Conceptual Privacy Framework for Health Information on Wearable Device

Wearable health tech provides doctors with the ability to remotely supervise their patients'' wellness. It also makes it much easier to authorize someone else to take appropriate actions to ensure the person''s wellness than ever before. Information Technology may soon change the way medicine is practiced, improving the performance, while reducing the price of healthcare. We analyzed the secrecy demands of wearable devices, including Smartphone, smart watch and their computing techniques, that can soon change the way healthcare is provided. However, before this is adopted in practice, all devices must be equipped with sufficient privacy capabilities related to healthcare service. In this paper, we formulated a new improved conceptual framework for wearable healthcare systems. This framework consists of ten principles and nine checklists, capable of providing complete privacy protection package to wearable device owners. We constructed this framework based on the analysis of existing mobile technology, the results of which are combined with the existing security standards. The approach also incorporates the market share percentage level of every app and its respective OS. This framework is evaluated based on the stringent CIA and HIPAA principles for information security. This evaluation is followed by testing the capability to revoke rights of subjects to access objects and ability to determine the set of available permissions for a particular subject for all models Finally, as the last step, we examine the complexity of the required initial setup.     

Soft constraints-based multiobjective framework for flux balance analysis

The current state of the art for linear optimization in Flux Balance Analysis has been limited to single objective functions. Since mammalian systems perform various functions, a multiobjective approach is needed when seeking optimal flux distributions in these systems. In most of the available multiobjective optimization methods, there is a lack of understanding of when to use a particular objective, and how to combine and/or prioritize mutually competing objectives to achieve a truly optimal solution. To address these limitations we developed a soft constraints based linear physical programming-based flux balance analysis (LPPFBA) framework to obtain a multiobjective optimal solutions. The developed framework was first applied to compute a set of multiobjective optimal solutions for various pairs of objectives relevant to hepatocyte function (urea secretion, albumin, NADPH, and glutathione syntheses) in bioartificial liver systems. Next, simultaneous analysis of the optimal solutions for three objectives was carried out. Further, this framework was utilized to obtain true optimal conditions to improve the hepatic functions in a simulated bioartificial liver system. The combined quantitative and visualization framework of LPPFBA is applicable to any large-scale metabolic network system, including those derived by genomic analyses.     

Plant-fungal association in trees: Insights into changes in ecological strategies of Peroneutypa scoparia (Diatrypaceae)

Fungal endophytes comprise a highly diverse group of particular interest for their relevant implications to the ecosystems they inhabit. The objective of this study was to infer the phylogenetic affinity between strains of Peroneutypa scoparia exhibiting different lifestyles to elucidate possible shifts in ecological roles. Specimens and living cultures used in the present study were obtained from decaying wood and from live stem tissues of the invasive host species Broussonetia papyrifera. The similarity between the fungal strains was studied through molecular analyses. The results showed a close phylogenetic link and high genetic similarity between endophytic and saprotrophic strains. The main findings suggest that P. scoparia has primary access to the substrate as an endophyte and then this organism may change its use of the available resources presenting a saprotrophic growth. These results provide valuable information about the roles that diatrypaceous fungi play as endophytes or as decaying wood inhabitants and contributes to evaluate the ecological significance of this group.     

PPI spider: A tool for the interpretation of proteomics data in the context of protein–protein interaction networks

Recent advances in experimental technologies allow for the detection of a complete cell proteome. Proteins that are expressed at a particular cell state or in a particular compartment as well as proteins with differential expression between various cells states are commonly delivered by many proteomics studies. Once a list of proteins is derived, a major challenge is to interpret the identified set of proteins in the biological context. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) data represents abundant information that can be employed for this purpose. However, these data have not yet been fully exploited due to the absence of a methodological framework that can integrate this type of information. Here, we propose to infer a network model from an experimentally identified protein list based on the available information about the topology of the global PPI network. We propose to use a Monte Carlo simulation procedure to compute the statistical significance of the inferred models. The method has been implemented as a freely available web‐based tool, PPI spider ( http://mips.helmholtz‐muenchen.de/proj/ppispider ). To support the practical significance of PPI spider, we collected several hundreds of recently published experimental proteomics studies that reported lists of proteins in various biological contexts. We reanalyzed them using PPI spider and demonstrated that in most cases PPI spider could provide statistically significant hypotheses that are helpful for understanding of the protein list.     

