Biological research for nursing
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Health-care-associated infections (HAIs), infections that patients contract during the course of their hospitalization, are receiving a growing amount of attention. Heavy skin bacterial colonization aids in the transmission and development of HAIs. Nurses frequently use bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to reduce patients' cutaneous microbial burden. This intervention has been shown to have promising but mixed results in the prevention of HAIs. ⋯ As CHG becomes a standard practice to prevent HAIs, it is important to monitor for adverse reactions and evidence of resistance/susceptibility.
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mu-opioid receptor ( OPRM1) and catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT) contribute to the neurotransmission pathway of pain. COMT affects mu receptor expression and density in the brain. The aim of this study was to explore the OPRM1 and COMT interaction effects on postoperative pain and opioid consumption. ⋯ The interaction of OPRM1 with COMT may contribute to variability in postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Additional larger studies are needed to confirm findings.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of Low Back Pain Recovery and Persistence: A Descriptive Study of Characteristics at Pain Onset.
Persistent low back pain is a significant problem worldwide. Early identification and treatment of individuals at high risk for persistent low back pain have been suggested as strategies to decrease the rate of disability associated with this condition. ⋯ The sample consisted of 48 participants, of whom 19 went on to develop persistent low back pain and 29 resolved. Compared to the resolved group, the persistent low back pain group was significantly older and had a lower level of educational attainment, a higher body mass index, and higher mean "least" pain score on the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Significantly higher thermal detection thresholds at the painful and remote sites as well as signs of central sensitivity differentiated the persistent pain group from the resolved group during the acute stage of low back pain.
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Mitochondrial dysfunction is a plausible biological mechanism for cancer-related fatigue. Specific aims of this study were to (1) describe the levels of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex (MOPC) enzymes, fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and at completion of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PC); (2) examine relationships over time among levels of MOPC enzymes, fatigue, and HRQOL; and (3) compare levels of MOPC enzymes in men with clinically significant and nonsignificant fatigue intensification during EBRT. ⋯ Distinct patterns of changes in the absorbance of MOPC enzymes delineated fatigue intensification among participants. Further investigation using a larger sample is warranted.
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The purpose of this study was to explore gene expression changes in fatigued men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving localized external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). ⋯ Fatigue intensification was associated with MS4A1 downregulation, suggesting that fatigue during EBRT may be related to impairment in B-cell immune response. The 42 differentially expressed fatigue-related genes are associated with glutathione biosynthesis, γ-glutamyl cycle, and antigen presentation pathways.