Health Care Workers, Technology / 19.07.2024

In today's fast-paced hospital administrative environment, maintaining high levels of employee productivity is vital for competitive advantage. Access control systems offer an innovative solution for enhancing workplace efficiency through improved security and streamlined operations. By simplifying entry procedures and providing real-time access management, these systems can significantly reduce time spent on administrative tasks. In this article, we explore the numerous ways these technologies can contribute to a more productive workforce. Corporate office with multiple employees that use cloud-based access control to enter premisesThe use of cloud-based access control systems in modern workplaces has shown a positive correlation with improved operational efficiency. By eliminating the need for physical keys and manual check-ins, employees are granted swift entry, thereby reducing bottlenecks during peak hours. Implementing access control provides seamless entry and helps maintain a steady workflow from the moment employees step into the office. Moreover, these systems offer the capability to manage permissions remotely, saving time for both employees and management. Managers can adjust access rights from anywhere, ensuring that the right personnel have the right access without any delay. Such flexibility avoids interruptions in the workday and allows employees to remain focused on their tasks. With fewer administrative tasks to handle, office managers find more time to devote to strategic initiatives. The automation of access control systems reduces the need for manual oversight, freeing up resources that can then be allocated to more impactful areas of the business. The shift from administrative to strategic roles not only boosts productivity but also enhances job satisfaction. (more…)
Cannabis, Technology / 03.07.2024

In recent times, the lawn of the marijuana market has undergone a massive change, with one product in particular standing out. These smooth, concealed apparatuses have quickly become popular, capturing both old and new souls. The popularity of THC Pen raises pertinent issues about what makes them so widespread among users than other products in the industry. This text tackles this phenomenon by looking at what is drawing many people to these products, how practical they are, and what kind of customers prefer buying THC pens over all other types in today’s day cannabis market.  

Factors Contributing  To The Success Of  THC Pens

The rise of THC pens: a phenomenon explained

THC pens have become extremely popular due to their ease of use, portability, and discreteness. Unlike traditional methods of smoking cannabis, pens provide a more portable and odorless way to consume the drug, which can appeal to a broader audience than seasoned users. This rise has been blamed on changing societal attitudes towards marijuana as well as its legalization in various regions, thus making it commonplace among many individuals. Moreover, their sleek designs and user-friendly traits have made them accessible even to novices who may fear other ways of administration. Consequently, this has made them dominate the cannabis market, thereby showing a paradigm shift in how cannabis products are consumed and perceived. (more…)
Health Care Systems, Medical Records, Technology / 01.07.2024

SAP TransformationImplementing ABA practice management software brings significant benefits to managing client data. This software streamlines administrative tasks, allowing therapists to focus more on delivering quality care. By centralizing client information, practice management solutions enhance both efficiency and organizational workflow. Effective softwares, such as an ABA practice management solution from Theralytics, has comprehensive features for tracking client progress and history. Securely storing client records in a centralized location not only simplifies data access but also improves communication and coordination among staff. By leveraging such software, practices can utilize data to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes. Automated data collection and analysis foster better decision-making, leading to improved treatment plans and client satisfaction. The integration of these tools is crucial for maintaining high standards of care in ABA therapy.

Key Takeaways

  • ABA software enhances data management and administrative efficiency.
  • Centralized information improves workflow and coordination.
  • Leveraging data from software leads to better therapeutic outcomes.
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Medical Imaging, Technology / 27.06.2024

Endoscopy, a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool in modern medicine, is constantly evolving. Advancements in technology are set to revolutionise how endoscopic procedures are performed, enhancing their accuracy, safety, and efficacy. Here, we explore the emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of endoscopy.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

One of the most promising developments in endoscopy is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies enhance diagnostic capabilities by providing real-time image analysis, which helps in the identification of abnormalities, polyps, and early signs of cancer with unprecedented accuracy. Machine learning algorithms can also predict patient outcomes and suggest personalised treatment plans based on vast amounts of historical data, improving overall patient care.

Miniaturisation and Micro-Robotics

The trend towards miniaturisation is leading to the development of swallowable capsules equipped with tiny cameras. These capsules can capture high-quality images of the gastrointestinal tract as they travel through it, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy. Additionally, micro-robotic devices are being developed to navigate and perform procedures within the body with high precision, reducing the need for larger incisions and enhancing recovery times. (more…)
Author Interviews, Technology, Telemedicine / 14.06.2024

Enhancing Patient Engagement Through Strategic Digital Integration

Leveraging SEO for Improved Patient Information Accessibility

The strategic use of digital platforms in healthcare, particularly through search engine optimization (SEO), significantly enhances how medical practices engage with patients. SEO is crucial in making educational content easily discoverable online, thereby ensuring that when patients seek information about their conditions or potential treatments, the resources provided by advanced platforms like CheckedUp are readily available.

