Volume 2 Issue 1
Authors: Dheerendra Singh Gangwar
Abstract: Major objective of this paper is to focus on acquisition, retrieval and communication requirements for cardiovascular monitoring signals. These signals are multi-parametric and multi-dimensional in nature and therefore require comprehensive digital signal processing for feature extraction and analysis to detect the symptoms of cardiac diseases at early stage. Signal acquisition representing physiological parameters, processing for extraction of arrhythmia conditions and communication of relevant biomedical information from the subject body to the intended destination is accomplished with the help of Biomedical Sensor Network (BSN).In such type of networks BSN coordinator plays an important role in all the operations including acquisition of monitoring signals, information retrieval for feature extraction and communication of critical diagnosed cardiovascular adversities to the concerned medical care giver. This concept is modeled and simulated with the help of OMNeT++ discrete event network simulation environment. The BSN based medical diagnostic systems are highly demanded by medical professionals as they have potential to improve health care monitoring. The association of medical sciences with technological advances may increase frugal efficiency many times. The work proposed in this paper may help in developing in arrhythmia detection system for ambulatory patient monitoring in near future. Collective efforts are required to address design and development of cost effective ambulatory arrhythmia detection systems to report any severe condition for a person outside the hospital environment without compromising for his convenience and mobility.
Keywords: Biomedical Sensor Network; Arrhythmia Detection; Dimensionality Reduction; Electrocardiogram; Cardiovascular Signals
Authors: Maryanne Doherty; Marjan Khajehei
Abstract: Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is one of the subcategories of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). During recent years, many different chemical and herbal medicines have been introduced to the market by pharmaceutical companies targeting women who suffer sexual dysfunction. Notwithstanding, the majority of these medications failed to demonstrate their efficacy in experimental studies. Regarding the fact that men and women are increasingly becoming similar in terms of life style, familial and social responsibilities, etc, treating female sexual problems by the use of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) has become of interest to many physicians and professionals. This drug is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and is commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Evaluation of the effect of sildenafil on FSAD has yielded controversial results and still there is no unanimity on this issue. The focus of this review article is on the efficacy of sildenafil as a treatment for FSAD. Regarding the fact that women’s sexual dysfunction is a biopsychosocial disorder with a multifaceted etiology, it is proposed that the sole use of sildenafil may not be an effective treatment for FSAD. All aspects of female sexuality should be taken into account during evaluation of female sexual function and when therapeutic approaches for FSAD are introduced. As a matter of fact, women’s sexual problems may become worse and their self-confidence may be negatively affected if improper treatment approach is nominated.
Keywords: Female Sexual Arousal Disorder; Female Sexual Dysfunction; Sildenafil.
Authors: Todd Molfenter; David Gustafson; Victor Capoccia; Dennis McCarty
Abstract: Implementing specific evidence-based practices (EBPs) across a set of addiction treatment providers have been a persistent challenge. In the Advancing Recovery(AR) demonstration project, single state agencies, the entities that distribute federal funds for substance use disorder prevention and treatment services, worked in partnership with providers to increase the use of EBPs in the treatment of addiction. The project supported two cohorts of six 2-year awards. Field observations from the first year of implementation guided development of a multilevel framework (the Advancing Recovery Framework). Government entities and other payers can use the framework as a guide for implementing evidence-based clinical practices within treatment networks. The Advancing Recover Framework calls for a combination of policy and organizational changes at both the payer (government agency) and provider levels. Using the Advancing Recovery Framework, 11 of the 12 AR payer/provider partnerships increased use of clinical EPBs. This article identifies key payer policy changes applied during different phases of EBP program implementation. The public health benefit of the demonstration project was broader use of medication–assisted therapy and continuing care in addiction treatment services.
Keywords: Evidence-Based Practices; State Addiction Authorities; State-Payer Policy
Authors: James Gomes; Suja Mani; Jean-Pierre Kapongo; Susie ElSaadany; Alya Danish; Soumaya Yacout
Abstract: In this paper, a knowledge discovery tool called Logical Analysis of Data is used to shed light on the causal relationship, if any, between three clinical procedures, namely blood transfusion, surgery and organ transplant, and Alzheimer’s disease, which is thought to be a prion-type disease of protein misfolding, capable of spreading infectiously from human to human. The Logical Analysis of Data is a data-mining artificial intelligence technique that allows the classification of phenomena based on knowledge extraction and pattern recognition, without the reliance on prior hypotheses or any statistical analysis.By creating a database of clinical information obtained from a systematic review of the literature on the risk factors of Alzheimer’s Disease, we were able to apply the Logical Analysis of Data to reveal the patterns distinguishing cases of AD that have undergone any of the three clinical procedures, and those cases that have not. Although several eye-opening patterns were revealed, results show that there is no evidence of relation between blood transfusion, surgery or organ transplant and the onset or development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Keywords: Data Mining; Logical Analysis of Data; Alzheimer’s Disease; Blood Transfusion; Surgery; Organ Transplant; Pattern Recognition; Systematic Review
Authors: K. Mwambete; S. Hasham; P. Risha; A. Mori; E. Kaale
Abstract: Introduction: Poisoning is a public health challenge in low and middle income countries. Advances in technology and social development have led to an extensive use of medicines and chemical substances in these countries, hence increasing the prevalence of poisoning. Success in the management of a poisoning case depends on a number of factors including the availability of trained personnel, availability of support information and the understanding of local context. There is paucity of evidence from Tanzania showing the causes and management of reported cases of poisoning in healthcare facilities. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study which was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, in Dar es Salaam. Data were collected by review of files of patient who were admitted due to poisoning for the past three years (2005-2008) and in-depth interviews with key informants using pre-tested semi-structured interview guides. Results: A total of 215 patients were admitted due to poisoning during the study period, 123 were males and 92 were females. Prevalence of poisoning was 3.28 cases per 1,000 hospitalizations. Majority of poisoning cases were observed in the age group between 16-40 years (>80%). Intentional poisoning by others was the most common pattern of poisoning (>36%). In more than 50% of the cases the poisoning substances had not been identified. Antibiotics and antiparasitics were the common medicines implicated in poisonings (17%). More than 90% of the poisoning victims recovered. Major fatalities occurred in the age group between 26-40 years at 58%. The mortality rate in men was higher giving a male to female ratio of 10:1. None of the healthcare personnel interviewed had received any specialized training on poisoning. Main sources of information mentioned included Drug Information reference formulary and senior colleagues. Increasing public awareness, availability of resources and organizational restructuring, and provision of specialized training are likely to have positive impact on poisoning management. Conclusion: Poisoning is one of the causes of hospital admission and mortalities at Muhimbili National Hospital. Effective management of poisoning cases is a multidisciplinary team approach which can be improved by several interventions such as establishment of poison information center, training of healthcare providers and ensuring easy access to anti-dotes.
Keywords: Poisoning; Hospital Management; Poison Information Centre; Antidote