U.S. diplomats offered withering assessments of the Conservative government's failure to pass most of its tough-on-crime bills and its abandonment of plans to pass copyright legislation after bending to public pressure, according to confidential cables leaked this week.
In other cables the website WikiLeaks released, U.S. officials described Prime Minister Stephen Harper's flip-flop in appointing partisan senators as a "major about-face."
On Dec. 22, 2008, officials at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa told the U.S. State Department Harper had appointed 18 new senators that day — and noted it was the largest one-time appointment of senators in Canada's history.
The appointments came weeks after Harper prorogued Parliament and avoided a confidence vote that could have defeated his government.
"The appointments are a major about-face for the prime minister and the Conservatives, who had long pledged to transform the Senate into an elected body instead of appointing new members as vacancies occurred," the official wrote, adding that the holiday season would "ensure that the unexpected move receives only modest public attention (or criticism)."
In a February 2008 cable, another diplomat in Ottawa told the State Department that the embassy continued to be "frustrated by the government of Canada's continuing failure to introduce — let alone pass — major copyright reform."
The U.S. officials said the frustration was exacerbated by several factors, including the fact that the prime minister had told the U.S. president — George W. Bush at the time — that Canada would pass legislation, that the issue had been included in the speech from the throne, and that then-industry minister Jim Prentice "repeatedly assured" officials the bill would be introduced "soon."
The bill has yet to pass, more than three years after this cable was prepared.
The copyright bill has been kicking around for years and aims to make it legal for people to use personal video recorders on their televisions or to transfer legitimately purchased CDs to their MP3 players, among other targets.
The U.S. officials speculate that "increasingly vocal" public opposition to copyright reform led the Conservatives to believe that the issue was becoming politicized, and so viewed it as a potential threat to the party's support during the next federal election.
In a January 2010 cable, U.S. officials also commented on the Conservatives' use of its crime agenda to create for themselves a political "brand" — without actually passing the majority of their proposed crime and security bills.
With files from Jordan Press and Carolynne Burkholder, Postmedia News
aminsky(at)postmedia.com
Twitter.com/amyminsky
Some other documents released by Wikileaks this week:
'MOST VALUABLE POLITICAL ASSET'
- Laureen Harper is her prime minister husband's "most valuable political asset," according to a cable released by WikiLeaks entitled "Prime Minister Harper's popular wife."
In the "sensitive" document, Laureen is described as "extroverted and friendly . . . passionate about politics . . . personable, free-spirited, and with considerable personal charm.
"She is also the self-confessed 'mouthy one,' with strong opinions on a wide variety of issues," the leaked document said.
It also details her numerous hobbies, which include fostering homeless cats, riding motorcycles, jewelry-making, gardening and art.
OPERATION THUNDERING POUTINE
- One of the lighter documents released Thursday was a cable between the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the U.S. State Department about an "informal election observation mission" during the 2006 election. Titled "Operation Thundering Poutine," it involved embassy workers canvassing local ridings to find out whether Canadians voted for personality or platform and whether anti-American issues permeated the campaign, and evaluating how the parties engaged voters.
The embassy's political section took "one Embassy Ford Taurus, one tank of gas, unlimited supply of Tim Horton's (sic) coffee and doughnuts" around Ottawa and southern Quebec. They found "little interest in the U.S. as an issue, and the emergence of law and order as a topic of unexpected prominence."
THINKING BEHIND G8 LOCATION
- The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa speculated that an "unstated" factor in Harper's decision to host the G8 in a small Ontario town was to "make it easier for security to keep the inevitable demonstrators at bay from the resort and minimize disruptions to a lightly populated area."
HARPER GETS A PASSING GRADE
- A U.S. official passed on a report card assessing Harper's first 2 1/2 years as prime minister, giving him a "Solid B+, but no Gold Star." The official said that the Conservatives were doing a good job of implementing their policy agenda and delivering on core pledges, in spite of running a minority government. There were two defining aspects to Harper's first term, the official said: "The extension of Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan to 2011 and the weakness of the Liberal official Opposition."
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING
- In December 2008, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa contemplated what Prime Minister Harper may have written on his Christmas wish list. Included on that list: For comedian Jon Stewart to stop making fun of Canada and its politics; for Quebec voters to "come to their senses and vote en masse for the Conservatives in the next election," creating a stable Conservative majority; for scientists to discover that Canada's oilsands have a positive effect on climate.
2011年4月28日星期四
The Needle: Trees and Leaves Edition
Outfoxed: When President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama went to Shiloh Baptist Church for Easter services, it should have been a boon for the Shaw house of worship—publicity is always nice, after all, and a presidential visit brings a lot of good publicity. And also, apparently, a lot of hate mail. After the Obamas visited, Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity apparently decided to make Shiloh Baptist's pastor, the Rev. Wallace Charles Smith, into the next Jeremiah Wright in the right-wing imagination. The church has now received death threats, faxes with monkey images, and vulgar phone calls. Happy Easter! -3
Twist and Shout: The horrific weather responsible for killing more than 100 people across the South moved through the D.C. region last night and today; tornadoes were spotted in Virginia and Maryland counties, and a watch extended over the entire area for most of the day. Mayor Vince Gray sent condolences on behalf of the District. If a tornado had devastated D.C., we don't think it would make us feel much better if the mayor of Huntsville, Ala., sent along a note. But it's always nice to be polite. -2
Mow the Lawn—Or Else: The smell of freshly cut grass isn't just a nice luxury in the summertime; starting this weekend, it's also mandatory. D.C. government officials can fine homeowners whose lawns reach heights of 10 inches or more up to $500. A few years ago, the District issued 1,400 citations. (Note: Mowing the Gray administration's "D.C. One City" slogan into the lawn, while encouraged, is technically optional.) +1
Trick or Tree: Meanwhile, though the city is quite careful to patrol your treatment of your lawn, it's not so good with its own flora. Casey Trees just gave the District a C for its tree care, dropping from last year's B- mostly because D.C. officials took $539,000 from a tree fund to cover budget shortfalls. The city's records have apparently lost track of 10,000 trees planted since 2002—so no one even knows whether they're alive. Or for that matter, if they were planted at all. Which reminds us of the famous Zen koan: If a tree is planted in the city, and no one writes it down, does it make a sound?
Twist and Shout: The horrific weather responsible for killing more than 100 people across the South moved through the D.C. region last night and today; tornadoes were spotted in Virginia and Maryland counties, and a watch extended over the entire area for most of the day. Mayor Vince Gray sent condolences on behalf of the District. If a tornado had devastated D.C., we don't think it would make us feel much better if the mayor of Huntsville, Ala., sent along a note. But it's always nice to be polite. -2
Mow the Lawn—Or Else: The smell of freshly cut grass isn't just a nice luxury in the summertime; starting this weekend, it's also mandatory. D.C. government officials can fine homeowners whose lawns reach heights of 10 inches or more up to $500. A few years ago, the District issued 1,400 citations. (Note: Mowing the Gray administration's "D.C. One City" slogan into the lawn, while encouraged, is technically optional.) +1
Trick or Tree: Meanwhile, though the city is quite careful to patrol your treatment of your lawn, it's not so good with its own flora. Casey Trees just gave the District a C for its tree care, dropping from last year's B- mostly because D.C. officials took $539,000 from a tree fund to cover budget shortfalls. The city's records have apparently lost track of 10,000 trees planted since 2002—so no one even knows whether they're alive. Or for that matter, if they were planted at all. Which reminds us of the famous Zen koan: If a tree is planted in the city, and no one writes it down, does it make a sound?
Student Injured With Needle; Teacher Suspended
Another teacher is being suspended in Pitt County. That makes two in one week. This time it involves a student being injured with an EpiPen.
Heather Mayo with Pitt County Schools says it happened on Tuesday at Ridgewood Elementary. Teacher, Amy Burne, put the EpiPen in a ziploc bag and a box. Then put the box in an equipment box that went out to recess. Mayo says Burne did not go outside with the second graders and none of the teachers removed the EpiPen out of the equiment box.
A second grade female student picked up the EpiPen.
"A male student, who is a second grader, comes over and tries to take it from her. In the course of trying to take it away from the student, he got injected with the EpiPen," describes Mayo.
The boy's mother picked him up from the school and took him to the doctor. Mayo says EpiPens are not locked away since they are used in emergency situations.
The principal at Ridgewood Elementary is looking at different ways teachers and staff can keep EpiPens on hand in case of emergencies, but out of the hands of students who don't need them.
Earlier in this week, a J.H. Rose High School teacher was suspended after a he left a shotgun and knife in his truck and was parked on school grounds. He told school officials he had planned on going hunting after school that day.
Heather Mayo with Pitt County Schools says it happened on Tuesday at Ridgewood Elementary. Teacher, Amy Burne, put the EpiPen in a ziploc bag and a box. Then put the box in an equipment box that went out to recess. Mayo says Burne did not go outside with the second graders and none of the teachers removed the EpiPen out of the equiment box.
A second grade female student picked up the EpiPen.
"A male student, who is a second grader, comes over and tries to take it from her. In the course of trying to take it away from the student, he got injected with the EpiPen," describes Mayo.
The boy's mother picked him up from the school and took him to the doctor. Mayo says EpiPens are not locked away since they are used in emergency situations.
The principal at Ridgewood Elementary is looking at different ways teachers and staff can keep EpiPens on hand in case of emergencies, but out of the hands of students who don't need them.
Earlier in this week, a J.H. Rose High School teacher was suspended after a he left a shotgun and knife in his truck and was parked on school grounds. He told school officials he had planned on going hunting after school that day.
2011年4月26日星期二
Nurse held over off baby’s finger
FIVE-day-old Janna Nampijja will start her life without half of her ring finger after a nurse chopped it off at Kampala Hospital on Monday.
