CMI Express Blog

Transitional Care Management Service What are TCM Services? TCM services are clinical services provided by clinicians such as physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants during care transitions from one care setting to another. The goal of these services is to help ensure the safe handoff of a patient from one level of care to another and bridge the gaps that often occur during transitions. Why are TCM Services Important? Transitional Care Management Services  ransitions are particularly vulnerable periods that can lead to medical errors, rehospitalizations or other adverse events if not properly managed. Studies have shown that around 20% of Medicare patients discharged from a hospital are readmitted within 30 days, often due to post-discharge complications or a lack of follow-up care. Transitional Care Management Services aim to address key issues like medication reconciliation, patient education and ensuring follow-up care is set up...

Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment Introduction Hyperthermia involves using heat to damage and kill cancer cells. While surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been the mainstay conventional cancer treatments, hyperthermia offers an alternative approach with fewer side effects. In this article, we will explore what hyperthermia is, how it works, different types of hyperthermia treatment and its potential as an effective therapy option either alone or combined with other treatments. What is Hyperthermia? Hyperthermia Cancer Treatment refers to raising the temperature of tumors or the entire body to around 106°F or higher through non-invasive or minimally invasive means. Temperatures up to 113°F are generally used in hyperthermia treatment. The heat is usually delivered through radiofrequency, microwave or ultrasound waves, infrared radiation or hot water. The mild to moderate heat generated damages and kills cancer cells or makes them more sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy. ...

Herpes Simplex Virus Treatmen t Overview of Herpes Simplex Viruses Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are members of the herpesviridae family. HSV-1 is generally associated with oral herpes (cold sores), whereas HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. However, either type can cause infections in both locations. After the initial infection, herpes simplex viruses establish latency in the nerve cells and may reactivate periodically to cause recurrent lesions. Current Antiviral Medications The Herpes Simplex Virus Treatment current standard treatments for herpes outbreaks are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These drugs work to inhibit the viral DNA polymerase enzyme, interrupting the virus's replication cycle. They can help shorten symptom duration and heal lesions when taken during an outbreak. Acyclovir is generally prescribed as a topical cream for oral herpes and oral capsules for genital herpes. However, its bioavailabil...

Haptic Technology For Mobile Device Introduction to Haptics Haptics refers to the sense of touch and our ability to feel texture, vibration and motion. In recent years, haptic technology for mobile device has made great advancements in integrating tactile feedback into digital devices like smartphones and tablets. This technology enhances the user experience by mimicking real-world tactile sensations through various haptic feedback methods. Vibration Motors One of the most common forms of Haptic Technology For Mobile Devices are vibration motors. Small linear resonant actuators or eccentric rotating mass motors are embedded inside devices and can provide basic vibration patterns. When triggered by certain on-screen interactions like notifications or UI elements, they subtly buzz the device. This adds an immersive tactile layer that improves usability. For example, vibration confirms button presses or menu selections. It also alerts users to calls, messages and other events discreetly...

Greenhouse Produce   Introduction to Greenhouse Growing Greenhouse farming has become increasingly popular among growers seeking to maximize production levels and extend growing seasons. By utilizing the protected environment of a greenhouse structure, farmers are able to carefully control temperature, light, humidity and other climate variables to stimulate plant growth. This allows for the successful cultivation of many crops throughout the winter months and in cooler regions that may have shorter growing seasons outdoors. Some key advantages of greenhouse growing include: - Year-round production: With environmental controls, greenhouse crops can be grown all year without rest periods typically necessitated by wintry weather. This provides a continuous supply - Higher yields: Optimal growing conditions translate to larger, healthier plants and greater crop yields compared to outdoor cultivation in less-than-ideal climates. - Protection from elements: Greenhouse Produce shi...

Flexible Hybrid Electronics Introduction to Flexible Hybrid Electronics Flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) is an emerging technology that combines the functionality of rigid electronics with the mechanical properties of flexible materials. By incorporating both electronic and ionic components on plastic or rubber substrates, FHE allows for electronic circuits and devices to be lightweight, form-fitting, and durable. This new class of electronics has significant potential across many industries by enabling devices and products not possible with traditional silicon electronics. Materials and Fabrication Methods Flexible Hybrid Electronics Many new material systems are being developed and optimized to enable FHE. Conductive inks made from silver nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes allow traces and interconnects to be printed or coated on thin plastic films using additive manufacturing techniques. Flexible displays require transparent conductors such as silver nanowire films or graphene in...

