News
42 Technology launches innovative concept for smartphone-enabled diagnostics
What does the next generation of point-of-care testing look like? It’s called inVi, an accurate and reliable in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing package with diagnostic capabilities using a smartphone app. inVi is uniquely positioned in that it uses already embedded and untapped phone technology to conduct its work.
Examples:
Touchscreen technology is used to verify accurate cartridge positioning, or actuated manual valves/pumping elements.
Use of the accelerometer to verify sufficient test shaking to achieve reagent mixing.
The company who created this product, 42 Technology, uses transparent cartridges containing reagents and detecting elements that interact with the diagnostic app. inVi confirms the positioning of the cartridge and provides additional instructions, using a feedback loop to confirm whether actions have been complied with. The app reads the specific assay either using the camera to detect colour against diagnostic benchmarks or electrochemical change. Andrew Chapman, head of the company’s healthcare business, suggests that inVi will "open the door to a wider range of tests for use at home or in GP surgeries as well as in remote locations…" Due to the products exceptional review by industry leaders, it is in motion to be produced commercially.
Experimental drug against hepatitis C slows down Zika virus infection in mice
In an open access article from PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, virologists from Belgium have published results on the impact of a hepatitis C experimental drug and its ability to slow the development of the Zika virus in mice models.
Johan Neyts from the Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy at the University of Leuven describes, "As the Zika virus is related to the hepatitis C virus, we examined whether some inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus also prevent the multiplication of the Zika virus in human cells. We have identified at least one experimental drug that is effective against the Zika virus… and delay[s] virus-induced symptoms." More specifically, a panel of in vitro assays was used to identify the virus and provide evidence for the viral polymerase inhibitor 7-deaza-2’-C-methyladenosine (7DMA) to efficiently inhibit Zika replication. Although the experimental hepatitis C inhibitor is not powerful enough yet according to the investigators, their study provides the new possibility of creating large-scale antiviral screening campaigns for the virus and validate the antiviral activity of hit compounds in colorometric CPE-based screens.
Microbiology
Antibiotic resistance solution proposed
Given that there is an increase in antibiotic resistance for bacterial pathogens and a lack of new anti-microbial discoveries, a concern is growing that there is a pending global crisis. Published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, researchers working with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Development, suggest that the solution for this issue of antibiotic resistant bacteria is likely within non-antibiotic therapeutic drugs. Dr. Ashok Chopra’s research team screened 780 FDA-approved therapeutics in hopes of identifying molecules rendering RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were resistant to cytotoxicity induced by the Yersinia pestis CO92 strain (bacteria responsible for the plague). The study found 94 non-antibiotic effective drugs. Further screening led to an antipsychotic (trifluoperazine), a breathing stimulant (doxapram) and an antidepressant (amoxapine) determined as effective in treating the bacteria in mice models. The author’s results suggest continued investigation is required for the use non-antibiotic FDA-approved drugs in combating antibiotic resistance; however, initial results are promising.
New test and shorter treatment for complicated TB
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients can now receive treatment in approximately half the amount of time (9-12 months) as the current standard. The basis of this decrease is associated with a new recommendation to use the Line Probe Assay test for the detection of resistant tuberculosis (24 hours turnaround time for results). This drastically reduces the 3-4 month wait of current diagnostic tests, and, ultimately, decreases the treatment delay and prolonged recovery period.
Head of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health Enos Masini welcomed WHO’s approval, saying, "Currently, patients with MDR-TB take approximately 14,000 pills within 20 to 24 months of treatment at a cost of 1.5 million shillings and with the new recommendations, the duration will be reduced by half and thus cost less for governments and the donors." Dr Masini also discusses a new Bangladesh treatment regimen for MDR-TB which uses seven types of drugs and has been adopted by some West African countries. He suggests that the new test and drugs are encouraging and may promote greater adherence to treatment cycles.
Molecular Biology
Siemens enters field of molecular services for oncology
Siemens Healthineers acquired NEO New Oncology AG from Cologne, Germany which is the initial entry point for Siemens into next generation sequencing-based genomic testing and capabilities for precision medicine and companion diagnostics. The company's cancer genome diagnostic platform NEO will support healthcare professionals to comprehensively obtain molecular information on select targeted cancer therapies.
NEO New Oncology is developing molecular profiling assays for tissue specimens and body liquids, including NEOliquid which is liquid biopsy test for the analysis of genomic profiles of solid tumors from a simple blood sample. NEO New Oncology's high quality 3rd generation hybrid capture technology allows for the analysis of circulating tumor DNA with high accuracy.
We are excited about being part of Siemens Healthineers," says Andreas Jenne, CEO of NEO New Oncology AG. "The global presence will help us to grow and expand into new markets. We want to develop new, integrated solutions for cancer diagnostics with Siemens Healthineers, expand our portfolio of tests and offer services that will help physicians to select the right therapy for their patients."
Safety
Standardized patient safety program changes culture of hospital
"One day, Dr. Viren Naik calls me and says, 'Glenn, we’re going to create a hospital-wide in situ [simulation] program.' And I said, 'Yes! That's brilliant! Why didn't I think of that!'" exclaims Dr. Glenn Posner, the medical director of the Ottawa Hospital’s Simulation Patient Safety Program and a simulation educator for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
In addition to the Simulation Patient Safety Program, the Ottawa Hospital houses one of the largest simulation centres in North America – the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre. It includes multiple simulation, surgical skills, exam, and conference rooms available for use by all healthcare professionals. “It is the only centre in Canada with the level of accreditation from the Royal College we have,” adds Dr. Posner. Read this interview and learn about in situ simulation programs, the simulation benefits that improve safety and quality care, why some organizations are still hesitant to adopt simulation.
The lab and terrorism: Are we confident we're prepared for a potential emergency situation in the healthcare industry?
Conducted by InCrowd, an emergency department survey of 52 department physicians and 50 nurses from a global participant pool were asked about the operational readiness of their respective hospitals. The findings highlighted specific areas of operational readiness and the downstream impact to laboratory managers where emergency department staff highlighted concern.
Examples:
Only 32% agreed that their hospital had adequate staff to mobilize in a similar situation to the attacks that occurred in Paris (Nov 2015).
33% of respondents disagreed that their hospital had adequate supplies to care for many victims in a short time frame. The concerns were stronger among doctors than nurses.
Only 32% believed there was sufficient blood supply if a major event occurred which was a top concern.
33% of respondents disagreed that their hospital's security staff and staff members were ready to handle the victims of a terrorist attack.
Additional triage staff and training topped most needed elements for hospital readiness.
Have you reviewed your local policies recently?
Research
Experimental malaria vaccine protects adults for more than a year
In 2015, there were approximately 214 million new malaria cases, 438,000 associated deaths (mainly African children under 5), and half of the world’s population at risk of contracting the disease from mosquitoes. An experimental PfSPZ Vaccine has been developed by Sanaria Inc. with support by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). In controlled studies, results have been published in Nature Medicine and show that those volunteers vaccinated with different dose levels can be protected from developing Malaria, with 4 doses of the vaccine not more effective than 3 after short term exposure. Examination of long term vaccination effects with 4 doses was analyzed at 21-25 weeks post infection. No detectable parasites were identified in the volunteer’s blood. An additional test was completed at 59 weeks as well with consistent results. No serious events were attributed to the vaccination. "A malaria vaccine that provides long-term protection is urgently needed to reduce mortality and eliminate transmission," says NIAID Director Dr. Anthony S. Fauci. "This study is an encouraging step forward in our goal to control and ultimately eradicate malaria."
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