ABSTRACT
Background: For enhancing nursing education, we conducted concept synthesis and empirical validation of the essential genetic/genomic nursing competencies on cancer medicine for all nurses. Methods: First, 41 articles were reviewed to produce a prototype concept of the essential genetic/genomic nursing competencies on cancer medicine (Study A). Second, focus group interviews were conducted with 21 standard-level nurses in cancer care, genetic/genomic nursing practices were extracted, and these were synthesized into Study A results. Consequently, although two new nursing practices were generated, analysis was terminated because no new concepts were created (Study B). Lastly, two experts performed empirical validation for all subjects. Results: The following seven concepts were identified: "Utilization of genetic/genomic information," "Prevention of cancer including family members," "Adjustment of genome-related resources," "Attitude toward diversity in individuals," "Fulfillment of basic responsibilities," "Acquisition of specific medical knowledge," and "Awareness of the contribution of genetic/genomic medicine." Discussion: Compared with the existing genetic nursing core competencies, cancer management systems and technological reforms have led to the addition of "administration management of molecularly targeted drugs" and "harmonization with organizational and regional policies." Thus, the nursing practice behind the concept has shifted from the legally prescribed "medical treatment for injured and ill persons" to "assistance in medical care" involving family members. Others concepts included core competences of general genetic/genomic nursing similar to cancer care.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aims of this study were to determine the effects of heavy metals such as manganese on nicotinamideN-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.1) (NNMT) activity and to consider the possibility of involvement of NNMT activation in the pathogenesis of heavy metal induced Parkinson's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NNMT activity in supernatants separated from brain, liver and kidney homogenates of 5 elderly male Wistar rats by centrifugation were measured by high performance liquid chromatography system with fluorescence. NNMT activity under the conditon of 0.5 or 5.0 mM Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+) or Cd(2+) was compared with control (no metal ion existence).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>NNMT activities in rat brain, liver and kidneys were significantly decreased by Cu(2+), and those in the liver and kidneys were significantly decreased by Cd(2+). Mn(2+) reduced NNMT activity only in the liver. Fe(2+) had no effect on NNMT activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>No metal increased NNMT activity in this study, contrary to our hypothesis. Further study is needed to clarify the reason why the effects of Mn(2+) and Fe(2+) which have a high relevance to Parkinson's disease on NNMT activity differ from those of Cu(2+) and Cd(2+).</p>
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the effects of heavy metals such as manganese on nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.1) (NNMT) activity and to consider the possibility of involvement of NNMT activation in the pathogenesis of heavy metal induced Parkinson’s disease. Methods: NNMT activity in supernatants separated from brain, liver and kidney homogenates of 5 elderly male Wistar rats by centrifugation were measured by high performance liquid chromatography system with fluorescence. NNMT activity under the conditon of 0.5 or 5.0 mM Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+ or Cd2+ was compared with control (no metal ion existence). Results: NNMT activities in rat brain, liver and kidneys were significantly decreased by Cu2+, and those in the liver and kidneys were significantly decreased by Cd2+. Mn2+ reduced NNMT activity only in the liver. Fe2+ had no effect on NNMT activity. Conclusions: No metal increased NNMT activity in this study, contrary to our hypothesis. Further study is needed to clarify the reason why the effects of Mn2+ and Fe2+ which have a high relevance to Parkinson’s disease on NNMT activity differ from those of Cu2+ and Cd2+.