Inferring macro‐ecological patterns from local presence/absence data

Biodiversity provides support for life, vital provisions, regulating services and has positive cultural impacts. It is therefore important to have accurate methods to measure biodiversity, in order to safeguard it when we discover it to be threatened. For practical reasons, biodiversity is usually measured at fine scales whereas diversity issues (e.g. conservation) interest regional or global scales. Moreover, biodiversity may change across spatial scales. It is therefore a key challenge to be able to translate local information on biodiversity into global patterns. Many databases give no information about the abundances of a species within an area, but only its occurrence in each of the surveyed plots. In this paper, we introduce an analytical framework (implemented in a ready‐to‐use R code) to infer species richness and abundances at large spatial scales in biodiversity‐rich ecosystems when species presence/absence information is available on various scattered samples (i.e. upscaling). This framework is based on the scale‐invariance property of the negative binomial. Our approach allows to infer and link within a unique framework important and well‐known biodiversity patterns of ecological theory, such as the species accumulation curve (SAC) and the relative species abundance (RSA) as well as a new emergent pattern, which is the relative species occupancy (RSO). Our estimates are robust and accurate, as confirmed by tests performed on both in silico‐generated and real forests. We demonstrate the accuracy of our predictions using data from two well‐studied forest stands. Moreover, we compared our results with other popular methods proposed in the literature to infer species richness from presence to absence data and we showed that our framework gives better estimates. It has thus important applications to biodiversity research and conservation practice.     

Searching for a Role of Nursing Personnel in Developing Landscape of Ehealth: Factors Determining Attitudes toward Key Patient Empowering Applications

IntroductionNurses may play an important role in the delivery of medical services based on the use of ehealth tools. Nevertheless, their taking an active role in an ehealth environment depends on their possessing the appropriate skills and mindset. The main objective of this paper was to assess nurses’ opinions and to analyze the predictors of their acceptance of ehealth features relevant to patient empowerment with a strong focus on chronic care.MethodsA survey was conducted among nurses from hospital centers of south-eastern Poland based on a questionnaire designed to assess their attitudes toward the ehealth domain. The predictors of the nurses’ acceptance of ehealth usage within specific contexts were assessed with uni- and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAn analysis was performed on data from 648 questionnaires retained after a quality check. The duration of Internet use was consistently related to higher acceptance of ehealth applications and more certainty regarding the reliability of health-related information available on the Internet. Nurses from urban medical centers were more skeptical about the use of specific ehealth solutions.ConclusionPrevious experience in using information technologies is the main factor influencing the acceptance of specific ehealth solutions relevant for care provided to patients suffering from chronic conditions.     

Réflexions sur l’identification du patient dans les systèmes d’information de santé

PurposeThe aim of our study is to provide an update on the basic concepts and methodologies implemented in the healthcare information systems to identify the patient.MethodThe method used is an analysis of the existing intrinsic and extrinsic systems linked respectively to their objectives and ethical requirements, and an open methodological and scalable study based on finding a unique and universal identifier.ResultDespite many constraints our analysis of various tasks shows that some solutions are attainable. They are focused on a simple identification model responding to the different concepts developed and setting up systems for efficient and reliable networking. The model proposed here is based on the criteria shared by all. It portrays the main elements sought by the users of the healthcare information systems. However, its implementation requires a well-defined organization that allows a coherent and permanent usage over the time namely: a precise definition of features and the hash modalities, the processing of this information, the networking procedures… and so on. This proposal takes into account the existence of different information systems and subsystems. The consistency between these different systems must go with a good interoperability and above all a flawless identification of the data related to the patient.ConclusionThe solutions allow a reliable and versatile patient identification system consistent with the principles of privacy standards.     

