SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Future technology”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Looking for planetary moons in the spectra of distant Jupiters.

More than 100 nearby stars are known to have at least one Jupiter-sized planet. Whether any of these giant gaseous planets has moons is unknown, but here we suggest a possible way of detecting Earth-sized moons with future technology. The planned Terrestrial Planet Finder observatory, for example, will be able to detect objects comparable in size to Earth. Such Earth-sized objects might orbit their stars either as isolated planets or as moons to giant planets. Moons of Jovian-sized planets near the habitable zones of main-sequence stars should be noticeably brighter than their host planets in the near-infrared (1-4 microm) if their atmospheres contain methane, water, and water vapor, because of efficient absorption of starlight by these atmospheric components. By taking advantage of this spectral contrast, future space observatories will be able to discern which extrasolar giant planets have Earth-like moons capable of supporting life.

Astronomical Phenomena↗

PubMed2005

A data integration methodology for systems biology.

Different experimental technologies measure different aspects of a system and to differing depth and breadth. High-throughput assays have inherently high false-positive and false-negative rates. Moreover, each technology includes systematic biases of a different nature. These differences make network reconstruction from multiple data sets difficult and error-prone. Additionally, because of the rapid rate of progress in biotechnology, there is usually no curated exemplar data set from which one might estimate data integration parameters. To address these concerns, we have developed data integration methods that can handle multiple data sets differing in statistical power, type, size, and network coverage without requiring a curated training data set. Our methodology is general in purpose and may be applied to integrate data from any existing and future technologies. Here we outline our methods and then demonstrate their performance by applying them to simulated data sets. The results show that these methods select true-positive data elements much more accurately than classical approaches. In an accompanying companion paper, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach to biological data. We have integrated our methodology into a free open source software package named POINTILLIST.

Informatics↗

PubMed1999

[Trends in molecular diagnosis].

The number of characterized monogenic and polygenic diseases is rising each year. In consequence, molecular diagnostics is faced with an ever increasing number of patient samples and with more and more heterogeneous genetic defects. The fusion of microelectronics and molecular biology has created a new technology (microelectronic miniaturization), which provides a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective tool in molecular diagnostics at a high-sample throughput. The biochip has recently been selected as one of the ten scientific highlights in the year 1998. The application of microelectronics ranges from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nucleotide sequence analysis via DNA-chips or capillary electrophoresis-chips to gene expression analysis. These microchips are suited for integration into fully automated systems, thus providing the basis for automation of molecular diagnostics. The present article summarizes important trends in molecular diagnostics and provides a glimpse on future technologies.

Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures↗

PubMed2004

Antigen-specific cytometry--new tools arrived!

Until recently, immunofluorescence-based cytometry and cell sorting, which have now found their place in the repertoire of state-of-the-art technologies, have mostly served to identify and assess subsets of leukocytes and thereby to evaluate rather systemic changes of the immune system. A more detailed defined evaluation of immune responses was not possible for a long time. In particular, a focus of the cytometric analysis on those lymphocytes specifically recognizing a defined antigen was hampered due to technical limitations. Yet, traditional methods for the analysis of antigen-specific lymphocytes typically relied upon measurements of proliferation or cytokine expression in bulk cultures. In recent times, this hindrance has been overcome both for B and T lymphocytes. We review here the emerging field of antigen-specific cytometry and describe the most widely used state of the art and future technologies that offer exciting new options to analyze and isolate specifically those lymphocytes that are directly involved in the immune reaction to given antigens, options that have already spurred research, diagnosis, and therapy beyond scope.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed2003

[Comparative study of spatial imaging techniques in stereo-endoscopy].

PURPOSE: This study compares the two-dimensional presentation of stereo-endoscopic video data with three-dimensional presentation using polarization glasses and three-dimensional presentation with an autostereoscopic display. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible advantages of the three display technologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine test persons untrained in endoscopy had to complete three endoscopic tasks with different levels of difficulty. Each test involved a new presentation method. Different measurements were noted such as speed of task completion, accuracy of task performance, and quantity of solved tasks. The data collected were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Neither sex, handedness, nor level of stereopsis had any statistically significant impact on the test results. The differences between the three presentation methods of stereo-endoscopic pictures were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Similar results were achieved with all three presentation methods. None of the presentation methods was significantly superior in the values measured. A final assessment of the possibilities of spatial endoscopy should await future technological developments in endoscopic devices (e.g., picture acquisition).

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Stereotactic technology in tumor surgery.

