Abstract This paper discusses metastatic breast cancer, cancer that originates in the breast and moves to lymph nodes and other bodily tissues. It provides a research study on its treatment using high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by an autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). It analyzes its efficacy and safety as well as some of the arguments that state that the effectiveness of HDC/ASCT may vary according to various non-treatment related factors-- age, stage of disease at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, use of prior adjuvant chemotherapy, initial disease-free interval, response to prior chemotherapy and number and sites of metastases. The paper includes tables of figures and diagrams.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Current Research
Efficacy
Safety
Future Prospects
From the Paper "Stress is another factor affecting treatment outcomes because high levels of stress may directly impact patients; both their mental and physical health. A study on post-traumatic stress disorder in stem cell transplant patients confirmed harmful effects on patients? quality of life. This study was not limited to patients with metastatic breast cancer, but was completed in a similar way as the previously mentioned studies that recorded personal health. Patients were asked to fill out questionnaires to judge if they were suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of stem cell transplant. It was reported that the week before the transplant, approximately half of the patients had the highest levels of distress, which declined only slightly after the transplant was completed (Wettergren et al., 1999). The body's response to stress is complicated involving several organs, hormones and responses. This is extra energy that the body is expending and is therefore less able to focus on the task of recovery."
Abstract The paper discusses how, in the pharmaceutical industry, packaging must be critical to the safety of the patient while also constituting an important safety issue for the handlers of the drugs, such as pharmacists, nurses and doctors. The paper first looks at technology that is critical to the efficiency of the packaging and transportation of products in this industry, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The paper also discusses the packaging precautions used, features that reduce the likelihood of overdoses or missed doses and features that ensure products are not tampered with. In addition, the paper addresses how packaging should prevent unnecessary waste. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes that in the pharmaceutical industry, the need to ensure the safety of products generally overrides any other concern of the packaging process.
From the Paper "Pharmaceutical industries have to operate in an environment that is highly competitive and subject to highly stringent regulations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the US and equally rigorous laws globally. This competition spurs the drive to excel and gain market control. This is crucial to a pharmaceutical's survival. In the past, packaging, for many pharmaceutical companies, was frequently an afterthought. This (packaging) stage was considered a final step in manufacturing process only; it was not thought of as an overall value addition stage for the product. Today, packaging is considered very essential in the pharmaceutical industry as it serves as a method to validate and ensure the authenticity of the product."
Tags: precautions, safety, doses, waste, RFID, FDA
Abstract Using a four step protocol to study an environmental hazard control situation, this paper analyzes the use of Malathion to prevent exposure to the West Nile virus by mosquitoes, which breed in standing water. The paper assesses the dangers of both exposure to Malathion and to this virus, especially in the case of Mexican-American field workers. Thus, the paper concludes that erring on the side of caution and spraying with Malathion seems to be the better option.
From the Paper "Mild exposure to both West Nile Virus and the insecticide designed to prevent it by killing the carrier mosquitoes can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, and general weakness. Eighty percent of those exposed to West Nile show no symptoms at all, but 1 in 150 can sustain permanent neurological damage. High doses of Malathion include hypertension, pallor, abdominal pain, sweating, blurred vision, poor concentration, confusion, and memory loss."
Abstract This paper explains that physician assisted suicide is legal in Oregon, which is currently the only state that allows assisted suicide through their "Death with Dignity" Act that allows terminally ill patients to die with dignity, choosing not to suffer needless pain and anguish in situations where there is no hope they will recover. The author points out that euthanasia occurs when the physician themselves administers a lethal dose of a drug to cause death; however, physician assisted suicide occurs when the physician aids the patient in preparing a lethal dose and the patient administers it to themselves. The paper stresses that the most compelling argument for physician assisted suicide comes from terminally ill patients themselves, who are suffering and have no hope of ending the suffering until they die.
