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J Daly

Publications and source records attributed to J Daly.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Increasing the practice of health promotion initiatives by licensed premises.

Licensees of all licensed premises in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, were offered free services to encourage adoption of health promotion initiatives relating to responsible service of alcohol, environmental tobacco smoke, healthy food choices, breast and cervical cancer prevention, and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. A total of 239 premises participated in the follow-up survey. Increases in prevalence ranged between 11% and 59% for alcohol-related initiatives. The prevalence of smoke-free areas and healthy food choices increased from 32% to 65% and 42% to 96%, respectively, and the provision of cancer prevention information increased from 3% to 59%. Licensed premises represent a particularly challenging sector for health promotion practitioners to work in. The results of this study suggest that the adoption of health promotion initiatives by licensed premises can be increased. A considerable opportunity therefore exists for health promotion practitioners to become more actively involved in facilitating the adoption of such initiatives in this setting.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2001

Retaining a viable workforce: a critical challenge for nursing.

Nursing is facing a crisis nationally and internationall, with Australia, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Western Europe experiencing critical shortages of nurses. Problems with recruitment, retention and an ageing workforce means that attempts to ensure a viable nursing workforce must be placed at the top of the professional agenda. Strategies currently used to manage the crisis, such as overseas recruitment, are not sustainable and are ethically dubious. The demographic timebomb is ticking and up to half the current nursing workforce will reach retirement age by 2020. It is vital that there are adequate numbers of skilled and qualified nurses to take their places. Nursing and nurses are facing unprecedented challenges and pressures in the workplace. Job satisfaction is threatened as nurses are pressured to do more with less, Nursing productivity has increased phenomenally over the past ten years in response to increased demands and decreasing numbers of staff. The nursing workplace has disturbingly high levels of occupational violence, and many nurses operate within a culture of blame and scapegoating. There is evidence that organizational change is imposed upon nurses with little or no consultation and the literature reveals that this has a direct and negative effect on job satisfaction and on retention of nurses. This paper explores some of the critical issues that nursing must confront to be successful in establishing and maintaining a vigorous, dynamic and viable workforce.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Disease status predicts fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative contributions of disease status, helplessness, and depression to fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a path-analytic framework. METHODS: The disease status of 81 patients with SLE was evaluated by a clinical rheumatologist using the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure. Patients completed self-report measures of psychosocial data, depression, helplessness, and fatigue at 2 assessment periods, 3 months apart. SLE diagnoses were confirmed with patients' physicians. RESULTS: The model proposed that SLE disease status would predict fatigue directly, and indirectly, through helplessness and depression. At Time 1, disease status, helplessness, and depression were significantly correlated with each other and with fatigue, with helplessness and depression partially mediating the relationship between disease status and fatigue. Longitudinal analyses showed that disease status at Time 1 predicted fatigue, regardless of helplessness and depression operating as mediators at either Time 1 or Time 2. CONCLUSION: The cross sectional findings revealed direct and indirect relationships between disease status and fatigue, with helplessness and depression as mediating variables. However, disease status was the only predictor of fatigue over time. Disease status also predicted Time 2 helplessness, which, in turn, was associated with Time 2 depression. Fatigue amelioration may be an important result of successful management of the underlying SLE process.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A novel approach using an attenuated recombinant vaccinia virus to test the antipoxviral effects of handsoaps.

Evidence indicates an increase in nosocomial and household infections due to viruses (Jeffries, D.J., 1995. Viral hazards to and from health care workers. J. Hosp. Infect. 30, 140-155). An antiviral assay was developed for evaluating efficiency of handsoaps at inactivating cell-free and cell-associated virus. A recombinant vaccinia virus, lacking a virulence factor (Isaacs, S.N., Kotwal, G.J., Moss, B., 1992. Vaccinia virus complement-control protein prevents antibody-dependent complement-enhanced neutralization of infectivity and contributes to virulence. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89, 628-632), whose construction was described earlier (Kotwal, G.J., Isaacs, S.N., McKenzie, R., Frank, M.M., Moss, B., 1990. Inhibition of the complement cascade by the major secretory protein of vaccinia virus. Science 250, 827-830), was used as the representative poxvirus. Two antibacterial handsoaps, one surgical handsoap, one moisturizing handsoap, and a sanitizing agent were tested. An aliquot of the virus was mixed and incubated with soap, then titrated onto BSC-1 cells for incubation at 37 degrees C for 48 h. The soaps' effect on cell-associated virus was tested similarly. The antibacterial soaps inactivated all cell-free virus in 1 min. The surgical soap was effective with a 5-min incubation. None of the soaps eliminated all of the cell-associated virus in 1 min. This safe and reproducible assay seems efficient to establish the comparative efficacy of household and surgical soaps.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed2000

Women recovering from first-time myocardial infarction (MI): a feminist qualitative study.

