MARCO Grand Rounds for December 30, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Dialysis". The different methods. The typical doctor sends the patient to a nephrologist and they just disappear...let's take a look at what happens to them.

Donations to MARCO MediShare International

This message was received from Smitty W6CS, Director of MediShare International:

Friends - -

I have had several inquiries as to how a person can support our Africa projects and be consistent with tax laws, etc.

We - ie, MediShare International - have worked with and thru Direct Relief International (DRI) for some years on a number of projects in Africa. DRI which is one of the premier non-profits supplying medical needs in African countries. You know all this of course if you've followed MARCO/MSI projects.

Direct Relief Int'l set up a special fund to support medical projects in Africa that have been identified and pre-approved by on-site visits by Mike Marks, MD, who has personally visited these African villages and identified and verified their needs. The para. below explains it briefly.

Bottom Line:

1. Checks should be made out to:

Direct Relief International

27 S. La Patera Lane

Goleta, CA, 93117.

If the donor wishes to restrict his or her donation to use in the Africa programs, he/she should write in the Memo line of the check "Africa Designated Fund." All checks received as "Africa Designated" will be put in a restricted fund for use in Africa, and 100% of the donation will go to programs in Africa without any portion being used for DRI administration or fundraising.

DRI will acknowledge the donation that can be used for tax purposes.

Hope this helps!

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of new diabetic drugs...they are coming fast and furious, new injectables, new pills, new combinations. CW net at 9:30 a.m. 14.307 EST.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 9, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will have a "refresher" on the new Diabetic drugs...there have been so many, doctors have a hard time keeping up.

MARCO Grand Rounds for December 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA

Last Sunday we had 40 check-ins....this Sunday we will discuss an 18 year old revelation--that of the discovery of the interaction of GRAPEFRUIT JUICE with medications. Only this time there is a new angle. It has been found that the price of expensive drugs, especially HIV drugs, can be cut in less than half by the possible addition of grapefruit standardized pills. For example (this is no joke)....Viagra 100 mg tablets cost $10 each. By taking 1/4 the tablet ($2.50) with a glass of grapefruit juice you can get the same effect. DON'T TRY THIS, it is given as an example of how the price of drugs can be reduced by simple means.

"Aether" is at the printers and should be available soon...pdf file pending.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 25, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION."

"THE SKULL IS A GOOD INSULATOR...CONSIDER HOW EASILY A MAGNET UNDER A WOODEN TABLETOP CAN MOVE A PIN ON THE SURFACE--magnetic fields pass almost unaffected through insulators including the skull." What happens when we pass currents into the brain? Tune in and......more Sunday, 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307. Should be fun.

Note: We lost a good ham Monday, Bill, W4TAD (Tender and Deliciouis, Tired and Disgusted) went West...he had a perfect 4 year attendance record on Grand Rounds. He will be missed--he is the doc who got me into Marco! Warren KD4gua.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 18, 2007 (?)

Warren, KD4GUA wrote:

Last week we studied "Deep Brain Stimulation" in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease among others.

This Sunday there is a contest and I will be enroute to Branson, MO for four days. I tried to contact Harry WB9EDP but couldn't get through via email. Perhaps Bruce could handle the net control if Harry is unavailable.

I expect to return to the shack on Thanksgiving Day and will discuss TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" the process of altering brain signals externally. TMS is painless and non-invasive and is currently being used in treating depression, epilepsy and stuttering. One researcher at Canada's Laurentian University is convinced that naturally occurring electromagnetic fluctuations could be responsible for paranormal experiences, like ghosts, UFOs and mystical apparitions.

Some have argued that religion itself could be electromagnetic in origin. Bone up on TMS for a week from Sunday.

Blog-meister's note: Given that we don't have a topic for discussion and are certain to be battling intense contest-related interference, I suggest that we take the week off and return to the airwaves on November 25.

