Joaquín Azpiroz Leehan

Effect of Malnutrition on K+ Current in T Lymphocytes

ABSTRACT Severe malnutrition in children is frequently associated with infectious diseases. Animal models have been useful for studying the effects of malnutrition. One of the immunosuppressive mechanisms of malnutrition is inhibition of the activation of T lymphocytes. The voltage-dependent K(V) potassium channels are vital for the activation of T lymphocytes. The blockade of K(V) channels inhibits the activation of T lymphocytes. Malnutrition could affect the suitable synthesis of K(V) channels in T lymphocytes, producing changes in the magnitude and/or dependency of the voltage of the K+ current. We reported a significant decrease in the K+ current and activation to a 20 mV more positive membrane potential in T lymphocytes of rats with severe malnutrition. These results indicate that the diminution in the K+ conductance by alteration of K(V) channels in severe malnutrition is one of the mechanisms that inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes.

Analysis of the impact of medical technology assessment subjects on BME Curricula

This paper presents and analyzes the factors that have arisen on the implementation of the medical technology assessment and management courses, and the academic methodologies used to deal with them. Five courses that cover topics as Technology Management, Health Economics, Quality Assessment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship were designed as electives for BME curriculum and have been taught for the last two years. The activities carried out within the courses are described and their impact on the comprehension of the course contents are presented. Also, several elements and factors pertaining to the teaching-learning process are discussed. Future perspectives for the students that follow this sub-specialty branch of the BME curriculum are presented.

Knowledge network for medical technology management in Mexico

OBJECTIVES The role of biomedical engineers (BMEs) has changed widely over the years, from managing a group of technicians to the planning of large installations and the management of medical technology countrywide. As the technology has advanced, the competence of BMEs has been challenged because it is no longer possible to be an expert in every component of the technology involved in running a hospital. Our approach has been to form a network of professionals that are experts in different fields related to medical technology, where work is coordinated to provide high quality services at the planning and execution stages of projects related to medical technology. METHODS A study of the procedures involved in the procurement of medical technology has been carried out over the years. These experiences have been compared with several case studies where the approach to problem solving in this area has been multidisciplinary. Planning and execution phases of projects involving medical technology management have been identified. RESULTS After several instances of collaboration among experts from different fields, a network for management of healthcare technology has been formed at our institution that incorporates the experience from different departments that were dealing separately with projects involving medical technology. CONCLUSIONS This network has led us to propose this approach to solve medical technology management projects, where the strengths of each subgroup complement each other. This structure will lead to a more integrated approach to healthcare technology management and will ensure higher quality solutions.

A hardware image compression subsystem for a NuBus-based workstation in a Picture Archiving and Communication System environment

We present a medical image compression system for NuB us-based workstations in a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) environment. The architecture of the system can accept multiple Digital Signal Processors (DSP) and is well suited to different image compression techniques such as full-frame discrete cosine transform and image compression using wavelet functions and vector quantization.

Linear and Non-Linear Electrical Properties in Peptidergic Neurons of Crayfish Procambarus Clarkii and Cherax Quadricarinatus

Abstract This work presents a comparative study of the electrophysiological properties of the peptidergic neurons in crayfish Procambarus clarkii and Cherax quadricarinatus. Recordings were made in order to determine the linear and non-linear properties of electrical activity in these neurons. Charge curves were obtained in order to carry out measurements of the input resistance and the determination of the electrotonic length as part of the linear properties of these cells. Different recordings of the action potentials and the ionic currents are presented as part of their non-linear properties. The electrotonic length in P. clarkii was 0.8253 ± 0.1311 and 1.7616 ± 0.4726 in C. quadricarinatus. The input resistance in P. clarkii was 92.4 ± 23.2 MΩ and 56.46 ± 17.2 MΩ in C. quadricarinatus. Silent neurons were recorded (53% in P. clarkii and 60 % in C. quadricarinatus) as well as tonic neurons (35% and 28% in each species respectively) and neurons responding with action potential bursts (12% for both species). We found potassium currents in both species that differ mostly in magnitude. Finally, we discuss the differences that were found in the electrical properties of the neurosecretory cells in crustaceans.

Methodology for the design of a PACS in a small provincial hospital

This paper describes the design and implantation issues for a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) in a 60-bed provincial hospital. Considerations such as the state of the imaging equipment, preventive maintenance, use and misuse of the equipment and the difficulties regarding migration to an all-digital imaging unit are discussed, as well as the criteria for the selection of the imaging modalities. Finally a design is proposed with four imaging modalities that use open-source database and display workstations. The system is currently under evaluation for possible reproduction in as many as 60 small clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

New continuing education programs for hospital and clinical engineering

This paper describes the new continuing education efforts that are being made to offer degrees more in tune with the career path for clinical engineering or for engineers working at different hospitals. Following an analysis of the issues regarding the field of hospital engineering in Mexico, and the type pf professionals that provide this service, we have implemented a series of programs in order to provide a full spectrum of educational opportunities in biomedical engineering. Since the conventional research-oriented graduate program is doing well, and the number of faculty that is interested in clinical engineering is growing, we now offer professional development track for engineers working inside the hospital environment.