Nampijja’s finger was cut off as a nurse was removing the plasters strapped around her hand to keep the infusion cannula in place. The infusion cannula is used to carry intravenous fluids into the body of patients receiving medication through the blood system.
Nampijja, weighing 2.4kg, was prematurely born at 36 weeks by elective caesarean section. Doctors had scheduled to discharge her after three days.
“Unfortunately after removing the feeding tube successfully, the nurse found the removal of the strapping securing the infusion cannula difficult. She decided to cut the dressing with a pair of scissors but accidentally cut off about 1/3 of the left ring finger,” a letter to the parents from Dr. Jack Luyombya, the hospital ‘s director, indicated.
The hospital asked the parents to clear the bill. After they had paid up, they then asked speak to the mother of the baby alone, to whom they broke the news and apologised.
“My wife telephoned me saying that the doctors said the baby’s finger was cut off. I immediately contacted a doctor friend seeking professional advice on whether the finger could be reattached,” Uthuman Katongole, the father of the baby, said yesterday. “However I was informed that it was too late because of the time lag after the incident,” he added.
The 40-year-old nurse, Esther Ayikoru, detained at Kira Road Police Station, said it was an accident because the baby’s finger was wrapped.
Nampijja’s finger was cut off as a nurse was removing the plasters strapped around her hand to keep the infusion cannula in place. The infusion cannula is used to carry intravenous fluids into the body of patients receiving medication through the blood system.
Nampijja, weighing 2.4kg, was prematurely born at 36 weeks by elective caesarean section. Doctors had scheduled to discharge her after three days.
“Unfortunately after removing the feeding tube successfully, the nurse found the removal of the strapping securing the infusion cannula difficult. She decided to cut the dressing with a pair of scissors but accidentally cut off about 1/3 of the left ring finger,” a letter to the parents from Dr. Jack Luyombya, the hospital ‘s director, indicated.
The hospital asked the parents to clear the bill. After they had paid up, they then asked speak to the mother of the baby alone, to whom they broke the news and apologised.
“My wife telephoned me saying that the doctors said the baby’s finger was cut off. I immediately contacted a doctor friend seeking professional advice on whether the finger could be reattached,” Uthuman Katongole, the father of the baby, said yesterday. “However I was informed that it was too late because of the time lag after the incident,” he added.
The 40-year-old nurse, Esther Ayikoru, detained at Kira Road Police Station, said it was an accident because the baby’s finger was wrapped.
Probe in shop selling used surgical equipment
Chandigarh : Authorities at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have initiated a probe into the incident of a leading chemist shop, situated inside its premises, selling used surgical equipment to patients.
According to PGIMER officials, Aditya medicos last week sold an already used drainage cannula -- used in heart surgery -- to the relatives of Surjeet Singh, a patient.
"An emergency meeting was held and we have initiated an administrative inquiry," said PGIMER official spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar Tuesday.
PGIMER's vigilance wing has sent a notice to the owner of Aditya medicos, asking the circumstances under which the used surgical item reached his shop. Sources in PGIMER say that the chemist shop's contract might be terminated.
Surjeet had to undergo cardiac surgery on April 19 and his family members bought the surgical equipments from Aditya medicos. Just minutes before the surgery, a doctor found a blood clot on the cannula (which was sealed in a pack).
PGIMER is one of the leading medical institutes in northern India.
According to PGIMER officials, Aditya medicos last week sold an already used drainage cannula -- used in heart surgery -- to the relatives of Surjeet Singh, a patient.
"An emergency meeting was held and we have initiated an administrative inquiry," said PGIMER official spokesperson Manju Wadwalkar Tuesday.
PGIMER's vigilance wing has sent a notice to the owner of Aditya medicos, asking the circumstances under which the used surgical item reached his shop. Sources in PGIMER say that the chemist shop's contract might be terminated.
Surjeet had to undergo cardiac surgery on April 19 and his family members bought the surgical equipments from Aditya medicos. Just minutes before the surgery, a doctor found a blood clot on the cannula (which was sealed in a pack).
PGIMER is one of the leading medical institutes in northern India.
2011年4月24日星期日
Acupuncture: A Drug-Free Option for Chronic Pain
According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. I was one of them until acupuncture, and I now live relatively pain free.
Over 30 years ago I injured my left ankle. After a debridement surgery, injections, supplements, heat and cold therapy, and activity adjustments my injury was getting worse. This past year suffering from osteoarthritis and inflammation has taken a toll on my life. I am allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, so over-the-counter medication was not a solution for pain management. Living with daily pain- rated an eight with ten being the worst pain possible - I visited the doctor who informed me after a recent MRI that the only option to permanently relieve the pain was an ankle fusion. I am a healthy 53-year-old, and for me this was not a realistic option.
Noting my reaction, the doctor advised me to consider acupuncture for pain relief. My only knowledge about acupuncture was that needles are inserted to stimulate healing by balancing energy. I was skeptical that correcting an imbalance of energy was going to ease my chronic pain. Desperate for relief, I reluctantly made an appointment with his recommended acupuncturist.
When I arrived at the acupuncturist's office I was impressed with her scientific credentials. We discussed my chronic pain, and I lay back on the padded table to begin the process. I was apprehensive as she opened the box of disposable needles. She proceeded to place needles in my arms, legs and around my injured ankle -- there may have been other needles, but I had my eyes shut. I was surprised there was no pain from the actual needle insertion, but when she inserted a needle in my leg I felt a bizarre throbbing sensation. It felt like a rushing river running along the left side of my body. The acupuncturist asked if I was OK. I told her that the left side of my body felt electric. She said, "this is good, you are feeling the flow of qi."
Over 30 years ago I injured my left ankle. After a debridement surgery, injections, supplements, heat and cold therapy, and activity adjustments my injury was getting worse. This past year suffering from osteoarthritis and inflammation has taken a toll on my life. I am allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, so over-the-counter medication was not a solution for pain management. Living with daily pain- rated an eight with ten being the worst pain possible - I visited the doctor who informed me after a recent MRI that the only option to permanently relieve the pain was an ankle fusion. I am a healthy 53-year-old, and for me this was not a realistic option.
Noting my reaction, the doctor advised me to consider acupuncture for pain relief. My only knowledge about acupuncture was that needles are inserted to stimulate healing by balancing energy. I was skeptical that correcting an imbalance of energy was going to ease my chronic pain. Desperate for relief, I reluctantly made an appointment with his recommended acupuncturist.
When I arrived at the acupuncturist's office I was impressed with her scientific credentials. We discussed my chronic pain, and I lay back on the padded table to begin the process. I was apprehensive as she opened the box of disposable needles. She proceeded to place needles in my arms, legs and around my injured ankle -- there may have been other needles, but I had my eyes shut. I was surprised there was no pain from the actual needle insertion, but when she inserted a needle in my leg I felt a bizarre throbbing sensation. It felt like a rushing river running along the left side of my body. The acupuncturist asked if I was OK. I told her that the left side of my body felt electric. She said, "this is good, you are feeling the flow of qi."
Desperate Stroke Patient Goes to China for Proper Care
At the age of 40 Devin Dearth's life changed forever. Devin, a vital and active loving husband, father, champion body builder and successful businessman suffered a massive hemmorhagic stroke at 5 a.m. while working out at his gym in a small midwestern town. The stroke damaged his brainstem so extensively that he was not expected to live. While medicine in America excels at high tech emergency medicine, it fails miserably at supporting recovery and the restoration of normal function and does almost nothing to sustain and nourish health over the long term. Devin had to go to China to get proper care. The care he needed was denied to him at home.
Devin has insurance. Great. Emergency services covered. Hospital care covered. Not so great, the rehabilitative care that Devin needed then and continues to need now is not covered by his insurance plan. His insurance company refused to pay for the helicopter that airlifted Devin from his very small town to a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky equipped to save his life. His family received a bill for $20,000 for the air ambulance. Without air transport, Devin would have died before ever getting to the hospital. You can't get approval at 5 a.m. in the morning for special services, but that is what is required. Welcome to health care in America.
After three weeks in intensive care, uncertain if he would survive, he could finally breathe on his own. This one time champion body builder then started rehabilitative care, for a limited amount of time only. He was approved for only 20 days of therapy after suffering a massive brain stem stroke He was making good progress and then the insurance coverage ran out. Devin, still debilitated, unable to walk, sit up, speak, feed or bathe himself was sent home. His family was now in charge. His wife and kids had to lift him from bed to wheelchair. His doctors and therapists knew he was progressing well and that he needed continued therapy. The insurance company said no. Coverage is no longer available. Go home.
9000 Needles: A Story of Hope, Courage and One Family's Unconventional Journey Towards Stroke Recovery is an award winning documentary film made by Devin's brother, David Dearth who refused to accept that his brother was going to go without the care he needed.
David searched worldwide and discovered a renowned Acupuncture Treatment Program for Stroke Rehabilitation at First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University in China under the direction of Dr. Shi Xuemin. Devin's family has now been to China twice for several months at a time, where Devin has received exceptional care, daily acupuncture and physical therapy that allowed him to make dramatic progress. Stroke patients with the financial means to do so come here from all over the world. We watch as after only one acupuncture treatment Devin began to move his previously immobile leg on his own for the first time. After only weeks, he no longer drooled out of the side of his mouth. After several months he could sit up and was beginning to walk and to talk again.
According to the 2010 China Connection Global Health Report stroke patients receiving care at the Tianjin Hospital Program have better outcomes than patients treated with standard post stroke treatment in the U.S.
85 percent are able to walk without assistance (Only 51 percent of U.S. patients completing rehabilitatioin in the U.S. walk without assistance.)
95 percent regain almost complete knee flexion compared with 50 percent in the U.S.
98 percent return to live in their homes instead of long term care facilities while only 68 percent of U.S. stroke patients are able to live in their own homes.
