Cytogenetic monitoring of hospital workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation using the micronucleus centromere assay. (1/12)

A cytogenetic study was performed in lymphocytes of hospital workers occupationally exposed to X- and gamma-rays using the micronucleus centromere assay. A comparison of the data for the exposed group and an age-matched group of non-exposed hospital workers showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in centromere-positive micronuclei for the radiation workers, while no effect on centromere-negative micronuclei was present. The observed systematic increase in micronucleus frequency with age was mainly due to increased chromosome loss, reflected in the centromere-positivity of the micronuclei. The micronucleus frequencies were 40% higher in females than in males, which can again be attributed to higher chromosome loss. Two exposed individuals showed exceptionally high micronucleus yields, 90% of which were centromere-positive. In situ hybridization with a centromeric probe for chromosome X shows that X chromosome loss is responsible for these high micronucleus yields. In the studied population, smoking had no significant effect on the micronucleus yields. The results obtained indicate that in contrast to the predominantly clastogenic action of acute exposure to ionizing radiation, the aneugenic properties of radiation may be important after long-term chronic low dose exposure.  (+info)

Can volunteer companions prevent falls among inpatients? A feasibility study using a pre-post comparative design. (2/12)

BACKGROUND: Falls in hospital are frequent and their consequences place an increased burden on health services. We evaluated a falls prevention strategy consisting of the introduction of volunteers to 'sit' with patients identified as being at high risk of falling. METHODS: Two four bed 'safety bays' located on medical wards in two hospitals within southern Adelaide were used. Ward fall rates (expressed as falls per 1000 occupied bed days) were compared in the baseline period (February-May 2002) with the implementation period (February - May 2003) using incident rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The number of hours of volunteered time was also collected. RESULTS: No patient falls occurred on either site when volunteers were present. However, there was no significant impact on overall ward fall rates. In the baseline period, there were 70 falls in 4828 OBDs (14.5 falls per 1000 OBDs). During the implementation period, there were 82 falls in 5300 OBDs (15.5 falls per 1000 OBD). The IRR for falls in the implementation versus baseline period was 1.07 (95%CI 0.77 - 1.49; P = 0.346). Volunteers carried out care activities (e.g. cutting up food), provided company, and on occasions advocated on behalf of the patients. Volunteers donated 2345 hours, at an estimated value to the hospitals of almost $57,000. CONCLUSION: Volunteers may play an important and cost-effective role in enhancing health care and can prevent falls in older hospital patients when they are present. Full implementation of this program would require the recruitment of adequate numbers of volunteers willing to sit with all patients considered at risk of falling in hospital. The challenge for future work in this area remains the sustainability of falls prevention strategies.  (+info)

Insuring continuity of care for chronic disease patients after a disaster: key preparedness elements. (3/12)

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Hospital-physician relations: two tracks and the decline of the voluntary medical staff model. (4/12)

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The role of SVS volunteer vascular surgeons in the care of combat casualties: results from Landstuhl, Germany. (5/12)

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Humanization and volunteering: a qualitative study in public hospitals. (6/12)

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Challenges in setting up pediatric and neonatal intensive care units in a resource-limited country. (7/12)

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Medical center farmers markets: a strategic partner in the patient-centered medical home. (8/12)

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