GIDEON’s redesigned Microbiology module has been launched (screenshot). Following the update of the GIDEON Diagnosis module, we’ve implemented many of the new features in Microbiology, including

• New tabs
• Suggestions
• Dynamic identification
• Usability improvements

New tabs

The new tabs in Microbiology replace the older radio buttons and make it easier to reach each function. For each category: Bacteria, Mycobacteria and Yeasts there is easy access to Identify or Lists.

Suggestions

GIDEON’s Microbiology Compare function, until now, has ranked phenotypic tests which are most likely to impact the Identification list. Now, the top four tests which are most likely to focus and shorten the list of possible organisms are displayed and dynamically updated as each new test result is entered. Clickable boxes which allow the user to enter a “yes”, “no” or “unknown”, appear and enlarge each time the mouse passes near a test.

Dynamic identification

The Identify button has been eliminated! Now, the Identification list is automatically updated as test results are entered. This feature demonstrates the effects of each new test result as it is entered.

The familiar buttons: Compare, Why Not, Open case, Save case, Remove All, Print, Email are all in the Identification list area.

Usability improvements

Updated lists

The organism lists have been updated to extend the length of the screen. The organisms can be selected by clicking the check boxes to their left and then Compared. Clicking on expands the list of synonyms.

Collapsible windows

Windows in Identify, such as Suggestions and Phenotypic Tests can be minimized and hidden. For example to not see suggestions, click on the minimize button  to the left title.

Mouse overs
More mouse-overs have been added: Clickable boxes expand as you mouse over them, and display clear symbols to select “yes” or “no.”

Phenotype
You can now click on the tests  in the Phenotype window.

Quick sorting
Identification results can be sorted alphabetically or by probability easily by clicking the column title.

Window resizing
Changing vertical window size expands size of Phenotypic tests and Identification list sub-windows in Identify and Organism list. This is a great feature for larger monitors.

Previous version
Click “Original Microbiology” to use the older interface.

Update: See video demonstration

Infection by non-tuberculous mycobacteria is commonly associated with cosmetic surgery, therapeutic injections and other invasive procedures. The following is a list of notable outbreaks:

Argentina:
2007 to 2007 – An outbreak (28 cases) of Mycobacterium immunogenum infection in Buenos Aires was associated with mesotherapy.

Brazil:
2002 to 2004 – An outbreak (14 cases) of mycobacterial wound infection associated with silicone breast implant surgery was reported in Campinas, Sao Paulo.
2003 – An outbreak (5 cases) in Sao Paulo of keratitis due to Mycobacterium immunogenum was associated with myopia surgery.
2004 to 2005 – An outbreak (311 cases) of Mycobacterium abscessus infections in Belem was associated with invasive procedures. Mycobacterium massiliense and M. bolletii were also identified in some cases.
2006 to 2007 – An outbreak (1,051 clinical cases) of Mycobacterium massiliense infections involving 63 hospitals in Rio de Janeiro state was related to contaminated instruments used in video-assisted surgery.
2008 – An outbreak (13 cases) of Mycobacterium fortuitum infections in Sao Paulo was associated with breast implant surgery.
(more…)

One of the most important functions of GIDEON is to help users prepare scientific articles, teaching material and other publications (see the Fingerprint case of the month). A new feature now allows users to create custom-designed charts which compare the features of two or more diseases, drugs or pathogens.

For comparison of key clinical and epidemiological features of infectious diseases, in the Diseases tab, click on a disease (step 1 in the image below), and – while holding down the control button – click on other diseases of your choice. Now click on the Compare button (step 2).

Choosing diseases to compare

(more…)

We’re continuing our progress in making it easier to find the information you’re looking for in GIDEON with minimal effort. We have added a new feature in the Microbiology module that link relevant organisms to their drug susceptibility and appropriate vaccines as demonstrated by the highlighted links in this screen shot of the Vibrio Cholerae general tab:

These new links are in addition to links added in the past connecting between disease organisms to microbiology and typical therapy to drugs, vaccines and pathogens.
For example see the links from the Anthrax disease general information tab screen shot below, to the Microbiology organism (Bacillus anthracis), Therapy (eg: Ciprofloxacin) and Anthrax vaccine:

One more feature enabled by the microbiology module makeover is support for text search. Search results for organisms will show up in regular text search. Now you can search for all GIDEON main keywords from the text search box, unifying all the information.
We have some more work: index all the text and images and maximize the value of search in GIDEON.

Ever since we launched the web version of GIDEON, our CD customers have requested that in Diagnosis and Microbiology Identify, marking symptoms and tests should enable the right click to select “no”.
Well finally this now works. Left click will rotate from Yes to No to blank. Right click will rotate in reverse from No to Yes to blank.

Based on feedback from users, we’ve updated the Microbiology interface to provide a consistent look and feel like the Epidemiology module. Instead of the “Characterize” button that displayed the popup list of pathogens, the list can be accessed as a tab, as displayed in the following image:
This change enhances usability, as it reduces the number of pop ups and clicks required to find the information. Additionally, it enables deep linking to the Microbiology content from search results.