MetaFilter posts tagged with Medical

She could put her lips together for the first time. “It was beautiful."

Fizz — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:16:54 -0800

Groundbreaking Surgery for Girl Born Without Windpipe: [New York Times] — Using plastic fibers and human cells, doctors have built and implanted a windpipe in a 2 ½-year-old girl — the youngest person ever to receive a bioengineered organ.

As a potential role model, I advocate it.

grobstein — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:44:07 -0800

Then Christine stumbled upon a controversial homemade herbal remedy that she credits with enormously improving her dog's quality of life. She's grateful that, in his final year, Sampson weighed in at a robust 106 pounds and lived free of the wracking pain that had haunted him. Whereas before Sampson had been too weak to walk, almost overnight he became a born-again youngster. "He was a puppy again, happy and playful," Christine recalls. "He'd trot around the house with his toys in his mouth, wanting to play fetch!" Legalize medical marijuana for dogs! (Don't miss the great picture of Mason the Vizsla looking very relaxed!) As attitudes toward marijuana become more liberal in much of the US, more vets are prescribing medical marijuana as palliative care for dogs with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment. It is still illegal to prescribe medical marijuana for dogs. Dr. Doug Kramer, who lost his pal Nikita the Husky to cancer, explains his resolution to prescribe the drug:

“The decision was an easy one for me to make," he says. "I refuse to condemn my patients to a miserable existence for self preservation or concerns about what may or may not happen to me as a consequence of my actions. My freedom of speech is clearly protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. This is an issue of animal welfare, plain and simple. Remaining silent would represent a clear violation of the veterinarian’s oath I took when I was admitted into this profession."

However, dogs should only take carefully measured doses of the drug -- when they break into their owners' medicine it can be disorienting and unpleasant.

That is easily enough to fracture multiple facial bones, and is probably going to knock you out cold.

The Whelk — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:30:02 -0800

So, how badly injured were the burglars in Home Alone, really?

H+

zarq — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:00:17 -0800

This past August, producer Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men) launched a new digital series: H+. The premise: in the near future, 33% of humanity has retired their smartphones, tablets and computers in favor of an implanted computer system, H+, which connects them directly to the internet 24/7. The story begins as a computer virus attacks the implants, killing billions. In intersecting storylines across four continents (told in part through flashbacks,) the series then unravels what happened, who caused it and why. In the storyline, the H+ System was developed by Nano Teoranta, which was originally a medical device company. H+ has financial backing from Warner Bros (reportedly $2 million USD,) was shot in Santiago, Chile and is almost done airing its first season. The first season of the series takes place over 48 episodes lasting between four and eight minutes, for a total running time of 255 minutes. Though Warner Digital Distribution plans to release the series on a weekly basis, like any regular series, the episodes are meant to be viewed differently than anything on TV. "We set out to write a nonlinear story," explains series co-writer and co-creator John Cabrera. "The big question for this disjointed story was whether there were ways to view it that felt good. At a certain point we started to realize that might be something we put into the hands of the audience." The fragmented nature of the short episodes means viewers are encouraged to mix and match to create episodic playlists that may better illuminate the show's intricate, ongoing mysteries. Instead of making watching a passive experience, being online encourages interaction.
New episodes premiere Wednesdays at 12pm PST. The series is broken up into ‘chapter’ playlists of 20-30 minutes each: Chapter 1: The Beginnings (Also see a new annotated playlist for Chapter 1) Chapter 2: Foreign Bodies Chapter 3: Connections Chapter 4: Malfunctions Chapter 5: New Visions Chapter 6: Convergences Chapter 7: Residual Effects Cast Interviews and Behind the Scenes Footage YouTube Channel / Official Site / Facebook (requires login) / Wikipedia (Includes cast list)

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zarq — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:13:56 -0800

