Disorders In Residents Research Articles

Study of the Immune Status of Kyrgyzstan Population Living Under the Exposure to Atmospheric Air Pollutants

The study of the immune status of the population living in polluted air is relevant, since air pollution caused by transport, industrial facilities adversely affect the state of health and respiratory organs. To conduct a comparative analysis of clinical and instrumental signs of respiratory system disorders in residents of the regions of Kyrgyzstan with varying degrees of air pollution. Research materials and methods: a study was made of the characteristics of atmospheric air in three areas of Kyrgyzstan: in the area of ​​the village. Papan, in the area with. Gulbar of Aravan district and in the area of ​​Osh city in according to GOST17.2.3.01-86. During analysis, dust content, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide was determined. Atmospheric pollution significantly affects the human immune system, creating prerequisites for the development of diseases of the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system. Thus, a significant effect of atmospheric pollution on the human immune system has been established, the imbalance of the links of which creates prerequisites for development of respiratory system diseases and the cardiovascular system.

Seismic activity and development of mood disorders: Findings from the 2016 Kyungju earthquake

BackgroundAn earthquake with a moment magnitude of 5.8 occurred in Kyungju on 12 September 2016. Although the earthquake was the largest seismic activity in Korean history, there were no direct casualties from the event. This study evaluated whether a moderate-level earthquake is related to acute development of mood disorders in earthquake-exposed residents. Material and methodsThe healthcare information of residents (n = 865,263) living in Kyungju and control cities (Gimpo, Jeonju, Gimhae, and Pohang) over a 10-year period (from 2010 to 2019) was gathered from the national health insurance database. Difference-in-difference analysis was used to compare the daily incidence of mood disorders (manic episode; bipolar affective disorder; depressive episode; recurrent depressive disorder) 20 weeks before (reference: −20 to −11 weeks, period 1: −10 to −1 weeks) and after (period 2: 0–9 weeks, period 3: 10–19 weeks) the earthquake. Subregional analyses based on the distance to the epicenter and stratification analyses by sex, age, and income were conducted. ResultsThe weekly average incidence rate (/100,000 persons) of mood disorders in Kyungju residents increased from 27.0 (−20 to −11 weeks) and 28.3 (−10 to −1 weeks) persons before the earthquake, to 38.1 persons (0 to 9 weeks) after the earthquake. A significant increase in the risk of developing mood disorders was observed in Kyungju residents during the 0 to 9 weeks after the earthquake when compared to the control cities [relative risk (95 % confidence intervals): vs. Gimpo, 1.40 (1.05, 1.88); vs. Jeonju, 1.45 (1.14, 1.84); vs. Gimhae, 1.48 (1.14, 1.93)]. The increase was more prominent in women, low-income individuals, and those living closer to the epicenter. ConclusionModerate-level earthquakes without direct casualties may cause mood disorders in residents living in affected areas. Mental health aid programs should be provided to earthquake victims even if the earthquake has caused limited life and property loss.

Structural and functional features of the myocardium in residents of the industrial region of the Far North under the exposure to nickel and arsenic

The study of the role of chemicals of industrial origin in the development of cardiovascular pathology determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the work is to study the features of cardiac structural and functional disorders in residents of the industrial region of the Far North under the exposure of nickel and arsenic. Materials and methods. The study included one hundred fifty eight women living in the industrial center of the Far North with the location of large metallurgical enterprises (observation group) and 65 women living in similar climatic and geographical conditions, but without the location of industrial enterprises (comparison group). An echocardiographic study was carried out with the measurement of structural and doppler parameters of the heart on an expert-class ultrasonic scanner “Vivid q”. Results. In the observation group the values of myocardial performance indices (MPI) values for mitral annulus (0.55 ± 0.09 vs. 0.48 ± 0.07, p=0.005) and tricuspid annulus (0.57 ± 0.10 vs. 0.48 ± 0.06, p=0.001) were higher than in the comparison group. A gain in the concentration of nickel in the blood is associated with an increase in isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) of the mitral atrioventricular ring (p=0.0001) and systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery (p=0.00002). An increase in the concentration of arsenic in the blood is associated with an increase in the filling pressure of the left ventricle (E/Em) and end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle (EDD LV) (p=0.0001), the diameters of the right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA) (p=0.0001), and rate of late diastolic filling of the RV and MPI of the tricuspid atrio-ventricular ring (p=0.0001). Limitations. This study did not include middle aged and elderly women, and also did not include male patients and did not include the population of other territories except the Far North. Conclusion. The revealed changes in echocardiographic parameters indicate subclinical dysfunctions of the myocardium of the left and right ventricles, affecting both systolic and diastolic function in residents of the industrial city of the Far North, living under the influence of nickel and arsenic.