Biosimilars Introduction to Biosimilars Biosimilars are biologic medical products that are developed to be similar to an already approved biologic drug, known as the reference product or originator biologic. Biosimilars contain similar active ingredients to the originator biologic and rely on similar manufacturing processes to that of the originator. However, biosimilars are not considered to be generics, as biologics tend to be much larger and more complex molecules than conventional small molecule drugs. Due to their complex nature, biologics cannot be perfectly replicated and thus biosimilars demonstrate certain acceptable differences from the reference product. Regulatory Approval Process for Biosimilars Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed stringent approval pathways for biosimilars to demonstrate their similarity to the reference products. Biosimilars applicants must conduct analytical, animal, and clinical studies to prove bio...

Digital Stethoscope: What is a Digital Stethoscope? A digital stethoscope is an electronic medical device that digitally converts, records, and transmits heart and lung sounds. It works similarly to a traditional acoustic stethoscope but utilizes a sensor in the chest piece to convert acoustic sounds into digital signals. These digital signals are then processed by a small computer within the handle of the stethoscope. The sounds can then be heard through headphones or speakers or stored on a computer for later playback and analysis. Some key components of a Digital Stethoscope include a piezoelectric sensor or microphone in the chest piece, an analog-to-digital converter, digital signal processor, memory, battery, and headphones or speakers. The chest piece collects the sounds while the electronics in the handle amplify, filter, and transmit the signals. Digital stethoscopes connect to apps, computers, and networks via wired USB connections or wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi allowing fo...

Digital Printing  The digital printing revolution began in the 1970s with the development of non-impact dot matrix and inkjet printers for desktop use. These printers utilized early digital imaging technologies to rapidly and efficiently output text and basic graphics. Initially the quality was poor compared to traditional printing methods. However, steady improvements were made to the printheads and inks which increased resolution and allowed for more complex color reproduction. By the 1990s, desktop inkjet printers and color laser printers were commonly found in homes and offices around the world. These provided an affordable way for individuals and small businesses to produce short-run color documents internally. Improvements in Resolution and Speed As Digital Printing  moved beyond the desktop, greater investments were made in R&D to develop higher-performance systems. Continuous improvements have been made to printing consumables like printheads, inks, and toners ...

Cloud Seeding What is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds by dispersing certain substances into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, which alter the microphysical processes within the cloud. The usual intended result of cloud seeding is to increase precipitation (rain or snow depending on temperature), but hail and fog suppression are also targeted sometimes. How Does It Work? Cloud Seeding  with substances like silver iodide, dry ice, or salt allows additional water droplets or ice crystals to form which makes the clouds more likely to precipitate. In cold clouds (below freezing point), cloud seeders disperse silver iodide flares or generators on the ground or from airplanes. The silver iodide particles provide sites for water molecule attachment in super-cooled clouds, allowing ice crystals to multiply from a few to billions. When the ice crystals get ...

  E-Rickshaw What is an E-rickshaw? An E-rickshaw, also known as battery operated auto or electric rickshaw, is a three-wheeled electric vehicle that is used for transportation of passengers as well as goods over short distances within cities and towns. E-rickshaws have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in developing countries like India due to their affordability and eco-friendly nature. History The history of E-Rickshaw can be traced back to the 1930s when they were introduced in Japan. However, it was not until the late 1990s and early 2000s that they started gaining traction in India. With rising fuel prices and growing pollution levels in urban areas, E-rickshaws offered a viable alternative to petrol or CNG autorickshaws. By 2010, E-rickshaws had become mainstream in several Indian cities and are now a common sight on roads. How do E-rickshaws work? E-rickshaws are battery-powered vehicles that run on a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. The battery ...

Car Clear Coat What is Clear Coat ? Clear coat is a transparent coating that is applied over the painted surfaces of automotive finishes. It forms a protective layer that seals in the color coat and base coat, shielding it from damaging environmental elements like UV rays, acid rain, tree sap and other contaminants. Clear coat creates a brilliant shine and glossy reflection while protecting the vivid color and smooth surface of your paint job. Applying Clear Coat When you get a new paint job done, the technician will first spray on primer which acts as an adhesive layer. Then the color coat containing the pigment that gives the car its distinctive hue is applied. Following this, a clear coat material is sprayed as the topmost layer. This coating dries hard and forms a durable, long-lasting shell over the color coat underneath. Professional painters apply multiple thin coats of clear coat using spray guns, with brief drying time between each pass to ensure optimum coverage and an impecc...