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Biomedical subjects

D Gould

Publications and source records attributed to D Gould.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Understanding the role parents play in tennis success: a national survey of junior tennis coaches.

OBJECTIVES: To assess coaches' perceptions about the role of parents and their positive and negative behaviours in junior tennis. METHODS: A national survey of 132 United States junior tennis coaches was completed. The extent and seriousness/impact of parent-child interaction problems and positive behaviours were rated. RESULTS: Parents were perceived as very important for junior tennis success. Most parents (59%) that these coaches had worked with were seen as having a positive influence on their player's development. However, the respondents also felt that 36% of parents negatively influenced their child's development. Positive parental behaviours included providing logistical, financial, and social-emotional support, as well as tennis opportunities and unconditional love. Negative parent behaviours included overemphasising winning, holding unrealistic expectations, and criticising their child. CONCLUSIONS: Findings are discussed relative to current sport parenting and athletic talent development research and theorising. The need to educate parents is emphasised.

Achievement↗
PubMed2006

UVA-induced apoptosis studied by the new apo/necro-Comet-assay which distinguishes viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells.

An adaptation of the Comet-assay was developed which enables the discrimination of viable, apoptotic and necrotic single cells by use of the common Annexin-V staining and a dye exclusion test on the cells already embedded in agarose gel on glass slides. Membrane integrity (Ethidium-Homodimer exclusion), cellular esterase activity (Calcein blue-AM) as well as translocation of phosphadidyl-serine (Annexin-V) were analysed using these stains. The advantage of the 'apo/necro-Comet-assay' is that the viability status of individual cells can be determined and correlated with the DNA fragmentation pattern (comet) formed by the same cells. Hence, DNA damage can be assessed and correlated with viable cells or cells undergoing early, mid- or late stage apoptosis or necrosis as identified by the staining pattern. The staining was verified using heat and etoposide-induced apoptosis. This technique, among others, was used to study whether apoptotic fragmentation interferes with repair kinetics measured with the comet assay following UVA exposure (doses up to 1,280 kJ/m(2)) in the cultured human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Therefore, a time course of apoptotic events (phosphatidyl translocation and TUNEL fragmentation) was established and correlated to the DNA fragmentation in the comet-assay. Apoptotic cells were detected more than 8 h later. The combined three-colour staining method with the comet assay showed that there was no significant interference of DNA repair by apoptotic fragmentation processes since DNA repair was almost completed before the onset of apoptotic fragmentation. The apo/necro-Comet-assay reduces the general problem of false-positive results in genotoxicity tests using the Comet-assay.

Annexin A5↗
PubMed2006

Physical and cognitive task analysis in interventional radiology.

AIM: To identify, describe and detail the cognitive thought processes, decision-making, and physical actions involved in the preparation and successful performance of core interventional radiology procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five commonly performed core interventional radiology procedures were selected for cognitive task analysis. Several examples of each procedure being performed by consultant interventional radiologists were videoed. The videos of those procedures, and the steps required for successful outcome, were analysed by a psychologist and an interventional radiologist. Once a skeleton algorithm of the procedures was defined, further refinement was achieved using individual interview techniques with consultant interventional radiologists. Additionally a critique of each iteration of the established algorithm was sought from non-participating independent consultant interventional radiologists. RESULTS: Detailed task descriptions and decision protocols were developed for five interventional radiology procedures (arterial puncture, nephrostomy, venous access, biopsy-using both ultrasound and computed tomography, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram). Identical tasks performed within these procedures were identified and standardized within the protocols. CONCLUSIONS: Complex procedures were broken down and their constituent processes identified. This might be suitable for use as a training protocol to provide a universally acceptable safe practice at the most fundamental level. It is envisaged that data collected in this way can be used as an educational resource for trainees and could provide the basis for a training curriculum in interventional radiology. It will direct trainees towards safe practice of the highest standard. It will also provide performance objectives of a simulator model.

Cholangiography↗
PubMed2005

Infection control in neonatal intensive care units.

