GBIF launches new Internet tool
A new internet tool (data.gbif/) has been launched by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The launch event took place at an international meeting for scientific and technical advice to the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the UNESCO building in Paris.
The new GBIF Data Portal is an Internet gateway to more than 130 million data records provided by 200+ institutions scattered over 30+ countries around the world. All of these data (with more to come) can be accessed all at once on the GBIF Data Portal.
Using GBIF's new search engine, you can find where on the globe a species can be found, or get a list of species in your country or your back yard. The data retrieved are instantly mapped by the Portal. The data can also, if the user chooses, be easily plotted on Google Earth.
The Data Portal is a sophisticated tool for users to incorporate biodiversity data into their own websites, or download datasets for ecological studies.
When combined with environmental datasets (soil type, climate, elevation and the like), GBIF data can be used in predicting species' response to climate change, choosing the best places to put protected areas, etc.
"This new Portal is one of the key tools GBIF has been working toward since its inception in 2001," said Dr. Nick King, currently CEO of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and soon to become Executive Secretary of GBIF. "It will be extremely useful in improving decisions in support of sustainable development."
GBIF is an international organisation founded to make the world's biodiversity data freely and openly available worldwide. Membership now stands at 40 countries and 33 international organisations. Current non-members are welcome and invited to join.
The GBIF Data Portal is capable of handling hundreds of millions of data records. With the launch of the Portal, the GBIF network of data providers is set to grow dramatically, from hundreds to thousands of institutions.
GBIF makes the Portal and its extensive capabilities and services, as well as software for data providers, freely available. Civil society, countries and organisations are invited to utilise GBIF's new Data Portal.
Source: Meredith A. Lane
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
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вторник, 6 сентября 2011 г.
MU Researcher Develops Screening Tool To Identify Patients With Prediabetes
A third of Americans with diabetes do not know that they have it, and many more who have prediabetic conditions are unaware that they are at risk. A University of Missouri researcher has created a clinical tool to identify those at highest risk for having undetected hyperglycemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and undiagnosed diabetes. If these conditions are identified early, patients may benefit from preventative strategies that can minimize progression to diabetes, other diseases and mortality.
"Diabetic risk factors are not equal and assessing a combination of risk factors can be confusing," said Richelle J. Koopman, assistant professor of family and community medicine in the MU School of Medicine. "A tool that weighs the relative contributions of multiple risk factors and creates an overall risk score will help clinicians decide which patients to screen for diabetes. The tool we have developed is easy to use and the screening can be done with pencil and paper. Patients can do it at a health fair or a physician's office."
The Tool to Assess Likelihood of Fasting Glucose Impairment (TAG-IT) is designed to use factors that are self-reported or easily measured. The six factors include: age, sex, BMI, family history, resting heart rate and measured high blood pressure.
The average age of diagnosis for diabetes in the United States is 46 years old. However, patients are likely to develop prediabetic conditions at a younger age. In the United States, 57 million people have IFG. As type 2 diabetes becomes an increasing burden in younger populations, it's important to have a screening tool that can assess undiagnosed diabetes and IFG in people as young as 20, Koopman said.
"There has been increasing evidence that prediabetic states are associated with diseases and other complications, and strategies that prevent diabetes in those with prediabetes are effective," Koopman said. "The TAG-IT tool will help physicians assess patients' risk levels. Hopefully, knowing their TAG-IT scores will encourage high-risk patients to use preventative strategies and make positive changes in their behaviors. The tool has potential as a Web-based screening tool that could improve awareness and encourage compliance with lifestyle changes recommended by physicians."
The study, "Tool to Assess Likelihood of Fasting Glucose Impairment (TAG-IT)" was published in the Annals of Family Medicine and is co-authored by Arch G. Mainous III, Charles J. Everett and Rickey E. Carter.