From the Paper "However, the only bill to gain approval for physician assisted suicide is the bill in Oregon. Another expert notes, "Since 1992, bills have been introduced to legalize assisted suicide or euthanasia in [16] various state legislatures, including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, [...] and Washington. All have failed -- so far." So, while many Americans believe they should have the right to die with dignity, fewer will vote for measures in their own states. The issue is especially heated in many religious communities, and some religions, such as Catholicism, have strict bans on suicide of any kind, and so they frown on any kind of right to die or assisted suicide measure in any form."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the use of inhalers to provide insulin to diabetics is a new development in the regulation of diabetes. The writer points out that other systems of treatment all have their own problems and limitations, and the inhaler is no exception. The writer discusses that as nurses are often at the forefront of medical treatment of diabetes, it is necessary for them to understand the reasons for using inhalers and the complications and side effects which occur with this device. The writer maintains that research into inhalers has demonstrated that patients will need supervision in the early stages of using this treatment, particularly with converting their injected doses into inhaled doses, and monitoring carefully to ensure that blood sugar levels remain within acceptable boundaries.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Diabetes and Treatment
Nursing Practice and Traditional Treatments
Inhalers
Nurses
Conclusion
From the Paper "Insulin pumps are often used by type one diabetics. The pump provides continual insulin therapy by means of a needle inserted, and maintained, in the skin. A pump allows diabetics freedom from strict regimens of meals and exercise, and many diabetics prefer being able to program the pump and then not have to worry about injections and insulin kits. However, since the pump is applied directly to the skin, the risk of infection is quite high. In addition, the pump limits activities in sport, water activities, and so on. There is also the possibility of pump malfunction, meaning that the user may go several hours without insulin unless they monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently than those who inject insulin."
Abstract This paper contains information on the effects of ecstasy, mentally and physically. It shows the history and the banning of MDMA and contains information on trafficking, marketing, distributing, manufacturing, and even logos. It explains short term and long term effects from using ecstasy. It shows how serious the drug is and how just one dose can kill you.
From the paper:
"Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst high school and college students and studies show that it can have severe effects. The scientific name for ecstasy is methelynedioxymethamphetamine. Ecstasy has an interesting history which led to illegal use today. Nicknames for ecstasy include "the love drug" and is sometimes known as "Adam" or ?X?. Use of this drug is currently rising with high school and college students."
Abstract For years, chocolate has been looked down upon as unhealthy, deemed a candy, slapped with myths and fallacies and prohibited from small children. This paper attempts to prove otherwise by showing how chocolate has been shown to lift depression, help your heart and aid alertness among other benefits and if used properly, chocolate can be a delicacy and a medicine. It examines all aspects of chocolate possible from its production from the cocoa bean, to physiological effects on the brain and body to side effects such as obesity and dental problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Brief Review of Cocoa
The Cacao Tree (Theobrom Cacao)
What is in the Cocoa Bean?
Making and Eating Chocolate
State of the Art of Cocoa
Is Cocoa Good for You?
Burden of Proof
Chocolate as a Fat
Effects on Blood Lipids
What is OK?
Chocolate, Health and Disease
Chocolate Craving
Migraine
Toxicity
Immune Function
Allergy
Other Disorders
Behavior
Antioxidants
Caffeine
Dental Caries
Migraines
Obesity
Serum Cholesterol
Heart Health
Conclusions
From the Paper "Cocoa takes it a step further though. Not only does it provide energy for our actions. It supplies chemicals for our personalities and moods. Modern psychology leads us to believe that every thought, every idea that pops into our head is simultaneously a biological reaction. This biological reaction takes the form of chemical processes within our brains. Our mind then interprets these chemical compounds as thoughts, ideas, smells, tastes, touch, etc. Our thoughts, or chemicals compounds within our brain can determine how we feel, our motivation, our goals, our entire lives hinge upon our thoughts, for what are we but what we do. And before we do anything, we must think it. We must have considered it at some point or been subconsciously predisposed to an action or idea."
