Trefoil factors are expressed in human and rat endocrine pancreas: differential regulation by growth hormone

Trefoil factors (TFFs) 1, 2, and 3 are expressed in mucosal epithelia. TFFs are particular abundant in the intestine in which they play a crucial role in maintenance and restitution of the epithelium. Because pancreas developmentally arises from the primitive foregut, we explored the expression of TFFs in the pancreas in man and rat. Immunocytochemical staining of adult human pancreas showed abundant TFF3 immunoreactivity in pancreatic islets and some duct cells, whereas weak TFF1 and no TFF2 staining were detected. In the islets TFF3 localized to most insulin and some glucagon and pancreatic polypeptide-producing cells. TFF3 immunoreactivity was colocalized with insulin and glucagon in distinct cell clusters in human fetal pancreas at wk 14 and in the newborn rat pancreas. In isolated human and rat islets, TFF3 and TFF1 mRNA was identified by RT-PCR, and TFF3 protein was detected in human pancreas and islets by ELISA. Exposure of neonatal rat islets or insulinoma cells to GH, a known beta-cell growth factor, resulted in markedly increased TFF3 but decreased TFF1 mRNA levels. The effect of GH on TFF3 expression was confirmed by Western blot. Culture of neonatal rat islets in the presence of TFF3 resulted in attachment and migration of the islet cells, but no effects on proliferation, insulin secretion or cytokine-induced apoptosis were seen. These data demonstrate expression of TFFs in the endocrine pancreas, but their possible functions remain unknown.     

Stress, health complaints and self-confidence: a comparison between young adult women in Sweden and USA

Transition to adulthood is a period in life when women encounter conflicts, ambiguities and rapidly expanding roles that may be stressful and difficult to manage. The aim of this study was to compare stress in daily life, health complaints and self-confidence in 26-year old women in two different cultures. A health survey study was performed among Swedish women (n = 386) and American women (n = 201) living in urban areas at the West coast of Sweden and in Minnesota. Both Swedish and American women reported stress in their everyday life, with higher figures for the Americans. Overall health was rated lower by the Swedish women and they reported more health complaints such as headache, general tiredness, irritability, depression and sleeping disorders. There was a difference between groups in self-confidence with higher figures for excellent self-confidence among American women. However, low self-confidence was reported by more American than Swedish women. A good work situation predicted self-confidence in Swedish women and financial confidence in American women. Physical fitness was associated with self-confidence in both groups. Young women in both cultures experienced high level of stress but health related complaints were more common among Swedish women. High stress and health complaints must be taken seriously and interventions to support young women in the midst of transition to adulthood should contain stress reduction as well as empowerment performed in a more effective way than today in different health care settings and at place of work.     

Theoretical model of coping among relatives of patients in intensive care units: a simultaneous concept analysis

This paper reports the development of a theoretical model of relatives' coping approaches during the patient's intensive care unit stay and subsequent recovery at home by performing an analysis of concepts generated from two empirically grounded, theoretical studies in this area. BACKGROUND: When supporting relatives of intensive care unit patients, it is important that nurses have access to evidence-based knowledge of relatives' coping approaches during the period of illness and recovery. METHOD: Simultaneous concept analysis was used to refine and combine multiple coping concepts into a theoretical model of coping. The concepts were generated in two previous empirical studies of relatives' coping approaches during mechanically ventilated patients' intensive care unit stays and recovery at home. FINDINGS: The theoretical model was developed in 2004-2005 and illustrates the effectiveness of different coping approaches in relation to each other and to social support. Definitions summarizing each coping approach and containing the knowledge gained through the simultaneous concept analysis method were also formulated. CONCLUSION: This middle-range theory of relatives' coping approaches may make a valuable contribution to international intensive care unit nursing practice, especially as it is based on empirical studies and may therefore serve as a basis for the development of future clinical guidelines. However, the theoretical model needs to be empirically validated before it can be used.     

Nurses' perceptions of providing advice via a telephone care line

The provision of advice over the telephone in the health service has become more common in the Western world and in Sweden this task is allocated to nurses. There are several million calls a year to the medical care telephone helpline. Nurses answer the calls, provide advice and direct the flow of patients to the most appropriate treatment level. The aim of this study was to describe how nurses perceive their job of providing telephone advice to patients. Interviews with 12 nurses were analyzed using a phenomenographic approach. The nurses perceived their work as stimulating, autonomous and challenging. They also felt exposed because extensive knowledge is required and there is a risk of being criticized, as they are in a front-line position. Nurses who are responsive, determined and not anxious about their prestige can carry out the work well, provided they have a good level of self-awareness. Personal qualities and the confidence of superiors make even an exposed position with considerable requirements manageable.     

