Abstract This paper explores a research proposal that addresses the issue of societal attitudes toward the morbidly obese. The research explores whether morbidly obese participants have felt discriminated against and if they felt they were viewed as lazy or unproductive. The research proposal intends to determine whether obese people are discriminated against by asking gastric-bypass patients about their perceptions of their treatment before and after their surgeries.
From the Paper "The morbidly obese have struggled for years with health issues. Recently it has been alleged that they are also being discriminated against in the workforce. It has been alleged that the morbidly obese are treated differently than the non obese because the morbidly obese are thought to be lazy and a financial risk due to their size."
Abstract This paper discusses "A Morbid Taste for Bones," written by Ellis Peters. The paper describes how, while the story follows the basic formula for a murder mystery, it is made more powerful than an ordinary detective tale due to the fact that it is set during the Middle Ages. The paper discusses the tale and how the author succeeds in bringing the events of the Middle Ages to life.
From the Paper "This far-off historical period is made more accessible to contemporary readers, even readers who know little about the Middle Ages by the engaging personality of its hero, Brother Cadfael. It might be very difficult to relate to person of an era who took the words of the Bible literally, who believed in dreams as prophesy, and the absolute sanctity of holy relics. But Brother Cadfael, although a devoutly religious man, is also realistic and humorous. He did not choose a religious vocation when he was very young, like Brother Jerome and most of the other members of his holy order. Cadfael spent most of his life fighting in Jerusalem, in the Crusades. Now, he is happy to put his worldly cares behind him, having seen the world and all of its ugliness. Although he occasionally chafes against the restrictions of the monastic life, as when his prayers take him away from tending his beloved, medicinal herbal garden, he usually strives to be obedient and good: "He had, after all, chosen this cloistered life with his eyes open" (1)."
Abstract This paper considers the diagnostic validity of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evolution of the current diagnostic category, its reliability and validity,and points of controversy are discussed. Particular attention is given to the high degree of co morbidity observed in individuals diagnosed with PTSD and the implications of co morbidity for diagnosis and conceptualisation.
Outline
The Evolution of the PTSD Diagnosis
Diagnostic Reliability
Co morbidity Conclusion
From the Paper "During the late 1800s and early 1900s, investigations among combat veterans, the bereaved, and survivors of natural disasters, described a range of trauma-related conditions such as 'combat neurosis', 'post-traumatic mental complications', and 'fright neurosis' (Saigh, & Bremner, 1999). These early investigation described various types of trauma reactions including heightened levels of anxiety and physiological arousal, sleep disturbance, recurrent experiences of reliving the event, somatic complaints, mood disturbance and changes in personality."
Abstract This paper examines how studies have shown how Native American and Alaska Native children have twice the rate of death caused by injuries or violence as do other children in the United States. It looks at how more Native American and Alaska Native children are hospitalized for bronchial infection than any other group, how the diabetes rate among these adults and children is double that of the rest of the country, and how cancer rates among those in some regions are also significantly higher. It discusses the importance for Native Americans to be informed and educated on these issues so that they may better understand how these disease processes may alter or impact their lives and how it is also important that policy makers and elected officials understand the unique concerns of the Native American populations of the U.S. and address those problems with adequate financial, material, and human resources.
From the Paper "There are persistent racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality rates in the United States. Despite much speculation, no evidence suggests that social, economic, or racial/ethnic disparities in the risk of death in infancy are caused by genetic differences. Any discussion of racial and ethnic differences in birth outcomes needs to acknowledge the limited extent to which social and economic variables - including racial discrimination - can be distinguished from crude proxies for biologically determined pathologic pathways (Krieger et al 1993, Herman 1996). The racial and ethnic categorizations used in most research on infant mortality in the United States should be seen as "proxies for specific historical experiences and a powerful marker for current social and economic conditions"."
Abstract This paper examines how the author Edgar Allan Poe lost every woman he loved to an untimely death and how those experiences are reflected in his morbid fiction. It looks at how, from the necrophiliac mentions in his poetry to women buried alive in tombs, Poe explores all his personal horrors of losing women and the experience of what he terms "mournful and never-ending remembrance."