Understanding Specific Contexts of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in Rural South Africa: A Thematic Analysis of Digital Stories from a Community with High HIV Prevalence

Near-perfect adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is required to achieve the best possible prevention and treatment outcomes. Yet, there have been particular concerns about the challenges of adherence among patients living in resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary objective of this study was to explore adherence in a low-resourced, rural community of high HIV prevalence in South Africa and to identify specific individual and structural factors that can either challenge or support adherence in this context. We applied digital stories as a qualitative research tool to gain insights into personal contexts of HIV and ART adherence. Through an inductive thematic analysis of twenty story texts, soundtracks and drawings, we explored experiences, understandings, and contexts of the participants and identified potential barriers and facilitators for those on lifelong treatment. We found that many of the stories reflected a growing confidence in the effectiveness of ART, which should be viewed as a key facilitator to successful adherence since this attitude can promote disclosure and boost access to social support. Nevertheless, stories also highlighted the complexity of the issues that individuals and households face as they deal with HIV and ART in this setting and it is clear that an overburdened local healthcare system has often struggled to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding epidemic and to provide the necessary medical and emotional support. Our analysis suggests several opportunities for further research and the design of novel health interventions to support optimal adherence. Firstly, future health promotion campaigns should encourage individuals to test together, or at least accompany each other for testing, to encourage social support from the outset. Additionally, home-based testing and ART club interventions might be recommended to make it easier for individuals to adhere to their treatment regimens and to provide a sense of support and solidarity.     

Development of health biotechnology in developing countries: Can private-sector players be the prime movers?

Health biotechnology has rapidly become vital in helping healthcare systems meet the needs of the poor in developing countries. This key industry also generates revenue and creates employment opportunities in these countries. To successfully develop biotechnology industries in developing nations, it is critical to understand and improve the system of health innovation, as well as the role of each innovative sector and the linkages between the sectors. Countries' science and technology capacities can be strengthened only if there are non-linear linkages and strong interrelations among players throughout the innovation process; these relationships generate and transfer knowledge related to commercialization of the innovative health products. The private sector is one of the main actors in healthcare innovation, contributing significantly to the development of health biotechnology via knowledge, expertise, resources and relationships to translate basic research and development into new commercial products and innovative processes. The role of the private sector has been increasingly recognized and emphasized by governments, agencies and international organizations. Many partnerships between the public and private sector have been established to leverage the potential of the private sector to produce more affordable healthcare products. Several developing countries that have been actively involved in health biotechnology are becoming the main players in this industry. The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of the private sector in health biotechnology development and to study its impact on health and economic growth through case studies in South Korea, India and Brazil. The paper also discussed the approaches by which the private sector can improve the health and economic status of the poor.     

Mouse-human comparative map resources on the Web

Comparative maps have been a valuable resource for extrapolating biological information among organisms. The relationship between mouse and human maps provides a framework for integrating information from each species and thereby increasing the utility of all available data such as gene location, structure and function. This review describes the various public resources, both databases and web sites, containing genome-wide mouse-human comparative map information available through the World-Wide Web. We will focus on the use and applicability of these resources in their current form and consider future potential directions.     

A Consistent Framework for Assessing the Impacts from Resource Use - A focus on resource functionality (8 pp)

Background The quantification of resource depletion in Life Cycle Assessment has been the topic of much debate; to date no definitive approach for quantifying effects in this impact category has been developed. In this paper we argue that the main reason for this extensive debate is because all methods for quantifying resource depletion impacts have focussed on resource extraction. - Aim and Scope. To further the state of the debate we present a general framework for assessing the impacts of resource use across the entire suite of biotic and abiotic resources. The main aim of this framework is to define the necessary and sufficient set of information required to quantify the effects of resources use. Method logy. Our method is based on a generic concept of the quality state of resource inputs and outputs to and from a production system. Using this approach we show that it is not the extraction of materials which is of concern, but rather the dissipative use and disposal of materials. Using this as a point of departure we develop and define two key variables for use in the modelling of impacts of resource use, namely the ultimate quality limit, which is related to the functionality of the material, and backup technology. Existing methodologies for determining the effects of resource depletion are discussed in the context of this framework. Results We demonstrate the ability of the general framework to describe impacts related to all resource categories: metallic and non-metallic minerals, energy minerals, water, soil, and biotic resources (wild or domesticated plants and animals). Recommendation focus on suggestions for a functionality measure for each of these categories; and how best the two modelling variables derived can be determined.     

