Medical Device ASIA, July-August 2015

Vol.7 No.4 | July-August 2015 | New Delhi

the health issue!

MEDICA & Compamed 2015 FIGHT AGAINST cancer!

AMAZING devices!

Welcome to

Essex Industries offers a wide range of medical oxygen regulators, integrated regulators, conservers and portable LOX systems engineered to be safe, durable and easy to use in home care, hospital, clinic and emergency response applications.

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h i g h l i g h t s 4 STARLED3 NX Surgical led lamp Medical Devices & Equipment | Healthcare | Pharmaceutical Journal

6 Future of Thailand’s Healthcare Industry in Tier 2 Cities 10 Life Saving Devices for Medical & Healthcare Industries

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50 Launch of National Health Innovation Portal

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Global vaccine-development fund could save lives and money

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bola is a preventable disease, and yet a safe and effective vaccine has not been deployed. As with many vaccines, financial barriers persist: pharmaceutical companies see high costs with limited market potential, and government support is lacking.

But there may be a solution to this vaccine crisis with the ability to save at-risk populations, according to a perspective piece written by physicians based at Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania and the Wellcome Trust.

The article, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, proposes the creation of a $2 billion global vaccine-development fund - supported by governments, foundations and pharmaceutical companies - that would carry promising vaccines through development to deployment. With initial support, the global vaccine fund could help make vaccines available for emergency use.

In the case of Ebola, vaccine candidates were

available well before the time of the outbreak, but there were no funds to test them. Had one been tested, public health workers could have vaccinated people from the start, saving thousands of lives.

“Preventing infectious diseases should not be held back by a lack of funds. And the economic reality today is that strategic support from government and other investors is needed to address the most difficult infectious disease problems,” said essay author Adel Mahmoud, professor at Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and Department of Molecular Biology.

The writers - who also include Jeremy Farrar, director of the U.K.-based Wellcome Trust, and Stanley Plotkin, emeritus professor at the University of Pennsylvania - liken their proposal to that of the antibiotic-resistance fund supported by President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget. The two funds could work in tandem to address some of the world’s most pressing global health issues, the authors

52 First-ever possible treatments for MERS write.

“The fundamental challenges facing the discovery and development of new vaccines are growing in significance and can no longer be ignored,” Farrar said.

In their perspective piece, the physicians examine the barriers related to vaccine development. First, the complexity of a disease often requires substantial funding for a vaccine, and there are now only four vaccine manufacturers in the developed world: GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pfizer and SanofiPasteur. Likewise, pharmaceutical companies must also grapple with a vaccine’s market potential. In the case of many vaccinepreventable diseases, the vaccine reach is low.

This causes manufactures to be less eager to invest in a vaccine’s development.

Perhaps above all else, cost is one of the biggest obstacles to vaccine development.

Depending on the disease, a vaccine costs between $500 million and $1. This includes research and development, and three phases of clinical trials - the last being necessary for licensure and the most costly. Given the substantial capital needed at the onset, few companies are willing to buy in.

“So many vaccine ideas have been shelved due to a lack of funding,” Mahmoud said. “In

the case of Ebola, there have been numerous vaccine discoveries over the past few decades, and yet no vaccines were deployed until very recently.”

But a global vaccine-development fund could help shoulder the financial burden. The $2 billion needed at the onset would cover what the authors label “death valley,” the phases between vaccine discovery and late-stage development.

“Our proposal has received a positive response so far, but I cannot predict what will happen. We still need to have a conversation with philanthropists and governments regarding funding for such an initiative,” Mahmoud said.

The authors conclude that the Ebola crisis should serve as a lesson for other infectious diseases and global health crises.

“Vaccine development is presently in a crisis,” Mahmoud said. “In the case of Ebola, a relatively modest, strategic investment could have saved thousands of lives and billions of dollars. Going forward, we cannot let financial burdens stand in the way of solving deadly global health crises.”

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs

Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 3

STARLED3 NX Surgical led lamp STARLED3 NX is a lamp manufactured by ACEM based on the Next generation LED technology, assuring cold light, long life and low energy consumption. The lamp is suitable for countless applications both for surgery and operating room. It is ideal for diagnosis, dental sector, gynecology, dermatology, general medicine and surgery.

STARLED3 NX grants a homogeneous and shadowless light thanks to its special LED optics created by ACEM Medical Company that directs light beams at best according to the needs.

The visual area is perfectly illuminated assuring both excellent visual comfort and working conditions.

Its next generation LEDs produce an unparalleled quality of light with a colour temperature (CCT) of 4.500 °K and a colour rendering index (CRI) of 95.

STARLED3 NX has a light intensity of 130.000 lux with consumption of 69W. The life cycle of its LEDs is about hours.

a low energy 50.000

STARLED3 NX is composed by three reflectors that a well-blended and intense cone of light focusable the automatic adjustment of the light spot diameter. practical and compact design makes it perfect for several lamp is ergonomic, easy to move and to and suitable for the laminar flows of the room.

produce through Its slim, uses. The position operating

Its ENDO function (light for endoscopy) gives the possibility to use STARLED3 NX for minimalsurgery too. The easy -to-clean shape and material STARLED3 NX as well as its removable, sterilizable to-grip handle assure an excellent cleanliness.

invasive of and easy-

Functions are adjusted by its innovative easy-to-read, ergonomic and easy-toclean I-SENSE® control panel. With a simple touch it can manage easily and accurately: • ON/OFF function 4 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

• Light • DoF • ENDO

intensity adjustment Depth of Field - for a deep light - Light for endoscopy ideal for minimal-invasive surgery • SIZE - Light spot diameter adjustment to focus the operating area • SYNC - Function (optional) useful to synchronize controls of the combined lamps: STARLED3 NX double (twin dome configuration) and STARLED3 NX together with STARLED3 NX or STARLED7 NX. STARLED3 NX is available in the following versions: Ceiling mounted, (Single, double configuration or together with other STARLED NX lamps) , Wall mounted, Trolley mounted ( ABPS battery on demand) .

ABPS is a rechargeable battery powered system made by ACEM Medical Company dedicated to power surgical lamps as by European Directive 93/42/ EEC. STARLED3 NX with ABPS has the same performance and appearance, since the structure containing the battery is within the trolley base. The structure which covers and protects the battery is made of resistant plastic, and its dimensions are: 550 x 340 x 240 mm. The control panel on the structure allows managing all fundamental parameters, such as residual charge, type of power supply, recharge status and electrical power supply presence, amongst others.

ABPS: • has an electronic control which allows for automatic switch from electric power supply to battery power supply so that STARLED3 NX can be used as a high performance mobile unit.

• is recharged by an automatic charger and requires no specific maintenance. Its autonomy may vary depending on the battery model, which can be from 12 Ah to 28 Ah with maximum charging time of about 8 hours.

For more information, please write to: Acem Medical Company Via della Tecnica 29, 40050 Argelato - Bologna – ITALY Phone + 39 051 721844, info@ acem.it, www.acem.it

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Future of Thailand’s Healthcare Industry in Tier 2 Cities Thailand is one of the Southeast Asian countries with the most advanced economic development and healthcare infrastructure. Bangkok no longer equates to the sole Thai healthcare market, according to a report on the Future of Thailand’s Healthcare in Tier Two Cities by Solidiance, a corporate strategy consulting firm with focus on Asia Pacific. Tier Two cities in Thailand like Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, are increasingly expanding with the growth of private and public sectors. As these cities have been urbanized, their population has grown more affluent and accustomed to better living standards. Healthcare services are among the many services that those in these cities with better income and education are now willing to pay for. Given the rapid change of this market, it is crucial for healthcare companies to better understand healthcare business opportunities in the tier two Thailand cities.

Thailand healthcare overview Healthcare expenditure in Thailand is still very low in comparison to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and China; but slightly higher than its peers in AEC. The government has been increasing their healthcare spending to strengthen the universal coverage scheme for the past 10 years. Total government budget for the scheme increased from THB 51 billion in 2002 (USD 1.6 bn), THB 91 billion in 2007 (USD 2.9 bn) and up to THB 106 billion in 2009 (USD 3.4 bn).

While Thailand is among other AEC nations whose numbers of hospital beds stand is lower than global median, the country’s number of hospital beds is significantly higher than AEC median. Despite having relatively advanced economies in comparison to other

AEC nations, Thailand’s number of doctors per 10,000 population is below average, hampering the growth of its healthcare industry.

Key trends in healthcare industry in Thailand (and Tier 2 Cities) A large portion of the population live in Thailand’s Tier 2 cities, which include Chiangmai, Khonkaen, Udonthani, Ubonratchathani, Nakhonratchasrima, Chonburi and Songkhla. These cities are categorized under the same characteristics such as among top 20 in terms of population size (>1 million) / number of medical institutions / number of inpatient beds (>2,500).

Approximately 19% of Thailand’s total population lives in these Tier 2 Cities, compared to 13% in Bangkok -- and here are several main trends in the healthcare we have observed within these regions : 6 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

1. Thailand to be aged society by 2020

services in private hospitals equipped with faster and better services.

Life expectancy of Thailand population has increased as healthcare services improve. This would accordingly push up Thailand’s aging population which is expected to account or 19% of total population and drive demand for healthcare services by 2020, with treatment and care for chronic diseases will be among the primary focus for maintaining elder citizens. WHO also forecasts that aging population will account for 30% of the population by 2050. Aging population boom puts pressure for the government to plan for facilitating the change by improving medical facilities and personnel in public hospitals.

3. Growing medical tourism Medical tourism in Thailand grew by 17.5% CAGR from 2007- 2011.

In 2012, the number of foreigners seeking medical treatment in Thailand reached 2.53 million and brought THB 121.6 billion (USD 4 billion) to the country. The Medical Tourism Promotion project highlighted Thailand’s high quality medical services at relatively more competitive prices compared to medical services in developed countries. Moreover, the government is promoting the country as a medical hub and medical tourism is expected to be one of the main drivers for private hospital investment in the future.

2. Urbanization boosts local purchasing power Tier 2 Cities have experienced the explosion of urbanization in the last decade, with an average of 57% growth in urbanized population compared to a single digit growth in Bangkok vicinities.

4. AEC 2015 to further boost urbanization, and healthcare demands accordingly AEC is expected to encourage “Ribbon Development” of urbanization in Tier 2 cities and border provinces, as it happened in Bangkok and vicinities over the past decade. It is expected to accelerate the urbanization in Thailand Tier 2 cities and border provinces, resulting in higher number of patients who could afford premium medical care. However, better connectivity with In line with the urbanization, Thailand Tier 2 Cities have also experienced

neighbouring countries could lead to influx of labours. This puts stress to

significant growth in household income. And as these urban population

the government’s plans of transmitted disease control. Moreover, scarcity of

generally possess higher purchasing power and more affordability for

medical personnel, especially specialist, outside Bangkok will be more critical

healthcare, they demand better standards with more affordability to pay for

in border provinces.

Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 7

Future is here now: Russia is preparing the 4th Open Innovations Forum 2015 From October 28 to November 1, 2015, Moscow will host for the fourth time the annual Open Innovations Forum – the largest event in Russia that focuses on technology entrepreneurship and innovation-driven development. For the first time Open Innovations 2015 will comprise a five-day international professional congress and a popular exhibition for general public performed as Technology Show.

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n the 15th of July Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich chaired the meeting of the forum’s Organizing committee where the concept of the forum and exhibition were approved. The away meeting took place at the 75th pavilion of the All-Russian Exhibition Centre (VDNH) - the future venue of the forum. After the meeting Arkady Dvorkovich together with representatives of the Organizing committee inspected the event location.

The forum, centered around the main topic of Humanity in the Center of the Technological Revolution, will last for five days. Each day will be devoted to one of five specific spheres of the human life, dramatically changing under the impact of technologies – productivity, habitat, education, health and entertainment.

