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Effect of industrial and natural biocides on spoilage, pathogenic and technological strains grown in biofilm.

This study aimed at investigating bactericide solutions effective on spoilage and pathogenic bacteria while preserving technological bacteria. Two compounds of essential oil (thymol and eugenol), one essential oil of Satureja thymbra and two industrial biocides (PE 270-30, Brillo) were tested on technological strains (Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus succinus and Lactobacillus sakei) grown in monoculture biofilm and on a mixed biofilm of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes) and spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas fragi, Escherichia coli). Biofilm cultures were performed in glass fibre filters for 24h at 20 degrees C before application of biocides. Thymol and eugenol had no effect on the mixed biofilm. S. thymbra (2%) was highly effective on spoilage strains (5 log reduction), and S. equorum (4 log reduction) was moderately effective on pathogens (2.3 log reduction) and not effective on S. succinus and L. sakei (0.5 log reduction). PE-270-30 with 10% Na((2))SO((4)) decreased spoilage bacteria (5.1 log reduction), maintained the technological bacteria, but did not reduce the pathogens. The disinfectant Brillo (3%) killed all the strains. These results showed the difficulty in obtaining a biocide that is effective in destroying spoilage and pathogenic bacteria while preserving technological bacteria. Essential oils could be a good alternative for eradicating spoilage bacteria in the food environment where they are often found at high levels.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Auxiliary technologies related to transport and communication for obstetric emergencies.

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence on appropriate transport and communications technologies for obstetrical referrals in developing countries. METHODS: Review of articles published in peer-reviewed journals and gray literature, supplemented by email and telephone consultations with key informants and field programmers. RESULTS: A wide range of transportation options have been attempted. Initial approaches--such as those relying on ambulances owned and operated by health systems--have evolved into recommendations that emphasize community-based solutions. There are fewer options within the realm of communications technologies, and the recommendations are more consistent. Public health researchers are only beginning to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of different options. CONCLUSIONS: One of the greatest barriers to effective use of transport and communications for obstetric emergencies is the short time interval necessary for action, which limits options for obstetric referrals more than for other medical referrals. Although evidence is still scarce, experience suggests that motorized transport is likely to be the most acceptable and effective transportation option. More sophisticated communications technologies such as cell phones are both practical and effective, and are increasingly becoming the technologies of choice for low-resource settings.

Communication↗

The role of ethics in information technology decisions: a case-based approach to biomedical informatics education.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a case-based approach to instruction regarding ethical issues raised by the use of information technology (IT) in healthcare. These issues are rarely addressed in graduate degree and continuing professional education programs in health informatics. There are important reasons why ethical issues need to be addressed in informatics training. Ethical issues raised by the introduction of information technology affect practice and are ubiquitous. These issues are frequently among the most challenging to young practitioners who are ill prepared to deal with them in practice. First, the paper provides an overview of methods of moral reasoning that can be used to identify and analyze ethical problems in health informatics. Second, we provide a framework for defining cases that involve ethical issues and outline major issues raised by the use of information technology. Specific cases are used as examples of new dilemmas that are posed by the introduction of information technology in healthcare. These cases are used to illustrate how ethics can be integrated with the other elements of informatics training. The cases discussed here reflect day-to-day situations that arise in health settings that require decisions. Third, an approach that can be used to teach ethics in health informatics programs is outlined and illustrated.

Curriculum↗

Information technology as an infrastructure for patient safety: nursing research needs.

This article describes the process utilized to create research questions which promote technology as an infrastructure to enable safe nursing practice. Beginning with scenarios of safety problems related to nursing practice, the team identified information technology including hardware, software, and organizational and operational components to help improve the safety aspects addressed in the scenarios. Further discussed are characteristics of technology necessary at each step in the nursing process and finally recommendations are presented for various research questions that would be needed to enable research on the use of the proposed technologies.

Computers↗

User interpretations of future information system use: a snapshot with technological frames.

Integrated information systems for managing patient data transform the nature of hospital work to the extent that the work practices, the responsibilities, even the professional identities are likely to undergo major changes. Therefore, during the organizational implementation of the IS, attention should be paid to the future users and how they understand and see what is going on. Here the focus is on these interpretation processes, analyzed as technological frames. That is, people develop different assumptions, expectations and knowledge concerning new technology. During this sense-making process they build their idea of that technology, its technological frame. We analyzed the pre-implementation frames that could be discerned in 24 interviews of hospital personnel. Main influences on the frames in this case were the work role in the organization, knowledge about the new system, and attitudes toward the old systems. The social context appeared to have a significant influence in the users' interpretation processes and the frames seemed to be congruent within one group. So far, the incongruence between groups appeared to have caused no major problems for the implementation.

