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At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

Transgenic crops, biotechnology and ownership rights: what scientists need to know.

Ownership of intellectual and tangible property (IP/TP) rights in agricultural biotechnology (ag-biotech) and transgenic plants has become critically important. For scientists in all institutions, whether industrialized or developing country, public or private sector, an understanding of IP/TP rights is fundamental in both research and development. Transgenic plants and ag-biotech products embody numerous components and processes, each of which may have IP/TP rights attached. To identify these rights, a transgenic plant or ag-biotech product must be dissected into its essential components and processes, with each 'piece' analysed under the IP/TP 'microscope'. This product deconstruction is an integral step in product clearance (PC) analysis leading to freedom to operate (FTO). To facilitate a PC analysis, the following points are important: (1) knowing what one has and where it's from, (2) organizing material transfer agreements and licences, (3) researching scientific and patent databases and relevant literature, (4) instituting a laboratory notebook policy, (5) keeping track of ownership of germplasm and plant genetic resources, and (6) promoting ongoing IP/TP management, awareness and training. However, a FTO opinion does not solve the IP/TP issues of releasing a transgenic plant or ag-biotech product; rather, it is a management tool for assessing the risks of litigation. When transferring transgenic plants or ag-biotech to developing nations, scientists from industrialized countries have the heightened responsibility of verifying that IP/TP issues are fully addressed and documented. Successful technology transfer goes beyond research, development and licensing; it is an holistic package leading to long-term partnerships in international development. Managing IP/TP requires capacity-building in scientists and technology transfer offices, in both industrialized and developing countries.

Biotechnology↗

[Online bedside teaching: multimedia, interactive and case-based teaching scenarios in dermatology].

The MeduMobile project or Mobiler Campus Charité was started in the beginning of 2003 to evaluate new, multimedia supported teaching and learning scenarios. The project focuses especially on acute and rare diseases to which students usually have are very limited access. During the teaching sessions the MeduOnCall team and the academic teacher communicate with the students who are equipped with individual notebooks through a wireless net. In dermatology the MeduMobile project focused in summer 2003 and winter 2003/2004 on bedside teaching. Despite some technical difficulties in the beginning the project was well received by teachers and students. The possibility of simultaneous online searches by Internet as well as the possibility to include photographs depicting the course of the skin disease was felt to be one of the main advantages of this project. Based on these positive experiences an attempt will be made to integrate the project further into the regular teaching of the Charite.

Case-Control Studies↗

An interactive technology approach to educate older adults about drug interactions arising from over-the-counter self-medication practices.

An interactive computer program (Personal Education Program [PEP]) designed for the learning styles and psychomotor skills of older adults was used to teach older adults about potential drug interactions that can result from self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) agents and alcohol. Subjects used the PEP on notebook computers equipped with infrared sensitive touchscreens. Subjects were recruited from senior centers. Those who met age, vision, literacy, independence, and medication use criteria were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) PEP plus information booklet; (2) information booklet only; or (3) control. A repeated measures (three time periods 2 weeks apart), three-group design was used. Users of PEP had significantly greater knowledge and self-efficacy scores than both the conventional and control groups at all three time points. The PEP group reported fewer adverse self-medication behaviors over time. Reported self-medication behaviors did not change over time for either the conventional or control groups. Subjects indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the PEP and reported their intent to make specific changes in self-medication behaviors.

Aged↗

A stimulator for functional activation of denervated muscles.

