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Biomedical subjects

M L Armstrong

Publications and source records attributed to M L Armstrong.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Tattooing, body piercing, and branding are on the rise: perspectives for school nurses.

This journal presented the first nursing information on adolescents and tattooing 6 years ago, and 5 years ago, information was provided about body piercing. These were published to help school nurses assist adolescents become informed decision makers. Another purpose was to prevent risks and, if possible, help dissuade adolescents from tattooing and body piercing. Continuing this theme, the latest information and trends are reported and discussed, and new information on scarification and branding is presented. If an adolescent wants some form of body art (tattooing, body piercing, or branding), they will often obtain it regardless of regulations, risks, or money. School nurses can take a powerful, proactive role by sharing applicable information, realistic concerns, and care instructions about tattooing, body piercing, and branding. Specific information, risks, and care about each form of procedure is presented. A convenient reference table is available for nurses and students. Additionally, nursing actions are suggested including making changes in health policies regarding body art on a local and state level.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Tattooed Army soldiers: examining the incidence, behavior, and risk.

Primary prevention is a priority for medical personnel. Despite societal popularity and a long association of the military with tattooing, little is known about the tattooed Army soldier, which hampers primary health planning. Basic recruits and advanced individual training students (N = 1,835) at one mid-western military installation completed a questionnaire about any tattooing experiences. Almost half (48%) of the soldiers were serious/very serious about getting a tattoo, with 31% stating that there were "no reasons" to keep them from getting a tattoo. More than one-third (36%) were tattooed, with 22% possessing three or more tattoos. Many soldiers (64%) entered the military with the tattoos. Limited use (15%) of alcohol and/or drugs before tattooing was reported. Findings included a high incidence of tattooing, a strong determination to obtain tattoos, the possession of tattoos for self-identity reasons, and the supportive role of friends. Reported procedural bleeding (76%) documents the potential for blood-borne disease transmission. These results confirm the need for targeted health education regarding the safety and potential risks of tattooing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Tattooing and body piercing. Body art practices among college students.

Tattooing and body piercing are increasing, especially among college students. A study of 766 tattooed and/or body-pierced college students in 18 universities across the United States and one in Australia was conducted to discover the demographic characteristics, motivational factors, and health concerns. The traditional college time of 18 to 22 years of age (69%) was when they obtained their tattoo (73%) and/or body piercing (63%). More frequent health problems and impulsive decision making were noted for those with body piercing when compared to those tattooed. Three cases of hepatitis were reported. Health professionals should openly discuss body art with students, convey a nonjudgmental attitude, and assist with informed decision-making information to either reduce risks or dissuade. Open communication and applicable health education will be very important.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Attitudes of health care providers and students towards tattooed people.

Attitudes of health care providers and medical and nursing students (n = 513) towards tattooed adults and adolescents were examined. No respondent group had mean scores reflecting a positive attitude towards tattooed persons. Overall, physicians (MDs) and registered nurses (RNs) rated tattooed people less positively than did students. Womens' attitudes were consistently less favourable than those of men, especially towards tattooed professional women. Attitudes towards tattooed adolescents were generally less positive than attitudes towards the adult groups. Research has found that negative attitudes impact patient care. This study suggests that tattooed persons, especially adolescents, may be at risk of being negatively perceived when they seek health care. Increased efforts are needed to assure that those with tattoos receive non-judgemental and sensitive care.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Tattooing: another adolescent risk behavior warranting health education.

A cross-sectional, convenient sample of adolescents (N = 2101) from 8 states were queried regarding interest in tattooing. Permanent markings and blood-borne diseases were reasons respondents refrain from tattooing, yet 55% (n = 1159) expressed an interest in tattooing. Tattooed adolescents in the sample (10%, n = 213) responded with their experiences. Tattooing was frequently done around the 9th grade and as early as 8 years of age; over half (56%, n = 120) report academic grades of As and Bs. Potential health risks and definite psychosocial findings of purchase and possession risks were evident, building on data from a similar 1994 study by Armstrong and McConnell. Health providers and educators should initiate applicable health education and become community adolescent advocates regarding this risk-taking behavior. Findings indicate that adolescents who want a tattoo will obtain one, regardless of money, regulations, or risks. Adolescents view the tattoos as objects of self-identity and body art, whereas adults perceive the markings as deviant behavior. Informed decision-making could be promoted in health education by incorporating information about the possibility of blood-borne diseases, permanent markings, and themselves as growing and changing people.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Gang membership and student behavior: nursing's involvement with prevention, intervention, and suppression.

