Articles tagged with Systems Biology
The Medtronic Straightshot M4 Microdebrider and Hospira's Symbiq Infusion System have won the 2006 User-Centered Product Design Award for their focus on functional obviousness, ease of operation, and creativity. The winning designs demonstrate user-centered approaches to human factors and industrial design.
A new study suggests that some insects could have grown larger during the late Paleozoic period due to higher oxygen levels. The tracheal system of insects allows them to transport oxygen efficiently, but this system limits their growth.
A survey of over 3,000 physicians found that fewer than half incorporate e-mail and Internet resources into routine patient practice. Only about 40% said they used e-mail communication with colleagues frequently.
The EMBL/CRG Research Unit will tackle challenging questions in systems biology through a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches. The unit will span from molecules to cells and work with various research techniques.
A Mayo Clinic study found that physicians who report making a major error in the previous three months experience burnout and depression, increasing the risk of future errors. The study also discovered a reverse connection, where high burnout levels increase the likelihood of an error in the next three months.
Researchers at Penn's Department of Radiology will utilize a new 7 Tesla whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for high-field imaging. The ultra-high field magnet will improve sensitivity, speed, and image resolution, enabling detection of disease in ways never seen before.
Researchers have created a surgical robot that can be controlled remotely, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures on patients in areas inaccessible to traditional medical care. The technology has the potential to save lives in remote or combat zones by providing specialized surgical skills and expertise.
Two-fifths of US adults report experiencing unsafe, wasteful, or poorly coordinated healthcare. This is a significant concern, as three-quarters of adults advocate fundamental changes in the healthcare system.
A new CD-ROM containing more than 40 selected chapters from the HIV InSite Knowledge Base is being released to provide comprehensive HIV information in the developing world. The disk features a wide range of topics, including natural science, diagnosis and clinical management, transmission and prevention.
Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends implementing major quality and safety improvements, expanding information technology, and increasing public reporting on quality and costs. The report aims to establish more organized systems of care to improve value and provide reliable comparison of results among providers.
Researchers have developed a Google-like system to analyze mammogram images, using principles of information theory and entropy-based indexing. The system reduces processing time for computer-assisted detection systems by one-fourth, allowing for more efficient diagnosis.
A sociologist argues that computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) have many virtues, but also significant problems. CPOE is often seen as irrational impositions rather than helpful tools, and its supporters need to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
The Program in Systems Immunology and Infectious Disease Modeling (PSIIM) aims to understand complex biochemical networks regulating interactions between pathogens and human cells. The program employs Simmune software to simulate biological systems, enabling scientists to predict how drugs affect cell behavior and develop new treatments.
Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a three-dimensional culture system to preserve immature eggs for female fertility preservation. The technology, which mimics the ovary environment, has successfully led to the live birth of healthy mice from in vitro grown follicles.
A recent study found that hospital quality measures do not fully account for the variation in hospital death rates for heart attack patients. The study used data from over 962 hospitals and found moderate correlations between certain process measures, such as medication use, and patient outcomes.
Researchers found that using a suction device during minimally invasive angioplasty and stenting improves kidney function, reducing damage to the kidneys. The study suggests that this technique can lead to better outcomes and more effective treatments for patients with renal artery stenosis.
A new scoring system can help determine which patients are at the lowest risk of dying after gastric bypass surgery. The system is based on five easy-to-identify patient characteristics and provides a standardized way to compare outcomes among centers performing the surgery.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that tracking computer-based error reports can improve patient safety. The researchers analyzed 1,010 medication errors and found that nearly one-third of all errors occurred with anti-infective medications.
Researchers at Cornell University are developing tiny, implantable sensors that can measure blood flow, temperature and pressure in real-time. The technology has the potential to enhance patient monitoring tools and create microscopic implants or sensor systems integrated with present equipment.
A UCLA/VA study found that many eligible VA patients with abnormal FOBT results did not receive follow-up diagnostic tests such as colonoscopies or barium enemas. The study identified factors contributing to lack of follow-up, including lack of primary care visits and delayed referrals.
