Use of Bromoergocryptine in the Validation of Protocols for the Assessment of Mechanisms of Early Pregnancy Loss in the Rat

Use of Bromoergocryptine in the Validation of Protocols forthe Assessment of Mechanisms of Early Pregnancy Loss in theRat. CUMMINGS, A. M., PERREAULT, S. D., AND HARRIS, S. T. (1991).Fundam. Appl. Toxicol 17, 563–574. Validated protocolsfor evaluating maternally mediated mechanisms of early pregnancyfailure in rodents are needed for use in the risk assessmentprocess. To supplement previous efforts in the validation ofa panel of protocols assembled for this purpose, bromoergocryptine(BEC) was used as a model compound because it is known to inhibitpituitary prolactin secretion. BEC was tested using the earlypregnancy protocol (EPP), the decidual cell response technique(DCR), the pre- vs postimplantation protocol (PPP), and embryotransport rate analysis (ETRA). These protocols evaluate theeffects of chemicals on multiple endpoints following exposureduring (a) the first 8 days of pregnancy, (b) early pseudopregnancyaccompanied by decidual induction, (c) the pre- and postimplantationintervals of early pregnancy, or (d) the period of embryo transport.In the EPP, dosing with BEC during Days 1–8 of pregnancyreduced the number of implantation sites found on Day 9 as wellas serum progesterone. The DCR technique revealed a dose-dependentinhibition of decidual growth concomitant with decreased serumprogesterone as a result of BEC treatment. A modified DCR techniqueusing hormone-supplemented ovariectomized rats demonstratedthat BEC did not impair decidual growth in the presence of adequateprogestogenic support. Pie- vs postimplantation dosing indicatedthat implantation is vulnerable to BEC effects at least throughDay 4. BEC had no effect on embryo transport rate. Data fromthese protocols identified BEC as having adverse maternal effectsduring early pregnancy. While the pituitary was not identifiedby these protocols as the site of BECs's primary action, theprotocols did identify a reduction in serum progesterone andimpaired uterine function as toxicological mechanisms mediatingthe reduced fertility seen following BEC exposure.     

The relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses: a systematic review

wagner j.i.j., cummings g., smith d.l., olson j., anderson l. & warren s. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18 , 448–462
The relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses: a systematic review Aim To describe the findings of a systematic review examining the relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for registered nurses (RNs). Background Workplace empowerment research reveals a link between empowerment and positive work behaviours and attitudes. Research demonstrating the essential relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment will provide direction for future interventions aimed at the development of a strong and effective health care sector. Methods Published research articles examining structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses were selected from computerized databases and selected websites. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were completed for the included research articles. Results Ten papers representing six studies reveal significant associations between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for RNs. Implications for nursing management Creation of an environment that provides structural empowerment is an important organizational strategy that contributes to RNs’ psychological empowerment and ultimately leads to positive work behaviours and attitudes. Critical structural components of an empowered workplace can contribute to a healthy, productive and innovative RN workforce with increased job satisfaction and retention.     

The influence of nursing leadership on nurse performance: a systematic literature review

brady germain p. & cummings g.g. (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18, 425–439
The influence of nursing leadership on nurse performance: a systematic literature review Aim The aim was to explore leadership factors that influence nurse performance and particularly, the role that nursing leadership behaviors play in nurses’ perceptions of performance motivation. Background Nurse performance is vital to quality patient care outcomes and nursing leadership behaviors have been linked to nurse performance. Evaluations A review of research articles that examined the factors that nurses perceived as influencing their motivation and performance was conducted. Eight studies were included in the final analysis. Key issues Nurses’ perceptions of factors that affect their motivation and ability to perform were grouped into five categories using content analysis: autonomy, work relationships, resource accessibility, nurse factors, and leadership practices. Nursing leadership behaviors were found to influence both nurses’ motivations directly and indirectly via other factors. Conclusion The review suggests that nurse performance may be improved by addressing nurse autonomy, relationships among nurses, their colleagues and leaders, and resource accessibility. Implications for nursing management Nursing managers and leaders may enhance their nurses’ performance by understanding and addressing the factors that affect their ability and motivation to perform.     

Predictors of nurse absenteeism in hospitals: a systematic review

Aim  This study aimed to identify and examine predictors of short-term absences of staff nurses working in hospital settings reported in the research literature.
Background  Front-line staff nurse absenteeism contributes to discontinuity of patient care, decreased staff morale and is costly to healthcare.
Evaluation  A systematic review of studies from 1986 to 2006, obtained through electronic searches of 10 online databases led to inclusion of 16 peer-reviewed research articles. Seventy potential predictors of absenteeism were examined and analysed using content analysis.
Key issue  Our findings showed that individual 'nurses' prior attendance records', 'work attitudes' (job satisfaction, organizational commitment and work/job involvement) and 'retention factors' reduced nurse absenteeism, whereas 'burnout' and 'job stress' increased absenteeism. Remaining factors examined in the literature did not significantly predict nurse absenteeism.
Conclusions  Reasons underlying absenteeism among staff nurses are still poorly understood. Lack of robust theory about nursing absenteeism may underlie the inconsistent results found in this review. Further theory development and research is required to explore the determinants of short-term absenteeism of nurses in acute care hospitals.
Implications for nursing management  Work environment factors that increase nurses' job satisfaction, and reduce burnout and job stress need to be considered in managing staff nurse absenteeism.     

Laboratory studies of visible-light cured fissure sealants: setting times and depth of polymerization

Measurements were made, using an acoustic transmission method, of the setting times of three visible-light curing sealants (two filled, one unfilled). Five commercially available visible-light polymerizing sources were tested with each material. Only three of the light sources gave setting times not significantly different from the manufacturers' recommended times for all three materials tested. The variation in microhardness with depth of sealant was measured to study the depth of polymerization of the sealants, all of which were adequate. The filled sealants had microhardness values greater than the unfilled sealant, at all depths studied.