Source: Kelsey Jackson
University of Missouri-Columbia
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"Diabetic risk factors are not equal and assessing a combination of risk factors can be confusing," said Richelle J. Koopman, assistant professor of family and community medicine in the MU School of Medicine. "A tool that weighs the relative contributions of multiple risk factors and creates an overall risk score will help clinicians decide which patients to screen for diabetes. The tool we have developed is easy to use and the screening can be done with pencil and paper. Patients can do it at a health fair or a physician's office."
The Tool to Assess Likelihood of Fasting Glucose Impairment (TAG-IT) is designed to use factors that are self-reported or easily measured. The six factors include: age, sex, BMI, family history, resting heart rate and measured high blood pressure.
The average age of diagnosis for diabetes in the United States is 46 years old. However, patients are likely to develop prediabetic conditions at a younger age. In the United States, 57 million people have IFG. As type 2 diabetes becomes an increasing burden in younger populations, it's important to have a screening tool that can assess undiagnosed diabetes and IFG in people as young as 20, Koopman said.
"There has been increasing evidence that prediabetic states are associated with diseases and other complications, and strategies that prevent diabetes in those with prediabetes are effective," Koopman said. "The TAG-IT tool will help physicians assess patients' risk levels. Hopefully, knowing their TAG-IT scores will encourage high-risk patients to use preventative strategies and make positive changes in their behaviors. The tool has potential as a Web-based screening tool that could improve awareness and encourage compliance with lifestyle changes recommended by physicians."
The study, "Tool to Assess Likelihood of Fasting Glucose Impairment (TAG-IT)" was published in the Annals of Family Medicine and is co-authored by Arch G. Mainous III, Charles J. Everett and Rickey E. Carter.
Source: Kelsey Jackson
University of Missouri-Columbia
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Health Reform Law Will Benefit Women With Individual, Small Group Insurance
NPR's "Morning Edition" on Friday examined how the new health reform law could "improve women's experiences" with health insurance in the individual and small group markets.
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Under the current system, many health insurers deny or refuse to offer individual or small group coverage for gender-specific conditions, such as female infertility or having a previous caesarean section. Health insurers also frequently charge women higher premiums than men for the same coverage. A 2009 report by the National Women's Law Center found that women in the individual market can be charged up to 84% more than men for similar policies that do not include maternity coverage.
The new reform law will prohibit insurers from setting premium prices based on a consumer's gender or personal health history, "Morning Edition" reports. Policies offered in the new health insurance exchanges, which will take effect in 2014, will be required to provide coverage for pregnancy and related conditions.
Beginning five months from now, new insurance plans will have to allow women to receive care from obstetricians and gynecologists without referrals from primary care providers, according to "Morning Edition." In addition, insurers will be barred from charging copayments or other upfront costs for preventive services like mammograms and Pap tests.
NWLC Co-President Marcia Greenberger said, "Women have an enormous amount to gain from this bill," adding that in addition to the provisions requiring coverage of maternity care and banning industry practices that discriminate against women, the law "requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide a place and time for nursing mothers" to breastfeed or pump (Silberner, "Morning Edition," NPR, 4/23).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
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Phase 2 Clinical Trial For Plague Vaccine Candidate RF1V
DynPort Vaccine Company LLC has entered into a phase 2 clinical trial for its recombinant plague vaccine candidate, rF1V.
The phase 2 trial will test different vaccine dosages and schedules in 400 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. The clinical trial is underway and will continue into 2007 at eight locations across the United States.
"An effective, licensed plague vaccine is a crucial component of U.S. biodefense initiatives," said Dr. Robert V. House, president and chief scientific officer of DVC. "Plague has been identified as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The candidate's entry into a phase 2 trial is a significant step toward DVC's goal of a licensed plague vaccine."
The plague vaccine candidate, which is designed to provide protection against the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis, was originally identified and developed by scientists working at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Their work involved the identification of suitable protein antigens and the development of the processes used to assess the performance of the vaccine. Further development and manufacture of the vaccine candidate has been achieved by DVC under the Department of Defense Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP) prime systems contract.
