Innovations for an Aging Society through the Lens of Patent Data.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An aging population creates fertile ground for devising innovations for older adults. By using patents as a proxy for inventive activity, this study sets the stage for understanding the latest innovations being designed for the older population. Insights will pave the way for a better understanding of inventions that could render society more age-friendly on the innovation front. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: To identify the latest innovations targeted at the older population, we collected all patents (N = 326) issued in 2021, specifically those issued between January 5th and December 28th. Upon removing irrelevant data, 120 patents were retained in the data set. Both inductive and deductive modes of reasoning informed our content analysis of the data. RESULTS: Three themes surfaced. About half (49.2%) of the patents focused on "Preventive Health, Safety, and Independence" (Theme 1). About 38.3% pertained to "Anti-Aging" (Theme 2) and 12.5% were about the "Pathologization of Old Age" (Theme 3). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This is the first study that evaluates the state of innovations for an aging population. While there are inventions aimed at optimizing the well-being of older adults, there are also those designed due to beliefs that see old age as a problem to solve. As the world experiences a demographic shift, it is imperative that collective ingenuity be harnessed to build a society conducive to all facets of the aging experience.

Technological prospecting of patents related to monitoring accidents due to falls in hospitals / Prospección tecnológica de patentes relacionadas con el seguimiento de accidentes por caídas en hospitales / Prospecção tecnológica de patentes relacionadas ao monitoramento de acidentes por quedas em hospitais

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map the production of technologies aimed at monitoring falls in a hospital environment protected by registered patents. Methods: a technological prospecting of international patents, with a quantitative approach, with search carried out between February and March 2022 in the Derwent Innovations Index database with descriptors fall, hospital, monitoring. Results: 212 patents were found, with the majority filed and published since 2010, by Tran B (9) and Cerner Innovation Inc (9), focused on health technology. Universities were responsible for 13% of deposits. There was a predominance of records from the United States (43.4%), China (21.7%) and Japan (12.3%), in addition to technological strategies classified as devices for the environment (80.7%) and for preventing falls (66.5%) as well as trend towards resources with multiple functionalities in the same technology. Conclusions: the plurality of functions in the same device reflects the search for optimizing resources and the concern with comprehensive care.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear la producción de tecnologías destinadas al monitoreo de caídas en un ambiente hospitalario protegido por patentes registradas. Métodos: prospección tecnológica de patentes internacionales, con enfoque cuantitativo, con búsqueda realizada entre febrero y marzo de 2022 en la base de datos Derwent Innovations Index con los descriptores caída, hospital, monitoreo. Resultados: se encontraron 212 patentes, la mayoría presentadas y publicadas desde 2010, por Tran B (9) y Cerner Innovation Inc (9), enfocadas en tecnología de la salud. Las universidades fueron responsables del 13% de los depósitos. Hubo predominio de registros de Estados Unidos (43,4%), China (21,7%) y Japón (12,3%), además de estrategias tecnológicas catalogadas como dispositivos ambientales (80,7%) y para prevenir caídas (66,5%), así como la tendencia hacia recursos con múltiples funcionalidades en una misma tecnología. Conclusiones: la pluralidad de funciones en un mismo dispositivo refleja la búsqueda de optimización de recursos y la preocupación por la atención integral.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear a produção de tecnologias voltadas para monitoramento de quedas em ambiente hospitalar protegidas por patentes registradas. Métodos: prospecção tecnológica de patentes internacionais, com abordagem quantitativa, com busca realizada entre fevereiro e março de 2022 na base Derwent Innovations Index com os descritores fall, hospital, monitoring. Resultados: foram encontradas 212 patentes, com maioria depositada e publicada a partir de 2010, por Tran B (9) e Cerner Innovation Inc (9), focadas em tecnologia em saúde. As universidades foram responsáveis por 13% dos depósitos. Houve predomínio de registros dos Estados Unidos (43,4%), da China (21,7%) e Japão (12,3%), além de estratégias tecnológicas classificadas como dispositivos para ambiente (80,7%) e para prevenção de quedas (66,5%), bem como a tendência de recursos com múltiplas funcionalidades em uma mesma tecnologia. Conclusões: a pluralidade de funções em um mesmo dispositivo reflete a busca pela otimização dos recursos e a preocupação com a integralidade do cuidado.