GAMBARAN TINGKAT KECEMASAN WARGA DAERAH RAWAN BANJIR DI DUSUN TROBAKAL DESA KARANGREJO, KECAMATAN ARJOSARI, KABUPATEN PACITAN

Background; BPBD 2021 data states that natural disasters in Indonesia have reached 3,058 events. Floods dominate natural disasters that hit 1,288 events. Floods have a psychological impact in the form of anxiety disorders. Anxiety is an experience that is subjective, unpleasant, scary and worrying about the possibility of danger or the threat of danger. Anxiety can arise due to trigger factors such as natural disasters because everyone cannot predict when a disaster will come. Destination; assessing anxiety disorders in residents living in flood-prone areas using demographic data and the Hamillton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) questionnaire. Methods; This type of research is descriptive-quantitative. Sampling using purposive sampling technique with a total sample of 67 respondents. Data analysis using univariate analysis. Results; There was no anxiety as many as 3 people (4.5%), mild anxiety as many as 23 people (34.3%), moderate anxiety as many as 26 people (38.8%), severe anxiety 13 people (19.4%), very anxiety weight of 2 people (3.0%). Conclusion: Most of the residents who live in flood-prone areas experience anxiety disorders and most have moderate anxiety disorders

IMPACT ON HUMANS OF POLLUTANTS IN MOSCOW

This article is devoted to the study of the levels of public health risk from exposure to vari-ous pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur, hydrogen sul-fide, ozone, formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, methane and phenol on the territory of Moscow. It is shown that all the considered pollutants cause harm tothe human body. Averaged data were ob-tained, for the period from 2008-2020, the calculated values indicate a significant level of risk of developing diseases in the residents of the capital that lead to damage to the endocrine system. Causing diseases leading to metabolic disorders in the body, respiratory organs and skin, as well as subcutaneous tissue. Thus, diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders in residents of Moscow, during the period under review, are most influenced by nitrogen oxide and dioxide, carbon monoxide and phenol. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, toluene and phe-nol have the greatest influence on respiratory diseases in humans. The diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue are most affected by carbon monoxide, phenol, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. In this paper, a forecast of the volume of pollutants for 2024 is made. The data obtained indicate that there will be an increase in the concentration of pollutants such as formaldehyde, methane and phenol. Which will lead to adverse effects, both on the soil and on the human body. On the other hand, the results obtained indicate that there is a positive trend towards a decrease in the concentration of carbon monoxide and nitrogen, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, benzene and toluene.

Postcovid cardio-metabolic disorders in residents of Yakutsk

Postcovid cardio-metabolic disorders in residents of Yakutsk

Prevalence of Thyroid Disorder in Residents of Western Region of Nepal

Thyroid disorder, such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism, are leading health problems in Nepal. Owing to geographical and environmental factors, iodine deficiency is prime cause of thyroid disorder. The objective of study to estimate the prevalence of thyroid disorder in residents of western region of Nepal (Pokhara valley). Materials & Methods: The study design was hospital based retrospective study. The data of T3, T4, TSH was collected from subject visiting Department of Biochemistry at Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Nepal. The samples was collected, serum was separated and thyroid hormones was assayed by Enzyme linked Immunosorbent assay kit from RFLC (India). Result: The total study population was 2248 cases of which 580 (male) and 1668 (female) were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of thyroid disorder was 22.42 % in western region. Subject with hypothyroidism was 12.41% (279) & subject with hyperthyroidism were 10.41% (234) respectively. Female subject of age (15-44) years had a hypothyroidism, i.e. 52.83% (112). About 73.15% (109 out of 149 subjects) were female cases suffered from subclinical hypothyroidism. The thyroid disorder found most prevalent in reproductive age group in female residents in our study. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is prevalent in all age group of female residents of western region of Nepal.Our study conclude that hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism found more prevalent in reproductive age group in residents of western region of Nepal. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 9(3): 169-175

Profile of Residents with Mental Disorders in Canadian Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study