Gangs are alive, and growing stronger each day, as they infiltrate all socioeconomic levels of most towns, cities, and metropolitan areas. This is the first of two articles in this issue discussing students and gang membership and a school nurse's involvement with gang prevention, intervention, and suppression. It is also about a large metropolitan school district's proactive approach to gang prevention, which includes a meaningful partnership involving the family, community, and school. The program is a comprehensive developmental guidance program to promote pro-social behaviors, equip students with refusal skills, and encourage problem-solving strategies that enable students to avoid engaging in high-risk activities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

D-TAG: erasing the tag of gang membership.

Gangs are noted for establishing their territory, flaunting gang affiliation, intimidating nonmembers, and documenting their "services performed." These examples are a few reasons for the practice of "tagging," the labeling of an area, person, or object with gang-related graffiti or markings, such as tattoos. This article describes a school nurse's response to gang "tagging" and her efforts to assist former gang members who request removal of their tattoos, to get them removed-in essence to D-TAG themselves from their gang affiliation. D-TAG is a volunteer rehabilitation program utilizing family and community interaction to support gang tattoo removal and direct activities away from gang affiliations toward alternative educational programs and life styles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Motivation for tattoo removal.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: Motivational issues surrounding tattoo removal are important to understand because tattooing is flourishing, thus creating many requests for tattoo removal. A descriptive study and a 67-item survey were used to examine characteristics of tattooed patients seeking laser therapy for tattoo removal. The setting was the Laser Dermatology Center, Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a large metropolitan ambulatory clinic. Patients queried were 64 tattooed males and 41 tattooed females between the ages of 17 and 62 years with a wide variety of vocational and professional occupations. We assessed risk factors surrounding tattooing decisions and experiences that might later influence their motivation to have the tattoos removed by laser therapy. RESULTS: Motivation, treatment, and cost, in terms of money, pain, and risk of disfigurement all entered into the decision making to have the tattoos removed. Strong elements of purchase and possession risks were documented as well as an improved sense of self and maturity. The patient's maturation was in contrast to the notion of a waiting room filled with ill-behaved stereotypical tattooed individuals. Most participants impulsively obtained their tattoos for internal expectations of self-identity at an early age and were still internally motivated to dissociate from the past and improve self-identity. CONCLUSIONS: Poor decision making and subsequent personal regret seem to be frequent motivations for tattoo removal, thus viable methods and accessibility to tattoo removal programs are important. In addition, educational programs for adolescents about tattooing to reduce risks and promote dissuasion should be implemented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Evidence that angiotensin II is present in human monocytes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes contain angiotensins I and II. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were isolated from blood. To identify angiotensins in human leukocytes, we performed immunocytochemistry using both alkaline phosphatase and fluorescence methods. With light microscopy immunocytochemistry with alkaline phosphatase, prominent staining of angiotensin II was observed in mononuclear leukocytes. Angiotensin I was also demonstrated in mononuclear leukocytes, but the signal was less pronounced than for angiotensin II. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed very little staining for angiotensin II. Fluorescence immunocytochemistry also demonstrated angiotensin II in mononuclear leukocytes. Angiotensins I and II in homogenate of leukocytes were quantified by radioimmunoassay. The concentration of angiotensins I and II in mononuclear leukocytes was 355 +/- 216 (mean +/- SEM) and 2331 +/- 106 fmol/mg protein, respectively, and the concentration in polymorphonuclear leukocytes was 36 +/- 10 and 336 +/- 120 fmol/mg protein. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that human mononuclear leukocytes contain large amounts of angiotensin II and lesser amounts of angiotensin I. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes contain small amounts of angiotensin I and II.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Sick vessel syndrome. Recovery of atherosclerotic and hypertensive vessels.

This review describes vascular changes in atherosclerotic and hypertensive vessels as well as effects of treatment. Changes in vascular structure in both atherosclerosis and hypertension are characterized by thickening of the vessel wall and vascular "remodeling." Remodeling tends to preserve the size of the lumen in atherosclerotic vessels and results in a smaller lumen in hypertensive vessels. Changes in vascular function are characterized by preservation of smooth muscle relaxation, with the exception of activity of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and dysfunction of endothelium. Regression of atherosclerosis, by treatment of hyperlipidemia, results in quite rapid removal of lipid from the vessel wall but with inconsistent improvement in maximal vasodilator capacity. In contrast, endothelial function improves during regression of atherosclerosis, and hyperresponsiveness to serotonin subsides rapidly. Effective treatment of hypertension produces regression of vascular hypertrophy, and some approaches (especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are effective in correcting vascular remodeling. Endothelium-dependent relaxation generally improves during antihypertensive treatment. Reduction in pulse pressure may be more important than reduction in mean arterial pressure in reversing the structural and functional abnormalities of hypertensive vessels.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed1995

