scholarly journals A Virtual Home for the Virtual Clinical Trial

10.2196/15582 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. e15582
Author(s):  
Susan Persky
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Trial Site ◽  
Trial Team ◽  
The Past ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Auditory Systems ◽  
Precise Movement

Virtual clinical trials (VCTs) can satisfy the need for rigorous clinical trials by using distributed technological solutions that eliminate the need for a physical trial site. This report explores potential benefits of using virtual reality (VR) to provide a “virtual site” for VCTs, a shared immersive hub in which VCT participants could experience elements of the trial and interact with the trial team. VR is a communication technology that has been emerging alongside the development of VCTs, although they have never been merged in a substantial way. Many of the gaps within the VCT paradigm are areas in which VR excels. VR environments are standardized and precisely uniform, the technology allows introduction of an almost endless set of stimuli to participants’ visual and auditory systems, and VR systems are adept at capturing precise movement and behavioral data. Although VR has not yet found its way into VCTs, much of the groundwork for such integration has been laid through research and technological development achieved in the past few years. Future implementation of VR within VCTs could move us from site-less trials to those with a virtual site serving as a hub for trial information provision, interaction with trial representatives, administration of evaluations and assessments, and more.

scholarly journals Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7939
Author(s):  
Sohani Vihanga Withanage ◽  
Komal Habib
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Material Flow ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Material Flow Analysis ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
The Past ◽  
Depth Analysis

The unprecedented technological development and economic growth over the past two decades has resulted in streams of rapidly growing electronic waste (e-waste) around the world. As the potential source of secondary raw materials including precious and critical materials, e-waste has recently gained significant attention across the board, ranging from governments and industry, to academia and civil society organizations. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the last decade of e-waste literature followed by an in-depth analysis of the application of material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), i.e., two less commonly used strategic tools to guide the relevant stakeholders in efficient management of e-waste. Through a keyword search on two main online search databases, Scopus and Web of Science, 1835 peer-reviewed publications were selected and subjected to a bibliographic network analysis to identify and visualize major research themes across the selected literature. The selected 1835 studies were classified into ten different categories based on research area, such as environmental and human health impacts, recycling and recovery technologies, associated social aspects, etc. With this selected literature in mind, the review process revealed the two least explored research areas over the past decade: MFA and LCA with 33 and 31 studies, respectively. A further in-depth analysis was conducted for these two areas regarding their application to various systems with numerous scopes and different stages of e-waste life cycle. The study provides a detailed discussion regarding their applicability, and highlights challenges and opportunities for further research.

scholarly journals ANCA Status or Clinical Phenotype — What Counts More?

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Windpessl ◽  
Erica L. Bettac ◽  
Philipp Gauckler ◽  
Jae Il Shin ◽  
Duvuru Geetha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Clinical Phenotype ◽  
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
The Past ◽  
Anca Associated Vasculitis

Abstract Purpose of Review There is ongoing debate concerning the classification of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. That is, whether classification should be based on the serotype (proteinase 3 (PR3)- or myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA) or on the clinical phenotype (granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)). To add clarity, this review focused on integration of the most recent literature. Recent Findings Large clinical trials have provided evidence that a serology-based risk assessment for relapses is more predictive than distinction based on the phenotype. Research conducted in the past decade indicated that a serology-based approach more closely resembles the genetic associations, the clinical presentation (i.e., lung involvement), biomarker biology, treatment response, and is also predicting comorbidities (such as cardiovascular death). Summary Our review highlights that a serology-based approach could replace a phenotype-based approach to classify ANCA-associated vasculitides. In future, clinical trials and observational studies will presumably focus on this distinction and, as such, translate into a “personalized medicine.”

scholarly journals The changing landscape of anti-lymphoma drug clinical trials in mainland China in the past 15 years (2005–2020): A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 100097
Author(s):  
Haizhu Chen ◽  
Yu Zhou ◽  
Xiaohong Han ◽  
Yuankai Shi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
The Past

scholarly journals Mesenchymal stem cells and oncolytic viruses: joining forces against cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e001684
Author(s):  
Rafael Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Oncolytic Viruses ◽  
Immunogenic Cell Death ◽  
The Past ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Immunogenic Properties ◽  
New Strategies

The development of oncolytic viruses (OVs) has increased significantly in the past 20 years, with many candidates entering clinical trials and three of them receiving approval for some indications. Recently, OVs have also gathered interest as candidates to use in combination with immunotherapies for cancer due to their immunogenic properties, which include immunogenic cell death and the possibility to carry therapeutic transgenes in their genomes. OVs transform non-immunogenic ‘cold’ tumors into inflamed immunogenic ‘hot’ tumors, where immunotherapies show the highest efficacy. However, in monotherapy or in combination with immunotherapy, OVs face numerous challenges that limit their successful application, in particular upon systemic administration, such as liver sequestration, neutralizing interactions in blood, physical barriers to infection, and fast clearance by the immune system. In this regard, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cells carrier for OV delivery addresses many of these obstacles acting as virus carriers and factories, expressing additional transgenes, and modulating the immune system. Here, I review the current progress of OVs-loaded MSCs in cancer, focusing on their interaction with the immune system, and discuss new strategies to improve their therapeutic efficacy.

scholarly journals Didymo and Its Polysaccharide Stalks: Beneficial to the Environment or Not?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Hurmat Ejaz ◽  
Esther Somanader ◽  
Uday Dave ◽  
Hermann Ehrlich ◽  
M. Azizur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Structural Component ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Adhesive Properties ◽  
The Past ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Agricultural Setting