Pre-Visit Patient Education via Optimized Content

Digital platforms not only facilitate direct patient education but also play a pivotal role in how this content is structured and presented online. By optimizing content for search engines, practices can ensure higher visibility and accessibility, allowing patients to obtain necessary medical knowledge before their consultations. This approach not only improves the efficiency of in-person visits but also empowers patients, making them proactive participants in their healthcare journey. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Aging, Technology / 11.06.2024

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, making the availability of fall detection in medical alert systems essential. Having a medical alert system with fall detection can provide peace of mind, knowing that help will be on the way even if you can't push a button. This feature can be particularly critical in emergencies where immediate assistance can significantly affect outcomes. This article takes you through the reasons why having a fall detection system is an essential add-on to your medical alert system.

fall-protection-deviceFall Detection Technology

Fall detection technology relies on advanced sensors and algorithms to ensure timely assistance when a fall occurs. This technology is built into various wearable devices, offering accuracy and reliability in monitoring movements and detecting falls.

How Fall Detection Works

Fall detection systems typically use accelerometers and gyroscopes embedded within the device to monitor movement patterns. When a fall is detected, the device triggers an alert, contacting emergency services or a designated caregiver automatically. These systems measure changes in speed and orientation to identify sudden impacts. They provide a vital safety net for individuals who might not be able to manually signal for help following a fall. (more…)
ASCO, Author Interviews, Technology / 08.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Frederick Howard MD Assistant Professor of Medicine Section of Hematology / Oncology University of Chicago MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: With the advent of AI language models like ChatGPT, these tools may be used to generate scientific literature or abstracts. Indeed, a survey conducted by Nature in 2023 found that nearly 30% of scientists were using AI tools to aid in the writing of scientific manuscripts. The use of AI in scientific literature can be difficult to identify, and previous studies suggest that human reviewers cannot distinguish between AI generated and human written scientific abstracts. Commercial tools designed to identify AI content may have a higher degree of accuracy, but the optimal approach to applying such tools to detect AI content within scientific literature is uncertain. (more…)
Gaming, Technology / 31.05.2024

The online gambling industry, known as iGaming, has seen tremendous growth and evolution since the first virtual casinos launched in the mid 1990s. What started as basic online replicas of land-based establishments has transformed into a high-tech, immersive gaming experience across multiple platforms and devices. Understanding how iGaming platforms, such as Lukki online casino, have advanced over the years provides insight into the trajectory of the industry and what the future may hold. Examining the key innovations and breakthroughs that have shaped the development of online casinos sheds light on the driving factors behind their phenomenal rise. (more…)
Nutrition, Technology / 30.05.2024

Nutrition label makers have become popular in food production circles. But they are more than just a fad. You need them to run a food business that meets regulatory standards. Let's explore food labeling software and the features that make it a star in the food production industry.

