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Biomedical subjects

Mary Kelly

Publications and source records attributed to Mary Kelly.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Unraveling smoking ties: how tobacco use is embedded in couple interactions.

The purpose of this research was to explore couple interactions related to tobacco use prior to pregnancy, as part of a larger grounded theory project focused on couple interactions related to tobacco use. Interviews with 28 women who quit or reduced smoking for pregnancy and their partners were conducted. Analysis of retrospective accounts of pre-index pregnancy interactions resulted in the identification of tobacco-related routines related to: (a) regulation of smoking; (b) practices related to the acquisition, use and handling of tobacco; (c) communication about tobacco use; and (d) responding to slips and lapses. Variations in the enactment of routines were captured in three tobacco-related interaction patterns: (a) disengaged; (b) conflictual; and (c) accommodating. Findings provide insights into the role tobacco plays in relationships and resistance to behavior change.

Adult↗

Canadian nursing in the genomic era: a call for leadership.

With developments in genomics, there is an urgent need for Canadian nurses in all settings to be informed and involved in the incorporation of this new knowledge into healthcare. The purpose of this paper was to synthesize the literature on genetic nursing roles to provide a foundation for Canadian nursing leaders as they take on the challenges of nursing in the genomic era. A comprehensive review of 98 articles published between 1994 and 2004 revealed strong support for genetic nursing roles and recommendations for levels of genetic nursing practice. The few studies on genetic nursing roles suggested that nurses and other health professionals support the integration of genomics into nursing practice. Issues that need to be addressed related to nursing practice, education and research are offered to engage nursing leaders in advocating for the incorporation of genomics into nursing in Canada.

Canada↗

Methodological issues in researching palliative care nursing practice.

The purpose of this integrative review was to describe the research conducted by nurses since the mid-1990s on nursing practice in the context of palliative/end-of-life care, identify promising methodological developments as well as methodological challenges, and propose strategies to support the development of this field of nursing research. A search of databases resulted in 121 research reports published between 1995 and 2003. Studies were included if the lead author was a nurse and the focus was nursing practice or nurses' attitudes about providing palliative or end-of-life care. Relatively few studies included patients, there were limitations in the data-collection methods used, and there was a lack of studies evaluating palliative care nursing. An emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of palliative care may be hindering nurses from examining the effectiveness of nursing interventions. Increased attention should be given to examining the efficiency and effectiveness of nursing interventions to ensure the best outcomes for patients and their families.

Humans↗

Establishing roles in genetic nursing: interviews with Canadian nurses.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe nurses' roles in providing clinical genetic services related to adult onset hereditary disease and factors that influence genetic nursing practice in Canada. The study involved semi-structured telephone interviews with 22 nurses from 5 Canadian provinces with full-time or part-time roles in providing genetic services. The interviews included open-ended questions to elicit descriptions of genetic nursing roles and factors that support and limit opportunities in genetic nursing practice. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed that, in addition to genetic counselling, the nurses reported a wide range of roles and responsibilities related to the provision of genetic services that drew directly on their nursing background (e.g., patient assessment, health promotion). Factors identified as supporting genetic nursing roles included nursing background, being part of a multidisciplinary team, and receiving mentorship. Challenges in establishing roles in genetic nursing were related to role ambiguity, lack of recognition of nursing expertise, limited availability of genetics education, isolation, and instability of nursing positions. Recommendations to support the development and expansion of genetic nursing practice were identified. A coordinated national effort among all stakeholders is needed to provide the resources necessary to support the appropriate and effective use of nursing expertise as genetics is integrated into the Canadian health-care system.

Adult↗

Characterization of [3H]ZM 241385 binding in wild-type and adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice.

The binding of the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist [3H] 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol ([3H]ZM 241385) to mouse brain and spinal cord was investigated. In brain homogenates, single-site binding was observed with a Bmax of 299+/-28 fmol mg(-1) protein and a Kd of 0.75+/-0.08 nM. In autoradiographic studies, there was a high density of specific binding of [3H]ZM 241385 in the striatum, with a very low density in the cortex and no binding elsewhere in the brain or in the spinal cord. All specific binding of [3H]ZM 241385 was lost in genetically modified mice lacking the adenosine A(2A) receptor, confirming the selectivity of this radioligand.

Animals↗

Evaluation of a computer assisted instruction resource in nursing education.

The STEP-DIET program, a computer assisted instruction (CAI) tool, was developed to prepare dietetic students for their hospital based practical training in the academic setting. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for using the programme within nursing education. The evaluation framework of Kirkpatrick [I. Forsyth, A. Jolliffe, D. Stevens (Eds.), Evaluating a Course, second ed. Kogan Page, London, p. 5] was employed to assess student response to STEP-DIET and its effectiveness as a teaching tool, with regards to perceived learning achievements. Knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition education were also investigated. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were employed, with nine second and six final year BSc (Adult) nursing students completing questionnaires and taking part in two focus groups, separated by year group. Students rated STEP-DIET highly in terms of design and content and reported a number of perceived learning achievements including increase in nutritional knowledge, understanding of Type 2 diabetes management and the dietitian's role, however there was a reluctance to accept CAI as a teaching method. Students reported a poor knowledge of nutrition, but recognised its importance. This study demonstrates that multidisciplinary learning by the sharing of resources has benefits to students. However, the integration of CAI into taught programmes needs to be managed to take into account student's reluctance to rely on this method of instruction.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Changes in spinal delta and kappa opioid systems in mice deficient in the A2A receptor gene.

A large body of evidence indicates important interactions between the adenosine and opioid systems in regulating pain at both the spinal and supraspinal level. Mice lacking the A(2A) receptor gene have been developed successfully, and these animals were shown to be hypoalgesic. To investigate whether there are any compensatory alterations in opioid systems in mutant animals, we have performed quantitative autoradiographic mapping of mu, delta, kappa, and opioid receptor-like (ORL1) opioid receptors in the brains and spinal cords of wild-type and homozygous A(2A) receptor knock-out mice. In addition, mu-, delta-, and kappa-mediated antinociception using the tail immersion test was tested in wild-type and homozygous A(2A) receptor knock-out mice. A significant reduction in [3H]deltorphin-I binding to delta receptors and a significant increase in [3H]CI-977 binding to kappa receptors was detected in the spinal cords but not in the brains of the knock-out mice. Mu and ORL1 receptor expression were not altered significantly. Moreover, a significant reduction in delta-mediated antinociception and a significant increase in kappa-mediated antinociception were detected in mutant mice, whereas mu-mediated antinociception was unaffected. Comparison of basal nociceptive latencies showed a significant hypoalgesia in knock-out mice when tested at 55 degrees C but not at 52 degrees C. The results suggest a functional interaction between the spinal delta and kappa opioid and the peripheral adenosine system in the control of pain pathways.

Animals↗

2.1 Evolving methods of assessment.

This Working Section is concerned with evolving methods of assessment in dental education. It focuses on newer methods of assessment that might have relevance for broader application. Although it cannot provide answers to all the questions it raises, it is hoped that the contribution it makes is of value in the process of the development of a global network in dental education.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