...Ask and Answer Paper: Understanding Prions Ask and Answer Paper: Understanding Prions Steven English Ask and Answer Paper: Understanding Prions 1 As its name suggests, Pasteur's germ theory of disease simply states that microbes are the cause of disease. Though it seems obvious now, it was revolutionary at the time of its inception and is central to our modern understanding and treatment of diseases. It replaced the commonly held and relatively complex 'humoral theory' with a simpler concept that boiled down to a relationship between microorganism and host (“Germ Theory,” n.d.). But as our understanding of the disease process grows with more and more diseases continuing to be discovered, we find that while viruses and microorganisms might be the main cause they aren't the only way in which disease can spread. Prions are one such challenge to this simple germ-disease paradigm. In this paper, the following questions about prion diseases (focusing primarily on kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) will be examined: “What are they and what does their discovery mean for our understanding of disease and evolution?” The prion protein (PrPC) is a protein seemingly found in the brains of almost all vertebrate animals which...
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...JAN REVIEW PAPER Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis Jane Noyes1 & Jennie Popay2 Accepted for publication 29 September 2006 Jane Noyes DPhil MSc RN RSCN Professor of Nursing Research, Co-Convenor Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group University of Wales, Bangor, UK Jennie Popay MA Professor of Sociology and Public Health, Co-Convenor Cochrane Qualitative Research Methods Group Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK Correspondence to Jane Noyes: e-mail: jane.noyes@bangor.ac.uk 2 1 N O Y E S J . & P O P A Y J . ( 2 0 0 7 ) Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 57(3), 227–243 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04092.x Abstract Title. Directly observed therapy and tuberculosis: how can a systematic review of qualitative research contribute to improving services? A qualitative meta-synthesis Aim. This paper reports the findings from a qualitative meta-synthesis concerning people with, or at risk of, tuberculosis, service providers and policymakers and their experiences and perceptions of tuberculosis and treatment. Background. Directly observed therapy is part of a package of interventions to improve tuberculosis treatment and adherence. A Cochrane systematic review...
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...Signaling in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease Name Institution Table of Contents Abstract 3 Summary 4 Introduction 5 Present Therapeutic Regimens for Alzheimer’s disease 5 Methods 7 Search Strategy 7 Exclusion/ Inclusion Criteria 8 Relevant Information 8 Results 9 Discussion of Results 12 Epidemiological information linking type 2 diabetes to AD 16 Insulin-signaling abnormalities in Alzheimer disease affected brain 17 Diabetes drugs in treatment for AD 19 Treatments regimens for type 2 diabetes Mellitus and their potential in treating AD 23 Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). 23 Metformin. 23 Amylin and Leptin analogs. 24 Findings 26 Interpretation of Results 26 Limitations 28 Future Research 29 Conclusion 31 References 32 Abstract Type 2 diabetic drugs could serve as potential in the treating Alzheimer’s disease. AD is a dementia defined by partial or total loss of memory. The risk of development of AD increases with age. Different therapeutic approaches have been employed when it comes to treatment of AD. Results of indicate that diabetic drugs are effective in treating Alzheimer ’s disease. Despite efforts directed at treatment of the condition, the results have not been satisfactory. This could be attributed to the early or late onset of AD pathogenesis while at the same time being underpinned by various mechanisms. There is evidence suggesting the effectiveness of type 2 diabetic drugs in treatment of AD. Research has focused on understanding the possibility...
