Medical innovations

  This site contains information through blogs designed for the International Baccalaureate community.  

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Contact information

Doubts and clarifications can go on the ask page or write questions to the emails of the specific creators:

Gallegos Portugal Hanson 

[email protected]

Gabriel Alfredo García Gómez 

[email protected]

Moreno Cancino Jorge 

[email protected]

Naranjo Escoboza Jesús Israel 

[email protected]

Ruelas Dorado Miguel 

[email protected]

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Medical News | Medical Articles

Medical News and articles you can trust from around the world. All content is written and reviewed by qualified health, medical and scientific experts.

If you like what you read in these blogs, we recommend this website, it has very relevant information on medical news and articles with very interesting research. Enjoy it.

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By National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology - AIST

Read this article with a summary of everything you need to know about one of the most relevant medical advances of the 21st century.

It contains very relevant information about the applications and scopes, and some production methods.

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Nanotechnology: A New Frontier

By  Aperture

Watch this video and be amazed with an introduction to nanotechnology. A breakthrough for the treatment of diseases.

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AN ARTIFICIAL SURGEON

By Gabriel Alfredo Garcia Gomez

 The future is now, science and technological advances arrive all the time, these advances make our life greater specifically in medicine. When we talk about a robot that can perform surgeries, it sounds weird. We can probably imagine an artificially intelligent robot that can perform a surgery by itself. This is a little fictional but not too far from reality; the Da Vinci Surgical Systems enable surgeons to perform delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions with robotically assisted surgery.

The Da Vinci Surgical Systems is not an autonomous robot; it needs a qualified professional surgeon to make decisions and control it. It is extremely useful because they can operate with more precision and ease with a three dimensional view of the patient's interior. Through a computer console the surgeon controls the robot, providing him some advantages such as more precise incisions, lower loss of blood, transfusions, fewer infections or complications during the surgery, smaller and less noticeable scars, and a shorter recovery time for the patient.

The name is an homage to Leonardo Da Vinci, the first inventor of this robot; this machine was developed by the North American company “Intuitive Surgical” and actually there are many Da Vinci Surgical Systems instruments that are used to improve the quality and efficacy of different aspects during the surgery. This technology is still improving and has shown satisfactory results; at the same time this looks attractive and beneficial to both surgeons and patients. It is hoped that this device will become more efficient and hopefully, in the future, it might be able to operate on its own.

 To read more about the Da Vinci Surgical Systems visit the following websites:

·         https://www.davincisurgery.com/

·         https://holosurgical.com/

·         https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/products-and-services/da-vinci/systems

·         https://www.uchealth.com/services/robotic-surgery/patient-information/davinci-surgical-system/

·         https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/da-vinci-surgical-robot-medical-breakthrough-risks-patients-n949341

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The new technology that helps detect diabetis: IDx-DR

By Ruelas Dorado Miguel

As we know, technology has provided great benefits within society, allowing us to facilitate different activities in different areas, and of course in the area of ​​medicine it has not been left behind. A few years ago, a new technology has been integrated that allows the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, this device (computer program) called IDx-DR founded by Michael Abramoff, provides a quick and effective diagnosis of this eye disease quite easily, to the point that it can be managed and used by any doctor without having to have experience in ophthalmology.

What is the IDx_DR technology?

This program uses digital algorithms that allows images of the human eye to be analyzed using photographs taken by the Topcon NW400. There are only two possible results that this program can produce: a more than mild diabetic retinopathy was detected; consult an eye professional. And negative results for a diabetic retinopathy more than mild; perform another screening test in 12 months. According to data collected in a study by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Social Services that ensures the protection, efficacy and safety of animals and humans, reported that the correct results that they have been given by this system have been 87.4% of the time for people who do have diabetic retinopathy; and an 89.5% of effectiveness for people who do not have it.

(taken from internet: detection of Diabetic Retinopathy)

Who are candidates for these technologies?

It should be noted that the use of this new technology is not recommended for anyone, people who present some of the following infections should not undergo diabetic retinopathy screening tests, among infections progressive loss of sight, blurred vision are involved, floating bodies, previously diagnosed macular edema, severe nonproliferative retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy, radiation retinopathy, or retinal vein occlusion, the FDA says.

There are around 60 million people with diabetes in the European region. After 15 years with diabetes, approximately 2% will become blind from diabetic retinopathy, and approximately 10% will develop severe visual impairment. (World Health Organization).

(Taken from the internet: Artificial Intelligence)

Opinion about these technologies

I believe that implementing these technologies within medicine has allowed us to resolve different diseases presented by patients with greater ease and precision, and I am sure that by having these technological tools, the way of analyzing, identifying, solving and working in laboratories will evolve. I invite you to search for information related to these technologies, and it is possible that interest will make them pioneers in this advancement.