Desenvolvimento e validação de software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal / Desarrollo y validación de software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal / Development and validation of web software to support prenatal care management

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o processo de desenvolvimento e validação de um software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal. Métodos Pesquisa de produção tecnológica, realizada entre março e agosto de 2022, com base em princípios e técnicas do método Scrum. As funcionalidades do software web, com acesso e funções específicas a três diferentes usuários (Administrador, Gestor e Visitante), foram desenvolvidas de forma colegiada entre desenvolvedores, pesquisadores, gestores e profissionais da saúde, a partir de necessidades práticas relacionadas à gestão da assistência pré-natal. Resultados O software web é uma ferramenta de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal, com potencial para gerar infográficos que denotem intercorrências gestacionais e que permitem, de forma ágil e segura, à tomada de decisões estratégicas loco-regionais. Conclusão O processo de desenvolvimento e validação do software web de apoio à gestão da assistência pré-natal deu-se de forma colegiada entre desenvolvedores, pesquisadores, gestores e profissionais da saúde, a partir de necessidades práticas relacionadas à gestão da assistência pré-natal. A ferramenta foi desenvolvida de modo a possibilitar acesso e funções específicas a três diferentes usuários (Administrador, Gestor e Visitante), com vistas à tomada de decisões rápidas e seguras.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el proceso de desarrollo y validación de un software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal. Métodos Investigación de producción tecnológica, realizada entre marzo y agosto de 2022, con base en principios y técnicas de la metodología Scrum. Las funcionalidades del software web, con acceso y funciones específicas para tres usuarios (administrador, gestor y visitante), se desarrollaron de forma colegiada entre desarrolladores, investigadores, gestores y profesionales de la salud, a partir de necesidades prácticas relacionadas con la gestión de la atención prenatal. Resultados El software web es una herramienta de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal, con potencial para generar infográficos que indiquen complicaciones gestacionales y que permitan tomar decisiones estratégicas locorregionales de forma ágil y segura. Conclusión El proceso de desarrollo y validación del software web de apoyo a la gestión de la atención prenatal se realizó de forma colegiada entre desarrolladores, investigadores, gestores y profesionales de la salud, a partir de necesidades prácticas relacionadas con la gestión de la atención prenatal. La herramienta se desarrolló a fin de permitir el acceso y funciones específicas para tres diferentes usuarios (administrador, gestor y visitante), con el objetivo de tomar decisiones rápidas y seguras.

Abstract Objective To describe the development and validation process of a web software to support the management of prenatal care. Methods Technological development research, carried out between March and August 2022, based on principles and techniques of the Scrum method. The functionalities of the web software, with access and specific functions for three different users (Administrator, Manager and Visitor), were developed jointly by developers, researchers, managers and health professionals, based on practical needs related to the management of prenatal care. Results The web software is a tool to support the management of prenatal care, with the potential to generate infographics that denote gestational intercurrences and that allow, in an agile and safe way, the making of local-regional strategic decisions. Conclusion The process of development and validation of the web software to support the management of prenatal care was carried out jointly by developers, researchers, managers and health professionals, based on practical needs related to the management of prenatal care. The tool was developed in order to allow access and specific functions to three different users (Administrator, Manager and Visitor), with a view to making quick and safe decisions.

Providing clinicians with 'how to' knowledge for technology-based innovation: Introducing the SMS4dads texts.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Male partners are key supports for women in birth preparation and postnatally. Text-messaging can deliver timely information to expectant and new fathers to increase their support of the mother. However, technological innovations in healthcare often fail to be adopted. This study aims to assess the impact of disseminating a 'taster' set of SMS messages to increase clinicians' engagement with the intervention. METHODS: Example messages from SMS4dads were delivered to clinicians over a 3-week period and a link provided to an evaluation survey. Agreement to two closed questions was rated on a five-point Likert scale; the frequency of specific recalled messages was calculated for the first open-ended question. Responses to the remaining open-ended questions were analysed with a descriptive thematic approach. RESULTS: A total of 418 participants (female 61.5%) working in health organisations (80.4%), mostly in nursing (33.9%) or midwifery (19.6%) enrolled. Of the 77 (18.4%) participants who provided an evaluation, 96% agreed or strongly agreed that the Professional Taster gave them a better understanding of how to explain the program, and 88% agreed or strongly agreed that they are now more likely to tell parents about the program. Analysis of the remaining two open-ended questions revealed clinicians' concerns for fathers alongside their primary focus on maternal wellbeing. CONCLUSION: Providing 'how to' knowledge through receiving a sample of the intervention may increase clinicians' acceptance of technological innovation. SO WHAT?: Health-promoting digital interventions using text are increasing. Novel tested strategies for gaining buy-in from healthcare staff will be needed.