A recent study found 14 cases of direct adverse events associated with pediatric spinal manipulation, including serious events like hemorrhage and paraplegia. The research team is now working on developing a more effective reporting system to collect data on outcomes, including harms.
This article emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health inequities. It highlights the limitations of reductionism in medicine and suggests that a systems biology approach could be valuable for clinical medicine, focusing on the holistic characteristics of a problem rather than its component parts.
The conference aims to define the scientific parameters of surge capacity, a critical measure of disaster preparedness. Experts will explore the linkages between disaster surge and daily surge, developing a better understanding of this complex issue.
EMRs enable better patient care, data analysis, and research studies, but challenges remain in implementation and integration. Despite limitations, EMRs offer advantages such as streamlined reports, medication reminders, and quality tracking.
UNH researcher Ray Grizzle is restoring oyster reefs in the Great Bay estuarine system to promote water quality, support marine life, and provide habitat for sport fishes. His research explores optimal reef restoration techniques using disease-resistant young oysters and recycled shells.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that nearly 70% of medical malpractice claims involve serious injury or error, contradicting common portrayals of frivolous lawsuits. However, the study also highlights significant administrative costs and lengthy processing times for legitimate claims.
A joint research effort is testing a micro-climate cooling system to be placed in soldiers' boots and under their battledress hoods. The device aims to lower the wearer's core body temperature, potentially providing relief for desert soldiers operating in hot environments.
A University of Iowa and VA study found that certificate of need programs limit the growth of high-cost medical services but do not harm patients. Hospitals with higher volume rates for certain procedures tend to perform better, suggesting a potential role for regulatory policies in ensuring quality care.
A new technology developed by Pall Corporation enables faster and more efficient cell harvesting for cell therapy, with processing times reduced to under 15 minutes. The system exhibits higher yield of cells and is easy to use, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations.
A new study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has successfully reduced verbal medical order errors to zero through the implementation of a simple read-back process. The study involved 70 consecutive orders, resulting in an error rate of 9.1 percent, with most errors being dosages that would not have affected safety.
Researchers believe blocking EC system receptors can reduce cardiometabolic risk and prevent heart disease. The discovery of the EC system holds promise for a new approach to treating obesity and related conditions.
A Canadian study found that ICD device replacements due to advisories resulted in significant complications, including death, in 8.1% of cases. The study highlights the need for guidelines to determine appropriate treatment for patients with advisory devices.
In Mississippi, physicians fought back against malpractice insurance crisis by educating patients on the benefits of tort reform, leading to a cap on noneconomic damages. In Alameda County Medical Center, advocacy focused on patient education helped pass a local tax measure to address financial crisis and protect services.
The Regenstrief Institute has developed the Regenstrief Medical Records System, which provides unique clinical decision support and guidelines. The institute's research has shown that widespread adoption of electronic medical records can improve quality of care and save $81 billion annually.
The authors outline a vision for a dynamic learning organizational system to ensure quality care at an affordable price. Key elements include professionalism, systems engineering, and information technology to provide universal coverage through a market-based model with government assistance.
A recent study found that diabetes care has improved over the past decade, but two in five people with diabetes still have poor control of cholesterol and blood pressure. Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease for those with mild hypertension.
The Jackson center aims to understand how genes interact to develop healthy individuals or lead to diseases, leveraging the power of the mouse model. Collaborators will use computational approaches to identify clusters of genes associated with complex diseases, shedding light on their evolution and causes.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) will release recommendations for reforming primary care compensation, education, and training. The reforms aim to strengthen the importance of primary care in the healthcare system by recognizing its value and role in delivering better quality care at lower costs. ACP leaders will discuss a comp...
A new automatic system at the Ann Arbor VA hospital kept eight patients with serious scan results from falling through the cracks, including five who had cancer. The system, which uses electronic tags to alert doctors to potential problems, was developed after a similar issue occurred at the institution.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a 'PAWS: Pet Care Awareness System' to improve the lives of seniors and their pets. The system aims to provide a seamless, virtually intuitive interface for veterinarians, physicians, and family members to access pet health information.