Stereotactic technology can be utilized to place a tumor volume interpolated from CT- and MRI-defined boundaries into a 3-dimensional computer image matrix. This information can then be used for surgical planning for stereotactic biopsy and for interactive volumetric stereotactic removal of the lesion. The stereotactic position of surface vessels and sulci is also useful in surgical planning to avoid important vascular structures and to utilize deep sulci for approaches to some deep-seated tumors. Computer interactive stereotactic resection is applicable to superficial and deep lesions in a variety of histologic subtypes. In glial neoplasms the percentage of tumor tissue over infiltrated parenchyma will determine the resectability of a lesion more than the location. Most importantly, the stereotactic discipline allows the incorporation of future technologies which can be useful in the study and treatment of brain neoplasms.

Brain Neoplasms↗

PubMed2003

Protein arrays: the current state-of-the-art.

The completion of projects for sequencing whole genomes such as those of human, Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans has led to a rapid increase in the availability of genetic information. The technology by which such information is acquired is having a major impact on the way we think about analysing the RNA and protein products of the gene transcription. Transcriptome analysis has, via microarray technology, managed to achieve a near genomic scale quantitative analysis of mRNA levels. Several other technologies such as quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and representational differential analysis are also available for analysing gene products. Traditionally, protein analysis has been performed by assaying one particular protein at a time, with very little parallel analysis. As protein function is a direct consequence of the protein product of the gene and as mRNA levels do not always correlate well with protein, it is desirable to analyse the entire protein complement of a cell etc. on a similar scale to mRNA. Despite the clear interest in analysing the expression, structure and function of proteins at a genomic scale, they have proven less amenable to such generic, high-throughput approaches. This review highlights the current thinking in the area of proteome analysis and considers the potential for future technology development in the area of protein arrays.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

New applications of flow cytometry.

Flow cytometry and cell sorting have become established technologies in cell biology. A large number of methods for staining and measuring properties of individual cells are available. New protein and DNA dyes have made it possible to analyze large number of cells individually for multiple properties. These techniques have had a large impact on cellular immunology and the study of cell proliferation. New fluorescent molecules that report on intracellular conditions are used increasingly to study cell physiology. Chromosome analysis and sorting by flow cytometry is becoming a valuable tool and refinements in the techniques for manipulating small quantities of DNA will increase the application of chromosome sorting in molecular biology. The analysis of rare cell populations is still hampered by shortcomings in the present generation of commercial instruments. Rare even analysis will be improved when high-resolution, high-speed sorters are available. Future technology will make use of non-linear effects in fluorescence induction. An improved understanding of non-linear phenomena will lead to new techniques for single-cell analysis.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Rapid method for rigorous assessment of radiologic imaging technologies.

Rapid and rigorous technology evaluation is important for improving quality and cost in health care, particularly for swiftly changing, highly technologic fields like radiology. Currently, however, evaluations are generally seriously deficient in quality, and rigorous evaluations typically require 4 years or more. Therefore, the authors developed an appropriate methodology. Its principal characteristics include study of outcomes, clinical relevance, multi-institutional design, intensive communication, experienced data management and statistical centers, sophisticated analysis, careful attention to the protocol and reference standard, on-site managers, and extensive pretesting and refinement. The authors successfully tested the methodology in a seven-institution study. Completed in 1 1/4 years, the study achieved active participation of treating physicians, which much enhanced the clinical relevance of the end points studied. The data supported extensive analyses, which included the effect of imaging on treatment plans, an important outcome measure. The authors report the (limited) difficulties encountered and identify changes to ameliorate them. Thus revised, the methodology can serve as a model for future technology assessments.

Technology Assessment, Biomedical↗

PubMed2004

Advances in encapsulation technologies for the management of mercury-contaminated hazardous wastes.

Although industrial and commercial uses of mercury have been curtailed in recent times, there is a demonstrated need for the development of reliable hazardous waste management techniques because of historic operations that have led to significant contamination and ongoing hazardous waste generation. This study was performed to evaluate whether the U.S. EPA could propose treatment and disposal alternatives to the current land disposal restriction (LDR) treatment standards for mercury. The focus of this article is on the current state of encapsulation technologies that can be used to immobilize elemental mercury, mercury-contaminated debris, and other mercury-contaminated wastes, soils, sediments, or sludges. The range of encapsulation materials used in bench-scale, pilot-scale, and full-scale applications for mercury-contaminated wastes are summarized. Several studies have been completed regarding the application of sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification, chemically bonded phosphate ceramic encapsulation, and polyethylene encapsulation. Other materials reported in the literature as under development for encapsulation use include asphalt, polyester resins, synthetic elastomers, polysiloxane, sol-gels, Dolocrete, and carbon/cement mixtures. The primary objective of these encapsulation methods is to physically immobilize the wastes to prevent contact with leaching agents such as water. However, when used for mercury-contaminated wastes, several of these methods require a pretreatment or stabilization step to chemically fix mercury into a highly insoluble form prior to encapsulation. Performance data is summarized from the testing and evaluation of various encapsulated, mercury-contaminated wastes. Future technology development and research needs are also discussed.

