Immunochromatographic diagnostic test analysis using Google Glass.

We demonstrate a Google Glass-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) reader platform capable of qualitative and quantitative measurements of various lateral flow immunochromatographic assays and similar biomedical diagnostics tests. Using a custom-written Glass application and without any external hardware attachments, one or more RDTs labeled with Quick Response (QR) code identifiers are simultaneously imaged using the built-in camera of the Google Glass that is based on a hands-free and voice-controlled interface and digitally transmitted to a server for digital processing. The acquired JPEG images are automatically processed to locate all the RDTs and, for each RDT, to produce a quantitative diagnostic result, which is returned to the Google Glass (i.e., the user) and also stored on a central server along with the RDT image, QR code, and other related information (e.g., demographic data). The same server also provides a dynamic spatiotemporal map and real-time statistics for uploaded RDT results accessible through Internet browsers. We tested this Google Glass-based diagnostic platform using qualitative (i.e., yes/no) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and quantitative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. For the quantitative RDTs, we measured activated tests at various concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 ng/mL for free and total PSA. This wearable RDT reader platform running on Google Glass combines a hands-free sensing and image capture interface with powerful servers running our custom image processing codes, and it can be quite useful for real-time spatiotemporal tracking of various diseases and personal medical conditions, providing a valuable tool for epidemiology and mobile health

A case study in open source innovation: developing the Tidepool Platform for interoperability in type 1 diabetes management.

OBJECTIVE:Develop a device-agnostic cloud platform to host diabetes device data and catalyze an ecosystem of software innovation for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An interdisciplinary team decided to establish a nonprofit company, Tidepool, and build open-source software. RESULTS:Through a user-centered design process, the authors created a software platform, the Tidepool Platform, to upload and host T1D device data in an integrated, device-agnostic fashion, as well as an application ("app"), Blip, to visualize the data. Tidepool's software utilizes the principles of modular components, modern web design including REST APIs and JavaScript, cloud computing, agile development methodology, and robust privacy and security. DISCUSSION:By consolidating the currently scattered and siloed T1D device data ecosystem into one open platform, Tidepool can improve access to the data and enable new possibilities and efficiencies in T1D clinical care and research. The Tidepool Platform decouples diabetes apps from diabetes devices, allowing software developers to build innovative apps without requiring them to design a unique back-end (e.g., database and security) or unique ways of ingesting device data. It allows people with T1D to choose to use any preferred app regardless of which device(s) they use. CONCLUSION:The authors believe that the Tidepool Platform can solve two current problems in the T1D device landscape: 1) limited access to T1D device data and 2) poor interoperability of data from different devices. If proven effective, Tidepool's open source, cloud model for health data interoperability is applicable to other healthcare use cases

The surgeon and his tools-the case for a focused orthopaedic theatre induction programme

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Induction programme for trainee doctors in the UK generally do not focus on the surgical aspects of their jobs. In this context we decided to conduct a telephonic survey among the hospitals belonging to three orthopaedic training regions in the UK from the point of view of the diversity of instrumentations and implants used for index procedures.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We chose four index trauma & orthopaedic procedures (Total hip replacement, total knee replacement, intramedullary nailing and external fixator systems for long bone fractures). A telephonic survey was done in six NHS trust hospitals which were part of an orthopaedic training rotation (2 from England, 2 from Wales and 2 from Scotland). In total there were 39 different instrumentation systems for these 4 index procedures in the 6 trusts (see table <tblr tid="T1">1</tblr>). These comprise 12 Total hip replacement (THR) systems, 14 total knee replacement (TKR) systems, 9 intra-medullary nailing systems, and 4 external fixator systems. The number of different systems for each trust ranged from 7 to 19. There is a vast array of implants and instrumentation systems in each trust, as highlighted by our survey. The surgical tools are not the same in each hospitals. This situation is more complicated when trainees move to new hospitals as part of training rotations.</p> <tbl id="T1"> <title> <p>Table 1</p> </title> <caption> <p>Number of implants/instrumentations used in each of the 6 UK trusts (3 training regions).</p> </caption> <tblbdy cols="7"> <r> <c ca="left"> <p>IMPLANT</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>E1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>E2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>W1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>W2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>S1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>S2</p> </c> </r> <r> <c cspan="7"> <hr/> </c> </r> <r> <c ca="left"> <p><it>Total Knee Replacement</it></p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>4</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>5</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>4</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> </r> <r> <c ca="left"> <p><it>Total Hip Replacement</it></p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>4</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>6</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> </r> <r> <c ca="left"> <p><it>Intramnedullary nailing</it></p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>6</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> </r> <r> <c ca="left"> <p><it>External fixators</it></p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>3</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>2</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>1</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>1</p> </c> </r> <r> <c cspan="7"> <hr/> </c> </r> <r> <c ca="left"> <p><it>TOTAL</it></p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>11</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>13</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>8</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>18</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>9</p> </c> <c ca="center"> <p>9</p> </c> </r> </tblbdy> <tblfn> <p>E = England, W = Wales, S = Scotland</p> </tblfn> </tbl> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In view of this we feel that more focused theatre based induction programmes for higher surgical trainees is advocated in each hospital trust so trainees can familiarise themselves with the tools available to them. This could include discussion with the consultants and senior theatre staff along with representatives from the companies supplying the implants and instrumentation systems.</p

Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species and Protection of Mammalian Cells

Methods and compositions useful for neuronal protection in retinal cells in vitro and the protection of mammalian cells from reactive oxygen species in vivo are provided. Ultrafine nano-size cerium oxide particles, less than 10 nanometers in diameter, have been provided to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) in retina tissue that generates large amounts of ROS. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in light-induced retina degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cerium oxide nanoparticles have been used to promote the lifespan of retinal neurons and protect the neurons from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in vitro and in vivo. The neuronal protection in retinal cells is achieved by decreasing generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, cerium oxide particles are used to promote the longevity of retinal neurons in vitro and mammalian cells in vivo

Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species and Protection of Mammalian Cells in Vivo.

Methods and compositions useful for neuronal protection in retinal cells in vitro and the protection of mammalian cells from reactive oxygen species in vivo are provided. Ultrafine nano-size cerium oxide particles, less than 10 nanometers in diameter, have been provided to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) in retina tissue that generates large amounts of ROS. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in light-induced retina degeneration and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cerium oxide nanoparticles have been used to promote the lifespan of retinal neurons and protect the neurons from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide in vitro and in vivo. The neuronal protection in retinal cells is achieved by decreasing generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, cerium oxide particles are used to promote the longevity of retinal neurons in vitro and mammalian cells in vivo

Securing the Internet of Healthcare

Cybersecurity, including the security of information technology (IT), is a critical requirement in ensuring society trusts, and therefore can benefit from, modern technology. Problematically, though, rarely a day goes by without a news story related to how critical data has been exposed, exfiltrated, or otherwise inappropriately used or accessed as a result of supply chain vulnerabilities. From the Russian government\u27s campaign to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election to the September 2017 Equifax breach of more than 140-million Americans\u27 credit reports, mitigating cyber risk has become a topic of conversation in boardrooms and the White House, on Wall Street and Main Street. But oftentimes these discussions miss the problems replete in the often-expansive supply chains on which many of these products and services we depend on are built; this is particularly true in the medical device context. The problem recently made national news with the FDA-mandated recall of more than 400,000 pacemakers that were found to be vulnerable to hackers necessitating a firmware update. This Article explores the myriad vulnerabilities in the supply chain for medical devices, investigates existing FDA cybersecurity and privacy regulations to identify any potential governance gaps, and suggests a path forward to boost cybersecurity due diligence for manufacturers by making use of new approaches and technologies, including blockchain

The Eye4HK Meme and the Construction of an Injustice Frame

The territory-wide protest in Hong Kong in 2019, originated from a proposed amendment bill on the extradition of fugitives to China which triggered massive protests. In an incident, the police shot a female medic in the eye which outraged the public. A Korean celebrity initiated an online movement by uploading a selfie covering his right eye to Twitter showing solidarity with the victim. The eye-covered image signifies the girl who lost her eye as a political victim, gaining wide sympathy. The sub-campaign constructed an image of resistance against police brutality which strengthened the wider movement in Hong Kong and helped to win support in other parts of the world. The campaign also linked the emotions of the two places by recalling Koreans’ memory of their historical struggle for democracy. The sub-campaign generated symbolic resources accumulating through the production and reproduction process online and subsequently benefited the wider social movement for political change

Incorporation of the microencapsulated antimicrobial agent phytoncide into denture base resin

Background This study aimed to fabricate a denture base resin (DBR) containing phytoncide microcapsules (PTMCs) and determine the mechanical properties of the resin and antifungal activity. Methods Fifty‐four heat cured rectangular DBR specimens (64 x 10 x 3.3 ± 0.2 mm) containing nine concentrations of PTMC between 0 ‐ 5% (wt/wt) were fabricated and subjected to a three‐point bending test. A phytoncide release bioassay was developed using DBR containing 0% and 2.5% PTMCs (wt/wt) in a 24 well‐plate assay with incubation of Porphyromonas gingivalis at 37°C for 74 h. The antifungal activity of PTMCs against Candida albicans, in a pH 5.5 acidic environment was determined in a plate assay. Results Flexural strength decreased with increasing PTMC concentration from 97.58 ± 4.79 MPa for the DBR alone to 53.66 ± 2.46 MPa for DBR containing 5.0% PTMC. No release of phytoncide from the PTMCs in the DBR was detected at pH 7.4. The PTMCs had a minimal inhibitory concentration of 2.6% (wt/vol) against C. albicans at pH 5.5. Conclusions PTMCs can be added to DBR 2.5% (wt/wt) without adversely affecting flexural strength. PTMCs released the antimicrobial agent at pH 5.5 at concentrations sufficient to inhibit the growth of the C. albicans