According to Dr. Lee Schwamm, Vice Chairman of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Chairman of the American Stroke Association Program
Devin has insurance. Great. Emergency services covered. Hospital care covered. Not so great, the rehabilitative care that Devin needed then and continues to need now is not covered by his insurance plan. His insurance company refused to pay for the helicopter that airlifted Devin from his very small town to a hospital in Lexington, Kentucky equipped to save his life. His family received a bill for $20,000 for the air ambulance. Without air transport, Devin would have died before ever getting to the hospital. You can't get approval at 5 a.m. in the morning for special services, but that is what is required. Welcome to health care in America.
After three weeks in intensive care, uncertain if he would survive, he could finally breathe on his own. This one time champion body builder then started rehabilitative care, for a limited amount of time only. He was approved for only 20 days of therapy after suffering a massive brain stem stroke He was making good progress and then the insurance coverage ran out. Devin, still debilitated, unable to walk, sit up, speak, feed or bathe himself was sent home. His family was now in charge. His wife and kids had to lift him from bed to wheelchair. His doctors and therapists knew he was progressing well and that he needed continued therapy. The insurance company said no. Coverage is no longer available. Go home.
9000 Needles: A Story of Hope, Courage and One Family's Unconventional Journey Towards Stroke Recovery is an award winning documentary film made by Devin's brother, David Dearth who refused to accept that his brother was going to go without the care he needed.
David searched worldwide and discovered a renowned Acupuncture Treatment Program for Stroke Rehabilitation at First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University in China under the direction of Dr. Shi Xuemin. Devin's family has now been to China twice for several months at a time, where Devin has received exceptional care, daily acupuncture and physical therapy that allowed him to make dramatic progress. Stroke patients with the financial means to do so come here from all over the world. We watch as after only one acupuncture treatment Devin began to move his previously immobile leg on his own for the first time. After only weeks, he no longer drooled out of the side of his mouth. After several months he could sit up and was beginning to walk and to talk again.
According to the 2010 China Connection Global Health Report stroke patients receiving care at the Tianjin Hospital Program have better outcomes than patients treated with standard post stroke treatment in the U.S.
85 percent are able to walk without assistance (Only 51 percent of U.S. patients completing rehabilitatioin in the U.S. walk without assistance.)
95 percent regain almost complete knee flexion compared with 50 percent in the U.S.
98 percent return to live in their homes instead of long term care facilities while only 68 percent of U.S. stroke patients are able to live in their own homes.
According to Dr. Lee Schwamm, Vice Chairman of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Chairman of the American Stroke Association Program
2011年4月21日星期四
Backing the ideas that could change the future of medicine
INNOVATIVE products don’t just fall out of the sky like rain on a winter’s day. There’s a lot of development, refinement, testing and research in that process, and most importantly a moment where someone who’s been banging their head against a brick wall for months finally comes up with a way to take a sledgehammer to it.
Newcastle company G-MED specialises in taking innovative ideas devised by people such as NHS nurses, and helping to develop them into a product that can be used in the medical field.
Managing director Ged McGonnell said: “As a company, what we’re trying to do is find products within the NHS where a nurse or a surgeon or a porter has come up with an idea that meets an unmet need. A lot of these people might have the clinical experience and the technical expertise, but might not know how to get a product past the concept phase. It’s about getting these products peer reviewed and developed.
“Universities like Newcastle and Northumbria have a good set up in terms of prototyping, so I’m very lucky to have them on my doorstep.”
McGonnell has more than a decade of sales experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device fields, and set up G-MED two years ago to market interesting medical devices. It builds links with people who are involved in services such as the NHS Innovations Hubs, which act as links between the NHS, companies and universities. There are eight of these hubs around the country, including NHS Innovations North in Sunderland.
When the product is available, G-MED either sells it on under licence or attracts a company to buy the product and supply it to the NHS itself.
McGonnell said: “The majority are surgical or intensive care tools, as there’s more opportunity there for niche products.”
It is currently preparing a portfolio of four products for release in the next few months. The first to be released will be an arterial cannula sling developed at Durham University, as well as a radial angiography sling. A mammography accessory is also in the pipeline, but G-MED is most excited about a non-injectable connector for the arterial line, a device developed by two staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn that allows medics to withdraw from an artery while preventing any injections.
McGonnell said: “The connector will stop mistakes being made. An arterial line should never have anything injected into it, and this will stop people accidentally injecting into the wrong line.
“There are patents filed on this and I’ve got a big company who would be interested in taking it off my hands when the times comes.”
Newcastle company G-MED specialises in taking innovative ideas devised by people such as NHS nurses, and helping to develop them into a product that can be used in the medical field.
Managing director Ged McGonnell said: “As a company, what we’re trying to do is find products within the NHS where a nurse or a surgeon or a porter has come up with an idea that meets an unmet need. A lot of these people might have the clinical experience and the technical expertise, but might not know how to get a product past the concept phase. It’s about getting these products peer reviewed and developed.
“Universities like Newcastle and Northumbria have a good set up in terms of prototyping, so I’m very lucky to have them on my doorstep.”
McGonnell has more than a decade of sales experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device fields, and set up G-MED two years ago to market interesting medical devices. It builds links with people who are involved in services such as the NHS Innovations Hubs, which act as links between the NHS, companies and universities. There are eight of these hubs around the country, including NHS Innovations North in Sunderland.
When the product is available, G-MED either sells it on under licence or attracts a company to buy the product and supply it to the NHS itself.
McGonnell said: “The majority are surgical or intensive care tools, as there’s more opportunity there for niche products.”
It is currently preparing a portfolio of four products for release in the next few months. The first to be released will be an arterial cannula sling developed at Durham University, as well as a radial angiography sling. A mammography accessory is also in the pipeline, but G-MED is most excited about a non-injectable connector for the arterial line, a device developed by two staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn that allows medics to withdraw from an artery while preventing any injections.
McGonnell said: “The connector will stop mistakes being made. An arterial line should never have anything injected into it, and this will stop people accidentally injecting into the wrong line.
“There are patents filed on this and I’ve got a big company who would be interested in taking it off my hands when the times comes.”
2011年4月20日星期三
Musculoskeletal News Roundup 21-Apr-11
Centinel Spine announced that 1Q:11 sales increased by 47% over the year-ago period. The company named adoption of the STALIF TT interbody device, which is intended for use in anterior lumbar surgery, and the STALIF C, which is intended for cervical indications, among the growth drivers.
Johnson & Johnson reported 1Q:11 sales of $16.2 billion, up 2% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $356.9 million. Listed among a number of growth drivers were DePuy's sports medicine business. DePuy contributed $1.5 billion to sales, up 2% over 1Q:10. As discussed on the earnings call, hip sales declined by 2%, and knee was down by 4%. Spine was up by 1%. Growth rates exclude the effects of currency. Adjusted net earnings for 1Q:11 were $3.7 billion, or $1.35 per share, up 5% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $0.09 per share.
Stryker reported 1Q:11 sales of $2.0 billion, up 10% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $13.4 million. Recon sales were flat at $911.0 million, which the company attributed to lower shipments in knee and unnamed other implant systems offsetting higher shipments in hip and trauma and extremities. Among recon segments, hip was up 2%; knee was down 2% and trauma and extremities was up 2%. Spine and neuro sales contributed $340.3 million to total revenues, up 4% organically over the year-ago period. Spine sales were up 1% to $161.6 million. Growth rates exclude the effects of currency. Adjusted net earnings for the quarter were $322.0 million, or $0.90 per share, up 13% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by a penny.
Funding
AOI Medical raised $2.9 million of a planned $5.6 million funding round. The company is developing the Ascendx device for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.
Benvenue Medical raised $35.5 million in a Series C round of financing co-led by new investors Domain Associates and Technology Partners, who were joined by current investors Versant Ventures and DeNovo Ventures. The proceeds will be used to complete KAST (Kiva System as a Vertebral Augmentation Treatment - A Safety and Effectiveness Trial) and execute on the company's commercialization strategy in the U.S. and Europe. The company says KAST, which is being conducted in support of a 510(k) submission, is the "largest randomized study versus balloon kyphoplasty to date." The Kiva system consists of a PEEK-OPTIMA cylindrical implant that is inserted in a continuous loop fashion; bone cement is delivered through the implant's lumen and into the vertebral body.
Carmell Therapeutics raised a Series A financing led by Harbor Light Capital Partners, who were joined by Newlin Investment Company, the PLSG Accelerator Fund, LLC, Innovation Works, Ariel Savannah Angels, Blue Tree Allied Angels and individual investors. The company will use the funds to establish a pilot manufacturing facility and collect data on the company's platelet-rich plasma products. The company says their materials incorporate both platelet and plasma-derived regenerative factors and are "sterile, ready-to-use, easy to handle, shape and suture and exhibit mechanical properties designed to match the repaired tissue."
Regulatory
StelKast received FDA 510(k) clearance for their EXp Acetabular Liners, which are comprised of antioxidant and highly cross-linked polyethylene technology. The company plans to launch the EXp Acetabular System in July.
Product Introduction and Update
Medtronic launched the MARROWMAX Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle Kit. The product features a multi-holed cannula, which "allows for simultaneous marrow draws at the same position thereby reducing aspiration time and the need for sometimes painful repositioning of the needle."
Legal
Genzyme filed a patent infringement suit against Seikagaku and a Zimmer subsidiary that distributes Seikagaku's HA products in the U.S. The suit alleges that Seikagaku's HA technology, recently approved in the U.S. by the FDA and branded Gel-One, infringes patents for Synvisc.
Collaborations
RTI Biologics signed an agreement to provide spinal allograft implants to Alphatec Spine. Under the agreement, which is effective immediately and has a three-year term with the option to renew, RTI will process allograft implants for use in spine and made from assembled cortical allograft.