The updated Open Innovations is a shirtsleeve forum that counts on bright interactive formats of presentation and discussion typical for the global technology congresses: public interviews, debates, presentations, lectures, master classes, workshops, pitches. The plenary session hall as a room for performances of the key speakers will operate for five days of the forum. The organizers place special emphasis on the youth program where leaders of technology world will pass their ideas and skills required for efficient development in new technology reality to the most promising students and schoolboys from Moscow and regions of Russia. Daily 3-4 thousand participants will take part in the congress following their professional interest.

The exhibition promises to become the significant event in culture

8 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

and entertainment calendar of the Moscow fall. It will intelligibly introduce the key tendencies of the global technological revolution to the visitors: from new materials, energy and artificial intelligence to transport technologies, robotization and game industry. Around 200 exhibitors will present their technology solutions at Technology Show – from the biggest global corporations to startups.

“This year the forum will be for the first time truly open. Anyone can attend the exhibition with just a ticket, no special accreditation is required. The event will be the highlight of the Moscow life in October and a business site for communication of everyone who deals with innovations in different industries - from computer games to serious medical developments and robotics. We hope that this year the forum will become a really remarkable event in the global innovation environment – interesting speakers, experience

exchange, involvement of those specialists who make decisions in innovative activities. Turning the forum into the informal shirtsleeve site is a great step forward”, - said Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich.

Open Innovations Forum has been hold in Moscow since 2012 according to the Regulation of the Government of the Russian Federation. The event is co-organized by Moscow City Government, Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies (RUSNANO), Russian Venture Company, Skolkovo Foundation, Vnesheconombank, the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises at Science and Technology. The operator of the Forum is the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum Foundation. For three years Prime Minister of Russia, heads of governments of some foreign countries, representatives of the largest global corporations, leaders of Russian business have taken part in the forum.

India’s definitive exhibition & conference on products & services that aid the inclusion of differently abled

19-20-21 November 2015 Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E) Mumbai, Maharashtra

Highlights 150+ exhibitors from across the world Eminent speakers at 2 day Asia Rehab Summit Knowledge support from leading sectoral associations Intensive skill development workshops for professionals in the sector Training sessions for the differently abled and their families

www.IndiaRehabExpo.com

For more details, contact : Japesh Thakur +91 9599389544 japesh@infinityexpo.in

Life Saving Devices for Medical & Healthcare Industries Essex Industries offers a wide range of medical oxygen regulators, integrated regulators, conservers and portable LOX systems engineered to be safe, durable and easy to use in homecare, hospital, clinic and emergency response applications.

S

ince 1947, Essex Industries has provided engineered solutions for its customers’ application problems. With an Initial focus on the Aerospace and Defense market, Essex supplies Life Support and Ground Support Equipment, as well as Platform Controls and Aircraft Components to military and commercial customers worldwide. Through the years, Essex applied their technologies to other demanding, commercial industries so that today the company is also a leading manufacturer of equipment and components to the Medical, First Response and Safety markets.

As an example of this applied technology, Essex extended its expertise in flow controls and liquid oxygen (LOX) converters for Aerospace applications to the Medical industry, establishing a significant presence in the US home healthcare market by supplying oxygen regulators and portable LOX systems for patients who require respiratory therapy in residential care facilities, hospitals and clinics.

Essex was a member of the ASTM G4 Committee which, at the request of the FDA, developed a standard to test the integrity of oxygen regulators when exposed to a fire.

Essex was the first manufacturer to meet this rigorous standard, setting an example for other medical regulator manufacturers to follow.

Essex Premium Oxygen Regulators remain the industry standard for

reliability, durability and precise delivery of oxygen in flows that range from 1/32 to 25 liters per minute.

This high standard for quality has made Essex regulators a preferred product for major OEMs and gas companies throughout the world.

INTERNATIONAL REGULATORS In response to international market demand, Essex recently expanded their product offering with a line of International Regulators. Essex CGA 870 Pin-Index Regulators feature two outlet ports: a barbed outlet fitting and a high flow DISS 1240 demand outlet. These units provide flow rates of 0 to 25 liters per minute, with operating pressures of 500 – 2000 PSI / 138 BAR. Manufactured in the Unites States, the body on Model 1531872400-6 is manufactured of anodized aluminum, while the body on Model 1539113800-2 is nickel plated brass.

Internal components are the same and include a brass oxygen pathway, brass flame arrestor and a sintered bronze filter at the inlet.

These regulators comply with numerous standards and certifications, including ASTM-G175-03; CGA E – 4:2010, CGA V – 1:2005; EN 738 – 1:1997 as well as specific sections of ISO 10524 – 1 and CGA E – 7:2006. Both models come with a five year warranty against defects in workmanship and

10 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device Asia

materials. In addition to traditional medical customers, Essex regulators have also attracted the attention of groups such as the International Mountain Guides (IMG). International Mountain Guides lead climbing, trekking and mountaineering expeditions around the world, from the classic climbs of the Alps and Andes to the peaks of the Himalayas. IMG needed a company they could rely on to provide an oxygen regulator that would function fully in the high altitudes and subzero temperatures with environmental elements that include

ice and rough terrain. For over 20 years, the guides at International Mountain Guides have successfully used Essex Medical Regulators when climbing oxygen is required.

MRI COMPATIBLE REGULATORS MRI Compatible Regulators are another segment of new products released by Essex for sale worldwide. Designed for use by patients while undergoing MRI scans, Essex MRI Compatible Regulators exceed the industry standard for safety and are the only medical regulator

actually tested for performance inside the bore of an MRI machine.

Essex also offers Integrated Regulators that are compatible for standard MRI use and MRI Medical Air applications.

INTEGRATED REGULATORS Essex Integrated Regulators combine a post valve, regulator and carrying handle into a single unit. When used with a medical cylinder, they create lightweight, transportable delivery systems for oxygen and other medical gases to patients in hospitals, clinics, medical transportation and emergency situations.

Widely used in the United States, this product is now available worldwide from Essex.

Information applied with the TMI process is easy to read and lasts longer than paper labels, which can tear or peel off, causing important information to be lost. This could potentially cause problems or concerns for those using the equipment. A more lasting means to identify the equipment can also improve asset control and help prevent loss or theft which ultimately may improve operations and profitability.

NEW CATALOG Essex Industries has introduced a

new Medical Catalog featuring their full line of oxygen therapy products, parts and accessories.

The catalog provides detailed information on Essex International Regulators, MRI Compatible Regulators, Integrated Regulators, Premium Oxygen Regulators, Heliox Regulators and Conservers in a variety of configurations to meet a wide range of application requirements. The catalog also features liquid oxygen products and accessories including cylinders, bags, carts, racks, stands and mounts as well as regulator replacement parts.

Essex Industries designs and manufactures products in their four facilities, which are all located in Saint Louis, Missouri.

For more information on Essex products, please visit www.essexindustries.com or contact us at info@essexind.com

Essex Integrated Regulators are manufactured of nickel plated brass for increased safety and durability.

UL listed pressure gauges are covered with patented heavy duty protectors to minimize impact damage. Vinyl dipped handles are angled to protect the regulator and color-coded to identify the application.

The Essex Integrated Regulator is available for oxygen, heliox and medical air at flow settings from 1/64 to 25 liters per minute. Several configurations are available, including pediatric, MRI and EMS for easy ambulance transport.

Tested to ASTM-G175-03, the Essex Integrated Regulator has a five year warranty.

THERMAL MOLECULAR INFUSION (TMI) Essex Industries has recently announced a process which brings added value to medical cylinders and oxygen therapy products.

Thermal Molecular Infusion, or TMI, enables Essex to customize oxygen cylinders with a permanent means of identification. This sublimation process replaces the need for adhesive-backed labels, providing a more professional look to the equipment. TMI labels can be customized with full-color logos and designs, enhancing a company’s brand recognition in the market.

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 11

Expanding the Care Continuum through SMART Homes and Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) Services HOW AGED WILL SOUTH EAST ASIA LOOK IN 2030?

SINGAPORE 2 working citizens supporting 1 elderly (2015: 4.9 workers to one elderly) MALAYSIA Will become an ageing population country, with 4.9 million (~15% of its population) 60 and above THAILAND Over 13 million (~19% of its population) will be 65 and above PHILIPPINES Over 14 million (~11% of its population) will be 60 and above INDONESIA 6.4 working citizens will support one elderly. (2010: 13 workers to every older person)

With pressing challenges bearing down on Asia such as rapidly ageing populations, shortages of hospital beds in acute care settings as well as low accessibility to care in rural regions, SMART homes and Intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) services enable remote care and take pressure off hospitals by expanding the care continuum through services such as step-down care. They are emerging trends that are here to stay.

SHORTAGE OF HOSPITAL BEDS AND LONG WAIT TIMES IS A GLOBAL ISSUE CHINA: In China, it is very common to see people waiting for hours in hospitals to see doctors. Now four provinces are introducing medical reforms to help deal with long wait times.

For example, top hospitals in Anhui have cut registration numbers by half and are sending experienced medical staff to smaller institutions in order to reduce workload, prevent overcrowding and provide better service for patients.

(Source: CCTV-America) GREAT BRITAIN: A&E waiting times in England are the worst in a decade. While the government has set a target of 95% of patients to be treated or discharged within four hours, the latest figures for Q1 2015 show that this target has been missed by the biggest margin in a decade at 91.8%. (Source: The Guardian) AUSTRALIA: Canberra Hospital’s emergency department has reported in March 2015 that they have close to 28 people waiting for treatment at one time, with some being treated in nursing corridors. ACT Health’s first quarterly report for 2014-15 also found that the waiting times at Canberra and Calvary hospitals’ emergency departments have increased on an average from 39 minutes to 49 minutes.

(Source: Canberra Times)

LOW ACCESSIBILITY TO CARE IN RURAL AREAS

50% of the World’s Population Live in Rural Areas, but Fewer than 38% of Nurses and 25% of Doctors Work There – UN World Health Organization

China: 80% of government health expenditures go to urban areas, but only 45% of China’s population lives there.

Myanmar: In rural areas – where 70% of the country’s 58 million people live – patients travel hours and sometimes an entire day to reach hospitals or clinics in towns.

Philippines: Twenty-four babies die for every thousand infants born in the urban areas, while the infant-mortality rate in rural areas is higher by 50 percent: 36 babies die for every thousand live births.

Attend the HIMSS AsiaPac15 Conference to learn about how these problems are being solved! Visit www.himssasiapac.org/15 for more information.

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Confirmed Featured Speakers: Dr. Suriya Wongkongkathep Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Health, Thailand Dr. Shinsuke Muto, PhD, EMBA President, Tetsuyu-Kai Institute Medical Corporation Executive Advisor for Information Policy, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Japanese Government

MARINA BAY SANDS, SINGAPORE · 6 -10 SEPTEMBER 2015 6 September: CPHIMS Exam 7-9 September: Conference & Exhibition 10 September: Masterclasses & Hospital Tours

/15

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Russell P. Branzell, FCHIME, CHCIO President & Chief Executive Officer College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME), USA Dr. Jack Cochran, FACS Executive Director The Permanente Federation, LLC

+ many more!

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Organized by:

Supported by:

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Dr. Fazilah Shaik Allaudin Deputy Director Telehealth Ministry of Health, Malaysia

Find out if you are eligible for the HPF fund by AIC. Save up to 90% of your conference fees today through the Healthcare Productivity Fund (HPF) by AIC. Visit aic.sg/hpf to find out more.

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members of the value chain - the specifying community of doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, rehab specialists, the distribution community of traders, clinics, dealers, distributors and the end users, their families and even NGO’s who are working with the disabled.

A number of leading associations who have done phenomenal work within their respective areas of speciality have all joined hands with the organizer – Infinity Expo, to strengthen this event. They are as follows :-

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ehabilitation, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities is one of the major social and economic goals, pursued by any country. The key components being defining and constant up gradation of healing expertise, cohesive attempts on building products and services that make life easier for the differently-abled and last but not the least, imparting them skills that help them, to not only earn a living but also contribute to the economic activity of the country.

