University of Iowa

About: University of Iowa is a education organization based out in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 49229 authors who have published 109171 publications receiving 5021465 citations. The organization is also known as: UI & The University of Iowa.

Von Hippel–Lindau disease maps to the region of chromosome 3 associated with renal cell carcinoma

Abstract: Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant disorder with inherited susceptibility to various forms of cancer, including hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system, phaeochromocytomas, pancreatic malignancies, and renal cell carcinomas. Renal cell carcinomas constitute a particularly frequent cause of death in this disorder, occurring as bilateral and multifocal tumours, and presenting at an earlier age than in sporadic, non-familial cases of this tumour type. We report here that the VHL gene is linked to the locus encoding the human homologoue of the RAF1 oncogene, which maps to chromosome 3p25 (ref. 4). Crossovers with the VHL locus suggest that the defect responsible for the VHL phenotype is not a mutation in the RAF1 gene itself. An alternative or prior event to oncogene activation in tumour formation may be the inactivation of a putative 'tumour suppressor' which can be associated with both the inherited and sporadic forms of the cancer. Sporadic renal cell carcinomas have previously been associated with the loss of regions on chromosome 3p (refs 5, 6). Consequently, sporadic and VHL-associated forms of renal cell carcinoma might both result from alterations causing loss of function of the same 'tumour suppressor' gene on this chromosome.

Adaptational Style and Dispositional Structure: Coping in the Context of the Five‐Factor Model

Abstract: We review prior evidence—and present data of our own—linking measures of adaptational style to the traits comprising the five-factor model of personality. Neuroticism has been studied most extensively and is consistently associated with passive and ineffective coping mechanisms. Conscientiousness has emerged as an equally powerful predictor of coping; however, it is related to active, problem-focused response strategies. Extraversion is less broadly related to coping but tends to be correlated with social support seeking, positive reappraisal, and problem-focused coping. Openness is largely unrelated to many traditional coping inventories, but appears to reflect a more flexible, imaginative, and intellectually curious approach to problem solving. Finally, Agreeableness is only modestly related to coping. These results demonstrate the value of using well-articulated taxonomic schemes as a framework for trait-based research.

Self-generated diversity produces “insurance effects” in biofilm communities

Abstract: Diversity generally protects communities from unstable environmental conditions. This principle, known as the “insurance hypothesis,” has been tested in many different ecosystems. Here we show that the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa undergoes extensive genetic diversification during short-term growth in biofilm communities. The induced genetic changes are produced by a recA-dependent mechanism and affect multiple traits, including the behavior of the bacteria in biofilms. Some biofilm-derived variants exhibit an increased ability to disseminate, whereas others manifest accelerated biofilm formation. Furthermore, the presence of these functionally diverse bacteria increases the ability of biofilms to resist an environmental stress. These findings suggest that self-generated diversity in biofilms provides a form of biological insurance that can safeguard the community in the face of adverse conditions.

Nursing Interventions Classification

Abstract: The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) is the first comprehensive classification of treatments that nurses perform. It is a standardized language of both nurse-initiated and physician-initiated nursing treatments. An alphabetical listing of 336 interventions was published in a book in May 1992 [Iowa Intervention Project, McCloskey, J. C., & Bulechek, G. M. (eds). Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book]. Each NIC intervention is composed of a label, a definition, a set of activities that a nurse does to carry out the intervention, and a short list of background readings. NIC interventions include: the physiological (e.g., Acid-Base Management, Airway Suctioning, Pressure Ulcer Care) and the psychosocial (e.g., Anxiety Reduction, Preparatory Sensory Information, Home Maintenance Assistance); illness treatment (e.g., Hyperglycemia Management, Ostomy Care, Shock Management), illness prevention (e.g., Fall Prevention, Infection Protection, Immunization/Vaccination Administration), and health promotion (e.g., Exercise Promotion, Nutrition Management, Smoking Cessation Assistance); and those used for individuals and those for families (e.g., Family Integrity Promotion, Family Support). Most recently, indirect care interventions (e.g., Emergency Cart Checking, Supply Management) have been developed. Research methods used to develop the classification include content analysis, expert survey, focus group review, similarity analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. The research, conducted by a large team of investigators at the University of Iowa and supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research, is ongoing. Since the 1992 publication, approximately 50 additional interventions have been developed, a taxonomic structure has been constructed and validated, a feedback and review system has been established and implemented, NIC interventions have been linked to nursing diagnoses, and five clinical agencies are serving as field sites to study the implementation process of NIC in nursing information systems. A numerical coding system for the interventions will be available in 1995. A second edition of the NIC book is in early preparation and will be available from Mosby-Year Book in early 1996. NIC facilitates the implementation of a Nursing Minimum Data Set. The use of NIC to plan and document care will facilitate the collection of large databases that will allow us to study the effectiveness and cost of nursing treatments. The use of standardized language provides for the continuity of care and enhances communication between nurses and other providers. NIC provides nursing with the treatment language that is essential for the computerized health care record. The domains and classes provide a description of the essence of nursing. NIC is helpful in representing nursing to the public and in socializing students to the profession. The coded interventions can be used in documentation and in reimbursement. For the first time in the history of nursing, nurses have a language which can be used to describe their treatments. The language is comprehensive and can be used by nurses in all settings and in all specialties. poster, giving an overview of the development of NIC, will be accompanied by a display of books and publications about NIC and its use.