ABSTRACT
The sleep-wake cycle of 12 tryptophan dietary deficient rats and their non-deficient paired controls were observed for a 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. period. EEG, EMG and body activity were continuously monitored on polygraphic recordings throughout the 12 hr observation period. The results indicate no significant difference between the tryptophan deficient and sufficient animals in time spent awake, slow-wave or parodoxical sleep. There was a non-significant trend among the tryptophan deficient animals to be less active and spend more time in both slow-wave and paradoxical sleep, which is in contrast to an expected insomnia effect. The results do not support the suggested relationship between reduced serotonin levels and the occurrence of insomnia, questioning the serotonergic theory of sleep.
Subject(s)
Sleep Stages/physiology , Tryptophan/deficiency , Wakefulness/physiology , Animals , Body Weight , Electroencephalography , Male , Models, Neurological , Rats , Serotonin/physiology , Sleep, REM/physiology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Administration of a single non-convulsive dose of insulin (1.0, I.U./kg., I.P.) which produced no observable gross behavioral changes in rats, reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time 100% in the first 3 hrs. and 82% by the 4th hr., reaching control subject levels (saline-treated) by the 6th hr. In contrast, slow-wave sleep (NREM) time in insulin treated animals exceeded control subject levels by 49% by the end of the 2nd hr., returning to normal by the 5th hr. Although there was no difference between insulin and saline treated rats for the total 8 hr. post-injection recording period for total percentage of time awake, or slow-wave sleep time, a 44% reduction in REM sleep time was observed in insulin treated animals compared to that of a saline treated control. The significance of these findings are discussed in terms of known neurochemical changes i.e., an increase of both brain tryptophan and serotonin in rats, induced by a subconvulsive dose of exogenous insulin.
Subject(s)
Insulin/pharmacology , Sleep/drug effects , Animals , Male , Rats , Rats, Inbred Strains , Sleep, REM/drug effects , Synaptic Transmission/drug effectsABSTRACT
A review of literature published primarily since 1980 was conducted to identify (1) historical events that have influenced the sex imbalance in the nursing workforce, (2) the existence and types of barriers affecting the recruitment of male nurses, and (3) feasible strategies that might form the basis of intervention studies in the future. Nursing continues to be undervalued as an end-point career by some, and most potential candidates lack exposure to male nurses and nursing in general. Family resistance and salary remain concerns, but they may be as important a deterrent for some women as for men. Significant barriers to men exist in nursing education and practice, and the language and history of nursing have sexualized nursing practice itself by labeling it as women's work. The latter pattern has influenced legal decisions affecting the clinical practice of male nurses and has contributed to perhaps the most significant barrier to the recruitment of male candidates: the job title and its associated images. Proactive recruitment from selected target groups, the use of role models, and the exploitation of appropriate media sources are but three feasible strategies identified from the literature review that might be considered if nurses really would value changing the sex imbalance in the nursing workforce.
Subject(s)
Nurses, Male/supply & distribution , Personnel Selection/methods , Attitude to Health , Canada , Career Choice , Career Mobility , Gender Identity , Humans , Job Description , Male , Marketing of Health Services , Mass Media , Nurses, Male/education , Nurses, Male/organization & administration , Nurses, Male/psychology , Personnel Selection/trends , Power, Psychological , Prejudice , Salaries and Fringe BenefitsABSTRACT
The literature review revealed increasing sophistication of neuroscience nursing research since 1978. Conclusions of the papers reviewed have contributed to the acceptance as "fact" that nursing actions may increase ICP, but few have systematically studied effects upon cerebral perfusion pressure, the more critical variable. McQuillan's study (11) has examined the conflict between the goals of respiratory care and those of maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion, concluding that an intervention often discouraged for use with this patient group may in fact offer hope for reduction of complications. The methodology and results suggest that repeating the study would be both feasible and ethical.
Subject(s)
Craniocerebral Trauma/nursing , Drainage, Postural/adverse effects , Intracranial Pressure , Craniocerebral Trauma/physiopathology , Craniocerebral Trauma/therapy , HumansABSTRACT
Human sexuality and sexual function may be profoundly affected by a number of neurologic illnesses and injuries. While nurses have historically supported the value of the holistic approach to patient care, sexuality (as a routine component of the recovery process) has frequently been neglected. Nurses' discomfort with this topic must be addressed in order to maximize patients' adjustment to any sexual changes. The purpose of this presentation is to reduce some of the anxiety surrounding the topic of sexuality, by suggesting strategies which nurses may find useful in approaching the subject and approaches to initiating the discussion outlined. Finally, a theoretical framework for promoting sexual health will be presented and its congruence with popular nursing models briefly examined. "Sexual counselling should be directed as to supporting a client's ability to make choices in every aspect of his life, including use of sexual experience." Comarr & Vigue.