The Science Behind Food Labels

Nutrition Label Making SoftwareThe nutrition label maker relies on food reference materials to produce accurate and up-to-date nutrition information. The reference materials are compilations of nutritional data detailing the nutrients in diverse foods and beverages. Most food manufacturers prefer government-backed standard reference materials—such as those from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)—as they meet accuracy, trustworthiness, and reliability standards. Manufacturers can also use scientifically developed food databases that are not affiliated with government agencies as their nutrition data source. Indeed, many players in the food production space rely on more than one database to process their products' nutrient data. The more data a nutrition label maker has to comb through, the more extensive the nutrient information it can compile for every food ingredient. This is important for two main reasons:
  • It provides the consumer with comprehensive nutritional details about the food product
  • It ensures that the manufacturer is FDA-compliant
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Heart Disease, Infections, Technology / 07.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sarah Dräger, MD Postdoc, BRCCH Researcher Internal Medicine and ID specialist Division of Internal Medicine University Hospital Basel, Switzerland Basel   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:In patients with severe infections and patients in the intensive care unit, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may be used to optimize and personalize intravenous antibiotic treatment. In these patients, “conventional antibiotic dosing”, e.g. selection of the dose only considering the renal function and, if applicable, body weight, may lead to over- or underdosing due to an altered drug metabolism. This, in turn may be associated with worse clinical outcome or toxic side effects. TDM is used to monitor antibiotic blood plasma concentrations and provides guidance to the clinicians to adjust the antibiotic dosing according to the TDM results. But the collection of blood is an invasive, time- and resource-consuming sample collection technique and leads to discomfort to the patients. Additionally, turnaround time may be long (3h to 8h), and analyses may be offered only twice or three time a week. This may be too late to guide antibiotic dosing timely in patients with a very dynamic drug metabolism. Therefore, alternatives are required to overcome the limitations of current TDM. By using exhaled breath, we aim to develop an innovative therapeutic drug monitoring technique, which is non-invasive, easy to collect, not associated with discomfort to the patient, and which may allow to decrease the turnaround time, especially when combined with real-time analyses. (more…)
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, Technology, UCSD, Vaccine Studies / 25.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John W. AyersJohn W. Ayers, PhD MA Vice Chief of Innovation | Assoc. Professor
Div. Infectious Disease & Global Public Health University of California San Diego Since the World Health Organization declared an ‘infodemic’ of misinformation, there have been surprisingly few achievements to celebrate. X's Community Notes have emerged as an innovative strategy to address misinformation as reported in the latest issue of JAMA.
Before the inception of Community Notes, social media companies employed various tactics to tackle misinformation, including censoring, shadowbanning (muting a user or their content on a platform without informing them), and adding generic warning labels to problematic content. However, these efforts were typically undisclosed meaning their effectiveness could not be studied.

In late 2022, X introduced Community Notes. This novel approach empowers volunteer, independent, anonymous, and ideologically diverse contributors to identify posts containing misinformation and to rectify misinformation by appending informative "notes" to suspect posts. The process is controlled by the public, instead of decision-makers at the company. Most importantly the system is open-sourced so it can be studied by external scientists.

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Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Technology / 03.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Janarthanan Sathananthan M.D. Chief Medical Officer for Interventional Cardiology Therapies Boston Scientific MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? boston-scientificResponse: Despite significant improvements in the drug-eluting stents that are used to treat patients with coronary artery disease, 10% of the percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in the U.S. today address in-stent restenosis (ISR), which is when a previously stented section of a coronary artery becomes obstructed or narrowed by plaque or scar tissue. These patients require additional intervention to avoid potential complications. In the multicenter, randomized AGENT IDE trial, we evaluated whether the AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB), a balloon catheter coated with anti-restenotic paclitaxel, is superior to an uncoated balloon in patients for treating ISR. The AGENT DCB is currently available in countries outside the U.S. Our goal is to bring this technology to market in the U.S. and finally provide physicians with an alternative to traditional ISR treatments, such as placing additional layers of stents or radiation, which may not provide ideal outcomes in some cases. In October 2023, at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2023 meeting, we presented the primary endpoint data from our AGENT IDE randomized controlled trial evaluating clinical outcomes in patients with ISR undergoing treatment with the AGENT DCB or conventional balloon angioplasty. The positive results in this primary analysis cohort supported the device’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which we announced on March 1, 2024. Just a few months later, data from the full cohort of 600 patients were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and shared in a late-breaking presentation at Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) 2024 meeting.  (more…)
Addiction, Technology / 14.03.2024

In recent years, technology has been increasingly harnessed to transform the landscape of substance addiction treatment and recovery. Technology integration has revolutionized traditional approaches, from innovative mobile applications to virtual reality therapy and artificial intelligence-powered interventions. These advancements offer new avenues for personalized, accessible, and effective care, significantly impacting the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of tech-driven solutions that are reshaping addiction treatment. (more…)
Heart Disease, Technology / 07.03.2024

Heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in medical technology and treatment modalities, managing heart disease remains challenging. This is particularly true in remote or underserved areas with limited access to specialized healthcare. However, remote patient monitoring (RPM) has transformed the landscape of cardiac care, offering innovative solutions for proactive management and early intervention. The market for remote patient monitoring was projected to be valued at $14.0 billion in 2023, according to PR Newswire. By 2028, it is anticipated to increase to $41.7 billion. This article explores the significance of remote patient monitoring in effectively managing heart disease and its evolving role in enhancing patient outcomes. (more…)
Author Interviews, Nature, Technology, University of Pittsburgh / 26.02.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jishnu Das, Ph.D. Center for Systems Immunology Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, Assistant Professor School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study? How does this new AI model work?  How is it different from other models? Response: Modern multi-omic technologies generate an enormous amount of data across scales of organization, and with differing resolution. While recent machine learning methods have harnessed these to predict clinical/physiological outcomes, they are often black boxes that do not provide meaningful inference beyond prediction. Differences in data generation modalities, redundancy in the data, as well as large numbers of irrelevant features make inference of biological mechanisms from high-dimensional omic datasets challenging. To address these challenges, we developed a machine learning technique called SLIDE (Significant Latent Factor Interaction Discovery and Exploration). We reasoned that features that are directly measured by current technologies are constrained by strengths and weaknesses of current platforms. So, while some observed features may be excellent correlates of outcomes of interest, inferring biological mechanisms from these multi-omic datasets requires us to delve beyond the observable into the hidden states, i.e., latent factors. These hidden states encapsulate the true drivers of underlying biological processes and capture a complex multi-scale interplay between entities measured by these datasets. Our method moves beyond simple biomarkers/correlates (“the what”) to hidden states that actually explain clinical/physiological outcomes (“the how” and “the why”). (more…)
Author Interviews, Autism, JAMA, Pediatrics, Technology / 08.01.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karen F. Heffler, MD Researcher, Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? children-watching-tv-pexels-photo-4740522 Response: Atypical sensory processing is common in neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 60% of children with ADHD and up to 90% of children with autism. Sensory symptoms are associated with hyperactivity, restricted/repetitive behavior, irritability, behavioral problems, and emotional dysregulation. Sensory-related meltdowns and symptoms can be very disruptive to family-life, interfere with family participation in community events and are associated with increased caregiver stress. Prior to this study there was little understanding of potential risk factors for atypical sensory processing. The researchers used data from the National Children’s Study to determine the association between early-life screen time and sensory processing outcomes among toddlers. (more…)
Technology / 27.12.2023

 Imagine you're facing a medical emergency and every second counts. In times like these, help needs to come fast, and it needs to know exactly what it's dealing with. This is where AI chatbots, the unsung heroes equipped with artificial intelligence, step in. Picture them as the ever-ready digital responders who jump into action when a health crisis occurs. They're designed to collect critical information, provide immediate guidance, and even soothe frayed nerves while human help is on the way. When someone's heart is pounding with fear and uncertainty, these chatbots offer a calming voice of reason, laying out clear instructions that could be lifesaving.
When Seconds Feel Like Hours
In a heart-clenching moment, punching in a phone number and waiting for a human operator can feel like an eternity. With AI chatbots, the response is virtually instant. They don’t get flustered; they stay cool as a cucumber, asking all the right questions to figure out what's wrong. With every passing second precious, these chatbots can guide a person suffering from symptoms to take potentially life-preserving actions. From administering CPR to identifying the signs of a stroke, they're programmed to help even before medics arrive on the scene, turning bystanders into first responders armed with information and confidence.
Note:  Please don't let using AI or Chatbots stop you from calling 911!
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Author Interviews, Technology / 13.12.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Enomoto, Masaru Department of Hepatology Graduate School of Medicine Osaka Metropolitan University Osaka, Japan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This research was conceived out of the use of generative AI drawing upon past experience in selecting a large amount of literature over an extended amount of time. In recent years, generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has gained attention and is being used in various fields, including information gathering and idea generation. In the medical field in particular, it is challenging to gather pertinent data as the volume of information proliferates on a daily basis, so there is a need to improve the efficiency of information collection. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Gastrointestinal Disease, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Technology / 18.11.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Giovanni Traverso MD PhD Karl Van Tassel (1925) Career Development Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research Division of Gastroenterology Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: I think its always important to acknowledge that this is a big team effort.  We have the teams from MIT, Celero Systems, West Virgnia University (WVU) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) all working together on this.   For this study, Celero prototyped the devices that we tested in pre-clinical (Swine) models and in a first-in-human study with the team at WVU. Our lab focuses on the development of ingestible devices for drug delivery and sensing and these have informed the development of these efforts as you can see. MedicalResearch.com: What types of vital signs are measurable in this fashion? Response: Heart rate and respiratory rate. (more…)
Breast Cancer, Technology / 22.10.2023

Breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of new annual cases in the world, making it the most common of all cancers. Early detection is vital, since when breast cancer is localized, it boasts a 99% survival rate. Despite this fact, only 64% of breast cancer cases are detected at a localized stage in the US, according to data obtained from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The good news is that scientists at MIT have developed a new device that can simply be incorporated into a bra. Doing so would allow more frequent monitoring of people with a high risk for breast cancer and it would enable women to detect very early stage tumors.
A Patch In Time
The device is a flexible patch that can be attached to any bra. It has an ultrasound tracker that can analyze breast tissue from various angles—and the images obtained are as high in quality as those obtained from ultrasound probes used in medical imaging clinics The device provides real-time information that is easy to access and interpret. The development of the device resulted from the personal experience of MIT associate professor. Canan Dagdeviren. The latter’s aunt was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at the age of 49, passing away six months later. While sitting by her aunt’s bedside, the researchers created a rough schematic of a diagnostic patch that could be incorporated into a brassiere. The aim was to enable women to obtain more frequent information instead of depending on a once-yearly (or less frequent) checkup. Dagdeviren’s device is essentially a miniature 3D-printed ultrasound scanner that has tiny openings. It can be rotated to obtain images from a plethora of angles, and does not require medical expertise to use. The device leverages the very latest technology, including AI algorithms, biomedical systems, and low-power circuits
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Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Technology / 06.10.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: HUANYU “LARRY” CHENG Ph.D. Associate Professor and Dorothy Quiggle Career Development Professor in Engineering James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics Penn State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Although increasing efforts have been devoted to the development of non-invasive wearable electrochemical sweat sensors for monitoring physiological and metabolic information, most of them still suffer from poor stability and specificity over time and fluctuating pH and temperatures. laser-induced graphene is the low-cost platform for the early identification and continuous monitoring of different biomarkers for non-invasive disease diagnosis and treatment evaluation However, low sensitivity and limited surface area can limit the detection of ultra-low biomarker concentration in sweat or other fluids. As a result, a wide range of conductive nanomaterials has been incorporated into the porous structure of LIG to increase the available surface area, facilitate electron transfer, and enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode but those nanomaterial modifications are hard to manufacture reproducibly, and they are not long-term stable. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop a highly sensitive, selective, low-cost, and long-term stable flexible sensing platform for continuous and accurate healthcare monitoring. (more…)
Author Interviews, Emergency Care, Technology / 15.09.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Hidde ten Berg  Department Emergency Medicine and Dr. Steef Kurstjens Department of Clinical cChemistry and Haematology Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: At this moment we are still in the exploratory phase, and therefore, there is no widespread or routine usage of ChatGPT in Emergency Medicine. That said, there are instances where individual physicians have used ChatGPT for specific purposes. These may include facilitating bureaucratic tasks that can often be time-consuming, aiding in writing e-mails or texts, and serving as a brainstorming tool when dealing with complex medical cases and questions. Though not yet a standardized practice, these isolated examples demonstrate a growing interest for the potential application of this novel technology. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Lancet, Medical Imaging, Technology / 24.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Daiju Ueda Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Graduate School of Medicine Osaka Metropolitan University Osaka, Japan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  We were inspired by the potential of chest radiography as a biomarker for aging. Previous research had utilized chest radiographs for age estimation, but these studies often involved cohorts with diseases. (more…)
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, JAMA, Technology, UCSD / 01.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Zechariah Zhu, B.S. Affiliate Scientist with the Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego and study co-author First author: John W. Ayers, PhD, MA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In today’s day and age (especially after the COVID-19 pandemic), an increasing number of people are turning to virtual options for healthcare. Most notably, there was a 1.6-fold increase in electronic patient messages, which significantly increased the burden on physicians, with a record-high proportion of physicians (62%) reporting burnout symptoms. On the other hand, we also see the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT—an AI chatbot assistant that has taken the world by storm recently with its ability to provide lengthy response essays to many questions it is asked. Our objective for this study, then, was to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT to provide quality and empathetic responses to patient questions. (more…)
AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Technology, Yale / 09.11.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Lovedeep Singh Dhingra, MBBS Postdoctoral Research Associate Cardiovascular Data Science (CarDS) Lab Yale School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Wearable devices are shown to have multiple health-related features, including heart rate and activity monitoring, ECG tracing, and blood pressure monitoring. In our analyses of the nationally-representative Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), we discovered that patients with and at risk of cardiovascular disease are less likely to use wearables. Older patients, patients with lower education, and patients with lower incomes are less likely to use wearables. Also, among adults with access to wearables, patients with cardiovascular disease use their devices less frequently as compared to the overall population. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Cancer Research, JAMA, Lancet, Lung Cancer, Medical Imaging, Technology / 07.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raymond H. Mak, MD Radiation Oncology Disease Center Leader for Thoracic Oncology Director of Patient Safety and QualityDirector of Clinical Innovation Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School Cancer - Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Department of Radiation Oncology Brigham and Women's Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is the algorithm detecting? Response: Lung cancer, the most common cancer worldwide is highly lethal, but can be treated and cured in some cases with radiation therapy.  Nearly half of lung cancer patients will eventually require some form of radiation therapy, but the planning for a course of radiation therapy currently entails manual, time-consuming, and resource-intensive work by highly trained physicians to segment (target) the cancerous tumors in the lungs and adjacent lymph nodes on three-dimensional images (CT scans). Prior studies have shown substantial variation in how expert clinicians delineate these targets, which can negatively impact outcomes and there is a projected shortage of skilled medical staff to perform these tasks worldwide as cancer rates increase. To address this critical gap, our team developed deep learning algorithms that can automatically target lung cancer in the lungs and adjacent lymph nodes from CT scans that are used for radiation therapy planning, and can be deployed in seconds. We trained these artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms using expert-segmented targets from over 700 cases and validated the performance in over 1300 patients in external datasets (including publicly available data from a national trial), benchmarked its performance against expert clinicians, and then further validated the clinical usefulness of the algorithm in human-AI collaboration experiments that measured accuracy, task speed, and end-user satisfaction. (more…)
Heart Disease, Technology / 19.04.2022

