Olympus (Germany)

Abstract Our problem isn’t artificial intelligence, it’s human stupidity. My personal AI mission: Creating awareness for the real, near-term existential risks of AI.

Abstract This paper presents the design and evaluation of an integrable low power electronic module that can be used to detect and classify reprocessing events of reusable medical devices. This is a novel approach for improving maintenance strategies and supporting device fleet management. A systematic development approach is used for the design of a compact and resilient electronic module. It includes low power electronic components while the mechanical design ensures a seamless integration into cylindrical medical in- struments. An algorithm is developed, supporting ultra low power consumption, to classify the reprocessing events based on temperature thresholds and timestamps. Experimental characterization evaluates the module?s classification capability, its resilience, and power consumption. The results demonstrate correct classification results for diverse reprocess- ing events, including short and long steam sterilization and automatic washer disinfection procedures. In addition, the module proves to withstand 400 steam sterilization cycles and is potentially able to operate independently for over a year on primary batteries. By this the module can improve device reliability by an independent, internal detection and classification of reprocessing cycles. This enables proactive maintenance and sup- ports reducing unexpected equipment failures. This advancement helps to reduce total cost of device ownership and to achieve better healthcare outcomes by ensuring properly maintained medical devices.

Abstract In-vitro models for the transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) require prostate phantoms whose mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties resemble those of real tissue. This work focused on the latter. Phantoms were fabricated with gelatin, pectin, and corn syrup solved in an aqueous solution of 0.4 wt% NaCl. The effect of each component on the phantom’s electrical properties could be described in a multiple nonlinear regression model. As a result, the electrical current drawn during resection of the phantom could be predicted with an uncertainty of ± 10 %. This allows for purposive adjustment of the phantom’s composition to regulate the Joule heating during resection. Particularly the pectin concentration appeared to greatly affect the electrical properties as well as the mechanical stability of the artificial tissue at higher temperatures caused by Joule heating of the system. Until now, this research focused on the development of tissue that resembles porcine musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD). In the future, the phantom’s composition will be adjusted based on data obtained through in-vivo resection of the prostate.

AimsOpportunity cost (OC) analysis is key when evaluating surgical techniques. Operating room (OR) time is one potential source of OC in laparoscopic surgery. This study quantifies differences in OR time between 3D- and 2D-imaging technology in laparoscopic surgery, translates these into OC and models the economic impact in real-world hospitals. MethodsFirst a systematically performed literature review and meta-analysis were conducted. Then, methods to translate OR time savings into OC were theorised and a budget impact model was created. After that, the potential time savings of real-world hospital case mixes were extrapolated. Finally, the opportunity costs of not using 3D-imaging in laparoscopic surgery were evaluated. ResultsAverage OR time saving per laparoscopic procedure was −19.4 min (−24.3; −14.5) (−14%) in favour of 3D. The Budget Impact Model demonstrated an economic impact of using 3D-laparoscopy instead of 2D laparoscopy, ranging from £183,045-£866,316 in the British and 73,049€-437,829€ in German hospitals, modelling a mixture of cost savings and performing additional procedures (earning additional revenue). ConclusionThe OC analysis revealed significant economic benefits of introducing 3D-imaging technology in laparoscopic surgery, on the basis that average procedure time is reduced. Utilising the saved OR time to perform additional procedures was the biggest driver of OC. Hospital case mix and procedure volume indicated the magnitude of the OC.