New Trends in Supercritical Fluid Technology and Pressurized Liquids for the Extraction and Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Agro-Industrial and Marine Food Waste.

Growing consumer interest in healthy foods has led to an increased demand for bioactive compounds derived from eco-technologies. This review highlighted two emerging technologies, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which are based on clean processes aimed at recovering bioactive compounds from different food sources. We studied how the different processing conditions provide many advantages and a great opportunity to obtain compounds with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal activity from plant matrices and industrial biowaste, especially antioxidant compounds (anthocyanins and polyphenols) due to their important role in health promotion. Our research was conducted through a systematic search in different scientific databases related to the PLE and SFE topics. The review analyzed the optimal extraction conditions using these technologies, which lead to the efficient extraction of bioactive compounds, the use of different equipment, and recent combinations of SFE and PLE with other emerging technologies. This has given rise to the development of new technological innovations, new commercial applications, and the detailed recovery of various bioactive compounds extracted from different plant and marine life food matrices. These two environmentally friendly methodologies are fully valid and have great future application prospects in biowaste valorization. They represent a feasible technological tool that can promote the implementation of a circular economy model for the food industry. The underlying mechanisms of these techniques were discussed in detail and supported by current literature.

Advances in Microscopy and Its Applications with Special Reference to Fluorescence Microscope: An Overview.

The microscope has revolutionized the understanding of an organism's structural details and cellular functions. With the invention of highly evolved microscopes, the diagnosis and treatment of diseases has gained momentum. Technology has immensely helped demonstrate cellular events like phagocytosis, cell movement, cell division, etc. with enhanced temporal and spatial resolution. One of these advanced inventions is the fluorescent microscope which has enabled scanning through various physiological activities of the cell. A fluorescence microscope uses the property of fluorescence to create an image. In addition to visualizing the structural details of the cells, a fluorescence microscope also aids in witnessing cellular activities. With an immunofluorescence microscope, cellular antigens can be localized. This chapter highlights the basics of microscopy, types of microscopes, principles, and types of fluorescence microscopes, and recent advances in microscopy and its application.

Bioinspired Approaches to Engineer Antithrombogenic Medical Devices for Vascular Intervention.

Medical devices form a critical component of health care systems for treating and maintaining patient health. However, devices exposed to blood are prone to blood clotting (thrombosis) and bleeding complications leading to device occlusion, device failure, embolism and stroke, and increased morbidity and mortality. Over the years, developments in innovative material design strategies have been made to help reduce the occurrence of thrombotic events on medical devices, but complications persist. Here, we review material and surface coating technologies that have taken bioinspiration from the endothelium to reduce medical device thrombosis, either by mimicking aspects of the glycocalyx to prevent adhesion of proteins and cells to the material surface or mimicking the bioactive function of the endothelium through immobilized or released bioactive molecules to actively inhibit thrombosis. We highlight newer strategies that take inspiration from multiple aspects of the endothelium or are stimuli responsive, only releasing antithrombotic biomolecules when thrombosis is triggered. Emerging areas of innovation target inflammation to decrease thrombosis without increasing bleeding, and interesting results are coming from underexplored aspects of material properties, such as material interfacial mobility and stiffness, which show that increased mobility and decreased stiffness are less thrombogenic. These exciting new strategies require further research and development before clinical translation, including consideration of longevity, cost, and sterilization, but show capacity for the development of more sophisticated antithrombotic medical device materials.

Speculative sewing: Researching, reconstructing, and re-imagining wearable technoscience.

This article contributes to Science and Technology Studies (STS) literatures on 'making and doing' by describing and analysing the practice of researching, reconstructing, and reimagining archival clothing patent data. It combines feminist speculation and reconstruction practices into what I term 'speculative sewing'. This involves stitching data, theory and fabric into inventions described in patents and analysing them as three-dimensional arguments. In the case here, of 1890s British women's convertible cycle wear, I examine how inventors used new forms of clothing to challenge socio-political restrictions on women's bodies in public space and help them make alternate claims to rights and entitlements. I argue that translating text and images into wearable data renders lesser-known technoscience stories visible and (more) knowable and transforms clothing (back) into material matters of public concern.

