Letter to the Editor

Abdominal Radiology -     

Ethical reasoning observed: a longitudinal study of nursing students

All nursing courses in the UK include ethics in the curriculum, although there is considerable variation in the content of ethics courses and the teaching methods used to assist the acquisition of ethical reasoning.The effectiveness of ethics courses continues to be disputed, even when the perceptions and needs of students are taken into account in their design. This longitudinal study, carried out in the UK, but with implications for nurse education in other developed countries, explored the ethical understanding of nursing students and changes in their understanding and approaches to practice over their four years of training (1995-1999). The data collection tools were a questionnaire originally piloted prior to the 1995 study, from which the present study developed, and five vignettes describing ethical dilemmas in health care also piloted in 1995. Students' thinking progressed as they became more mature as individuals and professionals, although this progress was not necessarily in the direction of greater certainty. Suggestions are made to help nurse educators to maximize the effectiveness of ethics courses in transmitting the skills of ethical reasoning.     

A critical analysis of the potential contribution of Orem's (2001) self-care deficit nursing theory to contemporary coronary care nursing practice.

BACKGROUND: Over the last three decades, nurse theorists have strongly advocated the use of conceptual models of nursing to guide nursing practice. Within coronary care units, conceptual model-based care has had inconsistent application and is currently challenged by contemporary approaches such as pathways of care. AIMS: This paper aims to critically analyze the use of Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory as a modus operandi to effectively meet the needs of hospitalized patients in coronary care. RESULTS: Although complex both in the language and construction, the self-care model , provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to the care of people in coronary care. CONCLUSIONS: This paper highlights the potential contribution the application of the self-care deficit nursing theory to the coronary care setting from a philosophical and practical perspective. Orem's conceptual model of nursing and current practice in coronary care units share certain similarities that render a useful model for use in practice. However, while it is recommended for consideration for use in both practice and educational settings, further empirical work is required in the area, together with realistic and practical application of the theory to practice in a way that embraces contemporary notions.     

Genetic analysis of mitochondrial complex II subunits SDHD, SDHB and SDHC in paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma susceptibility

BACKGROUND: Germline mutations in three subunits of mitochondrial complex II (SDHB, SDHC and SDHD) may be associated with susceptibility to phaeochromocytoma (PC) and/or head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL). METHODS: To further define the role of SDH subunit mutations in these disorders, we analysed a series of 22 probands with PC and evidence of genetic susceptibility (seven with familial PC only, one with familial PC and HNPGL, 10 sporadic cases with multiple PC and four cases of isolated paediatric onset PC) for germline SDHB, SDHC and SDHD mutations. In addition, we analysed 34 cases of HNPGL (30 isolated cases with single tumours, three isolated cases with multiple tumours and one familial case with multiple tumours) for somatic and germline mutations in SDHB, SDHC and SDHD. RESULTS: We identified four germline mutations (three SDHB and one SDHD, three novel) in the 22 PC probands. Combining these results with our previous series, we have detected germline SDHB or SDHD mutations in 2/12 (17%) of familial PC only kindreds, 4/5 (80%) of familial PC and HNPGL cases, 1/10 of sporadic multiple PC cases and 2/4 (50%) of paediatric PCs. No somatic mutations were detected in the HNPGL tumours, but four cases with multiple HNPGL had the common P81L germline SDHD mutation. Intriguingly a silent SNP (c.204C > T) in SDHD was significantly more common in HNPGL cases (6/34) than in controls (1/100, P = 0.0011). Combining our results with those from two other large studies in which both SDHB and SDHD have been analysed, SDHB mutations were most commonly associated with phaeochromocytoma susceptibility and SDHD with the development of HNPGL (P = 0.025). However, germline SDHB and SDHD mutations demonstrate considerable phenotypic variability and genotype-phenotype correlations are complex. CONCLUSION: The significantly lower frequency (P = 0.028) of germline SDH subunit mutations in familial PC only cases compared to those with familial PC and HNPGL suggests that further PC susceptibility gene(s) remain to be identified.     

Effect of carbohydrate restriction on lipoprotein abnormalities in maturity-onset diabetes mellitus

Summary Hyperlipoproteinemia occurs commonly in diabetics and may contribute to early atherosclerosis in these patients. The effect of dietary carbohydrate restriction on lipid abnormalities has been examined in 42 newly diagnosed maturity-onset diabetics, in whom plasma lipoproteins were measured before treatment was started and at regular intervals during ten months of dietary therapy. Twenty-four patients (57%) had abnormal lipids when diabetes was first diagnosed. Nine were classed as Type II and 15 as Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia. Plasma lipids reverted to normal in half these patients after dietary treatment for one month. Only 8 diabetics (19%) showed persistent lipid abnormality after ten months’ treatment: all had been unable to diet satisfactorily as judged by persisting obesity and hyperglycemia. The common lipoprotein abnormalities of maturity-onset diabetes can usually be returned to normal by the simplest possible carbohydrate-restricted diet, if patients adhere to this. Specialized and complex diets or lipid-lowering drugs are unnecessary in the majority of patients.     

Predictors of social anxiety in an opioid dependent sample and a control sample

Compared to other mental health problems, social anxiety is under-acknowledged amongst opioid dependent populations. This study aimed to assess levels of social anxiety and identify its predictors in an opioid dependent sample and a matched control group. Opioid dependent participants (n = 1385) and controls (n = 417) completed the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Social Phobia Scale (SPS) and a diagnostic interview. Regression analyses were used to test a range of predictors of social anxiety. Opioid dependent cases had higher mean scores on both scales compared to controls. Predictors of social anxiety centred on emotional rejection in childhood, either by parents or peers. For opioid dependent cases, but not controls, lifetime non-opioid substance dependence (cannabis, sedatives, and tobacco) was associated with higher levels of social anxiety. However, much of the variance in social anxiety remains unexplained for this population.