Volume 1 Issue 1
Authors: Alnazier O. Hamza; Mohammed O. Osman; Mohamed O. Khider
Abstract: This research is aimed to study the mechanical and electrical faults in dialysis machines, depending on four types of dialysis machines (Fresenius - B. Braun - Gambro – NIPRO). The objectives of this research are to determine the causes of these faults, their best solutions and how to prevent them in future. To verify these faults visual inspection and maintenance reports were taken into account in 80 dialysis machines in 11 dialysis centres in Khartoum state, Sudan. It was found out that these faults were due to five causes. These causes were machine pumps, power supply, conductivity, transducers, sensors and pressure failures. The mean of all faults is 21.80 and standard deviation is 3.96. The maximum mean of causes was found in power supply failure and minimum mean was found in pressure causes. The maximum standard deviation of causes was found in power failures and minimum was found in transducers and sensors failures, so the impact of the values was found homogeneous in transducers and sensors failures.
Keywords: Mechanical Faults; Electrical Faults; Urinary system; Homeostasis; Dialysis Machine; Conductivity; Electrolyte Concentrations
Authors: Cynthia Owusu; Emily L. Kullman; Kris Austin; Beth Roth; Stephen Cerne; Carl Harmon; Halle Moore; Mary Vargo; Paul Hergenroeder; Hermione Malone; Michael Rocco; Russell Tracy; Hillard M. Lazarus; John P. Kirwan; Ellen Heyman; Nora L. Nock; Nathan A. Berger
Abstract: African-American (AA) women have higher rates of breast cancer (BCa) mortality than Caucasian women, and a recent study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry suggests that this disparity may be due, in part, to the poorer health status of AAs at diagnosis and not treatment related issues. Randomized controlled trials involving supervised aerobic and resistance exercise have shown improved body composition and improvement in cancer-related biomarkers in BCa patients and may lead to improved recurrence and survival rates; however, most trials have focused on Caucasians and many have been conducted in academic- and clinic-based settings. We evaluated the feasibility of conducting a 20-week, supervised, resistance training, group exercise intervention coupled with a support group and home walking program utilizing facilities and personnel at a community cancer support center (The Gathering Place, Beachwood, Ohio) in AA Stage I-III BCa survivors who were within 12 months of completing treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or breast irradiation); and, evaluated the potential effects of this intervention on physical measures and cancer-related biomarkers. 27 patients provided informed consent and 19 participated in the program. On average, attendance rates were 70.0% ± 19.1% for the exercise sessions and 63.1% ± 13.8% for the support group. We observed a significant decrease in circulating C-peptide levels (B: 893.9 ± 399.1 pg/mL; EOI: 723.9 ± 319.0 pg/mL; p=0.01). Although we did not observe a significant decrease in weight in the entire sample, there was a significant decrease in waist circumference and percent total body fat among those who attended 70% or more of the exercise sessions. In summary, we demonstrated that conducting lifestyle interventions in AA BCa survivors in a community setting is feasible. Future interventions should invoke strategies to enhance adherence and include a structured dietary intervention to enable greater weight loss.
Keywords: Breast Cancer; Exercise; African-American; Community-Based; Biomarkers
Authors: Charlotte Brooks; Claire Ballinger; Don Nutbeam; Jo Adams
Abstract: Given the extensive costs to individuals and society, the prevention of falls is a major public health policy concern. Older people are increasingly using the Internet to access health-related materials. However, this information needs to be accessible. One quality indicator of accessibility is readability. No other research has assessed the readability of falls prevention websites. This study aimed to evaluate the readability of frequently accessed English language falls prevention websites offering advice on falls risk and prevention aimed at the public. Websites were identified using a search strategy and included according to pre-specified criteria. Twenty-four websites were evaluated using two standardised readability indices: the Gunning FOG Index (FOG) and the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG). The mean FOG reading grade was 9.92 and the mean SMOG reading grade was 9.68. The most commonly accessed falls websites are not meeting recommended reading levels for consumer healthcare materials. The construction of falls prevention websites which are accessible to all individuals, including those with lower literacy levels, is essential to increase patient autonomy and prevent widening healthcare inequalities.
Keywords: Accidental Falls; Internet; Patient Education Materials; Reading Levels; Readability; Literacy
Authors: Xi Tan; Isha Patel; Rajesh Balkrishnan; Jongwha Chang
Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the racial/ethnic disparities associated with medical homes among ADHD children. The study analyzed the 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (N=3,052,912). Results showed that Hispanic and black children received less medical home services. Regression analyses revealed that, Hispanic children were associated with less usual source of care, family-centered care, and problem-free referrals, indicating racial/ethnic disparities associated with medical homes among CSHCN with ADHD. Children with moderate-or-severe ADHD got more combination therapy comprising of pharmacotherapy and behavioral/psychological therapy. Implications for practice are discussed.
Keywords: Racial Disparities; Medical Home; ADHD; Children’S Health
Authors: Katarzyna Nazimek; W?odzimierz Ptak; Janusz Marcinkiewicz; Krzysztof Bryniarski
Abstract: Macrophages possess the ability to phagocytosis and to process exogenous as well as endogenous antigens. This results in either antigen presentation to induce and orchestrate the adaptive immunity or suppression of the response as observed in cellular debris clearance. The impairment of macrophage function may lead to development of excessive inflammation, including allergic and autoimmune reactions. On the other hand, macrophages may mediate tolerance and suppression of different immune response mechanisms, including these directed against allergens and self-antigens. Macrophages are involved in various mechanisms of allergic and autoimmune response, especially in delayed-type hypersensitivity. Apart from antigen presentation, macrophages also act as effector cells in cellular hypersensitivity reaction induced by either pathogen during infection, hapten-antigen or self-antigen in pathological conditions. Their ability to secrete Th2-dependent cytokines as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates exacerbates the severity of symptoms of allergy and asthma. Macrophage properties and activities could be modulated by numerous factors including drugs and biologically active compounds that may be used in future therapy. The present review is focused on the current knowledge about macrophage functions in allergy, autoimmunity and the mechanisms of their modulation.
Keywords: Macrophages; Allergy; Autoimmune Response; Immunomodulation; Immune Tolerance