Fidelização e impacto de tecnologias sociais em saúde centradas no usuário: nova proposta de desenvolvimento / Reliability and impact of user-centered social technologies in health: a new development proposal / Reliability and impact of user-centered social technologies in health: a new development proposal / Fidelización e impacto de tecnologías sociales en salud centradas en el usuario: nueva propuesta de desarrollo

Resumo Objetivo Descrever metodologia para o desenvolvimento de tecnologias sociais em enfermagem/saúde centradas no usuário Métodos Estudo de desenvolvimento tecnológico que apresenta proposição metodológica para a expansão de tecnologias sociais, com foco na solução de problemas oriundos de demandas dos usuários de saúde. Resultados A metodologia de aplicação tecnológica foi concebida e sistematizada em cinco fases sequenciais, quais sejam: Diagnóstico situacional, Idealização e prototipagem, Validação, Implementação, Fidelização e impacto social da aplicação. Conclusão Pretende-se, com essa nova proposta de desenvolvimento tecnológico, contribuir para a fidelização e o impacto das tecnologias sociais centradas nas necessidades dos usuários de saúde, a partir de abordagens como o Design Thinking e o Design Centrado no Usuário.

Resumen Objetivo Describir metodología para el desarrollo de tecnologías sociales en enfermería/salud centradas en el usuario Métodos Estudio de desarrollo tecnológico que presenta una proposición metodológica para la expansión de tecnologías sociales, con enfoque en la solución de problemas originarios de demandas de los usuarios de salud. Resultados La metodología de aplicación tecnológica fue formulada y sistematizada en cinco etapas secuenciales, a saber: Diagnóstico situacional, Idealización y creación de prototipo, Validación, Implementación, Fidelización e impacto social de la aplicación. Conclusión Con esta nueva propuesta de desarrollo tecnológico se pretende contribuir para la fidelización y para el impacto de las tecnologías sociales centradas en las necesidades de los usuarios de salud, a partir de intervenciones como el Design Thinking y el Design Centrado en el Usuario.

Abstract Objective To describe the methodology for developing user-centered social technologies in nursing/health Methods A technological development study that presents a methodological proposal for the expansion of social technologies, with a focus on solving problems arising from the demands of healthcare users. Results The technological application methodology was conceived and systematized in five sequential steps, namely: Situational diagnosis, Ideation and prototyping, Validation, Implementation, Reliability, and social impact of the application. Conclusion With this new technological development proposal, we intend to contribute to the reliability and impact of social technologies centered on health users' needs, based on approaches such as Design Thinking and User-Centered Design.

Terapia ocupacional e trabalho: desafios e perspectivas de uma prática emergente durante e após a pandemia da Covid-19 / Occupational therapy and work: challenges and perspectives of an emerging practice during and after the Covid-19 pandemic

Resumo Este ensaio discute as possibilidades de intervenção da terapia ocupacional no campo do trabalho em período pandêmico, bem como apontar os desafios e perspectivas de atuações pós-pandemia. As intervenções foram discutidas a partir de três estágios: i) preparação pré-pandemia; ii) estratégias de preparação durante a pandemia; iii) recuperação pós-pandemia, considerando os níveis micro, meso e macroestruturais, a partir da perspectiva de uma prática centrada na pessoa e no ambiente de trabalho. A atenção às (in)capacidades laborais e a atuação no processo de retorno ao trabalho foram consideradas as principais intervenções do terapeuta ocupacional, articuladas com os diversos atores, instituições, serviços e entidades de classe, de forma a ampliar as ações e promover uma rede de atenção integrada. As novas configurações do trabalho resultantes da inovação tecnológica ampliaram o diálogo interdisciplinar da terapia ocupacional com o campo do trabalho. Espera-se contribuir com reflexões teóricas para pensar a prática profissional e o fortalecimento desse campo na contemporaneidade.

