Latest news with #NIRS
Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Palmer Cleans Up The Taranaki Tarmac Rally; Increases Lead In NI Rally Series
Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) continued to stamp his mark on the 2025 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) after winning every stage of the SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac one-day rally held on Saturday and taking overall victory. Second NIRS competitor home was William Menzies/Doug Dolan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6) ahead of Bradley Stewart/Oliver Drake (Subaru Impreza). 'Definitely thrilled to take the win,' commented Palmer. 'With Cameron (Ross) and David (Rogers) as (overall) favourites I didn't expect to do well, so was surprised to find I won the opening stage ahead of them.' With two Special Stages cancelled (SS 3 and 4) Palmer and co-driver Dayna Kiekebosch went on to win all seven other competitive stages finishing 1min 34 sec ahead of Marcus van Klink/Matt Richards (Mazda RX8). Competing in his first tarmac rally, Menzies came home a solid second in the NIRS standings and third overall. He was also awarded the 'Driver of the Day' trophy. 'I wasn't sure what to expect,' said Menzies. 'It was completely different as my car is set up quite tight for gravel. I was on rally tyres which worked out in the end. I heard rain falling in the middle of the night so was confident it was going to work. 'There were a couple of dry stages where the car was moving around. Other than that, it felt great as it was quite wet at times, so it worked out. Thrilled with the result and really encouraged by it.' The competition for the final podium position was close between Stewart and Charlie Evans (Mazda RX7). The latter was holding on to third until he suffered a rally-ending mechanical with one Special Stage to complete, handing the place to Stewart. Fourth were Chris Ramsay/Amy Hudson (Toyota Corolla APR2) ahead of Ben Huband/Corinne Watson (Subaru Impreza). The SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac Rally incorporated the second round of the NIRS which saw Palmer extend his lead to 34-points over Huband and Menzies who sit second equal with Dave Strong in fourth followed by Stewart and Phil Campbell. 'We must have got the (tarmac) setup right,' said Palmer who moved up to the Skoda Fabia Rally2 car this season. 'We got some good advice heading into the rally and I'm feeling more comfortable in the car, although there is plenty more to learn. It is my first rally win so thrilled to have achieved that.' In the Class results, John Whooley (Honda Civic) has extended his lead in Class C (2WD 1601-2000) while in Class D (2WD 2001 and over), Charlie Evans' (Mazda RX7) retirement saw Ramsay take maximum points while Jeff Torkington (Toyota MR2) retains his lead. In the Classic Class E, 18-year-old novice and recipient of the RallyDrive New Zealand full day testing voucher, Kyle Percival (Ford Escort Mk2), also extends his lead over Nick Flanagan. Palmer continues to lead Class F (4WD 1601-2000) while Ben Huband (Subaru Impreza) has had his lead narrowed to just three-points over Menzies in Class G (4WD 2001 and over). Bradley Stewart (Subaru Impreza) moves to 13-points ahead of Chris Burke in Class I (4WD Pre 1996). Both drivers and teams take a break before the third round of the Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series on 23 August 2025 at Rally Coromandel.
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Real-world evidence study uses SnapshotNIR on 4,000+ wounds to deliver targeted care and improve wound healing outcomes
The retrospective study examines SnapshotNIR use on wounds in post-acute care, showing how tissue viability insights help improve plan of care for patients. 'Our pioneering, big data research in post-acute care settings using this point-of-care diagnostic technology enabled our providers to utilize data-driven decisions rather than relying on assumptions.'— Martha R. Kelso, RN, CHWS, DAPWCA, HBOT CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, July 7, 2025 / / -- Kent Imaging, a leader in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) medical imaging, is proud to share the publication in the Journal of Wound Care titled 'Utilization of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in Post-Acute Care: Analysis of Real-World Clinical Decision Making.' This is a pioneering study reporting real-world evidence of a data set of 19,192 wounds from 6,147 patients in post-acute care. The study provided the most comprehensive real-world evaluation of SnapshotNIR, analyzing its clinical application across 35% of the dataset, in 2,165 patients, and 4,060 wounds. The data highlighted how numerous providers, across 22 states of the US, selectively deployed SnapshotNIR in cases of clinical complexity, particularly when conventional wound care approaches had plateaued. SnapshotNIR directly impacted clinician's care plans for the imaged wounds including determining a wound goal as maintenance (20.76%), noting a wound goal as healable (17.39%), identifying the need for additional studies (11.60%), determining a wound goal as palliative (5.22%), and directing hospice referral (0.76%). The study found that providers used SnapshotNIR for care plan evaluation (92.98%), tissue oxygenation trending (66.65%), evaluation of the necessity and effectiveness of debridement (29.16%), and microcirculation or vascular referral assessment (8.89%). The NIRS-imaged group included patients with non-healing wounds, systemic disease burden, and vascular risk factors—populations in whom diagnostic uncertainty is high, and healing trajectories are difficult to predict. Martha R. Kelso, RN, CHWS, DAPWCA, Founder and Chief Regulatory Officer at Wound Care Plus, LLC, and primary author stated, 'Our pioneering, big data research in post-acute care settings using this point-of-care diagnostic technology enabled our providers to utilize data-driven decisions rather than relying on assumptions. Using SnapshotNIR as our premier choice for near-infrared spectroscopy has provided valuable insights into tissue perfusion beyond the limits of the naked eye with the wound and skin surface. Additionally, with Kent Imaging's SnapshotNIR, we can see inflammatory processes, oxygenation, and deoxygenation, helping us to confirm or change wound etiology in real-time without a care delay. This diagnostic device showed we could perform higher-quality debridements by getting down to viable tissue with adequate perfusion—a key step in wound healing. With visual NIR guidance, the clinicians at Wound Care Plus, LLC can perform diagnostics, debride, and perform other procedures with confidence, helping to heal more wounds more effectively.' 'SnapshotNIR has become an essential part of my daily workflow as a wound care clinician,' commented Erin Brunkan, FNP-C at Wound Care Plus LLC, and a co-author. She continued, 'It's like having a window into a wound's healing potential. Our goal is always to do our best clinical work to close a wound, and this publication highlighted how objective data from the device can drive a wound towards closure, with more confidence and clarity in our plan of care.' SnapshotNIR uses NIRS to assess tissue oxygenation by measuring the relative concentrations of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin within the microvasculature. This non-invasive, handheld imaging technology delivers instant, color-coded oxygenation maps assisting clinicians in their treatment planning. Unique to SnapshotNIR is the hemoglobin view, providing clinicians with additional insights into wound healing trends without the need for dyes, contact, or compression, at the point of care. Kelso added, 'Wound Care Plus, LLC adopted this technology company-wide in 2022 when these portable diagnostic devices passed our 'trunk-to-bed' test. A requirement I use to invest in diagnostic technologies is being able to take them right to the patient's bedside—meeting our need to facilitate on-the-spot assessments for perfusion. This data shows we are making a significant difference, healing more wounds, and providing appropriate certified plans of care to meet this underserved population. In Post-Acute Care, technology and advancements are often anemic or an afterthought by payors, despite being the demographic that needs it the most due to significant co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and a host of other challenges. This technology brings the diagnostic side of wound care out of the 1980s and into the millennia where we belong.' The study's results validated the targeted use of SnapshotNIR in a diverse patient population. It demonstrated healing rates of 36.5% for pressure ulcers, 38.15% for lower extremity wounds, and 39.68% for all wounds, compared to the previously published healing rate of 22.5% for the same practice when using standard of care. It represented an improvement of 62%–76% in healing rates compared to the previously published rate. 'The data showed that even in complex cases, we were able to shift wound goals from palliative to healable in numerous cases, which is a game-changer for the population we treat across the country,' noted Amanda R. Ohrt, MHA, AAPWCA, Chief Quality Officer at Wound Care Plus LLC, and co-author. 'For our mobile care patients, where every visit counts, SnapshotNIR gives us the insights we need to tailor treatments that actually work, allowing us to heal more wounds.' As this technology continues to gain traction in acute, post-acute, and outpatient settings, Kent Imaging remains committed to supporting ongoing research and provider education. Congratulations to the team of clinicians and researchers behind this publication. Special recognition to lead author Martha R. Kelso, RN, CHWS, DAPWCA, HBOT, and co-authors Amanda R. Ohrt, MHA, AAPWCA; Erin Brunkan, NP-C; Denise Flynn, AGNP-C; Lauren Riley, FNP-C; William H. Tettelbach, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FUHM, MAPWCA; Najratun Nayem Pinky, PhD; Debarpan Das, MSc; Jeffrey Niezgoda, MD, FACHM, MAPWCA, CHWS; and Jennie Feight, MS, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I. About Kent Imaging Kent Imaging, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a leading innovator in near-infrared tissue oxygenation imaging, which develops, manufactures, and markets medical technology that supports real-time decision-making in wound care, vascular and surgical subspecialties. Kent holds multiple patents in oxygen imaging technology and continues to provide innovative and advanced diagnostic imaging solutions to aid healthcare systems nationally and internationally. SnapshotNIR is supported by clinical evidence demonstrating its ability to help improve clinical decision-making in wound care and reduce healing time. Since receiving FDA and Health Canada clearance in 2017, the technology has been featured in several published articles and peer-reviewed posters. Applying the knowledge gained from clinical trials to patient care promotes consistency of treatment and optimal outcomes. Leah Pavlick Kent Imaging Inc. 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Scoop
