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Biomedical subjects

C L Munro

Publications and source records attributed to C L Munro.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Sucrose-derived exopolysaccharides of Streptococcus mutans V403 contribute to infectivity in endocarditis.

We used an isogenic mutant of Streptococcus mutans V403, which differs from the wild-type V403 in genes involved in glucan and fructan production, to examine the importance of these exopolysaccharides as factors affecting infectivity in endocarditis. Rats inoculated with V403 developed endocarditis more frequently than animals inoculated with the mutant strain which produced neither glucan nor fructan (58% versus 12%, P < 0.01). In phagocytosis assays, both strains were found to be associated with the human granulocytes but a greater number of live V403 than of mutant organisms could be recovered. Colony counts recovered from fibrin plates incubated with the mutant were lower than those incubated with V403. These experiments indicate that exopolysaccharides produced by Streptococcus mutans contribute to its infectivity in endocarditis.

Alleles↗

Ventilator-associated pneumonia: clinical significance and implications for nursing.

Pneumonia is the second most common nosocomial infection in the United States and the leading cause of death from nosocomial infections. Intubation and mechanical ventilation greatly increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in a patient treated with mechanical ventilation, and it is neither present nor developing at the time of intubation; it is a serious problem--with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Aspiration of bacteria from the oropharynx, leakage of contaminated secretions around the endotracheal tube, patient position, and cross-contamination from respiratory equipment and health care providers are important factors in the development of VAP. Nurses caring for patients treated with mechanical ventilation must recognize risk factors and include strategies for reducing these factors as part of their nursing care. This article summarizes the literature related to VAP: its incidence, associated factors, diagnosis, and current therapies, with an emphasis on nursing implications in the care of these patients.

Cross Infection↗

The case study approach to teaching scientific integrity in nursing and the biomedical sciences.

Scientific integrity courses for graduate trainees are emerging at many institutions. The content of such courses varies and is evolving as faculty strive to meet the needs of their specific student audiences. Typical course subject matters include responsible authorship, conflict of interest, handling of scientific misconduct, data management, and the use of humans and animals in biomedical experimentation. These and other topic areas are amenable to teaching methods that use the case study approach. In this article we discuss our experiences in teaching scientific integrity using the case study approach. Issues covered include underlying philosophy of the approach, preparation and use of cases, desired inclass preparation and teaching. Examples of short cases are presented and, where appropriate, discussed in the context of these issues.

Animal Experimentation↗

The technology and use of blastomere analysis.

With the use of blastomere analysis, it is possible to screen for serious genetic disease before initiating pregnancy through in vitro fertilization. The analysis provides information about an embryo's genetic composition before implantation. This article describes the technique of blastomere analysis and its current and potential uses. Implications for nursing practice and education are identified.

Blastomeres↗

The impact of recent advances in microbiology and immunology on perinatal and women's health care.

Microbiology and immunology have offered important advances in the care of women and newborns. Understanding of the interplay between individuals and the microorganisms associated with them has provided the framework for important changes in practice. An excellent historical example of this idea, well known to nurses, involves puerperal fever. A recent example is knowledge of the relationship of breastfeeding and human immunodeficiency virus. Recent advances in microbiology and immunology that have improved women's health include improved diagnostic tests and a more complete understanding of the vaginal biofilm.

Allergy and Immunology↗