JVAP's mission is to develop, produce and stockpile Food and Drug Administration-licensed vaccine products to help protect the warfighter against biological warfare agents. JVAP consolidates the Department of Defense's efforts for the advanced development, testing, FDA licensing, production and storage of biological defense vaccines.
USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Md., is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and plays a key role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The Institute's mission is to conduct basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions (such as vaccines, drugs and diagnostics) to protect the warfighter. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
DVC is a technology integrator that provides solutions to protect humanity from emerging threats. DVC is part of CSC's Enforcement, Security and Intelligence organization, which CSC created to support programs enhancing U.S. security. For more information, visit DVC's Web site at csc/dvc
The safety and efficacy of this product in humans has not been established. This product is currently under clinical investigation and has not been licensed by the FDA.
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Founded in 1959, Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading global information technology (IT) services company. CSC's mission is to provide customers in industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology.
With approximately 79,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC's own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and application hosting; and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., CSC reported revenue of $14.6 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the company's Web site at csc.
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The phase 2 trial will test different vaccine dosages and schedules in 400 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. The clinical trial is underway and will continue into 2007 at eight locations across the United States.
"An effective, licensed plague vaccine is a crucial component of U.S. biodefense initiatives," said Dr. Robert V. House, president and chief scientific officer of DVC. "Plague has been identified as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The candidate's entry into a phase 2 trial is a significant step toward DVC's goal of a licensed plague vaccine."
The plague vaccine candidate, which is designed to provide protection against the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis, was originally identified and developed by scientists working at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Their work involved the identification of suitable protein antigens and the development of the processes used to assess the performance of the vaccine. Further development and manufacture of the vaccine candidate has been achieved by DVC under the Department of Defense Joint Vaccine Acquisition Program (JVAP) prime systems contract.
JVAP's mission is to develop, produce and stockpile Food and Drug Administration-licensed vaccine products to help protect the warfighter against biological warfare agents. JVAP consolidates the Department of Defense's efforts for the advanced development, testing, FDA licensing, production and storage of biological defense vaccines.
USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Md., is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and plays a key role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The Institute's mission is to conduct basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions (such as vaccines, drugs and diagnostics) to protect the warfighter. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
DVC is a technology integrator that provides solutions to protect humanity from emerging threats. DVC is part of CSC's Enforcement, Security and Intelligence organization, which CSC created to support programs enhancing U.S. security. For more information, visit DVC's Web site at csc/dvc
The safety and efficacy of this product in humans has not been established. This product is currently under clinical investigation and has not been licensed by the FDA.
About CSC
Founded in 1959, Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading global information technology (IT) services company. CSC's mission is to provide customers in industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology.
With approximately 79,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC's own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and application hosting; and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., CSC reported revenue of $14.6 billion for the 12 months ended March 31, 2005. For more information, visit the company's Web site at csc.
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Presidential Candidate Sen. Clinton Announces Proposal To Reduce Health Care Costs
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in a speech at George Washington University on Thursday introduced a health care cost-cutting plan that she said could save $120 billion annually, the New York Times reports (Seelye, New York Times, 5/25). According to the Washington Post, Clinton has "narrowed her focus to health-care costs, a complex subject but one that resonates among many middle-income Americans." Clinton's plan includes seven measures to reduce costs and improve care in the U.S. health system. The plan says that Clinton would launch a "prevention initiative" to reduce diseases such as diabetes. The plan also calls for the implementation of electronic health records.
In addition, Clinton proposes to overhaul the method of care for the chronically ill, whose costs account for about two-thirds of all U.S. health expenditures. Her plan says it would seek to "en[d] insurance discrimination" by requiring insurance plans to accept anyone regardless of health status (Kornblut, Washington Post, 5/25).