On November 30, the Tampa Bay Times published a sympathetic profile of Spring Hill, FL resident Gretchen Molannen: "Persistent genital arousal disorder brings woman agony, not ecstasy." Her condition, also known as PGAD, is a rare sexual disorder (not recognized by the DSM,) 'characterized by spontaneous, persistent, unwanted sexual arousal unrelated to feelings of sexual desire.' The Times reported that Ms. Molannen's condition had virtually destroyed her personal and professional life and led to several suicide attempts. One day after the article was published, she successfully committed suicide. The first link in this post describes Ms. Molannen's suicide attempts, which some may find disturbing. CBS News: Gretchen Molannen's suicide spotlights debilitating effects of persistent genital arousal disorder. Ms. Molannen was able to identify her condition after watching a 20/20 report several years ago. The second Tampa Bay article mentions an online PGAD support group. and gives an timeline of the newspaper's involvement: Molannen agreed to tell her story in July. The Times interviewed her for a total of 10 hours, about half in person and half on the phone. In August, she went before a disability judge for a second time. He later rejected Molannen's disability claim and she gave that rejection letter to the Times. Last week, after the story had been written and edited but before it was published, it was read to Molannen word for word. Several small details were removed at her request. Before publication, the Times thanked her over the phone and in an email for her help. She replied by email on Nov. 28:
"Thank YOU for taking an interest in doing a story for me! I am flattered that you cared so much to want to help. I just hope this will educate people that this is serious and really exists, and that other women who are suffering in silence will now have the courage to talk to a doctor about it. If men have suffered with the shame of impotence or even priapism, now it's time for women to get help as well. Thank you for your patience with me and for devoting so much time to this. I'm sure your editor is very proud of your work and I'm excited to see my own story online."
The Times tried to reach Molannen over the weekend by text, phone and email to see how she was doing. She did not respond. On Monday, her boyfriend sent the Times an email, saying she had committed suicide and the story "won't help her now."

"Cocaine for Snowblindness"

zarq — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:13:26 -0800

You're about to be the base doctor at Halley Research Station in Antarctica for a year. For ten months, no one gets in or out. Fourteen lives are in your hands, including your own. What do you put in your medical kit? And how do your choices differ from those of your predecessors (Eric Marshall and Edward Wilson) a century ago?

The Gateway Drug to Twinkie Addiction.

Devils Rancher — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 10:38:30 -0800

Question 3 is a Massachusetts ballot initiative concerning the legalization of marijuana for medical use. There are some organizations opposed to the initiative, who failed to register certain domain names. The Massachusetts voter's guide accidentally directed voters to one of the unclaimed domains, now the satirical VoteNoOnQuestion3.org

"The FDA recalled more than 60,000 tissue-derived products between 1994 and mid-2007."

zarq — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 07:26:25 -0800

"The business of recycling dead humans into medical implants is a little-known yet lucrative trade. But its practices have roused concerns about how tissues are obtained and how well grieving families and transplant patients are informed about the realities and the risks." After an eight month international investigation, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has published an extensive four-part exposé into the black market for cadavers and human tissue: Skin and Bone: The Shadowy Trade in Human Body Parts (Via) The ICIJ (Previously on Mefi) was established by the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) to serve as its international reporting arm. The CPI is a nonprofit investigative journalism organization. Key Findings: * Consent: There have been repeated allegations in Ukraine that human tissue was removed from the dead without proper consent. Some of that tissue may have reached other countries, via Germany, and may now be implanted in hospital patients. * Safety: Surgeons are not always required to tell patients they are receiving products made of human tissue, making it less likely a patient would associate subsequent infection with that product. * Tracking: The U.S. is the world's biggest trader of products from human tissue, but authorities there don’t seem to know how much tissue is imported, where it comes from, or where it subsequently goes.
Sections: * About this Project * Infographic: How Safe is Human Tissue? * Part 1: Human Corpses are Prize in Global Drive for Profits * Part 2: Body Brokers Leave Trail of Questions, Corruption * Part 3: Traceability Elusive in Global Trade of Human Parts * Part 4: Abusing the 'Gift' of Tissue Donation * Key Questions About Human Tissue * Japan has almost no regulations on human tissue. Includes a link to an Asahi Shimbun investigation with further details. * Video: Skin and Bone * How We Did It: Analyzing the Data behind Skin and Bone The investigation utilized software from Palantir to analyze networks and data on an impressively large scale: "We uploaded more than 1 million companies, individuals and events (such as imports, seizures and recalls) into Palantir to build out a network previously buried in data sets and documents. The result was a rich and dense dataset that made it easy to grab a comprehensive picture of any entity in just a few key strokes. It therefore becomes a powerful reporting tool, rather than merely a way to visualize networks." * Methodology: Behind the Numbers * Video: How ICIJ investigated human tissue trading networks * Multimedia: Products made from human tissue

