This paper is a complete research project to determine the rate of methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA) in the radiology department and the procedures most likely to be linked to its transmission to patients.
Abstract This study hypothesizes that patients are more likely to become exposed to methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA) in the radiology department via multi-use items, such as ultrasound probes using trans-dermal gel. The author reports that twelve bacterial isolates were recovered from ultrasound probes after typical cleaning procedures were used; however, no significant bacterial isolate was found on the endoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The paper concludes that the risk of MRSA contamination in patients is higher in radiological procedures, which use multiple use probes cleaned only with local measures, rather than endoscopes, which undergo a rigorous timed and chemical disinfection process.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Methodology
Methods and Procedures
Evaluation
Ethical Considerations
Dissemination
Budget
Human Subjects
Results
Conclusion
Discussion
Importance
Recommendations
From the Paper "One interesting study reviewed the use of maggots in the treatment of MRSA. While not specifically germane to the subject at hand, it will show what a significant problem this health care issue has become. In this study, it was felt that it was important to discover alternatives to antibiotic resistant wounds in which no other form of treatment appeared to suffice. The goal of the study was to find a way to combat wounds and promote a healing. Ultimately it was felt that maggot therapy has been seen to act on MRSA in wounds and constitutes another area in need of study, with greater emphasis on evidence based practice."
Abstract Although water is essential to sustaining life on Earth, it can sometimes carry hazards to people if there are no ways to filter and disinfect the water. This paper shows that examples of places where there are problems in water filtration and disinfection are third world nations and in those with warmer climates, there is a steady occurrence of dracunculiasis (in humans) caused by the Dracunculus medinensis nematode (roundworm (Dracunculiasis), also known as "Guinea Worm" and "Fiery Serpent of the Israelites". The paper shows common symptoms andteatment for round worm.
From the Paper "The surviving larvae make their way to the lower extremities (in most cases) and continue to mature there (Despommier 59). After maturing and mating, the males, which not much is known about, apparently die off and the females continue to live. The full maturation of the females takes approximately a full year. During this time, they can grow close to or over 1 meter (100+ cm) long. The average diameter of the worm is close to 2mm, which is comparable to a spaghetti noodle. When the female is ready to release her larvae, she migrates towards the cutaneous layers of the skin and releases enzymes which create a blister (Despommier 59, Dracunculiasis). Along with this blister comes swelling, slight fever and a burning sensation (note the name Fiery Serpent) which usually drives the infected person to immerse the blistered limb in water. By immersing the blister in water, it ruptures and the larvae are released into water, thus starting the life cycle over again (Gutierrez 416, United States). If the larvae do not find a suitable host for their first stages, they die off."
From the Paper "FORMATION AND CONTROL OF BROMATE IN THE WATER OZONATION PROCESS
Introduction
The bromate ion, BrO3-, can be formed from a reaction of bromide, Br-, and ozone, O3, now an expected reaction during ozonation as a process of water disinfection. Recently, cities have substituted ozone for chlorine as a disinfectant. Bromide is a natural constituent of sea water, which becomes commingled with numerous freshwater estuarine rivers serving as sources of municipal water supply on the ocean coasts of the United States and in other parts of the world. Bromate has been named an expected carcinogen to humans, and it must be minimized -- EPA wishes to zero -- during water treatment and distribution.
Bromate and Other Bromine-Ion Dangers
Ozone has shown promise as a substitute for chlorine as a ..."
From the Paper "There are various ways in which drinking water supplies can become contaminated. The two major sources for drinking water are surface water and ground water. About half of the nation's water supplies are provided by ground water (3:39). In rural areas, this figure is as high as 97 percent, because most of the water in those areas is obtained directly from the ground through wells (6:61). Both of these sources are subject to contamination. For example, surface water is contaminated by the chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants which are dumped into the nation's rivers and lakes. Ground water is contaminated by waste from landfills and also by leakage from hazardous-waste sites (6:61). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aware of the "serious health risk" which is posed by this situation and has issued strict standards for the reduction of contaminants in ..."
Abstract This paper explains that the direct application of gaseous chlorine from pressurized steel containers is generally the most economical method for disinfecting large volumes of water. The author points out the types and sources of water pollution extend far beyond the ability of this single treatment process; therefore, American consumers should be aware that additional pollutants may continue to be present in their drinking water despite the best efforts of water treatment experts to make it safe. The paper suggests that taste or odor problems can be minimized through proper dosages of chlorine at the treatment plant with a residual concentration maintained throughout the distribution system to ensure a safe level at the points of use.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Review and Analysis
Background and Overview
Current Applications
Conclusion
From the Paper "Healthcare practitioners have long recognized that small amounts of toxic substances can sometimes have beneficial effects for humans, and this would seem to be the case with chlorine as well. As a chemical, chlorine is a toxic, corrosive, greenish yellow gas that is irritating to the eyes and respiratory system; it is two and a half times heavier than air. The substance becomes a liquid at -34C (-29F) and was first prepared from hydrochloric acid and manganese dioxide in 1774 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele; chlorine was widely regarded as a compound until research by Sir Humphry Davy showed (1810) that it cannot be decomposed and that muriatic (hydrochloric) acid is comprised of hydrogen and another true element that he named chlorine."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of nursing and an impending pandemic. Specifically it refers to avian influenza (bird flu) and the impact of a pandemic on nursing practice, present and future, along with the nursing role in influencing the issue.
From the Paper "One of the problems with diagnosing avian flu are the signs and symptoms, because they so closely resemble the signs of other flu strains or the common cold. Typical symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Symptoms such as these should be taken seriously if they are diagnosed, especially in anyone who regularly has contact with poultry or other birds. Another problem with diagnosis is that the disease can incubate in the victim for up to four days, making it difficult to determine just when and where the infection occurred. Victims can also infect others even after symptoms of the disease disappear, which is another problem with diagnosis and prevention. The disease is most deadly to senior citizens over 65, young children, and individuals with underlying health problems, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions. Symptoms usually dissipate in seven days, but the cough can last in many individuals for two weeks or more. Currently, influenza deaths in the United States average about 36,000 per year ("Avian," 2006.) Since there have not been any cases of the virus in birds in the United States, many people might ignore the symptoms if they occur, but with world travel so easy and quick today, infection could easily come from travelers returning from a trip to Asia or the Middle East. Thus, healthcare professionals should always be aware and on the lookout for these symptoms in any of their patients. "
Abstract The paper relates that high levels of dichloroacetate, a drinking water disinfectant and by-product, depleted glutathione-s-transferase's activity in studied rats. The paper reveals that those with a hereditary deficiency in the gene or enzyme appeared to have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). The paper looks at a study that connected the glutathione gene to the development of childhood asthma. The paper discusses another study that illustrated the significance of the glutathione gene in delaying the onset of breast cancer.
From the Paper "Dichloroacetate or DCA is a drinking water disinfectant and by-product commonly found in municipal water supplies (Saghir 2002). It is a metabolite of chlorinated industrial solvents and many pharmaceuticals. It is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and in extensively metabolized in both rodents and humans by major metabolites. Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, mediated by Glutathione-s-Transferase GST [zeta] (GSTZ-1) (12). DCA inhibits Glutathione and prolonged exposure of rodents to DCA reduces metabolism and depletes immuno-reactive Glutathione protein levels from the liver."