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 11, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will delve more deeply into the treatment of Parkinson's Disease, namely, "Deep Brain Stimulation." This is now being used for depression, Tourette's syndrome, Obsessive Compulsives, Phantom Limb Syndrome and Cluster headaches. The Chinese are also using it to wipe out Schizophrenia.

Hogwash? Some of these treatments, including that for Parkinson's have been approved by the FDA (2002).

Geostationary Satellite News

From MARCO member JoAnne Maenpaa, K9JKM:

Hi Everyone,

I joined MARCO last spring after seeing your booth at Dayton.  I'm an RN in
a cardiac unit for my 'day job'.  Another one of my 'nite job' activities is
as the news editor for AMSAT ... The bunch that builds and launches
satellites.

At the AMSAT Syposium this past weekend we learned that AMSAT has been
offered an opportunity for a ride to geosychronous orbit.  I've attached the
AMSAT News Service Bulletin below.

It will still take a couple of years to get up there.  But think of the
emergency service capability a geosynchronous satellite can add to the
amateur service!

--
73 de JoAnne K9JKM
k9jkm@amsat.org


SB SAT @ AMSAT $ANS-301.01
The Weekend That Changed Amateur Radio

AMSAT News Service Bulletin 301.01
>From AMSAT HQ SILVER SPRING, MD.
October 28, 2007
To All RADIO AMATEURS
BID: $ANS-301.01

This past weekend, October 26-28 AMSAT-NA held a very successful Space
Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rick Hambly, W2GPS, AMSAT President along with Bob McGwier, N4HY, AMSAT
Vice-President of Engineering were able to make public the results of
their recent work which will change the face of amateur radio going
forward.  AMSAT has been in consultation with Intelsat regarding an
application of an Intelsat platform carrying our amateur radio satelites
into geosynchronous orbit.

Engineering studies, funding studies, among other negotiations are
continuing at this point.  However Bob, N4HY made the following obser-
vation of the project AMSAT has termed Phase IV Lite, "There is enough
in place at this time that AMSAT needs to begin planning engineering
work and possible construction of a geosychronous payload so we are
ready if Intelsat says they have a ride for us."

The Phase IV Lite Geosynchronous Payload is planned to consist of
similar transponders already under development for the Phase 3 satel-
lites.  Accelerated development on the digital Advanced Communica-
tion Package is anticipated.  In addition to the communication pay-
load flown to space, AMSAT plans to develop an earth station attain-
able by the average ham so that users can immediately take advantage
of the audio, digital messaging, and video services.

The Advanced Communication Package would be a self-contained earth
station which could be sent with amateur radio communication teams
or delivered to disaster areas for 24/7/365 emergency communications.
These teams would be able to point a small dish at a predictable
spot in the sky and immediately begin delivering disaster commun-
ication support without depending on HF propagation.

A Phase IV payload could also be used to provide TDRSS-like relay
of ARISS communications.  The 10 minute school contact could now
be expanded to hours-long contact with the International Space
Station.  This opens possibilities for student involvement with
experiments aboard the space station.

The Intelsat geosynchronous platform would be able to provide the
AMSAT Phase IV Lite payload with approximately 400 watts of DC
power for 15 years.  The primary payload would also perform the
GTO boost phase as well as perform station keeping and antenna
pointing once it has arrived on station. Bob, N4HY summarized,
"The Intelsat team would be doing all the things nearly impossible
for amateurs and that enables AMSAT to do what we do best ... build
a communication system that changes amateur radio for the better!"

More details will be published in upcoming editions of the AMSAT
Journal.

[ANS thanks Rick, W2GPS and Bob, N4HY for the above information]

/EX

We received an interesting reply from Jay Garlitz, AA4FL:

JoAnne, thanks for sharing the AMSAT information with the group.  I am
curious how many of us are AMSAT members?