In the Public Interest....

zarq — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 06:05:14 -0800

Earlier this year, six scientists and doctors filed a lawsuit against the US Food and Drug Administration alleging that the FDA had secretly monitored their personal e-mail accounts after they (legally) warned Congress that the "agency was approving medical devices that they believed posed unacceptable risks to patients." The agency said it had done so to "investigate allegations that the employees had leaked confidential information to the public." At the time, the FDA indicated their computer monitoring was limited to five scientists. But now, the New York Times is reporting that "what began as a narrow investigation" "quickly grew in mid-2010 into a much broader campaign to counter outside critics of the agency’s medical review process.". NYT Document Archive

Hunting down my son's killer

k8t — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:52:20 -0800

Matt Might, computer science professor, has a son with a new genetic condition. This is the story of how they figured this out. Matt Might, perhaps best known for the illustrated guide to a PhD, tells the wrenching tale of their son's terrible medical condition and how they've worked to figure out what is going on with him.

The Avian Flu: Transparency vs. Public Safety

zarq — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:25:42 -0800

"Experimental adaptation of an influenza H5 HA confers respiratory droplet transmission to a reassortant H5 HA/H1N1 virus in ferrets." After an extensive, months-long debate, one of two controversial papers showing ways the H5N1 "avian" influenza virus could potentially become transmissible in mammals with only 3 or 4 mutations was published in Nature today. The journal included an editorial on the merits and drawbacks of "publishing risky research" with regard to biosafety. The debate included an unprecedented recommendation by The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) to block publication -- a decision they later reversed. (Via: 1, 2) Nature's special report has additional articles, including interviews with the teams behind both papers.

"If you have your checkbook in your car I will be happy to wait for you."

reenum — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:44:21 -0800

Hospitals in Minnesota have hired a collections company that plants its employees in the ER, squeezing money out of patients before they can get further care.

To read or not to read

grouse — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:47:17 -0800

How to read a paper is a series by Trisha Greenhalgh in BMJ, the British Medical Journal, that explains how to critically read and apply the biomedical literature. Deciding what the paper is about. Assessing methodological quality. Statistics for the non-statistician: parts I and II. Drug trials, diagnostic and screening tests, economic analyses, systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PDF), and qualitative research (PDF).

An old timer's first time medical marijuana experience

punocchio — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:57:00 -0800

A retired grandfather receives his medical marijuana card. He's never smoked before, and is trying it because he feels he is taking too many pills to control his back pain, anxiety, rage, and more. His exploration of the logistics (especially the pipe lighting techniques) is really quite charming.

Insurance. The numbers just. Don't. Work.

Laminda — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:28:50 -0800

Kevin Zelnio is a science writer with a degree in marine biology. He is the father of two children. And, like many in this country, he has no insurance. Earlier this week, his 6 year-old developed pneumonia.This is his account of what happened.

They were lab rats, just like Tuskeegee

mattbucher — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:20:29 -0800

In the 1940s, US doctors deliberately infected thousands of Guatemalans with venereal diseases. The wound is still raw.

"I'm a cybernetic organism. Living tissue over a metal endoskeleton."

Fizz — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:27:48 -0800

Woman, 83, Has World’s First Lower Jaw Replacement – In 3D [abc.com] In what has been called the first operation of its kind, an 83-year-old woman in the Netherlands has been fitted with a custom-made artificial jaw that was created by a 3D printer. The titanium implant, which weighs less than 4 ounces, was created by taking a CT scan of the woman’s lower jaw and duplicating it with a 3D printer that lays down titanium powder instead of ink. The printer followed the pattern of the woman’s jaw bone layer by layer, fusing the titanium powder in place with heat. In just a couple hours, the 3D replica was ready.

A nation full of immortal poor people.

zarq — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:39:19 -0800

In 2002, Doug Monroe placed his parents in assisted living. A decade later, he's looking back at "the weighty financial and emotional costs that come with a parent's immortality": The Long Goodbye.