A study proposes strategies to share health information across systems, eliminating duplicate tests and providing real-time information. The goal is to bridge the gap between current standards of care and optimal care through effective use of technology.
A study by Dr. Harris has shown promising results for the SAFE System, a hair replacement surgery that reduces trauma and increases accessibility for African-American and elderly patients. The procedure also boasts virtually pain-free surgery, faster recovery time, and increased efficiency for physicians.
A study of 208 patients treated at Bellevue Hospital from 1990 to 2003 found that most had minor injuries, but some suffered severe amputations or died. The researchers identified a pattern between economic downturns and increased subway accidents, suggesting that slowing down trains could reduce the severity of injuries.
A system is needed to monitor and address performance issues in doctors due to underlying causes such as mental health problems, substance abuse, or physical illness. The proposed model involves explicit performance standards, annual evaluations, and access to treatment programs.
Researchers have developed a portable device that uses Doppler ultrasound to find veins quickly and accurately. The device is composed of two parts: a reusable unit with signal processing components and a disposable coupler box with a reflector and needle guide.
A new plant-based system rapidly produces high levels of antigens that confer immunity against the plague. Guinea pigs vaccinated with the new antigen exhibited higher survival rates compared to traditional vaccines.
The Cambridge Templeton Consortium has received $2.8 million to investigate the emergence of biological complexity through various fields, including molecular biology, social sciences, and philosophy. Researchers will explore questions about the development of intelligence, human self-awareness, and design in nature.
A year-long randomized trial involving 32 emergency departments in Connecticut and southwestern Pennsylvania showed that moderate- and high-intensity quality improvement strategies safely increased outpatient treatment for low-risk patients. The study also found effective implementation of guideline recommendations among practitioners.
A new software system, GRIP, was implemented in a 12-bed ICU and monitored 179 patients over four months. The results showed that 61% of the patients had correct glucose levels more than 75% of the time they were being monitored by GRIP.
Despite extensive research and calls for reform, US hospitals' patient safety systems have made only modest progress. The study found that while some areas, like surgery, have implemented effective safety measures, others, such as medication management, have seen improvements but are already at high baseline levels.
A study found that cataract extraction rates and costs decreased by half under contact capitation reimbursement. Professional reimbursement increased, while facility fees decreased significantly, in comparison to the fee-for-service system.
A pilot study on an online information system for multiple sclerosis patients will be conducted using the software developed by Cerner Corp., enabling direct access to medical records and prescription drugs, as well as private e-mail correspondence with physicians.
MIRIAM is a voluntary code of conduct that standardizes computer models of life, providing reference correspondence and annotation schemes to improve searchability and usability. By adopting MIRIAM, model repositories can ensure quality control and facilitate collaboration among researchers.
Researchers found a nearly twofold greater risk of death or hospitalization extending longer than 10 days for patients with heparin antibodies before surgery. The study also showed that patients with the antibodies fared worse than those without, regardless of their predicted surgical risk.
The UCSF program aims to train scientists with knowledge and skills in biomedical, physical, and computational sciences. The new program will foster collaboration, introduce quantitative faculty, and diversify lab experiences.
Researchers used brain scans to predict volunteer performance in a motion discrimination task. They found that brain signals related to spatial attention predicted performance, suggesting the brain uses internal signals to influence perception.
A recent study reveals that approximately $230 billion in national healthcare spending is devoted to insurance administration. Insurance companies spend around 10% of premiums on billing and marketing activities, while physicians' offices allocate 14%, with hospitals using 9%. The study found that only 66% of health insurance dollars a...
A clinical trial alert system significantly increased physicians' participation in patient recruitment, doubling the enrollment rate from 2.9 to 6.0 participants per month. The system alerted physicians about ongoing trials when a patient's records met selected criteria, leading to a 10-fold increase in referrals.
The Newman team won an NSF award for their work on biological self-assembly, a principle that considers the physical properties of cells and tissues to develop new organs. Their research could lead to the 'printing' of replacement parts using organ printing, revolutionizing organ transplantation.