Indian medical fraternity and the equipment manufacturing industry have worked shoulder to shoulder in helping the country rise up to this challenge. However keeping in mind the size of our country there is not adequate awareness on the options available. In an endeavor to create a first ever international platform to showcase the products and services available to the differently abled in India, Infinity Exhibitions is organising the “India Rehab & Care” show from 19 – 21 November, 2015 at Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Mumbai.

The rationale of the show would be to bring together strong Indian brands and their international counterparts, on one platform, to connect and build linkages with three important

14 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

• Indian Orthopedic Association • Indian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation • Indian Physiotherapy Association • Orthotic & Prosthetics Association of India • Indian Spinal Cord Society • Indian Federation of Neuro Rehabilitation • Indian Association of Occupational Therapists • Mental Health Foundation For the manufacturers and suppliers of the following types equipment and devices, it would be an unique opportunity to get maximum mileage and also direct access to prospective buyers/specifiers.

• Rehabilitation Aids • Aids For The Speech Impaired • Mobility Products • Aids For Visually Impaired • Aids For Hearing

Impaired • Prosthetics & Orthotics • Telecommuncation Aids • Hospital Furniture • Occupational Therapy Equipment • Physiotherapy Equipment • Institutions involved in rehabilitation services The event is being promoted extensively by each of the supporting associations and every single professional, institution and individual working in the rehabilitation segment or with the disabled, would be approached, to visit this unique international exhibition and conference.

A concerted and extensive visitor promotion campaign has been unleashed which is covering direct mailers, ads in medical publications, tele-calling, direct presentations, websites, social media (facebook, twitter, linked-in etc). Closer to the event newspaper ads and outdoor media would also be used to get wider coverage across the country.

For further details contact :Japesh Thakur Director – Business Development Infinity Exhibitions & Conferences Pvt. Ltd. A5/16 Ground Floor, DLF City Phase-I, Gurgaon, Haryana M: +91 9599389544 E: japesh@infinityexpo.in W: www.infinityexpo.in

On the Pulse of the Latest Industry Trends - See the best in medical and healthcare as

MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND returns for its biggest and most influential edition!

M

EDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015, the exhibition is set to provide the regional medical and healthcare sector with an impressive showcase of innovative technologies, solutions and services. At present, more than 30 countries will be represented by a diverse range of industry primes and small and medium-sized companies covering all aspects of hospital, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical and rehabilitation equipment and supplies.

The global footprint of the 7th edition of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND will include national pavilions and country groups from Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK and USA. The region’s largest medical and healthcare exhibition will be the No.1 meeting place for some 600 exhibitors committed to bringing the latest medical products, technologies, solutions and services to more than 8,000 medical and healthcare professionals and practitioners from Thailand, neighboring ASEAN countries and beyond. MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 comes against a dynamic industry backdrop that sees Thailand growing its medical and healthcare sector exponentially due to drivers such as the globalization of the healthcare industry, an ageing population; greater consumer expectation and rising health spend and demand for medical procedures and healthcare products.

Explore the future of healthcare:

At a Glance Date:

10 – 12 Sep 2015

Opening hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) Dress Code:

Office | Work attire

Admission:

Admits business and trade visitors by registration only.

Pre-register your visit now at www.medicalfair-thailand.com and stand a chance own the latest iPhone in our daily lucky draw.

• Discover new, more cost-effective solutions and latest innovations • Network with the best from the industry across the country and around the world • Gain new ideas and insights to grow your business at conferences, seminars and workshops • Stay up-to-date with emerging medical and healthcare trends because life matter and so does your business “As the medical and health care market in Southeast Asia sees unprecedented growth due to rapid population growth rates and an ageing population, healthcare spending is estimated to reach US$18.7 billion by 2018 in Thailand alone. Against this landscape, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND has steadily been increasing its floor space over the years to meet the growing exhibitor and visitor demands. Now in its seventh edition, the trade fair has affirmed its leadership position as the region’s benchmark event for the medical and healthcare industry offering the latest solutions, equipment and supplies for hospitals, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical and rehabilitation sectors across an increased floor space to feature its biggest line-up yet, with more than 600 companies from around the world.

MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 will also see 15 country national groups and country pavilions from Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK and USA” - Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 15

Concurrent Events

The Next Era in Healthcare

Organized by Thai Medical Informatics Association (TMI)

This seminar aims at providing a better understanding of electromagnetic waves, its applications relating to cell phone signals, radio broadcast and WIFI signals for wireless internet connections and uncovering whether these electro-magnetic waves can really affect human health.

Technical Presentations

Organized by MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 exhibitors Benefit from exclusive Technical Presentations, conducted by exhibitors and experts in their field. Expand your expertise and network with industry leaders! Presentations by SHENYANG CHANGJIANGYUAN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, SCHRACK SECONET AG, HHC TIBBI MALZEME LTD STI, ZHENGZHOU FEILONG MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CO LTD on Day 1 as well INFOPIA CO LTD, PSP CORPORATION, NETTURUL RESOURCES (S) PTE LTD, MELTEN CORPORATION and WUHAN GIGAA OPTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD on Day 2.

For more detailed descriptions on the technical presentations please visit www.medicalfair-thailand.com or contact medicalfair-thailand@mda.com.sg Join industry peers, healthcare practitioners and key thought leaders convening under one roof at the Digital Healthcare conference. Discuss innovations in public and private healthcare facilities, proven personal healthcare tools and technological breakthroughs in home and personal diagnostics.

Business Matching

ARTeC 2015 A New World In Rehabilitative Care

* Terms and Conditions apply

Organized by Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Pre-register and take advantage of the Business Matching service to connect with relevant key exhibitors prior to your visit. Find out more at www. medicalfair-thailand.com

Stand a chance to win a FREE trip to MEDICA* What you will see?

• Accident & Emergency Equipment • Building Technology & Services • Catering & Kitchen Equipment • Communication & Information Technology • Dental Equipment & Supplies • Diagnostics • Disinfection & Disposal Systems • Electromedical Equipment/ Medical Technology • Fabrics/Laundry • Medical Furniture & Equipment • Laboratory Equipment • Medical Consumables • Ophthalmic Supplies • Rehabilitation Equipment/ Orthopedic Supplies • Pharmaceutical Supplies • Services & Publications

Who should visit?

This multidisciplinary academic conference is focused exclusively on rehabilitation technology and emerging trends in physical and rehabilitation medicine. The theme is “Advanced Interventions in Musculoskeletal Pain”.

The program will cover diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for the musculoskeletal pain and hands on workshops to provide an insight into the practical considerations of the condition.

Seminar on “Can Electro-magnetic Wave Affect Human Health?”

Organized by Thai Association of Advanced Instrumentation (AMI) 16 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

- Health Ministry Officials - Hospital Managers and Employees - Doctors (Surgeries and Hospital) - Nursing Officers - Hospital Technicians Biologists, Biochemists, Technicians - Dispensing Chemists, Pharmacists - Physiotherapists - Rehabilitation Organizations, Nursing Homes Organizations for the disabled - Care Services & Self-help groups - Visitors from Industry and Commerce and more ...

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Thailand’s largest medical and healthcare event sells out one month ahead with 50% increase in floor space

MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 reaffirms its leadership position as Thailand’s benchmark event for Southeast Asia’s medical and healthcare industry as it welcomes some 600 companies from 30 countries, as well as a stellar record line-up of 15 national pavilions and country groups including Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America. With a 50% increase in floor space, the biennial trade fair is already fully sold out one month ahead of its staging at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from 10 to 12 September 2015 in Bangkok.

Mr Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia said: “Now into its 7th edition, this is the biggest edition of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND to date. As a comprehensive platform, the trade fair features a full suite of equipment and supplies for the hospital, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical and rehabilitation sectors, and continues to expand its coverage to a wider range of medical and healthcare innovations. We are delighted that MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND has reaffirmed its position as the must-attend trade event for manufacturers and suppliers from the medical and healthcare sectors to showcase technology and innovation whilst remaining at the forefront of a competitive marketplace.”

“Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the trade fair’s size and international profile of exhibitors and visitors. With the launch of new focus themes such as Digital Healthcare and Rehabilitative Care, along with conferences addressing related issues, these will ensure that the trade fair continues to present the latest medical technology for the industry whilst delivering a rich visitor experience for the region’s medical and healthcare

professionals as well as an ideal business platform for manufacturers and distributors,” he added.

The number and spread of the many countries that will be participating in MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 will provide a genuine international stage for medical and healthcare companies. Reflected strongly on the show floor are cost-effective and high-performance solutions, from an impressive list of exhibitors that extend from manufacturers to suppliers, processors and technology producers.

Having attracted 35% of its visitors from outside of Thailand in its 2013 edition, MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 is expecting more than 8,000 trade visitors, not only from Thailand, but also from the whole ASEAN region.

“The global footprint of MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 will include exhibitors from countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, and the traditionally strong representations from the North American and

European markets. There are currently over 280 first-time exhibitors from around the world,” said Mr Gernot Ringling.

Special highlights at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015: • The 2nd edition of ARTeC 2015 Advanced Rehab Technology Conference is organized in collaboration with the Royal College of Physiatrists of Thailand, Thai Rehabilitation Medicine Association and Messe Düsseldorf Asia. The multi-disciplinary conference with the theme ‘Advanced Interventions in Musculoskeletal Pain’ will include presentations on diagnostics and therapeutic interventional spine care as well as hands-on workshops on musculoskeletal sonography.

Taking place on 10 and 11 Sept 2015, the 2-day conference features an impressive line-up of speakers including: Dr David J Kennedy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, Stanford University, and Dr Matthew Smuck, Chief Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Stanford University, as well as a

Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 29

host of prominent local and regional industry leaders and experts in their fields.

• Organized by the Thai Medical Informatics Association, the Digital Healthcare Forum will see a global high-level attendance by 400 Chief Information Officers (CIO) and Director-level delegates. The closed-door forum provides an integrated mindshare platform focusing on the latest technological developments and innovations in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the healthcare sectors, presenting new options in personal healthcare such as remote, wireless and mobile healthcare, tele-health, telemedicine and other applications and software developments.

• Trade visitors can also expect a high-powered series of technical presentations during MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015, conducted by exhibitors. The line-up include presentations on Next-Generation Pack Systems for efficient work-flows by PSP Corporation, products for intensive care and bedridden patients by HHC TIBBI MALZEME and non-surgical spinal decompression systems by Zhengzhong Feilong Medical Equipment, and many more With these comprehensive offerings of the latest medical technologies and insightful co-located events, healthcare providers can look forward to a holistic medical and health care experience at MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015.

The success of the exhibition is attributed by numerous factors including a dynamic backdrop of booming medical and health care sectors. Healthcare demand in Southeast Asia is increasing rapidly, driven by population growth rates; Thailand’s health care spending is estimated to rise by 8% a year through to 2018 to reach US$18.7 billion.

Other key growth factors include a growing private health care market with increased demand for quality medical products and services and Thailand’s growing position as 30 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

one of Asia’s most prominent medical tourism hot spots. Thailand’s ability to attract medical tourists with its affordability and high quality of services as well as its natural attractions, which lets patients combine medical treatment with a vacation, is a winning combination.