Johnson & Johnson reported 1Q:11 sales of $16.2 billion, up 2% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $356.9 million. Listed among a number of growth drivers were DePuy's sports medicine business. DePuy contributed $1.5 billion to sales, up 2% over 1Q:10. As discussed on the earnings call, hip sales declined by 2%, and knee was down by 4%. Spine was up by 1%. Growth rates exclude the effects of currency. Adjusted net earnings for 1Q:11 were $3.7 billion, or $1.35 per share, up 5% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $0.09 per share.
Stryker reported 1Q:11 sales of $2.0 billion, up 10% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by $13.4 million. Recon sales were flat at $911.0 million, which the company attributed to lower shipments in knee and unnamed other implant systems offsetting higher shipments in hip and trauma and extremities. Among recon segments, hip was up 2%; knee was down 2% and trauma and extremities was up 2%. Spine and neuro sales contributed $340.3 million to total revenues, up 4% organically over the year-ago period. Spine sales were up 1% to $161.6 million. Growth rates exclude the effects of currency. Adjusted net earnings for the quarter were $322.0 million, or $0.90 per share, up 13% over the year-ago period and beating estimates by a penny.
Funding
AOI Medical raised $2.9 million of a planned $5.6 million funding round. The company is developing the Ascendx device for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.
Benvenue Medical raised $35.5 million in a Series C round of financing co-led by new investors Domain Associates and Technology Partners, who were joined by current investors Versant Ventures and DeNovo Ventures. The proceeds will be used to complete KAST (Kiva System as a Vertebral Augmentation Treatment - A Safety and Effectiveness Trial) and execute on the company's commercialization strategy in the U.S. and Europe. The company says KAST, which is being conducted in support of a 510(k) submission, is the "largest randomized study versus balloon kyphoplasty to date." The Kiva system consists of a PEEK-OPTIMA cylindrical implant that is inserted in a continuous loop fashion; bone cement is delivered through the implant's lumen and into the vertebral body.
Carmell Therapeutics raised a Series A financing led by Harbor Light Capital Partners, who were joined by Newlin Investment Company, the PLSG Accelerator Fund, LLC, Innovation Works, Ariel Savannah Angels, Blue Tree Allied Angels and individual investors. The company will use the funds to establish a pilot manufacturing facility and collect data on the company's platelet-rich plasma products. The company says their materials incorporate both platelet and plasma-derived regenerative factors and are "sterile, ready-to-use, easy to handle, shape and suture and exhibit mechanical properties designed to match the repaired tissue."
Regulatory
StelKast received FDA 510(k) clearance for their EXp Acetabular Liners, which are comprised of antioxidant and highly cross-linked polyethylene technology. The company plans to launch the EXp Acetabular System in July.
Product Introduction and Update
Medtronic launched the MARROWMAX Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle Kit. The product features a multi-holed cannula, which "allows for simultaneous marrow draws at the same position thereby reducing aspiration time and the need for sometimes painful repositioning of the needle."
Legal
Genzyme filed a patent infringement suit against Seikagaku and a Zimmer subsidiary that distributes Seikagaku's HA products in the U.S. The suit alleges that Seikagaku's HA technology, recently approved in the U.S. by the FDA and branded Gel-One, infringes patents for Synvisc.
Collaborations
RTI Biologics signed an agreement to provide spinal allograft implants to Alphatec Spine. Under the agreement, which is effective immediately and has a three-year term with the option to renew, RTI will process allograft implants for use in spine and made from assembled cortical allograft.
2011年4月19日星期二
the Biologics Business at Medtronic
The MARROWMAX™ Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle Kit provides a simple technique for aspirating marrow from patients by using a syringe. The marrow is then used to hydrate a synthetic bone graft, such as Medtronic’s MASTERGRAFT® ceramics and PLEXUR P® Preformed Biocomposites, eliminating the need for a painful second surgery to harvest bone.
The bone marrow aspiration technique collects marrow and/or autologous blood from a marrow-rich site of the surgeon’s choice. It involves inserting a hollow needle through a skin incision and into the bone marrow cavity. A syringe is then used to draw a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow into the hollow needle.
Most bone marrow aspiration needles contain a single hole at the end of the cannula, which is a hollow tube that allows marrow to travel into a syringe, where marrow is drawn from one position. The multi-holed cannula feature of MARROWMAX™ allows for simultaneous marrow draws at the same position thereby reducing aspiration time and the need for sometimes painful repositioning of the needle. MARROWMAX™ comes in three sizes to accommodate surgeons for a variety of draw sites in the body.
“The launch of the MARROWMAX™ Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle comes at a strategic time for us,” said Neil Beals, vice president of marketing for Medtronic Biologics. “We expect this innovation to enhance and complement our Biologics and bone grafting portfolio and allow our sales team to carry a complete set of tools to fit both surgeon and patient needs.”
Medtronic Biologics, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in biologics therapies for regeneration across a variety of musculoskeletal and other applications. The business markets breakthrough innovations such as INFUSE®, which received the prestigious Prix Galien USA Award for Best Biotechnology Product in 2008. Medtronic Biologics also has a robust pipeline of other products, including sciatica and post-op pain therapies. Today, the business participates across three key markets including spine, orthopedic trauma, and dental and collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers, and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies.
The bone marrow aspiration technique collects marrow and/or autologous blood from a marrow-rich site of the surgeon’s choice. It involves inserting a hollow needle through a skin incision and into the bone marrow cavity. A syringe is then used to draw a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow into the hollow needle.
Most bone marrow aspiration needles contain a single hole at the end of the cannula, which is a hollow tube that allows marrow to travel into a syringe, where marrow is drawn from one position. The multi-holed cannula feature of MARROWMAX™ allows for simultaneous marrow draws at the same position thereby reducing aspiration time and the need for sometimes painful repositioning of the needle. MARROWMAX™ comes in three sizes to accommodate surgeons for a variety of draw sites in the body.
“The launch of the MARROWMAX™ Bone Marrow Aspiration Needle comes at a strategic time for us,” said Neil Beals, vice president of marketing for Medtronic Biologics. “We expect this innovation to enhance and complement our Biologics and bone grafting portfolio and allow our sales team to carry a complete set of tools to fit both surgeon and patient needs.”
Medtronic Biologics, based in Memphis, Tenn., is the global leader in biologics therapies for regeneration across a variety of musculoskeletal and other applications. The business markets breakthrough innovations such as INFUSE®, which received the prestigious Prix Galien USA Award for Best Biotechnology Product in 2008. Medtronic Biologics also has a robust pipeline of other products, including sciatica and post-op pain therapies. Today, the business participates across three key markets including spine, orthopedic trauma, and dental and collaborates with world-renowned surgeons, researchers, and innovative partners to offer state-of-the-art products and technologies.
2011年4月18日星期一
MILLVILLE AFTERNOON POLICE BEAT INCLUDES School guards assaulted
Two security guards were injured in a fight between two girls at Lakeside Middle School Friday, police said.
Both girls, a 12 –year-old and 13-year-old were charged with aggravated assault on a public employee and disorderly conduct.
Police say during a fight with each other they kicked two security guards.
One guard was taken to the hospital a rescue squad and the other went on her own. The hospital said one of the guards suffered a minor head injury.
The girls were processed and released. Because of their ages, they’re names were not provided by police.
A resident of East Main Street reported Friday someone stole two toys from her yard, a Fisher Price wagon and basketball hoop.
Someone apparently kicked in the door of a house on JFK Boulevard, a person reported Friday. Nothing was taken.
A resident reported Friday a kayak valued at $599 was taken form his Pleasantview Drive property.
A mother reported Friday $224 was stolen from her son’s wallet, which was left in an unsecured locker at Millville Memorial High School between 2:30 and 4:15 p.m.
A resident of Laurel Road reported Saturday he believes a family friend stole jewelry while living at his home between December and April. The jewelry was described as a yellow gold rope necklace with a charm and a gold ring with four birthstones.
Police responded to burglar alarm on East Pine Street on Saturday. A back door was wide open and window broken. It was not clear if heaving winds Saturday damaged the window. The resident said the door may have been blown open.
Surveillance video at Walgreen’s on North High Street captured a man going behind a counter and stealing 15 packs of Newport cigarettes. He was confronted by an employee and fled on mountain bike. The suspect told the employee, “Don’t touch me.”
A purse was stolen from under a drivers seat after a woman parked at 2nd and East Pine streets to go inside a church. She told police the vehicle was not damaged.
A man and woman were charged Sunday with shoplifting from Advance Auto Parts in the 800 block of North 2nd Street. Police say David M. Livingstone, 45, of the 2200 block of South 2nd Street left the store with a Fix a Thread tool and Phyllis Mary Stout, 40, of the same address took a pair of Boot Clamp Pliers. In addition to shoplifting, Stout was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after police found a glass pipe in her possession.
Both girls, a 12 –year-old and 13-year-old were charged with aggravated assault on a public employee and disorderly conduct.
Police say during a fight with each other they kicked two security guards.
One guard was taken to the hospital a rescue squad and the other went on her own. The hospital said one of the guards suffered a minor head injury.
The girls were processed and released. Because of their ages, they’re names were not provided by police.
A resident of East Main Street reported Friday someone stole two toys from her yard, a Fisher Price wagon and basketball hoop.
Someone apparently kicked in the door of a house on JFK Boulevard, a person reported Friday. Nothing was taken.
A resident reported Friday a kayak valued at $599 was taken form his Pleasantview Drive property.
A mother reported Friday $224 was stolen from her son’s wallet, which was left in an unsecured locker at Millville Memorial High School between 2:30 and 4:15 p.m.
A resident of Laurel Road reported Saturday he believes a family friend stole jewelry while living at his home between December and April. The jewelry was described as a yellow gold rope necklace with a charm and a gold ring with four birthstones.
Police responded to burglar alarm on East Pine Street on Saturday. A back door was wide open and window broken. It was not clear if heaving winds Saturday damaged the window. The resident said the door may have been blown open.