Although myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death and disablement for women internationally, little is known about women's recovery. This paper describes an exploratory descriptive study that was informed by feminist principles, and which aimed to explore the recovery experiences of a group of women survivors of first-time MI in the initial period following discharge from hospital. A total of 10 female survivors were interviewed using an open-ended semi-structured interview schedule administered at 7, 14 and 21 days post-hospital discharge. Findings revealed that recovery was experienced as a complex process, initially characterized by fear and uncertainty. Over the duration of the study these feelings were replaced with a more positive outlook, a return of energy, and a sense of confidence in the future. Participants identified an unmet need for reliable information which persisted over the duration of the study. The findings of this study have implications for nursing practice and research. Chief among these is the issue of effective provision of information to women following an acute MI. The importance of providing relevant information to be understood and retained by people experiencing crisis cannot be overstated. Equally important are the provision of opportunities for patients to have regular contact with health professionals to question and seek clarifying information. These findings should now be tested on larger populations.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2000

Plasmid DNA encoding influenza virus haemagglutinin induces Th1 cells and protection against respiratory infection despite its limited ability to generate antibody responses.

Direct intramuscular injection of plasmid DNA can generate immune responses against encoded antigens. However, the relative ability of DNA vaccines to induce cellular and humoral immunity after a single or booster immunization and the persistence of this response have not been fully elucidated. In this study, induction and maintenance of antibody and T cell subtypes with different doses of naked DNA encoding the haemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza virus were examined and compared to the immune responses and protection induced by respiratory tract infection and immunization with a killed virus vaccine. Like natural infection, immunization with HA DNA induced potent Th1 responses. Spleen cells from mice immunized once with HA DNA in the dose range 10 ng to 100 microgram secreted significant levels of IFN-gamma, but low or undetectable IL-5, in response to influenza virus in vitro. Furthermore, CD4(+) HA-specific Th1 clones were generated from spleens of immunized mice. Although T cell responses waned 12 weeks after a single immunization, antigen-specific Th1 cells persisted in the spleen for at least 6 months after two booster immunizations. In contrast, influenza virus-specific ELISA IgG titres were low after a single immunization and required two booster immunizations to reach significant levels. Furthermore, haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies were weak or undetectable after two immunizations. Nevertheless, two doses of HA DNA conferred almost complete protection against respiratory challenge with live virus. Thus, despite the limited ability to induce antibodies, DNA vaccines confer protective immunity against influenza virus infection, which appears to be mediated by Th1 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence and acceptability of public health initiatives in licensed premises.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and acceptability of public health initiatives in licensed premises. METHODS: Licensees/managers of all 333 licensed premises in the Hunter Region of NSW were interviewed to assess the practice of, and interest in undertaking public health initiatives relating to: responsible service of alcohol; environmental tobacco smoke; healthy-food choices; skin, breast and cervical cancer prevention; and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: Ninety eight percent of contacted premises participated in the study. Approximately two-thirds of premises reported having a responsible service of alcohol policy and training their staff in responsible service. One third of premises reported the provision of healthy food choices and smoke-free areas. Initiatives concerned with the prevention of cancer and HIV/AIDS were practised by less than 25% of premises. Between 41% and 85% of premises expressed an interest in undertaking all but two initiatives. Almost all interested premises accepted the offer of resources to facilitate adoption of public health initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that licensed premises are already involved in a number of public health initiatives, and that they appear willing to consider the introduction of a wide range of such initiatives. IMPLICATIONS: The prevalence of public health initiatives in licensed premises, and the extent of interest expressed by licensees/managers in undertaking such initiatives suggests that both a need and an opportunity exist for public health and other agencies to be more actively involved in disseminating appropriate services in this setting.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed2000

Rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni in stool specimens by an enzyme immunoassay and surveillance for Campylobacter upsaliensis in the greater Salt Lake City area.

