Volume 2 Issue 4
Authors: Neesha Jothi; Wahidah Husain; Nasriah Zakaria
Abstract: Weight gain is being one of the prominent and common problems affecting society. Therefore, consumers are increasingly appreciating the expedient access to dietary information. The increasing number of searches on the Internet has massively improved the number of health websites on the Internet. Due to the increasing number of health conscious consumers, we propose the personalized health management portal for users. The modules available in the portal are personal and medical profile management, diet monitoring, workout monitoring, alert and notification, personalized diet planning and menu construction. The distinctive novelty of this portal is the capability to recommend personalized diet plan and menu construction to its users. The solutions are recommended based on a knowledge-based approach that allows fast and dependable decision making process. This personalized weight management solution would be a great way to assist online consumers to manage and maintain their weight based on their preferred health and weight requirements.
Keywords: Health Management Portal; Diet Plan; Menu Construction; Knowledge-Based System; Personalization
Authors: A. Mason; J. H. Goh; O. Korostynska; A. I. Al-Shamma’a; M. Field; P. Browning
Abstract: The use of a novel low power electromagnetic sensor for real-time detection of lactate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is investigated. CSF holds key indicators relating to a patient’s future health. A multipurpose sensor platform is currently being developed with the capability to detect the concentration of materials in volumes ≤1 ml. This paper presents results from a microwave cavity resonator designed and created for this purpose, using varying concentrations of lactate in water. The work demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring bodily fluids in real-time. Such advancements are essential for improved and cost-effective delivery of healthcare services to patients.
Keywords: Electromagnetic Waves; Real-time Sensing; Lactate; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Hospital Setting
Authors: Minoru Horie; Hideki Hayashi; Ichiro Nakae; Kenichi Mitsunami
Abstract: We investigated how the degree of cardiac uptakes of radioactive fatty acid (FA) analog (123I-BMIPP) or norepinephrine (NE) analog (123I-MIBG) was related to left ventricular (LV) functional parameters in patients with heart disease, which might be a predictor of cardiac events. Patients with ejection fraction (EF) of 16.2%-82.2% underwent 123I-BMIPP or 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, and were followed up over 1177±486 days. LV systolic functional parameter EF, diastolic parameters 1/3FR (first third filling rate), PFR (peak filling rate), and TPF (time to PFR) were calculated using quantitative gated SPECT. 123I-BMIPP uptake (n=30) was significantly correlated with EF, 1/3FR, and PFR but not TPF. 123I-MIBG uptake (n=37) was also correlated with EF, 1/3FR, and PFR but not TPF. In contrast, TPF was positively correlated with age, and was significantly longer in women than in men. Such findings were also observed in normal EF patients (≥50%, n=100). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed the occurrence of earlier cardiac events in the case of patients with decreased 123I-BMIPP and 123I-MIBG uptake, decreased PFR, and prolonged TPF. The degree of decreased cardiac uptakes of FA and NE may be associated with the grade of systolic and diastolic dysfunctions assessed by EF, PFR, and 1/3FR. In contrast, prolonged TPF, another diastolic parameter, may rather be caused by aging and female gender, independent of EF. Despite these differences, myocardial FA metabolism impairment, cardiac sympathetic nerve inactivity, decreased PFR, and prolonged TPF may all indicate poor cardiac prognosis in patients with heart disease.
Keywords: 123I-BMIPP; 123I-MIBG; Cardiac Function; Heart Failure
Authors: Hussein M Elmehdi
Abstract: In this paper, we report the effect of noise levels in dental clinics on professionals working in these clinics. Our approach included conducting surveys and interviews in a number of UAE dental clinics. Out of the 200 surveys distributed, 177 surveys were collected. The survey focused on investigating the health effects of noise encountered in the clinics on the hearing as well as interference with communication with patients and dental assistances. The results showed that in total 21% of the dental professionals reported hearing related problems, which occurred after they have joined the clinic. It was also found that 16% of respondents have experienced tinnitus and 37% have difficulty in communicating with their patients because of noise. While the results varied among the five categories of professionals (dentists, hygienists, technicians, dental assistances, and administrative staff), it was found that noise encountered in the clinics is linked to Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and interference with communication. No age or gender gaps were observed. Education is needed to help diminish the pervasiveness of the hazards of noise.
Keywords: Noise in Dental Clinics; Health Impact; Dental Healthcare Professionals