Under Clinton's proposal, insurers also would be prohibited from charging higher rates to people with medical problems (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). The plan calls for legalizing the purchase of lower-cost prescription drugs from other nations and requiring Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. In addition, the plan says Clinton will call for instituting "common sense" changes to the medical malpractice system (Washington Post, 5/25).
Another portion of the plan would establish a combination public and private "Best Practices Institute" to finance research comparing treatment efficacy. The organization would issue protocols based on its findings (CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). Clinton said the institute would determine whether new prescription drugs and technologies offer real benefits to patients compared with older therapies or whether they simply boost drug company profits (New York Times, 5/25).
Clinton's proposals announced Thursday were the first phase of what she said would be a three-part plan for correcting the nation's health care problems if she were elected president (CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). Clinton's advisers said that she will outline plans to improve quality of care and implement universal coverage in coming months (Washington Post, 5/25).
In addition, Clinton proposes to overhaul the method of care for the chronically ill, whose costs account for about two-thirds of all U.S. health expenditures. Her plan says it would seek to "en[d] insurance discrimination" by requiring insurance plans to accept anyone regardless of health status (Kornblut, Washington Post, 5/25).
Under Clinton's proposal, insurers also would be prohibited from charging higher rates to people with medical problems (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). The plan calls for legalizing the purchase of lower-cost prescription drugs from other nations and requiring Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. In addition, the plan says Clinton will call for instituting "common sense" changes to the medical malpractice system (Washington Post, 5/25).
Another portion of the plan would establish a combination public and private "Best Practices Institute" to finance research comparing treatment efficacy. The organization would issue protocols based on its findings (CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). Clinton said the institute would determine whether new prescription drugs and technologies offer real benefits to patients compared with older therapies or whether they simply boost drug company profits (New York Times, 5/25).
Clinton's proposals announced Thursday were the first phase of what she said would be a three-part plan for correcting the nation's health care problems if she were elected president (CQ HealthBeat, 5/24). Clinton's advisers said that she will outline plans to improve quality of care and implement universal coverage in coming months (Washington Post, 5/25).
Comments
Clinton said, "Now, I've tangled with this issue before, and I've got the scars to show for it." She continued, "But I learned some valuable lessons from that experience. One is that we can't achieve reform without the participation and commitment of health care providers, employers, employees and other citizens who pay for, depend upon and actually deliver health care services" (Zuckman, Chicago Tribune, 5/25).
Clinton said, "In a system of universal coverage, insurance companies cannot as easily shift costs through cherry-picking and other means" of excluding older and sicker patients. She added, "That's how they profit: by avoiding insuring patients who will be expensive and then trying to avoid paying up once the insured patient actually needs treatment." Clinton said, "The money we save from the waste we eliminate and the way we change how we care for people should be used to help finance coverage for the 45 million Americans who have no insurance" (Young, The Hill, 5/24).
"The candidates have different starting positions with the voters on health care," Drew Altman, president and CEO of the Kaiser Family Foundation, which has polled on health policy and the election, said (Washington Post, 5/25). "Even though there was a great failure in the '90s, voters associate her with the issue and know she cares deeply about the issue," Altman said (Chicago Tribune, 5/25).
Mohit Ghose, a spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans, said, "We agree that universal access is a goal of even our proposal," adding, "But it's a question of how we get there, and how we make sure we're providing access to as many people as possible while preserving the affordability" (New York Times, 5/25).
Presidential candidate and former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) already has proposed a plan for insuring all U.S. residents by 2012, while Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), another contender for the Democratic nomination, is slated to announce his plan for lowering health care costs and expanding insurance coverage in Iowa City on Tuesday (Chicago Tribune, 5/25).
A kaisernetwork webcast of Clinton's speech is available online. Text of Clinton's plan also is available online.