For more details on MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND 2015 please visit www.medicalfair-thailand.com

About Messe Düsseldorf Asia (MDA) MDA is a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf in Germany, one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, responsible for organizing more than 20 global No. 1 exhibitions in industries including plastics, printing and packaging, and medical and health care specifically K, drupa, interpack, MEDICA, COMPAMED and A+A held in Düsseldorf, Germany. Since 1995, MDA’s portfolio of trade fairs in Southeast Asia includes: for the plastics and rubber sectors in Thailand (T-PLAS), Vietnam (PLASTICS & RUBBER VIETNAM) and Indonesia (INDOPLAS), the printing and packaging sectors in Thailand (PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL) and Indonesia (INDOPACK and INDOPRINT), the wire, cable, tube and pipe sectors in Thailand (wire Southeast ASIA and Tube Southeast ASIA), the medical and health care industries in Thailand and Singapore (MEDICAL FAIR THAILAND, MEDICAL FAIR ASIA, MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA) the Workplace Safety & Health sectors in Singapore(OS+H ASIA) and the metal and steel trade industries in Indonesia (indometal).

EKF introduces specific biomarker test for early sepsis identification

How intracellular signaling regulates growth factor production

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ancer cells need life-essential molecules to proliferate. These so-called growth factors are activated by ectodomain shedding of precursor proteins on the outside of the plasma membrane, mainly carried out by three human cleavage enzymes. A pharmaceutical blocking of these enzymes could hinder cancer from growing but would also inhibit other lifeessential processes.

Now, researchers from German Leibniz Institute for Age Research (FLI) and Harvard University, US, showed that the factor-precursor-producing cells themselves determine if and when cleavage may occur. This is decided by intracellular signaling. Interfering with defined signaling in cells producing cancer growth factors could be developed into a new way of cancer treatment.

The EKF-Stanbio Procalcitonin LiquiColor® Assay aids in viral and bacterial infection differentiation EKF Diagnostics, the global diagnostics company, announces that it has introduced the Stanbio Chemistry Procalcitonin (PCT) LiquiColor® Assay.

This new test enables the quantitative determination of PCT in serum samples, EDTA or lithium heparin plasma samples by latex enhanced immunoturbidimetric methodology. Procalcitonin is a marker for bacterial infection and sepsis and has been recognized as an important adjunct marker in the diagnosis of sepsis*.

The new Stanbio Chemistry Procalcitonin (PCT) LiquiColor® Assay is fast, accurate and convenient. The test provides a precise result, which correlates well with established methodology, within 10 minutes and requires just 20 µL of sample. The reagents may be used on almost any liquid-based chemistry analyzer with open-channel capability. In addition, the reagent kit, calibrator and control sets are all available separately.

Commenting on the cost-effectiveness and convenience of the Stanbio Chemistry Procalcitonin (PCT) LiquiColor® Assay, Al Blanco, Business Unit Director – Central Laboratory at EKF Diagnostics said, “This assay can be performed on a customer’s existing chemistry analyzer with the same collection tube used for analysis of other chemistry tests. Therefore, it will provide optimized lab workflow by eliminating the need to split a sample or have a dedicated off-line workstation. These features will provide any lab with a cost-effective solution for PCT testing.” *References:

1. Müller B, et al., Ubiquitous expression of the calcitonin-i gene in multiple tissues in response to sepsis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86(1):396-404.

2. Meisner M. Procalcitonin (PCT) – A new, innovative infection parameter. Biochemical and clinical aspects.

Thieme; Stuttgart, New York, 2000; ISBN 3-13-105503-0.

3. Christ-Crain M, et al., Procalcitonin in bacterial infections – hype, hope or more or less? Swiss Med Wkly 2005; 135: 451-60.

For more information on Procalcitonin and sepsis testing, the Stanbio Chemistry range or EKF Diagnostics, please visit www.ekfdiagnostics.com.

As cancer cells proliferate in an unlimited way, they need to be supplied with oxygen and nutrients. For their growth and the formation of blood vessels, so-called growth factors are required. These hormone-like proteins are activated by the shedding of transmembrane precursor proteins that have to be cleaved on the outside of the plasma membrane by specialized enzymes.

In the human body, mainly three “cleavage enzymes” are responsible for ectodomain shedding of hundreds of growth factors. Hindering one of these enzymes from cleaving would certainly suppress the production of growth factors related to tumorigenesis, but would have severe side-effects: a lot of life-essential molecules would also be inhibited. Since ectodomain cleavage is highly important for homeostasis of the organism, it needs to be tightly regulated with respect to both its overall abundance and time course.

Now, in a collaborative project, researchers from German Leibniz Institute for Age Research (FLI) in Jena and renowned Harvard University in Cambridge, US, showed that obviously the precursor proteins themselves dictate if and when the “scissor”-enzymes may cut. Signal processing in the intracellular domain of the precursor-protein-producing cells is responsible for modifications that likely induce a relative positional change of the dimerization partners and, in the end, allow cleavage. This is individually different for each precursor protein. The collaborators from Jena and Cambridge already found many details of the mechanism to explain how the intracellular domain modification communicates with the ectodomain of the substrate to allow for cleavage to occur, e.g. releasing growth factors linked to breast cancer (Epidermal Growth Factor family) and Neuregulin which is important for neuro-regeneration, as well as cleavage of a protein relevant for metastasizing of cancer cells. The latest publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry now was nominated as one of the best 50 out of this year’s 6.000 publications.

“Our research results offer a new way of suppressing growth factors related to cancer cell proliferation”, Prof. Peter Herrlich, former scientific director and now associated researcher at FLI, explains. Instead of blocking the cleavage enzymes and condoning side-effects, the intracellular signal processing for single precursor proteins may be inhibited in order to specifically knock out the growth factors required by individual cancer types.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Leibniz Institute for Age Research – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)

Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 31

PMMI Releases Innovation Stage Schedules for PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015 and Pharma EXPO More than 40 free, educational sessions address flexible packaging, OEE and workforce engagement and more critical topics in processing and packaging

PACK EXPO owner and organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has released the preliminary schedule for Innovation Stage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and the co-located Pharma EXPO 2015 (Sept. 28–30; Las Vegas Convention Center). More than 40 sessions will give visitors a glimpse of cutting edge technology presented by industry leaders.

The education sessions — on the show floor at PACK EXPO and Pharma EXPO — provide free, convenient access to insights into processing and packaging trends as well as challenges in food safety regulatory compliance, workforce development and measuring line efficiency.

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One of the greatest benefits offered by our on-floor educational programming is the opportunity for a ‘cross pollination’ of ideas,” says Maria Ferrante, vice president, Education & Workforce Development, PMMI. “This enables attendees to tap the potential of practices and applications proven in one industry but unexplored in their own.”

The presentations are a valuable opportunity to understand cutting-edge technologies, with subject matter experts, including industry consultants, exhibitors and association partners, describing specific applications and benefits. Subjects range from explorations of the latest innovations and regulations in flexible packaging to ways to engage the workforce. Other topics include: • Impact of serialization on the pharmaceutical industry • Advanced simulation software for packaging lines • Anti-counterfeiting technologies for packaging • Transforming automated packaging with reusability • Roadmap for creating a highly engaged workforce • The latest snacking trends and their impact on packaging • The next evolution of metal detection The OpX Leadership Network will also be among presenters, discussing the latest in one voice solutions for workforce engagement, total cost of ownership and factory acceptance testing. OpX Leadership Network is a dynamic community of manufacturing, engineering and operations professionals dedicated to operational excellence.

“PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Pharma EXPO is where the industry will go this fall to find winning solutions from top-tier suppliers,” Ferrante says.

“The value of the Innovation Stage presentations is that they provide context attendees need to put those solutions into action at their plants.”

The 30-minute long presentations will run hourly between 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29; sessions end at noon on Sept. 30. There will be three adjacent locations of the Innovation Stage on the PACK EXPO Las Vegas show floor, in Booths C-1041, C-1045 and C-1049, and a fourth stage in Booth N-559 on the Pharma EXPO show floor.

The preliminary schedule of Innovation Stage presentations is available at packexpolasvegas.com andpharmaexpo.com.

This year marks Pharma EXPO’s first year in Las Vegas. PMMI owns and produces Pharma EXPO in partnership with the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Pharma EXPO will bring together more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing their processing and packaging innovations to 30,000 attendees in over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space. Prospective attendees are encouraged to register early by visiting packexpolasvegas.com. Registration is $30 through Sept. 14, 2015, and includes admission to both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Pharma EXPO. After September 14, registration increases to $100. In addition to the Pharma EXPO Innovation Stage, attendees can register for Pharma EXPO Conference sessions, curated by ISPE. Separate fees apply, ranging from $90 per session to $350 for access to all 15 sessions until September 14th. Following this date, fees will increase. Visit pharmaexpo. comto find a registration option that works for you.

About PMMI PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is a trade association representing more than 700 companies that provide a full range of processing and packaging machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through initiatives such as packexpo.com, educational programs and world-class events, connecting participants in the processing and packaging supply chain with their customers around the world. PMMI produces the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows that include PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015 (Sept.

28–30, Las Vegas Convention Center); Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015; EXPO PACK México 2016, May 17–20, (Mexico City, Expo Bancomer Santa Fe); PACK EXPO International 2016, Nov. 6–9 (McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill.); Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International 2016; PACK EXPO East 2017, Feb. 27– March 1, (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia) and EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2017, June 13–15, 2017(Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico). PMMI owns the PMMI Media Group, a market-leading B2B media company that produces information for processing and packaging professionals, bringing together solution providers and end-users and facilitating connectivity throughout the supply chain. Its world class media brands Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging and Packaging + Processing OEM- are proven leaders in covering this diverse and dynamic marketplace, and its digital products incorporate leading edge media technologies to deliver informed, actionable business intelligence to the industry. PMMI Media Group also produces The Automation Conference, an annual education and networking forum, taking place in Chicago each spring.

More information at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.

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From Medical to Lifestyle Products: The Evolution of Spectacles Has Been Revolutionary

Article by Mr P Ramachandran, Group COO Essilor brands

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re you a technology addict who spends most hours of his waking time in front of digital screens, or an active outdoor enthusiast, a busy mom whose rough lifestyle needs strong spectacles, a senior citizen or a student? No matter what your job profile is or what kind of lifestyle you lead, today your vision correction needs can be customized for you.

The much-in-demand spectacles have evolved tremendously over the past few decades to graduate from just being vision correction devices to lifestyle products and now even prevent harm to the eye. There is no one-fits-all approach to spectacles today. Not only have spectacle lenses evolved into better looking, far from once geeky eye accessories, they have also evolved in terms of usage and need. In fact, people today shop for spectacles that suit not just their eye correction needs but also their personality and some go further and choose spectacle lenses that prevent eye disease.

In developed countries, the percentage of spectaclewearers ranges from 30 to 50 per cent of the population.

The availability of new lens designs, new technology and innovation not only help people see better and appear more attractive but also protect the eyes and prevent eye diseases. New age lenses are thinner and can be fitted in any type and size of designer frames, and can 34 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

be customized toyour individual requirement.

Spectacles for working professionals The digital revolution of the 1990s has not only accelerated the pace of our lives and changed the communications paradigm, it also radically shifted the way we work and live. Ten years back, mobile phones were just meant for talking, the concept of Smartphone was yet to catch up; laptops were not a common accessory and most of us searched for cyber cafes to send mails.

As per findings of American Optometric Association (AOA), more than 70% of ~143 million Americans complain of the computer eyestrain due to their daily work. While we do not have such a consolidated figures for India, clinical evidence does suggest an increasing number of people suffering from visual fatigue. Today

life revolves around digital devices tablets, smart phones, LED screens – these devices emit UV and blue light - this light causes a lot of stress and fatigue to our eyes. If you calculate your daily activities, you would be surprised to find how much time your eyes spend gazing at digital devices and therefore the fatigue and strain your eyes are subjected to.

Essilor Even people who do not need correction or have power but spend a lot of time in front of the computer often experience eye fatigue symptoms such as red eyes, itching, burning, headaches. Essilor has developed Crizal anti fatigue lenses to combat digital eye strain. s. The optical design of these lenses result in increased visual comfort, less eye fatigue and a more positive workday.

Crizal Anti fatigue lenses help in removing the effort in focusing on screens. These glasses are designed to give you optimum comfort through the day.