In recent years various studies proved that electrical stimulation can improve contractile capability and restore muscle function in long-term denervated degenerated muscles. The low excitability of the muscle cells at the initial stage of training and surrounding connective tissue, acting as an electrical shunt, require special stimulation parameters. Until now, no appropriate devices (stimulators) are commercially available. Therefore, we were forced to design our own stimulators. The control unit of the stimulators is based on a microprocessor for maximum flexibility regarding the generation of the parameters such as pulse amplitudes, pulse width, frequency, stimulation times, ramps, and so on. In addition, the microprocessor design allows recording of compliance data such as stimulation date, time, duration, and used programs. The constant voltage output stage of the stimulator is able to generate biphasic charge balanced stimulation impulses with a pulse width of 1 to 300 ms, voltage amplitudes up to +/-80 V (160 VPP), and stimulation currents up to 250 mA. To prevent direct current due to inexact charge compensation, the electrode outputs are decoupled capacitively. Simultaneous 2 channel stimulation with independent intensity levels is possible. The stimulators are programmed using a notebook or a personal digital assistant via infrared serial interface. This concept guarantees the application of correct stimulation parameters because the patient has only access to parameters that are preprogrammed for him in the outpatient clinic. For the home based training, access is limited to variation of intensity within preprogrammed limits. For safety reasons, the portable unit is powered by an internal rechargeable battery. High efficiency switched voltage regulators are used to provide the different required voltage levels while ensuring an acceptable operating time of the stimulator.

Electric Power Supplies↗

A prehabilitation program for physically frail community-living older persons.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development and implementation of a preventive, home-based physical therapy program (PREHAB) and to provide evidence for the safety and interrater reliability of the PREHAB protocol. DESIGN: Demonstration study. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four physically frail, community-living persons, aged 75 years or older, who were randomized to the PREHAB program in a clinical trial. INTERVENTIONS: The PREHAB program built on the physical therapy component of 2 previous home-based protocols. A total of 223 assessment items were linked to 28 possible interventions, including progressive balance and conditioning exercises, by using detailed algorithms and decisions rules that were automated on notebook computers. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The percentages of participants who were eligible for and who completed each intervention, the extent of progress noted in the balance and conditioning exercises, adherence to the training program, and adverse events. RESULTS: Participants who completed the PREHAB program and those who ended it prematurely received an average of 9.7 and 7.2 interventions during an average of 14.9 and 9.5 home visits, respectively. With few exceptions, the completion rate and interrater reliability for the specific interventions were high. Despite high self-reported adherence to the training program, the majority of participants did not advance beyond the initial Thera-Band level for the upper- and lower-extremity conditioning exercises, and only about a third advanced to the highest 2 levels of the balance exercises. Adverse events were no more common in the PREHAB group than in the educational control group. CONCLUSION: Our results support the feasibility and safety of the PREHAB program, but also show the special challenges and pitfalls of such a strategy when it is implemented among persons of advanced age and physical frailty.

Aged↗

[Scientific presentation using modern media].

When showing slides with so called "Blue Prints", it is often difficult to explain complex graphics despite the help of a Laserpointer. The Notebook and Videoprojector aid modern presentations in the step by step development of complex graphics. The audience's eyes are directly guided towards the projected image; the attention of the audience is more easily won and held through animation and moving pictures. The central messages of a scientific work can be more simply and clearly conveyed. This method also allows an up-dating of the picture contents at short notice, which is not possible with the common slide. Considering these advantages, modern media should be promoted within the framework of conferences, seminars and further education courses despite the need of greater technical and material equipment.

Attention↗

[Real time 3D sonography of the normal fetal heart--clinical evaluation].

AIM: Aim of the study was to determine the clinical feasibility of real time 3D ultrasound in the examination of the normal fetal heart compared to conventional 2D fetal echocardiography. METHOD: Twenty fetuses with normal hearts at 20 to 38 weeks of gestation underwent real time 3D ultrasound. Examination data were stored on an external notebook. Later analysis and interpretation was done by a different sonographer using a special software. RESULTS: In the assessment of the four chamber view and the out flow tracts real time 3D ultrasound was equivalent to conventional ultrasound. Advantages of realtime 3D ultrasound were the possibility of later time-independent off-line analysis and post-processing of volume data and generation of new views not available in 2D imaging. Disadvantages included low frame rate (16 frames/s), low lateral resolution and the lack of Doppler and colour information. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous display of 3 different views of the fetal heart as well as the construction of spatial perspectives ("new views") provide additional useful information to conventional fetal echocardiography. Later off-line analysis of 3D volume data can be used for sequential analysis of the normal fetal heart with good diagnostic results. Currently it remains unclear whether this new method may provide additional important information in the assessment of fetal congenital heart defects.

Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional↗

[Comparison of different laryngeal mask airways in a resuscitation model].

OBJECTIVE: The standard laryngeal mask airway LMA-Classic is recommended in the ILCOR guidelines as alternative to facemask and tracheal tube during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. LMA-Unique, LMA-Fastrach and LMA-ProSeal are additional variants that are compared with the standard LMA in a resuscitation model. METHODS: Tidal volumes, chest compressions and signs of gastric inflation are measured in a standardized resuscitation model (Ambu Cardiac Care Trainer with notebook and thumper). Ten 3-minute resuscitation cycles were performed with facemask and all LMAs (Classic, Unique, Fastrach, ProSeal, all size 4) with a ventilation : compression ratio of 2:15. To allow comparison with tracheal tube and to judge safety margins, another ten resuscitation cycles were performed with tracheal tube and all laryngeal masks with continuous chest compressions after two initial ventilations. The bag-valve device used for ventilation was replaced by an automatic transport ventilator in a third series with continuous chest compressions. Cuff pressures were set at 80 cm H2O. RESULTS: During interrupted chest compressions, adequate ventilation was possible with all devices. Tidal volumes for facemask, LMA-Fastrach and LMA-ProSeal were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than with LMA- Classic and LMA-Unique. During continuous chest compressions, significant differences (p < 0.001) occurred when comparing tracheal tube, Fastrach and ProSeal with the other two laryngeal mask airways, which did not reach recommended tidal volumes. During ventilation with the automatic transport ventilator, values for all devices except LMA-ProSeal dropped significantly, adequate ventilation was possible with tracheal tube, Fastrach and ProSeal. Signs of gastric inflation were found during ventilation with facemask and - to a lesser extent - with LMA-Classic. CONCLUSION: In the resuscitation model chosen, all laryngeal mask airways are possible alternatives for ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The new LMA-ProSeal and also the LMA-Fastrach allow higher tidal volumes even during elevated intrathoracic pressures caused by continuous chest compressions, performing superior to the standard laryngeal mask airway. For inclusion of these devices in the ILCOR guidelines, further research in patients is warranted.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation↗

[3D-visualization by MRI for surgical planning of Wilms tumors].

PURPOSE: To improve surgical planning of kidney tumors in childhood (Wilms tumor, mesoblastic nephroma) after radiologic verification of the presumptive diagnosis with interactive colored 3D-animation in MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 7 children (1 boy, 6 girls) with a mean age of 3 years (1 month to 11 years), the MRI database (DICOM) was processed with a raycasting-based 3D-volume-rendering software (VG Studio Max 1.1/Volume Graphics). The abdominal MRI-sequences (coronal STIR, coronal T1 TSE, transverse T1/T2 TSE, sagittal T2 TSE, transverse and coronal T1 TSE post contrast) were obtained with a 0.5T unit in 4 - 6 mm slices. Additionally, a phase-contrast-MR-angiography was applied to delineate the large abdominal and retroperitoneal vessels. A notebook was used to demonstrate the 3D-visualization for surgical planning before surgery and during the surgical procedure. RESULTS: In all 7 cases, the surgical approach was influenced by interactive 3D-animation and the information found useful for surgical planning. Above all, the 3D-visualization demonstrates the mass effect of the Wilms tumor and its anatomical relationship to the renal hilum and to the rest of the kidney as well as the topographic relationship of the tumor to the critical vessels. One rupture of the tumor capsule occurred as a surgical complication. For the surgeon, the transformation of the anatomical situation from MRI to the surgical situs has become much easier. CONCLUSION: For surgical planning of Wilms tumors, the 3D-visualization with 3D-animation of the situs helps to transfer important information from the pediatric radiologist to the pediatric surgeon and optimizes the surgical preparation. A reduction of complications is to be expected.

Age Factors↗

[Therapy-related pamphlet for patients in pediatric oncology].