Surveillance video at Walgreen’s on North High Street captured a man going behind a counter and stealing 15 packs of Newport cigarettes. He was confronted by an employee and fled on mountain bike. The suspect told the employee, “Don’t touch me.”
A purse was stolen from under a drivers seat after a woman parked at 2nd and East Pine streets to go inside a church. She told police the vehicle was not damaged.
A man and woman were charged Sunday with shoplifting from Advance Auto Parts in the 800 block of North 2nd Street. Police say David M. Livingstone, 45, of the 2200 block of South 2nd Street left the store with a Fix a Thread tool and Phyllis Mary Stout, 40, of the same address took a pair of Boot Clamp Pliers. In addition to shoplifting, Stout was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after police found a glass pipe in her possession.
2011年4月17日星期日
“TOMIE VS. TOMIE” (Film Review)
Tomohiro Kubo directs TOMIE VS. TOMIE, available on-line via Japan Flix and one of several films loosely based on Junji Ito’s manga TOMIE. This film is validation of the power of women and is a perfect Japanese example of the perils of loving girls, even when they’re babies. The film opens with the most universally recognized torture device, a cruel hypodermic needle poised to puncture and loaded with viscous red fluid. The unlucky recipient of the wicked poke remains unrevealed for now, but an infant is howling and folded skin is everywhere across the screen.
Watch the little girl swish her stick playfully around the bushes as we follow her ominously from behind. Oh, look, a gray dove is on the ground, its wing somehow twisted; watch it fitfully try to lift off. Conveniently, a heavy rock, bigger than the girl’s hand, but not too heavy to lift, lies nearby. Another girl appears; she looks like a twin; they regard each other soberly. They are both Tomie, as we soon discover. In this film, the only difference between females is the presence of a beauty mark and whether they have bangs. These attributes will help the viewer keep the characters straight.
Our hero, Kazuki Umehara, tells his therapist he feels well enough to end their sessions. She cautions him—it’s only been six months since his girlfriend, Naoko, was murdered in front of him. The flashbacks and nightmares could come back unexpectedly, but he insists he’s healed. Leaving the office, he encounters a mysterious man in a hat who shakes his confidence in this self-diagnosis.
Kazuki lights the many candles in his personal Naoko shrine, illuminating her white summer dress, her jewelry, her pastel portrait. She looks somewhat familiar in her bangs. He apologizes for his small offering, but will do better: He starts a new job tomorrow. Even in the morning light, the workplace presents another classic horror trope; it’s a mannequin factory. Dismembered parts, unfathomable painted eyes, reproachful poses and, of course, plastic wrapped torsos are well photographed and are successfully creepy. Nothing creates dread like a warehouse full of naked mannequins.
Mr. Fujita introduces Kazuki to his co-worker, Kishida. He’s a pleasant fellow, albeit a bit distracted. In a room above the factory floor, behind diaphanous drapery, a gorgeous bangless Tomie orders Fujita around like he’s garbage. He simply must find the “other girl.” Until then, she requests the delivery of Kazuki to cure her boredom. She comes on a bit strong, however, and frightens off the damaged boy, who sees a shocking resemblance to the dead Naoko, except for the pronounced mole under her left eyelid. Impossible. A ghost in a Japanese horror tale?
He becomes one of five men helplessly enslaved by the beautiful, demanding, Tomies. Beautiful, that is, except for the nasty areas where their faces are decaying. These men love them so much, in fact, that even their murder and immolation cannot cure the fatal attraction. Only one Tomie can save them, the first, the true, the pure-blooded Tomie, recipient of the hideous initial needle jab.
TOMIE VS. TOMIE is lovely. Suspenseful scenes are demarcated by soft grayscale, enhanced by subtle pastel background accents, referring well to the style of the manga. Long shots of somber faces, skewed camera angles and unhurried pans over mannequin bodies create a haunting, meditative atmosphere. Fire is a key element in the story, and falling matches, candlewicks and fireballs are nicely haloed and slowed to allow articulation of flame.
The music is simple and artistic, a traditional stringed instrument plays in most scenes, haunting and insistent, reminiscent of the effect we got from Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” theme from THE EXORCIST. Other sound FX are classic fear inducers, wind, white noise, single chords winding up the suspense, but the string music is the authority here, sophisticated and very effective.
Most gore happens off-screen, but it’s present, nonetheless. Like a single bloody panel among landscape panels, incongruously graphic scenes suddenly break the tranquility. In one, Kishida uses a sledgehammer and butcher knife to decapitate a bang-sporting Tomie, releasing her head from the grotesquely disfigured body of another. As they watch the corpse burn, the noggin of the irresistible siren admonishes Kishida for his inadequacy. Could Kazuki be the one strong enough to find the pure Tomie? But what’s in it for him?
Despite a translation that cuts the dialog by two-thirds, the story is classic enough to be twisted one more time, and the pictures tell it well. TOMIE VS. TOMIE’s overall visual quality makes it well worth viewing. And the final climax has some pseudo cannibalism, and a shocking, nasty piece of special effects that quite transcends language and is not to be missed.
Watch the little girl swish her stick playfully around the bushes as we follow her ominously from behind. Oh, look, a gray dove is on the ground, its wing somehow twisted; watch it fitfully try to lift off. Conveniently, a heavy rock, bigger than the girl’s hand, but not too heavy to lift, lies nearby. Another girl appears; she looks like a twin; they regard each other soberly. They are both Tomie, as we soon discover. In this film, the only difference between females is the presence of a beauty mark and whether they have bangs. These attributes will help the viewer keep the characters straight.
Our hero, Kazuki Umehara, tells his therapist he feels well enough to end their sessions. She cautions him—it’s only been six months since his girlfriend, Naoko, was murdered in front of him. The flashbacks and nightmares could come back unexpectedly, but he insists he’s healed. Leaving the office, he encounters a mysterious man in a hat who shakes his confidence in this self-diagnosis.
Kazuki lights the many candles in his personal Naoko shrine, illuminating her white summer dress, her jewelry, her pastel portrait. She looks somewhat familiar in her bangs. He apologizes for his small offering, but will do better: He starts a new job tomorrow. Even in the morning light, the workplace presents another classic horror trope; it’s a mannequin factory. Dismembered parts, unfathomable painted eyes, reproachful poses and, of course, plastic wrapped torsos are well photographed and are successfully creepy. Nothing creates dread like a warehouse full of naked mannequins.
Mr. Fujita introduces Kazuki to his co-worker, Kishida. He’s a pleasant fellow, albeit a bit distracted. In a room above the factory floor, behind diaphanous drapery, a gorgeous bangless Tomie orders Fujita around like he’s garbage. He simply must find the “other girl.” Until then, she requests the delivery of Kazuki to cure her boredom. She comes on a bit strong, however, and frightens off the damaged boy, who sees a shocking resemblance to the dead Naoko, except for the pronounced mole under her left eyelid. Impossible. A ghost in a Japanese horror tale?
He becomes one of five men helplessly enslaved by the beautiful, demanding, Tomies. Beautiful, that is, except for the nasty areas where their faces are decaying. These men love them so much, in fact, that even their murder and immolation cannot cure the fatal attraction. Only one Tomie can save them, the first, the true, the pure-blooded Tomie, recipient of the hideous initial needle jab.
TOMIE VS. TOMIE is lovely. Suspenseful scenes are demarcated by soft grayscale, enhanced by subtle pastel background accents, referring well to the style of the manga. Long shots of somber faces, skewed camera angles and unhurried pans over mannequin bodies create a haunting, meditative atmosphere. Fire is a key element in the story, and falling matches, candlewicks and fireballs are nicely haloed and slowed to allow articulation of flame.
The music is simple and artistic, a traditional stringed instrument plays in most scenes, haunting and insistent, reminiscent of the effect we got from Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” theme from THE EXORCIST. Other sound FX are classic fear inducers, wind, white noise, single chords winding up the suspense, but the string music is the authority here, sophisticated and very effective.
Most gore happens off-screen, but it’s present, nonetheless. Like a single bloody panel among landscape panels, incongruously graphic scenes suddenly break the tranquility. In one, Kishida uses a sledgehammer and butcher knife to decapitate a bang-sporting Tomie, releasing her head from the grotesquely disfigured body of another. As they watch the corpse burn, the noggin of the irresistible siren admonishes Kishida for his inadequacy. Could Kazuki be the one strong enough to find the pure Tomie? But what’s in it for him?
Despite a translation that cuts the dialog by two-thirds, the story is classic enough to be twisted one more time, and the pictures tell it well. TOMIE VS. TOMIE’s overall visual quality makes it well worth viewing. And the final climax has some pseudo cannibalism, and a shocking, nasty piece of special effects that quite transcends language and is not to be missed.
2011年4月14日星期四
Artificial pancreas ready for diabetics to try at home, say research scientists
Trials of an artificial pancreas that can monitor the blood sugar levels of people with diabetes and then deliver insulin more accurately should move out of hospital into homes as soon as possible, funders of the research programme say.
Promising evidence that adults may be better able to control their condition overnight has emerged from a Cambridge University-led study involving 24 adults and using developments of existing technologies. It was funded by the charity Diabetes UK, and follows encouraging research using similar equipment on pregnant mothers and children with Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 usually strikes people before they are 40 years of age and affects about one in 10 of those with diabetes. They need to test their own blood sugar levels regularly before injecting themselves with insulin or setting a pump which releases the hormone via a cannula under the skin.
The new system involves placing a small circular patch on the body which continuously monitors glucose levels, sending the results by radio signals to the insulin pump which then automatically delivers the appropriate amount of insulin. This should reduce the incidence of "hypos", when blood sugar levels fall too low, possibly rendering a person unconscious or causing unpleasant symptoms, including sweating, tingling in the lips and a pounding heart.
The latest tests, involving 10 men and 14 women aged 18-65, suggested a 22% improvement in the time participants kept their blood glucose levels in a safe range, halving the time they spent with low blood-glucose levels and reducing the risk of both short- and long-term complications. Half the participants were monitored overnight after consuming a medium-sized meal and the others after a larger meal and alcohol.