Spectacles as a style statement If 20 years back, people avoided wearing spectacles because of the geeky look they inspired, today people readily opt for stylish and smart spectacle lenses. While they offered the precise visual correction needed, glass lenses were heavy, breakable and were not equipped to provide additional benefits such as protection from UV radiation. For people with high prescriptions, glass lenses also had the effect of magnifying the eye, giving what is often referred to as the ‘coke-bottle’ look. The new age polycarbonate material lenses have made such inconvenience and aesthetic concerns a thing of the past.

For professionals who wish to avoid full frames, rimless and three-piece mountings are readily available alternatives. More than ever before people today use spectacles as a style statement to add character to their personality. Apart from innovation in lenses, a lot of design and technical innovation has also been made to make frames more versatile and colorful. A number of people today keep more than one spectacle to complement their different looks, much like people keep more than one pair of shoes.

Spectacles as Preventive Devices Newer discoveries in the field of ophthalmology have also propelled innovation in lens designs and construct.

For example, the breakdown of light spectrum into its components and the analysis of the effect of each on the eyes is a recent phenomenon. The harmful effects of UV radiation on the eyes are well-known. Long-term exposure to UV radiation is linked to carcinomas as well as cataracts. Essilor in association with the Paris

Vision Institute also deeply analyzed the effects of blue light. This light emitted by the sun, by artificial light sources such as LEDs and computers or smart phones, –is in the range of the visible light spectrum with wavelengths between 380-500 nm – some of this blue light plays a beneficial role in your health, in particular by regulating the internal biological clock that controls, sleep , hunger, moods. However, a specific band of this light might have a harmful effect on the eyes, this harmful blue lights will lead to retinal cell death. Crizal Prevencia, the revolutionary new age lens is the first lens to offer selective protection against harmful blue light and UV rays. It preserves your overall well being by letting essential visible light to pass through and provides optimal vision and durable transparency.

Spectacles as fashion accessory With spectacles becoming the most incredible accessory, the shape of the frame and color can truly date you to an era. Bringing back the era of 70s and 80s, the fashion of large frames is one of the latest trends. Be it for vision correction or establishing

a style statement, different shapes and size of spectacles play a major role in carving the personality. The retro and vintage styles are the latest hot picks. Selecting a pair from the available multi-colored laminates can also help in expressing your creative side.

Spectacles for Outdoor Enthusiasts Often, the spectacle lenses that serve you very well indoors may not be of utmost use when you are engaged in high impact outdoor activities.

Spectacles for outdoor should be capable of protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV, , providing protection against glare of sun or traffic lights, providing you an unmatched clear vision, giving you a true color along with great eye comfort. This has given rise to a new range of advanced lenses Essilor Optifog lenses – that protect your lenses from fogging, Xperio polarized lenses that reducing reflections and protect you from glare and give you true color perception. With over 400 designs and combinations of lenses to choose from, certainly there is no dearth of spectacles for outdoor activities with Xperio.

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Clean your glasses regularly to ensure clear vision Article by Mr. Shivkumar J, CEO, Essilor India

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ave you ever wondered from where did those scratches come on your spectacles despite you keeping them safely? A typical scenario with people wearing spectacles is them removing their glasses and wiping them from the corners of their dresses, shawls or any visible pieces of cloth. Most of the lens wearers use their shirt’s tail, handkerchief, wet towel or tissue paper to clean their spectacles. Some even wash their lenses roughly under water without realizing the impact such rash behavior can have on the delicate glass or polycarbonate. Resultantly, they have thin and minute fabric stuck on the glasses. In addition, this is how they put scratches on the glasses, unknowingly.

While such cleaning devices may appear smooth and clean, they actually contain small dust particles and fibers, which not only scratch your glasses but also make it difficult to see through them. Scratches are the biggest enemies of clear vision and can even put stress on your eyes when you regularly use scratch hit spectacle lenses.

Rash usage makes lenses unfit for use early and forces consumers to replace spectacles more often than needed. Yet, there is little awareness about the fact that following certain basic rules can ensure clean and scratch free glasses for a longer term. Yes, there are certain rules for cleaning the lenses, as lens cleaning is important for clear and uninterrupted vision!

The world over, eye spectacles continue to remain the main choice of people who need visual correction. As much as 86 per cent of the vision correction across the world still happens through spectacles, as compared to other alternatives such as contact lenses and Lasik surgery. However, a major mistake people make while cleaning their lenses is by using ordinary cloth or tissue paper.

Cleaning cloth Every pair of spectacles is assisted with a piece of cloth that is specifically meant to clean the glasses on regular basis in case of superficial layer of dust and stain. The cloth is made up of microfiber and does not leave fiber stain after cleaning. Although, high quality polycarbonate lenses such as from Essilor or Crizal are designed to remain dust ad scratch free, however, rough use of the spectacles can leave unwanted scratches on them. Additionally, facial oils and humidity in surrounding environment can cause a sticky layer to stick to the glasses that quickly attracts dust and dirt particles. Cleaning these dust particles in an incorrect manner can cause microscopic scratches.

These scratches remain invisible initially but when this trauma to the lens keeps piling up, the scratches start manifesting in the form of visible lines and blurry areas on the lens. These scratches are irremovable in modern plastic or mineral spectacle lenses.

Therefore, the best way to clean the glasses is using the cleaning cloth which is soft and made up of microfiber. Occasionally, you can also clean your glasses by first rinsing them under running warm water. The force of the water will 36 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device ASIA

drag out the dust particles. Dry the lenses with soft cotton cloth and by polishing your lenses with the Crizal cleaning cloth to give a shining texture. Alternatively, you also directly wipe with the cleaning cloth.

You can also use dishwashing soap incase of stubborn stains. But never use a surface that can cause scratches.

Cleaning solutions Another method to ensure clean spectacle lenses is using commercially available lens cleaning solutions. These solutions are prepared using advanced formula that helps in keeping the glasses pristine clean and dust free. These solutions are also available as sprays.

Stubborn soiling or deposition of dust layer on the spectacles can be easily addressed using the cleaning solution spray in conjunction with a lens microfiber cloth.

Cleaning wipes Medically designed lens cleaning wipes are an alternative for lens cleaning clothe. While for using clothe you need to moisturize the glasses with water, cleaning wipes are pre-moistened tissues that helps in cleaning the glasses. Unlike the normal tissues or facial wet tissues, lens cleaning wipes have micro tissue to ensure effective and fast spectacle cleaning. With an exceptionally fine structure, these wipes work even on glasses with quality coatings.

Free from any artificial fragrance

and aggressive cleaning substance, cleaning wipes are moistened with a unique combination of active cleaning agents.

Maintaining your spectacles is not a herculean task, rather such with such simple measures in place, cleaning lenses is convenient and easy. It is important to keep the spectacles safely under proper care to ensure a long life. Given the fact that high quality lenses incur a substantial investment vis a vis money, it is only but practical to ensure all steps needed for a longer life. It is always advisable to take a good care of your lenses by keeping them inside their cover when not in use. Also, you should not clean the lenses when they are completely dry. Do make it a point to never leave your spectacles face down. Always avoid keeping your spectacles near excessive heat or under direct sunlight as it can damage the lenses.

Mr. Shivkumar J, CEO, Essilor India

Bosch highlights complete systems capabilities for pharmaceutical applications Seamless System for product handling and packaging • Gentle product handling and accurate placement with feed placer • Horizontal flow wrapper with hermetic sealing ensures product protection • Flexibility to suit different layout and production requirements Hermetic sealing for a wide range of products

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o meet pharmaceutical and medical manufacturers’ needs for increased productivity, Bosch Packaging Technology, a leading provider of processing and packaging solutions, highlights its complete line capabilities at Achema 2015. As part of its Seamless Systems portfolio, Bosch will exhibit the Sigpack LDF feed placer for flexible handling of products such as blow-fill-seal (BFS) cards, blister packs, ampoules, syringes, inhalers or medical devices.

At the show, the BFS robotic handling will be combined with the Sigpack HSL horizontal flow wrapper for hermetically sealed packaging at production speeds of up to 300 packages per minute.

Precise placement for continuous production flow The Sigpack LDF feed placer

displayed at the show will demonstrate the gentle handling and accurate placement of eye drop vial cards by picking and placing them into the infeed chain of the Sigpack HSL flow wrapper. Based on proven Delta robot technology, the Sigpack LDF features an advanced gripper design that can be adapted to suit different production requirements. Products arrive in an upright position and are then laid flat, get verified by a vision system and stacked in sets of twos, ready to be wrapped. The precise placement ensures the correct product orientation, closes gaps and enables continuous production for maximum uptime. With optimized gripper technology, the feed placer offers high flexibility for different product sizes and applications and can be implemented with single or multiple robots cells.

At Achema 2015, the BFS vial cards are hermetically packaged by a Sigpack HSL flow wrapper equipped with long dwell heat sealing technology. Different sealable compound materials qualify for usage. Products packaged in aluminium compound film offer optimum protection from water vapor and light exposure. The wrapper can be easily adjusted to accommodate a wide range of sizes, counts and product shapes.

Alternatively, the machine can be fitted with ultrasonic sealing technology. Also, a hybrid version using e.g. heat cross sealing and ultrasonic length sealing is available.

This suits specifically well to high packaging speed as well as sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Broad range of options to suit every requirement Bosch’s Seamless Systems for pharmaceutical packaging offer a wide range of features to ensure specific demands can be easily met. The Achema line features a vision system for enhanced quality control. The cameras monitor data such as inline-printed lot numbers, expiration dates, manufacturing dates, 2D code bar which ensures the correct product orientation into the flow wrapper infeed. The flow wrappers can also be expanded to accommodate modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). All components

in contact with the product, such as belts and grippers, can be cleaned quickly and easily. Moreover, all line configurations can be combined with additional inspection devices, handling equipment and secondary packaging solutions.

Layout flexibility and productivity with a single-source solution provider “Every manufacturer has different needs with regards to layout and production goals. This is why we customize solutions to offer the flexibility and capabilities needed to cater for even the most complex applications,” said Joerg Kleiner, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology. “In addition, our Seamless Systems meet the need for a single-source solution supplier and streamlines processes, eliminates bottlenecks and optimizes line productivity. This ensures that our customers have the optimized technology that will help them achieve business goals.”

Thanks to a single HMI for the whole system, operators can easily and safely use the production line.

The uniform design and philosophy allow for additional components to be easily integrated, ensure optimum accessibility throughout the line and provide a good system overview for line clearances. The robust and flexible design allows for quick changeover and maximum uptime while providing consistently high product protection.

Medical Device ASIA | July-August 2015 | 37

SAVE THE DATE: MEDICA AND COMPAMED FROM 16 – 19 NOVEMBER 2015 WITH A NEW SET OF DATES

Welcome

CONTINUING ITS INTERNATIONAL COURSE AND WITH WORLDWIDE UNIQUE INNOVATIONS AND VARIETY For the MEDICA 2015 and COMPAMED 2015 being held in parallel, planning is already running at full blast. In addition, what applies to the Messe Düsseldorf MEDICA team and the teams of partners with regard to devising the subject matter for the accompanying conferences and the forums integrated into specialist trade fair will also apply to 38 | July-August 2015 | Medical Device Asia

the many expected exhibitors and visitors at the MEDICA and the COMPAMED. This is because a new set of dates has to be marked on the calendar for the world’s largest medical trade fair, MEDICA, and the leading international trade fair for suppliers of the medical technology industry, the COMPAMED. From this year on, both events will run in Düsseldorf of the course of four days in parallel to each other,

meaning on the new weekdays from Monday to Thursdays, this year from 16 to 19 November.

