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Biomedical subjects

S B Hardin

Publications and source records attributed to S B Hardin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

The proximal sequence element (PSE) plays a major role in establishing the RNA polymerase specificity of Drosophila U-snRNA genes.

Most small nuclear RNA (snRNA) genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, but some (e.g., U6) are transcribed by RNA polymerase III. In vertebrates a TATA box at a fixed distance downstream of the proximal sequence element (PSE) acts as a dominant determinant for recruiting RNA polymerase III to U6 gene promoters. In contrast, vertebrate snRNA genes that contain a PSE but lack a TATA box are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. In plants, transcription of both classes of snRNA genes requires a TATA box in addition to an upstream sequence element (USE), and polymerase specificity is determined by the spacing between these two core promoter elements. In these examples, the PSE (or USE) is interchangeable between the two classes of snRNA genes. Here we report the surprising finding that the Drosophila U1 and U6 PSEs cannot functionally substitute for each other; rather, determination of RNA polymerase specificity is an intrinsic property of the PSE sequence itself. The alteration of two or three base pairs near the 3'-end of the U1 and U6 PSEs was sufficient to switch the RNA polymerase specificity of Drosophila snRNA promoters in vitro. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for achieving RNA polymerase specificity at insect snRNA promoters.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

The effects of research on clinical practice: the use of restraints.

The investigators have conducted a series of four descriptive, clinical studies to examine the nature of restraint use in extended care and nursing home units in a veterans' facility. Based on the findings of three of these studies, staff education and policy changes were implemented with the intent of decreasing the use of restraints. The present and fourth study in the series examines whether the use of restraints decreased from 1990 to 1993, after policy changes and staff education were initiated. Findings indicate that the frequency of restraint use decreased by almost half, from 25% to 14%. In addition, falls did not increase, but those falling were less likely to be restrained. These findings illustrate the importance of research in setting a course for positive change in clinical practice.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed1994

Psychological distress of adolescents exposed to Hurricane Hugo.

To ascertain the effects of a natural disaster on adolescents, 1482 South Carolina high school students who were exposed to Hurricane Hugo were surveyed 1 year after the disaster. Subjects completed a self-administered questionnaire measuring Hugo exposure, nonviolent and violent life events, social support, self-efficacy, and psychological distress. Results showed that the students reported minimal exposure to the hurricane and psychological distress variables approximated national norms. As exposure increased, adolescents reported increased symptoms of psychological distress; i.e., anger, depression, anxiety, and global mental distress. Females and white students experienced higher levels of distress. In most cases, other stressful life events were at least as strong a predictor of psychological distress as was exposure to the hurricane. Self-efficacy and social support were protective.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Extended care and nursing home staff attitudes toward restraints. Moderately positive attitudes exist.

1. The average score on the Restraint Questionnaire for Staff indicated that the extended care and nursing home staff members in the study presented had moderately positive attitudes toward using restraints. 2. There were no significant differences in attitude scores based on gender, position, education, or clinical experience. 3. Collaborating with another professional, especially a physician, was related to a more positive attitude toward restraints; this effect approached statistical significance. 4. Sixty-five percent of the staff could offer no alternatives to restraining a patient; for those who could offer an alternative, increasing staff size was cited most frequently.

Female↗
PubMed1993

Post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents after a hurricane.

A school-based study conducted in 1990, 1 year after Hurricane Hugo, investigated the frequency and correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 1,264 adolescents aged 11-17 years residing in selected South Carolina communities. Data were collected via a 174-item self-administered questionnaire that included a PTSD symptom scale. A computer algorithm that applied decision rules of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised to the symptoms reported was used to assign a diagnosis of PTSD and to designate the number of individuals who met the reexperiencing (20%), avoidance (9%), and arousal (18%) criteria. Rates of PTSD were lowest in black males (1.5%) and higher, but similar, in the remaining groups (3.8-6.2%). Results from a multivariable logistic model indicated that exposure to the hurricane (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.41), experiencing other violent traumatic events (OR = 2.46, 95% confidence interval 1.75-3.44), being white (OR = 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.12-3.69) and being female (OR = 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.15-4.10) were significant correlates of PTSD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Patient and family perceptions of restraints.

