'Science' celebrates the art of visualization

On February 18, Science announced the results of the annual International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge, 2010 edition. The competition, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, recognizes the best of the best in creating visualizations that demonstrate scientific principles across a wide range of research fields. The winners spanned medical, environmental science, physics, and astrophysics in categories including illustration, photography, non-interactive multimedia, and informational graphics. Be sure to check out the slide show, especially slide 15, "Non-interactive media: Visualization of the Whole Brain Catalog" for an interesting illustrated journey into the workings of a mouse brain.

In pediatric surgery, crystal clear visualizations will be key to allowing surgeons and radiologists to see their surgical fields with greater precision, no matter how small the child or where in the body the surgeon is operating. Today, the engineers and clinicians in the Bioengineering Initiative of the Sheikh Zayed Institute develop ways for existing medical imaging technology to become more precise. This work includes image fusion, which involves overlaying one imaging modality over another for greater depth of vision. Long term, the team plans to investigate effective ways to apply sophisticated simulation tools in training and surgical preparation as well.

The images selected by the "Challenge" demonstrate the promise of the latest visualization technologies, which are now capable of recreating in amazing detail the smallest particles and largest scientific quandaries. It's not just the technology, though, but the artistry and creativity in how the technology is applied that makes these images remarkable and innovative.

Health Authority-Abu Dhabi and Children’s National Lead the World in Detecting Critical Infant Heart Defects

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi together with Children’s National Medical Center announced the rollout of a newborn screening program in Abu Dhabi for critical cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCCHD), the most serious form of congenital heart disease (CHD).

In January, a team from the Children’s National visited all regions of Abu Dhabi to meet with representatives from their twenty-three maternity hospitals and to present the scientific background and methodology of the pulse oximetry screening test. Congenital heart disease is the world's most common birth defect. By using pulse oximetry, HAAD estimates that 10 Abu Dhabi children each year will be diagnosed with CCCHD and will receive treatment early enough to more effectively manage the condition.

“This particular test is highly recommended in order to detect critical congenital heart diseases before the newborn is discharged from the maternity hospital. It will be fully integrated into the neonatal screening program, which began implementation in 2010,” said Dr. Shereena Al Mazrouie, Senior Officer of Family and School Health at HAAD.

“Diagnosing and treating CCCHD in its early stages is key. That’s why it is so important to have pulse oximetry screening available to all newborns,” said Dr. Gerard Martin, co-director of Children’s National Heart Institute, who conducted the trainings in Abu Dhabi.

Research shows that children who are diagnosed with CCCHD later in life tend to require more hospital care, greater resources, and have worse health outcomes long term. Made possible by a long-standing relationship between HAAD and Children’s Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, this pulse oximetry program is the first in a series of initiatives where HAAD and Children’s National will collaborate to identify improvements in pediatric care to benefit children worldwide.

Read the full media release.

Coverage of the announcement in Abu Dhabi and United Arab Emirates media includes:

• WAM
• Zawya
• AMEInfo
• Dubai Informer
• UAE News.net

(Photo above: Dr. Martin shares data and information about pulse oximetry for newborn screening with clinicians at Madinat Zayed Hospital.)

Children's Diabetes Doctor Shares Her Impressions of UAE

Following the most recent delegation's trip to the United Arab Emirates, Fran Cogen, MD, Children's diabetes expert and regular blogger on HealthCentral.com, shared some thoughts about her experience, excerpted here.

It is January 26, 5:00 pm in Abu Dhabi, United Emirates (that is 8 am in Washington, DC). I am here with a delegation from Children's National Medical Center to share medical strategies with The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, meet peers from several Abu Dhabi hospitals, visit The Imperial College London Diabetes Center, and primarily to speak at The Arab Health Summit (Ambulatory Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes in Children).

After multiple meetings and shared meals with colleagues, it has become crystal clear that the problems facing our children in our diabetes practice in Washington, DC, are the same as those in the United Arab Emirates. Obesity and the increasing incidence in type 2 diabetes in both adults and children are leading causes of cardiovascular diseases in the Emirates (and the United States). Food options and lack of exercise remain the biggest sources of obesity. Interestingly enough, juice consumption in the UAE is even more of a problem than in the United States due to the high sugar content unique to this area. Carbohydrates are plentiful and "the golden arches" of McDonald's coexist with the towering skyscrapers and mosques in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In addition, due to the extreme heat during summer months, exercise becomes difficult.

To tackle the burgeoning epidemic of diabetes in the UAE, a unique facility offering "a one- stop shop approach" was developed through the vision of Dr. Barakat, who is a cofounder of the Imperial College London Diabetes Center. Yesterday I had the pleasure of touring the facility. I was most impressed by the comprehensive services that were provided by the enormous support staff at ICDC...it was amazing...As I conclude this blog entry, in view of the Arabian Sea, camels near the hotel (2 adult and 1 baby), I am cognizant of this universal fact. After crossing thousands of miles, half way around the globe, diabetes (and other health problems) remain the same, perhaps making the world a bit smaller and bringing ourselves a bit closer to each other.

Read the full blog post.

--Fran Cogen, MD, Director of the Diabetes Program at Children's National Medical Center

(Photo above from left to right: Alia Al Tikriti, Shukri Abu Ata, Fran Cogen, MD, and Evan Nadler, MD)