Animating Medicine

Blasdelb — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:58:02 -0800

Bioanimation companies like XVIVO, Hybrid Medical (Previously), Random42, Biolucid, Argosy Medical, and BioDigital have been doing beautiful work for hire, freely available to watch. About XVIVO Examples of their work: JAK Pathway Signaling Janus kinases (JAK) are enzymes that mediate signaling of several important drivers of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), other hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases. There are four JAK enzymes: JAK1, 2, 3 and TYK2. Aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been documented in a variety of cancers. This clip features a selection from the full animation showing normal JAK pathway activation and downstream signaling. Fc fusion Technology Biogen Idec’s Fc fusion technology is used in FDA-approved drugs taken by thousands of patients for the long-term treatment of diseases such as adult and juvenile arthritis, low platelets and chronic psoriasis. The Science of Milk FrieslandCampina, a leading Dutch producer and exporter of dairy products in the Netherlands, sought a way to reveal the complex building blocks that make up milk’s rich science story. “Milk is one of nature’s richest sources of nutrients, but even though it seems simple, it is a fascinating and complex product full of unique molecules and interactions,” states Ruud J.W. Schoemaker, Senior Researcher at FrieslandCampina. Türk Telekom, making the complex simple Türk Telekom tasked XVIVO with creating a compelling story that was both informative and awe inspiring, highlighting Türk Telekom and its health web portal. The animation meets this challenge by visually conveying the infinite amounts of unique health data contained in our bodies. A number of anatomical systems and molecular statistics are revealed before pulling back to see that all this information is contained in one body. Corynex Recombinant Protein Expression This animation, developed for Ajinomoto, shows the expression and export of recombinant proteins from the Corynebacterium glutamicum. It illustrates both purification through the Sec and TAT pathways. Recombinant Human Antithrombin ATryn®, a recombinant form of human antithrombin, also known as ATIII, is at the forefront of transgenic technology for the production of biotherapeutics. Antithrombin is a plasma protein with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties that, like many other therapeutic proteins which are currently derived from the human blood supply, has been difficult to express using conventional recombinant protein production methods. Powering the Cell: Mitochondria Together Harvard University and XVIVO developed this 3D animation journey for Harvard’s undergraduate Molecular and Cellular Biology students about the microscopic world of mitochondria. The animation highlights the creation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) – mobile molecules which store chemical energy derived from the breakdown of carbon-based food. ATP molecules act as a kind of currency, imparting chemical energy to power all the functional components of cellular activity. (Previously) Drug Manufacture and Delivery Many pharmaceuticals create drugs out of a uniform batch of chemically-tailored molecules that are aggregated into pills with a binder, or dissolved in saline. Currently more innovative methods of drug delivery are being used. These designer drugs are composed of exotic bio-engineered compounds blended precisely together in various combinations, whether they be time-released, enteric resistant, or active and pro-drug mixes. A variety of these patented manufacturing and drug delivery methods are highlighted in many of our Mechanism of Action animations. From compounds assembling into microspheres, filtration through nanoscopic grids to detailed chromatography and time-dependent drug release, get a close up look at these microscopic methods in action in our sampler animation. How an AIDS vaccine might work This video, developed for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, demonstrates how an AIDS vaccine might work in the body. Created for IAVI’s presentation at the TED conference, February 2010, this video takes a look at the key players in the immune system and shows the anticipated immune response to HIV after vaccination. Zirus Antivirotics, Condensed Scientists at Zirus are working on a new technology platform to cure and manage viral infection through the development of new classes of antivirotics. This animation depicts the life cycle of H1N1 influenza-A virus and the methodology Zirus uses to find appropriate targets. Medical Device Demo From future technology to life saving procedures, this is a collection of animations from XVIVO’s medical device clients. DEKA’s revolutionary robotic arm, DARPA’s high tech trauma pod, and Philips cancer detection and treatment systems are among some of the concepts and products that are showcased. Dengue Viral Fusion This animation was an educational project for PBS