Environmental Pollutants↗

PubMed2002

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery by the port-access method.

Recently, minimally invasive surgery has come to be an important theory in cardiac surgery, the goal of which is shortening of hospital stay, earlier recovery of employment, and cosmetics. In this paper, we will describe our experience with port-access cardiac surgery conducted under the support of our new technology. This study assesses the quality of cardiac surgery performed by the port-access method. The author developed a direct endoaortic clamp balloon (Yozu balloon). This balloon is a triple-lumen balloon catheter of 3.6 mm in outer diameter and 40 cm in full length. The balloon is inserted directly into the ascending aorta. Injection of cardioplegic solution and aortic vent can be conducted. Also, we introduce a modified Cosgrove flex clamp to apply in small-incision surgery, aiming at a less invasive procedure. The modified point is that the original, united Cosgrove flex clamp can be divided into the handle part equipped with a ratchet, and the bellows part equipped with a clamp jaw. By this modification, it became possible to apply the Cosgrove flex clamp transthoracically; that is, it became possible to conduct aortic clamping safely and securely through this small port of 8 mm in diameter. Port-access cardiac surgery is one of the developing and promising methods of cardiac operation. In view of future technological progress, we can expect the gradual but wide popularization of this method.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

PubMed2004

Trends in burn resuscitation: shifting the focus from fluids to adequate endpoint monitoring, edema control, and adjuvant therapies.

Bum shock is a complex process involving a series of intertwined physiologic responses to injury that require more rigorous intervention than simply a change in fluid tonicity, fluid composition, or fluid resuscitation volume. Controversy ensues over monitoring techniques and resuscitation goals, in part because the identification of true markers of perfusion is clouded by intradependence of endpoints on other metabolic processes. The persistence of cellular hypoperfusion in patients who have been deemed adequately resuscitated by global indices supports the growing realization that failure of conventional endpoint-monitoring strategies to detect compensated bum shock can lead to significant organ injury from SIRS or MODS. Current endpoints should be interpreted in the aggregate, because none have yet been demonstrated to reflect tissue perfusion status independently and accurately. Numerous technologically advanced endpoints to predict patient outcome, which may be useful in determining futility of treatment or end-of-life decisions, are now available. Still lack-ing, however, is a reliable tool proven to improve outcome that can guide bum shock resuscitation therapies successfully. Exciting new research in tissue oxygenation and perfusion has revealed that damaging mediator cascades and irreversible microvascular changes may preclude complete resolution of bum shock solely through restoration of oxygen delivery. Because bum patients now frequently survive the early resuscitation phase. the focus should be on controlling derangements in oxygen use and correcting occult hypoperfusion to reduce later adverse patient outcomes from SIRS, sepsis, and MODS. Bum-specific research on resuscitation endpoints and monitoring strategies lags behind research in other patient populations. Present standards and monitoring guidelines for bum shock resuscitation should be critically evaluated and based on true, scientifically validated data rather than on observational studies or personal beliefs. Thus the continuing challenge for clinicians and researchers:burn centers must collaborate to perform large, multi-center studies to evaluate critically and to prove resuscitation endpoints and therapies. Future technologies targeted at microcirculatory perfusion and cellular oxygenation offer an exciting promise for less invasive, easily accessible, more accurate endpoints and treatments for bum shock resuscitation.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1999

Application of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry

The pulp and paper industry processes huge quantities of lignocellulosic biomass every year. The technology for pulp manufacture is highly diverse, and numerous opportunities exist for the application of microbial enzymes. Historically, enzymes have found some uses in the paper industry, but these have been mainly confined to areas such as modifications of raw starch. However, a wide range of applications in the pulp and paper industry have now been identified. The use of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry has grown rapidly since the mid 1980s. While many applications of enzymes in the pulp and paper industry are still in the research and development stage, several applications have found their way into the mills in an unprecedented short period of time. Currently the most important application of enzymes is in the prebleaching of kraft pulp. Xylanase enzymes have been found to be most effective for that purpose. Xylanase prebleaching technology is now in use at several mills worldwide. This technology has been successfully transferred to full industrial scale in just a few years. The enzymatic pitch control method using lipase was put into practice in a large-scale paper-making process as a routine operation in the early 1990s and was the first case in the world in which an enzyme was successfully applied in the actual paper-making process. Improvement of pulp drainage with enzymes is practiced routinely at mill scale. Enzymatic deinking has also been successfully applied during mill trials and can be expected to expand in application as increasing amounts of newsprint must be deinked and recycled. The University of Georgia has recently opened a pilot plant for deinking of recycled paper. Pulp bleaching with a laccase mediator system has reached pilot plant stage and is expected to be commercialized soon. Enzymatic debarking, enzymatic beating, and reduction of vessel picking with enzymes are still in the R&D stage but hold great promise for reducing energy. Other enzymatic applications, i.e., removal of shives and slime, retting of flax fibers, and selective removal of xylan, are also expected to have a profound impact on the future technology of the pulp and paper-making process.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1986

Swiss Hospital Institute's approach to the problems of magnetic resonance imaging.