“This significant change is the result of the intensive evaluation of exhibitor and visitor surveys as well as coordination with industry associations. Focusing on the “normal” working days of the week – instead of Wednesday to Saturday as was the case up until now – will

make it possible to provide better guest distribution for the professional audience across the entire running time in the future, enabling exhibitor presentations as well as their stand infrastructure to be utilised in a more consistent manner,” explained Joachim Schäfer, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf.

A central strength of the MEDICA is that it not only deals with solutions for individual medical specialist disciplines at a single place and a single time, but for the complete “workflow” of patient treatment. This year, once again, 4,800 exhibitors from more than 60 nations will use the MEDICA in order to present the entire range of new products, services and processes for inpatient and outpatient care. No other event worldwide even offers close to this abundance of innovations.

For example, a noticeable increase in booking with regard to the exhibition space has been recorded from the USA, China, the Nether-

lands, France, Spain, South Korea, and Turkey or also from Saudi Arabia.

Clearly structured according to hall, focuses of the MEDICA trade fair include: Electromedicine/medical technology (more than 2,500 exhibitors), laboratory technology/ diagnostics, physiotherapy/ orthopaedic technology, commodities and consumables, information and communication technology, medical furniture and specialist furnishings for hospitals and doctors’ offices.

CONFERENCES CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRADE FAIR The high degree of internationality on the provider side is reflected on the visitor side at the MEDICA. From the almost 130,000 specialist visitors that visited the MEDICA in the previous year, more than every second was an international visitors (from a total of around 120 nations).

In recent years, to also meet the

needs of the professional public in the future, the programme of the accompanying conferences and the forms integrated into the trade fair have been radically restructured and aligned at a more international level with many highlights in the English language.

Also this year again, the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE that was first organised in 2014 by the Germany Society for Internal Medicine (DGIM), is offering an impressive interdisciplinary program.

Key topics for the individual conference days provide for a clearly arranged content-related profile. Going by the conference motto “Science Meets Medical Technology”, the four daily topics have been selected in such a way that they result in a close integration with the trade fairs’s medical technological innovations.

Key topics at this year’s MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE include: Surgery and new operational techniques (16/11), imaging,

endoscopy and interventions (17/ 11), geriatrics, nutritional medicine and palliative care (18/11) as well as infectiology, infection and laboratory medicine (19/11).

Custom-made offers for trends and innovations With reference to the conference programme, being oriented toward those interested, belonging to important target groups, MEDICA is also ensuring that what is being further offered will also be linked to the topics of the trade fair. An example of this includes the 38th German Hospital Day, a leading event for the directors and management of German hospitals that, in addition to current political topics, sheds light on the topic of “practical issues”, e.g. aspects of hospital IT and human resource management.

This year, the German Hospital Day will be complemented by the European Hospital Conference, which takes place every two years, being a gathering for top decision-

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 39

makers from European hospitals for the purpose of exchanging their expertise.

The conference for disaster and military medicine, DiMiMED, as well as the MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE (respectively on 17 + 18 November 2015/ Congress Center Düsseldorf South), concerning prevention issues and sports medical treatment concepts must be noted. It has to do with conferences held in the English language that are geared for an international audience.

For high-level representatives from military ranks, MEDICA exhibitors are, for example, offering an abundance of solutions for very special issues – ranging from equipment for emergency treatment, telemedicine applications for the secure transfer of data between vehicles and military hospitals to a complete array of surgery equipment all the way to customized turnkey building modules.

The same is true of the “bridge building” between the MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE and the innovations being presented as part of the trade fair. This is because modern performance diagnostics can make use of technology that is more compact and used in close contact with the body. So-called wearables and smartwatches are on the rise.

Sensors detect a great variety of vital signs that could be of relevance for sports medicine specialists providing treatment from a therapeutic point of view. Those making a round in hall 15 at the MEDICA will, for example, be quite convinced that the uncomfortable chest harness for collecting body parameters will soon already be obsolete in light of the exhibitor presentations at the Wearable Technologies Show. Heart rate, oxygen saturation or body temperature can also be determined using fine sensors integrated into textiles, ear clips or plug-in attachments for

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smartphones. The MEDICA PHYSIO CONFERENCE organised by the Thieme Publishing House is also dedicated to trend topics. With its treatment oriented presentations, it is directed toward the professional scene of physiotherapists, sports medicine specialists and orthopaedists and is taking place this year on 18 + 19 November / Congress Center Düsseldorf South).

Forums directly at the trade fair In addition to the MEDICA conference programme, the numerous forums integrated directly into the trade fair convey significant developments. In hall 15, these respectively include the MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM (innovations in telemedicine) and the MEDICA CONNECTED HEALTHCARE FORUM (solutions for the digital networking of healthcare players + the MEDICA App Competition) as well as the MEDICA TECH FORUM (medical technology industry innovations as well as political, economic and legal

framework conditions for the field of high-tech medicine/hall 12).

Furthermore, a great deal of significance has been given to the MEDICA ECON FORUM (hall 15), jointly initiated by Messe Düsseldorf and the "Techniker Krankenkasse" (TK), a German health insurance company, on issues of benefit assessment and funding innovation, primarily from the perspective of patients and cost bearers.

COMPAMED – suppliers as innovation drivers Modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures do not only require a high level of product development expertise on the part of the medical technology industry, but also on the part of its suppliers that are being presented as part of the COMPAMED 2015. From 16 to 19 November, in halls 8a and 8b, more than 700 exhibitors are again presenting their technological solutions and service offers for

various requirements profiles and tasks of medical technology providers – from new materials, components, primary products, packaging and services such as spare parts handling for example all the way to complete custom manufacturing. Here, microsystem technology solutions for mobile diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy systems are particularly trendy, whereby currently the field of optical processes is particularly being developed on a dynamic level. For example, microcomponents for minimally invasive diagnostics must be mentioned or also optical components for use with laboratory equipment. This unique combination allows MEDICA and COMPAMED to represent the entire process chain and the full range of medical products, devices, and instruments. Together, they fill the whole Dßsseldorf trade fair complex (19 halls). As in previous years, it is possible to visit both events with a single ticket.

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 41

The COMPAMED Spring Convention gives a little taste of the trend topics in the run-up to the COMPAMED 2015 Light as a universal tool in the field of medicine technology

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or many years, light has been an aid in the field of medicine that cannot be done without.

Photonic procedures today in the fields of endoscopy, laser surgery, lab-on-a-chip systems, biomedical optical sensors, as well as other fields, are indispensable. Against this background, the 9th COMPAMED Spring Convention (7 May in Frankfurt am Main), which the Messe Düsseldorf has organised together with the microtechnology association, IVAM, took place this year

under the motto “Glimmer of hope for medical technology – photonic applications for diagnosis and therapy procedures”, thereby giving a first outlook regarding the trends of the COMPAMED 2015 in Düsseldorf. With more than 700 exhibitors, for the first time, the internationally leading trade fair for medical technology suppliers is taking place completely parallel to the world’s largest medical trade fair, MEDICA 2015 (approx. 4,800 exhibitors), from 16 to 19 November. From now on, it will be held on the new days running from Monday to Thursday.

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In particular, the fields of application of modern lasers are becoming ever more numerous. Lasers cut with a great deal more precision than any scalpel and they are additionally capable of fusing tissue together.

This focused beam of light is also the tool of choice for removing stones in the body. In addition, lasers are superior to other technologies such as electrosurgery and sound-wave techniques, when it comes to cutting and removing soft tissue. Photonics have made particular progress in the case of minimally invasive operations. In addition, endoscopy entailing

viewing into the body with specific instruments has been successfully implemented and continuously optimised for years. Thereby, the continual improvement of light sources, the guiding of light, and camera systems are decisive factors for being able to operate ever more gently, quicker and with an increasing level of precision.

In the field of medicine, there are also great hopes of being able to see directly into a cell. This objective entails understanding and verifying biological processes at a molecular or cellular level. In doing this, it offers

the chance to recognise and better diagnose diseases at an early stage, and provide more specific treatment for them – with a method for recognising cancer early on, among other things. In the meantime, with the fluorescence microscope developed by Max Planck researcher, Stefan Hell from Göttingen, resolution is so high that individual molecules are visible. For this groundbreaking work on the fluorescence microscope that provides super resolution, he received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2014 together with his American colleagues, Eric Betzig and William Moerner – as well as a distinction in the field of medicine for “using light as tool”.

There is no question about it; biophotonics, laser applications and micro-optics are becoming increasingly more popular in the field

of medicine because these methods are low in risk and patientfriendly. In his keynote speech at the COMPAMED Spring Convention, “Beyond White Light – new imaging modalities for optimising diagnosis and therapy in the field of minimally invasive surgery”, Thorsten Jürgens, the coordinator of technology development at Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe, reported on new imaging procedures that considerably improve possibilities within the scope of microsurgery.

“With Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), it is, for example, possible to identify fine structures and capillary patterns on the surface of mucous membranes. Human tissue absorbs light used here at shorter wavelengths very good. NBI successfully makes use of this characteristic, thus providing additional information that cannot retrieved by means of normal endoscopic images. A filter creates

two 60-nanometre-wide spectrums within the wavelength range of 415 (blue light) and 540 nanometres (green light). The absorbing characteristics of haemoglobin improve the contrast of blood vessels. Due to the various penetration depths of the blue and green light, the anatomical layer where a blood vessel is running can be identified.

Photodynamic Diagnosis (PDD) is also very promising. This method provides in-vivo data that can identify special tumours and is already being used in the field of dermatology and urology. Initially, a photosensitiser is applied that is accumulated in or on the tumour cells. By exposing to light, the dyes fluoresce and the light which is emitted is then detected. Broadband Xenon light sources are used and a filter zeros in on the required

wavelengths from their spectrum. In recent years, new and specific dyes have been developed. “NBI and PDD are already being regularly used in the field of clinical care.” In the future, alternative dyes and colouring agents will make the precise demarcation of risk structures and disease possible,” Thorsten Jürgens explained.

Functionalised nanorods for the early detection of cancer The Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna (AIT), the largest nonuniversity research institute in Austria, has developed several photonic platforms. In this connection, the AIT is participating in the project, NAMDIATREAM (Nanotechnological Toolkits for Multi-Modal Disease Diagnostics and Treatment Monitoring) that is being financed by the EU and should contribute to the early

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 43

detection of cancer based on nanotechnology. Possessing a patent for innovative immunodiagnostics, the AIT created functionalised core-shell nanorods that are very simple to use.

“Readings can already be taken from a patients’ saliva in an ambulance, the best medium for point-of-care applications,” explained Dr. Giorgio C. Mutinati from AIT. The procedure is based on optical changes in the rotational dynamics of magnetic rods that have a magnetic core and a stainless-steel shell. Special molecules from the sample bind to the nanoparticles and by means of this process, alter their physical characteristics and this can be measured. The method has many advantages: Only small quantities of samples are required that are in no need of preparation. The management of “mixing and measuring” is simple and the time required for analysis is short.

Optical microsensors are increasingly becoming more popular in the field of medical technology. The research institute for microsensor technology, CiS, has developed an in-ear sensor that takes pulse and blood oxygen saturation readings in a non-invasive manner and can transmit the data to a recording device. The system for long-term monitoring of vital parameters consists of a miniaturised light source with dimensions of only 0.6 x 0.7 x 1.4 millimetres and laserDoppler sensors. “The measurement principle is based on detecting a frequency shift when laser light is scattered by the components of blood due to the Doppler effect, with the frequency shift being reliant on the flow rate and direction,” explained Dr. Hans-Georg Ortlepp from CiS. By superimposing this on the original wave, interference effects within the measurable range of frequency occur at the detector.

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There are endeavours being made to establish a point of measurement at the entrance of the ear canal. The sensor should be integrated in an earmould so that the measuring unit can be worn like a hearing aid.