TV which detailed the mechanism the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Virus uses to escape the capture vesicle that carries it into a human host cell, allowing it to infect that cell. (Previously) Stem Cell Science XVIVO created a series of depictions of stem cell science for Jessica Gerstle for a documentary film she produced on her father’s quadroplegia following a bike accident. These animations described making embryonic stem cells, and the processes of diversification that pluropotent cells undergo to become replacements for cells in tissues and organs that have sustained damage, either through injury or disease. The Inner Life of the Cell Harvard University selected XVIVO to develop an animation that would take their cellular biology students on a journey through the microscopic world of a cell, illustrating mechanisms that allow a white blood cell to sense its surroundings and respond to an external stimulus. This award winning piece was the first topic in a series of animations XVIVO is creating for Harvard’s educational website BioVisions at Harvard. (Previously) Active Cellular Immunotherapy Biotechnology company Dendreon Corporation, has developed what is believed to be a method for getting around prostate cancer’s ability to suppress the immune system’s cancer surveillance mechanisms. XVIVO visualized the mechanism of disease and also the proposed mechanism of action of a new class of drugs for fighting cancer’s immunosuppressant abilities. Vibativ GlaxoSmithKline commissioned XVIVO to create a mechanism of action animation for Theravance’s new class of antibiotic, Vibativ developed to stop serious MRSA infections in hospital settings. Vibativ works by preventing bacterial ribosomes from making proteins, which replicating bacteria require to effectively build new cell walls. Bacteria will run out of cell wall material in the replication process effectively killing them. IEED XVIVO collaborated on this animation which was developed for 3D stereo projection. This mechanism of disease video depicts Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder or IEED, a syndrome which can affect people with brain damage caused by conditions ranging from physical injury to medical trauma and diseases. HuLuc 63 PDL BioPharma asked XVIVO to show how a novel humanized antibody, HuLuc 63, appears to induce anti-tumor effects by binding to a protein that is only expressed on the surface of myeloma cells. This initiates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity that kills myeloma cells and leaves healthy cells intact. Fentora XVIVO worked along side Palio Communications to create a mechanism of action animation for Fentora. Fentora is a pill which contains the opiate painkiller fentanyl, combined with an effervescent compound, that enables the drug to efficiently traverse the mucosa of the patient’s cheek and go directly and effectively into the blood stream, blocking the sudden breakthrough pain in individuals who suffer from chronic pain already being suppressed by medication. Chronic Idiopathic Constipation These clips, from a project discussing the mechanisms of disease of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), depict micro-anatomy of the bowel from the level of microvilli which cover the bowel surface, down to the traffic of ions and proteins absorbed and secreted through specialized tight junction structures that bind villus surface cells together. DARPA-Future Soldier The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) principal investigator, Rick Satava, M.D. and XVIVO partnered in preparing this animation. The animation was integrated into a proposal seeking funding for an ambitious development program that would eventually see the deployment of autonomous casualty retrieval and surgical robots that will accompany US troops in future urban combat environments. About Hybrid Medical, Examples of their work: Anatomy Reveal An animated reveal of human anatomy. We wanted to show the complexity and beauty of the human body by blending between various passes and render styles. Nanotube technology MOA This 3-minute animation examines Somatuline Autogel, a unique formulation for building and delivering effective therapy. Engineered to provide a rapid therapeutic response and extended delivery, Somatuline Autogel is a one-of-a-kind formulation with sustained control. Using the latest in nanotechnology, Somatuline monomers organize into a controlled, self-assembling nanotube. Anti-Drug Antibodies Short depiction of immunogenicity, an immune response raised by the body to a therapeutic drug that results in the development of anti-drug antibodies. As anti-TNF antibodies bind to and remove TNFa, anti-drug antibodies begin binding anti-TNF antibodies not bound to TNFa. Anti-drug antibodies may lead to unwanted drug clearance and shorter duration of response. Part of a series of animations and other module content developed for an iPad application. Acid-producing parietal cells Ovulation Animation produced for inclusion into the Women’s Health area on the Mayo