All articles by Schattopadhaya
Schattopadhaya
The future of prostate testing
Prostate cancer is one of the world’s most common cancers, but treatment is hamstrung by imprecise testing. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Sabine Mai from the University of Manitoba, Dr Kevin Little from 3D Signatures and Ann Jeffers-Brown from True Health, about how doctors and scientists are improving prostate cancer tests and fighting the stigma around the disease.
Making waves
Mechanical engineer Dr Geoff Rodgers from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury has worked with the healthcare industry to create an acoustic emission-monitoring system that can detect early signs of wear and tear in joint implants. Andrew Putwain looks into how this technique could improve the lives of patients and improve other areas of diagnostic medicine.
Combat influenza
With influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) putting a major strain on healthcare providers worldwide, doctors are hunting for methods to tackle outbreaks effectively. Laboratory director at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tseun Wan, Dr Stanley Leung Wai-ming, discusses the capabilities of molecular testing to provide quick and accurate diagnoses.
Striking a blow against diabetes
Diabetes is a huge issue in the Middle East and new ideas are constantly required to combat its effects. Dave Callaghan looks at a proposed new register for patients in Dubai that aims to deal with the issue.
Hidden costs of diabetes take a toll
People with diabetes can face financial stress, and often have to sacrifice healthcare and food, regardless of their country’s healthcare system, according to data from sources across the globe. We look into the risks of perceived financial stress in diabetes care and speaks to Dr Minal Patel about how innovative policies can help to alleviate patients’ suffering.
Health smart
Smartphone apps now allow patients to do everything from comparing health insurance plans to diagnosing minor health conditions. Elly Earls speaks to Talal Bayaa of Bayzat, Mina Abdulla Hamoodi from the Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Centre, and Arthur Dell from Citrix to find out how mobile technologies are making a big impact on patient care in the UAE.
Lifestyle change
Women in Saudi Arabia might not be big smokers or drinkers but they have huge levels of obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Mashael K Alshaikh, from Imperial College, London, is co-author of a study on the problems of measuring and diagnosing illnesses among Saudi women, particularly those with cardiovascular problems. She talks to Andrew Putwain about the health barriers facing these women and discusses solutions.
Clean sweep
Keeping operating rooms clean and sterile is a vital process, and one that is constantly being tweaked. Trevor Garcia, MIDSc, director of education at the UK Institute of Decontamination Sciences, speaks to Kerry Taylor-Smith about how to ensure proper storage in an operating theatre that will enable a smooth flow of surgical instruments. He explains why balancing innovative methods in storage, rotation and packaging, with the long-standing traditional methods, are the best way to ensure a successful operating room theatre for patients and staff.
Change of heart
Routine mammograms for breast cancer may also be an effective tool for catching heart disease early. Dr Laurie Margolies, chief of breast imaging at the Dubin Breast Center, explains the technique’s potential new role in female cardiovascular care.
Bad to the bone
Ultrasound is performed to help speed the healing of bone fractures, but a randomised trial reports the procedure is actually ineffective and we may have been engaging in junk science for decades. Dr Jason Busse, an associate professor of anaesthesiology at McMaster University, who led the study, explains to Andrew Putwain how the imaging community should go forward.