Dr Roman Hovorka, who led the research, said: "Hypoglycaemia remains a major challenge, especially during the night, so it's encouraging to see such promising results from our trial using commercially available devices.
"The study is a stepping stone to testing the artificial pancreas at home and suggests that the artificial pancreas may be suitable in adults as well as in children and adolescents we found previously." Iain Frame, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: "The improvements in glucose control overnight using this new technology are impressive, and it is good to see this work develop with the addition of testing the effects following a meal with some wine.
"We now need to see an extension of this study, one which tests larger numbers of people, and then take it out of the hospital and in to the home setting."
Promising evidence that adults may be better able to control their condition overnight has emerged from a Cambridge University-led study involving 24 adults and using developments of existing technologies. It was funded by the charity Diabetes UK, and follows encouraging research using similar equipment on pregnant mothers and children with Type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 usually strikes people before they are 40 years of age and affects about one in 10 of those with diabetes. They need to test their own blood sugar levels regularly before injecting themselves with insulin or setting a pump which releases the hormone via a cannula under the skin.
The new system involves placing a small circular patch on the body which continuously monitors glucose levels, sending the results by radio signals to the insulin pump which then automatically delivers the appropriate amount of insulin. This should reduce the incidence of "hypos", when blood sugar levels fall too low, possibly rendering a person unconscious or causing unpleasant symptoms, including sweating, tingling in the lips and a pounding heart.
The latest tests, involving 10 men and 14 women aged 18-65, suggested a 22% improvement in the time participants kept their blood glucose levels in a safe range, halving the time they spent with low blood-glucose levels and reducing the risk of both short- and long-term complications. Half the participants were monitored overnight after consuming a medium-sized meal and the others after a larger meal and alcohol.
Dr Roman Hovorka, who led the research, said: "Hypoglycaemia remains a major challenge, especially during the night, so it's encouraging to see such promising results from our trial using commercially available devices.
"The study is a stepping stone to testing the artificial pancreas at home and suggests that the artificial pancreas may be suitable in adults as well as in children and adolescents we found previously." Iain Frame, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: "The improvements in glucose control overnight using this new technology are impressive, and it is good to see this work develop with the addition of testing the effects following a meal with some wine.
"We now need to see an extension of this study, one which tests larger numbers of people, and then take it out of the hospital and in to the home setting."
2011年4月13日星期三
Man Sells Alien Toy Online, Bike Frame Stolen
The following was recorded in the log of the Salem Police from Monday through Tuesday afternoon. Police found a hypodermic needle on Lafayette Street and took a report of a man who sold a toy online and was not paid.
* At 4:29 p.m. Monday, police responded to a Highland Avenue business to talk to an elderly female. The elderly woman had come in with a money order because she was told she had won the lottery. Police advised the woman never to give out her social security number.
* The Animal Control officer responded to North Street at 5:19 p.m. Monday for a report of a dog left in a car for 24 hours. The car was gone when police arrived.
* At 5:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to Cedar Street for a report of malicious damage to a fence. Police observed a six foot section of fence kicked in.
* At 5:56 p.m. Monday, police were called to Congress Street for a past break-in. Police were met with a woman who said her boyfriend rents one of the stalls in the garage. The owner of the garage called her to inform her the stall had been broken into. A Harley Davidson motorcycle frame was stolen. The woman told police the frame belongs to someone else and her boyfriend was working on paying him for it. The woman's boyfriend was out of state at the time so police told her to have the boyfriend contact them when he returns.
* Monday at 9:46 p.m. Monday, police placed one man into protective custody after he could not walk on his own on Derby Street. Another man with him was able to take care of himself.
* Tuesday at 12:25 a.m., residents of Parlee Street complained about hearing construction noise. Police found someone doing construction and advised them to stop for the night.
* At 7:22 a.m. Tuesday, police were called to Dearborn Street for a car with slashed tires.
* Tuesday at 8:12 a.m., a man told police he sold a toy online to a person in Hong Kong and that person would not pay him and sent the toy back with missing parts. The toy is called an "alien hot toy." A report was filed.
* At 9:18 a.m. Tuesday, an officer working a detail on Bridge Street witnessed a car driving left of center and almost collide with oncoming traffic. Police arrested Jose Dasilva, 48, 4 Exchange St., Gloucester, and charged him with marked lanes violation and driving without a license.
* At 9:51 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to North Street for a four-car accident. There were no injuries.
* At 11 a.m. Tuesday, police noted in the log that they solved the "cat napping."
* At 11:13 a.m. Tuesday, a resident of Crosby Street said a go-kart valued at $300 was taken by two men in a van. The resident said the go-kart was next to the trash out on the sidewalk, but was not trash. Two men pulled up and started to take the go-kart. When she told them it was not trash, they took it anyway.
* A hypodermic needle was found on Lafayette Street at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
* A second car was found to have slashed tires on Dearborn Street at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday.
* At 2:05 p.m. a Broadway Street business reported someone had put graffiti that said "bread" on the back on their building.
* At 4:29 p.m. Monday, police responded to a Highland Avenue business to talk to an elderly female. The elderly woman had come in with a money order because she was told she had won the lottery. Police advised the woman never to give out her social security number.
* The Animal Control officer responded to North Street at 5:19 p.m. Monday for a report of a dog left in a car for 24 hours. The car was gone when police arrived.
* At 5:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to Cedar Street for a report of malicious damage to a fence. Police observed a six foot section of fence kicked in.
* At 5:56 p.m. Monday, police were called to Congress Street for a past break-in. Police were met with a woman who said her boyfriend rents one of the stalls in the garage. The owner of the garage called her to inform her the stall had been broken into. A Harley Davidson motorcycle frame was stolen. The woman told police the frame belongs to someone else and her boyfriend was working on paying him for it. The woman's boyfriend was out of state at the time so police told her to have the boyfriend contact them when he returns.
* Monday at 9:46 p.m. Monday, police placed one man into protective custody after he could not walk on his own on Derby Street. Another man with him was able to take care of himself.
* Tuesday at 12:25 a.m., residents of Parlee Street complained about hearing construction noise. Police found someone doing construction and advised them to stop for the night.
* At 7:22 a.m. Tuesday, police were called to Dearborn Street for a car with slashed tires.
* Tuesday at 8:12 a.m., a man told police he sold a toy online to a person in Hong Kong and that person would not pay him and sent the toy back with missing parts. The toy is called an "alien hot toy." A report was filed.
* At 9:18 a.m. Tuesday, an officer working a detail on Bridge Street witnessed a car driving left of center and almost collide with oncoming traffic. Police arrested Jose Dasilva, 48, 4 Exchange St., Gloucester, and charged him with marked lanes violation and driving without a license.
* At 9:51 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to North Street for a four-car accident. There were no injuries.
* At 11 a.m. Tuesday, police noted in the log that they solved the "cat napping."
* At 11:13 a.m. Tuesday, a resident of Crosby Street said a go-kart valued at $300 was taken by two men in a van. The resident said the go-kart was next to the trash out on the sidewalk, but was not trash. Two men pulled up and started to take the go-kart. When she told them it was not trash, they took it anyway.
* A hypodermic needle was found on Lafayette Street at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
* A second car was found to have slashed tires on Dearborn Street at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday.
* At 2:05 p.m. a Broadway Street business reported someone had put graffiti that said "bread" on the back on their building.
2011年4月11日星期一
Hypodermic shock as girl finds needle on Westcliff beach
A THREE-YEAR-OLD girl had to be checked over by medics after picking up a hypodermic needle while playing on the beach.
Chelsea Cheshire was with her 18-month-old brother Leeland and her parents Tanya, 32, and Gary, 30, when she picked up the needle during an afternoon at the beach, in Westcliff.
Fortunately her parents were nearby and quickly took it from her before it could cause any harm.
Mr Cheshire, of Holland Road, Westcliff said: “The first thing I did was dispose of the needle in a sharps container in the nearby public toilets.
“I was disgusted and frightened by what my daughter found and we had her checked out by a doctor.”
“If Leeland had seen it he would have simply put it straight in his mouth. We’re very concerned that people just chuck this sort of thing on the beach.
“What if there were children there without their parents and they didn’t realise how dangerous it could be?”
The couple have informed the council.
Anita Thornberry, Southend Council’s head of enterprise, tourism and regeneration, said: “We would like to thank the family for disposing of this needle in a responsible manner. We believe it must have been carried in on an incoming tide. Fortunately, this kind of thing is not a common occurrence.
“However, if someone should find such an item again, for safety reasons we would urge them to contact us on 01702 215006 immediately, so our cleansing contractor can deal with it straight away.”
Chelsea Cheshire was with her 18-month-old brother Leeland and her parents Tanya, 32, and Gary, 30, when she picked up the needle during an afternoon at the beach, in Westcliff.
Fortunately her parents were nearby and quickly took it from her before it could cause any harm.
Mr Cheshire, of Holland Road, Westcliff said: “The first thing I did was dispose of the needle in a sharps container in the nearby public toilets.
“I was disgusted and frightened by what my daughter found and we had her checked out by a doctor.”
“If Leeland had seen it he would have simply put it straight in his mouth. We’re very concerned that people just chuck this sort of thing on the beach.
“What if there were children there without their parents and they didn’t realise how dangerous it could be?”
The couple have informed the council.
Anita Thornberry, Southend Council’s head of enterprise, tourism and regeneration, said: “We would like to thank the family for disposing of this needle in a responsible manner. We believe it must have been carried in on an incoming tide. Fortunately, this kind of thing is not a common occurrence.
“However, if someone should find such an item again, for safety reasons we would urge them to contact us on 01702 215006 immediately, so our cleansing contractor can deal with it straight away.”
