All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
The possibilities of interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of health information systems to work together across organisational boundaries to advance the effective delivery of healthcare to individuals and communities. The data exchanged by such systems may be fundamentally different, yet critical to the proper management of the patient. Medical Imaging Technology takes a deeper look into this essential and developing area of the healthcare system.
Sound check: revolutionary ultrasound
While ultrasound has been a staple of medical life for decades, conventional machines suffer from considerable drawbacks. New ‘deep learning’ software promises to transform the technology, helping doctors to diagnose illnesses faster. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Jonathan Rothberg, co-founder of the Butterfly Network, and Dr John Martin, the chief medical officer, about how their system could soon help patients at home – and how it has saved one of their lives already.
The power of microbubbles
Researchers in Canada have shrunk bubbles to 1μm diameters, which means that they are now suitable for use in ultrasound services – and possibly a host of other medical equipment. Dr Scott Tsai from Ryerson University talks to Andrew Putwain about what microbubbles are, exactly, and what these developments mean for the future of microfluidics.
AI in medicine: the end of human error?
Artificial intelligence researchers at Houston Methodist hospital have developed computer software that can read mammogram results more quickly and accurately than a human. Reportedly, it is 30 times faster than doctors and has a 99% accuracy rate. Andrew Putwain speaks to co-senior investigator Dr Stephen Wong, chief of medical physics, about what the study means for patients.
Customised cancer care
A team at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, US, made a scientific discovery that identified a rare subtype of colon cancer. This can can be found in 2.2% of patients and harbours newly identified Non-V600 BRAF mutations, which have very slow tumour growth. Dave Callaghan speaks to the study’s primary investigator, Dr Humaid al-Shamsi, associate professor of oncology at the University of Sharjah, UAE, about how this finding will improve survival rates for patients with advanced colon cancer.
If Egypt can do it, so can others
Hepatitis C is a huge problem in many developing countries, but Egypt has suffered more than most. High infection rates and poor health education have resulted in millions of people suffering from the virus. But robust campaigning and cheaper medication are helping the country to fight the illness remarkably well. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Manal el-Sayed, who is professor of paediatrics at Ain Shams University in Cairo, and a member of the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis, about how government support helped to achieve success.
Protect and prevent
The ongoing battle against Middle East respiratory syndrome is the biggest infection control challenge throughout the region. However, the disease ranges greatly in severity, with some patients at far higher risk of death than others. Dr Anwar Ahmed, an associate professor at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, tells Abi Millar about the risk factors and discusses how they might inform healthcare strategy.
Just what you need
Overprescribing medications and referring patients for needless procedures are inflating the cost of healthcare in the UAE. Eliminating financial incentives for doctors is one of the major ways to burst the bubble. Neil Buckley, CEO at King’s College Hospital UAE, speaks to Bradford Keen about new regulations to protect patients and insurers, and why he believes evidence-based care will bring change to the region.
Designed for better care
New attitudes and pioneering psychiatric hospital designs are overcoming mental health taboos in the Middle East. Eleanor Wilson gathers expert insight from a psychiatrist and architects about the region’s progress.
The future of prostate testing
Prostate cancer is one of the world’s most common cancers, but treatment is hamstrung by imprecise testing. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Sabine Mai from the University of Manitoba, Dr Kevin Little from 3D Signatures and Ann Jeffers-Brown from True Health, about how doctors and scientists are improving prostate cancer tests and fighting the stigma around the disease.