One note about satellite ops is that we have a satellite station at W4DFU in
the Shands Hospital/Health Center complex at the University of Florida.
Satellite and echolink are the equipment used most often and attracts new
hams.  MARCO is an HF centric group and that is generational/traditional.
These other modes are getting new members in the door and we then excite
them about HF. (see www.gatorradio.org)

Please accept my comments as a possible way to attract younger health
professionals to the hobby, and to our ranks.

73's Jay, AA4FL (AMSAT member)

MARCO Grand Rounds for November 4, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Parkinson Update."

There have been quite a few new drugs and procedures for this condition, mainly "deep brain stimulation." Back in 1943, a neurosurgeon removed a brain tumor in a Parkinson patient and damaged the globus pallidus and noted his tremor subsided. This, the idea of damaging the basal ganglia to improve Parkinson Disease evolved. Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 28, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue our discussion of Sports Medicine for those over 40. We are the first generation to exercise for the duration and the duration seems to be getting longer. What is your treatment for balance control, belly control, and age related decay...can it be slowed, is it being slowed, am I participating correctly?

Should be more fun than last week, tune in 14.307 10 a.m. eastern time. CW at 9:30, check in and listen...good for the neurones.

Good news that all MARCO members in harm's way in California are safe.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 21, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Bell's Palsey."

This Sunday we will dive into 'SPORTS MEDICINE AND THE SENIOR ATHLETES." The new science that addresses needs of the fit-and-over 50 set.

Did you read about the 59 year old high school football player? He went back to finish High School and participated in the game as a line backer. Where's my calcium pill?

Tune in, should be fun. 14.307 Sunday 10 a.m. eastern time.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 14, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss "Bell's Palsey." What treatment is suggested when a patient comes in with rapid-onset paralysis of one side of his face?

This condition scares the wits out of patients and it is up to us to install confidence that over 70% will have complete recovery.

How do we rule out tumor, Lymes etc.

Tune in 14.307 10 a.m. Eastern time, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for October 7, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss an article that appeared in the April 2007 edition of "Family Practice," entitled "SHOULD YOU PUT ALL DIABETIC PATIENTS ON STATINS?" This is a tantalizing subject and with many obese patients who are potential candidates for diabetes walking round--it becomes an important item in the daily drudgery. Tune in should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 23, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Since West Nile virus is out there and many cases have been reported, we will discuss this disease this Sunday 14.308 at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Arnold, Our Prez, is off to Africa--again. Lou our treasurer is still holding out somewhere around French Creek Maine. W4TAD, Bill, our perfect record Ham is still in there fighting the big C.

Aether went out today, so you should receive it on Monday or Tuesday.

Will be leaving town Tueday for a week to see new grandchild, so pick a topic and I hope our Prez-elect Harry, WB9EDP will keep the ship afloat--think up a good subject for discussion. In the future if you would like to handle net control TRY it. Not hard. All you need is a good signal and a voice. Bone up on West Nile, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 16, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Will attempt to finish discussion on immunizations and the possible relation with autism. Someone last week asked "Who invented autism?" I can't answer that but I do know that prior to about 1985 the word was almost never used as a diagnosis. Is this a new disease? Is this a syndrome of several diseases...has it got anything to do with the MMR vaccine or with mercury preservatives? Tune in should be fun--IF the sun allows us a good weather propagation forecast. By the way, what happens when the smog lifts in Los Angeles? Answer: UCLA.

Here is a response on autism from Chip, N5RTF:

The first paper on autism was published by Leo Kanner M.D. in 1943. Recent increases in prevalence may be multifactoral.
In the first case, diagnostic criteria are steadily easing, to allow increasing numbers of families to qualify for associated benefits.

Secondly, as more clinicians and parents become aware of the diagnosis, more real cases are identified.

Thirdly (and purely speculative on my part) is the exponential increase in sensory input in recent years. A person living in 1700 might see 200 images in a lifetime. We can be exposed to that number in a minute, maybe every minute. Assume that most human nervous systems can successfully filter that flow to a manageable level, but some are overwhelmed. Also, adults can deliberately insulate themselves when they feel overloaded (eg. radio rather than TV, books rather than radio, meditation rather than books). Children cannot do this except through withdrawal. In extreme cases, withdrawal could become reflexive.

