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Issue 91 - Friday 8 May 2009

 Articles

1. Charles M. Lapière, 1931–2007
by Aumailley, Monique et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p143
An obituary for professor Charles M. Lapière is presented.

2. Prevention vs. cure
by Hebda, Patricia A. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p144
Abstract:
The article presents the author's opinion related to the need for global awareness for the prevention of ulcer formation. He is of the view that information related to ulceration must reach beyond the wound care specialists to primary care providers, so that they can recognize patients at risk and take preventive measures. He opines that this information should also be imparted to medical and nursing students so that it can be incorporated into generalized standard practice.

3. Genesis of the prevention guidelines project
by Barbul, Adrian. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p145
Abstract:
The article focuses on the efforts of four panels of the Wound Healing Society based in Tampa, Florida, to formulate guidelines for best wound prevention measures. To formulate these evidence based guidelines, a common methodology was agreed upon by all four panels and previous guidelines, meta-analyses, and articles of treatment of the ulcer under consideration were all reviewed for evidence. After that guidelines were formulated and evidence references listed and coded.

4. Guidelines for the prevention of venous ulcers
by Robson, Martin C et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p147-150
Abstract:
The article offers suggestions for the prevention of venous ulcers. Compression stockings are suggested for patients with signs of increased ambulatory venous hypertension and postphlebitic syndrome. Exercise to increase calf muscle pump function is stated to be helpful in long-term maintenance and venous ulcer prevention. It is stated that surgery on the venous system such as venous ablation, endovenous laser ablation, and valvuloplasty can help decrease venous hypertension.

5. Guidelines for the prevention of pressure ulcers
by Stechmiller, Joyce K et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p151-168
Abstract:
The article offers guidelines for the prevention of pressure ulcers. Pressure Ulcer Risk Screening (PURS) is suggested for the patients of pressure ulcers. A procedure for pressure ulcer rescreening should be implemented within 48 hours after a patient is hospitalized. It is further stated that the Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment (PURA) plays a significant role in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

6. Guidelines for the prevention of diabetic ulcers
by Steed, David L et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p169-174
Abstract:
The article offers guidelines for the prevention of diabetic ulcers. It is stated that in patients with diabetes, laboratory values such as hemoglobin A1c should be monitored. Furthermore it is stated that diabetics should be examined for callus formation. It is suggested that patients with healed diabetic ulcers should use protective footwear to prevent recurrence.

7. Guidelines for the prevention of lower extremity arterial ulcers
by Hopf, Harriet W et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p175-188
Abstract:
The article offers guidelines for the prevention of lower extremity arterial ulcers in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). It is stated that an early diagnosis is paramount to preventing ulcers in patients with undiagnosed PAOD. Signs of PAOD develop at the leg, ankle, or heel level. Furthermore it is stated that the use of lipid-lowering therapies decreases long-term ischemic arterial ulcer development.

8. Subepidermal moisture differentiates erythema and stage I pressure ulcers in nursing home residents
by Bates-Jensen, Barbara M et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p189-197
Abstract:
The objective of this descriptive cohort study was to examine the relationship between subepidermal moisture (SEM) and visual assessment of early pressure ulcers (PUs) in 31 nursing home (NH) residents residing in two NHs. Concurrent visual assessments and SEM were obtained at the sacrum, right and
left trochanters, buttocks, and ischium weekly for 20 weeks. Visual assessment was rated as normal, erythema, stage I PU, or stage II+ PU. SEM, measured with a dermal phase meter where higher readings indicate greater SEM (range: 0–999 dermal phase units [DPU]), was modeled as a predictor of concurrent visual assessment of skin damage and erythema and stage I PUs at the sacrum 1 week later with covariate PU risk. Participants had a mean age of 84.1 years, were 83% female, 72% non-Hispanic white. SEM was lowest for normal skin (104 DPU, SD 114), higher for erythema (185 DPU, SD 138), stage I PUs (264 DPU, SD 208), and highest for stage II+ PUs (727 DPU, SD 287) across all sites (all p<0.01). SEM was responsive to visual assessment changes, differentiated between erythema and stage I PU, and higher SEM predicted greater likelihood of erythema/stage I PU at the sacrum the next week (odds ratio=1.32 for every 100 DPU increase, p=0.03). SEM was associated with concurrent skin damage and future (1 week later) development of sacral erythema/stage I PUs. SEM differentiates between erythema and stage I PUs. SEM may assist in predicting early PU damage, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent PUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