Clinic website. Part of a series of animations where we have collaborated with the Mayo Clinic Staff to help achieve a more high-end look to their animations. Hypertension DVD A close collaboration between Hybrid, Experts in Health and Distant Object Productions resulted in a comprehensive educational DVD for patients and healthcare professionals on the subject of Hypertension. The project involved a wide range of visual media including 3D animation, patient interviews, as well as an in-depth Keynote presentation that was part of a larger stage production in front of a live audience. By making this complex subject matter clear and interesting to follow, the first audience survey for this film revealed that 85% of patients who watched this video said it helped them decide to make changes in their lives. Battling fungi, bacteria This 3 minute animation examines the mechanism of action of Serenade® and the compounds that create multiple modes of action, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of fungi and bacteria. Macrophage engulfing pathogens T-cells attacking tumor cells This scene shows several activated T cells attacking rapidly dividing cancer cells of a growing tumor. The activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T cells are critical for immune-mediated tumor destruction. Recent scientific advances have reignited interest in the area of cancer immunotherapy. Antigenic Shift Only the influenza Type-A virus is capable of what is known as antigenic shift. The current flu in circulation is an entirely new, mutated pathogen formed from elements of human, pig, and avian virus strains. Overflowing with mutated viruses, the respiratory epithelial host cells of the pig eventually burst open and circulate the new flu virus into the susceptible human population. Reducing insulin resistance This 5-minute animation examines the mechanism of action for a type of medication that helps to reduce insulin resistance. This opening sequence discusses the unique response to selective PPAR modulators and the resulting activation or repression of different genes that lead to distinct biological responses. Cholesterol and Micelles This 6-minute animation discusses how simultaneous inhibition of both intestinal absorption and hepatic synthesis can lower LDL-cholesterol levels in a complementary manner. This segment focuses on how cholesterol is absorbed in the small intestine and inserts into micelles, which interact with enterocytes on the villi of the intestinal wall. About Random42, Examples of their work: Multiple Sclerosis (Low resolution) The development of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves cells of the immune system crossing the blood-barrier into the central nervous system (CNS), where they can promote inflammation, tissue damage and ultimately neurodegeneration. This medical animation details the development of MS and highlights the need for therapeutic agents that prevent neurodegeneration and induce CNS repair. Angiogenesis (Low resolution) Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form within the body. In cancer, factors can be released that promote the formation of blood vessels in and around a tumor, supplying it with its own blood supply. The presence of these blood vessels is often correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with cancer. This medical animation describes the structure of these new blood vessels and some of the issues associated with tumor angiogenesis. It forms part of a larger web based project that Random42 developed to increase the awareness of cancer driven angiogenesis. Improving the efficacy of therapeutic agents (Low resolution) Proteins and peptides can be used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, their efficacy is often compromised by their rapid clearance from the body. To help overcome this issue, polymers have been conjugated to such therapeutic agents that promote stability and reduce clearance. This medical animation details the use of such a polymer, polysialic acid, and its various advantages over its competitors. Treatment of dry eye syndrome (Low resolution)Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by a decrease in the quality or quantity of the tear film that covers the surface of the eye. In this condition, a patient may experience visual disturbances as well as damage to the ocular surface. This medical animation highlights a treatment for dry eye syndrome that is thought to reestablish a healthy tear film and treat some of the symptoms associated with this condition. The role of the stroma in cancer growth and development (Low resolution) Support for a growing tumor can be provided by its own stroma which consists of connective tissue and various cell types. The connective tissue provides a framework and physical support for the tumor, whereas the different cells contained within the stroma can release factors that promote the growth and development of the tumor. This medical animation provides information on the role of the stroma in tumor development and its potential