Personal history,training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses

Back pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross-sectional or retrospective data. This 18-month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow-ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Mapping of α- and β-globin genes on Antarctic fish chromosomes by fluorescence in-situ hybridization

The pathways and mechanisms of genomic change that have led to the peculiar haemoglobinless phenotype of the white-blooded Antarctic icefishes (16 species in the family Channichthyidae) constitute an important model for understanding the rapid diversification of the Antarctic notothenioid fish flock. To provide complementary structural information on genomic change at globin-gene loci in Antarctic fish species, cytogenetic studies and in-situ chromosomal mapping have been undertaken. Using a DNA probe containing one α- and one β-globin gene from the embryonic/juvenile globin gene cluster of the red-blooded species Notothenia coriiceps, we mapped the cluster on the chromosomes of Antarctic teleosts by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. As anticipated on the basis of its molecular organization, the cluster was located on a single chromosome pair in all of the red-blooded fish species probed (N. coriiceps, N. angustata, Trematomus hansoni, T. pennellii). In contrast, the α/β-globin probe did not recognize complementary sequences on the chromosomes of the white-blooded species Chionodraco hamatus and Channichthys rhinoceratus. These results represent the first example of chromosomal mapping of embryonic/juvenile globin genes in teleostean fishes. Beyond its relevance to the evolutionary history of Antarctic notothenioids, this work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of the chromosomal loci of globin genes in fishes and other vertebrates. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The change process in alcoholics: client motivation and denial in the treatment of alcoholism within the context of contemporary nursing

Despite being constantly cited as a critical intervening variable in the recovery from alcohol problems, there is a paucity of literature on client motivation. This paper reviews the current literature which impacts on motivation and its importance in treatment and develops in a stepwise manner the revised expectancy/motivation hypothesis, tentatively explaining both motivation and denial as a natural process in behavioural change. Because of the revised expectancy/motivation hypothesis' distinctly defined stages which closely relate to the process of nursing and the qualitative and quantitative measurement it entails which the nursing process demands, it offers a particularly appropriate model for treatment within nurse practice.     

Hand hygiene and glove use behavior in an Italian hospital.

In an Italian hospital, we observed that hand hygiene was performed in 638 (19.6%) of 3,253 opportunities, whereas gloves were worn in 538 (44.2%) 1,218 of opportunities. We observed an inverse correlation between the intensity of care and the rate of hand hygiene compliance (R2=0.057; P<.001), but no such association was observed for the rate of glove use compliance (R2=0.014; P=.078). Rates of compliance with hand hygiene and glove use recommendations follow different behavioral patterns.     

Locomotor development and oral reflexes

The newborn has a repertoire of oral zone reflexes which are intimately involved with experiences and expressions related to distress and pleasure. These help develop signaling which leads to relief of distress. The signaling involves bicycling of all limbs, with facial and vocal accompaniments, and thus the locomotor apparatus is intimately related to the oral zone reflexes. From these observations, it is hypothesized that trauma to oral zone reflexes would cause interference with the development of locomotion, initiation efforts, affect and attachment. These disturbances may be seen in different degrees in various deprivation states.     

Productivity loss due to deformity from leprosy in India

The productivity loss in India due to deformity from leprosy was assessed in a random sample of 550 leprosy patients from a rural and an urban area in the state of Tamil Nadu. Logistic and log-linear regression analyses on these leprosy patients showed that elimination of deformity would: a) raise the probability of gainful employment from 42.2% to 77.6%; b) increase annual earnings per patient gainfully employed from Rs 2948 to Rs 6469; and c) raise overall earnings for all patients from Rs 1259 to Rs 5023 per year. The earnings of 550 control subjects (adult family members of the leprosy patients) were consistent with these predictions. Extrapolation to all of India's estimated 645,000 leprosy patients with deformity suggests that elimination of deformity would raise productivity by +130 million per year. The authors conclude that the development and evaluation of programs to eliminate deformity from leprosy deserve high priority.     

Current Controversies in Pregnancy and Epilepsy: A Unique Challenge to Nursing

Approximately 11,550 women with epilepsy give birth annually, yet maternity nurses receive little information on how to care for these patients. Children of epileptic mothers are born with an increased incidence of birth defects, and have a higher perinatal mortality rate. Complications such as bleeding during pregnancy, and interventions such as cesarean births and labor inductions are more common among epileptic women, and seizures tend to increase during pregnancy in more than one-third of epileptic women. Informed nursing care is essential to ensure the best possible outcome of these pregnancies.