Based on a holistic philosophy that aging persons' most primary need is that of autonomy and freedom, this qualitative descriptive study examined patients' and their family members' perceptions of the restraint procedure. Twenty-five restrained patients were interviewed, and 19 of their family members completed mailed surveys to describe their perceptions about restraints. Results indicated that the majority of patients (52%) expressed negative feelings about being restrained. Family members expressed a wide variety of feelings and were ambivalent about seeing a loved one restrained. Implications are that nursing needs to become committed to the philosophy of autonomy and freedom for elderly persons.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Institutional policy: use of restraints in extended care and nursing homes.

1. The percentage of patients restrained on these nursing home and extended care units was 32%, similar to that for other nursing home studies. 2. The archetypical restrained patient was older, new on the unit, had altered thought processes and a high potential for injury, and required extensive nursing care. Typically, the type of restraint a patient wore was a vest posey, on the day shift while in his room. 3. The most frequent rationale given by nurses for applying restraints was to prevent patient falls; however, half the time, this rationale was not charted. 4. Upon examining institutional restraint policy, nurses should be prepared to implement changes in documentation format, provide staff education regarding restraint use and alternatives available, institute a rehabilitative and restorative nursing care and fall prevention program, redesign the physical environment, and designate adequate resources for an effective diversion activity program.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Nurses respond to Hurricane Hugo victims' disaster stress.

Hugo, a class IV hurricane, hit South Carolina September 22, 1989, and left behind a wake of terror and destruction. Sixty-one nursing students and five faculty were involved in disaster relief with families devastated by the hurricane. A review of the literature led these authors to propose a formulation of the concept of disaster stress, a synthesis of theories that explains response to disaster as a crisis response, a stress response, or as posttraumatic stress. With the concept of disaster stress serving as a theoretical foundation, the nurses observed, assessed, and intervened with one population of hurricane Hugo victims, noting their immediate psychosocial reactions and coping mechanisms. Victims' reactions to disaster stress included confusion, irritability, lethargy, withdrawal, and crying. The most frequently observed coping strategy of these hurricane Hugo victims was talking about their experiences; other coping tactics involved humor, religion, and altruism.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Nurse psychotherapists' experiences in obtaining individual practice privileges.

Nurses who function as primary care providers often want direct access to hospitalized clients. Individual practice privileges provide one means by which such providers can admit and treat their clients in institutional settings. This article describes a study in which nurse psychotherapists report their experiences in obtaining individual staff privileges. Findings of the study have implications for other primary care nurses seeking such privileges. The authors conclude that current conditions within the health care system may be favorable in facilitating individual practice privileges for nurses.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Power in client and nurse-therapist relationships.

Social theory provided the perspective for this exploration of power as it relates to the nurse/client relationship. As the authors agree with Smith and Vetter (1982) that interactions are a legitimate basis for understanding behavior, we, have, therefore, presented actual nurse/client relationships as empirical cases to examine and to apply theory. These six vignettes provide examples of various responses of patients and therapists to power in therapeutic relationships. Although each situation differs in some respects, there are similarities regarding power as a phenomenon. Dependence and sanctions, the objective features of power, are present. On analyzing the audiotapes and process notes from the individual therapy of clients and nurses who were beginning therapists enrolled in a graduate psychiatric nursing program, it becomes clear that the therapists got involved in power struggles with their clients or used exploitive power when they, themselves, felt vulnerable or angry because they perceived their expert power to be threatened. It also becomes clear that the nurse-therapists were not always accustomed to, or comfortable with, an autonomous role. They, therefore, sometimes failed to use their legitimate powers. However, once they reviewed their interactions within a conceptual framework of power, and discussed these issues with clinical and academic supervisors, they could examine causes, characteristics, and potential changes in their reactions to their clients.

Adult↗