A proposal for a study on the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent spousal abuse. Includes a literature review and methods section.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 27 sources, 1992, $ 119.95
From the Paper "Introduction
In several speeches in 1989, the United States Surgeon General indicated that over 2 million women are physically assaulted by their spouses or partners each year (Geffner & Rosenbaum, 1990). The O.J. Simpson trial, despite its many sideshows, managed to place the issue of domestic abuse more firmly on the center stage of public discourse. The growing awareness of the seriousness of the domestic abuse problem has resulted in the legal system taking such cases more seriously. In addition to increased incarceration and punishment, many judges have begun referring men who abuse their partners in domestic abuse intervention programs. However, few studies have been made to assess the effectiveness of such programs. Those studies that have been conducted have only drawn weak..."
Abstract This paper discusses how one of the most controversial debates to concern the medical profession in recent decades is that of physician assisted suicide, or active euthanasia. It examines how among the multitude of issues and complex arguments that surround the debate, there is one fundamental human right that must be acknowledged, that the individual and not society, has ultimate control over his/her future. It evaluates how when applied to the issue of active suicide, the individual relies on the assistance of a physician in carrying out his/her personal wishes and it is this physician-assistance that draws a great deal of criticism from opponents. It shows how many of the arguments against active suicide are centered upon the area of regulation and potential abuse. It analyzes how in the interest of ensuring the individual's right to self-determination and in order to ensure that active suicide occurs in an environment of security and safety, physicians must be allowed to prescribe lethal doses or combinations of drugs to assist terminally ill patients in suicide.
From the Paper "Another common argument used to oppose active euthanasia is that, if legalized, there is a great risk of the number of assisted deaths spiraling out of control, with an added danger of unscrupulous families or physicians abusing the system. This "slippery slope" theory owes more to atrocities committed by Hitler's Nazi regime, than to any objective or empirical evidence. The number of people requesting physician-assisted euthanasia would be as small as that which currently persuades others to act illegally in order to ease their suffering. Such an argument displays a frighteningly high level of paranoia, and worryingly low level of faith in the individual's desire for life and in the integrity of the medical profession."
Abstract This paper examines the importance of music and dance in the extremely successful film industry in India. It explains that because Indian films are made predominantly for semi-literate audiences, they contain numerous action scenes (fights), elaborate song and dance sequences, a fair dose of slapstick comedy and an obligatory love story. This paper discusses why this industry is so successful and the role music and dance play in its success.
From the Paper "In its historical development, India's film industry paralleled that of the West. Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra, the first silent film for popular consumption, appeared in 1913; Alam Ara, the first "talkie," was released in 1931. But the Indian cinema derived its unique flavor from the older Indian musical theater-particularly from the Urdu poetic dramas of the late nineteenth century. The influence of this tradition ensured that Indian movies would favor mythological or legendary-historical stories, that their dialogue would carry an Urdu flavor even in languages other than Urdu, and that every film would be a musical."
Abstract This essay discusses how caffeine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant whose effects diminish with increased usage. Larger doses, therefore, become necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The exact mechanisms of caffeine's effects are not well known but are due, in general, to altered levels of certain neurotransmitters and the metabolism of circulating free fatty acids.
Abstract This paper examines how bio-terrorism has been called a disease of modern society, a condition of life, an unsurpassed weapon of psychological warfare, and an antithesis of democracy and the democratic spirit It shows how, although bio-terrorism is thought to be difficult to accomplish on a large scale, recent cases of small scale bio-terrorism have demonstrated how easily it would be to inflict large-scale damage in small doses, if done in a coordinated attack. It examines recent cases, such as anthrax-tainted mail, and looks at how terrorists seem to have relatively easy access to a range of sophisticated, "off the shelf" weapons technology that can be readily adapted to their operational needs.