This notebook which is of postcard size contains important information in case of emergency and details about the current illness and treatment. It contains follow-up information about the pattern of growth, endocrinological development and assessment of renal tubular function. The necessary follow-up investigations and their frequency are summarized in a table as a guide for patients, parents and paediatricians.

Aftercare↗

Improving resident work environment: evaluation of a novel cooperative program.

BACKGROUND: Improving the resident work environment is a major concern for surgery faculty. This study evaluated the ability of a cooperative program with nurses and interns to decrease the number of nonurgent pages and consistently generate a 4-hour block of time at night without nonurgent pages. METHODS: Multiple discussions with interns and with nurses on 2 nursing floors identified ways to improve nurse/resident communication. These included use of a notebook by nurses to record nonurgent issues and having on-call interns check with the night nurses after night shift report. For the week before and after institution of the program, interns logged each page received. Pretest and posttest data were compared by use of t testing. RESULTS: Interns logged fewer pages after intervention compared with preintervention (P <.01). In addition, the interns had a 4-hour block of time on call nights without pages more frequently during the posttest period (100% vs 25%, P <.01). The percent of necessary calls increased from 50% to 70% during day shifts (P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: A cooperative program that focused on decreasing nonurgent pages and maximizing efficient communication led to a decrease in the number of nonurgent pages received by interns and increased the number of call nights in which a 4-hour block of sleep or study time was generated, thereby improving residents' work environment.

Feedback↗

Perception of treatment need among orthodontic patients compared with professionals.

The aim was to evaluate estimated need for orthodontic treatment, as judged from intraoral photographs, among orthodontic patients and professionals. Twenty consecutive prospective orthodontic patients, 20 consecutive orthodontically treated patients, 10 randomized general dentists, and 10 orthodontists participated. Seventy pairs of anonymous intraoral photographs of dentitions with varying degrees of objective treatment need were randomly arranged in a notebook. The general dentists and orthodontists rated orthodontic treatment need on a visual analog scale in a similar way among themselves and were more reserved than both patient categories, who also scored similarly among themselves. Professional raters also had similar inter- and intra-rater reliability among themselves, and it was higher than in either of the patient categories. Treatment providers appear to be more restrictive, consistent, and reliable in their judgement of orthodontic treatment need from intraoral photographs than the target group, patients positive toward orthodontic treatment.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of OAE-recording as a complementary test method for adults with moderate to profound mental retardation.

The recording of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) was evaluated as a complementary test method for adults with moderate to profound mental retardation (MR). A portable apparatus, ILO 288 Echoport linked to a Compaq LTE 5100 notebook with software ILO 88 V 4.2, was used. Otoscopy and tympanometry were also performed. Criteria for emissions were S/N 3 dB or more and reproducibility 60% or more for at least three frequency-bands. The criteria for partial emissions were the same, but for only one or two frequencies. Two examiners were needed: one to keep the tested person calm and quiet and the other to handle the keyboard. Thirty-eight people with different degrees of MR in connection with other disabilities were included. They had all exhibited incomplete results in a previous hearing screening of more than 1,000 adults with MR. Reproducible transiently evoked OAEs (TEOAE) were recorded from 11 ears (7 people), partial TEOAEs from 6 ears (4 people) and no emissions from 15 ears (10 people). Registration from 24 ears (13 people) could not be evaluated because of too much external and internal noise. Eight people rejected the examination. Only four people showed emissions in both ears. Accordingly, 34 people (89.5%) had to be re-tested or referred for further investigation, 21 of them (55%) because of noisy recordings or no co-operation. It is concluded that the TEOAE-test in its present form cannot fulfil the demands for a functioning test method for this population. In single cases, however, TEOAE-recording can complement other audiological tests.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Comparison of pocket-computer memory aids for people with brain injury.