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
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Advances In Colorectal Cancer Detection, Sedation Procedures And Computer-Assistance
New developments in polyp detection, colonoscopy preparation and sedation techniques that will increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns about the procedure were presented at Digestive Disease Week® 2008 (DDW®). Research advances in sedation include computer-assisted sedation systems and the new evidence supporting the administration of propofol by gastroenterologists. DDW is the largest international gathering of physicians and researchers in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.
"A significant percent of the population is not undergoing colorectal cancer screening, despite the fact that it has been proven to save lives," according to Sidney J. Winawer, MD, FASGE, AGAF, Paul Sherlock Chair, gastroenterology and nutrition service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "We hope that new research, such as that presented today, will encourage patients to get screened and to work with their doctors to discuss which screening methods may be best for them."
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. - more than 24,000 men and nearly 26,000 women die of the disease each year. However, colorectal cancer is curable when detected early. Screening rates for colorectal cancer in the U.S. lag far behind those for other cancers despite research showing that high mortality rates are lowered by detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage.
"The most common neoplastic outcome of colorectal cancer screening is the identification of polyps which require follow-up. Colorectal cancer is curable and preventable when polyps are found and removed early," said Dr. Winawer. "If physicians followed recommended screening guidelines, there would be more appropriate surveillance which would help shift resources to screening."
A Computer-Assisted Personalized Sedation System to Administer Propofol Versus Standard of Care Sedation for Colonoscopy and EGD: A 1000 Subject Randomized, Controlled, Multi-Center Pivotal Trial (Late Breaking Abstract)
During endoscopic procedures, patients are placed under moderate sedation, which allows them to undergo these procedures comfortably. Traditional sedation agents, such as midazolam, meperidine and fentanyl, are often administered by the endoscopy team during the procedure. Propofol is an alternative medication which takes effect quickly and allows for a quicker recovery period, but may place the patient under a deeper sedation. Currently, propofol is administered by anesthesiologists or nurse anaesthetists.
The SEDASYS™ System is a computer-assisted personalized sedation (CAPS) monitor that allows an endoscopist and nurse team to administer on-label, propofol sedation during colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. The system delivers propofol to the patient following the endoscopist's instructions and closely monitors the patient to help assure that the level of sedation is appropriate - even more closely than a human. This 1,000 subject controlled, randomized, multi-center trial sought to test the safety and efficacy of this sedation method, as well as the benefits to both physicians and patients.
"A computer-assisted system of this type allows for sedation to be completely personalized to the patient, giving the physician greater, more precise control with improved safety," said Robert Hardi, MD, clinical faculty at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. "The machine, which may have beneficial cost implications, also allows for a shorter recovery time."
The study found that physician and nurse teams were able to safely and effectively administer propofol sedation using the SEDASYS System during both colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. In fact, patients who experienced SEDASYS sedation had significantly lower measure of cumulative oxygen desaturation (17.8 percent per second) compared to those who underwent traditional sedation (98.8 percent per second). Additionally, both patients and physicians were surveyed using a list of measures to determine the quality of their experience with their sedation and the procedure overall. Both the subjects treated with the SEDASYS System and particularly the physicians administering the procedure reported higher satisfaction with the sedation achieved with the SEDASYS System.
American College of Radiology (ACR) Recommendations for CT Colonography (CTC) Interpretation: Implications for Resection of High Risk Adenoma Findings (Abstract # 878)
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has released guidelines recommending that polyps < 5 mm in size not be reported on computed tomographic colonography (CTC) studies. As a result, investigators set out to determine the effect of the ACR guidelines by applying them to an endoscopic database that collected information about polyps that have been removed and processed.
The database results included information for 10,780 polyps that were removed from 5,079 patients (among 10,034 colonoscopies) over a five-year interval. These patients were then broken into two groups, those with low risk - whose findings included no more than one to two tubular adenomas (benign tumors) and who were recommended to go five to 10 years before receiving a follow-up colonoscopy - and those with high risk - whose findings include advanced adenoma or three or more adenomas of any size.