Attitude to Computers↗

ICT and OTs: a model of information and communication technology acceptance and utilisation by occupational therapists.

There is evidence to suggest that health professionals are reluctant to accept and utilise information and communication technologies (ICT) and concern is growing within health informatics research that this is contributing to the lag in adoption and utilisation of ICT across the health sector. Technology acceptance research within the field of information systems has been limited in its application to health and there is a concurrent need to develop and gain empirical support for models of technology acceptance within health and to examine acceptance and utilisation issues amongst health professionals to improve the success of information system implementation in this arena. This paper outlines a project that examines ICT acceptance and utilisation by Australian occupational therapists. It describes the theoretical basis behind the development of a research model and the methodology being employed to empirically validate the model using substantial quantitative, qualitative and longitudinal data. Preliminary results from Phase II of the study are presented. The theoretical significance of this work is that it uses a thoroughly constructed research model, with potentially the largest sample size ever tested, to extend technology acceptance research into the health sector.

Adult↗

Individualization, globalization and health--about sustainable information technologies and the aim of medical informatics.

This paper discusses aspects of information technologies for health care, in particular on transinstitutional health information systems (HIS) and on health-enabling technologies, with some consequences for the aim of medical informatics. It is argued that with the extended range of health information systems and the perspective of having adequate transinstitutional HIS architectures, a substantial contribution can be made to better patient-centered care, with possibilities ranging from regional, national to even global care. It is also argued that in applying health-enabling technologies, using ubiquitous, pervasive computing environments and ambient intelligence approaches, we can expect that in addition care will become more specific and tailored for the individual, and that we can achieve better personalized care. In developing health care systems towards transinstitutional HIS and health-enabling technologies, the aim of medical informatics, to contribute to the progress of the sciences and to high-quality, efficient, and affordable health care that does justice to the individual and to society, may be extended to also contributing to self-determined and self-sufficient (autonomous) life. Reference is made and examples are given from the Yearbook of Medical Informatics of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and from the work of Professor Jochen Moehr.

Decision Trees↗

The story behind the story: physician skepticism about relying on clinical information technologies to reduce medical errors.

PURPOSE: In order to better understand physicians' perspectives about the use of clinical information technology (CIT) to reduce medical errors, we asked physicians about opportunities and issues around clinical use of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, order sets within CPOE, and handheld computers (HHCs). METHODS: We conducted 10 focus groups including 71 physicians involved in technology implementation efforts across the US between April 2002 and February 2005. RESULTS: Two major themes emerged across focus groups around reliance on CIT to reduce errors: (1) can it work? and (2) at what cost to the medical profession? Within the first theme, physicians expressed concern about the appropriateness of physician-directed CIT as a solution for medical errors, concerns regarding the current technical capabilities and level of technical support for CIT solutions, and concern about the introduction of new errors. Within the second theme, physicians were particularly concerned about time efficiency and workload redistribution associated with the introduction of CIT. Across focus groups, physicians tended to generalize about the role of all IT in their lives, potentially biasing opinions about specific technologies. CONCLUSIONS: Health care organizations attempting to promote physician use of CIT are advised to deepen consideration of physicians' perspectives about technology adoption and use in order to address their concerns, reduce skepticism, and increase the likelihood of implementation success.

Attitude to Computers↗

Current challenges and developments in GC-MS based metabolite profiling technology.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) based metabolite profiling of biological samples is one of the key technologies for metabolite profiling and substantially contributes to our understanding of the metabolome. While the technology is in increasing use it is challenged with novel demands. Increasing the number of metabolite identifications within existing profiling platforms is prerequisite for a substantially improved scope of profiling studies. Clear, reproducible strategies for metabolite identification and exchange of identifications between laboratories will facilitate further developments, such as the extension of profiling technologies towards metabolic signals and other technically demanding trace compound analysis. Using GC-MS technology as an example the concept of mass spectral tags (MSTs) is presented. A mass spectral tag is defined by the chemometric properties, molecular mass to charge ratio, chromatographic retention index and an induced mass fragmentation pattern such as an electron impact mass spectrum (EI-MS) or secondary fragmentation (MS(2)). These properties if properly documented will allow identification of hitherto non-identified MSTs by standard addition experiments of authenticated reference substances even years after first MST description. Strategies are discussed for MST identification and enhanced MST characterization utilizing experimental schemes such as in vivo stable isotope labelling of whole organisms and open access information distribution, for example the GMG internet platform initiated in 2004 (GMD, http://www.csbdb.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/gmd.html).

Carbohydrate Metabolism↗

Life cycle assessment of active and passive groundwater remediation technologies.