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...Insulin Signaling in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease Name Institution Table of Contents Abstract 3 Summary 4 Introduction 5 Present Therapeutic Regimens for Alzheimer’s disease 5 Methods 7 Search Strategy 7 Exclusion/ Inclusion Criteria 8 Relevant Information 8 Results 9 Discussion of Results 12 Epidemiological information linking type 2 diabetes to AD 16 Insulin-signaling abnormalities in Alzheimer disease affected brain 17 Diabetes drugs in treatment for AD 19 Treatments regimens for type 2 diabetes Mellitus and their potential in treating AD 23 Thiazolidinediones (TZDs). 23 Metformin. 23 Amylin and Leptin analogs. 24 Findings 26 Interpretation of Results 26 Limitations 28 Future Research 29 Conclusion 31 References 32 Abstract Type 2 diabetic drugs could serve as potential in the treating Alzheimer’s disease. AD is a dementia defined by partial or total loss of memory. The risk of development of AD increases with age. Different therapeutic approaches have been employed when it comes to treatment of AD. Results of indicate that diabetic drugs are effective in treating Alzheimer ’s disease. Despite efforts directed at treatment of the condition, the results have not been satisfactory. This could be attributed to the early or late onset of AD pathogenesis while at the same time being underpinned by various mechanisms. There is evidence suggesting the effectiveness of type 2 diabetic drugs in treatment of AD. Research has focused on understanding the possibility...
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...Alzheimer’s affects the older generation with a gradual increase of symptoms, while ALS (Lou Gehrings Disease) usually affects adults between the ages of 40-60. In this paper you will learn information regarding the statistics, treatments, and survival rates of each of these chronic diseases. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis better known as ALS, I a serious neurological disease that causes muscle weakness, disability, and eventually death. Worldwide ALS occurs in 1 to 3 people per 100,000. In the vast majority of cases -90 to 95 percent- doctors don’t know yet why ALS occurs. About 5 to 10 percent of all ALS cases are inherited. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia –a group of brain disorders that result in the loss of intellectual and social skills. These changes are sever enough to interfere with day to day life. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s are both neurological diseases that affect different parts of the body. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects the limbs, while Alzheimer’s affects are in the brain. Initial symptoms of ALS are obvious muscle weakness usually in the foot, leg, or arm, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing. These symptoms can be seen at the onset of ALS, whereas symptoms of Alzheimer’s often go unrecognized and undiagnosed in the early stages, because the first symptoms...
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...Abstract Addictions covers a range of maladaptive traits to include substance use, alcohol or behavior leading to significant impairments. There are various causes of addiction, but some theoretical frameworks indicates that addictions may have a genetic component that leads to a predisposition to develop addiction, a disease model of addiction or as the result of self-medicating of a primary disorder. This paper will take a theoretical view of the causes of addiction as well as developing a working definition of addiction. Causes of Addiction There are numerous theories regarding addiction and the causes of addiction; however, for the purpose of this paper we will discuss three areas or models of addiction as it relates to substance and alcohol related abuse. Before delving into the causes of addiction we will develop an understanding of what addiction is and what it is not by viewing a few theories and definitions of addiction. We will also develop an understanding of what constitute a diagnosis of addiction and causes one to develop an addiction in the context of genetic predisposition, disease and the prevalence of addiction among individuals with co-occurring disorders stemming from traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse. Addiction Defining addiction is not a simplistic task as there are many theories and definitions of addiction and how addiction develops. In Drugs and addiction: an Introduction to Epigenetics, Wong...
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...BEL311 ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES TERM PAPER ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: NOT JUST A LOSS OF MEMORY Prepared by: XXXXXXXXX (matric no.) XXXXXXXXX (matric no.) Group XXX Prepared for: XXXXXXXXXXXX Date of Submission: July 2011 Introduction Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative brain disease, is the most common cause of dementia. It currently afflicts about 4 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of mental impairment in elderly people and accounts for a large percentage of admissions to assisted living homes, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. Psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, have been reported in a large proportion of patients with this disease. In fact, it is the presence of these psychotic symptoms can lead to early institutionalization (Bassiony, et al, 2000). Learning about Alzheimer’s disease and realizing that it is much more that just a loss of memory can benefit the families of those with the disorder as well as society as a whole. This paper is to look at the disorder, as well as to discuss the history, symptoms, diagnosis, current researches and hopes of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. History Around the turn of the century, two kinds of dementia were defined by Emil Kraepin: senile and presenile. The presenile form was described more in detail by Alois Alzheimer as a progressive deterioration...
