate program focusing on understanding and attacking cancer metastasis. The program, supported by a highly competitive grant from the University of Texas System, aims to improve basic understanding of cancer spread mechanisms.
A new study found that less than 2% of US hospitals have implemented comprehensive electronic health records, citing high costs as a major barrier. The study suggests that the $19 billion stimulus package may help improve adoption rates, but widespread adoption is still a long way off.
Researchers propose a platform model for health information infrastructure that would improve healthcare delivery, increase productivity and stimulate job growth. The model aims to support applications for clinical care, public health, and research, with key characteristics including data liquidity and substitutability of applications.
A new study reveals that less than 2% of US hospitals have comprehensive electronic health records, while 8% use basic EHRs in at least one care unit. The barriers to adoption include high costs and interoperability issues.
Researchers have developed an automatic slicing system to culture normal and cancerous pancreatic tissue from patient specimens, allowing for reproducible testing of novel treatment options, including gene therapy. This new ex-vivo model assesses cellular heterogeneity and extracellular matrix accumulation in human tumors.
The use of electronic health records is expected to increase exponentially, but legal uncertainty about ownership presents a major obstacle. A commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that clear laws and regulations are needed to protect patients' interests and facilitate the best use of medical information.
A new endoscope, Spyglass Spyscope, was used in a multi-center study to diagnose and treat disorders of the bile duct, liver, and pancreas. The procedure showed promising results, with clearance of stones achieved in 37 patients after one procedure and modification of diagnoses in 20 patients.
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reduced CLABSI rates from over 30 cases per month to less than five using a combination of leadership initiatives, electronic surveillance, checklists, and process improvements. The hospital's Toyota Production System also helped streamline care and reduce variation.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that many Americans face challenges accessing specialized medical care during time-sensitive emergencies. Hospitals in rural areas often lack resources, including staff and equipment, to provide adequate care.
A team of experts at WPI has launched a three-year study to examine the impact of implementing electronic medical records (EMRs) on primary care providers, patients, and healthcare operations. The study focuses on four diverse sites in the US, Canada, and Israel, analyzing how organizations adapt to new systems and tools.
A sovereign Palestinian state is crucial for developing the ailing health system in the occupied Palestinian territory. The best-case scenario includes creating a self-governing entity that can provide core public services and funding for vulnerable groups.
Von Maltzahn's innovations use nanotechnology to precisely target and destroy tumor cells, reducing side effects and overpowering drug resistance. His work also aims to improve intravenous delivery of therapeutics to tumors.
Eight UT Austin engineering professors win prestigious NSF CAREER awards, with funding of over $3.2 million to support cutting-edge research in fields like nanotechnology, energy systems, and biomedical engineering.
A CU-Boulder professor argues that K-12 teachers need better training on evolution education to counter creationist and pseudoscientific claims. The disconnect between students' and public's understanding of evolutionary processes is partly due to difficulty grasping biochemical events and mechanisms behind adaptation.
A new tracking system using personal digital assistants has been developed to monitor tuberculosis patients, significantly reducing the time it takes for test results to reach doctors from 23 days to 8 days. This innovation also eliminates the risk of lost results and is more cost-effective than traditional paper-based systems.
A new classification system aims to provide a more accurate picture of a patient's health issues, complementing body measurements. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System has five stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, and offers specific treatment approaches for each stage.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automation in hospital information systems was associated with decreased fatalities, lower costs, and shorter lengths of stay for patients with various medical conditions. Hospitals with well-designed technology systems had better patient outcomes.
A study published in Health Affairs explores four payment reform options to address the issue of value in healthcare. The authors suggest that episode payments may be a promising near-term opportunity for payment reform in Medicare, which could lead to improved quality and access.
The university will develop an informatics infrastructure to collect, manage and analyze diverse data types across institutions. This project aims to improve collaboration and sharing of information between investigators, leading to new approaches for screening, diagnosing and treating illnesses.
A Texas study shows that hospitals with automated health information systems have fewer complications, lower death rates, and reduced costs. The research found that increased automation of clinical information systems was associated with a 15% decrease in in-hospital deaths for patients with heart attacks.
A Johns Hopkins study of 40 hospitals and 160,000 patients found that 'paperless' hospitals with computerized notes and records had a 15% decrease in patient deaths. These systems also showed significant reductions in complications, heart attack deaths, and hospital costs.
Researchers developed a search algorithm that integrated biological measurements and model simulations to identify optimal drug combinations. The study successfully identified effective treatments in two biological model systems, paving the way for personalized medicine.
Dr. Rama Ranganathan received the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for his groundbreaking work on understanding how networks of interactions produce complex biological systems. His research aims to develop tailor-made proteins with specific functions, which could lead to new treatments for diseases.
The Synthetic Biology Project aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits through rigorous analysis and public engagement. The project explores governance options, examines public perceptions, and identifies knowledge gaps in synthetic biology.