Two styles of pocket computer memory aid were compared as support for people who had sustained non-progressive, closed-head brain injury. A purpose-designed interface provided a diary with auditory alarms, a notebook and links between diary entries and specific notepages. One computer had a physical keyboard, the other did not. Twelve adult volunteers were loaned each computer for 2 months, with a 1 month gap between, in counterbalanced order. It was found that all participants could use the memory aids, and most (83%) found them useful. Little customizing was needed, but amount of use varied widely. Predictors of usage included use of other reminding systems before joining the project, and speed in calculator addition which may reflect working memory. High users preferred the computer with a physical keyboard; low users made more entries with the palm-size computer. These data highlight the need to distinguish ability to use from willingness to use.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Beyond one-bun, two-shoe: recent advances in the psychological rehabilitation of memory disorders after acquired brain injury.

Memory disorders are one of the most frequent types of cognitive impairment encountered in neurological populations. The more severe degrees of such impairment case major disability and handicap, and have a profound impact on a person's capacity to engage in independent living. To date, commonly used remediation strategies range from drills and practice, including computer-based tasks, to mnemonic techniques and memory notebooks. In general, these therapies have met with varying degrees of success. The last decade has seen exciting developments in remediation techniques for memory disorders, a number of which are based on implicit learning skills, as well as programmes tailored to an individual's unique pattern of deficits. The present paper provides an overview of this literature and discusses issues relating to their application in rehabilitation programmes.

Adult↗

Utility of a microcomputer as an external memory aid for a memory-impaired head injury patient during in-patient rehabilitation.

Memory deficit is one of the most frequent cognitive complications encountered after brain injury. It is recognized as difficult to treat. Over the past decades, various strategies of memory remediation have been used. Among them, prosthetic devices, such as notebooks and alarms, have shown some benefit. This study describes the case of a 22-year-old man who demonstrated deficits in memory and executive function. In an in-patient rehabilitation setting, a microcomputer was introduced as an external memory aid. With this intervention, the patient demonstrated an immediate improvement in the ability to attend every therapy and ask for every medication on his schedule. This case study demonstrates the usefulness of a microcomputer as an external memory aid for a memory-impaired head injury survivor.

Adult↗

Using NetMeeting for remote configuration of the Otto Bock C-Leg: technical considerations.

Telehealth has the potential to be a valuable tool for technical and clinical support of computer controlled prosthetic devices. This pilot study examined the use of Internet-based, desktop video conferencing for remote configuration of the Otto Bock C-Leg. Laboratory tests involved connecting two computers running Microsoft NetMeeting over a local area network (IP protocol). Over 56 Kbs(-1), DSL/Cable, and 10 Mbs(-1) LAN speeds, a prosthetist remotely configured a user's C-Leg by using Application Sharing, Live Video, and Live Audio. A similar test between sites in Ottawa and Toronto, Canada was limited by the notebook computer's 28 Kbs(-1) modem. At the 28 Kbs(-1) Internet-connection speed, NetMeeting's application sharing feature was not able to update the remote Sliders window fast enough to display peak toe loads and peak knee angles. These results support the use of NetMeeting as an accessible and cost-effective tool for remote C-Leg configuration, provided that sufficient Internet data transfer speed is available.

Artificial Limbs↗

Eskimo women and a menstrual cycle study: some ethnographic notes.

This article examines ethnographic data collected from indigenous Alaskan women who participated in a menstrual cycle study conducted by The Tremin Trust Research Program, initially known as the Menstruation and Reproductive History Program (MRH). In the 1960s, the MRH program was expanded to Alaska to study non-Caucasian women's menstrual cycles. In addition, an ethnographer collected data through participation observation from some 345 women who participated in the MRH study. These data were recorded in field notebooks during site visits to Alaskan villages. Major themes and contextual information were identified in the data that described the daily lives of the women and their experiences as research participants. Eskimo women described the cultural conflicts that arose during the conduct of the menstrual studies and problems encountered when the investigators failed to account for the traditional gender roles in Eskimo society. Cultural differences were apparent when the women described the culturally inappropriate health education provided by the research team. The goals of the menstrual cycle study emphasized research progress rather than the health needs of the research participants; this emphasis accentuated the severity of health problems and the lack of health services experienced by Eskimo women.

Adolescent↗