"Our findings suggest that because of the ACR's de-emphasis of small polyps, CTC may not identify enough patients with important polyp findings," said Douglas Rex, MD, Chancellors professor of medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine and director of endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital. "The full implications and impact of these findings on cancer prevention is not yet known, because the natural history of small adenomas is still not understood."
Researchers sought to determine how many patients would have been identified as high risk according to the post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines if they had undergone CTC as their initial diagnostic test instead of colonoscopy. In all, 5,079 patients (51 percent) had at least one polyp and 2,907 (29 percent) had at least one adenoma. More than 1,000 (10 percent) had high risk findings, including 421 patients (4.1 percent) with one adenoma that was >1 cm in size. Two hundred and ninety-three patients had > three adenomas Buy Prograf Without Prescription
"A significant percent of the population is not undergoing colorectal cancer screening, despite the fact that it has been proven to save lives," according to Sidney J. Winawer, MD, FASGE, AGAF, Paul Sherlock Chair, gastroenterology and nutrition service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "We hope that new research, such as that presented today, will encourage patients to get screened and to work with their doctors to discuss which screening methods may be best for them."
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. - more than 24,000 men and nearly 26,000 women die of the disease each year. However, colorectal cancer is curable when detected early. Screening rates for colorectal cancer in the U.S. lag far behind those for other cancers despite research showing that high mortality rates are lowered by detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage.
"The most common neoplastic outcome of colorectal cancer screening is the identification of polyps which require follow-up. Colorectal cancer is curable and preventable when polyps are found and removed early," said Dr. Winawer. "If physicians followed recommended screening guidelines, there would be more appropriate surveillance which would help shift resources to screening."
A Computer-Assisted Personalized Sedation System to Administer Propofol Versus Standard of Care Sedation for Colonoscopy and EGD: A 1000 Subject Randomized, Controlled, Multi-Center Pivotal Trial (Late Breaking Abstract)
During endoscopic procedures, patients are placed under moderate sedation, which allows them to undergo these procedures comfortably. Traditional sedation agents, such as midazolam, meperidine and fentanyl, are often administered by the endoscopy team during the procedure. Propofol is an alternative medication which takes effect quickly and allows for a quicker recovery period, but may place the patient under a deeper sedation. Currently, propofol is administered by anesthesiologists or nurse anaesthetists.
The SEDASYS™ System is a computer-assisted personalized sedation (CAPS) monitor that allows an endoscopist and nurse team to administer on-label, propofol sedation during colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. The system delivers propofol to the patient following the endoscopist's instructions and closely monitors the patient to help assure that the level of sedation is appropriate - even more closely than a human. This 1,000 subject controlled, randomized, multi-center trial sought to test the safety and efficacy of this sedation method, as well as the benefits to both physicians and patients.
"A computer-assisted system of this type allows for sedation to be completely personalized to the patient, giving the physician greater, more precise control with improved safety," said Robert Hardi, MD, clinical faculty at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. "The machine, which may have beneficial cost implications, also allows for a shorter recovery time."
The study found that physician and nurse teams were able to safely and effectively administer propofol sedation using the SEDASYS System during both colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. In fact, patients who experienced SEDASYS sedation had significantly lower measure of cumulative oxygen desaturation (17.8 percent per second) compared to those who underwent traditional sedation (98.8 percent per second). Additionally, both patients and physicians were surveyed using a list of measures to determine the quality of their experience with their sedation and the procedure overall. Both the subjects treated with the SEDASYS System and particularly the physicians administering the procedure reported higher satisfaction with the sedation achieved with the SEDASYS System.
American College of Radiology (ACR) Recommendations for CT Colonography (CTC) Interpretation: Implications for Resection of High Risk Adenoma Findings (Abstract # 878)
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has released guidelines recommending that polyps < 5 mm in size not be reported on computed tomographic colonography (CTC) studies. As a result, investigators set out to determine the effect of the ACR guidelines by applying them to an endoscopic database that collected information about polyps that have been removed and processed.