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...which has acute nature (Bofah et al, 2012). Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation according to Bofah et al (2012), is a procedure in which patent’s skin is punctured with a needle allowing a device to be temporarily inserted into the hand or forearm veins in administering intravenous medications or fluids, although other body sites can be used. It is vital to use intravenous drugs in the management of the patients who are hospitalized. The infections linked to the intravenous therapy may affect the blood stream or the skin around the insertion site of the catheter (Bofah et al, 2012). For this reason, Bofah et al (2012) suggested that general infection control and universal precautions measures need to be taken into considerations when undertaking a clinical procedure. However, specific measures need to be taken into consideration when administering intravenous therapy especially those in the home setting and the vulnerable patients. Kampf et al (2013) conducted an observational intervention study on “Improving Patient Safety during the Insertion of Peripheral Venous Catheters. The aim of the study was to determine the application of specific steps for peripheral venous catheters insertion in clinical practice and implementation of a multimodal intervention with an aim of improving both optimum order and compliance with the steps. Results indicated that 202 insertions were observed during the intervention period and 207 in the control period (Kampf et al, 2013). Compliance significantly...
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...discover the world through our self-regulated abilities to ambulate, laugh, hug, consume, and even breath. Yet there is an aggressive disease known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) that threatens to eliminate our most basic and human capabilities. Over the course of this research paper we will explore various aspects of ALS which include the historical context of ALS, symptoms or characteristics of the disease, causes of ALS on a cellular level, as well as diagnosis and management. In 1869 ALS was first acknowledged by a french neurologist named Jean-Martin Charcot a man historically renowned as the “founder of modern neurology”. However it wasn't until 1939 that...
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...Apicomplexa. As a zoonosis agent, T. gondii is an obligate intracellular pathogen in both humans and animals (Tenter et al. 2000) . T. gondii is the causative agent of both congenital infection and abortion in human and livestock (Dhama et al. 2013). T. gondii infects most genera of warm-blooded animals, including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. The resulting form is responsible for infection via ingestion of either contaminated food, water or dust (Jones and Dubey 2012, Vanwormer et al. 2013). Additionally, parasites can be found as tissue cysts in all warm-blooded animals including...
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...which has acute nature (Bofah et al, 2012). Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation according to Bofah et al (2012), is a procedure in which patent’s skin is punctured with a needle allowing a device to be temporarily inserted into the hand or forearm veins in administering intravenous medications or fluids, although other body sites can be used. It is vital to use intravenous drugs in the management of the patients who are hospitalized. The infections linked to the intravenous therapy may affect the blood stream or the skin around the insertion site of the catheter (Bofah et al, 2012). For this reason, Bofah et al (2012) suggested that general infection control and universal precautions measures need to be taken into considerations when undertaking a clinical procedure. However, specific measures need to be taken into consideration when administering intravenous therapy especially those in the home setting and the vulnerable patients. Kampf et al (2013) conducted an observational intervention study on “Improving Patient Safety during the Insertion of Peripheral Venous Catheters. The aim of the study was to determine the application of specific steps for peripheral venous catheters insertion in clinical practice and implementation of a multimodal intervention with an aim of improving both optimum order and compliance with the steps. Results indicated that 202 insertions were observed during the intervention period and 207 in the control period (Kampf et al, 2013). Compliance significantly...
