Development of a new sensor based on micro-electro-mechanical systems for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature: application to foundations

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this work was to develop a new sensor for objective in vivo measurement of the cutaneous temperature based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and to compare these performances with those of a classical thermocouple. Research on this new sensor was carried out to allow the quantification of the thermal properties of the made-up skin. METHODS: Sixteen female subjects divided into two different age groups (18-35 and >50 years old) were recruited for this study. Several zones of the face and forearms were made up at random with foundations containing or not a thermoregulator raw material. The quantity of foundation applied on the skin was standardized and measurements were carried out first before make-up, and then 10 s and 5 min after make-up. The new sensor and the thermocouple were used successively on each zone. The cutaneous temperature was expressed in degrees celsius. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The two systems are similar in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, with some differences in sensibility. The data measured by the MEMS sensor appear lower than those measured by the thermocouple. After make-up, the MEMS sensor detects a progressive increase of the temperature in time whereas the thermocouple detects a decrease. We found the same evolution on the face but in a more attenuated way. These results tend to show that the devices do not measure the same phenomenon. The thermocouple appears more sensitive to the thermal response of the made-up surface whereas the MEMS sensor appears more sensitive to the heat transfers in the interface between the skin and make-up.     

生物医学测量及控制技术新进展

介绍生物医学测量及控制技术领域中的一些研究进展。     

一种基于微处理器的消化道内按摩装置的研制

首先简要回顾了微电子机械系统技术研究进展,然后介绍了一种基于微处理器的消化道内按摩装置的基本结构,工作原理和特点。尤其详细介绍了采用MSP430F123微处理器产生周期脉冲,来控制整个按摩胶囊的供电。总的说来,消化道内按摩装置具有重要的临床应用价值和商业价值,开发消化道内按摩装置对我国生物医学工程产业和微电子机械系统产业的发展都有着积极和深远的意义。     

一种消化道内按摩装置的研制

介绍了1种消化道内按摩装置的结构,特点和工作原理,对消化道内按摩的功效进行分析,指出该消化道按摩装置具有安全无毒、结构紧凑等特点,可有效避免交叉感染.     

Optimal timing of radical cystectomy in T1 high-grade bladder cancer

There has been an explosion in the development of microscopic and miniaturized technology over the past decade and we have long awaited their arrival and integration into clinical practice. We have now reached the stage where promises are beginning to be delivered. This article reviews their place in modern medicine and looks toward the future. Miniature camera robots (microrobots) provide a mobile viewing platform, enhancing a surgeon’s view. Nanorobots have arisen from the fictional world of the ‘Fantastic Voyage’ and are finally approaching clinical application. As the targeting and drive forces are further developed, these vehicles could be realistically used for delivery of agents for diagnosis and therapies. These new robots have the potential to further evolve the robotic armamentarium for surgeons.     

Lipid based nanocarriers: a translational perspective

Over the recent couple of decades, pharmaceutical field has embarked most phenomenal noteworthy achievements in the field of medications as well as drug delivery. The rise of Nanotechnology in this field has reformed the existing drug delivery for targeting, diagnostic, remedial applications and patient monitoring. The convincing usage of nanotechnology in the conveyance of medications that prompts an extension of novel lipid-based nanocarriers and non-liposomal systems has been discussed. Present review deals with the late advances and updates in lipidic nanocarriers, their formulation strategies, challenging aspects, stability profile, clinical applications alongside commercially available products and products under clinical trials. This exploration may give a complete idea viewing the lipid based nanocarriers as a promising choice for the formulation of pharmaceutical products, the challenges looked by the translational process of lipid-based nanocarriers and the combating methodologies to guarantee the headway of these nanocarriers from bench to bedside.     

Assessing adherence to dermatology treatments: a review of self‐report and electronic measures

Background: Nonadherence to prescribed medications is a common problem in dermatology, and assessing adherence can be difficult. Electronic monitors are not always practical, but self‐report measures may be less reliable. Purpose: To review the literature for self‐report instruments and electronic monitors used to measure medication adherence in patients with chronic disease. Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the terms ‘scale,’‘measure,’‘self‐report,’‘electronic,’ and ‘medication adherence.’ Relevant articles were reviewed and selected if they addressed self‐report or electronic measures of adherence in chronic disease. Results: Eleven self‐report instruments for the measurement of adherence were identified. Four were validated using electronic monitors. All produced an estimate of adherence that correlated with actual behavior, although this correlation was not strong for any of the measures. None of the scales was tested in patients who had dermatologic disease and/or used topical medications. Several electronic monitoring systems were identified, including pill counts, pharmacy refill logs, and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS^®). Validity was higher among electronic monitoring systems compared with self‐report measures. Conclusion: While several self‐report measures of adherence have been validated in chronic disease populations, their relevance in dermatology patients has not been studied. A dermatology‐specific instrument for the measurement of adherence would contribute to improved outcomes; until such a tool exists, researchers and clinicians should consider nonadherence as a possible factor in skin disease that is not responsive to treatment. Electronic monitoring provides the most reliable means of measuring adherence, and may provide additional clues to identify barriers to adherence.     

微型电子机械系统应用于微创外科手术的研究

对微机电系统在生物医学工程方面的应用进行了研究,探讨了微创外科手术这一研究热点,并采用微型电磁驱动机器人研制出符合微创手术要求的新型自动动植入式内窥镜系统。     

Measurement and prediction of medication compliance in problem drinkers

BACKGROUND: A variety of methods have been used to measure medication compliance. Although electronic monitoring has been considered to be the best method, it has some potential for error and its high cost may limit its feasibility. This study examined the concordance of data on medication compliance that was obtained by using an electronic monitoring system (Medication Event Monitoring System, or MEMS), daily diary reports, and tablet counts. METHODS: Subjects were 150 problem drinkers participating in a pharmacotherapy trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive naltrexone 50 mg (n = 75) or placebo (n = 75) and to receive either daily (n = 72) or targeted (n = 78) medication administration. Comparisons between methods were conducted at the aggregate and individual daily levels, and the association between compliance and three alcohol-related outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS: Daily diaries showed good day-to-day concordance with MEMS and a higher correlation with MEMS than did tablet counts. However, high-compliance subjects did no better than low-compliance subjects on any of three alcohol-related outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance measurement using a daily diary method yielded results that are comparable to those obtained with electronic monitoring, which served as a criterion measure. In contrast, tablet counts provided data that were less concordant with the criterion measure. The unique nature of the study sample (i.e., the majority of subjects were not committed to a goal of abstinence), combined with the targeted approach to treatment, may explain the lack of association between compliance and alcohol-related outcomes. Further research should aim to ascertain the factors affecting the relationship between compliance and outcomes.     

胃肠道无线内窥镜中可吞服摄像药丸的研究

介绍无线摄像药丸直径11mm,长30 mm,包括CMOS图像传感器、光学系统、电池、发射电路及天线等.利用MEMS工艺将CMOS图像传感器和驱动电路微型化,也可将发射电路集成化.图像信号有模拟和数字两种传输方式.数字方式使用串行数据接口传输图像.最后介绍药丸外壳的加工工艺.