The database results included information for 10,780 polyps that were removed from 5,079 patients (among 10,034 colonoscopies) over a five-year interval. These patients were then broken into two groups, those with low risk - whose findings included no more than one to two tubular adenomas (benign tumors) and who were recommended to go five to 10 years before receiving a follow-up colonoscopy - and those with high risk - whose findings include advanced adenoma or three or more adenomas of any size.
"Our findings suggest that because of the ACR's de-emphasis of small polyps, CTC may not identify enough patients with important polyp findings," said Douglas Rex, MD, Chancellors professor of medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine and director of endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital. "The full implications and impact of these findings on cancer prevention is not yet known, because the natural history of small adenomas is still not understood."
Researchers sought to determine how many patients would have been identified as high risk according to the post-polypectomy surveillance guidelines if they had undergone CTC as their initial diagnostic test instead of colonoscopy. In all, 5,079 patients (51 percent) had at least one polyp and 2,907 (29 percent) had at least one adenoma. More than 1,000 (10 percent) had high risk findings, including 421 patients (4.1 percent) with one adenoma that was >1 cm in size. Two hundred and ninety-three patients had > three adenomas Buy Prograf Without Prescription
Options For University Implementation Of NIH Policy Offered By New Whitepaper
SPARC (the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition), Science Commons, and the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) have jointly released a white paper to help university and medical school administrators ensure their institutions comply with public access requirements that are soon to be a condition of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding.
Effective April 7, 2008, investigators must deposit articles stemming from NIH funding into the agency's PubMed Central online archive, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication in a journal. Complying with the National Institutes of Health Public Access Policy: Copyright Considerations and Options will help provosts, research administrators, and campus counsel understand their institution's copyright-related obligations and options under the new Congressionally mandated policy, which was announced in January and replaces an earlier voluntary approach.
The timely analysis was prepared by Michael W. Carroll, an attorney, copyright expert, and faculty member at Villanova University law school. Carroll reviews the policy and its background, explains the legal context, and presents six alternative copyright management strategies that will help grantee institutions assure they reserve the necessary rights for articles to be made available in PubMed Central.
Carroll has been involved for several years in copyright issues as a member of the Creative Commons board and an advisor to Science Commons. In 2004 he worked with SPARC to develop the popular SPARC Author Addendum (arl/sparc/author/), which enables authors to reserve rights to deposit their works in open online archives.
"The benefits to biomedical research of the new NIH policy are ultimately nothing short of tremendous," said Heather Joseph, executive director of SPARC. "The sooner we can get effective implementing mechanisms in place, the sooner researchers, institutions, and the public can put PubMed Central to work. With April implementation drawing near, this paper will be a great tool to help administrators jumpstart the local planning process."
"Congress and the NIH recognize that the Internet makes a difference," said John Wilbanks, Vice President of Science Commons. "Faculty authors can no longer sign away their copyrights in a business-as-usual manner when doing so means that their work will never be openly accessible over the Internet. This white paper is a step in making sure authors and universities understand how to move forward with a solid legal footing."
Karla Hahn, Director of the ARL Office of Scholarly Communication, added, "The new NIH requirement should accelerate ongoing efforts to establish norms for authors to routinely retain rights to deposit works in local as well as national digital repositories. Carroll's much-needed analysis clarifies the new opportunities for institutions to develop strategic approaches to rights management issues."
Complying with the National Institutes of Health Public Access Policy: Copyright Considerations and Options is available free on the SPARC Web site at arl/sparc/advocacy/nih/copyright.html.
SPARC
SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition), with SPARC Europe and SPARC Japan, is an international alliance of more than 800 academic and research libraries working to create a more open system of scholarly communication. SPARC's advocacy, educational and publisher partnership programs encourage expanded dissemination of research. SPARC is on the Web at arl/sparc/.