<strong>Brief Summary:</strong> Residents in long-term care facilities in Canada with mental and cognitive disorders have complex care needs. To meet these needs an integrated model of care is recommended. <strong>Context:</strong> The high prevalence of mental disorders in residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities raises serious concerns for facility operators and staff. These residents have multiple vulnerabilities that facility staff should have the necessary knowledge and skills to properly meet their needs. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To describe the profile of residents with mental disorders (MD) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in Canadian long-term care (LTC) facilities. <strong>Findings:</strong> Seventy-six percent of residents had MD (40%) and ADRD (36%). These residents compared to those without such disorders were more likely to be cognitively impaired, manifest aggressive behavior, receive psychotropic drugs, and physically restrained, and less likely to be socially engaged. <strong>Strengths and Limitations:</strong> The large representative sample was a key strength. The findings add to the knowledge about the profile of LTC residents. The cross-sectional design of the study limits the findings to the population studied. <strong>Implications:</strong> Residents with MD and ADRD compared to those without such disorders are highly vulnerable because of their double burden of mental and physical comorbidities. Their profile may be of interest to LTC facility operators, clinicians, and policy makers about their complex care needs. Our findings raise awareness of the need for trained LTC facility staff for knowledge and skills in psychogeriatric conditions to assess, plan, and implement appropriate interventions for these residents. Coordinated and integrated models of care with access to psychogeriatric specialists such as psychiatrists or advanced practice nurses will also be of benefit to them.

Incidence of mental disorders in the population of municipal areas of the Сhelyabinsk region in the remote period after accidental radioactive contamination

Relevance. Both Russian and foreign researchers pay attention to the mental disorders in people with a history of accidental radiation exposure. A wide range of mental pathologies have been observed among the Chernobyl NPP clean-up workers, victims of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP, etc.Intention – To assess primary incidence of mental disorders and behavioral disorders in residents of the municipal areas of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radioactive contamination.Methodology. Primary incidence rates of mental disorders and behavioral disorders (F00–09, F20–99 ICD-10) were assessed for the period from 2005 to 2018 in residents of municipal areas of the Chelyabinsk regions (Kunashaksky, Krasnoarmeysky, Argayashsky, Kaslinsky, Sosnovsky districts) affected by radioactive contamination in 1949–1951 and 1957 as a result of the activities of the “Mayak” production association. These data were compared to that from non-contaminated Etkulsky district with similar population and economic activity. Mental disorders were classified according to the groups of the chapter V “Mental and behavioral disorders” of the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision (ICD-10). Incidence was calculated per 10 thousand population (0/000). Descriptive analysis of the registered primary incidence of mental disorders in residents of these districts of the Chelyabinsk region is presented.Results and discussion. The primary incidence rate of mental disorders in the Chelyabinsk region (49.1 ± 3.6) 0/000 significantly (p &lt; 0.001) exceeds those in the Sverdlovsk (30.3 ± 4.2), Kurgan (30.2 ± 6.9) 0/000 regions and overall estimates for the Russian Federation (32.9 ± 3.8) 0/000 . In the remote period, primary incidence rates of mental disorders in the residents of some radioactively contaminated districts were higher vs Etkulsky district, but significantly lower than overall rates in the Chelyabinsk region (p &lt; 0.001). Taking into account the territorial distribution of the exposed residents and their offspring in the Chelyabinsk region, mental retardation in residents of the Kunashak district should be closely monitored.Conclusion. Mental morbidity in areas accidentally contaminated more than 70 years ago now reflects the general trend of deterioration in the mental health of the population of the Chelyabinsk region. It can be assumed that the incidence of mental disorders in the population of the Chelyabinsk region is determined by a constellation of interacting factors (socio-economic, personal-psychological, radiation, informational and others), among which socially determined mechanisms of the mental pathology prevail.