Exergy based renewability assessment: Case study to ecological wastewater treatment

The renewability assessment has seldom been a core issue in previous studies. This work presents a framework to assess the renewability of a production system based on the unified ecological evaluation method of embodied cosmic exergy analysis. For the first time, both historical renewable and nonrenewable resources uses of each social product input of a system are individually and completely traced and measured by the embodied cosmic exergy as available energy. A set of indicators have also been devised to assess the resources utilization efficiency and renewability of a production system. To demonstrate the framework, a case study is carried out for a pilot constructed wetland wastewater treatment system in Beijing. The resources utilization style and renewability of the case system are analyzed and assessed. The presented framework can be easily transplanted to assess the renewability of other products, which could contribute a lot to meet the goal of sustainable development.     

Efficient information coding and degeneracy in the nervous system

Efficient information coding (EIC) is a universal biological framework rooted in the fundamental principle that system responses should match their natural stimulus statistics for maximizing environmental information. Quantitatively assessed through information theory, such adaptation to the environment occurs at all biological levels and timescales. The context dependence of environmental stimuli and the need for stable adaptations make EIC a daunting task. We argue that biological complexity is the principal architect that subserves deft execution of stable EIC. Complexity in a system is characterized by several functionally segregated subsystems that show a high degree of functional integration when they interact with each other. Complex biological systems manifest heterogeneities and degeneracy, wherein structurally different subsystems could interact to yield the same functional outcome. We argue that complex systems offer several choices that effectively implement EIC and homeostasis for each of the different contexts encountered by the system.     

Towards remote monitoring and remotely supervised training

The growing number of elderly and people with chronic disorders in our western society puts such a pressure on our healthcare system that innovative approaches are required to make our health care more effective and more efficient. One way of innovating healthcare can be obtained by introducing new services that support and enable these elderly and people with chronic disorders in a more independent living and in self management with respect to their disorders. Examples of such services are remote monitoring and remotely supervised training (together RMT). Remote monitoring focuses on continuous monitoring of the health status with the assurance of assistance whenever required. Remotely supervised training focuses on efficient and effective individually tailored training anywhere and anytime with intensity not feasible in an intramural setting. It is expected that services of remote monitoring and remotely supervised treatment will become important for at least patients (safety, more in control, convenience), health care insurances (efficiency, cost reduction) and healthcare service providers (more effective care).RMT systems are in general quite complex distributed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems. RMT systems integrate ambulant sensing to measure relevant biosignals and (possibly) subject’s context information, secure data transport and storage, appropriate decisions support systems to assist in both technical and clinical decision making but also feedback on information to both patients and care providers. Feedback is essential for patients to make them aware of their health status, to give them a feeling of safety and to motivate and enable them to change/improve their health status. Feedback of information to healthcare professionals enables them in making appropriate decisions and to monitor changes/improvements in a patient’s health status.Despite this apparent complexity, these systems must be very dependable to be accepted and used in a healthcare setting. During the past years knowledge and experience has been gained with the development of the building blocks of RMT systems. In parallel, experience has been gained with respect to the challenges involved when using RMT systems in a clinical environment. Examples are: activity monitoring in low back pain, monitoring of spasticity, myofeedback in subjects with neck shoulder and lower back pain and post rehabilitation home training. Until now, the main focus has been on the technical realization of the sensing and transportation part of it. The development of intelligent decision support systems is still in its infancy and clinical validation studies and models how to implement these services and how to make them profitable are largely lacking.In conclusion, the combination of Biomedical Engineering with Information and Communication Technology has opened a new extensive area of research and development with a high potential to have substantial impact on our future healthcare.     