From the Paper "Edgar Allan Poe's writings embody what appears to be his lifelong obsession with what he termed "mournful and never-ending remembrance" (85) of those taken too early by the cruel claws of death. Many of his poems and tales depict striking women, too beautiful for this earth, suffering from a wasting disease as a maddened narrator looks on helplessly. A woman dying young was not an unusual thing in the 1800s, and authors frequently used this subject as the basis for their creative works. However, Poe's tales go much further than the sad telling of a life lost too soon. The women in his stories are not held back by the grave; they return to their lovers through other bodies, haunting the dark recesses of gloomy mansions where the suffering narrators wait to be reunited with their supernal beauties. Other poems and tales take the narrator into the tomb to reunite with his obsessive love. Considering the vast amount of "supposedly true" biographical information that has been published about Poe's life, many stories perpetuated by Poe himself, it is impossible to ignore the parallels between Poe and his maddened, drunken, drug-addicted narrators or those between the supernal beauties of his stories, and his mother, foster mother, close friend Jane Stanard, and child-bride cousin Virginia. "Whether all these parallels were planted deliberately by Poe is unknown. More than likely, some of them were the result of subconscious creation, no more deliberate than the psychological parallels with his own experiences. Yet both are there"(Broussard 96) Poe's autobiographical writings from a tortured, love-starved psyche, combined with his skill at propagating rumors about himself, assure him a place in history as an author more famous for his own desperate life than for his brilliant works."
Abstract This paper discusses obesity as a complicated and rapidly advancing disease affecting millions of people every year. It analyzes the multiple environmental and genetic factors that may contribute to obesity, as well as patients' risks for co morbid conditions and complications. It discusses the benefits of weight-loss for obese patients.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Definition
Incidence
Pathophysiology and Epidemiology Obesity
Signs and Symptoms
Anesthesia Management
Conclusions
From the Paper "Physiological changes and pharmacokinetic implications exist for obese patients and the anesthesiologist working with them (Casati & Putzu, 2005). Obesity increases fat and lean body mass, with fat tissue increasing at a rate higher than lean body mass, which can affect the distribution of anesthesia based on the lipid solubility of the drug (Casati & Putzu, 2005). Loading doses are often necessary and must be adjusted based on a patient's weight (Casati & Putzu, 2005). Dosages of pharmacokinetic agents are often based on ideal rather than actual total body weight (Casati & Putzu, 2005). Drug dosing is often based overall on the "volume of distribution for the loading dose and on the clearance for maintenance, with volume of distribution being increased if drug is distributed among lean and fat tissues (Casati & Putzu, 2005)."
Abstract Nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes and is characterized by the development of proteinuria, culminating in end-stage renal disease with a particular high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This paper looks at several pathologic processes that contribute to diabetic nephropathy, including glomerular hypertrophy, sclerosis and nephron loss and discusses how primary prevention includes early detection of diabetes, glycemic control, screening for microalbuminuria, control of hypertension and smoking cessation. The paper also looks at how key issues in secondary prevention are glycemic control, reduction of hypercholesterolemia, control of hypertension, smoking cessation, use of ACE inhibitors and possibly restriction of dietary protein.
From the Paper "Diabetic nephropathy is more prevalent among African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans than Caucasians (Zelmanovitz 2005). Moreover, among patients starting renal replacement therapy, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy doubled from 1991-2001, however the rate of increase has slowed down (Zelmanovitz 2005). The reason for the slow down is probably due to the adoption in clinical practice of several measures that contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of diabetic nephropathy, which thereby decreases the progression of established renal disease (Zelmanovitz 2005). A ten-year follow-up revealed the risk of diabetic nephropathy was 29 times greater in patients with type 2 diabetes with UAE values > 10 (micro)g/min, and the same held true for patients with type 1 diabetes (Zelmanovitz 2005). This favors the concept that the risk associated with UAE is a continuum, as is the case with blood pressure levels (Zelmanovitz 2005). "
Abstract The paper examines this work of historical fiction and mystery that shows the interests and field of knowledge of historian Edith Pargeter, the real name of the author. The paper discusses how Peters includes a great deal about village life and the religious life in the twelfth century. The paper relates that Peters is also skillful at evoking thoughts and emotions by outward signs that can be observed and described.