Hearing with light Seeing thanks to light is normal, hearing by means of light is a new approach that the CSEM centre (Centre Suisse d’Electronique et de Microtechnique) located in Central Switzerland is pursuing. This is because light is not only being used in the field of diagnostics but also in the field of therapy. Up until now, cochlea implants have functioned via electrical simulation that is, however, limited in many perspectives, such as poor spatial resolution, the so-called crosstalk, for example. With “optical acoustical” stimulation, the CSEM is participating in the EU project entitled ACTION

(ACTive Implant for Optoacoustic Natural sound enhancement). “The project should strengthen the level of hearing of severely hearingimpaired patients by eliminating constraints of spatial and temporal stimulation of cochlea implants that are based on electrical stimulation," emphasized Dr. Stefan Mohrdiek from CSEM. ACTION builds on the discover that pulsed infrared laser light is capable of triggering auditor activity in hair cells. The primary components of the optical microsystem include lasers providing optical stimulation, for which semiconductor laser diodes are favoured, response electrodes as well as connection elements with printed electronic circuits. There are still a lot of challenges to overcome until the implementation of such systems can be achieved. This includes a rigorous level miniaturisation, sophisticated VCSEL lasers for long wavelengths,

biocompatibility, the production of micro-lenses on a wafer basis as well as the possibility of manufacturing them in small batches.

Today, laser radiation is already being used intensively in order to achieve various therapeutic effects ranging from acupuncture to the vaporization of tissue all the way to the removal and disruption (e.g. skin, cartilage and stones).

Furthermore, targeted laser beams are also being used in the field of photodynamic therapy and thermal coagulation. Particularly good effects can be achieved with processes that laterally separate light from glass fibres by means of scattering it in order to irradiate larger surfaces.

Laser- und Medizintechnik Berlin GMBH (LMBT), a laser and medical technology company, has developed related rigid and flexible diffusers for field of laser therapy.

“We have established a new manufacturing technique for polymer diffusers in connection with quartz glass fibre optic cables, for which laser induced scatter centres, so called micro-dots, are inserted into the diffuser material,” explained Dr. Jürgen Helfermann, senior project manager for Biomedical Optics at LMTB. With this, various active lengths between 5 and 30 millimetres can be produced with lateral emission of up to 90 percent.

By means of this, very high levels of laser output higher than 10 watts can be achieved. The wavelengths range from UV to almost infrared. Rigid diffusers have already been established; flexible designs are still in the stage of development.

Laser surgery with real-time control At the COMPAMED Spring Convention, Dr. Alexander Krüger from the Laser Centre in Hannover (LZH)

showed what possibilities are offered by laser surgery under realtime control via optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The laser for cutting tissue can be linked directly to the optical access for imaging. The fully integrated solution jointly uses lasers, scanners and an objective.

As an alternative to this, there are versions that are modularly integrated (joint scanners) and extensively separated. Today, femtosecond and excimer lasers are diversely used instruments in the field of ophthalmic surgery. With these, vitreous bodies in the eye can be specifically changed without injuring the retina or nerves in the process. Today, by means of ultrarapid lasers, innovative cataract, agerelated hyperopia and retina treatments are possible, whereby OCT serves for direct examination. In

the future, it can be expected that laser therapy supported by imaging will conquer other fields of application – all the way to tumour removal, endoscopic brain laser surgery, cutting bones and larynx laser operations.

“Without a doubt, the use of light offers magnificent possibilities in the field of medical technology,” commented Dr. Thomas Dietrich, managing director of the IVAM, summarising the knowledge from this year’s COMPAMED Spring Convention.

Therefore, this extraordinarily diverse topic that contributes to both the fields of diagnostics as well as therapy will also be playing a significant role as part of the COMPAMED 2015 being held from 16 to 19 November in halls 8a and 8b of the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds.

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 45

MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2015: Medical Expertise Meets Technical Know-How • maging, endoscopy and interventions (November 17, 2015) • geriatrics, palliative medicine and nutritional medicine (November 18, 2015) • infectiology, inflammation and laboratory medicine (November 19, 2015) Day tickets for visiting the conference can be purchased.

T

he connection between science and medical technology produces fascinating results that are of great benefit to patients. These results will be the focus of the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE taking place November 16 to 19 in Düsseldorf, in parallel with MEDICA, the world´s largest trade fair for medical technology. Like last year, the German Association for Internal Medicine (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin DGIM), together with Messe Düsseldorf, is organizing the conference, which is intended as a professional development event for all medical fields and for representatives from both academia and industry.

will help conference participants to look beyond disciplinary borders.

The events present future visions and current standards in a diversified and compact way.

Each of the four days of the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE focuses on a different theme - this makes selective participation at the conference easier for day visitors: • surgery and new operative techniques (November 16, 2015)

This year, the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE offers unique, interdisciplinary insight into medical topics and an even stronger focus on innovations from medical technology and engineering. The physical and timely proximity to the MEDICA trade fair is deliberate and allows for exchange between physicians, scientists and industry representatives. Numerous international and national speakers

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Each day, the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE offers participants three parallel events taking place at the same time (meetings) and two courses that fit the theme for the day and that will last the whole day.

Because of this time structure, visitors will be able to compile a personal conference program.

The MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE day ticket entitles the holder to visit the MEDICA trade fair on the same day. After attending a conference day, participants thus

have the opportunity to let themselves be inspired about further innovations in the fields of science and medical technology in the MEDICA trade fair halls. The conference time structure is created in such a way that the final events end at 4:00 pm for all four days.

Then it is just a short walk to the neighboring fair halls to take in the fascinating world of technology. The MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE takes place this year for the first time from Monday to Thursday.

On April 20 at the 121st Convention of Internists in Mannheim, the press conference for the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE will provide an outlook on the conference and its four key topics.

Interested persons can find further information on the conference and a video with images from the MEDICA EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2014 at www.medica-tradefair.com/mec2

Researchers map important enzyme in the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

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anish researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered what controls the enzyme that aids the growth of cancer tumours. These findings could be of great value to cancer treatments; Š panthermedia.net/Jovanche Vitanovski Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered what regulates an enzyme that is central to the growth of cancer tumours. This could be of great value to future cancer treatment. The findings have just been published in the journal, Nature Communications.

The enzyme is called ADAM17 and it aids growth in cells.

"ADAM17 is very important to the

growth of cancer tumours. It functions as a molecular pair of scissors, separating molecules from the cell's surface which then increases cell growth. The problem being that in cancer cells this growth is over-activated and so the cancer tumour grows rapidly and uncontrollably," Postdoc Sarah Dombernowsky explains. She is part of Associate Professor Marie Kveiborg's research group at the Department of Biomedicine & BRICK, at Copenhagen Biocenter.

Researchers from all over the world have long been interested in finding ways to restrict ADAM17 and thus inhibit the growth of cancer tumours. Among other things, they have tried to impede the process with different drugs. However, these drugs also obstructed other

important scissors, which led to patients suffering severer side effects.

This is why it is of such great importance that Dombernowsky and her colleagues have now located a mechanism that controls ADAM17. "We have discovered that the protein PACS-2 plays a big part in the transportation of ADAM17 in cells. ADAM17 moves in and out of the cell, but it has to remain on the surface to be able to cut off molecules and thus further growth. We have showed that without the PACS-2, ADAM17 returns less regularly to the surface; it's broken down instead," Dombernowsky elaborates.

Thus ADAM17 is rendered incapable of helping the cancer tumour grow and it provides us with fundamental knowledge, which may be used to improve future cancer treatments. "There have been attempts at developing a pill to inhibit ADAM17, only the patients became ill due to side effects, because other, similar enzymes were also affected. But if you inhibit PACS-2, you can, in principle, obstruct only ADAM17, which would enable us to inhibit the growth of the cancer tumour," Dombernowsky states. "We're currently experimenting on mice to see if the cancer growth slows down, and it is our distinct expectation that it will. In the long-term, we would like to develop something that through PACS-2 allows us to fine-tune ADAM17, which could then eventually become part of a more targeted cancer treatment," Dombernowsky concludes.

Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 47

Does radiation from X-rays and CT scans really cause cancer?

Studies purporting to show cancer link are badly flawed, researchers find

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n recent years, there has been widespread media coverage of studies purporting to show that radiation from X-rays, CT scans and other medical imaging causes cancer. But such studies have serious flaws, including their reliance on an unproven statistical model, according to a recent article in the journal Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment.

Corresponding author is Loyola University Medical Center radiation oncologist Dr. James Welsh.

"Although radiation is known to cause cancer at high doses and high-dose rates, no data have ever

unequivocally demonstrated the induction of cancer following exposure to low doses and dose rates," Welsh and co-authorDr. Jeffry Siegel write.

Contrary to the LNT model, there is compelling evidence that the human body has evolved the ability to repair damage from low-dose radiation.

Studies that have found a cancer link to medical imaging typically employ a model called "linear no-threshold" (LNT). In LNT, the well-established cancer-causing effects of high doses of radiation are simply extrapolated downward in a straight line to low doses. The LNT model assumes there is no safe dose of radiation, no matter how small.

For example, the mutation rate caused by low-dose background radiation in the environment is 2.5 million times lower than the rate of spontaneous mutations in the body.

So even if the LNT model were true, the small increase in mutations caused by low-dose radiation from medical imaging would be unlikely to overwhelm the body's defenses.

But although LNT is used by regulators around the world, the model "is of questionable validity, utility and applicability for estimation of cancer risks," Welsh and Siegel write.

Studies purporting to find a cancer link to medical imaging radiation have other flaws besides the questionable LNT model. For example, two recent studies suggested possible increased

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cancer risks from low-radiation doses associated with pediatric CT scans. But these cancers likely are due to the medical conditions that prompted the CT scans, and have nothing to do with the radiation exposure, Welsh and Siegel write.

While many people focus on the purported risks of radiation in medical imaging, "the more significant and actual risks associated with not undergoing an imaging procedure or undergoing a more invasive exploratory surgery are generally being ignored in both the scientific literature and the popular media," Welsh and Siegel write.

'Pulse' technology may replenish skin's collagen Tel Aviv University researcher harnesses pulsed electric fields to rejuvenate epidermal function and appearance.

A

team of Tel Aviv University and Harvard Medical School researchers has now devised a non-invasive technique that harnesses pulsed electric fields to generate new skin tissue growth.

According to their research, the novel non-invasive tissue stimulation technique, utilizing microsecondpulsed, high-voltage, non-thermal electric fields, produces scarless skin rejuvenation and may revolutionize the treatment of degenerative skin diseases.

Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, along with other prominent researchers.

"Pulsed electrical field technology has many advantages, which have already proved effective, for example, in food preservation, tumor removal, and wound disinfection," said Golberg. "Our new application may jumpstart the secretion of new collagen and capillaries in problematic skin areas.

Considering that, in the modern era of aging populations and climate change, degenerative skin diseases affect one in three adults over the age of 60, this has the potential to

be an healthcare gamechanger."

Current therapies to rejuvenate skin use various physical and chemical methods to affect cells and the extracellular matrix, but they induce unsightly scarring. Pulsed electric fields, however, affect only the cell membrane itself, preserving the extracellular matrix architecture and releasing multiple growth factors to spark new cell and tissue growth. By inducing nanoscale defects on the cell membranes, electric fields cause the death of a small number of cells in affected areas. The released growth factors increase the metabolism of the remaining cells, generating new tissue.

"We have identified in rats the specific pulsed electric field parameters that lead to prominent proliferation of the epidermis, formation of microvasculature, and secretion of new collagen at treated areas without scarring," said Golberg. "Our results suggest that pulsed electric fields can improve skin function and potentially serve as a novel non-invasive skin therapy for multiple degenerative skin diseases."

The researchers are currently developing a low-cost device for use in clinical trials in order to test the safety and efficacy of the technology in humans.