Healthcare-associated infection is a major problem in acute hospital settings. Hand decontamination is considered to be the most effective means of preventing healthcare-associated infection, but is poorly performed. Few studies have examined technique, which may be important in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) where clinical procedures are intricate and could result in contamination of many areas of the hand, resulting in cross-infection. This study examined technique in six NICUs. Eighty-eight nurses were observed. A scoring system was developed so that technique could be quantified and subjected to statistical testing. The mean score was 6.29 out of 11 when hands were washed and 3.87 out of 7 when alcohol hand rub was used, indicating that performance was not optimal. Scores for technique were not significantly different in each NICU. Senior nurses achieved higher scores for handwashing (P<0.01), as did nurses holding positive feelings about the atmosphere in their NICU (P=0.04). Junior nurses scored less well on a knowledge questionnaire than senior nurses (P<0.01). Nurses who had been employed in the neonatal unit for less than one year also scored less well (P<0.01). Differences in technique were noted when comparing the beginning and end of long shifts. These differences were not noted at the beginning and end of standard shifts.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed2005

Sun protection initiatives in Cornwall.

Recent evidence indicates that there are significant numbers of cases of malignant melanoma in the UK. In order to assess the current position with regard to sun awareness in Cornwall, a questionnaire survey of all state primary school heads (n = 123) and a survey of a random sample of GP practices (n = 9) was carried out. The data obtained were supported by visits to libraries and Tourist Information Centres at urban and rural centres--this enabled the identification of sun awareness literature. Key health professionals who worked within the field of health promotion were also contacted. The findings showed that in Cornwall public campaigns organized around the issue of sun protection took place only sporadically, although GP surgeries usually organize a display at the appropriate time of the year. None of the public places (e.g. Tourist Information Centres, libraries) surveyed had sun protection messages on display. It is concluded that insufficient sun awareness initiatives were being undertaken in Cornwall. Although most primary schools included sun awareness education in their curriculum in a form based on the Sun Awareness Guidelines produced by the Department of Health in 1995, few schools considered further measures to protect pupils on hot and sunny days. In particular the provision of shade, the scheduling of outdoor activities and the use of sunscreen and protective clothing were not standard.

Child↗
PubMed2003

N-acetyl-L-cysteine prevents DNA damage induced by UVA, UVB and visible radiation in human fibroblasts.

The thiol N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a source of cysteine for the synthesis of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) which is depleted by ultraviolet radiation. It is also associated with the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study the effects of NAC were examined in cultured human fibroblasts during prolonged exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA) and visible irradiation (280-700 nm), delivered by a 150 W xenon-arc lamp. The alkaline comet assay was used to assess the DNA damage in individual cells. It was found that incubating skin and lung fibroblasts at 37 degrees C for 1 h with an optimal 6 mM NAC supplement prior to light exposure, significantly reduced the level of DNA damage in both cell types, however, the skin fibroblasts were less sensitive to xenon-arc lamp irradiation than lung fibroblasts. NAC incubation resulted in an initial delay in DNA damage when the cells were irradiated. There was also a significant reduction in the overall levels of DNA damage observed with continued irradiation. NAC significantly reduced the DNA damage produced in lung fibroblasts depleted of normal GSH protection by the glutamylcysteinyl synthetase inhibitor, L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine. Although the specific mechanism of NAC protection has not yet been elucidated, these results support the hypothesis that NAC may protect the cells directly, by scavenging ROS induced by UVA and visible radiation, and indirectly by donating cysteine for GSH synthesis.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2001

A preliminary investigation of the effects of arsenate on irradiation-induced DNA damage in cultured human lung fibroblasts.

Single-cell gel electrophoresis (the comet assay) was used to assess single-strand breaks (SSBs) produced in cultured lung human fibroblasts by xenon lamp irradiation alone, various concentrations of arsenate [As(V)], alone or various combinations of the two. It was found that significantly higher levels of SSBs were observed in the irradiated cells than the nonirradiated cells and that elevating levels of arsenate enhanced the level of damage detected in both irradiated and nonirradiated cells in a concentration-dependent manner; that is, incubating cells with arsenate alone produced marked DNA damage without an irradiation insult being necessary. The results of this study indicate that arsenate is acting as a cogenotoxin with irradiation in this cell line. This additive effect may also be cocarcinogenic, and as a result it is possible that less solar irradiation may be required to induce skin cancer in arsenic-exposed populations.