From the Paper "Within this framework, Peters includes a great deal about village life and the religious life in the twelfth century. One element often used for dramatic effect involves unequal power relations, which in the era depicted have an authoritarian element tied to the power of the Church. This is evident as Sioned hints that her father might have been murdered on the orders of Robert, the prior, who shows his authority when answering. Peers contrasts the two as they face one another, "staring upon each other like adversaries in the lists before the baton falls" (101), a description right from the period involved."
Abstract The paper examines several of Edgar Allan Poe's poems, including "Annabel Lee," "The Haunted Palace," and "The Conqueror Worm." The paper analyzes how Poe uses the rhythmic beat and repetition of poetry to suggest the inevitability of death. The paper maintains that his poetry was a means of exploring his own apparent fatalism and of articulating his morbid sadness.
From the Paper "It is arguable that no other writer in American history has produced work as unsettling and as suspensefully macabre as Edgar Allan Poe. Obviously, his short stories are notorious for their haunting imagery, their dark themes and for their lurid depictions of the "dark side" of human nature. However, Poe's poetry is also surprisingly animated with dark images - particularly the stark imagery of death. Indeed, a case can certainly be made that some of his best poetry is more suffused (or at least as suffused) with images of the "world beyond" than is the best of his short stories."
Tags: Annabel Lee, The Haunted Palace, The Conqueror Worm, fatalism, morbidity
Abstract This paper systematically reviews current literature regarding the lead role of psychiatric nurses in the diagnosis and treatment of elderly psychiatric patients. It reviews and discusses two articles for this purpose: "Effectiveness of a Nurse-Based Outreach Program for Identifying and Treating Psychiatric Illness in the Elderly" by P.V. Rabins, B.S. Black, R. Roca, P. German, M. McGuire, B. Robbins et al and "Does a Nurse-Led Mental Health Liaison Service for Older People Reduce Psychiatric Morbidity in Acute General Medical Wards? A Randomized Controlled Trial" by R. Baldwin, H. Pratt, H. Goring, A. Marriott and C. Roberts.
Table of Contents:
Description of the Topic
Search Strategy/ Overview of Search Strategy Findings
Review of Articles
Summary
From the Paper "These two studies exemplify the need for more improvisation in terms of health care delivery. These two approaches showcase the untapped potential of nursing professionals in the larger setting of public health. In spite of the prevalent shortage of nurses, professional development in terms of role expansion is essential in order to ensure that the profession does not fall into complacency. Both studies are potentially replicable with adjustments made in methodology according to the setting and population in question. It should also be noted that, while the main objective of these studies is treatment efficacy, subsequent studies should also focus on other aspects of health care such as the consequences of missed mental health surveillance (e.g. PATCH). While analyses of some demographic factors in both studies (e.g. ethnicity, marital status, educational attainment) may have magnified or lessened the statistical impact of the interventions, it may be prudent to replicate these studies in similar settings as well as other, needier ones."
This paper discusses the article "Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity Associated with Low-risk Planned Cesarean Delivery versus Planned Vaginal Delivery at Term" by Liu, Shiliang, Liston, Robert M., Joseph, K.S., Heaman, Maureen, Sauve, Reg,
Abstract In this article the writer reviews the scholarly article, "Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity Associated with Low-risk Planned Cesarean Delivery versus Planned Vaginal Delivery at Term", about the relative dangers of cesarean section versus vaginal delivery for women. The paper looks at the purpose of the study and summarizes the results. The writer then describes its strengths and weaknesses and outlines how such findings should be utilized in the future. In addition, two key questions that should guide future investigation are enumerated.
Outline:
Abstract
Purpose of the study
Results of the study
Strengths of the study
Weaknesses of the study
How to use these findings in practice
Two questions for future research
From the Paper "The strengths of the study lie in the fact that few studies this writer has reviewed have been more comprehensive. To wit, the planned cesarean group comprised 46,766 women; for the planned vaginal delivery group, the figure was 2,292,420. Every bit as importantly, the study is longitudinal in nature. Specifically, the study encompasses a 14-year period - a length of time seemingly sufficient to ensure that curious aberrations or anomalies in particular years did not cause fundamental distortions in the findings of the study. Additionally, to ensure the validity of the data findings, the researchers employed adjusted odds ratio and confidence intervals; as well, the authors used multivariate analysis to control for "confounding variables" such as age, year of delivery, and elderly primigravidity - among other factors."
