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Biomedical subjects

M L Moore

Publications and source records attributed to M L Moore.

103 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Cigarette smoking, low birth weight, and preterm births in low-income African American women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine effects of light and heavy cigarette smoking on the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm births in African American women. DESIGN: A total of 1146 low-income African American women participated in a randomized trial to test the effectiveness of nursing intervention in the reduction of preterm and LBW births. This secondary analysis focused on the effects of cigarette smoking on LBW (< 2500 gm) and preterm (< 37 weeks' gestation) births. RESULTS: Cigarette smoking had a significant effect on both LBW and preterm births. When light smokers were compared with nonsmokers, odds ratios were 1.89 (confidence interval (CI) 1.15, 3.13; p = 0.0127) for LBW births and 1.74 (CI 1.00; 3.02; p = 0.0499) for preterm births. When heavy smokers were compared with nonsmokers, odds ratios were 3.03 (CI 1.90, 4.86; p = 0.001) for LBW births and 2.60 (CI 1.55, 4.35; p = 0.0003) for preterm births. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was associated with significantly higher rates of both LBW and preterm births in this sample of African American women.

Adult↗

Reconstruction of foot burn contractures in children.

Burn scar contractures of the foot cause significant morbidity. We reviewed 68 children in regard to number and rates of burn scar contracture recurrence, surgical techniques, and functional and aesthetic results. Two surgical techniques of foot burn scar contracture release have been used. Originally, an incision over the metatarsal heads perpendicular to the line of the metatarsals, which releases the longitudinal arch of the foot was used. More recently, additional releasing incisions parallel to the plane of the metatarsals to release the transverse metatarsal arch have been used. The time between burn injury and primary burn scar contracture release was 4.18 +/- 0.76 years, and the time until the first recurrence was 3.44 +/- 0.46 years. With release of only the longitudinal arch, recurrence of burn scar contractures occurred in 3.5 +/- 0.41 years and in 4.29 +/- 1.27 years in six patients who also received release of the transverse arch. Wound closure at the time of acute burn with split-thickness skin graft expansion ratios of 1:2 and 1:4 had burn scar contractures that required release in 4.21 +/- 0.70 and 2.29 +/- 0.52 years, respectively.

Burns↗

A new tool to measure pressure under burn garments.

This article introduces a new tool to measure the pressure that is under pressure garments. The Iscan (Tekscan, Inc.) system uses a patented ultra-thin (0.007 inch) sensor with multiple sensing locations that sample continuously at 100 times per second. It is noninvasive, convenient, and quick. The study had two parts. First, we established the validity and reliability of the device. Next, garment/scar interface pressures were measured on new garments with use of the Iscan system. Four garment types were studied, with 10 measurements made in each group: Isotoner gloves (Smith & Nephew Roylan, Inc.); custom-fit pressure gloves; Tubigrip forearm sleeves (Seton Health Care Group); and custom-fit pressure forearm sleeves. Mean garment/scar interface pressures were 18 +/- 2 mm Hg for the Isotoner glove, 34 +/- 5 mm Hg for the custom-fit pressure glove, 20 +/- 7 mm Hg for the Tubigrip sleeve, and 35 +/- 6 mm Hg for the custom-fit sleeve. We concluded that the Iscan system can be used to measure pressure under pressure garments accurately and reliably, and that custom-fit hand and forearm garments provide more pressure than Isotoner gloves or Tubigrip sleeves.

Bandages↗

Dexter: a tool to facilitate impairment ratings.

Calculating impairment in burn patients is crucial to understanding outcome. However, it is rarely reported after burns, presumably because the process of calculating impairment ratings is complicated and tedious. Computerized systems have been developed that facilitate the process, but it has not been established in burn patients that these systems reduce the time required to calculate impairment. We evaluated the Dexter Evaluation and Therapy System by Cedaron Medical Inc (Davis, CA). A sample of 10 manually recorded ratings was compared with 10 performed on the Dexter. Mean time for the manual technique was 65 +/- 35 minutes versus 37 +/- 13 minutes for the Dexter (P < .05, Mann-Whitney). The time taken to perform impairment ratings in burn survivors is significantly reduced by the use of the Dexter system. Time saving occurs primarily at three points: (1) electronic data entry directly from the measuring instruments, (2) compilation of data, and (3) rapid generation of reports.

Adult↗

Reducing preterm and low birthweight births: still a nursing challenge.

Preterm birth and low birthweight are correlated with much of the infant death seen in the United States. Despite 15 years of research, both preterm birth rates and low birthweight rates continue to increase. This article describes what is known about the prevention of preterm birth and low birthweight, and offers advice to nurses for nursing interventions that could prove effective in preventing such tragedies in the future.