The study, published recently in Scientific Reports, was led by Dr. Alexander Golberg of TAU's Porter School of Environmental Studies and the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, in collaboration with Dr. William J. Austen, Jr. from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Martin L. Yarmush at the Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Medical Device Asia | July-August 2015 | 49

Launch of

National Health Innovation Portal as a platform to boost the innovation sector in public health

Heart attack treatment hypothesis ‘busted’ Basic research seriously challenges a long-standing hope that blocking calcium from entering energy-making mitochondria inside heart cells could prevent heart attack damage.

Researchers have long had reason to hope that blocking the flow of calcium into the mitochondria of heart and brain cells could be one way to prevent damage caused by heart attacks and strokes. But in a study of mice engineered to lack a key calcium channel in their heart cells, Johns Hopkins scientists appear to have cast a shadow of doubt on that theory.

A report on their study is published online this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“We confirmed that this calcium channel is important for heart function,” says senior investigator Mark Anderson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “But our results also showed that this is almost certainly not going to be a good pathway to exploit in a long-term therapy, at least for heart attacks.” The experiments by Anderson and his team grew out of increased understanding in recent years of the role of calcium in heart function. With each beat of the organ, molecules of calcium whiz in and out of tiny compartments called mitochondria that are powerhouses of heart and other cells.

M

inistry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India launched a national initiative for innovation on 2nd of July 2015. Inaugurating the National Summit on Healthcare Innovations at Shimla, JP Nadda launched the national innovation portal. The national innovation portal has been made to facilitate the innovators to boost the innovations in public healthcare.

National Health Innovation Portal is being launched to serve as a platform in public domain to facilitate collection and dissemination of good practices and innovations that are found to be replicable.

This portal would serve as a gateway for integrating innovations into mainstream healthcare and has potential to bring about transformative improvements in healthcare delivery by accelerating the uptake of successful innovations of products, processes and programs.

The National Healthcare Innovations Portal is an attempt to pool-in and showcase innovative programs designs, practices, technology solutions and products across public and private healthcare sector of India. These solutions have either demonstrated abilities to address health systems challenges in specific contexts or hold a promise for future. This platform will act as an inspiration to health entrepreneurs as well as provide newer program designs, devices and approaches to cover those in greatest need of healthcare.

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Inside the mitochondria, calcium is generally a good thing - it helps generate energy that the cells use to stay alive. But for almost half a century, researchers have also known that too much mitochondrial calcium can overwhelm and cause cells to die. And after a heart attack or stroke, a sudden rush of calcium into the organelles sets off this cell death pathway, leading to long-term damage. Thus, the possibility of saving heart and brain cells by blocking this influx of calcium, Anderson says, has long been a hope, one fed a few years ago when scientists discovered the specific channel that allows calcium to pass in and out of the mitochondria, known as the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU).

With the new knowledge, Anderson and colleagues set out to test the effects of blocking calcium from mitochondria by generating genetically altered mice with a mutation that disabled heart MCU function over the entire lifetime of the mice and blocked calcium flow to mitochondria in heart muscle cells.

Although almost no calcium passed into the mitochondria of their cardiomyocytes, Anderson says, their hearts still beat and developed normally. But when his team stressed the mice in a way that would normally cause an increase in heart rate, the mice’s heart rates only barely rose, and their heart muscles lost efficiency, requiring extra oxygen to function.

In further experiments, when the scientists cut off oxygen to the cardiomyocytes and then restarted it - mimicking what happens during some heart attacks - the cells still died, even though calcium in the mitochondria clearly wasn’t causing the cell death, Anderson says.

Instead, the cardiomyocytes, Anderson’s group discovered, were compensating for the lack of calcium by activating other cell death pathways and turning on a host of new genes to get that job done.

Blocking calcium from the mitochondria, it turned out, just changed the way the cells died after a heart attack.

HOW TO RELIEVE LOWER BACK PAIN WITH STRETCHES AND MASSAGE hip (sacrum) Compression, kneading and friction motions on top of the gluteus Below are some of the muscles treated by these techniques: Erector Spinae Quadratus Lumborum Gluteal muscles Piriformis Stretching and Massage Tips: Stretches can be done at least once per day, more if needed.

Hold stretches for 15–20 seconds.

Receiving a massage every 2–4 weeks is recommended for maintaining healthy tissues.

For chronic pain, massage is recommended 1–2 times per week.

How to Maintain a Healthy Lower Back

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as sitting at the computer left you with an aching lower back? Some occupations require long hours of computer use.

It’s not unusual for office workers, from medical billing and coding specialists to data entry personal, to suffer from repetitive workplace injuries, which have increased in recent years. Lower back pain is a common one. In this video, a certified massage therapist and instructor from Carrington College demonstrates how to ease tension in your lower back through stretching and massage techniques.

3 Stretches for Lower Back Pain What causes lower back pain? In general, the static position of sitting naturally leads to poor posture and strains the lower back. If you’re wondering how to relieve the pain in this area, lower back stretches are a good place to start. Here are

three: Knee to Chest – Lie on a flat surface with your legs stretched out in front of you. Bring one knee toward your chest, using your hands to help gently pull the leg and hold it in position. Repeat with the other leg.

Crossed-Leg Stretch – While lying down on your back, cross the left leg over so the left foot rests just above the knee on your right leg.

Bend and lift the right leg toward the chest. Grab the back of your right thigh as you lift to help extend the stretch and pull the leg as close to the chest as possible. If you have difficulty reaching the thigh, you can wrap a towel or strap around the thigh and pull the ends toward you.

Remain flat at all times during this exercise, without lifting the head or shoulders.

Cross and Twist – Lying flat on your back, cross the right foot over the

left knee, resting the foot flat on the floor. Gently twist the lower body to the left while the shoulders stay flat to the floor. Use the left hand to pull the right knee forward and down toward the floor for a complete stretch. Repeat on the other side.

Massage Therapy Techniques In addition to lower back pain stretches, specific types of massage can be extremely effective in lower back pain relief. If you’re unable to receive a professional massage, you could show a loved one how to apply some of the lower back massage techniques that a certified massage therapist would use. And then return the favor!

These two techniques are commonly used during a massage for lower back: Circular friction motions along the sides of the spine and around the

In addition to lower back pain stretches and massage therapy, other home remedies for lower back pain include good posture and frequent breaks from sitting. All it takes is a few minutes per day to maintain back health and avoid repetitive workplace injury.

Massage Therapy Training Program

Massage therapists are trained and respected health care providers who work closely with patients and other health care professionals.

While attending the Carrington College massage therapy training program, students study a wide range of massage therapy techniques as they prepare for a career in the healthcare field. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help others feel better through massage therapy, please contact us today. Carrington College offers massage therapy programs, as well as other healthcare degree programs, at campuses throughout the country.

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First-ever possible treatments for MERS

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s the South Korean epidemic of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) continues unabated, researchers have raced to find treatments for the deadly virus, which has killed more than 400 people since it was first discovered three years ago in Saudi Arabia.

Now, scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have discovered and validated two therapeutics that show early promise in preventing and treating the disease, which can cause severe respiratory symptoms, and has a death rate of 40 percent. These therapeutics are the first to succeed in protecting and treating animal models of the MERS virus. The study

appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

"While early, this is very exciting, and has real potential to help MERS patients," says a lead researcher on the study, Prof. Matthew B. Frieman, an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We hope that clinical study will progress on these two antibodies to see whether they can eventually be used to help humans infected with the virus."

The two antibodies, REGN3051 and REGN3048, showed an ability to neutralize the virus. This research, done in collaboration with a

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biopharmaceutical company, used several of the company's proprietary technologies to search for and validate effective antibodies targeting the virus.

MERS was first discovered in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. It appears that the disease spread to humans from camels, who may themselves been infected by bats. Research has shown that it is similar to Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS); both are caused by Coronaviruses, both cause respiratory problems, and both are often fatal.

The paper also announced the development a novel strain of mice, which will help scientists understand the disease and look for treatments.

This work relied on Regeneron's VelociGene technology to create partially humanized mice that can be infected with MERS. "Mice are typically not susceptible to MERS," said Frieman, who is an expert on both MERS and SARS, as well as other emerging viruses. "This new mouse model will significantly boost our ability to study potential treatments and help scientists to understand how the virus causes disease in people." The South Korean outbreak began last month when a traveler returned from Saudi Arabia, and infected many people before officials realized he had the disease. So far, around 180 people have been infected in South Korea, and nearly 30 have died.

CES 2015: AMAZING NEW MEDICAL DEVICES YOU HAVE TO SEE

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he international 2015 Consumer Electronics show took place in Las Vegas on January 6, and there were many innovative new products that may prove beneficial to the medical community. Bluetooth and smartphone technology now allows medical professionals to monitor the health of their patients from afar, and helps us all to lead healthier lives.

Here are just a few of the best new products that are bound to make a splash in healthcare.

BewellConnect BEWELL CES 2015 CuffA subsidiary of Visimed group, Bewell is a French company that has created numerous products for the health and wellness market utilizing Bluetooth technology. Among their products are MyThermo, a no-contact thermometer which could be used by a nurse to monitor fluctuations in temperature; MyTensio, a wireless cuff that monitors your blood pressure over a period of time; and MyOxy, which helps you to determine and control your oxygen saturation. All of these products transmit information to one app on your smart phone or tablet, and cost between $100-200 USD per item.

around, which might be helpful to physical therapist assistant. The MightySat is small and compact, making it easy for an athlete or anyone else to take with them wherever they go. It also utilizes Bluetooth technology, and the accompanying app is available for both Apple and Android phones.

Lechal Lechal CES 2015The India-based company Ducere Technologies was founded with the idea of helping the blind or visually impaired to navigate the world better. The Lechal insole slips into any ordinary walking shoe and utilizes Bluetooth technology to sync up to a user’s phone and guide them with simple vibrations through voice commands.

There’s even an interactive charger that also responds to audio cues, which can also be used with the Lechal shoe. The Lechal system is also useful for those with perfect vision: the corresponding app allows the user to track your workouts and set fitness goals. In the future, the company would like to incorporate other features that help with posture, measuring steps taken, and more, in order to further help the wellness community.

and can be set to notify you if a friend or family member forgets to take their pills. Pharmacists may want to consider encouraging their patients to purchase this smart technology for $80.

TRiCELLA

FitBark

TRiCELLA CES 2015This health technology company offers a unique way to remember to take your medications. The Liif pillbox is connected to a smart phone app that reminds the user to take their pills at designated times. Your app can even be synced to other boxes,

FitBark CES 2015Dog owners and veterinary technicians alike should get excited for FitBark. Comparable to the human Fitbit, FitBark is a small $99 device that hooks onto your dogs collar and connects wirelessly to a smartphone app, allowing you to monitor your pet’s health, from his daily activity to his sleep schedule. A database allows vet techs or owners of multiple pets to keep track of this data and compare it to others, and help determine what’s best for each individual dog. There’s even an optional WiFi base station, which allows you to monitor multiple dogs from afar.

Masimo Masimo CES 2015Similar to the MyOxy, Masimo’s MightySat measures oxygen saturation and pulse rates to the user. Using the patient’s finger, the MightySat is unique in that it can track a patient’s results even if they are moving

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KiCoPen KiCoPen CES 2015The latest insulin injector on the market comes from Cambridge Consultants. While other smart injection pens exist, the KiCoPen is unique in that it keeps track of each injection without relying on a battery or other methods that leave room for error. Instead, the energy harvesting technology utilizes a simple chip, and sends all of your information to a smart phone app so that you have it. Nurses and medical assistants may find great use in demonstrating and recommending this product to patients with diabetes.

Skulpt Skulpt CES 2015 DemoFitness technology is taken to a new level with the Skulpt Aim: a device that uses EIM technology to measure your MQ, or muscle quality. This helps the user to determine how effective their workout is. With measurements including muscle density, fat percentage of a particular area, and more, the Aim is a useful tool for fitness enthusiasts as well as physical therapy patients who are looking to regain muscle mass following an injury. For $199, this device will be compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones, and can track up to six different users.

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