Outreach program valuable
Del Thomson wants to get rid of the health region's Needle Safe Saskatoon because he thinks it's doing nothing to reduce HIV/AIDS.
Stopping the handout of needles and condoms, he seems to think, will surely stop all the bad behaviour.
Here's a news flash: People created the concept of selling sex and getting high before they created the concept of God. These are the follies of man.
Removing access to safe needles and condoms will greatly increase HIV/AIDS in our population. It is a tragedy that people do this to themselves, and it's even worse that some do it so irresponsibly.
However, Thomson doesn't seem to want to talk about the fact almost nine in 10 needles are safely returned to the evil van he mentions, as opposed to ending up on the streets.
It could be your pastor or neighbour, or your kid's teacher who visits the prostitutes. There is no profile for a john. Ask a cop. If these women don't have condoms provided by outreach workers, where is that infection coming home to?
I greatly thank SHR for reaching out to lend a caring, helping hand to people who probably wouldn't find it elsewhere.
Stopping the handout of needles and condoms, he seems to think, will surely stop all the bad behaviour.
Here's a news flash: People created the concept of selling sex and getting high before they created the concept of God. These are the follies of man.
Removing access to safe needles and condoms will greatly increase HIV/AIDS in our population. It is a tragedy that people do this to themselves, and it's even worse that some do it so irresponsibly.
However, Thomson doesn't seem to want to talk about the fact almost nine in 10 needles are safely returned to the evil van he mentions, as opposed to ending up on the streets.
It could be your pastor or neighbour, or your kid's teacher who visits the prostitutes. There is no profile for a john. Ask a cop. If these women don't have condoms provided by outreach workers, where is that infection coming home to?
I greatly thank SHR for reaching out to lend a caring, helping hand to people who probably wouldn't find it elsewhere.
2011年4月7日星期四
Sick Raccoon On Winter Island and Man Climbs Light Pole
The following is an excerpt from the Salem Police Department's Tuesday and Wednesday's police log. Police had to dispose of a sick raccoon on Winter Island and found two hypodermic needles in different parts of the city.
At 1:04 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a noise complaint on First Street.
At 3:24 a.m. Tuesday, police received a complaint about a "party causing a major disturbance" on Highland Avenue. Police advised the party to quiet down.
Police responded to Auburn Road at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a man sleeping in a "banged up" vehicle. Police spoke with the man in the vehicle who was delivering papers in the neighborhood.
A possible rabid raccoon was spotted on Winter Island at 8:04 a.m. Tuesday. Animal Control was called and police responded to the island where they found the "gravely ill" raccoon in the roadway. According to the police log, "one round was used from the officer's service pistol to put the sick/injured animal to rest." DPW removed the animal from the roadway afterward.
At 10:24 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to Derby Street for a report of a man yelling in the street. The man was placed in protective custody.
At 11 a.m. Tuesday, an officer on patrol found a hypodermic needle on Boston Street.
At 12:38 p.m. Tuesday, an officer on patrol witnessed a possible drug transaction in a car in a parking lot along Highland Avenue. Police found a hypodermic needle on one of the men standing at the car. Upon search of the car, police found five bags of marijuana. One man was given a citation for marijuana possession. The other man was cited for driving an unregistered car and the car was towed from the scene.
At 1:56 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a pedestrian accident at the intersection of Lafayette and Harbor streets. Upon arrival, the pedestrian was laying in the street in the crosswalk. The driver said he was turning left from Harbor Street and did not see the pedestrian because of a blind spot. Police issued the driver a citation for failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The pedestrian was treated by EMS and the fire department.
At 4:52 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Gardner and Canal streets. There were no injuries.
At 5:31 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Highland Avenue. Police observed minor bumper damage. One of the drivers was transported to Salem Hospital with a possible back injury.
Police responded to Lafayette Street near Palmer Street at 7:27 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a woman being threatened by a group of people. The woman told police she got in a fight with her boyfriend's "other girlfriend." The other woman was angry and said some things the woman interpreted as threats, police said. Police told the woman to stay away from the woman and to take it up with her boyfriend at a later time.
At 7:31 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to Crombie Street for a report of larceny.
At 9:55 p.m. Tuesday, a resident of School Street called police to report a "suspicious odor" coming from the apartment next door. The resident told police it was a "chemical smell" that she believed was "illegal in nature." When police arrived, they did not smell anything and told her to call back if it the smell became stronger.
At 1:04 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a noise complaint on First Street.
At 3:24 a.m. Tuesday, police received a complaint about a "party causing a major disturbance" on Highland Avenue. Police advised the party to quiet down.
Police responded to Auburn Road at 7:33 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a man sleeping in a "banged up" vehicle. Police spoke with the man in the vehicle who was delivering papers in the neighborhood.
A possible rabid raccoon was spotted on Winter Island at 8:04 a.m. Tuesday. Animal Control was called and police responded to the island where they found the "gravely ill" raccoon in the roadway. According to the police log, "one round was used from the officer's service pistol to put the sick/injured animal to rest." DPW removed the animal from the roadway afterward.
At 10:24 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to Derby Street for a report of a man yelling in the street. The man was placed in protective custody.
At 11 a.m. Tuesday, an officer on patrol found a hypodermic needle on Boston Street.
At 12:38 p.m. Tuesday, an officer on patrol witnessed a possible drug transaction in a car in a parking lot along Highland Avenue. Police found a hypodermic needle on one of the men standing at the car. Upon search of the car, police found five bags of marijuana. One man was given a citation for marijuana possession. The other man was cited for driving an unregistered car and the car was towed from the scene.
At 1:56 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a pedestrian accident at the intersection of Lafayette and Harbor streets. Upon arrival, the pedestrian was laying in the street in the crosswalk. The driver said he was turning left from Harbor Street and did not see the pedestrian because of a blind spot. Police issued the driver a citation for failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The pedestrian was treated by EMS and the fire department.
At 4:52 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Gardner and Canal streets. There were no injuries.
At 5:31 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Highland Avenue. Police observed minor bumper damage. One of the drivers was transported to Salem Hospital with a possible back injury.
Police responded to Lafayette Street near Palmer Street at 7:27 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a woman being threatened by a group of people. The woman told police she got in a fight with her boyfriend's "other girlfriend." The other woman was angry and said some things the woman interpreted as threats, police said. Police told the woman to stay away from the woman and to take it up with her boyfriend at a later time.
At 7:31 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to Crombie Street for a report of larceny.
At 9:55 p.m. Tuesday, a resident of School Street called police to report a "suspicious odor" coming from the apartment next door. The resident told police it was a "chemical smell" that she believed was "illegal in nature." When police arrived, they did not smell anything and told her to call back if it the smell became stronger.
2011年4月6日星期三
Police Warn of Hypodermic-Needle Danger
North Reading police are warning residents to avoid handling syringes after receiving several reports of needles being found in local neighborhoods.
Police received numerous calls in March and early April from people who found dirty syringes on the side of the road. The reports were not isolated to any particular area of town, according to police.
"We've seen an increase in needles improperly disposed of on the side of the road," said Police Chief Edward W. Nolan. "It is a real concern."
North Reading police believe that a state law passed in 2006 allowing people to purchase and carry hypodermic needles without a prescription has contributed to the increase in syringes being found in local neighborhoods.
Lawmakers passed the measure with the aim of preventing the spread infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C through shared needles by allowing anyone to purchase clean ones.
It had been illegal to possess a hypodermic needle without a prescription prior to the law change. According to press reports at the time, Massachusetts became the 48th state to remove the prescription requirement.
According to police, the number of syringes recovered from public places since the law took effect in 2006 has more than tripled. Police believe the change in the law has devalued the street worth of syringes, making them more accessible to illicit drug users.
The discarding of dirty hypodermic needles has become an issue across the Boston area. In late March, two Lynn elementary school students were pricked by a needle that one found on the street on his way to school.
According to press reports, one student used the needle to give his friend a pretend flu shot. School Superintendent Catherine Latham told the Daily Item of Lynn that both students sought medical attention, but she declined to disclose their conditions, citing privacy laws.
North Reading police realize that incident may not be an isolated one.
"We are very concerned about a child picking up a contaminated needle," Nolan said.
North Reading police urge residents to avoid touching needles if they find them on the side of the road. They also should not let their pets come into contact with the needles, police said.
Police received numerous calls in March and early April from people who found dirty syringes on the side of the road. The reports were not isolated to any particular area of town, according to police.
"We've seen an increase in needles improperly disposed of on the side of the road," said Police Chief Edward W. Nolan. "It is a real concern."
North Reading police believe that a state law passed in 2006 allowing people to purchase and carry hypodermic needles without a prescription has contributed to the increase in syringes being found in local neighborhoods.
Lawmakers passed the measure with the aim of preventing the spread infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C through shared needles by allowing anyone to purchase clean ones.
It had been illegal to possess a hypodermic needle without a prescription prior to the law change. According to press reports at the time, Massachusetts became the 48th state to remove the prescription requirement.
According to police, the number of syringes recovered from public places since the law took effect in 2006 has more than tripled. Police believe the change in the law has devalued the street worth of syringes, making them more accessible to illicit drug users.
The discarding of dirty hypodermic needles has become an issue across the Boston area. In late March, two Lynn elementary school students were pricked by a needle that one found on the street on his way to school.
According to press reports, one student used the needle to give his friend a pretend flu shot. School Superintendent Catherine Latham told the Daily Item of Lynn that both students sought medical attention, but she declined to disclose their conditions, citing privacy laws.
North Reading police realize that incident may not be an isolated one.
"We are very concerned about a child picking up a contaminated needle," Nolan said.
North Reading police urge residents to avoid touching needles if they find them on the side of the road. They also should not let their pets come into contact with the needles, police said.
2011年4月5日星期二
this isn't the end of the series
Now that's how you finish a season! If only the series had started off this strong, we might not be staring likely cancellation in the face.
