Biomedical subjects

W J Foley

Publications and source records attributed to W J Foley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1983

Regional differences in electrolyte, short-chain fatty acid and water absorption in the hindgut of two species of arboreal marsupials.

Short-chain fatty acid, electrolyte and water absorption from the hindgut of two arboreal marsupial species, the greater glider (Petauroides volans) and the brush-tail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) were studied in vivo using a single perfusion technique. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the net movement of sodium, potassium and chloride were found between the different hindgut segments and between the two species. ALl transport processes exhibited active characteristics. Net Na+ transport in all segments was concentration-dependent in the range of 45-135 mmol . 1(-1) Na+. The proximal colon of the greater glider showed a net Na+, Cl- and water secretion and K+ absorption, all electrolyte movements being against the electrochemical gradient. Water followed passively the osmotic gradient generated mainly by the net movement of Na+. Short-chain fatty acids were absorbed according to their chain length in a constant ratio of 1.0:1.2:1.3 for acetate, propionate and butyrate, respectively. Our data indicate that absorptive and secretory processes in the hindgut of these marsupials are basically similar to those of eutherians, even in epithelia differing significantly in the direction of net solute transport.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

A comparison of the level of care predictions of six long-term care patient assessment systems.

Six patient assessment systems that have explicit decision rules for replicating team judgments on level of care patient placement were selected for analysis. The six were selected because of their origin, logic or decision diversity, and their ability to be programmed on a computer (i.e., explicit decision rules). Six hundred seventy-nine patient descriptor profiles were collected on patients currently in New York State nursing homes. These patients were then "placed" by level of care for each assessment system. The probability of agreement of placement between pairs of assessment systems ranges from 38 per cent to 91 per cent. Among SNF (skilled nursing facility) patients only, the level of agreement drops as low as 39 per cent. Uniformity of placement criteria is, in fact, the exception rather than the rule. A patient's placement is quite dependent on both his/her state of residence and his/her health status. The effect of differences in placement decisions has major implications for the patients being placed and for the cost of LTC (long-term care). This analysis was confined to systems that had a well developed set of guidelines--the situation is likely to be even more variable where guidelines are vaguely stated.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1980

The effects of mechanical immobilization on sutural development in the growing rabbit.

Methyl-2-cyanoacrylate was used to mechanically immobilize the coronal suture unilaterally in a series of New Zealand white rabbits at varying ages. The animals were separated into groups; some were sacrificed at 30 day and some at 60 days postoperatively. Amalgam markers were placed in the parietal and frontal bones across the coronal suture, and were measured immediately after surgery and at the time of sacrifice to confirm mechanical immobility. The animals were studied radiographically and histologically in order to document the presence or absence of sutural bone union. Based on the results of this study, it appears that immobilization of the coronal suture results in the formation of an ectocranial periosteal bone bridge in rabbits less than 8 weeks of age. Bone union was not found in animals older than 8 weeks of age. This age-related difference in response is believed to be due to decreased periosteal depository activity on the ectocranial surface of the calvaria once the brain ceases to expand actively. Furthermore, bone union or synostosis was never seen within or across the internal portion of the sutural ligament. It is suggested, therefore, that sutural immobilization at young ages in the rabbit does not result in sutural synostosis and that the term "periosteal bone bridge" should be used when referring to this biological response.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1978

An analytical method for regional dental manpower training.

This paper presents an analytical method for dental manpower planning for use by Health Systems Agencies. The planning methods discard geopolitical boundaries in favor of Dental Service Areas (DSA). A method for defining DSAs by aggregating Minor Civil Divisions based on current population mobility and current distribution of dentists is presented. The Dental Manpower Balance Model (DMBM) is presented to calculate shortages (or surpluses) of dentists. This model uses sociodemographic data to calculate the demand for dental services and age adjusted productivity measures to calculate the effective supply of dentists. A case study for the HSA region in Northeastern New York is presented. The case study demonstrates that, although the planning methods are quite simple, they are more flexible and produce more sensitive results than the normative ratio method of manpower planning.

Dentists↗

PubMed1977

A systems analysis of the impact of physician extenders on medical cost and manpower requirements.

This paper presents a descriptive narrative of a mathematical manpower model and the results of an analysis of the effect physician extenders have on medical costs and manpower requirements. The model is extensively developed, through the use of a new medical classification system in the area of delegation of specific task areas and patient visits to physician extenders. Additionally the models incorporate a complete cost structure for a group practice. Field trials in seven HMOs indicate that the models accurately represent the actual system and can be used effectively as planning aids. Results are presented that analyze the use of physician extenders from the following viewpoints: minimum cost solution for adult medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN); maximum physician extender use; effect of physician extender salary on minimum cost utilization; level of independence exercised; size of clinic and regional manpower planning; and a case study of HMO planning. The type of results presented include cost analysis, manpower analysis, and the types of patient visits best delegated to physician extenders (PE).

Adult↗

PubMed1977