Fibrosing alveolitis: CT-pathologic correlation

Computed tomography (CT) was performed within 10 days of open lung biopsy in nine patients with fibrosing alveolitis. One-centimeter collimation contiguous scans through the chest were obtained in all patients. Additional 1.5-mm collimation scans were obtained in the area in which lung biopsy was later performed in six patients. In seven patients, CT demonstrated patchy involvement of the lung parenchyma, areas with a reticular pattern being intermingled with areas of normal lung. The reticular pattern was associated with cystic spaces 2-4 mm in diameter and was more severe in the lung periphery. Histologically, the reticular pattern corresponded to areas of irregular fibrosis. One patient had diffuse honeycombing (2-20-mm cysts), and one had honeycombing only in the lung periphery. In all patients, CT clearly defined the architectural changes seen on open lung biopsy. These changes were much better seen on the 1.5-mm than on the 10-mm collimation scans. CT may be helpful in determining the pattern and distribution of lung involvement in patients with fibrosing alveolitis and in guiding the surgeon to the most appropriate area(s) for biopsy.     

The changing academic role of the nurse teacher in the United Kingdom

This paper presents findings from a national study conducted over a 3-year period (1991–94) which examined the changing role of the nurse teacher The study used multiple methods to collect data from a wide variety of respondents (nurse teachers, midwife teachers, clinical nurses, health service managers and higher education lecturers) This paper presents the findings relating to the development of the nurse teacher's academic role following the introduction of Project 2000 The issues presented and discussed include specialization within the nurse teacher's role, the nature of this specialization and the development of academic credibility and scholarship The implications of these changes in terms of the development of nursing as an academic subject area and the opportunity to contribute to the establishment of research based practice are explored     

A pilot scheme for an integrated falls prevention service

The National Service Framework for the Older Person (Department of Health 2001) set standards for reducing the number of falls and serious injury. One way this might be achieved is through provision of a Specialist Falls Service. This paper describes a 3 year pilot project to introduce an Integrated Falls Service using money obtained from the local Health Authority Health Improvement fund.The article describes a partnership approach with the local council, therapy services and other agencies. The target group and referral mechanisms are discussed and costings given. A variety of interventions will be employed to include assessment and targeted exercises with education sessions. Hip protectors are available for high risk patients. Several indices will be used to evaluate this pilot scheme including balance measurements, confidence scales, supported interviews and diaries. Final evaluation will be in March 2004.     

Prospective randomized trial of right-sided paracolic adhesiolysis for chronic pelvic pain.

BACKGROUND: Prior study has shown that right paracolic adhesions are found in 90% of patients with chronic pelvic pain and less frequently in pain-free patients. We set out to determine whether paracolic adhesiolysis will reduce site-specific pain. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized trial of right paracolic adhesiolysis at the time of diagnostic and operative laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain. Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain were randomized to either undergo or withhold lysis of right paracolic adhesions at the time of operative laparoscopy. RESULTS: Right paracolic adhesions were found in 100% of our patients. For all subjects, there was a significant reduction of right and left lower quadrant pain (P<0.001) following the operative laparoscopy. Those who underwent right paracolic adhesiolysis had significantly greater right pelvic pain reduction than those who did not (P=0.014). There was no difference in the reduction of left or mid pelvic pain between the treatment and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Right paracolic adhesiolysis reduces short-term site-specific tenderness in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Patients who would benefit from diagnostic or operative laparoscopy are likely to benefit further from paracolic adhesiolysis.     

Interpersonal mental health nursing: research issues and challenges

Since Peplau outlined her perceptions of psychiatric/mental health nursing in (1952) interpersonal relationships has been considered by many as the core of practice. In the intervening period of almost a half century many researchers and theorists have endeavoured to develop and integrate Peplau's framework into day-to-day nursing activity. However, more recently, as a result of the fusion between the professional nursing agenda and the wider political agenda, the importance of interpersonal relationships and the individuality of psychiatric/mental health nursing is being questioned. This questioning is represented in the debate about the aetiology of mental illness, the choice of research methods to determine treatment outcomes and by association the role and value of the psychiatric/mental health nurse. This paper will focus on the interpersonal nature of psychiatric/mental health nursing and explore possible research approaches aimed at explicating its core. Attention will be given to the necessity of using pluralistic methodology in order to do so.     

Presence of oxytalan fibers in human regenerated periodontal ligament

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oxytalan fibers are formed in the regenerated human periodontal ligament. 6 patients, each of them exhibiting an advanced intrabony defect, were treated with a bioresorbable membrane according to the GTR-principle. Following a healing period of 6 months, the teeth were extracted together with their surrounding soft and hard tissues and subsequently fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Following decalcification in EDTA, the specimens were embedded in paraffin and 8-microm histological sections were cut in the mesio-distal direction, parallel to the long axes of the teeth. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, or with the oxone-aldehyde-fuchsin-Halmi staining method and examined in the light microscope. A regenerated periodontal ligament containing newly-formed oxytalan fibers was observed in all specimens. Many of them inserted into the newly formed cementum on the root surface. It is concluded that oxytalan fibers are formed de novo in human regenerated periodontal ligament tissue.     

Competency-based learning applied to nursing management

The ability to manage change has become an essential skill for all managers, particularly those employed within the Health and Social Services. It is recognized that managers may have received an introduction to management concepts and skills within their professional education but require more specific management development. The government approach to adult education with an increased emphasis on vocational training as opposed to professional education (Hyland 1991) has had an important impact upon the theory and practice of nurse management. Nurses are now required to demonstrate, not only the appropriate knowledge and theory of management, but also the competencies necessary to fulfil their role. This is becoming an important dimension of management development programmes. This paper discusses aspects of competency based learning and considers how these concepts are applied to a higher education nurse management programme on 'Managing Change'. The difficulties experienced in applying vocational standards to professional education within the culture of a higher education will be explored, difficulties identified and some alternatives offered.