The Alexon-Trend, Inc. (Ramsey, Minn.), ProSpecT Campylobacter microplate assay was compared with culture on a Campy-CVA plate (Remel, Lenexa, Kans.) and blood-free campylobacter agar with cefoperazone (20 microg/ml), amphotericin B (10 microg/ml), and teicoplanin (4 microg/ml) (CAT medium; Oxoid Limited, Hampshire, England) with 631 patient stool samples. The CAT medium was used to isolate Campylobacter upsaliensis. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) had a sensitivity and a specificity of 89 and 99%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 80 and 99%, respectively. Even though we extensively looked for C. upsaliensis in stool samples from patients from the greater Salt Lake City area, we did not isolate this species during the study period. The overall excellent specificity of the EIA allows rapid detection and treatment of positive patients; however, a negative result should be confirmed by culture when clinical suspicion is high.

Campylobacter↗
PubMed2000

Health status, perceptions of coping, and social support immediately after discharge of survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The period immediately after discharge from the hospital after an acute myocardial infarction is a stressful and vulnerable time about which little is known. OBJECTIVE: To explore health status, perceptions of coping, and social support among survivors of a recent myocardial infarction in the first 3 weeks after discharge from hospitals in southwestern Sydney, Australia. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory approach with a triangulated methodology was used to assess the experiences of 38 survivors, detect patterns in these experiences, explore the health-support needs of survivors, and determine changes in health status in the first 3 weeks after discharge. Quantitative data were collected with the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36, New York Heart Association classification, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Scale, and the Jalowiec Coping Scale. A semistructured interview schedule provided additional qualitative data about the experiences of the survivors. RESULTS: The health status of participants was relatively stable during the 3-week period; most had no activity limitation due to dyspnea or angina. However, the subjects' health status was considerably lower than that of their age-matched population. The most common and most effective coping strategies adopted during this period were confrontation, optimism, and self-reliance. In addition, the subjects experienced anxiety, depression, ambiguity and uncertainty, fear of recurrence of the infarction and of deterioration in health, of boredom and of inertia. CONCLUSION: These findings can help nurses in hospital and community settings assist survivors of acute myocardial infarction to prepare for and deal effectively with experiences during convalescence.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Examination of the interactions of the amyloid precursor protein carboxyl terminus to intracellular protein: possible role in apoptosis.

1. The carboxyl terminus of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) has several identified regions that may potentially contribute to the pathogenic effects of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To examine these effects, the authors iodinated a short synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 679-687 of APP695. They also produced a [35S]-Methionine labeled peptide corresponding to the entire carboxyl 100 amino acids of APP695 via a reticulocyte lysate coupled in vitro transcription/translation system. 2. Human neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-SH) and non-neuronal epithelial cells (RK-13) were cultured, harvested, and lysed. The S1 cell extract fractions were combined with either of the labeled peptides and incubated at different temperatures to allow for interaction and binding of cellular proteins with the peptides. These interactions were identified as gel mobility shift patterns on native PAGE gels. The presence of distinct bands on the gels indicate that the APP C-terminus interacts with several intracellular proteins, some of which may be detrimental to the cell. The authors have tested the possibility that the accumulation of C-terminal proteins may result in apoptosis. 3. Apoptosis in neural cells is one detrimental effect that has been attributed to APP. The authors examined hippocampal tissue sections from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age-matched normal control patients for a difference in the number of apoptotic nuclei present using an in situ apoptosis detection kit that labels the numerous free DNA ends present in apoptotic nuclei. The number of apoptotic nuclei found in AD neuronal tissue was significantly higher than in normal tissue.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1999

An evaluation of the nurse practitioner role in a major rural emergency department.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether nurse practitioners are able to provide a level of primary health service applicable to remote/isolated settings in wound management and treatment of blunt limb trauma. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in the quality of care, or the level of client satisfaction, provided by the medical officers and the nurse practitioners in the study. Two groups participated in the study, nurse practitioners and medical officers. The study used a randomized trial design. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. Two hundred and thirty-two clients participated in the study. Of this number 63 were supervised cases in the pilot trial. In the randomized trial participants were distributed between nurse practitioners and medical officers (n = 169), of which 91 were randomized to medical officers and 78 to nurse practitioners. Telephone interviews were conducted to evaluate client satisfaction. The majority of study participants were surveyed for client satisfaction (n = 132). This represents approximately 78% of the randomized sample and multivariate analysis was carried out on the data. Study results indicate that there were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to client satisfaction. Very positive outcomes of treatment were consistent across groups in the study. The study also found that there was strong support for the role of the nurse practitioner in the rural emergency setting. Recommendations include further research to measure the efficacy of nurse practitioners utilizing the selected competencies in remote/isolated settings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Elucidation of the early events contributing to zymosan-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome using MIP-1alpha, C3 knockout, and C5-deficient mice.

