scholarly journals A low-carbohydrate survey: Evidence for sustainable metabolic syndrome reversal

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark T. Cucuzzella ◽  
Justin Tondt ◽  
Nancy E. Dockter ◽  
Laura Saslow ◽  
Thomas R. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medication Cost ◽  
Low Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Lipid Panel ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
The Cost

Background: Metabolic syndrome has become a significant problem, with the American Diabetes Association estimating the cost of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the United States alone to be $322 billion per year. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of low-carbohydrate diets in reversing metabolic syndrome and its associated disorders.Aim: This study was designed to examine how voluntary adherents to a low-carbohydrate diet rate its effectiveness and sustainability using an online survey.Setting and methods: The 57-question survey was administered online and shared internationally via social media and ‘low-carb’ communities. Where appropriate, chi-squared tests and paired t-tests were used to analyse the responses.Results: There were 1580 respondents. The majority of respondents had consumed less than 100 g of carbohydrates per day for over a year, typically for reasons of weight loss or disease management. There was a reported decrease in waist circumference and weight with a simultaneous decrease in hunger and increase in energy level. Of those who provided laboratory values, the majority saw improvements in their HbA1c, blood glucose measurements, and lipid panel results. There was a reduction in usage of various medications, and 25% reported medication cost savings, with average monthly savings of $288 for those respondents. In particular, the usage of pain relievers and anti-inflammatories dropped with a simultaneous decreased rating of pain and increase in mobility.Conclusion: We conclude that low-carbohydrate diets are a sustainable method of metabolic syndrome reversal in a community setting.

scholarly journals Surgical instrumentation: the true cost of instrument trays and a potential strategy for optimization

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie M. Mhlaba ◽  
Emily W. Stockert ◽  
Martin Coronel ◽  
Alexander J. Langerman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Instrument Type ◽  
Hospital Revenue ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
The Cost

Objective: Operating rooms (OR) generate a large portion of hospital revenue and waste. Consequently, improving efficiency and reducing waste is a high priority. Our objective was to quantify waste associated with opened but unused instruments from trays and to compare this with the cost of individually wrapping instruments.Methods: Data was collected from June to November of 2013 in a 550-bed hospital in the United States. We recorded the instrument usage of two commonly-used trays for ten cases each. The time to decontaminate and reassemble instrument trays and peel packs was measured, and the cost to reprocess one instrument was calculated.Results: Average utilization was 14% for the Plastic Soft Tissue Tray and 29% for the Major Laparotomy Tray. Of 98 instruments in the Plastics tray (n = 10), 0% was used in all cases observed and 59% were used in no observed cases. Of 110 instruments in the Major Tray (n = 10), 0% was used in all cases observed and 25% were used in no observed cases. Average cost to reprocess one instrument was $0.34-$0.47 in a tray and $0.81-$0.84 in a peel pack, or individually-wrapped instrument.Conclusions: We estimate that the cost of peel packing an instrument is roughly two times the cost of tray packing. Therefore, it becomes more cost effective from a processing standpoint to package an instrument in a peel pack when there is less than a 42%-56% probability of use depending on instrument type. This study demonstrates an opportunity for reorganization of instrument delivery that could result in a significant cost-savings and waste reduction.

scholarly journals Textbook Alternative Incentive Programs at U.S. Universities: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-123
Author(s):  
Ashley Lierman
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Grant Programs ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Financial Investments ◽  
Faculty Time ◽  
The Cost

Objective – This article reviews current literature on incentive grant programs for textbook alternatives at universities and their libraries. Of particular interest in this review are common patterns and factors in the design, development, and implementation of these initiatives at the programmatic level, trends in the results of assessment of programs, and unique elements of certain institutions’ programs. Methods – The review was limited in scope to studies in scholarly and professional publications of textbook alternative incentive programs at universities within the United States of America, published within ten years prior to the investigation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and then subjected to analysis for trends and patterns. Results – Studies of these types of programs have reported substantial total cost savings to affected students compared to the relatively small financial investments that are required to establish them. The majority of incentive programs were led by university libraries, although the most successful efforts appear to have been broadly collaborative in nature. Programs are well-regarded by students and faculty, with benefits to pedagogy and access to materials beyond the cost savings to students. The field of replacing textbooks with alternatives is still evolving, however, and the required investment of faculty time and effort is still a barrier, while inconsistent approaches to impact measurement make it difficult to compare programs or establish best practices. Conclusion – Overall, the literature shows evidence of significant benefits from incentive programs at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, these programs are opportunities to establish cross-campus partnerships and collaborations, and collaboration seems to be effective at helping to reduce barriers and increase impact. Further research is needed on similar programs at community colleges and at higher education institutions internationally.