Abstract The paper discusses a research on the multimodal approach to psychotherapy. The paper provides an analysis of the outcome of multimodal methods in practice by observing children with ADHD between the ages of 4 and 14. The paper provides a discussion of modalities and instruments including the BASCr with detailed information regarding the expected outcomes.
Outline:
Purpose and History
Superiority of the Multimodal Method - Evidence Based Therapies
Treatment Plan Introduction
Discussion
References
From the Paper "Lazarus abandoned his behavioral theory somewhat hover, during the mid 1970s, when he discovered patients with certain conditions including "anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and depression" demonstrated high levels of relapse where the patient would start having symptoms even after treatment (Alic, 2006). Lazarus' theory of multimodal therapy blossomed from this discovery, as it is a technique that allows the psychotherapist to utilize many different modalities or "psychological parameters" to treat symptoms as long as they were different from each other. The various tools or modalities one may use as part of multimodal therapy include "behavior, physiology, cognition, interpersonal relationships, sensation, imagery and affect."
Abstract This paper examines the importance of cardiac surgery and the strides it has made in recent history. It specifically examines three articles "Changes in Mitral Regurgitation After Replacement of the Stenotic Aortic Valve" by E.C. Waisbren et al, "Impact of Cardiac Intraoperative Precursor Events on Adverse Outcomes" by D.R. Wong et al and "Surgical Management of Infective Endocarditis: Early Predictors of Short-Term Morbidity and Mortality" by D.S. Jassal et al.
From the Paper "Cardiac surgery is an essential treatment for many that is often thought of as a last resort to treat heart diseases and acute cardiac medical events. Non-surgical interventions are the preferred methods of treatment in most cases and yet cardiac surgery is an essential and necessary specialized branch of medicine that has made significant scientific strides toward efficacy and care. Cardiac surgery is in fact more highly specialized and more effective than many other surgical specialties as it has been given monumental emphasis, as heart disease is the most common cause of death among most adult populations. In the United States significant research emphasis has been placed on cardiac surgery and non-surgical cardiac treatment and for this reason there are many more alternatives for those suffering from acute cardiac event and chronic heart disease than ever before. In short there is no better time in human history to have heart disease and acute cardiac events and live to tell about it. The strong emphasis on cardiac health has created a system which supports thousands of highly qualified and well trained physicians and surgeons who are highly versed in the most up to date specialized treatments for all the varied cardiac events and conditions."
Abstract The paper explores how the current health care system in the United States is lacking in providing quality health care to its citizens. The paper relates that the cost of health care has consistently increased each year; however the quality of health care has not seen the same increase. The paper then discusses the lack of insured coverage for many citizens and examines the issues of race, income and gender as they relate to mortality and morbidity rates. The paper concludes with a recommendation on how to address the health care problem.
Outline:
Introduction
American Health Care System
Cost of Health Care as a Detrimental Impetus of Health Care
Cultural Background of Health Care and Providers
Gender in Health Care
How to Fix the Health Care Problem as it Applies to Race
From the Paper "America's current health care system is appalling. Among the key issues that make this former sentence true are; the current laws regarding the development and pricing of medication, the lack of access of a large section of Americans to quality and necessary health care, the lack of federally subsidized treatment options and the high price placed on health care in general. Each of these areas make it difficult for a citizen to maintain proper health in the United States. Another major problem regarding health care in the United States is that, while our nation spends more actual dollars on health care, the American public as a whole is less healthy than those nations which spend only a fraction of that amount."
Abstract Chronic pulmonary diseases have become increasingly important causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern world, with impact on morbidity being greater than on mortality.
From the Paper "Chronic pulmonary diseases have become increasingly important causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern world, with impact on morbidity being greater than on mortality. Of lung disease entities, the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) are the most common, and are responsible for the major impediments to rehabilitation for more than a half century ("Pulmonary (Lung) Page", 1996).
COPD has been defined as a non-specific and all-inclusive term to describe a particular set of breathing related symptoms which include chronic cough, varying amounts of exertional dyspnea, expectoration, and significant and progressive reduction in expiratory airflow (NLHEP, 1998). Effectively it serves as an umbrella term delineating several respiratory diseases: chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic bronchitis, expressed singly..."