From the Paper "In September 1984, a non-state sponsored terrorist cult called the Rajneeshee from Oregon intentionally contaminated many salad bars in restaurants with salmonella bacteria. The incident resulted in 751 cases of enteritis, inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine), usually characterized by diarrhea, and 45 hospitalizations. This occurred just from a weak bacteria like salmonella. In 1995, the radical Aum Shinrikyo cult of Japan attacked the subways of Japan by releasing a sarin gas that killed twelve and left thousands debilitated. This cult had allegedly launched three unsuccessful biological attacks in Japan using Anthrax and botulin toxin."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of a fatal error made by a nurse in the care of an infant and raises the question of whether the error was a simple mistake or negligence on the part of the nurse. The paper details what went wrong with the infant's care and attempts to find the answer to several questions that would help determine if the nurse was acting negligently. Furthermore, the paper outlines the criteria for negligence and discusses the appropriate actions, if any, that should have been taken.
Outline
Introduction
Description and Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "This case study raises the question of simple mistake or negligence on behalf of the nurse. At midnight, Baby G, a full term, normal delivery 14-day-old infant, is admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with an admitting diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. The child is intubated, ventilated, and supportive therapy is initiated. Routine blood work revels the infant to be mildly hypophosphatemic. The physician orders potassium phosphate 1mnol/kg intravenously, times two doses, every six hours. The Registered Nurse caring for the patient is unsure of the dose, and checks with the ordering physician. The physician assures her the dose is appropriate. Subsequently, the nurse administers the medication as ordered. Over the next five hours the baby becomes increasingly lethargic and displays an abnormal electrocardiogram. Following the second dose, the baby deteriorates into sudden cardiac arrest. Urgent blood work reveals a critically high potassium level. Despite all resuscitative efforts, the infant dies."
Abstract Persuasion can be a powerful tool. One poem that reveals one of the most popular examples of poetic persuasion is "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell. While many agree that this poem is a love poem, it is also an instrument the poet uses to his own advantage. The narrator is in love, but he also wants something in return. In short, his poem is an expression of love along with a healthy dose of desire. This paper shows that, in this poem, we see how the poet skillfully explains to his lover that, while her resistance to him is virtuous, they do have all the time in the world to be together. Through tone, structure, the use of metaphors, imagery, and rhetoric, the narrator creates a poem full of texture and experience.
From the Paper "Another interesting aspect of the poem is its structure. The poet uses pronouns in an interesting way. In the first section of the poem, the poet uses formal first and sceond-person pronouns when he describes how things might be if the two lovers had all the time in the world. The next section of the poem, the poet refers to his lover in second person as if to emphasize that fact that they do not have all the time in the world. By speaking to her this way, he is establishing a more distant and cold exchange with her. In the last section of the poem, the poet does not pronouns as he does in the first and second sections of the poem. In this way, he is establishing the fact that time waits for no one."
Abstract This paper examines the system most suited for the use of evaluation of the catheter positioning in the chest of the patient in the intensive therapy unit environment. Traditionally, these images are difficult to process. The paper determines whether the images produced through digital radiography or those produced through computed radiography are optimal in terms of the best system in order to reduce risk to the patient due to higher radiation doses or incorrect positioning.
From the Paper "The Department of nuclear medicine and diagnostic Imaging, at Kyoto University School of Medicine and the physicians named as Tadamura, Kubo, Yamamuro, and Konishi wrote in their work that "Nuclear cardiology has played a significant role in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease. MRI and multidector-row CT (MDCT) has recently been introduced in the filed of clinical cardiology. For the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities. Tadamura, Kubo, Yamamuro, & Konishi (1998). The work entitled "Digital Imaging with a Photostimulable Phosphor in the Chest of Newborns" states that when comparing imaging of newborn mediastinum, lung bones, and soft tissues the images ere "significantly better on computed radiographs than on half-exposure computed radiographs and that visualization of the lungs, bones and soft tissues was statically significantly better on screen-film radiographs than half-exposure computed radiographs."