9. Use of a novel porcine collagen paste as a dermal substitute in full-thickness wounds
by Shevchenko, Rostislav V et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p198-207
Abstract:
A commercially available porcine collagen sheet material has been found previously to be useful as an implant for reconstructive surgery. However, its use as a dermal substitute has been hindered by slow cell penetration and vascularization. A novel paste formulation of this material was investigated for its potential role as a dermal substitute in full-thickness wounds. A porcine punch biopsy model was initially used to assess the integration of a wide range of material formulations. Selected formulations were then assessed further in a larger wound-chamber model. Paste formulations were compared with those of sheet and another commercially available dermal regeneration template. The porcine collagen paste became integrated into full-thickness wounds without
rejection and without excessive inflammation. It was detected in wounds up to day 27 postimplantation. Porcine collagen paste was readily infiltrated by host cells by day 2 and supported migrating keratinocytes on its surface. Staining for endothelial cells indicated neovasculature formation as early as day 4 and functional newly formed microvessels were noted at day 7. This was comparable with neovascularization of an alternative and clinically proven dermal
regeneration template and was significantly superior to the sheet material formulation at the same time points. Our findings suggest that porcine collagen paste may be suitable as an alternative to current dermal substitutes in full-thickness wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

10. Polydeoxyribonucleotide stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in the genetically diabetic mouse
by Galeano, Mariarosaria et al. Wound Repair & Regeneration, Mar 2008, Vol 16 Issue 2:p208-217
Abstract:
Healing of diabetic wounds still remains a critical medical problem. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a compound having a mixture of deoxyribonucleotide polymers, stimulates the A2 purinergic receptor with no toxic or adverse effect. We studied the effects of PDRN in diabetes-related healing defect using an incisional skin-wound model produced on the back of female diabetic mice ( db+/ db+) and their normal littermates ( db+/+ m). Animals were treated daily for 12 days with PDRN (8 mg/kg/ip) or its vehicle (100 µL 0.9%NaCl). Mice were killed 3, 6, and 12 days after skin injury to measure
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression and protein synthesis, to assay angiogenesis and tissue remodeling through histological evaluation, and to study CD31, Angiopoietin-1 and Transglutaminase-II. Furthermore, we measured wound breaking strength at day 12. PDRN injection in diabetic mice
resulted in an increased VEGF message (vehicle=1.0±0.2 n-fold vs. ß-actin; PDRN=1.5±0.09 n-fold vs. ß-actin) and protein wound content on day 6(vehicle=0.3±0.07 pg/wound; PDRN=0.9±0.1 pg/wound). PDRN injection improved the impaired wound healing and increased the wound-breaking strength in diabetic mice. PDRN also caused a marked increase in CD31 immunostaining and induced Transglutaminase-II and Angiopoietin-1 expression. Furthermore, the concomitant administration of 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargilxanthine, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, abolished PDRN positive effects on healing. However, 3, 7-dimethyl-1-propargilxanthine alone did not affect wound healing in both diabetic mice and normal littermates. These results suggest that PDRN might be useful in wound disorders associated with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

11. Who do you think you are?
by Duffin, Christian. Nursing Older People, Apr 2009, Vol 21 Issue 3:p18-21
Abstract:
This article examines the findings of a survey of readers of the RCN Publishing Company specialist journals, which cover settings such as gerontology, mental health and emergency care. The survey provides a snapshot of the profession and highlights differences between nurses in each field: their ages, working practices, concerns and aspirations. The survey found that the older people specialty has disproportionately high numbers of older
professionals, in the same way that the emergency care and mental health specialties have high numbers of younger nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

12. Nurses' views about services for older people with learning disabilities
by Jenkins, Robert. Nursing Older People, Apr 2009, Vol 21 Issue 3:p23-27
Aim:
To explore nurses' views of the strengths and weaknesses of current patterns of service provision for older people with learning disabilities in relation to three service models and parent/carer needs.
Method: Focus groups were held with mental health nurses, practice nurses and nurses specialising in the care of people with a learning disability, and an interview was held with a district nurse.
Findings: Some services may not be prepared for this client group, nor in some cases be appropriate for it, and there appears to be little specialist provision or use made of mental health services.
Conclusion: Specialist services and/or teams should be developed to address the complex needs of older people with learning disabilities, particularly those who develop dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

13. Designed for a better life
by Allen, Daniel. Nursing Older People, Apr 2009, Vol 21 Issue 3:p28-29
Abstract:
A new design audit tool contains a series of resources for carrying out an assessment of environments used by people with dementia. It is suitable for refurbishment projects or new buildings and can be used across a range of settings, including day centres, hospital wards, care homes and GP surgeries.
[ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

14. Understanding primary insomnia in older people
by Gillam, Tony. Nursing Older People, Apr 2009, Vol 21 Issue 3:p30-33
Abstract:
An adequate quantity and quality of sleep are important to maintain health. Insomnia is common and can result in significant distress and impaired daytime functioning. This article seeks to raise nurses' awareness of the evidence surrounding insomnia and the guidance relating to its management. It focuses particularly on the role of the hormone melatonin and recent developments in the use of synthesised melatonin as a treatment for primary insomnia in people aged over 55. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journals - Table of Contents

15. From Contemporary Nurse, Volume 31 Issue 2, February 2009
CLINICAL PRACTICE
15A. Evaluation of clinical practice improvement programs for nurses for the management of alcohol withdrawal in hospitals
15B. Nurses in abortion care: Identifying and managing stress
15C. Factors affecting compliance with eye drop therapy for glaucoma in a multicultural outpatient setting
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
15D. The expectations of two New Zealand health services of the role of Clinical Chairs in Nursing and Midwifery
15E. Graduate nurses' experiences of developing trust in the nurse-patient relationship
15F. Uncovering knowing in practice during the graduate year: An exploratory study
15G. Job stressors and social support behaviors: Comparing intensive care units to wards in Jordan
15H. Prevalence, risk factors, consequences and strategies for reducing medication errors in Australian hospitals: A literature review