The throat: an important site for MRSA colonization

In order to evaluate the value of bacterial cultures taken from the throat, 266 patients with MRSA were retrospectively assessed. At the time when MRSA was first detected in the patient, the most frequent sites positive for MRSA were a skin lesion (110 patients, 41%), the anterior nares (109 patients, 41%), and the throat (102 patients, 38%). In 26%, 17%, and 17% of the patients, a skin lesion, the anterior nares, and the throat, respectively, were the only site where MRSA was seen. In 123 patients cultured for MRSA because of a close contact with an already known MRSA patient, 65 patients (53%) were positive for MRSA in their throat and in 40 patients (33%), throat was the only sample site with MRSA at the time when the patient was found to be MRSA positive. 146 of the 266 patients (55%) were colonized with MRSA in the throat any time throughout the period they were MRSA positive. We conclude that throat is an important reservoir for MRSA and that samples taken from the throat should be included in screening patients for MRSA.     

Partnerships and pathways of dissemination: The National Institute on Drug Abuse—Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Blending Initiative in the Clinical Trials Network

Since 2001, the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) has worked to put the results of its trials into the hands of community treatment programs, in large part through its participation in the National Institute on Drug Abuse—Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Blending Initiative and its close involvement with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment's Addiction Technology Transfer Centers. This article describes (a) the CTN's integral role in the Blending Initiative, (b) key partnerships and dissemination pathways through which the results of CTN trials are developed into blending products and then transferred to community treatment programs, and (c) three blending initiatives involving buprenorphine, motivational incentives, and motivational interviewing. The Blending Initiative has resulted in high utilization of its products, preparation of more than 200 regional trainers, widespread training of service providers in most U.S. States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and movement toward the development of Web-based implementation supports and technical assistance. Implications for future directions of the Blending Initiative and opportunities for research are discussed.     

Coping strategies when an adult next-of-kin/close friend is in critical care: a grounded theory analysis.

The aim of the study was to generate a theoretical model of how relatives/close friends cope when faced with having an adult next-of-kin/close friend admitted to critical care. Using interviews, data were collected from 18 relatives/close friends of adult patients in thoracic surgical, neurosurgical, coronary, and general ICUs in south-west Sweden. The design incorporated grounded theory methodology. The results indicate the relatives/close friends tried to make the experience of their situation easier, but that the approaches used differed in accordance with the individual's internal and external resources. Four coping strategies exhibiting different characteristics were identified: the relatives/close friends alleviated, recycled, mastered, or excluded their feelings. Factors determining the choice of coping strategy were social background, previous experience of ICU-care and how the situation was apprehended. The theoretical model described in this article can contribute to expanding nurses' understanding of the coping strategies of relatives/close friends in critical care.     

Anxiety and depression among subjects attending genetic counseling for hereditary cancer

OBJECTIVES: The main aims of the study were to investigate changes in anxiety and depression over time in subjects attending genetic counseling (GC) for hereditary cancer, and secondly, to identify psychological, social, and medical variables associated with the course and outcome of anxiety and depression. METHODS: Of 275 eligible individuals, 221 consented to participate, 214 returned the baseline questionnaire, and were included in a prospective multi-center study. Questionnaires were mailed to the subjects before and after the GC. RESULTS: The mean values for anxiety and depression were quite low at all assessments. Mixed linear analyzes revealed that both anxiety and depression declined over time. Higher age, GC-related self-efficacy, and social support were associated with lower levels of anxiety. More social support, satisfaction with GC, self-rated physical function, and GC-related self-efficacy were associated with lower levels of depression. The effects of social support on both anxiety and depression had a significant interaction with time. CONCLUSION: The results support the buffer theory, which proposes that social support acts as a buffer, protecting people from the potentially pathogenic influence of stressful life events, such as GC. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Subjects with less social support and less GC-related self-efficacy seem to be more vulnerable to anxiety and depression and should be offered extra attention by counselors.