Abstract This essay discusses the intervention possibilities of occupational therapy in the field of work in the pandemic period, as well as points out the challenges and perspectives of post-pandemic actions. Interventions were discussed from three stages: i) pre-pandemic preparation; ii) pandemic preparedness strategies; iii) post-pandemic recovery, considering the micro, meso and macrostructural levels, from the perspective of a practice centered on the person and the work environment. Attention to work (in)capacities and acting in the process of returning to work were considered the main interventions of the occupational therapist, articulated with the various actors, institutions, services and class entities, in order to expand actions and promote a network integrated care. The new configurations of work resulting from technological innovation have expanded the interdisciplinary dialogue between occupational therapy and the field of work. It is expected to contribute with theoretical reflections about professional practice and the strengthening of this field in contemporary times.

Invenções tecnológicas de cuidadores familiares na perspectiva de profissionais da atenção domiciliar / Invenciones tecnológicas de los cuidadores familiares desde la perspectiva de los profesionales del cuidado domiciliario / Technological inventions of family caregivers from the perspective of home care professionals

Resumo Objetivo descrever as invenções tecnológicas desenvolvidas por cuidadores familiares na perspectiva de profissionais da atenção domiciliar, discutindo-as a luz das necessidades de cuidado no domicílio. Método pesquisa qualitativa, multicêntrica, apoiada no modelo teórico das Necessidades Humanas Básicas, de Wanda Horta. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de entrevistas com 52 profissionais de equipes de Atenção Domiciliar de quatro municípios de Minas Gerais, submetidas à Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados foram identificadas 27 invenções criadas por cuidadores com materiais/recursos existentes no domicílio. A maior parte das invenções foi motivada pelas necessidades psicobiológicas de movimentação, posicionamento, proteção e conforto, alimentação, eliminações fisiológicas, higiene e terapêutica medicamentosa. Outras invenções foram motivadas pelas necessidades psicossociais e psicoespirituais para melhorar a comunicação entre o cuidador e o familiar, proporcionar lazer, distração e conforto espiritual. Conclusões/Implicações para a prática os processos de invenção de cuidadores explicitam consciência reflexiva ao articularem, assistemática e intuitivamente, recursos e objetos existentes no domicílio, gerando estratégias ou produtos semelhantes a tecnologias existentes. Estas invenções podem ser avaliadas, estimuladas, orientadas ou refutadas pelos profissionais de saúde cotidianamente envolvidos no cuidado domiciliar.

Resumen Objetivo describir las invenciones tecnológicas desarrolladas por los cuidadores familiares desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de la atención domiciliaria, discutiéndolas a la luz de las necesidades de atención en el hogar. Método investigación cualitativa, sustentada en el modelo teórico de las Necesidades Humanas Básicas. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de entrevistas con 52 profesionales de equipos de Atención Domiciliaria de cuatro municipios de Minas Gerais, sometidos al Análisis de Contenido. Resultados se identificaron 27 inventos creados por cuidadores con materiales disponibles en casa. La mayoría de los inventos fueron motivados por las necesidades psicobiológicas de movimiento, posicionamiento, protección y comodidad, alimentación, eliminaciones, higiene y farmacoterapia. Otros inventos fueron motivados por las necesidades psicosociales y psicoespirituales de mejorar la comunicación entre el cuidador y el familiar, proporcionando entretenimiento, distracción y consuelo espiritual. Conclusiones/Implicaciones para la práctica las invenciones de los cuidadores muestran una conciencia reflexiva al articular, de manera asistemática e intuitiva, los recursos y objetos existentes en el hogar, generando estrategias o productos similares a las tecnologías existentes. Estas invenciones pueden ser evaluadas, estimuladas, guiadas o refutadas por profesionales de la salud.

Abstract Objective To describe the technological inventions developed by family caregivers from the perspective of home care professionals, discussing them in the light of the care needs at home. Method qualitative, multicenter research, supported by the theoretical model of the Basic Human Needs of Wanda Horta. The data were obtained from interviews with 52 professionals from Home Care teams in four municipalities of Minas Gerais, which were submitted to Content Analysis. Results were identified 27 inventions created by caregivers with materials/resources existing at home. Most of the inventions were motivated by the psychobiological needs of movement, positioning, protection and comfort, feeding, physiological eliminations, hygiene and drug therapy. Other inventions were motivated by psychosocial and psychospiritual needs to improve communication between caregiver and family member, provide leisure, distraction, and spiritual comfort. Conclusions/Implications for practice the processes of invention of caregivers show reflective awareness by articulating, unsystematically and intuitively, existing resources and objects at home, generating strategies or products similar to existing technologies. These inventions can be evaluated, stimulated, guided or refuted by health professionals involved in home care on a daily basis.