The emerging tree of West Eurasian mtDNAs: a synthesis of control-region sequences and RFLPs.

Variation in the human mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is now routinely described and used to infer the histories of peoples, by means of one of two procedures, namely, the assaying of RFLPs throughout the genome and the sequencing of parts of the control region (CR). Using 95 samples from the Near East and northwest Caucasus, we present an analysis based on both systems, demonstrate their concordance, and, using additional available information, present the most refined phylogeny to date of west Eurasian mtDNA. We describe and apply a nomenclature for mtDNA clusters. Hypervariable nucleotides are identified, and the relative mutation rates of the two systems are evaluated. We point out where ambiguities remain. The identification of signature mutations for each cluster leads us to apply a hierarchical scheme for determining the cluster composition of a sample of Berber speakers, previously analyzed only for CR variation. We show that the main indigenous North African cluster is a sister group to the most ancient cluster of European mtDNAs, from which it diverged approximately 50,000 years ago.     

Evolution,actuality and species concept: a need for a palaeontological tool

Species concept was developed to fit neontological necessities in ordering biological variability. Transversal (horizontal, synchronic) taxonomy shows hierarchical requirements quite different from those involved in longitudinal (vertical, diachronic) classifications. Furthermore, limitations within the species concept itself make it scarcely available in many paleontological contexts. Classical species definitions are often limited by theoretic and logic constraints, that are seldom available to describe practical situations. Morphology is an uncertain source of phylogenetic information, but it is still the main ground of biological comparison for extinct populations. Therefore, efforts in species recognition should be devoted to making taxonomy a useful tool for communication. First, inferences in systematics have to be led upon the available information about characters and processes. If this information is missing or not developed, no detailed conclusions can be supported. Secondly, definitions should be sufficiently elastic and generalised to allow an adaptation to each different case-study. The final target is to synthesise actual evolutionary histories, and not biological potentialities.     

Process evaluation of appreciative inquiry to translate pain management evidence into pediatric nursing practice

Background

Current healthcare systems have extended the evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach to health policy and delivery decisions, such as access-to-care, healthcare funding and health program continuance, through attempts to integrate valid and reliable evidence into the decision making process. These policy decisions have major impacts on society and have high personal and financial costs associated with those decisions. Decision models such as these function under a shared assumption of rational choice and utility maximization in the decision-making process.

Discussion

We contend that health policy decision makers are generally unable to attain the basic goals of evidence-based decision making (EBDM) and evidence-based policy making (EBPM) because humans make decisions with their naturally limited, faulty, and biased decision-making processes. A cognitive information processing framework is presented to support this argument, and subtle cognitive processing mechanisms are introduced to support the focal thesis: health policy makers' decisions are influenced by the subjective manner in which they individually process decision-relevant information rather than on the objective merits of the evidence alone. As such, subsequent health policy decisions do not necessarily achieve the goals of evidence-based policy making, such as maximizing health outcomes for society based on valid and reliable research evidence.

Summary

In this era of increasing adoption of evidence-based healthcare models, the rational choice, utility maximizing assumptions in EBDM and EBPM, must be critically evaluated to ensure effective and high-quality health policy decisions. The cognitive information processing framework presented here will aid health policy decision makers by identifying how their decisions might be subtly influenced by non-rational factors. In this paper, we identify some of the biases and potential intervention points and provide some initial suggestions about how the EBDM/EBPM process can be improved.     

Bioinformatics in glycobiology

In comparison with genes and proteins, attention paid to oligosaccharides that modify proteins is still marginal. Accordingly, bioinformatics is so far poorly involved in glycobiology. Some initiatives have been taken, however, to collect in databases all glycobiology-relevant information or to design specific data mining algorithms to infer predictions or identify oligosaccharide structures. In this review, we make a non-exhaustive survey of the available glycobiology-related bioinformatic resources, focussing mainly on those resources that are available through the World Wide Web. Some well-curated databases are identified, but the development of specialised algorithms appears to be limited.