Arsenates↗
PubMed2001

The changing training needs of clinical nurse managers: exploring issues for continuing professional development.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: To identify areas where clinical nurse managers perceived that they would benefit from further training and to make recommendations for planning future programmes to meet their needs. BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the clinical nurse manager has traditionally been associated with maintaining standards of care. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to ensure this important group feel adequately prepared to perform their role and has been recognized as an important factor in maintaining job satisfaction and reducing wasteful staff turnover. A review of the literature indicated that since the 1980s the CPD needs of clinical nurse managers have tended to be overlooked despite increasing complexity of the tasks expected of them. Thus it appeared that a fresh study to address these needs would be justified and should take into account sources of work-related stress and variables relating to job satisfaction. METHODS: The study involved clinical nurse managers employed in all four acute hospital National Health Service (NHS) trusts where training needs were served by a major inner city educational consortium. Data collection proceeded in two stages. Initially interviews were undertaken with a random sample of 15 clinical nurse managers to provide in-depth, qualitative data. This information was used to develop a survey questionnaire distributed to the remaining 182 clinical nurse managers in each of the trusts. RESULTS: Data from the interviews indicated that clinical nurse managers appeared to feel clinically competent but generally experienced lack of confidence when dealing with a range of issues, in particular; human resources, managing budgets, deputizing for senior colleagues across the trust ('acting up') and using information technology in everyday practice. Response rate to the survey was good (65%). The results corroborated the interview findings, indicating a need for updating in the same wide range of topics. There were few differences in training needs across all four trusts. Clinical nurse managers who perceived that they had been well-prepared for their role demonstrated higher levels of job satisfaction. Perceived preparation for clinical leadership was the same irrespective of the employing trust, length of time in post and other sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings confirm that CPD remains a major issue for clinical nurse managers in the United Kingdom (UK) and that providing opportunities for such development may be an important factor in enhancing job satisfaction. The study findings should help those providing CPD to plan more effectively for this group and have implications for staff recruitment and retention.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2001

Examining the validity of pressure ulcer risk assessment scales: developing and using illustrated patient simulations to collect the data.

Simulations are of particular advantage in research studies where large samples are necessary to achieve statistical power and the information must be collected under uniform conditions in order to aid interpretation. In the study reported below, simulation was achieved through the use of medical photography accompanied by case studies of the same patients. All information was collected on the same day. The purpose of the study was to determine the validity of the three pressure ulcer risk assessment scales most commonly used in clinical nursing practice in the UK. Each clinical nurse assessed the same four patients using three risk assessment scales and a visual analogue scale designed to capture their own clinical judgement. External validity was assessed by a panel of tissue viability experts who provided independent ratings. Data were obtained from 236 clinical nurses, yielding 941 risk assessments. Experience with this approach to data collection suggests that it requires careful planning. This should include measures to ensure that the simulated information is valid and that all data collectors have been adequately trained and are able to motivate the nurses participating in the study. Providing consideration is given to these issues, the use of simulation can help to collect data that would be difficult to obtain by more conventional means. It is also important to recognize that clinical decisions are de-contextualized in simulations because they are reduced to verbal and visual summaries. The decision to use simulations should thus be taken only if this is acknowledged.

Clinical Competence↗
PubMed2001

Beta-adrenergic receptor subtype-specific signaling in cardiac myocytes from beta(1) and beta(2) adrenoceptor knockout mice.

The sympathetic nervous system modulates cardiac contractility and rate by activating beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR) expressed on cardiac myocytes and specialized cells in the sinoatrial node and the conduction system. Recent clinical studies have suggested that beta-adrenergic receptors also play a role in cardiac remodeling that occurs in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy. Both beta(1) and beta(2) adrenergic receptors are expressed in human and murine hearts. We have examined the effect of beta AR activation on the spontaneous contraction rate of neonatal myocyte cultures from wild-type and beta receptor knockout (KO) mice (beta(1)AR-KO, beta(2)AR-KO and beta(1)beta(2)AR-KO mice). Stimulation of the beta(1)AR in beta(2)AR-KO myocytes produces the greatest increase in contraction rate through a signaling pathway that requires protein kinase A (PKA) activation. In contrast, stimulation of the beta(2)AR in beta(1)AR-KO myocytes results in a biphasic effect on contraction rate with an initial increase in rate that does not require PKA, followed by a decrease in rate that involves coupling to a pertussis toxin sensitive G protein. A small isoproterenol-induced decrease in contraction rate observed in beta(1)beta(2)AR-KO myocytes can be attributed to the beta(3)AR. These studies show that all three beta AR subtypes are expressed in neonatal cardiac myocytes, and the beta(1)AR and beta(2)AR couple to distinct signaling pathways.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