Science Commons
Science Commons designs strategies and tools for faster, more efficient web-enabled scientific research. Science Commons identifies unnecessary barriers to research, crafts policy guidelines and legal agreements to lower those barriers, and develops technology to make research data and materials easier to find and use. The goal of Science Commons is to speed the translation of data into discovery and to unlock the value of research so more people can benefit from the work scientists are doing.
Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 123 research libraries in North America. Its mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve. ARL pursues this mission by advancing the goals of its member research libraries, providing leadership in public and information policy to the scholarly and higher education communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise, and shaping a future environment that leverages its interests with those of allied organizations. ARL is located on the Web at arl/.
Source: Jennifer McLennan
SPARC
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Effective April 7, 2008, investigators must deposit articles stemming from NIH funding into the agency's PubMed Central online archive, to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication in a journal. Complying with the National Institutes of Health Public Access Policy: Copyright Considerations and Options will help provosts, research administrators, and campus counsel understand their institution's copyright-related obligations and options under the new Congressionally mandated policy, which was announced in January and replaces an earlier voluntary approach.
The timely analysis was prepared by Michael W. Carroll, an attorney, copyright expert, and faculty member at Villanova University law school. Carroll reviews the policy and its background, explains the legal context, and presents six alternative copyright management strategies that will help grantee institutions assure they reserve the necessary rights for articles to be made available in PubMed Central.
Carroll has been involved for several years in copyright issues as a member of the Creative Commons board and an advisor to Science Commons. In 2004 he worked with SPARC to develop the popular SPARC Author Addendum (arl/sparc/author/), which enables authors to reserve rights to deposit their works in open online archives.
"The benefits to biomedical research of the new NIH policy are ultimately nothing short of tremendous," said Heather Joseph, executive director of SPARC. "The sooner we can get effective implementing mechanisms in place, the sooner researchers, institutions, and the public can put PubMed Central to work. With April implementation drawing near, this paper will be a great tool to help administrators jumpstart the local planning process."
"Congress and the NIH recognize that the Internet makes a difference," said John Wilbanks, Vice President of Science Commons. "Faculty authors can no longer sign away their copyrights in a business-as-usual manner when doing so means that their work will never be openly accessible over the Internet. This white paper is a step in making sure authors and universities understand how to move forward with a solid legal footing."
Karla Hahn, Director of the ARL Office of Scholarly Communication, added, "The new NIH requirement should accelerate ongoing efforts to establish norms for authors to routinely retain rights to deposit works in local as well as national digital repositories. Carroll's much-needed analysis clarifies the new opportunities for institutions to develop strategic approaches to rights management issues."
Complying with the National Institutes of Health Public Access Policy: Copyright Considerations and Options is available free on the SPARC Web site at arl/sparc/advocacy/nih/copyright.html.
SPARC
SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition), with SPARC Europe and SPARC Japan, is an international alliance of more than 800 academic and research libraries working to create a more open system of scholarly communication. SPARC's advocacy, educational and publisher partnership programs encourage expanded dissemination of research. SPARC is on the Web at arl/sparc/.
Science Commons
Science Commons designs strategies and tools for faster, more efficient web-enabled scientific research. Science Commons identifies unnecessary barriers to research, crafts policy guidelines and legal agreements to lower those barriers, and develops technology to make research data and materials easier to find and use. The goal of Science Commons is to speed the translation of data into discovery and to unlock the value of research so more people can benefit from the work scientists are doing.
Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 123 research libraries in North America. Its mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve. ARL pursues this mission by advancing the goals of its member research libraries, providing leadership in public and information policy to the scholarly and higher education communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise, and shaping a future environment that leverages its interests with those of allied organizations. ARL is located on the Web at arl/.
Source: Jennifer McLennan
SPARC
Buy Levonorgestrel Without Prescription
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