All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Sea-change in C-section antiseptic use
Despite being one of the most common surgical procedures undergone by women, rates of infection among caesarean-section patients remain astonishingly high. New research by Dr Methodius G Tuuli could be about to change this. Oliver Hotham speaks to the Washington University assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology about what this means for the future of infection control and how a simple change of antiseptic could represent a breakthrough for women across the world.
Double the benefit – using mammograms to detect heart disease
Routine mammograms for breast cancer may also be an effective tool for catching heart disease early. Dr Laurie Margolies, chief of breast imaging at the Dubin Breast Center, explains the technique’s potential new role in female cardiovascular care.
X marks the spot – minimising X-ray exposure using video gaming technology
The device at the centre of a sophisticated new approach to minimising X-ray exposure isn’t a new piece of medical machinery, but a video gaming system. Dr Steven Don of Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, explains to Sarah Williams how the depth sensors, RGB camera and software of a Microsoft Xbox Kinect can be used to map patients against X-ray detectors in order to measure body-part thickness, without any physical contact.
Asthma research catches its breath
Once seen as a single condition, asthma is now known to be a heterogeneous disease with many distinct phenotypes. Unfortunately, not all these subgroups respond to existing treatments, meaning the search for targeted therapies is gathering pace. Dr Yassine Amrani of the University of Leicester tells Abi Millar how his work into the pathogenesis of asthma could ultimately help change these patients’ lives.
Seek and destroy – detecting and combatting leukaemia
Scientists at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a new method of detecting and combatting leukaemia by tracing the cellular production of the enzyme deoxycytidine kinase (dCK). Greg Noone talks to Dr Caius Radu, the lead scientist on the project and a professor in molecular and medical pharmacology at UCLA, about the significance of the seven-year study and the extraordinary effort made by the university to bring the technique to market.
Financial stress: a barrier to diabetes care
People with diabetes can face financial stress, and often have to sacrifice healthcare and food, regardless of their country’s healthcare system, according to data from sources across the globe. Practical Patient Care looks into the risks of perceived financial stress in diabetes care and speaks to Dr Minal Patel about how innovative policies can help to alleviate patients’ suffering.
Break out the bubbles – delivering cancer drugs using external magnets
Scientists at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have created magnetic microbubbles that can target and deliver cancer drug particles with the aid of an external magnet. Medical Imaging Technology discusses the research with Dr Xu Chenjie, assistant professor at the institution’s School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.
Nutrition and holistic care key for ulcer recovery
Pressure ulcers are a debilitating but all too common affliction for those in old age or suffering long-term chronic illnesses. Developments in treatment have come rapidly in the last few years but they still remain shy of a proper cure for the problem. However, recent advice on overall health, hydration and nutrition backed by a white paper from researchers in the US and Europe indicates that a healthy diet can have a massive effect on the condition. Dave Callaghan speaks to Jos Schols, professor of old age medicine at Maastricht University, about how this could be beneficial to patients.
Third-party politics – should ultrasound be outsourced?
With state-funded sonography in crisis, many in the UK believe that ultrasound would be better handled by independent contractors. Medical Imaging Technology weighs up the pros and cons of US-style outsourcing for providers and patients.
Get smart – advances in dressing technology
A group of researchers from Ireland and the Netherlands have developed a new ‘smart dressing’ that they claim will revolutionise the future of wound care management. How does it work and what are the benefits for clinicians and patients? Practical Patient Care speaks to the team behind the project.