The Swiss Hospital Institute, a nonprofit institution that provides guidance on hospital planning and operation to Switzerland's health care community, conducted in 1984 a comprehensive study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy via a 17-member commission that examined all aspects of these emerging technologies. Future MRI utilization was estimated by developing five clinical categories of possible MRI use, based on ICD codes, and a probability of MRI utilization was developed for each category. By applying these probabilities to the number of inpatient admissions in each category, an annual nationwide volume of 20,000 scans was estimated. Ten MRI systems were considered adequate for a period of up to five years after the report's promulgation, based on a per-system annual throughput of 1,900-2,000 patients. A superconducting-magnet system with an 0.5-T field strength was deemed the most suitable, with units to be located in university hospitals. [Spectroscopy was considered best left to separate research installations.] The cost of equipment and construction for the 0.5-T superconducting magnet system were calculated as high as 3.6 million Swiss francs (Sfr) (approximately $1.65 million at fall 1985 exchange rates). the annual operating cost was estimated as Sfr 1.3 million ($600,000). On this basis a per-study fee of Sfr 690 ($315) was projected. The study recommended health insurance coverage of MRi use, only in patients with well-proven clinical indications for an MRI scan. The report is expected to aid in the orderly introduction of MRI into Switzerland's health care system.

Forecasting↗

PubMed1993

Gene delivery systems in surgery.

Increased understanding of the genetic basis of human disease has led to a number of potential gene-based therapies for various medical and surgical disorders. The development of efficient methods for delivering genes to mammalian cells in vitro has increased the potential clinical utility of gene-based therapies; however, a major focus of research has been more efficient delivery to appropriate target cells, in vivo as well as in vitro, to establish gene therapy as an effective clinical modality for common disorders. Despite substantial progress, a number of critical technical issues to enhance and optimize not only gene transfer but also gene expression must be resolved. These future technological developments will be essential for the widespread clinical implementation of gene-based therapy.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

New and future techniques in prenatal diagnosis.

Fetal evaluation may be accomplished in the future using techniques experimental at this time. These include direct visualization of the fetus by endoscopy, biopsy of fetal tissues, and indirect techniques accomplished in the laboratory. It is hoped that in the future technology may provide us with means to diagnose the abnormal fetus more accurately and rapidly than currently. Possible methods are discussed.

Biopsy↗

PubMed2005

Dependence on diffusion time of apparent diffusion tensor of ex vivo calf tongue and heart.

The time dependence of the apparent diffusion tensor of ex vivo calf heart and tongue was measured for diffusion times (tau(d)) between 32 and 810 ms. The results showed evidence of restricted diffusion in the muscle tissues of both organs. In regions where the myofibers are parallel, the largest eigenvalue (lambda(1)) of the diffusion tensor remained the same for all diffusion times measured, while the other eigenvalues (lambda(2), lambda(3)) decreased by 29-36% between tau(d) = 32 ms and tau(d) = 400 ms. In regions where the fibers cross, the lambda(1) also changed, decreasing by 17% between tau(d) = 32 ms and tau(d) = 400 ms. The restricting compartment size and volume fraction were effectively estimated by fitting the time courses of the eigenvalues to a model consisting of a nonrestricted compartment and a cylindrically restricted compartment. To our knowledge, this study is the first demonstrating diffusion time dependence of measured water diffusion tensor in muscular tissue. With improvement in scanning technology, future studies may permit noninvasive, in vivo detection of changes in muscle myoarchitecture due to disease, treatment, and exercise.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

Peptidomics: bridging the gap between proteome and metabolome.

Studies of naturally occurring peptides and protein profiling by 'classical' proteomics are linked by common analytical objectives and methodologies. The first international workshop "Peptidomics: methods and applications" held on 6-7th September 2005 at Royal Holloway University of London confirmed that the science of peptidomics is a rapidly developing activity of high interest to both academia and industry. This meeting featured talks by over 20 leading international scientists detailing methods and typical applications, including newly-developed capabilities for protein and peptide analyses. It provided a definition of the scope of the subject in terms of current and future technologies together with applications ranging from studies of defined biological extracts to complete ecosystems. The proceedings of this meeting, speakers' contact details and other relevant information can be accessed at: www.rhul.ac.uk/biosci/meetings.

Animals↗