Web App for prediction of hospitalisation in Intensive Care Unit by covid-19 / Web App para la predicción de hospitalización em la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos por covid-19 / Web App para a predição de internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva por covid-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a Web App from a predictive model to estimate the risk of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission for patients with covid-19. Methods: An applied technological production research was carried out with the development of Streamlit using Python, considering the decision tree model that presented the best performance (AUC 0.668). Results: Based on the variables associated with Precision Nursing, Streamlit stratifies patients admitted to clinical units who are most likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, serving as a decision-making support tool for healthcare professionals. Final considerations: The performance of the model may have been influenced by the start of vaccination during the data collection period, however, the Web App via Streamlit proved to be a feasible tool for presenting research results, due to the ease of understanding by nurses and its potential for supporting clinical decision-making.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Desarrollar una Web App a partir de un modelo predictivo para estimar el riesgo de ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) para pacientes con covid-19. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de producción tecnológica aplicada con el desarrollo de Streamlit utilizando Python, considerando el modelo de árbol de decisiones que presentó el mejor rendimiento (AUC 0.668). Resultados: Basado en las variables asociadas con la Enfermería de Precisión, Streamlit estratifica a los pacientes ingresados en unidades clínicas que tienen más probabilidades de ser admitidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, sirviendo como una herramienta de apoyo para la toma de decisiones para los profesionales de la salud. Consideraciones finales: El rendimiento del modelo puede haber sido influenciado por el inicio de la vacunación durante el período de recolección de datos. La Web App a través de Streamlit demostró ser una herramienta factible para presentar los resultados, debido a la facilidad de comprensión y su potencial para apoyar la toma de decisiones clínicas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver um Web App a partir de um modelo preditivo para estimar o risco de internação de pacientes com covid-19 em UTI. Métodos: Realizou-se uma pesquisa aplicada de produção tecnológica com o desenvolvimento do Streamlit a partir do Python, considerando o modelo de árvore de decisão que apresentou o melhor desempenho (AUC 0.668). Resultados: A partir das variáveis associadas à Enfermagem de Precisão, o Streamlit estratifica os pacientes internados nas unidades clínicas com maior probabilidade de internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, funcionando como uma ferramenta de apoio à tomada de decisão dos profissionais de saúde. Considerações finais: A performance do modelo pode ter sido influenciada pelo início da vacinação no período de coleta de dados, no entanto, o Web App via Streamlit mostrou-se uma ferramenta viável para a apresentação dos resultados de pesquisa, devido à facilidade de entendimento por parte dos enfermeiros e pelo potencial de apoio à decisão clínica.

Designing a Browser Extension for Reliable Online Health Information Retrieval Among Older Adults Using Design Thinking.

The pervasiveness of online mis/disinformation escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address the proliferation of online mis/disinformation, it is critical to build reliability into the tools older adults use to seek health information. On average, older adult populations demonstrate disproportionate susceptibility to false messages spread under the guise of accuracy and were the most engaged with false information about COVID-19 across online platforms when compared to other age-groups. In a design-thinking challenge posed by AARP to graduate students in a Digital Health course at Tufts University School of Medicine, students leveraged existing solutions to design a web browser extension that is responsive to both passive and active health information-seeking methods utilized by older adults in the United States. This paper details the design-thinking process employed, insights gained from primary research, an overview of the prototyped solution, and insights relating to the design of effective health information-seeking platforms for older adults.

[Fast track patent program for COVID-19 in BrazilProceso rápido de concesión de patentes para enfrentar la COVID-19 en Brasil]. / Concessão rápida de patentes para enfrentamento da COVID-19 no Brasil.

With the objective of stimulating the production and licensing of new technologies, the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), the agency responsible for granting patents in Brazil, created a priority or fast track procedure for patent processes related to innovations that can be used against COVID-19. The first effects of this institutional measure are assessed in the present work, based on the identification and analysis of the time elapsed between fast track requests by the Ministry of Health or through petition by the depositors themselves. The results demonstrate that the INPI was able to successfully respond to the public health emergency by granting patents on average 5.3 months after the fast track request, a time considerably shorter than the average required in usual processes.