Female↗

Biochemical markers for preterm labor and birth: what is their role in the care of pregnant women?

Two biochemical tests, one for oncofetal fibronectin (fFN) and the other for estriol found in maternal saliva (SalEst) have been developed to improve the ability to predict preterm labor and birth. Fetal fibronectin is a protein secreted by the trophoblast and not normally present in vaginal and cervical secretions late in pregnancy. The presence of fFN between 22 and 37 weeks gestation may be a marker for preterm labor. Salivary estriol is a form of estrogen produced in the placenta from fetal precursors. Normally, estriol rises during pregnancy--the rise being accelerated 3 to 5 weeks prior to both term and preterm births. Both tests have high negative predictive values. This may serve to prevent unnecessary treatment of women with uterine contractions who are not truly in preterm labor. The fFN specimen is collected during vaginal examination. Sexual intercourse or vaginal examination within the prior 24 hours, vaginal bleeding, and uterine contractions may lead to a false positive test. Salivary estriol may be collected by the woman in her own home; however, specific instructions about eating, drinking, smoking, and the timing of saliva collection must be followed. Further study of both tests is required to determine their potential for reducing rates of preterm birth.

Biomarkers↗

Perinatal nursing research: a 25-year review--1976-2000.

Parent-infant nursing research from 1976-2000 is reviewed through four groups of studies: development of research instruments, studies of mothers and fathers through the childbearing years, studies of newborns (both healthy and at risk), and studies of special populations. Potential directions for maternal/parent/newborn nursing research in the 21st century are suggested.

Adult↗

Attitudes and practices of registered nurses toward women who have experienced abuse/domestic violence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the education, attitudes, and practices related to domestic violence of perinatal nurses from three types of practice sites. DESIGN: A descriptive study of responses to a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample and through a mailing. SETTING: Education conferences and responses to a mailing. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seventy-five nurses in perinatal practice (87 public health, 71 hospital, 117 private office). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were attitudes and beliefs about domestic violence and nursing behavior when domestic violence was identified. The effects of education about domestic violence on practice and the effect of a personal/family history of domestic violence on practice were examined. RESULTS: Some differences were found in the attitudes and beliefs of nurses from different practice sites, but more differences were found in their behaviors. Only 54% of the total sample reported having education about domestic violence, received in formal or continuing education programs. Public health nurses were the most likely to have such education. Education affected both attitudes and behavior. In the total sample, 31% of nurses reported abuse of themselves or family members. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing care for women who have experienced domestic violence includes assessment and appropriate counseling. Many nurses in this study lacked education about domestic violence. The provision of education about abuse and domestic violence is a first step toward a change in nursing practice.

Adult↗

Adolescent pregnancy rates in three European countries: lessons to be learned?

Adolescent pregnancy and abortion rates in the Netherlands, France, and Germany are lower than rates in the United States and the mean age of sexual debut is later. Contributing factors include philosophical differences about the rights and responsibilities of adolescents, access to contraceptives, sexuality education, and mass media campaigns. The data used in this article were gathered from meetings with health care providers in the three European countries studied and from published reports. While it is not possible to impose practices from one society upon another, nurses in North America may want to consider implementing some of these ideas in their practices.

Abortion, Induced↗

Parent Line: nurse telephone intervention for parents and caregivers of children from birth through age 5.

PURPOSE: To describe the development and implementation of Parent Line, a program to improve the health and development status of children through periodic telephone contact by nurses. POPULATION: Low-income parents of children from birth through age 5. CONCLUSION: Telephone contact with a nurse, combined with peer counselor contact when no telephone is available, is welcomed by parents and can address needs in a timely way that might be unmet otherwise. Telephone intervention can provide social and emotional support, education, and advocacy for families. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The telephone can be of value to pediatric nurses in providing anticipatory guidance and health teaching, and be a support to parents throughout the preschool years.

Child Health Services↗

Installing management by objectives in a public agency: a comparison of Black and White managers, supervisors, and professionals.

This paper explores the prediction of King and Bass (1974) that black managers and supervisors may be more reluctant than whites to accept management programs such as management by objectives. Data were collected from 77 black and 61 white managers and professionals of the City of Detroit transportation system (D-DOT), after they had been involved with MBO for almost one year. Analyses of t-test results indicate that blacks assessed MBO as more helpful in their individual jobs and more positive for the organization than their white counterparts. Explanations derived from the racial demographics of the organization, the MBO installation, and characteristics of MBO as a management process in public agencies are given.

Administrative Personnel↗