Biomedical subjects
M Gaucher
Publications and source records attributed to M Gaucher.
Postnatal maturation of the Kallikrein-kinin system in the rat kidney: from enzyme activity to receptor gene expression.
During the course of aging, the balance between intrarenal hormones is disturbed. These age-related changes are well documented for the vasoconstrictor renin-angiotensin system, but comparable information on the renal kallikrein-kinin system is not yet available. The status of the kallikrein-kinin system was assessed by (1) kallikrein activity, measured by RIA; (2) maximum binding site density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of nonapeptide bradykinin (BK)-2 receptor, estimated by binding assays; (3) expression of BK2-receptor receptor mRNA, detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific BK2-oligonucleotide primers. These parameters were determinated on renal glomeruli of 3-, 5-, 8-, 12- and 38-wk-old normotensive rats. Kallikrein activity increased from 3.2 to 7.7 ng BK/min per mg protein. The density of BK2 binding sites also rose from 12 to 40 femtomoles/mg protein with no difference in affinity. There was no change in specificity, which remained that expected of a BK2 receptor. The increase in the density of BK2 binding sites was associated with an augmented mRNA expression, whereas beta-actin mRNA used as a control remained unchanged. The ratio of BK2 mRNA to beta-actin mRNA indicated maximum steady expression after 8 wk of age. The data provide evidence that the renal kallikrein-kinin system develops postnatally.
A nursing evaluation of unit dose and computerized medication administration records.
A nursing evaluation of the unit dose system and a computerized medication administration record (MAR) was conducted to determine satisfaction with and perceptions of the effectiveness of these programs. A Nursing Evaluation Questionnaire was used to document nurses' attitudes towards the new programs. Of 228 questionnaires distributed on eleven nursing units, 152 were returned (response rate 66.7%). Full-time registered nurses represented 73.7% of the respondents, part-time 21% and casual 5.3%. Of the 152 respondents, 86.6% reported at least "some" time savings preparing and administering medications with the unit dose system, with 57% of this group reporting "significant" time savings. Unit dose was considered a safer distribution system by 82% of the respondents. Almost all of the respondents (99.3%) would choose to work with the unit dose system. Of the 152 respondents, 86% reported the computerized MAR decreased time spent charting medications administered, with half of this group reporting "significant" time savings. The computerized MAR was considered a safer charting method by 74% of the respondents. All of the respondents (100%) would choose to work with the computerized MAR. The evaluation indicated the unit dose system and computerized MAR were well accepted by nursing staff and were perceived to be working effectively.
I.v. mixture justification--take a second look.
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Medication selection errors made by pharmacy technicians in filling unit dose orders.
The selection errors made by pharmacy technicians in filling unit dose orders at University Hospital were recorded to determine the percentage error rate and to categorize the errors detected. Errors were categorized as "incorrect medication", "incorrect dosage", "incorrect dosage form", "omitted medication", or "'extra medication". The relationship of the number of errors with respect to individual wards and the time of medication order filling was also examined. The daily procedure in order filling did not change for the study. Errors were detected and counted after the orders had been filled by the technicians. The time the error occurred and the ward where the incorrect medication would have gone was also recorded. The overall percentage error rate was 1.7% which was consistent for the four time periods studied. However, a rate variability of 0.4 to 4.5% was detected between different wards. "Incorrect dosage" errors were the most frequently occurring errors, followed by "omitted medication", "incorrect medication", "extra medication", and "incorrect dosage form". Medication selection errors should be considered as potential administration errors which could be harmful to the patient.