Sick vessel syndrome: vascular changes in hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Hypertension and atherosclerosis are associated with structural and functional changes that may be collectively described as a 'sick vessel syndrome'. Structural changes in blood vessels (remodelling and hypertrophy) may be protective and adaptive. Functional changes in blood vessels include impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation and impaired relaxation in response to activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. In general, vasorelaxation in response to direct activation of adenylate and guanylate cyclase is preserved in chronic hypertension and atherosclerosis. Vasoconstrictor responses to selected stimuli, such as serotonin, may be greatly potentiated. Impairment of endothelial function in combination with exaggeration of vasoconstrictor responses may predispose to vasospasm particularly during atherosclerosis.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1995

Body piercing: promoting informed decision making.

Although school nurses may be unfamiliar with adolescent body piercing, they are in a key position to assist students who are considering these procedures. Information about various types of body piercing, student experiences, and teaching strategies to talk with adolescents about this procedure are presented. Nurses can utilize the data to help students make informed decisions about body piercing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Enhanced coronary vasoconstrictive response to serotonin subsides after removal of dietary cholesterol in atherosclerotic monkeys.

Constriction in response to serotonin is enhanced in the coronary arteries of atherosclerotic monkeys. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether abnormal responses to serotonin in atherosclerosis are reversed following removal of dietary cholesterol. In addition, we examined the effect of an atherogenic diet and reduction in dietary cholesterol on vascular responses to activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels with aprikalim. Diameters of small coronary arteries were measured on the epicardial surface of the left ventricle in vivo by using stroboscopic illumination synchronized to the heart cycle to visually freeze the motion of the heart. Diameters were measured with a microscope-video system during topical application of two vasoconstrictor agonists, serotonin and the thromboxane mimetic U46619, and the vasodilator agonists aprikalim and nitroprusside. Responses were compared in normal (n = 9), atherosclerotic (n = 14; high-cholesterol diet), and regression (n = 8; high-cholesterol diet followed by normal diet) monkeys. Constriction of coronary arteries in response to serotonin was enhanced in monkeys on an atherogenic diet and was normal in regression monkeys. Vasoconstriction in response to U46619 and vasodilation in response to nitroprusside and aprikalim were not altered by atherosclerosis. Thus, abnormal vascular responses to serotonin in small coronary arteries of atherosclerotic monkeys without morphological evidence of disease can be reversed to normal by reducing dietary cholesterol.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗
PubMed1994

Functional improvement precedes structural regression of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Vasoconstrictor responses to serotonin are augmented in monkeys with diet-induced atherosclerosis and improve after 18 months of normal diet. We tested the hypothesis that functional improvement may occur early during regression, before evidence of structural improvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Responses of the iliac artery to serotonin were measured by quantitative angiography and a Doppler flow probe in several groups of monkeys: (1) normal monkeys, (2) monkeys fed an atherogenic diet for 2 years (atherosclerotic), and (3) monkeys fed an atherogenic diet for 2 years (preregression) followed by a normal diet for 4, 8, or 12 months (regression). In normal monkeys, serotonin produced minimal constriction of the iliac artery, and blood flow to the legs increased. In atherosclerotic monkeys, there was pronounced constriction of the iliac artery, and blood flow to the legs decreased markedly. After 4 months of regression diet, four of eight monkeys demonstrated marked reduction in hyperresponsiveness to serotonin angiographically, and by 8 months, six of eight monkeys had significant improvement. After regression, serotonin produced minimal changes in flow. There was no reduction in intimal area (ie, atherosclerotic lesion) in iliac arteries from regression monkeys compared with atherosclerotic monkeys, but there was a marked reduction in cholesteryl ester in arteries from regression monkeys. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal vasoconstrictor responses to serotonin usually return to or toward normal within a few months during regression of atherosclerosis. Functional improvement occurs in conjunction with early resorption of lipid from the arterial wall and occurs before detectable changes in mass of the atherosclerotic lesion.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Site coordinators: a critical component in providing quality nursing education at distance sites.

The Site Coordinator performs a critical role in the success of distance education in both continuing education and the RN/BSN program. As the local agent, the Site Coordinator is essential for the development of a relationship between the main campus and the distance site. These important people can ease, guide, support, and promote the ongoing development of self-directed learning skills--essential tools for professional lifelong learning.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