Post-COVID 19 syndrome of chronic fatigue and emotional disorders in residents of Yakutsk

Post-COVID 19 syndrome of chronic fatigue and emotional disorders in residents of Yakutsk

Prevalence Rates and Correlates of Likely Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Residents of Fort McMurray 6 Months After a Wildfire

On May 3, 2016, mandatory evacuation order was declared for Fort McMurray region as wildfire threatened. Over 90,000 residents were evacuated and firefighters from Canada and abroad worked constantly to protect the municipality. Overall, fire consumed about 2400 homes and over 200,000 ha of forest, reaching into Saskatchewan. The evacuation order was lifted with residents returning to the Municipality in phases from June 1, 2016. The aim of this study is to assess likely prevalence of PTSD in residents of Fort McMurray 6 months after a wildfire and to determine the predictors of likely PTSD in the respondents. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to collect data through self-administered paper-based questionnaires to determine likely PTSD. The PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 Part 3 was used to assess the presence or absence of likely PTSD in respondents randomly selected from a variety of natural settings in Fort McMurray. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using univariate analysis with the chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis. One-month prevalence rate among adult residents for likely PTSD 6 months after the disaster was 12.8% (14.9% for females and 8.7% for males). While controlling for other factors in the logistic regression model, corresponding odds ratios included 9.51 and 4.88 for those who received no or only limited support respectively from friends/family, 8.00 for those who had history of an anxiety disorder before the wildfire, and 4.01 for those who received counseling after the wildfire. Respondents who presented with likely PTSD were significantly more likely to self-report increased drug abuse, but not increased alcohol use, after the fire. Our study has established that while support from family/friends following wildfires may be protective against likely PTSD, a prior diagnosis of an anxiety disorder significantly increased risk for developing PTSD. Further studies are needed to explore whether receiving counseling after a wild fire alters the likelihood of individuals presenting with PTSD.

Prevalence Rates and Correlates of Probable Major Depressive Disorder in Residents of Fort McMurray 6 Months After a Wildfire

This study assesses the prevalence rates for a major depressive disorder (MDD) in residents of Fort McMurray 6 months after a wildfire and to determine the demographic, clinical, and other predictors of likely MDD in the respondents. One thousand five hundred adult residents of Fort McMurray who could read and provide written informed consent were enrolled on this cross-sectional survey. The PHQ-9 was used to assess the presence or absence of probable MDD. Overall, 486 respondents with an age range of 18 to 88 and about a two thirds being females completed in full all of the key psychometric questionnaires and were included in the analysis. The 1-month prevalence rate for likely MDD 6 months after the disaster was 14.8% overall. Corresponding odds ratios for likely MDD included 2.77 (95% CI of 1.03–7.46) and 12.75 (95% CI of 2.22–73.21) for those who received limited or no support respectively from friends or family, 5.31 (95% CI of 1.3–20.1) for those who had history of an anxiety disorder before the wildfire and 2.57 (CI of 1.1–6.2) for those who have received counseling after the wildfire, while controlling for other factors in the model. While a prior diagnosis of an anxiety disorder significantly increased risk for developing MDD following wildfires, high level support from family and friends may be protective. Further studies are needed to explore the association between receiving counseling after a wildfire and presenting with likely MDD.

Reducing the Incidence of Substance Use Disorders in Anesthesiology Residents: 13 Years of Comprehensive Urine Drug Screening.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: The incidence of substance use disorders in the United States among residents in anesthesiology is between 1% and 2%. A recent study reported that the incidence of substance use disorders in U.S. anesthesiology residents has been increasing. There are no reports of effective methods to prevent substance use disorder in residents. A comprehensive drug testing program including a random component may reduce the incidence of substance use disorders. The authors initiated a comprehensive urine drug screening program of residents, fellows, faculty physicians, and certified nurse anesthetists. The authors performed 3,190 tests over 13 yr. The authors determined the incidence of substance use disorders among residents in our large anesthesiology residency program during the decade before (January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2003) and for the 13 yr after (January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2016) instituting a random urine drug testing program. A total of 628 residents trained in the program over these 23 yr; they contributed a total of 1,721 resident years for analysis. Fewer faculty and certified nurse anesthetists were studied, so we do not include them in our analysis. The incidence of substance use disorders among trainees in our department during the 10 yr before initiation of urine drug screening was four incidents in 719 resident years or 0.0056 incidents per resident-year. In the 13 yr after the introduction of urine drug screening, there have been zero incidents in 1,002 resident years in our residency program (P = 0.0305). This single-center, comprehensive program including preplacement and random drug testing was associated with a reduction of the incidence of substance use disorders among our residents in anesthesiology. There were no instances of substance use disorders in our residents over the recent 13 yr. A large, multicenter trial of a more diverse sample of academic, government, and community institutions is needed to determine if such a program can predictably reduce the incidence of substance use disorders in a larger group of anesthesiology residents.

