New study discovers happiness gene in women
Scientists report that the low-expression form of the gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is correlated with higher rates of happiness. While it is sometimes referred to as the “warrior gene” and associated with alcoholism, aggressiveness, and antisocial behavior, the study shows more positive indications. This finding may be a catalyst in discovering the link between certain genes and human happiness.
Extra pounds may lead to a higher risk of cancer recurrence
After 7,000 breast cancer patients took part in three government-sponsored clinical trials, results showed that extra pounds may increase the risk for breast cancer recurrence and early death. While it has not been determined whether or not weight loss in breast cancer patients drastically reduces its recurrence, studies are being conducted to reach a conclusion.
Eating more fruits and vegetables may be the key to weight loss for post-menopausal women
While post-menopausal women generally have difficulty losing weight, new research shows that simple dietary modifications may help with long-term weight loss. Of the 481 obese and overweight post-menopausal women that were examined, some were instructed to join a lifestyle change group, while others were given the option of attending a health education group. On average, women from the lifestyle change group (which included considerable changes in diet) lost 8 pounds in four years while the health education group only lost half a pound.
Study shows correlation between hand hygiene deficiencies and staffing levels
Research suggests that hand hygiene deficiencies in nursing homes is associated with low staffing levels. Between 2000 and 2002, hand hygiene deficiencies were found in less than 7.4% of facilities; this increased to 12% by 2009. The study’s lead author, Nicholas Castle, Ph.D., claimed that states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates were more likely to encounter hygiene issues.
Attention DNP candidates and recent grads!
The Nurse Practitioner journal is now accepting scholarly clinical projects for our 2013 special issue focusing on the DNP. The top 3 submissions will be published. Please address all inquiries to [email protected] or submit your manuscript to http://www.editorialmanager.com/lwwesubmissions/, by November 1, 2012. Please include the words “DNP Submission” at the top of your manuscript, otherwise we will not be able to categorize your submission properly.
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Solving the puzzle of Alzheimer disease
By Johannah Uriri-Glover PhD, MSCR, RN; Marianne McCarthy PhD, ANP-BC, GNP-BC, FAANP; Evelyn Cesarotti PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP
Myasthenia gravis: Helping patients have better outcomes
By Bridget Weeks H. RN, MS, CEN, PNP-C, FNP
Disordered eating in adolescent females with T1DM
By Terri L. Schmitt PhD, RN, FNP-BC
Sexually transmitted infection updates: Recommendations from the CDC
By Crystal Sheaves MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
U-500 concentrated regular insulin: Practical application in the outpatient setting
Sarah Taylor CNP, MSN, CDE