Ken Londoner, MBA Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Director BioSig Technologies MedicalResearch.com: Would you briefly describe the condition of Atrial fibrillation (AFib)? Whom does AFib primarily affect and how common is it?  What are the potential complication of AFib?  Response: Atrial Fibrillation, or Afib—the most common heart rhythm disturbance—affects over 33 million people across the globe. Afib is caused by faulty electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) that cause it to beat too fast or irregularly—often more than 400 beats per minute.*  The condition can lead to serious health consequences, including stroke, blood clots, or sudden cardiac arrest. Stroke is among the most serious health concerns for Afib patients, with research suggesting a Afib carries a 5-fold increased risk of stroke— especially when Afib is left untreated. With a lifetime risk of more than 20 percent*, Afib can affect anyone. However, the condition is most common in those 65 years and older.  Individuals with underlying health complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or excessive alcohol use are also at a greater risk of developing Afib.* (more…)
Author Interviews, Ophthalmology, Technology / 01.04.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Scott D. Barnes, MD Chief Medical Officer STAAR Surgical https://staar.com/MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for the EVO procedure?  Would you briefly describe what is meant by myopia and how common it is? Response: EVO is a clinically-proven implantable lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness and nearsightedness with astigmatism. EVO can be the solution for people who want to get rid of their glasses or contact lenses. Myopia (or nearsightedness) is the most common ocular disorder worldwide and its incidence is increasing significantly. An estimated 30% of the world's population, or 2.6 billion people, have myopia and this number is projected to rise to 50% of the global population by the year 2050. (more…)
Author Interviews, Education, JAMA, Surgical Research, Technology / 22.03.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ali M. Fazlollahi, MSc, McGill Medicine Class of 2025 Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning Centre Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences McGill University, Montreal, Canada MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: COVID-19 disrupted hands on surgical exposure of medical students and academic centres around the world had to quickly adapt to teaching technical skills remotely. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) allowed researchers at the Neurosurgical Simulation and Artificial Intelligence Learning Centre to develop an intelligent tutoring system that evaluates performance and provides high-quality personalized feedback to students. Because this is the first AI system capable of providing surgical instructions in simulation, we sought to evaluate its effectiveness compared with learning from expert human instructors who provided coaching remotely. (more…)
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease, Technology / 17.03.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ali Torkamani, Ph.D. Director of Genomics and Genome Informatics Scripps Research Translational Institute Professor, Integrative Structural and Computational Biology Scripps Research La Jolla, CA 92037 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Response: Prior research has shown that people with higher polygenic risk for coronary artery disease achieve greater risk reduction with statin or other lipid lowering therapy. In general, adherence to standard guidelines for lipid lowering therapy is low - about 30% of people who should be on lipid lowering therapy are, with no correlation to their genetic risk. We set out to see whether communicating personalized risk, including polygenic risk, for coronary artery disease would drive the adoption of lipid lowering therapy. (more…)