Niveles de contaminación acústica y sus efectos en médicos residentes de anestesiología

Determinar niveles de ruido mediante técnicas de sonometría, que resultan propicios parala contaminación acústica en el ambiente quirúrgico de los servicios de Sala de Operaciones de Adultos, Sala de Operaciones de la Emergencia de Adultos, Sala de Operaciones de Pediatría, Sala de Operaciones de Ginecología y Sala de Labor y Partos del Hospital Roosevelt, durante abril – mayo de 2017. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en quirófanos del Hospital Roosevelt donde se utilizó la tercera estrategia de la NTG – ISO 9612 para determinar exposición al ruido ocupacional con la participación de 26 médicos residentes de anestesiología a quienes se les aplicó diversos test para identificar efectos cognitivos, trastornos del sueño y de la conducta relacionados a niveles altos de ruido. Resultados: Existe una media energética del sonido en quirófanos de entre 69.8 y 95.4 decibelios. El departamento quirúrgico con más ruido es Labor y Partos con 95.4 decibelios, el tipo de procedimiento con mayor contaminación acústica es la cirugía abdominal. El 53.85% de médicos presenta resultado anormal en pruebas cognitivas, 61.54% posee dificultad media para dormir. No existe evidencia de trastornos conductuales. Conclusiones: Los niveles de ruido en quirófanos sobrepasan al doble de lo recomendado por OMS provocando efectos cognitivos y trastornos del sueño en residentes de anestesiología. El horario fijo de labores es la jornada con mayor polución sonora en quirófanos. La fuente con mayor emisión de ruido dentro del área quirúrgica es el sistema de aspiración.

Temporomandibular joint disorder prevalence in resident physicians at the Specialties Hospital «La Raza» National Medical Center

Aim: To determine prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorder in resident physicians at the Specialty Hospital. Material and methods: Cross sectioned prospective, observational study. Out of a total of 324, 50 residents were assessed, including non surgical and surgical specialties of different residency years. Residents under orthodontic treatment or having been subjected to previous orthodontic treatment were excluded. Helkimo index was applied for temporomandibular joint diagnostic purposes A physical exploration of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles was later conducted. Results: For result evaluation, descriptive statistics and chi-square (χ2) test were used. Statistical package SPSS 12 was used. Prevalence of temporomandibular disorder in residents was 66% of studied population. Signifi cant result was obtained with respect to gender; it being higher in females with p ≤ .013. Greater incidence was observed in the fi rst residency years, as well as in non surgical specialties when compared to surgical ones. Conclusions: Prevalence of residents’ temporomandibular disorder was similar to that reported worldwide in general population. The present study equally found greater prevalence in females. It would be signifi cant to conduct another study to measure stress in resident physicians and relationship of stress with temporomandibular disorders.

Cost‐effectiveness of a stepped care programme to prevent depression and anxiety in residents in homes for the older people: a randomised controlled trial

Depression and anxiety are common in residents of elderly homes. Both disorders have negative effects on functioning, well-being and health-care utilisation. Besides treatment, prevention can be an option to reduce the burden of mental disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a stepped care programme to prevent the onset of depression and anxiety disorders in residents of elderly homes compared with usual care from a societal perspective. Outcomes were incidence of depression and/or anxiety, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality-adjusted life years. Health-care utilisation was measured during interviews. Multiple imputation was used to impute missing cost and effect data. Uncertainty around cost differences and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios was estimated using bootstrapping. Cost-effectiveness planes and acceptability curves were created. The incidence of depression and anxiety combined in the intervention group was not reduced in comparison with the usual care group. There was also no effect on the other outcomes. Mean total costs in the intervention group were €838 higher than in the usual care group, but this difference was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval, -593 to 2420). Cost-effectiveness planes showed that there was considerable uncertainty. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that the maximum probability of the intervention being cost-effective in comparison with usual care was 0.46 for reducing the incidence of depression and anxiety combined. A stepped care programme to prevent depression and anxiety in older people living in elderly homes was not considered cost-effective in comparison with usual care.

Has Alberta Oil Sands Development Altered Delivery of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds to the Peace-Athabasca Delta?