16. The Journal of Continuing Education, Volume 40, Number 4 April 2009
Editorial
16A. Being Marketable
Administrative Angles
16B. Filling Gaps in Knowledge: Educating Nurses to Provide Appropriate Patient Materials
Clinical Updates
16C. Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy for Treatment of End-Stage Heart Failure
Teaching Tips
16D. Strategies for Making Oral Presentations About Clinical Issues: Part I. At the Workplace
Original Article
16E. Twelve Steps for Success in the Nursing Research Journey
16F. Considering a Career Change to a Nursing Faculty Position? Key Interview Questions to Ask and Why
16G. Strengthening the Use of Evidence-Based Practice: Development of an Independent Study Packet
16H. Adolescent Suicide Prevention: The Oklahoma Community Reaches Out
16I. Paradox of a Graduate Human Science Curriculum Experienced Online: A Faculty Perspective
16J. The Effect of International Courses on Nursing Practice at Jordanian Hospitals

Conferences, training and seminars

17. New Zealand Society of Hospital and Community Dentistry
Date: 31st July – 1 August 2009
Venue: Copthorne Lake Front Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand
More information: http://www.nzda.org.nz/pub/resources/other_nzshcdconf09.pdf

18. New Zealand Orthopaedic Association
Annual Scientific meeting
Date: 18-21 October 2009
Venue: Te Papa
More information: http://www.nzoa2009.co.nz/

19. Bioethics and Health Law Conference - “Future Offers, Future Threats”
Date:
9-12 July 2009
Venue: Rydges Lakeland Resort,Queenstown
More information: http://www.events4you.co.nz/abaanzihle.html

News - National

20. Coroner in plea over cot deaths
Otago Daily Times - Fri, 8 May 2009
A Wellington coroner is calling on the Ministry of Health to strengthen guidelines on safe sleeping practices for newborn babies after an investigation into the sudden deaths of seven infants. Coroner Garry Evans found four of the babies died of accidental asphyxia while the other three died suddenly and unexpectedly of "undetermined" causes.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/54807/coroner-plea-over-cot-deaths

21. Maori king cuts ribbon on new health centre
Waikato Times - 7 May 2009
Maori health initatives are being centralised in the Te Kohao Health's new Community Health and Wellness Centre.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/2391476/Maori-king-cuts-ribbon-on-new-health-centre

22. P clean-up standard long overdue
Dominion Post - 7th May 2009
Health Ministry guidelines for safe levels of methamphetamine contamination in homes are a year overdue and include levels experts consider unsafe for human health.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/2390698/P-clean-up-standard-long-overdue

23. NZ pumps millions into Pacific eye health project
RNZ - 6 May 2009
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/stories/2009/05/06/1245af7ba7fd

24. NZ supporting eye health in the Pacific
Murray McCully - 6 May, 2009
New Zealand is contributing $5.6 million to a trans-Tasman project that will improve eye health, and treat blindness in the Pacific, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced today. “It is estimated that there 80,000 blind people and a further 250,000 with impaired vision in the Pacific,” Mr McCully said.
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz+supporting+eye+health+pacific

25. Barnardos welcomes report by Families Commission
Wednesday, 6 May 2009 - Barnardos New Zealand
Barnardos New Zealand welcomes the report by the Families Commission ‘Healthy families, young minds and developing brains’ released yesterday. “The report underlines the recent research into the developments of minds and brains of young children, and how these affect families in New Zealand. Barnardos agrees
that the quality of interaction and trust within families and between caregivers and children, in particular in early childhood, is crucial. Children who experience neglect, stress, abuse or trauma are likely to impair the development of their brain”, says Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos NZ”.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0905/S00081.htm

News - International

26. Wayne Swan slashes private health rebate as promised tax cuts eroded
The Australian - 8 May 2009
KEVIN Rudd will strip $1.9 billion from the pockets of middle- and high-income earners by slashing their taxpayer-funded 30 per cent private health insurance rebates in Tuesday's budget.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25446087-23289,00.html

27. Sleeping beauty
The Age - 7 May 2009
We spend more than a third of our lives asleep, so the bedroom is one of the most important places in our homes. However, for many, what should be a haven of tranquillity and restfulness is instead a source of discontentment. Poorly manufactured beds and bases, inappropriate lighting, the wrong bedding, bad usage habits and inadequate airflow can all contribute to us getting a dreadful night's sleep.
http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/sleeping-beauty-20090505-au0q.html

28. Smear tests important in over 50s
BBC - 8 May 2009
Risk of an abnormal smear test does decrease with age. Cervical screening continues to pick up abnormalities in women over 50, say UK researchers, despite calls to cut the programme in older women.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8038318.stm

 

 

 


 

 

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