(IDx technology)

References:

The FDA allows synchronization of an artificial intelligence device to detect certain diabetic retinopathy. (2018). FDA U.S. Food & Drug Administration. United States. Recovered from:https://www.fda.gov/news-events/comunicados-de-prensa/la-fda-permite-la-comercializacion-de-un-dispositivo-con-inteligencia-artificial-para-detectar

IDx-DR. (2018). IDx technologies Inc. Coralville. Recovered from: https://www.eyediagnosis.co/idx-dr-eu-1

The Diabetic Retinopathy. (2019). NIH: National Eye Institute. Bethesda, Maryland. Recovered from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/en-espanol/la-retinopatia-diabetica

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Medical nanotechnology: Neurology Medical treatment for epilepsy

By Naranjo Escoboza Jesús Israel

When there is an error in the synapse process, it results in epilepsy.

Nanotechnologies in neurology and its benefits

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developing an implantable neural interface with the ability to record and stimulate neurons within the brain for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

Medicine is a science that will never cease to amaze us. Nanotechnology is one of the new scientific branches that has caused great advancements in contemporary medical practice. It is a way of constructing functional structures in a nanometric way for a specific objective. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the way in which diseases such as cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular diseases and what concerns us, neurodegenerative diseases are treated. Neurology has been a focus of medical progress when we speak in terms of nanotechnology. Today epilepsy disease can be effectively treated with nanotechnology. We know more and more about this disease and in a few years a solution could be given thanks to this medical progress.

Neurology and epilepsy

Man being treated while having an epileptic fit.

Epilepsy is defined by neurologist Dr. Horacio Sentíes Madrid as: “Epilepsy is the transient occurrence of symptoms and / or signs caused by synchronous brain neuronal activity (occurring at the same time), abnormal and excessive". It is recurrently attributed to an alteration in the affected person's visual field, which leads to seizures due to neuronal overload. The reason why this disease is very dangerous for the organism is its mortality. In addition, currently there are only treatments by means of antiepileptic drugs, which, since they do not treat the epileptic focus, the healing process can last from 2 years to an indefinite period. For this reason, progress in the area of ​​nanotechnology could potentially save many lives.

Experiments with nanotechnology in rats to treat epilepsy

Stereotaxic surgery to implant the neuro reservoir in the amygdala.

A nanodevice was developed to treat temporal lobe epilepsy, made of implantable biocompatible titanium. The device was introduced into a rat directly into the temporal lobe. Occluded antiepileptic was integrated into the device to treat epilepsy. The researchers' purpose was to experience a controlled release of the drug directly into the central nervous system through nanotechnology. At the end of the experimentation by means of a scanning electron micrograph, it was verified by a histopathological test that the tissues were not damaged. Experimentation in rats was successful and an implementation of these nanotechnologies in humans is currently under development.

Stereotaxic surgery to implant the neuroreservoir in the amygdala. 

Dr. Joaquín Manjarrez Marmolejo.

Semmicrograph of the titanium reservoir implanted in the amygdala of the rat.

 Dr. Joaquín Manjarrez Marmolejo.

Four semicrography samples of the titanium reservoir implanted in the amygdala of the rat.

Experiments and expectations

The scope of such experimentation is unlimited. It is intended that the area of ​​neuroscience grows as the nanotechnologies grow. The most exciting thing is that it is a developing science, it is increasingly spread by the brilliant minds of those who graduate. In the last five years, there have been more advances in science thanks to this branch, as in the case of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that will be solved by nanotechnological progress.

International Baccalaureate

In summary, new students are expected to study the topic of nanotechnology innovation. We believe that International Baccalaureate students have the profile that a developer of these technologies requires. Get to know the universities that provide training for the study of the subject. Motivate yourself to study your university in the study of nanotechnology. So that we can progress towards a better application of medicine. Welcome to the medical revolution.

References:

Orthiz, E. (2015) Nanomedicina: aplicación en enfermedades neurológicas. 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282730014_Nanomedicina_Aplicacion_en_enfermedades_neurologicas

https://reportedigital.com/transformacion-digital/nanotecnologia-medica/

https://reportedigital.com/transformacion-digital/nanotecnologia-medica/

Blum David, Torch Sakina, et al. 2001. “Molecular pathways involved

in the neurotoxicity of 6-ohda, dopamine and mptp: contribution

to the apoptotic theory in Parkinson’s disease”. Progress in Neurobiology, 65 (2): 135-172.

 Mouradian mm, Heuser IJ, Baronti, F. et. al. 1990. “Modification of central dopamenergic mechanism by continous L-DOPA therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease”. Annual neurology, 27:18-23. 