Con objeto de estimular la producción y el otorgamiento de licencias de nuevas tecnologías, el Instituto Nacional de la Propiedad Industrial (INPI), entidad autónoma responsable de la concesión de patentes en Brasil, creó una modalidad de trámite prioritario para los procesos de concesión de patentes relativas a innovaciones que puedan emplearse en la lucha contra la COVID-19. En este trabajo se evaluaron los primeros efectos de esa medida institucional, al determinar y analizar la duración de los procesos prioritarios de concesión de patentes solicitados por medio de comunicación oficial del Ministerio de Salud o de una petición presentada por los propios solicitantes. Los resultados demuestran que el INPI pudo atender con éxito la emergencia de salud pública, al conceder patentes en un período promedio de 5,3 meses contados a partir de la fecha de presentación de la solicitud de priorización, un tiempo considerablemente inferior al promedio exigido en los procesos habituales.

Effect of community-based nurse-led support intervention in the reduction of HbA1c levels.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of community based Nurse-led support intervention in the reduction of HbA1c levels compared to usual care. DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted until August 2021 including RCTs to check for a reduction in HbA1c levels in Nurse-led intervention arm. RESULTS: Twenty-one trials involving 4649 diabetic individuals were included in the review. The pooled mean difference in the reduction of HbA1c in the intervention group was found to be -0.421 (95% CI: -0.59 to -0.25). CONCLUSION AND EVIDENCE: Nurse-led educational intervention proved beneficial in the control of HbA1c among diabetic individuals.

Moderate procedural confidence improvement following hands-on practice using the hemispherectomy simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric hemispherectomy is a technically demanding procedure with significant risk. There are relatively few opportunities for surgeon trainees to gain confidence in this nuanced surgery solely through traditional apprenticeship prior to independent practice. Surgeon confidence has been linked to better intraoperative performance and surgical simulation has, according to literature, resulted in improved surgeon confidence. This manuscript measures the effect of epilepsy simulation on the procedural confidence of neurosurgical trainees as a marker of future improved intraoperative performance. METHODS: Eleven neurosurgery residents and fellows were allowed to practice on a novel hemispherectomy simulator. Pre- and post-simulation procedural confidence was measured using a 10-item questionnaire, with total scores ranging from 10 (least confident) to 50 (most confident). Matched pair t-testing was performed to determine participant mean difference between the pre- and post-procedural data sets. RESULTS: The assessment tool bore a high reliability coefficient (Cronbach's α = 0.93). The procedural confidence of all the study participants increased following simulation (p value < 0.001). The overall mean increase in confidence was 7.2 ± 4.0 (mean ± standard deviation), 7.5 ± 4.7 among fellows and 6.8 ± 3.6 among residents. Procedural confidence values were higher among the fellows (26.9 ± 8.1) compared to the residents (19.0 ± 7.4). This difference in means was statistically significant (p value 0.03). A positive association was calculated between the perceived confidence and the postgraduate year of training (p value 0.005, r = 0.57). CONCLUSION: The hemispherectomy simulator moderately improves perceived confidence among neurosurgical trainees and may augment pre-operative surgical practice opportunities.

A newly developed hand rim for wheelchair tennis improves propulsion technique and efficiency in able-bodied novices.

A new wheelchair tennis hand rim was developed, having a larger contact area and higher friction. How does this new hand rim compare to a regular hand rim regarding submaximal propulsion with a tennis racket during practice in novices? Twenty-four able-bodied novices (12 Regular Rim, 12 New Rim) completed a one-day experiment: pre-test, three practice-sessions and a post-test of 3 × 4 min each on a wheelchair ergometer (1.11 m/s, 7W). The New Rim group compared to the Regular Rim group, had a lower negative work per cycle (-0.83J vs. -2.06J, p = 0.01) at the post-test. There was a significantly larger increase in mechanical efficiency between the pre- and post-test in the New Rim group (2.3-3.4% vs. 2.1-2.5%, p = 0.02) compared to the Regular Rim group. The new rim led to a more ergonomic propulsion technique, with a reduction in negative power and higher mechanical efficiency between the pre- and post-test at submaximal propulsion.