Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Spain

Publications and source records attributed to D Spain.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

A thermoluminescence dosimetry system for personal monitoring in Ireland.

In 1993 the decision was taken to replace film badges with thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) as the main form of dosemeter for both whole-body and extremity monitoring at the Dosimetry Service of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) in Dublin. A review of commercially available automatic TLD systems was carried out to identify the system which best met the RPII's requirements. This paper describes the dosimetry system used, and, in addition, discusses the problems encountered and how these were addressed.

Computer-Aided Design↗
PubMed2001

Analysis of whole-body doses received by occupationally exposed workers in Ireland (1996-1999).

The work described in this paper is based on the results of routine whole-body measurements carried out by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland Dosimetry Service from 1996 to 1999. Data on the occupational radiation exposures of monitored personnel are examined and have been found to follow the skewed distribution reported by UNSCEAR. The annual average effective dose for each major work practice over the 4 years is given and compared with the UNSCEAR reference value of 1.1 mSv per year for all occupations. Evidence suggests that improvements in procedures and the use of better equipment have resulted in a reduction in the numbers of workers receiving measurable doses.

Air Pollutants, Radioactive↗
PubMed2001

Development and implementation of a clinical pathway for severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Clinical pathways (CPs) have been shown to be beneficial in optimizing patient care and resource use. METHODS: A multidisciplinary CP for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-7) was developed. Data from these patients (group I) were collected prospectively and compared with a retrospective database (group II). RESULTS: There were a total of 119 patients managed in conjunction with the CP and 43 patients in the control group. No statistical differences were found between the groups in age, Glasgow Coma Scale score at 24 hours, or Injury Severity Scores. There was a significant decrease in the length of hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and length of ventilator support in the study group (group I: 22.5, 16.8, and 11.5 days, respectively; group II: 31.0, 21.2, and 14.4 days, respectively; p < 0.03). CONCLUSION: The use of this CP helped to standardize and improve patient care with fewer complications and a potential cost savings of approximately $14,000 per patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Casting acute fractures. Part 5--The gutter slab.

BACKGROUND: Punching injuries commonly present with displaced fractures of the distal fifth metacarpal. These are typically difficult to maintain in a reduced position. OBJECTIVE: The specific technique for the application of a strong slab likely to maintain reduction is demonstrated, the concept and use of moulding pads to safely undertake aggressive moulding is illustrated. DISCUSSION: Maintenance of reduction of these fractures is largely for cosmetic purposes. Immobilisation in a moulded cast improves the patient's comfort.

Casts, Surgical↗
PubMed2001

Casting acute fractures. Part 6--The Colles slab.

BACKGROUND: Colles fractures are common in our ageing population. Safety maintaining reduction with a fully split encircling cast is time and labour intensive. This article explores a near encircling slab as a simpler alternative. OBJECTIVE: The specific technique for the application of a strong slab likely to safely maintain reduction is demonstrated. Correct moulding techniques and position are emphasised. DISCUSSION: Maintenance of reduction of these fractures is important for final outcome. Slight rather than marked palmar flexion is a significant change in current practice improving outcome. Closure of this slab at follow up can convert it quickly and cheaply to a definitive encircling cast.

Casts, Surgical↗
PubMed2000

Discussion.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Discussion.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Discussion

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Discussion

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Casting acute fractures. Part 1--Commonly asked questions.

BACKGROUND: Correct splinting of acute fractures offers comfort and is often the definitive treatment for many simple injuries. The use of a cast is a common method of splinting. The best methods for application of casts and their rationale are poorly understood by many doctors and not detailed well in standard texts. OBJECTIVE: This series will attempt to address some common initial casting techniques suitable for general practice. Specific time and cost saving manoeuvres will be given. Common pitfalls will be identified. DISCUSSION: The primary care physician traditionally applies the first cast. This coincides with the time of greatest risk as fractures are potentially unstable, and swelling is often anticipated rather than actually present. The swelling and associated morbidity from a cast can be considerable. Optimising comfort, function and safety in the initial cast is multifactorial. Attention to these factors gives a far better short and long term outcome for the patient. This also reduces medicolegal risk and the cost of unplanned return visits due to unnecessary morbidity.