Dr. Horacio Sentíes Madrid (2014) Epilepsia.: https://www.epsnutricion.com.mx/dctos/epilepsia.pdf

Check these universities in case you are interested in any neuroscience or nanotechnologies! 

ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

https://www.kaptest.com/study/medical-school/albert-einstein-college-of-medicine/

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

https://www.kaptest.com/study/medical-school/columbia-vagelos-college-of-physicians-and-surgeons/

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

https://www.kaptest.com/study/medical-school/northwestern-university-feinberg/

NYU

https://www.kaptest.com/study/medical-school/nyu/

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LOS ANGELES https://www.kaptest.com/study/medical-school/ucla/

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Third-world problems

By Jorge Moreno Cancino

The severity of malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

On a daily-basis, millions of people struggle. Living in the places we do, it is common to think our most pressing issues are those like global warming, or contamination and you would not be wrong. However, that is not a justification for us to dismiss problems throughout the rest of the world; Africa is the continent with the highest quantity of malaria cases and deaths. Throughout 2015, according to the World Health Organization, 214 million cases of malaria were reported, with 88% of them in Africa. 

Rapid Assessment of Malaria

It seems obscure that most of the nations with the power to help them were not willing to do so, or at least they did not show that they were. Nonetheless, John Lewandowski, with a PhD in engineering decided to make a difference. In the year 2016, he created a device to detect malaria in its early stages. This device was named Rapid Assessment of Malaria (RAM) and it has been able to solve the primary issue with this disease: bad testing. This product is easily affordable and allows for an early treatment. The previous ways of testing, although useful, only served to detect malaria when it had already affected the organism. These improvements resulted on a better response and a reduction in the mortality rate.

The RAM device, to detect malaria in a few seconds. John Lewandowski.

Malaria cases and mortality

Since then, even though this illness is still affecting many people, it is important to say that its mortality rate has reduced. In 2015, with 214 million cases approximately 438 000 people died of malaria; in 2019, 228 million cases, and only 405 000 deaths. With this data, the reduction in the mortality rate is noticeable, even though it is not huge (0.027%), it is better. Additionally, we can notice that, even though the new testing caused an improvement, we still need to work on preventing its spread.

Donate now

What we can do to help is donate to the organizations currently working to solve this issue, such as the EU Malaria Fund at the page controlmalaria.eu. This fund is looking to hopefully eradicate malaria completely. Your support can help save a life.

References:

Este dispositivo detecta la malaria en 5 segundos. (2016, June 6). Retrieved May 31, 2020, from CNN website: https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2016/06/06/este-dispositivo-detecta-la-malaria-en-5-segundos/ 

Fact Sheet: World Malaria Report 2015. (2016). World Health Organization. https://who.int/malaria/media/world-malaria-report-2015/en/

El Informe mundial sobre el paludismo 2019 de un vistazo. (2019). Organización Mundial de La Salud. https://www.who.int/malaria/media/world-malaria-report-2019/es/ 

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This is how to prevent HIV

By Hanson Gallegos 

Is PrEP the cure to HIV? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis known as (PrEP) is a medicine to prevent the replication and by consequent the spreading of the infected DNA by HIV. Taking daily PrEP pills is essential and the most effective way to prevent getting contaged of the previous Disease as 90% when used correctly. 

Source: Google

What is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral disease that attacks your immune system. In case that HIV isn't treated it will eventually cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV puts you in a state of immune system-failure, so you end up not being able to fight even the most basic infections. And this immune-less state is what we call AIDS. 

Source: Google

You don't want to be in that situation and there is where PrEP goes in. According to CDC (2020) PrEP work by interfering with the DNA replication process to stop the HIV spreading.  Although using PrEP daily is a very high prevention method, there are still cases of those getting HIV when using PrEP following the ideal dosis per week. According to NAM: Aidsmap (2016) in 2016 where 2 cases of persons getting HIV although using PrEP pills as indicated. So it's highly recommended by scientifics by the Health World Organization (WHO) to use another prevention method with the PrEP for more security.

In 2019 the ONU recommended two drug combinations for the use as PrEP for HIV: tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine. Truvada is a trademark selling pills with these two substances, it is the only trademark recognized by the United States and Canada. 

Source: Google

Should we use PrEP as the only STI prevention method?

We need to know and use STI prevention methods in order to be healthy when sexual active. HIV is no joke and need to be treated serious, we have make a medical advance to contain and not to be spread this virus. PrEP is a wonderful and 90% successful prevention method but it is also recommended to use PrEP with another prevention method. Together we can fight against HIV. 

Source: Google

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/spanish/basics/prep.html