All articles by julian turner
julian turner
The infection update – the highlights of the 26th ECCMID
ECCMID, the annual meeting of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), is one of the largest, most comprehensive meetings in the fields of clinical microbiology, infectious diseases and infection control. ECCMID programme director Winfried Kern outlines the highlights of the 26th ECCMID, which is set to take place in Amsterdam on 9–12 April 2016.
The healing power of placenta – human amniotic membrane
As the rate of diabetes continues to rise, foot ulcers and chronic wounds that often accompany the condition remain a persistent problem. Doctors are now looking into a solution that is about 100 years old, which uses wound dressings made from human amniotic membrane – a tissue found in the placenta. Rod James investigates what this means for those suffering with diabetes.
Europe takes on wound-care challenges
Non-healing wounds are a significant problem for healthcare systems worldwide, reportedly accounting for 2–4% of healthcare budgets – a figure expected to rise in conjunction with increases in elderly and diabetic populations – and yet, efficient structures for wound management are still not in place in many countries throughout Europe. Severin Läuchli, president of the European Wound Management Association, explains how the organisation works to address the challenges to the implementation of high-quality and cost-effective wound management.
It’s in your hands – preventing the spread of infection and bacteria
Shaking a patient’s hand, holding a door open for a colleague, scratching their chin, or rushing back to work after visiting the bathroom: these are all ways in which a healthcare worker could pass on an infection and spread bacteria, and they’re dangerous actions. But how can the industry enforce a culture of making nurses and doctors always wash their hands? We speak to Dr Jocelyn Srigley to find out how the industry is training itself to remember.
Curb the surgery – non-invasive ultrasound and stroke treatment
New research into the practical applications of non-invasive ultrasound could save millions, allowing radiologists to detect carotid stenosis and pre-empt unnecessary surgery with medication. Fisnik Jashari, neurology resident at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, talks about how medical imaging could be helping to transform the treatment of stroke sufferers, and promote cures that are safer, more economical and less invasive.
Pick up the trace – using PET to identify changes in cell metabolism
Imaging tumours and metastases against the complex background of the brain is no easy task, but scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new method of highlighting tumour tissue using PET to identify changes in cell metabolism. Sarah Williams speaks to lead authors on the study, Dr Tim Witney and Dr Michelle James, about developing the technology, and what it could mean for brain cancer patients.
Cut the cord on CT overuse
While CT scans are highly effective methods of imaging, the safety risks associated with them are troubling, fuelling fears that the modality is being overused. At Massachusetts General Hospital, the radiology department has taken steps to reduce the rate of ‘inappropriate tests’ and cut radiation dose overall. We talk to Dr Dushyant Sahani, chief of CT, about the measures the hospital is taking to improve CT safety.
Compact yet powerful – soft tissue and tumour visualisation
Laser technology, miniaturisation and new CT scan techniques, based on the refraction rather than absorption of X-rays, are greatly enhancing the visualisation of soft tissue and tumours. Medical Imaging Technology takes a look.
The sound of success – advantages and challenges of ultrasound
Ultrasound is sometimes used as a supplement to mammography in breast cancer diagnosis, but a recent study has shown that ultrasound can provide comparable sensitivity as a primary screening test. Medical Imaging Technology speaks to lead researcher Dr Wendie Berg, professor of radiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine about the findings, the advantages and challenges that ultrasound presents within screening, and how it can be used to achieve the best patient outcomes.
Go to your happy place – treatment of neurological and mental health problems
What exactly is it that makes us happy? Scientists at Kyoto University might have found an answer, using imaging technology to scan the brains of participants and understand how different people experience happiness. Oliver Hotham speaks to programme-specific associate professor Dr Wataru Sato about the groundbreaking research, his influences, and its implications for the treatment of neurological and mental health problems.