Criterios de gestión de activos tecnológicos de imagen cardiovascular / Criteria for the management of technological assets in cardiovascular imaging

En cardiología, es esencial disponer de tecnología adecuada, actualizada y en buenas condiciones de funcionamiento. En España, el marco económico ha impactado fuertemente en los programas de renovación de tecnología y la obsolescencia es un problema creciente. El actual informe trata de dar respuesta al momento y las condiciones que deben concurrir para plantear la actualización, el reemplazo o la adopción de nuevas tecnologías en el ámbito de la cardiología

Adequate, updated and functional technology is essential in cardiology. In Spain, the economic scenario has strongly impacted technology renewal programs and obsolescence is a growing problem. The current report attempts to describe the current situation and the conditions that must concur to update, replace or adopt new technologies in the field of cardiology

Implementation of guiding layers of surface acoustic wave devices: A review.

The purpose of overviewing research and development status of dependable, efficient, and portable and miniaturized surface acoustic wave (SAW) is to propose practical devices for biosensing and medical diagnosis. SAW Love-mode sensors fortunately have a great deal of attention during last two decades. Several periodic structure models of SAW devices were reviewed, especially interdigital transducers (IDTs), wave guiding layers, patterned-ZnO. SAW devices based on such periodic wave guiding layers and patterned-ZnO were demonstrated with superior performance, much better than conventional SAW devices. Both 2D and 3D models of phononic-crystal-based SAW devices can be respectively fabricated by an array of periodic cylindrical holes and pillars, which allowed SAW devices to have both higher Q-factor and GHz-level frequency. Ring waveguide and spherical SAW devices would have potential applications and implementation in biosensing. ZnO is one of attractive guiding-layer materials. Its nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanorods and nanofibers provided with excellent properties, will make nanoscaled SAW devices contribute to be much more sensitive in biosensors. A range of applications based on SAW and ZnO guiding-layer would be therefore expected among of immunochemical analysis, in-situ virus or bacteria determination, microfluidic automation, and cell manipulation.

Disease-Related Detection with Electrochemical Biosensors: A Review.

Rapid diagnosis of diseases at their initial stage is critical for effective clinical outcomes and promotes general public health. Classical in vitro diagnostics require centralized laboratories, tedious work and large, expensive devices. In recent years, numerous electrochemical biosensors have been developed and proposed for detection of various diseases based on specific biomarkers taking advantage of their features, including sensitivity, selectivity, low cost and rapid response. This article reviews research trends in disease-related detection with electrochemical biosensors. Focus has been placed on the immobilization mechanism of electrochemical biosensors, and the techniques and materials used for the fabrication of biosensors are introduced in details. Various biomolecules used for different diseases have been listed. Besides, the advances and challenges of using electrochemical biosensors for disease-related applications are discussed.

The Measure of a Man.

Moving beyond simple fitness tracking, wearable devices may soon offer opportunities for monitoring health and bring vast amounts of new data to the study of human diseases.

[The shortcomings of technical regulation in sphere of circulation of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro in the Russian Federation: the state of affairs and proposed solutions].

The article presents analysis of international and national trends in area of development of normative legal documents in sphere of circulation of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro. The comparative analysis was made concerning certain principles of formation of nomenclature of medical devices for diagnostic in vitro in the international practice and in the Russian Federation. The necessity of reformation of national normative legal base in this issue is demonstrated.

Positive change: connecting the virtual and the real.

How do we lastingly change our lives for the better? There is not an easy answer to this question. However, due to the advances in psychology and neuroscience, now we have a better view of personal change, that is not limited to a specific viewpoint. In particular, the emergence of integrative and transdiagnostic accounts suggests that change is contextual, depending on the person, the issues, and the situation. More, personal change is a process, happening in discontinuous and nonlinear ways, following life transitions and traumatic events. In this process a key role can be played by technology: using the "Positive Technology" approach it is possible to use technology to manipulate the quality of experience, with the goal of increasing wellness, and generating strengths and resilience in individuals, organizations and society.

Glucose monitoring in neonates: need for accurate and non-invasive methods.

Neonatal hypoglycaemia can lead to devastating consequences. Thus, constant, accurate and safe glucose monitoring is imperative in neonatal care. However, point-of-care (POC) devices for glucose testing currently used for neonates were originally designed for adults and do not address issues specific to neonates. This review will address currently available monitoring options and describe new methodologies for non-invasive glucose monitoring in newborns.

[Potential of using inertial sensors in high level sports].

The article thoroughly covers development of wireless inertial sensors technology in medicine. The authors describe main criteria of diagnostic value of inertial sensors, advantages and prospects of using these systems in sports medicine, in comparison with other conventional methods of biomechanical examination in sports medicine. The results obtained necessitate further development of this approach, specifically creation of algorithms and methods of biomechanic examination of highly qualified athletes in high achievements sports.

[The mechanoreceptor tactile diagnostics of thoracic diseases].

The novel system of tactile analysis was used in the mechanoreceptor device. The local pressure measurement is carried out in in cameras, divided by the elastic membrane from the analyzed organ. The devise allows fast and adequate real-time measurement of tissue density and elasticity. The results, acquired with the use of the mechanoreceptor device were checked microscopically. The study showed high compatibility and adequacy of the novel mechanoreceptor.

New diagnostic aids for melanoma.

Detection of melanoma at an early stage is crucial to improving survival rates in melanoma. Accurate diagnosis by current techniques including dermatoscopy remains difficult, and new tools are needed to improve our diagnostic abilities. This article discusses recent advances in diagnostic techniques including confocal scanning laser microscopy, MelaFind, SIAscopy, and noninvasive genomic detection, as well as other future possibilities to aid in diagnosing melanoma. Advantages and barriers to implementation of the various technologies are also discussed.

Development of an iPhone application for sideline concussion testing.

Professional athletes are taking concussion very seriously, and missed play due to concussion is no longer stigmatized. One fortuitous consequence is increased awareness of the detrimental effects of concussion among student athletes. Whereas professional athletes have access to formal in-competition evaluation and out-of-competition monitoring programs, the majority of student athletes, especially at the middle school and high school levels, do not. The authors therefore set out to create an easy-to-use iPhone application for sideline concussion testing and serial monitoring of these at-risk athletes.

Insights into the novel three 'D's of epilepsy treatment: drugs, delivery systems and devices.

Here, we review three 'D's--drugs, delivery systems and devices--that can selectively target not only brain regions but also abnormal cells in the epileptic nervous system. This review also offers insights into the novel molecular targets that enabled the development of new antiepileptic drugs with improved efficacy. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems and alert, diagnostic, surgical and brain stimulation devices designed for the control and management of epilepsy are also discussed. Although the application of the three 'D's continues to be valuable, this review also considers computer-aided software systems, with special emphasis on seizure detection and management. Finally, challenges that still loiter in the field and future prospects that, once accomplished, could lead to cures for epilepsy are addressed.