BackgroundThe extent to which Alberta oil sands mining and upgrading operations have enhanced delivery of bitumen-derived contaminants via the Athabasca River and atmosphere to the Peace-Athabasca Delta (200 km to the north) is a pivotal question that has generated national and international concern. Accounts of rare health disorders in residents of Fort Chipewyan and deformed fish in downstream ecosystems provided impetus for several recent expert-panel assessments regarding the societal and environmental consequences of this multi-billion-dollar industry. Deciphering relative contributions of natural versus industrial processes on downstream supply of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) has been identified as a critical knowledge gap. But, this remains a formidable scientific challenge because loading from natural processes remains unknown. And, industrial activity occurs in the same locations as the natural bitumen deposits, which potentially confounds contemporary upstream-downstream comparisons of contaminant levels.Methods/Principal FindingsBased on analyses of lake sediment cores, we provide evidence that the Athabasca Delta has been a natural repository of PACs carried by the Athabasca River for at least the past two centuries. We detect no measureable increase in the concentration and proportion of river-transported bitumen-associated indicator PACs in sediments deposited in a flood-prone lake since onset of oil sands development. Results also reveal no evidence that industrial activity has contributed measurably to sedimentary concentration of PACs supplied by atmospheric transport.Conclusions/SignificanceFindings suggest that natural erosion of exposed bitumen in banks of the Athabasca River and its tributaries is a major process delivering PACs to the Athabasca Delta, and the spring freshet is a key period for contaminant mobilization and transport. This baseline environmental information is essential for informed management of natural resources and human-health concerns by provincial and federal regulatory agencies and industry, and for designing effective long-term monitoring programs for the lower Athabasca River watershed.

Assessment and management of dysphagia after stroke

The early detection and treatment of dysphagia in patients who have sustained stroke is critical. Heath Morris discusses the assessment of swallowing ability and management of disorders in residents following a stroke.

Removal of formaldehyde from gas streams via packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge plasmas

Formaldehyde is a major indoor air pollutant and can cause serious health disorders in residents. This work reports the removal of formaldehyde from gas streams via alumina-pellet-filled dielectric barrier discharge plasmas at atmospheric pressure and 70 °C. With a feed gas mixture of 140 ppm HCHO, 21.0% O2, 1.0% H2O in N2, ∼92% of formaldehyde can be effectively destructed at GHSV (gas flow volume per hour per discharge volume) of 16 500 h−1 and Ein = 108 J l−1. An increase in the specific surface area of the alumina pellets enhances the HCHO removal, and this indicates that the adsorbed HCHO species may have a lower C–H bond breakage energy. Based on an examination of the influence of gas composition on the removal efficiency, the primary destruction pathways, besides the reactions initiated by discharge-generated radicals, such as O, H, OH and HO2, may include the consecutive dissociations of HCHO molecules and HCO radicals through their collisions with vibrationally- and electronically-excited metastable N2 species. The increase of O2 content in the inlet gas stream is able to diminish the CO production and to promote the formation of CO2 via O-atom or HO2-radical involved reactions.

The Maryland Assisted Living Study: prevalence, recognition, and treatment of dementia and other psychiatric disorders in the assisted living population of central Maryland.

To obtain a direct estimate of the prevalence of dementia and other psychiatric disorders in residents of assisted living (AL) in Central Maryland, and their rates of recognition and treatment. Comprehensive review of history and cognitive and neuropsychiatric evaluations using widely accepted instruments in a randomized cohort of AL residents, stratified by facility size. An expert multidisciplinary consensus panel determined diagnoses and appropriateness of treatment. Twenty-two (10 large and 12 small) randomly selected AL facilities in the city of Baltimore and seven Maryland counties. One hundred ninety-eight volunteers who were residents of AL, 75% were aged 80 and older, and 78% were female. Potential participants were randomly chosen by room number. There was a 67% participation rate. Overall rate of dementia, noncognitive active psychiatric disorders, and recognition and adequate treatment of dementia and psychiatric disorders, as determined by consensus panel. Two-thirds (67.7%) of participants had dementia diagnosable according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (81% small facilities and 63% large). Family or caregivers recognized 78% to 80% of dementias. Seventy-three percent of dementias were adequately evaluated, and 52% were adequately treated. Of the 26.3% of participants who had an active noncognitive psychiatric disorder, 58% to 61% were recognized and 52% adequately treated. Dementia and psychiatric disorders are common in AL and have suboptimal rates of recognition and treatment. This may contribute to morbidity and interfere with the ability of residents to age in place.