Didymosphenia geminata diatoms, or Didymo, was first found to be an invasive species that could have negative impacts on the environment due to the aggressive growth of its polysaccharide-based stalks. The stalks’ adhesive properties have prompted park officials to alert the general public to limit further spread and contamination of this algae to other bodies of water. Although the negative effects of Didymo have been studied in the past, recent studies have demonstrated a potential positive side to this alga. One of the potential benefits includes the structural component of the polysaccharide stalks. The origin of the polysaccharides within stalks remains unknown; however, they can be useful in a waste management and agricultural setting. The primary purpose of this study was to describe both the harmful and beneficial nature of Didymo. Important outcomes include findings related to its application in various fields such as medicine and technology. These polysaccharides can be isolated and studied closely to produce efficient solar power cells and batteries. Though they may be harmful while uncontained in nature, they appear to be very useful in the technological and medical advancement of our society.

scholarly journals Applications of Smart Helmet in Applied Sciences: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 5039
Author(s):  
Yosoon Choi ◽  
Yeanjae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Applied Sciences ◽  
Wireless Communication ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
The Past ◽  
Modular Concept ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Cloud Servers

A smart helmet is a wearable device that has attracted attention in various fields, especially in applied sciences, where extensive studies have been conducted in the past decade. In this study, the current status and trends of smart helmet research were systematically reviewed. Five research questions were set to investigate the research status of smart helmets according to the year and application field, as well as the trend of smart helmet development in terms of types of sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication technology. A total of 103 academic research articles published in the past 11 years (2009–2020) were analyzed to address the research questions. The results showed that the number of smart helmet applications reported in literature has been increasing rapidly since 2018. The applications have focused mostly on ensuring the safety of motorcyclists. A single-board-based modular concept unit, such as the Arduino board, and sensor for monitoring human health have been used the most for developing smart helmets. Approximately 85% of smart helmets have been developed to date using wireless communication technology to transmit data obtained from smart helmets to other smart devices or cloud servers.

Library Internet Resources: Conducting Performing Arts Research Online

1999 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-104
Author(s):  
Susan Brady
Keyword(s):  
World Wide Web ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
World Wide ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
The Past ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
The World ◽  
Electronic Access

Over the past decade academic and research libraries throughout the world have taken advantage of the enormous developments in communication technology to improve services to their users. Through the Internet and the World Wide Web researchers now have convenient electronic access to library catalogs, indexes, subject bibliographies, descriptions of manuscript and archival collections, and other resources. This brief overview illustrates how libraries are facilitating performing arts research in new ways.

scholarly journals How I treat pediatric venous thromboembolism

Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (12) ◽  
pp. 1402-1408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Young
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Central Venous Catheters ◽  
Rare Disorder ◽  
Central Venous ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Logical Approach ◽  
The Past ◽  
Medical Disorders

Abstract The incidence of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been increasing significantly over the past decade in part as a result of increased recognition of this serious disorder but more so because of the increased use of central venous catheters and other technological advancements involved in the care of ill children. Management of pediatric VTE is a complex undertaking, considering that the vast majority of children who develop this complication have serious underlying medical disorders. Although the incidence is rising, in comparison with adults, this remains a relatively rare disorder, and as such, large-scale clinical trials have not been completed, rendering management decisions to be based on extrapolation from adult data and the experience of the treating physician. Clearly, both are fraught with problems. Thus, day-to-day management remains more art than science until such time that the results from clinical trials (many of which are under way) become available. This edition of “How I Treat” describes the author’s experience in managing 3 common scenarios that one may encounter in pediatric thrombosis and suggests a logical approach to such situations. Furthermore, the author provides 3 algorithms to help guide management decisions.

An Overview of Osmotic Power: A Viable Power Generation Technology for Present and Future

2013 ◽  
Vol 684 ◽  
pp. 680-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Shahinur Islam ◽  
Tausif Ali ◽  
Ahsan Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Syed Ashraful Karim ◽  
Hossain Mursalin
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
The Past ◽  
Load Power ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Power Generation Technology ◽  
Power Generation System ◽  
Base Load ◽  
Generation Technology

World climate change challenges and the world’s consistent growing demand for energy during the past decade have brought the need to explore for more renewable energy resources. The continuation of exploring green energy sources results Osmotic Power- a new emission-free source of sustainable energy that can be used to generate electricity. Osmotic power plant is only feasible in places where rivers flow out to the ocean. The leading virtue of osmotic power is that it would be capable to produce a steady and reliable supply of renewable base load power as an alternative of other variable sources like solar or wind. There are some hurdles to generate osmotic power. Developing suitable membrane and initial construction cost are top on of them. Though Osmotic power is years from commercial feasibility but researchers think that it could provide thousands of terawatts of base load power per year around the globe. This paper presents an overview of osmotic power generation system with the analysis of potential benefits and limitations of it.

scholarly journals Virus Eradication and Synthetic Biology: Changes with SARS-CoV-2?

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 569
Author(s):  
Jean-Nicolas Tournier ◽  
Joseph Kononchik
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Virus Eradication ◽  
Disease Eradication ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
The World ◽  
Significant Effort

The eradication of infectious diseases has been achieved only once in history, in 1980, with smallpox. Since 1988, significant effort has been made to eliminate poliomyelitis viruses, but eradication is still just out of reach. As the goal of viral disease eradication approaches, the ability to recreate historically eradicated viruses using synthetic biology has the potential to jeopardize the long-term sustainability of eradication. However, the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 pandemic has highlighted our ability to swiftly and resolutely respond to a potential outbreak. This virus has been synthetized faster than any other in the past and is resulting in vaccines before most attenuated candidates reach clinical trials. Here, synthetic biology has the opportunity to demonstrate its truest potential to the public and solidify a footing in the world of vaccines.

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