as a therapeutic target. About BioLucid Productions, Examples of their work: Cell Adhesion Molecule Inhibition This movie was created for Elan Pharmacuticals for Digestive Disease Week (DDW)in Los Angeles in May of 2006. It was displayed prominently around their booth along with an interacive educator which used art and cut scenes from the movie in an engaging video game that educated physicians about the role adhesion molecules can play in digestive diseases such as UC and Crohn's disease. [3min. 48sec.] Exubera Delivery Route Animation Shows the delivery mechanism for Pfizer's inhalable insulin, EXUBERA. [2min. 11sec.] Releasing a New Wave in PPI Therapy Created for Santarus Inc, a highly detailed depiction of how their novel Proton Pump Inhibitor works quicky to stop excess acid production by the parietal cells of the stomach. [5min. 05sec.] Dual Action Ciprodex Created for Alcon Laboratories, describes the unique synergy between antibiotic and anti-inflamatory in their product for the treatment of Otitis Media. [4min. 43sec.] GI Drug Delivery Created for Salix Pharmaceuticals, shows how their unique molecule is activated by bacterial azoreduction in the colon to treat ulcerative colitis. [3min. 20sec.] Angiogenesis in Cancer Created for Pfizer, explains the process of angiogenesis and the role tyrosine kinase inhibitors may play to inhibit blood vessel growth to a tumor. [2min. 40sec.] Metabolism of Methotrexate Created for Prometheus Laboratories, details the metabolism of methotrexate and its effect on rheumatoid arthritis. [3min. 50sec.] Argosy Medical ~~Cellular~~ Aglae Bloom With phage!, Infection Control, Factor IX, Ionizing Radiation, HPV, Mitosis, Target Theory, The Blood, Typical Cell, Tissue Repair, Cancer Metastasis, Dysport, Secretions, H1N1, NicVax, Stem Cells, Cell Death, Mad Cow, Human Genome, Mitochondrial Gene Replacement, PGD, PGD Defects, Inhaled Corticosteroids, Streptococci, Leukotriene Receptor Agonist, Dividing Cell, Allergic Cascade A, Allergic Cascade B, Allergic Cascade C, Allergic Cascade D, Stuttering, Brain Tumor Vaccination, HIV, HPV, Cancer Cell ~~Circulatory~~ Congestive Heart Failure, Heart, The Blood, Avalon Labs, Infarction Location, Heart Conduction System, Lead Placement, Myocardial Damage, Nervous Influence, Heartbeat, Artificial Heart, Oxygen Remains, Oxygen to the Brain, Angioplasty, Heart MI, Stroke, Stent, Bloodflow, CABG, Cardiac Cath, How the Heart Works, Vfib, Pulmonary Embolism, Aortic Valve, Cholesterol, HIV, CPR ~~Digestive~~ Digestion, Dual Roles of the Pancreas, Swallowing, Seikel Swallowing, Gastric Bypass, LAP Band, Pill, Colon Cancer, GERD, GERD2 ~~Muscular~~ Shoulder Injury, Hamstring Injury, Respiration, Gymnast, Muscles of the Arm, Carpal Tunnel, ECM with Stem Cells, Asthma ~~Nervous~~ Acetylcholine Pathways, Anxiety Disorders, Basilar Skull Fracture, Brain Injuries, Brainstem Herniation, Stress Response, C Spine, Serotonin Pathways, Consequences of Moving a Patient, Depressants, Dopamine Pathways, Stimulants, Endocrine System, Firing of Neurons, Heart Conduction System, Head Unjuries, Serotonergic Synapses, Cluster Headaches, FTD Brain, Migraine, Stroke, Burst Fracture, Brain Plasticity, Spina Bifida, Brain Trauma, Brain Injuries, Alzheimer's, Depression, Dreams, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, ALS, Head Trauma Brain Damage, Football Concussions, Parkinsons Disease, Parkinsons Stimulation, Concussions ~~Reproductive~~ Male Reproductive, Ovulation, Pathway of Sperm, Female Reproductive, Filshie Clip, RUMI, Mitochondrial Gene Replacement, PGD, PGD Defects, Stem Cells, Hysterectomy, Birth, HPV, Breast Feeding, Fetal Development, IVF, Erectile Dysfunction, Floating Baby, Pregnancy Backpack ~~Respiratory~~ Nasal Intubation, Needle Cricothyrotomy, Needle Thorocotomy, OPA EMS2, Pocket Face Mask, Respiration, Sherwood Respiration, Asthma TLC_AZ, H1N1, Asthma, Inhaled Corticosteroids, Rhinitis, Allergies, Black Lung, CPAP Sleep Apnea ~~Skeletal~~ Aging Bone, Broken Bone, Knee and ACL Tear, Hip Fractures, Intraosseous Infusion, Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques Fuck yeah, Spine Fracture, Synovial Joints, Target Joint, Twisting Force, Vitamin D and Calcium, Ankle Sprains, Shoulder Injury, Burst Fracture, Knee Replacement, Disc Replacement, Earthquake Crush Injuries, Osteoporosis, Plantar Fascitis, Osteosarcoma ~~Skin~~ Suncare, The Skin, The Skin Healthination, Integuseal, Burn Skin Graft, Skin Cancer, Sunscreen, Grey Hair ~~Urinary~~ Urine Formation, Prostate Cancer, Bladder Repair ~~Other~~ Body Planes, Cholinergic Toxic Syndrome, Combining Word Roots, Process of Vision, Word Parts Work Together, Lymph, Phonation, Process of Hearing, Starfish, Lethal Injection A, Lethal Injection B, Lethal Injection C, Water Cycle, Breast Cancer, Breast Augmentation, Vision, Dust Mite, Bed Bugs, Diabetes, Cataracts, Breast Carcinoma, Breast Lumpectomy, Breast Radiation Therapy, Macular Degeneration, Tunnel Vision Nucleus Medical Media also has a catalog of samples Giant Academic Bioanimation Post on Metafilter previously