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Taranaki Tarmac Rally To Be Hotly Contested By NI Rally Series Competitors
The SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac one-day rally takes place this Saturday 12 July 2025 with the rivalry amongst the 2025 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) competitors expected to step up a notch. The question to be answered after nine Special Stages is 'Will this be a year a rally car beats a Targa spec car?' Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) stamped his mark on the 2025 NIRS season after taking first round honours in early May winning the Ruarangi Rd Rallysprint. It was his first outing in his new Skoda, and he beat home last season's champion Phil Campbell (Ford Fiesta AP4). "Taranaki will be interesting for us," commented Palmer. "Our car originally came into NZ as a tarmac car before being converted to gravel spec. I definitely have to do some tarmac practice, and we have a lot of setup changes to make.' However, traditionally the Taranaki Tarmac Rally has been the domain of bitumen specialists and last year's winner Cameron Ross/Matthew Buer (Subaru Impreza) is seeded first and will be hard to beat as will second seed David Rogers (Mitsubishi Evo 10). Also making an appearance in the North Island and not to be discounted is Marcus van Klink (Mazda RX8) who will start third on the road ahead of Palmer. The rally comprises 204kms of Touring Stags and nine Special Stages totalling 124kms with four of them being repeated. As per MotorSport NZ Tarmac Rally requirements this event runs with 200 Kilometer per hour speed limit. The new route includes the infamous tunnels and the spectacular Inglewood yumps. Co-Chairman Sean Bryce said 'The Rally Committee are excited about the new route and location of this years Rally and hope this Event will go down well with the residents, local community and the competitors' Missing from the start list is last season's NIRS champion Phil Campbell (Ford Fiesta AP4). Current Class C (2WD 1601-2000) leader, John Whooley (Honda Civic) will look to extend his lead while in Class D (2WD 2001 and over), Charlie Evans (Mazda RX7) resumes his battle with Jeff Torkington (Toyota MR2). In the Classic Class E, Kyle Percival (Ford Escort Mk2) will have his hands full. Palmer will want to extend his lead in Class F (4WD 1601-2000) as will Ben Hubbard (Subaru Impreza) in Class G (4WD 2001 and over) and Bradley Stewart (Subaru Impreza) in Class I (4WD Pre 1996). Scholarship recipients (with a discounted entry fee) are first time rookies young Samuel and Matthew Broadbent (Mitsubishi Evo) from Ngatea who have been showing fast pace at recent Rallysprints. The Clubman's and National Rally is promoted by the Taranaki Car Club in conjunction with the South Taranaki Car Club, and will take place in the New Plymouth and North Taranaki regions. The first car gets away from the Plymouth International Hotel at 07.00 hours, starting Special Stage 1 at 07.30hrs, returning at approximately 16.00 hours to the Plymouth for the champagne finish and after match meal and prizegiving.
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Campbell To Defend Title As Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series Gets Underway
The 2025 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) gets underway this Sunday 11 May 2015 with the Ruarangi Rd Rallysprint run by the Northland Car Club. Phil Campbell (Ford Fiesta AP4) tops the entry list as he returns to defend his 2024 NIRS title. Also doubling as the third round of the Newstead Lodge Northern Rallysprint Series, the one-day event is known for its high speed, cresty gravel road and has been compared to the 1000 Lakes stages at WRC Finland and is not for the faint hearted. Campbell will be under pressure right from the start with Quentin Palmer competing in his new Skoda Fabia Evo2. Palmer finished runner up to Campbell last year driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5. Also making a return is Charlie Evans in his Mazda RX7. Last season Evans won the Class D (2WD 2001 and over) title in a Honda Civic from Dave Strong (Honda Jazz) who also lines up this Sunday in a Ford Fiesta S2000. Local hot shot Ben Huband will be keen to keep the front runners honest in his Subaru Impreza whilst talented young rookie Alex Johnstone will be competing in his first ever rallysprint in his Mazda 323 GTX. 'We have a great variety of pilots and machinery lined up for this exciting Event' said NIRS coordinator Marty Roestenburg 'Bradley Stewart and William Menzies are making the big haul North all the way from Dannevirke to compete' The Ruarangi Rd, Mangapai Rallysprint (South of Whangarei) comprises approximately 7.0km of ridge top gravel road run in a South to North anticlockwise direction. The event gets underway at 10am with a familiarisation run for the field of 40 cars. Competitors will then have up to four timed runs and the fastest two cars in each class will have a fifth run to determine the class winners as per the Northern Rallysprint series Rules and Regulations. The NIRS competitors times over the four runs will be cumulative and they must retain the same co-driver throughout the competition to qualify for points.
