Evaluation of a New Smartphone Powered Low-cost Pulse Oximeter Device

BackgroundMeasurement of blood oxygen saturation is a vital part of monitoring coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Pulse oximetry is commonly used to measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate for appropriate clinical intervention. But the majority of direct-to-consumer grade pulse oximeters did not pass through in-vivo testing, which results in their accuracy being questionable. Besides this, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exposed the limitations of the device in resource limited areas since independent monitoring is needed for COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study was to perform an in-vivo evaluation of a newly developed smartphone powered low-cost pulse oximeter.MethodsThe new prototype of a smartphone powered pulse oximeter was evaluated against the standard pulse oximeter by taking measurements from fifteen healthy volunteers. The accuracy of measurement was evaluated by calculating the percentage error and standard deviation. A repeatability and reproducibility test were carried out using the ANOVA method.ResultsThe average accuracy for measuring spot oxygen saturation (SPO2) and pulse rate (PR) was 99.18% with a standard deviation of 0.57 and 98.78% with a standard deviation of 0.61, respectively, when compared with the standard pulse oximeter device. The repeatability and reproducibility of SPO2 measurements were 0.28 and 0.86, respectively, which is in the acceptable range.ConclusionThe new prototype of smartphone powered pulse oximeter demonstrated better performance compared to the existing low-cost fingertip pulse oximeters. The device could be used for independent monitoring of COVID-19 patients at health institutions and also for home care.     

“Meaningful Use” of ambulatory EMR: Does it improve the quality and efficiency of health care?

The US government has initiated incentive programs to encourage the adoption of Electronic Medical Records (EMR). To qualify for the incentive payment, healthcare providers need to demonstrate “meaningful use” of EMR systems, which requires the use of certified EMRs and the implementation of a set of standard functionalities. In this paper, we examine how the meaningful use of EMRs would affect health care outcomes in outpatient settings. Our results show that the use of core functionalities required by “meaningful use” criteria and the use of certified EMRs have a positive impact on the quality and efficiency of health care. In addition, we find the relationship between the meaningful use and quality of care is moderated by the length of use. The implications of this study are also discussed.     

In vitro antibacterial potential of metal oxide nanoparticles against antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens

ObjectiveTo investigate the antibacterial potential of 5 different metal oxide nanoparticles against antibiotic resistant bacterial pathogens viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp.MethodsThe antibacterial activity of the five different nanoparticles was assessed by well diffusion method. Different concentrations of the nanoparticles were analyzed by MIC and MBC techniques. Finally the potential MgO nanoparticle was also subjected for the time kill assay method.ResultsThe results reveal that, the MgO nanoparticle showed maximum sensitivity [(16.00±0.53) mm dia] against Streptococcus pneumoniae and showed minimum sensitivity against Klebsiella sp. [(9.00±0.31) mm dia]. None of the nanoparticles showed sensitivity against the Streptococcus sp. The MIC result reveals that, the MgO nanoparticle showed maximum inhibition at a concentration of 10 μ g against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Moreover, the time kill assay reveals that, the bacterial growth was inhibited from the 2nd h onwards at a concentration of 10μ g.ConclusionsIt is concluded from the present findings that, the MgO nanoparticle could be used as an alternative antibacterial agent after completing successful in vivo trials.     

Transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability - modified Magerl's technique in 38 patients

Background  

Symptomatic atlantoaxial instability needs stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint. Among the various techniques described in literature for the fixation of atlantoaxial joint, Magerl's technique of transarticular screw fixation remains the gold standard. Traditionally this technique combines placement of transarticular screws and posterior wiring construct. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes in subjects of atlantoaxial instability who were operated using transarticular screws and iliac crest bone graft, without the use of sublaminar wiring (a modification of Magerl's technique).     

A retrospective study of weight changes and the contributing factors in short term adult psychiatric inpatients.

INTRODUCTION: The authors endeavored to determine if there is significant weight gain during acute psychiatric inpatient hospitalization for adults and, if so, what are the contributing factors. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit of a University Hospital in the year 2001. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. RESULTS: Out of 535 charts reviewed, 96 patients met the inclusion criteria. The group on average gained 3.9 +/- 13.3 lbs. (P = 0.005; 95% CI = 1.2, 6.6). Lower admission body weight was associated with more weight gain. Patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia gained more compared to those diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Patients who were prescribed atypical antipsychotics gained more compared to those who were not prescribed such medications. Smokers gained more weight than nonsmokers, and males gained more than females. Weight at the time of the admission (inverse relationship) and Axis I diagnosis were the strongest predictors of weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that significant numbers of patients are at risk of gaining weight when they are admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Patients with lesser degrees of overweight at the time of admission, patients with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and those receiving atypical antipsychotics may be more vulnerable to such effects.