Casts, Surgical↗
PubMed2000

Casting acute fractures. Part 2--Generic preparation and application of plaster slabs.

BACKGROUND: Slabs are ideal initial splints for the emergency treatment of many fractures. Construction of a broader slab of appropriate thickness with appropriate supportive elastic bandages produces a stronger, safer and more comfortable cast. OBJECTIVE: This article will introduce and demonstrate new materials and concepts that may be applied to slab construction in a generic fashion. It will form the basis for applying specific slabs demonstrated later in the series. DISCUSSION: The primary care physician is expected to apply slabs. Often his training has been minimal. The techniques shown are those used by full time casting technicians. These trade secrets are easily reproducible. Mastery will reduce material and labour costs for the general practitioner. The patient will have a stronger, more comfortable cast and fewer unplanned return visits.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Casting acute fractures. Part 3--The volar slab.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the wrist or distal forearm is extremely common. An initial plaster of Paris volar splint is often required for effective immobilisation and patient comfort. OBJECTIVE: The specific technique required for rapid application of a strong and comfortable plaster of Paris volar slab is demonstrated. The reader should be able to reproduce a similar slab. DISCUSSION: A standard construction method details required materials, slab outline, desired cast parameters, limb position during application, ideal functional position of the wrist and simple techniques used to mould the slab to the forearm and palm. This slab achieves wrist immobilisation and maximum comfort while maintaining reasonable function of the injured limb.

Arm Injuries↗
PubMed2000

Casting acute fractures. Part 4--The scaphoid slab.

BACKGROUND: Injury to the scaphoid carpus and the base of the thumb is extremely common. An initial splint is often required for patient comfort. The scaphoid slab is ideal for patients who require removal for further assessment or repeat imaging at days 7-10. OBJECTIVE: The specific technique for rapid application of a strong and comfortable scaphoid slab is demonstrated. DISCUSSION: Suspected scaphoid fractures should be treated. There is considerable controversy about the degree and position of thumb immobilisation. The demonstrated method combines comfortable immobilisation with good function in the cast.

Casts, Surgical↗
PubMed1990

Anxiety and depression in a village in Lesotho, Africa: a comparison with the United States.

Adults in a village in Lesotho, Africa, were interviewed to determine the community prevalence of major depression, panic disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder. The prevalence data were compared with data from a large epidemiological study in the United States utilising the same research instrument. There was a significantly higher prevalence of all three diagnoses in Lesotho as compared with the United States. As in the United States, women were at an increased risk for these disorders, although statistical significance was not demonstrated for depression. The majority of people (77%) who had experienced panic attacks said they had sought help for their symptoms, with the majority attending Western-trained doctors. The relationship between explanatory models and help-seeking behaviour was explored in people who had had panic attacks. Less than 40% of those with generalised anxiety disorder said they sought help.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Neighborhood revitalization and racial change: the case of Washington, D.C.

Using 1970 and 1980 census block data for Washington, D.C., we test several hypotheses about the racial residential consequences of neighborhood revitalization. Areas located in the revitalizing core of the city have a) become whiter in both absolute and proportional terms, consistent with the displacement hypothesis, and b) experienced substantial though difficult to interpret shifts in segregation. The types of racial changes occurring in the core are not apparent elsewhere in Washington, and tract data for 1940-1980 show the core changes to be temporally as well as spatially specific. Because different racial residential trends have accompanied revitalization in other cities, we treat Washington as an exceptional case that helps specify the conditions under which conventional wisdom about neighborhood change is least applicable.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1982

Racial inequalities in housing: an examination of recent trends.

Changes in racial differences in homeownership and objective indicators of housing quality are examined using 1960 Census data and 1977 Annual Housing Survey data. Blacks, net of differences in socioeconomic status, family composition, and regional-metropolitan location, remained less likely than whites to own homes and somewhat more likely to live in older, crowded and structurally inadequate units in 1977. In general, however, net effects for race were much smaller in 1977 than in 1960. Racial differences in homeownership and crowding were smaller among recent movers than among the total sample in 1977, suggesting continued but gradual improvement in housing conditions for blacks in the latter 1970s.

Adult↗