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...University Foundations of Management BUS 503A February 9, 2015 Dr. Marc Weinger Abstract This research paper evaluated the relationship between navigation and navigator roles as they relate to the patient journey with breast cancer. The goal of the research was to determine if these care coordination models eliminated institutional barriers experienced by patients trying to coordinate breast care in a complex healthcare system. It also evaluated the effectiveness of the navigator role as it supports the elimination of barriers to care for minorities and women living in low-income and underserved communities. This study reviewed the results from surveys given to women being treated for breast cancer at different hospitals, and cancer clinics to determine if navigation improves patient access to appropriate evidence-based healthcare. The findings showed higher patient satisfaction and compliance, continuity of care, decreased anxiety levels, and increased social support systems from families and friends when navigation services were provided. Key Words: Patient Navigator; Breast Care Coordinator; Breast Care Patient Navigator; Breast Cancer in Women; Current Studies involving Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death and the most common disease found in women living in the United States (Basu, Linebarger, Gabram, Patterson, Amin, & Ward, 2013). The American Cancer...
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...Qualitative Research Critical Analysis Paper: The Lived Experience of Healthy Behaviors in People with Debilitating Illness Qualitative Research Critical Analysis Paper:The Lived Experience of Healthy Behaviors in People with Debilitating Illness The purpose of this paper is to summarize the study “The lived experience of health behaviors in people with debilitating illness” (Haynes & Watt, 2008). Within this summary it will critique and describe the qualitative methodology used in the study, the appropriateness and relevance of the design for the study purpose, the study purpose, the target population, the study participants, and the setting the study participants are in. This paper will critique and describe ethical issues mentioned in the study and ethical issues not mentioned in the study, but are of importance to the study population. It will also critique and describe the data quality methods used, the research findings, the limitations as they relate to the study purpose, the implications for nursing practice, and conclude with a brief summary. The selection of this research article was because of the interest in understanding how individuals with incapacitating illnesses can continue with living a health centred lifestyle. Thoroughly analyzing the selected research via a critical lens, as well as reflecting on professional practice, assists the healthcare professional in applying holistic, client-centered care. Method The study, “The lived experience of...
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...Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Megan Zann April 27, 2012 Health Psychology Dr. Ackerman Introduction It is normal to periodically forget your keys or a homework assignment, because you generally remember these things later. However, individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may forget things more often, but they do not remember them again. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has dramatically increased because people are living longer. This is a result of advancements in medical technology that are increasing the human life span. That being said, now there is more responsibility placed on the individual and their caregivers to provide a supportive environment to combat this disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual, irreversible cognitive deterioration. The individual experiences a significant decline in their memory, language skills, perception of space and eventually, their ability to be self-sufficient and independent. Alzheimer’s disease takes a toll on the patients as well as their caregivers. “Being a caregiver for an ill or disabled loved one is widely recognized as a threat to caregiver’s quality of life” (Poulin et al 2010). The diagnosis of this disease affects the caregivers on physical, psychological, and social levels. Family, friends, and caregivers suffer from pain and stress as they witness their loved one experiencing the progression of the disease. Background “Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form...
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...AID AND THE DUTCH-DISEASE IN ETHIOPIA Monetary Policy and Economic Research Directorate National Bank of Ethiopia Teferi Mequaninte tefmeq@yahoo.com May, 2005 SECTION ONE Introduction Following the introduction of the Structural adjustment program (SAP) in 1992 to the Ethiopian economy, there was a massive inflow of foreign aid in the form of grants, concessional loans and technical assistance. Net aid1 inflows to Ethiopia during the Derg period were around 7 percent of GDP and are doubled to 14 percent of GDP during the EPRDF regime. These elevated flows have raised a number of concerns, ranging from fears about the effect of aid inflows on the real exchange rate and export performance. The source of anxiety for all this is the Dutch disease problem of foreign aid. While seemingly beneficial foreign aid inflows may generate undesirable effects in the economy. These undesirable effects include a decline in export performance and manufacturing production caused by appreciation of the real exchange rate and resources moving out of manufacturing into other sectors (Timothy,1997). There are also concerns about aid sustainability. Specifically, while LDCs have been forced to take on greater burden of global adjustment, most donor countries have been unwilling to expand financial support for adjustment in the LDCs (Bigsten, 2003). These could be due to different motives by the donor countries. Instead of addressing the most developmental constraints...
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