Data Driven to Distraction

cenoxo — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:13:35 -0800

As Doctors Use More Devices, Potential for Distraction Grows — Do too many digital devices distract doctors from their daily rounds and endanger patients?

Never Events

Deathalicious — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:02:02 -0800

The term never event describes when something happens in a medical setting that should never occur. The list of never events (formally called "Serious Reportable Events) released by the NQF includes mistakes such as performing surgery on the wrong body part (or the wrong patient!), or patient suicide while under care. Despite their moniker, "never" events do happen. Medical services rendered for never events, or for complications resulting from never events, are often non-reimbursable. Insurers will not pay in the case of medical errors. However, some of the listed never events do not constitute medical errors that could have been prevented. For example, one of the "never events" listed is patient falls. It's argued this is a problem, because unlike other medical errors, falls cannot be necessarily prevented. This has had unintended consequences:

These unintended consequences are likely to include a decrease in patient mobility, an increase in use of physical restraints, and a tendency to focus on measures such as new prevention devices. These can cause reallocation of resources from areas that might have greater impacts on patient safety.

"Never Events", originally a concept in U.S. healthcare, is also employed in the UK healthcare system.

Don't get hysterical

Laminda — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:29:40 -0800

Indian man has hysterectomy after doctors find uterus. The 35 year-old farmer and father of two had a full female reproductive system, which was removed from his stomach at a Chhindwara district hospital. Joan Rivers is probably not surprised.

Does it really make you fat?

nangar — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:17:39 -0800

Health News Review rates and reviews medical reporting in US media. Interview with the founder, Gary Schwitzer. Tips for understanding studies The reviewers

"There are no national standards or regulations regarding forensic pathology and practices vary widely from place to place."

zarq — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 06:47:16 -0800

The Hardest Cases: When Children Die, Justice Can Be Elusive A joint investigation by PBS Frontline, ProPublica and NPR has found that medical examiners and coroners have repeatedly mishandled cases of infant and child deaths, helping to put innocent people behind bars. (Via. (Article contains descriptions of children that have been killed by abuse. May be disturbing / triggering to some readers.) Related: The Child Cases: "As part of an ongoing look into the troubled state of death investigation, ProPublica, PBS "Frontline" and NPR identified nearly two dozen cases in the U.S. and Canada in which people have been accused of killing children based on flawed or biased work by forensic pathologists and then later cleared." There is a document timeline available for the case of Ernie Lopez. From NPR: Parents fight to find the truth behind daughter's death. Continuing ProPublica investigation: Post Mortem, a "year-long reporting effort into U.S. death investigation uncovered a deeply dysfunctional system that quite literally buries its mistakes." From forensics and autopsies to coroners and medical examiners. See the PBS Frontline documentary. Accompanying website: Things to Know Before You Go, including "How Qualified is Your Coroner?"

"Let's stop harvesting brains."

availablelight — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:17:17 -0800

The Spam Factory's Dirty Secret. Undocumented workers, an autoimmune mystery traced to aerosolized pork brains from increased line production speed, and what sounds like one of the worst jobs in America.