Groundwater remediation technologies, such as pump-and-treat (PTS) and funnel-and-gate systems (FGS), aim at reducing locally appearing contaminations. Therefore, these methodologies are basically evaluated with respect to their capability to yield local improvements of an environmental situation, commonly neglecting that their application is also associated with secondary impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) represents a widely accepted method of assessing the environmental aspects and potential impacts related to a product, process or service. This study presents the set-up of a LCA framework in order to compare the secondary impacts caused by two conceptually different technologies at the site of a former manufactured gas plant in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany. As a FGS is already operating at this site, a hypothetical PTS of the same functionality is adopted. During the LCA, the remediation systems are evaluated by focusing on the main technical elements and their significance with respect to resource depletion and potential adverse effects on ecological quality, as well as on human health. Seven impact categories are distinguished to address a broad spectrum of possible environmental loads. A main point of discussion is the reliability of technical assumptions and performance predictions for the future. It is obvious that a high uncertainty exists when estimating impact specific indicator values over operation times of decades. An uncertainty analysis is conducted to include the imprecision of the underlying emission and consumption data and a scenario analysis is utilised to contrast various possible technological variants. Though the results of the study are highly site-specific, a generalised relative evaluation of potential impacts and their main sources is the principle objective rather than a discussion of the calculated absolute impacts. A crucial finding that can be applied to any other site is the central role of steel, which particularly derogates the valuation of FGS due to the associated emissions that are harmful to human health. In view of that, environmental credits can be achieved by selecting a mineral-based wall instead of sheet piles for the funnel construction and by minimising the steel consumption for the gate construction. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is exclusively considered as the treatment material, both in-situ and on-site. Here it is identified as an additional main determinant of the relative assessment of the technologies since it is continuously consumed.

Charcoal↗

Endoscopic brow and forehead lift: a case for new technology.

As with most things in life, the passage of time usually brings progress through advancing technologies. At one time, the horse was a state-of-the-art military fighting machine and a simple compass represented advanced navigational technology. Things come and go and while some leave a lasting impact others are replaced, never to be revisited. Surgical techniques are continually evolving, and while quantum strides have been made in the last century, just because something is new, this does not make it better. For this reason we all owe it to our respective professions to carefully evaluate emerging trends and technologies before abandoning procedures that are proven to be safe and effective. Some surgeons too eagerly embrace new technologies, while others are late in acceptance or in some cases never progress.

Endoscopy↗

Technology-enhanced interactive surgical education.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to create surgical resident centered, interactive teaching modules rich in basic science and clinical content directly pertinent to patient care and surgical techniques that would facilitate education in the 80-h work week environment. METHODS: A systematic evaluation of available instructional tools determined that a technology-enhanced approach can effectively and efficiently address the new requirements for resident learning. An extensive evaluation of available technology determined the technology best suited to teaching the adult surgical learner. RESULTS: An on-line, multimedia-based surgical education environment using WebCT Vista (WebCT, Inc., Lynnfield, MA) and Macromedia Breeze (Adobe Systems, Inc., San Jose, CA) software packages was implemented. The concept was constructed on tenets of adult learning theory and based on the APDS curriculum and ACGME core competencies. WebCT Vista serves as virtual scaffolding, and Macromedia Breeze functions to deliver content rich multimedia audio and visual presentations. Core subdiscipline teaching modules were created, comprised of individual lecture packets developed by faculty. Components for testing pre/post module knowledge, feedback and evaluations are built-in. The online nature allows for 24-h access at locations that are convenient to the resident. CONCLUSIONS: Teaching modules enable maximal trainee and instructor flexibility, which translates into optimal adult learning and teaching. Lecture packets can be conveyed to all residents with unlimited availability in the virtual domain. Further refinement and continued implementation will help fill the void in direct didactic teaching left by mandated work hour restrictions, allowing for more efficient learning and teaching. There is great potential for broad application of the concept and technology to other training programs.

Adult↗

Effectiveness of digital health technologies for post-discharge follow-up and management in older adults: a systematic review.

Older adults (≥65 years) are a rapidly growing population that are experiencing a higher number of hospitalisation admissions, longer hospital stays, and greater hospitalisation-related costs than younger adults. There is an important gap in post-discharge care for older adults, and digital technologies, such as video visits, mobile health apps, and remote patient monitoring, may support follow-up and management after hospital discharge. This systematic review examined the effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability, and impact (ie, effects on rehospitalisation, quality of life, mental health, adherence, and patient satisfaction) of technology-based interventions used for the follow-up and management of older adults after hospital discharge. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to January, 2026. The search identified 1972 records, of which 46 studies met the inclusion criteria: older adult populations (aged ≥65 years), a technology-based intervention, post-discharge follow-up or management, and empirical data. Overall, digital post-discharge interventions were reported to be feasible, with good engagement, adherence, compliance, and retention; low dropout rates; and positive patient satisfaction. However, mixed findings were reported regarding rehospitalisation rates and mental health outcomes for virtual care compared with those for traditional care. Digital health technologies might represent a promising step towards improving post-discharge health care and continuity of care for older adults.