Using a zymosan-induced mouse model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), it has been shown that the absence of MIP-1alpha increased mortality fourfold, whereas the absence of C5 decreased mortality fourfold. The purpose of the present study was to determine the early events following zymosan injection in MIP-1alpha knockout and C5-deficient mice. B10.D2/nSnJ (C5-sufficient) and B10.D2/0SnJ (C5-deficient) and genetically matched MIP-1alpha +/+ and MIP-1alpha -/- mice were divided into 3 groups: Group1 received no injection, Group 2 received intraperitoneal saline injection (1.0 mL), and Group 3 were given intraperitoneal zymosan (1 mg/gm, 1.0 mL). Two hours, 24 h, and 48 h after injection, peritoneal exudate leukocyte counts, total WBC count, lung MPO levels, and organ histology were examined for signs of changes in cellular infiltration. An acute local and systemic inflammatory response characterized by an increase in the peritoneal leukocyte count, total WBC counts, and circulating neutrophil levels was observed within 2-48 h of zymosan injection. Lack of MIP-1alpha attenuated local recruitment of phagocytes into the peritoneal cavity, and absence of MIP-1alpha or C5 caused a decrease in circulating neutrophil levels. The presence or absence of either C5 or MIP-1alpha did not affect early pulmonary neutrophil sequestration. Organ histopathology suggested early neutrophil infiltration in the lung and spleen within 48 h. These studies indicate that MIP-1alpha and C5 play a critical role in modulating cellular changes associated with lethality in a zymosan model of MODS.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Detection of the membrane-retained carboxy-terminal tail containing polypeptides of the amyloid precursor protein in tissue from Alzheimer's disease brain.

A major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques consisting primarily of amyloid beta peptide (A beta) which is derived from a larger beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP). APP is processed via secretory and endosomal/lysosomal pathways by a group of proteases called secretases. During the processing of APP, the carboxy-terminal tail fragment has been suggested to remain within the cell. To investigate the fate of this fragment, we generated an antibody specific for a nine amino acid residue, the sequence of which was derived from the carboxy-terminal putative cytoplasmic tail of APP. Computer analysis of the entire APP gene, searching for regions of greatest antigenicity, surface probability, hydrophilicity, and presence of beta turns, indicated that the cytoplasmic tail region is an immunodominant region of APP. The peptide coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin protein, produced a very high titer antibody (1:1 x 10(6)). To evaluate the specificity of the antibody, immunoprecipitation of in vitro transcribed and translated DNA encoding the carboxy-terminal amino acids of APP in wheat germ extract was carried out. A single immunoprecipitated band of the correct size was seen by SDS-PAGE. The antibody was also able to specifically detect the accumulation of the stable C-terminal tail containing fragments of APP in neurites of the amygdala and hippocampus regions of the human brain tissue from AD subjects, but did not react with age-matched control normal brain tissue. The localization of the C-terminal tail of APP within the brain tissue of AD patients underscores the likely importance of the C-terminus in the pathogenesis of AD.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1998

The experiences of female spouses of survivors of acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study of Lebanese-born women in south-western Sydney, Australia.

Lebanese migrants form a significant proportion of the population in southwestern Sydney (SWS), and in New South Wales, Australia. This pilot study was undertaken in south-western Sydney, a rapidly expanding and socioeconomically disadvantaged region, to explore the experiences of English speaking women of Lebanese origin whose spouses had recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Lebanese-born women at 2- and 4-week intervals, following the discharge of their husbands from hospital. Qualitative analysis of narrative text revealed four distinct themes. These were: struggle to resolve distress; intensive monitoring of the AMI survivor; searching for avenues of support; and reflecting on the future. Study findings are discussed in relation to the literature. Implications for nursing practice and research are drawn from study findings.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1998

Priority areas for clinical research in palliative care nursing.

This report highlights a number of current research issues and concerns in palliative care nursing. The aim of the study was to identify high clinical nursing research priorities in palliative care, drawing on the expertise of nine (n = 9) clinical nurse consultants currently working in this specialty. The Delphi method was used to collect and process data in the study. Thirteen high research priorities emerged which have relevance for nursing practice, patient and family care in the hospice and community care setting. In the context of this study, the concept of high priority relates to research participant consensus on the most pressing nursing research problems which require investigation to improve clinical practice. Study findings provide direction for clinical research and continuing education in palliative care which may benefit expert nurses and their patients.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