Power of Parametric: Methods to Validate Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Parametric Release.

When approaching an ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization validation, medical device manufacturers traditionally have two choices. They can use biological indicators (BIs) to monitor each production run or establish a parametric release process in which sterile release is based on the monitoring and control of physical process parameters that ensure process specifications are met. In ISO 11135:2014, parametric release was brought to the forefront as an acceptable release method; however, a perception exists that implementing parametric release is challenging and time consuming.

Palliative Care Interventions Effects on Psychological Distress: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.

Background: Managing psychological distress is an objective of palliative care. No meta-analysis has evaluated whether palliative care reduces psychological distress.

Objectives: Examine the effects of palliative care on depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress for adults with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.

Synthesis and in vivo behaviour of an exendin-4-based MRI probe capable of β-cell-dependent contrast enhancement in the pancreas.

Global rates of diabetes mellitus are increasing, and treatment of the disease consumes a growing proportion of healthcare spending across the world. Pancreatic β-cells, responsible for insulin production, decline in mass in type 1 and, to a more limited degree, in type 2 diabetes. However, the extent and rate of loss in both diseases differs between patients resulting in the need for the development of novel diagnostic tools, which could quantitatively assess changes in mass of β-cells over time and potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatments.

First Trimester Prenatal Care Initiation Among Hispanic Women Along the U.S.-Mexico Border.

Background First trimester prenatal care (FTPNC) is associated with improved birth outcomes. U.S.