Journal Article↗

Insights Into Glycobiology and the Protein-Glycan Interactome Using Glycan Microarray Technologies.

Glycans linked to proteins and lipids and also occurring in free forms have many functions, and these are partly elicited through specific interactions with glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). These include lectins, adhesins, toxins, hemagglutinins, growth factors, and enzymes, but antibodies can also bind glycans. While humans and other animals generate a vast repertoire of GBPs and different glycans in their glycomes, other organisms, including phage, microbes, protozoans, fungi, and plants also express glycans and GBPs, and these can also interact with their host glycans. This can be termed the protein-glycan interactome, and in nature is likely to be vast, but is so far very poorly described. Understanding the breadth of the protein-glycan interactome is also a key to unlocking our understanding of infectious diseases involving glycans, and immunology associated with antibodies binding to glycans. A key technological advance in this area has been the development of glycan microarrays. This is a display technology in which minute quantities of glycans are attached to the surfaces of slides or beads. This allows the arrayed glycans to be interrogated by GBPs and antibodies in a relatively high throughput approach, in which a protein may bind to one or more distinct glycans. Such binding can lead to novel insights and hypotheses regarding both the function of the GBP, the specificity of an antibody and the function of the glycan within the context of the protein-glycan interactome. This article focuses on the types of glycan microarray technologies currently available to study animal glycobiology and examples of breakthroughs aided by these technologies.

Polysaccharides↗

Re-engineering the process of medical imaging physics and technology education and training.

The extensive availability of digital technology provides an opportunity for enhancing both the effectiveness and efficiency of virtually all functions in the process of medical imaging physics and technology education and training. This includes degree granting academic programs within institutions and a wide spectrum of continuing education lifelong learning activities. Full achievement of the advantages of technology-enhanced education (e-learning, etc.) requires an analysis of specific educational activities with respect to desired outcomes and learning objectives. This is followed by the development of strategies and resources that are based on established educational principles. The impact of contemporary technology comes from its ability to place learners into enriched learning environments. The full advantage of a re-engineered and implemented educational process involves changing attitudes and functions of learning facilitators (teachers) and resource allocation and sharing both within and among institutions.

Biomedical Engineering↗

Advantages and disadvantages of nonfusion technology in spine surgery.

Nonfusion technology in spine surgery may improve outcomes by reducing surgical morbidity and the incidence of adjacent level degeneration; however, new technologies also introduce new short- and long-term complications. There is currently no evidence that nonfusion implants are superior to fusion in mid- to long-term follow-up. Understanding the potential risks and benefits of nonfusion technology is essential for spine surgeons and their patients. This article reviews the current evidence relating to the potential risks and benefits of nonfusion technology in spine surgery.

Arthroplasty, Replacement↗

The required technology for customized corneal ablation.

The introduction of wavefront sensing technology and customized corneal ablation has revolutionized the field of refractive surgery. Yet, in order for customized laser vision correction to reach its full potential, a number of technological requirements must be addressed by the specific laser vision correction platform offering this customized procedure. At present,several different technology platforms exist. A more thorough understanding of these platforms will help in evaluating which system is best at eliminating aberrations. The following technology is required to provide what is considered optimal within the current state of knowledge in this field: (1) scanning spot laser delivery, (2) robust eye tracking,(3) an accurate wavefront device, and (4) the wavefront-laser interface.

Cornea↗

Selecting new health technologies for evaluation: can clinical experts predict which new anticancer drugs will impact Danish health care?

Several countries have systems in place to support the managed entry of new health technologies. The big challenge for these so-called horizon-scanning systems is to select those technologies that require decision support by means of an early evaluation. Clinical experts are considered a valuable source of information on new health technologies, but research on the relevance of their input is scarce. In 2000, we asked six Danish expert oncologists to predict whether a sample of 19 new anticancer drugs would impact Danish health care over the next 5 years. In 2005, we assessed the accuracy of these predictions in a delayed type cross-sectional study. The specificity of the Danish experts' prediction was 1 (95% confidence interval 0.74-1.00) and the sensitivity was 0.63 (0.31-0.86). The negative predictive value was 0.79 (0.52-0.92) and the positive predictive value was 1 (0.57-1.00). This indicates that clinical experts have the ability to predict which new anticancer drugs are unlikely to have an impact. This information can be used to increase the efficiency of selecting new technologies for evaluation. As the experts missed 37% of drugs that are in need of guidance, they should not be relied upon to select drugs relevant for evaluation.

Antineoplastic Agents↗