Researchers at U.Va.'s Center for Biomechanics are developing a highly detailed computer model of the human thorax and upper extremities, as well as other body parts, to create a virtual crash test dummy. The virtual dummy will allow for more realistic testing of auto safety systems before they are physically built.
A study found that electronic prescribing systems can increase the use of lower-cost medications, reducing healthcare spending. The system, which uses a tiered copayment structure, helps clinicians track copayment tiers across insurance plans' formularies.
A newly discovered species of microsporidia infects the roundworm C. elegans, providing a powerful system to study these mysterious microbes and develop new drugs. This discovery has the potential to identify new treatments for human microsporidian infections.
Researchers are using a Wii console to develop robotic learning systems that can teach humans complex skills. They aim to analyze how people learn physical tasks and program robots to mimic this process.
The study shows significantly increased disc tissue density and extracellular matrix components at 12 months post treatment, suggesting a potential link between ADRCs and improved disc condition. Viable ADRCs were identified within the discs, indicating a possible novel therapeutic for spinal surgery patients.
A new study on NYU's primary care residency program reveals remarkably low burnout rates and high career satisfaction among its graduates. The study, published in Academic Medicine, found that 87% of graduates practice as primary care physicians, with many also teaching, researching, and advocating for health issues.
A recent study found that racial disparities in liver transplantation have decreased since the introduction of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score system. In contrast, sex-based disparities persist, with women being less likely to receive a liver transplant within three years of listing.
A new survey reveals that more than half of US chronically ill adults skip necessary care due to financial constraints. The study also finds high rates of medical errors, poorly coordinated care, and long waits for primary care physicians.
A study found that doctors are unsure about the legality of deactivating an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in terminally-ill patients, leading to unnecessary pain. The researchers recommend educating physicians on managing end-of-life care for ICD patients.
A new study by the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center finds that patients are more likely to use interactive health IT systems when they perceive a real health benefit and receive tailored feedback. The most effective disease self-management systems provide a complete feedback loop with active participation from physicians, current ...
A radical new software program developed by Tel Aviv University researchers has been adopted by top medical centers in America to fight hospital-borne infections. The system, which collects information from microbial lab cultures, sends real-time alerts and reminders to wards every day to identify potentially contagious patients.
Dr. Wendy Levinson urges Canada to implement mandatory revalidation for all physicians to ensure competence and protect the public's trust in the healthcare system. Currently, most provincial standards lack external verification of actual practice skills, leading to a gap in self-regulation.
The Rhode Island Hospital simulation center examines the benefits of advanced medical simulation in five manuscripts, describing its use in training for dynamic, complex medical situations. The articles also discuss the role of simulation in assessing and improving small-scale clinical systems in emergency medicine.
Healthcare opinion leaders strongly support fundamental provider payment reform to encourage high-quality and efficient care. The survey also reveals a preference for bundled approaches and incentives for providers, with only 1% expressing satisfaction with the current fee-for-service system.
The US desperately needs more family doctors to address healthcare access disparities and improve patients' outcomes. Incentives are needed to encourage medical students to specialize in general primary care, rather than lucrative but limited specialty options.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been awarded $430,000 by the Department of Homeland Security to develop its precision indoor location system. The funding will enable WPI to further explore enhancements for its existing radio-frequency and radar-based tracking technology.
The study uses a systems biology approach to understand carbohydrate structures in cells, leading to new ways to combat inflammatory illnesses. Researchers aim to define novel strategies to perturb the glycome and identify new targets for molecular therapies.
A team led by UC San Diego professor Joseph Wang will create an automated sense-and-treat system that monitors biomarkers and administers treatment in real-time, aiming to improve soldier survival rates.
Despite having more doctors than nurses, China struggles with uneven distribution and lack of employment for medical graduates. This maldistribution can be corrected through national policies that incentivize health professionals to work in rural areas.
A study published at the TCT scientific symposium found that a novel blood flow reversal system used during carotid stenting is safe and effective, with a low death rate of 0.8% and major adverse event rate of 3.7%. The system offers potential advantages over existing devices by directing embolic particles away from the brain.
LMU Munich has awarded two Alexander von Humboldt professorships to international scientists Ulrike Gaul and Georgi Dvali, both experts in systems biology and cosmological particle research. The awards bring significant funding and attract top talent to the institution.
Researchers at Yale University have created nanowire sensors that can detect specific antigens and identify diseases with high sensitivity and specificity. The system uses immune cell activation to generate a current in the nanowires, allowing it to detect as few as 200 activated cells.
The new NIAID-funded programs aim to identify molecular features that distinguish bacterial and viral species, which may be targets for potential medical interventions. Researchers will use computational and experimental methods to analyze the dynamics of molecular components within microbes and their interactions with human cells.