I was absolutely riveted throughout "No Ordinary Beginning." Everything the season had been building towards came to a head, including the first family power team up. Finally, each of the Powells had a moment to prove formidable in his or her own right, from Daphne's near-mental throwdown of a particularly stubborn guard to Stephanie speed thrashing a room full of armed sentries to J.J.'s geometrically correct toss of a hypodermic needle into the eye of his father's would-be killer.
J.J. in particular showed himself to have his father's fortitude when standing up to GlobalTech CEO Helen Burton the way he did. Though I can't suppose it would take super intelligence to feel superior to someone so out of touch that she actually brought in circa 1981 video games, including Centipede, to entertain a 15 year child of today.
The final showdown between King and Jim was epic, and one I'd been waiting for all season. Dr. King's revelation that he can't die, thanks to the trusty trilsettum, came as no surprise as I've been touting he had some kind of ability all season. What was a surprise, though, was that he had developed every ability that the Powells possess. A little convenient, but Stephen Collins demonstrated here, more than ever, that he makes for one menacing villain so I'm not going to quibble over something so minor.
If this isn't the end of the series, it definitely appears to be the end of King (I see no way he can come back from a skull-rotting bout of insta-cancer) so I take my hat off to Mr. Collins for chewing every morsel of every scene he had all season. Well done, sir.
The ending definitely set things up for what could be an enticing second season, with George developing an unrevealed ability of his own after that plane crash (what do you want to bet it's flight?) and the eighty some odd criminals all with now-permanent powers.
I don't know about you, but having the Powells providing support to the government as they hunt down these super villains definitely entices me, even if we didn't exactly find out how the NSA came to know of their abilities in the first place. And despite the earlier hinting of a possible George/Katie romance, I'd actually like to see Katie and Joshua as they attempt to raise a super-powered baby.
Should the ride end here, I'll be sorely, bitterly disappointed. No Ordinary Family started out a story of a family who had lost their connection, but ended with them stronger than ever before, proving that no challenge is too strong for any family to endure, as long as they have faith in one other...and, of course, a measure of super abilities don't hurt.
Whatever happens, I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Powells and seeing their journey this season. I applaud the work done by Michael Chiklis, Julie Benz, Kay Panabaker, Jimmy Bennett, Stephen Collins, Autumn Reeser, Romany Malco, Josh Stewart, Rebecca Mader, Lucy Lawless and everyone else involved in the series.
Here's hoping for a season two.
I was absolutely riveted throughout "No Ordinary Beginning." Everything the season had been building towards came to a head, including the first family power team up. Finally, each of the Powells had a moment to prove formidable in his or her own right, from Daphne's near-mental throwdown of a particularly stubborn guard to Stephanie speed thrashing a room full of armed sentries to J.J.'s geometrically correct toss of a hypodermic needle into the eye of his father's would-be killer.
J.J. in particular showed himself to have his father's fortitude when standing up to GlobalTech CEO Helen Burton the way he did. Though I can't suppose it would take super intelligence to feel superior to someone so out of touch that she actually brought in circa 1981 video games, including Centipede, to entertain a 15 year child of today.
The final showdown between King and Jim was epic, and one I'd been waiting for all season. Dr. King's revelation that he can't die, thanks to the trusty trilsettum, came as no surprise as I've been touting he had some kind of ability all season. What was a surprise, though, was that he had developed every ability that the Powells possess. A little convenient, but Stephen Collins demonstrated here, more than ever, that he makes for one menacing villain so I'm not going to quibble over something so minor.
If this isn't the end of the series, it definitely appears to be the end of King (I see no way he can come back from a skull-rotting bout of insta-cancer) so I take my hat off to Mr. Collins for chewing every morsel of every scene he had all season. Well done, sir.
The ending definitely set things up for what could be an enticing second season, with George developing an unrevealed ability of his own after that plane crash (what do you want to bet it's flight?) and the eighty some odd criminals all with now-permanent powers.
I don't know about you, but having the Powells providing support to the government as they hunt down these super villains definitely entices me, even if we didn't exactly find out how the NSA came to know of their abilities in the first place. And despite the earlier hinting of a possible George/Katie romance, I'd actually like to see Katie and Joshua as they attempt to raise a super-powered baby.
Should the ride end here, I'll be sorely, bitterly disappointed. No Ordinary Family started out a story of a family who had lost their connection, but ended with them stronger than ever before, proving that no challenge is too strong for any family to endure, as long as they have faith in one other...and, of course, a measure of super abilities don't hurt.
Whatever happens, I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Powells and seeing their journey this season. I applaud the work done by Michael Chiklis, Julie Benz, Kay Panabaker, Jimmy Bennett, Stephen Collins, Autumn Reeser, Romany Malco, Josh Stewart, Rebecca Mader, Lucy Lawless and everyone else involved in the series.
Here's hoping for a season two.
2011年4月1日星期五
My son's foot
I do not usually visit hospitals. In fact, whenever possible I try to avoid them. However, a month ago, my son Douglas decided upon elective surgery to have one of his one of his toes straightened. Being twenty-five years old and having parachuted from an aircraft the previous year, Douglas showed no trepidation whatsoever as we drove to the hospital. After he was admitted into the pre-operative department, I was asked to meet the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Being an inquisitive kind of fellow, I asked the doctor what type of anesthetic would be used before the surgery was performed. I was informed that the short-acting, hypnotic agent known as Propofol would be intravenously administered. Always the wit, I turned to my son and said, "Good luck then, Michael." The anesthesiologist was not amused and immediately went into a rant about how Mr. Michael Jackson's lack of success with the drug was due to improper administration. I felt three inches tall.
Thanks to the professionalism of the surgeon, my son's operation was a complete success—although he has to wear a very large shoe that looks as if it were designed by engineers at NASA.
Having not visited a hospital in about ten years, it was interesting to note the changes—and especially the new products—that the doctors and nurses now use in their everyday tasks. However, it was not the high-tech flat-screen display used to monitor heart rate and blood pressure that impressed me most of all. Nor was it the precision-made cannula-over-needle device used to administer Lactated Ringer's solution into my son's bloodstream. It was the Novaplus ice bag—manufactured in China—that the hospital supplied to keep the anticipated swelling at a minimum. Fabricated of just five parts (including the manufacturer's label), the product could keep ice in a frozen state for up to six hours.
However, even the most simple products, like these, demand some serious design, manufacturing, and testing techniques. While the systems used to manufacture such products may incorporate vision, it is rare to read many case studies that describe how the systems are deployed.
Perhaps the main reason for this is the legal ramifications that might occur should such details be revealed. In the development of automated manufacturing systems to build medical devices, vision plays just a small but vital role.
Compliance or consequences
Because manufacturers must comply with standards such as TS 13485 and ISO 9001 as well as FDA requirements, their systems most often employ secure electronic signature and document control, allowing a complete audit trail of the manufacturing process, and providing lot and serial tracking, traceability, and a device history record. With the development of every new medical device, new methods must be implemented to ensure they are tested and manufactured to the highest quality requirements.
To guarantee that these products meet FDA standards has proved challenging when products—such as my son's ice bag—are not manufactured domestically. Indeed, according to a recent report, the FDA conducts relatively few inspections of foreign establishments.
Officials estimate that the agency inspects foreign manufacturers of high-risk devices (such as pacemakers) every six years and foreign manufacturers of medium-risk devices (such as hearing aids) every twenty years. Finally, inspections of foreign manufacturing operations pose unique challenges to the FDA, such as difficulties in recruiting investigators to travel to certain countries and in extending trips if the inspections uncover problems.
Being an inquisitive kind of fellow, I asked the doctor what type of anesthetic would be used before the surgery was performed. I was informed that the short-acting, hypnotic agent known as Propofol would be intravenously administered. Always the wit, I turned to my son and said, "Good luck then, Michael." The anesthesiologist was not amused and immediately went into a rant about how Mr. Michael Jackson's lack of success with the drug was due to improper administration. I felt three inches tall.
Thanks to the professionalism of the surgeon, my son's operation was a complete success—although he has to wear a very large shoe that looks as if it were designed by engineers at NASA.
Having not visited a hospital in about ten years, it was interesting to note the changes—and especially the new products—that the doctors and nurses now use in their everyday tasks. However, it was not the high-tech flat-screen display used to monitor heart rate and blood pressure that impressed me most of all. Nor was it the precision-made cannula-over-needle device used to administer Lactated Ringer's solution into my son's bloodstream. It was the Novaplus ice bag—manufactured in China—that the hospital supplied to keep the anticipated swelling at a minimum. Fabricated of just five parts (including the manufacturer's label), the product could keep ice in a frozen state for up to six hours.
However, even the most simple products, like these, demand some serious design, manufacturing, and testing techniques. While the systems used to manufacture such products may incorporate vision, it is rare to read many case studies that describe how the systems are deployed.
Perhaps the main reason for this is the legal ramifications that might occur should such details be revealed. In the development of automated manufacturing systems to build medical devices, vision plays just a small but vital role.
Compliance or consequences
Because manufacturers must comply with standards such as TS 13485 and ISO 9001 as well as FDA requirements, their systems most often employ secure electronic signature and document control, allowing a complete audit trail of the manufacturing process, and providing lot and serial tracking, traceability, and a device history record. With the development of every new medical device, new methods must be implemented to ensure they are tested and manufactured to the highest quality requirements.
To guarantee that these products meet FDA standards has proved challenging when products—such as my son's ice bag—are not manufactured domestically. Indeed, according to a recent report, the FDA conducts relatively few inspections of foreign establishments.
Officials estimate that the agency inspects foreign manufacturers of high-risk devices (such as pacemakers) every six years and foreign manufacturers of medium-risk devices (such as hearing aids) every twenty years. Finally, inspections of foreign manufacturing operations pose unique challenges to the FDA, such as difficulties in recruiting investigators to travel to certain countries and in extending trips if the inspections uncover problems.
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