<p><b>Morphological cell profiling (MCP) is an assay which quantifies the morphology of cells and cellular components. Changes in the morphology of cells following compound treatment has been shown to assess the bioactivity, and even propose a target of said compound. It is a powerful assay that can be used to assess novel compounds for drug candidature. However, it is currently not transferable between institutions. Thus, this project evaluated the feasibility of establishing an MCP assay at Victoria University of Wellington - Te Herenga Waka to assess the bioactivity of novel natural products from the natural products laboratory.</b></p> <p>First, a new individualistic approach to select compound concentration for MCP was assessed by flow cytometry with six exemplary drugs. Results concluded this flow cytometry approach can realise an ideal concentration for individual compounds in which the compound treatment was bioactive but not cytotoxic. This approach provides more biologically relevant and accurate information about a compound's bioactivity than previous MCP methods.</p> <p>Second, the feasibility of establishing the assay was assessed by testing the same six drugs through protocol common to MCP assays. Various stains and microscopes were tested for suitability for an MCP; image quantitative software CellProfiler was evaluated for MCP analysis ease; and quality control protocol was attempted. Ultimately, an MCP is currently not feasible at Te Herenga Waka as multiple components to establish the assay are too difficult and time intensive to complete.</p> <p>Third, discorhabdin E, a pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid, was isolated from the New Zealand marine sponge, Latrunculia kaakaariki. The compound was tested as if it were a novel natural product compound through the new flow cytometry concentration selection protocol to test its effectivity, and was subsequently assessed by morphological analysis.</p>

To translate recent advances in medical device interoperability research into clinical practice, standards are being developed that specify precise requirements towards the network representation of particular medical devices connecting through ISO/IEEE 11073 SDC. The present contribution supplements this protocol standard with specific models for endoscopic camera systems, light sources, insufflators, and pumps. Through industry consensus, these new standards provide modular means to describe the devices' capabilities and modes of interaction in a service-oriented medical device communication architecture. This enables seamless data exchange and the potential for new assistive systems to support the caregiver.

Producing a high release speed is important in throwing sports such as baseball and the javelin throw. Athletes in throwing sports might be able to achieve a greater throwing speed by improving the effectiveness of the kinetic chain. In this study a two-dimensional computer simulation model of overarm throwing was used to examine the effect of changes in forearm mass and upper arm mass on the release speed of a lightweight (58 g) projectile. The simulations showed that increasing the mass of the forearm decreases release speed, whereas increasing the mass of the upper arm initially increases release speed. For a given forearm mass there is an optimal upper arm mass that produces the greatest release speed. However, the optimal upper arm mass (5–6 kg) is substantially greater than that of an average adult (2.1 kg). These results suggest that athletes might be able to throw faster if they had a stronger tapering of segment mass along the length of their arm. A stronger taper could be readily achieved by attaching weights to the upper arm or by using hypertrophy training to increase the mass of the upper arm. High-speed overarm throwing is a complex three-dimensional movement and this study was a preliminary investigation into the effect of arm segment mass on throwing performance. Further simulation studies using three-dimensional throwing models are needed to generate more accurate insights, and the predictions of the simulation studies should be compared to data from experimental intervention studies of throwing sports.

Microfluidics is used increasingly for engineering and biomedical applications due to recent advances in microfabrication technologies. Visualization of bubbles, tracer particles, and cells in a microfluidic device is important for designing a device and analyzing results. However, with conventional methods, it is difficult to observe the channel geometry and such particles simultaneously. To overcome this limitation, we developed a Darkfield Internal Reflection Illumination (DIRI) system that improved the drawbacks of a conventional darkfield illuminator. This study was performed to investigate its utility in the field of microfluidics. The results showed that the developed system could clearly visualize both microbubbles and the channel wall by utilizing brightfield and DIRI illumination simultaneously. The methodology is useful not only for static phenomena, such as clogging, but also for dynamic phenomena, such as the detection of bubbles flowing in a channel. The system was also applied to simultaneous fluorescence and DIRI imaging. Fluorescent tracer beads and channel walls were observed clearly, which may be an advantage for future microparticle image velocimetry (μPIV) analysis, especially near a wall. Two types of cell stained with different colors, and the channel wall, can be recognized using the combined confocal and DIRI system. Whole-slide imaging was also conducted successfully using this system. The tiling function significantly expands the observing area of microfluidics. The developed system will be useful for a wide variety of engineering and biomedical applications for the growing field of microfluidics.

The strategies based on H. pylori test enjoyed similar symptom resolution, but reduced endoscopic workload and lower 1-yr total costs compared with empirical antisecretory therapy.