Drawing an analogy from Ham Radio, I conceptualize autism and similar conditions as /disorders of bandwidth./ The developing brain narrows down its filters to an information flow which can be comfortably processed. Eventually this becomes the default setting.

As an aside, I have always wanted to see how a child with autism handles CW.

MARCO Grand Rounds for September 2, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Due to poor propagation last week, discussion of immunizations was postponed until this Sunday. We have gone from 6 injections the first year of life in the 1960s to 22 immunizations today. There is concern over the increase in autism (and possibly bipolar disease?) linked to immunizations.

The question of mercury poisoning from thimerosal in the preservative has also been raised.

My youngest daughter had her first baby Monday, a little boy, Kenneth, and she is questioning as are other mothers. What will you and I tell them?

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 26, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday, by request, we will talk about chicken pox and shingles. Is it possible to get chicken pox twice? Who needs the shingles vaccine? How can we differentiate between one pox disease from another?

Join in, should be fun.


[MARCO Grand Rounds take place on 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern Time - 1400 UTC in the summer]

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 19, 2007

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will discuss a blockbuster--THE FDA announced today, Aug. 16, that Warfarin (Coumadin)'s label will carry new information describing the role of genetics in dosing. The label will say that a lower initial warfarin dose "should be considered for patients with certain genetic variations."

This means that to CYA you will need to get a $400 test to determine if that person is a slow absorber or rapid absorber of the drug. Medicare will cover it but private insurance no.
Tune in, should be fun!

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 12, 2007

Warren's announcement of this week's Grand Rounds has brought out the wags in the group:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of gas expansion both at altitude and attitude. No one has come up with the answer as to why coal miners don't have mustaches or beards. Tune in and leave your matches in the kitchen. See you--all, or rather, hear you-all Sunday. Should be fun.
-KD4GUA

A bearded miner cannot establish a reliable seal on a respirator.
-Chip, N5RTF

Chip has a point but it is not the answer.
-Warren kd4gua.

Beards itch under masks…That's why the bomber pilots in WWII were always careful to shave closely before a mission.
-Al KA7LOT

Al has a point, but not the point one is looking for, concerning beards in coal miners. Warren -Warren KD4gua.

Multiple answers to an essay question.

1. Excess amounts of coal dust settles in beards and could
be breathed in causing respiratory problems.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

3. The company store has an over supply of razor blades.
-Danny W4DAN

I think Chip's answer was correct. The following information is from the
U.S. Department of Labor, MSHA's (Mine Safety and Health Administration):
It is one paragraph from the full page of text on the subject.

MSHA's Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program
Health Topic

"Silica Exposure of Surface Coal Miners"

What can miners do to limit their exposure to silica containing dust?

Mine operators are required to provide and assure the use of appropriate controls for dust while drilling in rock. Miners should be sure to use all available engineering controls such as dust collectors, wet drilling, drill platform skirts and enclosed cabs. Miners should adjust their work procedures so that they do not stand in dust clouds. While not accepted as a primary control, miners should make use of respirators made available by the mine operator, to provide the maximum protection possible, especially when necessary to work in dust for short periods. If a respirator is used, the miner and mine operator should assure that it is approved for use in silica-containing dust, that it is maintained as approved, worn as designed (not altered in any way), equipped with new filters at least each shift, and fitted so as to provide a tight seal to the face. Miners wearing a respirator can not have beards/mustaches which interfere with the respirator seal to the face.

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Coal Mine Safety and Health Division
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

Phone:(202) 693-9630
-Danny W4DAN

Tune in on Sunday, August 12, 14.307 MHz at 10 AM Eastern/1400 UTC for the answer!!

The answer:

Danny...you done hit the nail on the head with number 2.

2. Miner's carbide lamps could catch the beard on fire.

-Warren KD4GUA