scholarly journals Extended Screening Costs Associated With Selecting Donors for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J Craven ◽  
Seema Nair Parvathy ◽  
Justin Tat-Ko ◽  
Jeremy P Burton ◽  
Michael S Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Central Processing ◽  
Donor Screening ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Knowledge of the impact of the gut microbiome on conditions other than Clostridium difficile infection has been rapidly increasing, and the potential usefulness of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in these indications is being explored. The need to exclude donors with an increased risk of these diseases has left uncertainties regarding the cost and feasibility of donor screening. The aim of this study was to compare our experience to other donor-screening programs and report the costs associated with establishing a donor-screening program, for the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related conditions. Methods Forty-six potential donors (PDs) had their medical histories and physical examinations undertaken by a physician. Blood, stool, and urine were screened for 31 viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan agents in addition to biochemical characteristics. The price of advertising, doctor’s visits and diagnostic tests were calculated to determine the cost of finding a donor. Results Of the PDs screened, 5 of 46 passed the history, examination, blood, stool, and urine tests. The most common reasons for exclusion included a body mass index >25 or the detection of Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, or Helicobacter pylori. Four of five eligible donors had subsequent travel or illness that contraindicated donation, so only 1 of 46 PDs was suitable. The total cost for finding a single suitable donor was $15190 US dollars. This screening was performed in Canada, and costs in the United States would be substantially higher. Conclusions New potential therapeutic uses for FMT have created a demand for stricter exclusion criteria for donors. This study illustrates that screening many individuals to find a donor and the subsequent associated costs may make central processing and shipment a more reasonable alternative.

scholarly journals PROTOTYPE EXPERIENCE WITH RUBBLE MOUND BREAKWATERS

1986 ◽  
Vol 1 (20) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
K.J. MacIntosh ◽  
W.F. Baird
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cost Structure ◽  
Simple Construction ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Prototype Experience ◽  
Rubble Mound ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Rubble Mound Breakwaters

At the 19th ICE Conference in Houston in 1984 an alternative concept for the design of rubble mound breakwaters was introduced. This concept has the objective of providing a least cost structure by optimizing the use of locally available materials and utilizing simple construction procedures. Contractors' bids demonstrated that significant cost savings could be achieved, when compared to the cost of traditional designs. Considerable prototype experience has now been obtained with this concept of breakwaters. Breakwaters have been built using the concept in Canada, the United States, and Iceland since 1984 and have been subjected to storms and ice action. Prototype observations have supported the performance predicted during the design process. In this paper surveys of a breakwater taken after construction and after storm action are presented. In addition to wave action, this breakwater has also been subjected to extensive ice action. The response of the breakwater has been monitored and observed and is discussed.

S268 – Cost-Effective Balloon Sinuplasty

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P164-P165
Author(s):  
Paul E Lomeo ◽  
Judith Finneman
Keyword(s):  
Frontal Sinus ◽  
Guide Wire ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Balloon Catheter ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The United States ◽  
Balloon Sinuplasty ◽  
Guide Catheter ◽  
The Cost

Objectives Balloon sinuplasty is a new procedure that is gaining popularity in the United States. However, with all new technology, there is an increase in cost. Balloon sinuplasty increases the overhead for the facility where it is being performed and does not affect reimbursement. To decrease the cost of new technology, the physician, facility, and the company must all think of creative methods to acheive this goal. Methods In our institution, we had 60 patients that had balloon sinuplasties performed, with all of them involving both maxilary and frontal sinus. Re-useable olive-tip cannula was used instead of the company's recommended disposable guide catheter for the frontal and maxillary sinuses. In using the olive-tip as a guide catheter, the guide wire and balloon catheter are easily directed to the opening of both the maxillary and frontal sinus. Results The outcome from all 60 patients was successful, with none returning for revision. In using the olive-tip cannula instead of the disposable catheter guide for the maxillary and frontal sinuses, there was a savings of $37,500 for the institution. Conclusions The use of an olive-tip cannula from the basic FESS set decreases the cost of performing balloon sinuplasty. This suction-tip can replace the catheter guide without compromising the surgical procedure and is easy to use by the experienced sinus surgeon. There was a cost savings of $625 per procedure when using an olive-tip cannula instead of the company's recommended catheter guide.

Low-carbohydrate-diet score and metabolic syndrome: An epidemiologic study among Iranian women

Nutrition ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1124-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Shirani ◽  
Ahmad Esmaillzadeh ◽  
Ammar Hassanzadeh Keshteli ◽  
Peyman Adibi ◽  
Leila Azadbakht
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Iranian Women ◽  
Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Low Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Diet Score

scholarly journals The association between low carbohydrate diet score and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Zohreh Sadat Sangsefidi ◽  
Elnaz Lorzadeh ◽  
Azadeh Nadjarzadeh ◽  
Masoud Mirzaei ◽  
Mahdieh Hosseinzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Abdominal Obesity ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Low Carbohydrate ◽  
Low Hdl

Abstract Objective: Assessing relationship between low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score and metabolic syndrome (Mets) in Iranian adults. Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Yazd Health Study and Taghzieh Mardom-e-Yazd study. Participants: Data of 2074 participants were used. Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. LCD score was calculated for each person by summing up the assigned scores to deciles of energy percentages from macronutrients. Mets was evaluated using National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Eventually, association between LCD score and Mets was examined using logistic regression. Results: Total Mets prevalence was approximately 40.5%. After adjustment for confounders, subjects in the higher quartile of LCD score had a significant lower chance of Mets versus lower quartile among all participants (Q4 versus Q1: OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50-0.92) and separately in men (Q4 versus Q1: OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.86) and women (Q2 versus Q1: OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.82). Furthermore, more LCD adherence in men reduced abdominal obesity by 47% (Q3 versus Q1OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.28-0.99). Low HDL cholesterol was also observed both in the highest quartile of LCD score in all participants (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56-0.99) and separately in men (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40-0.98) versus the first quartile. Conclusions: More adherence to LCD might be related to lower chance of Mets and some of its components such as low HDL cholesterol and abdominal obesity specially in men. Further studies are required to confirm the findings.

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