Abstract
This paper looks at the reasons for antimicrobial prophylaxis. The writer demonstrates the role played by nurses in making sure that antimicrobial prophylaxis is carried out according to recommended dosing, timing and use of appropriate medications. This article also explores the role the nurse can play in ensuring sepsis in the surgical environment by being a leader and teacher in this field.

From the Paper
"In January the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) issued a Sentinel Event Alert regarding acquired infections. The report presented distressing news regarding iatrogenic infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated more than two million hospitalized patients contract iatrogenic infections in the United States every year and as many as of them die from these infections. Surgical site infections (SSI's) are the second most common cause of nosocomial infections and up to two percent to five percent of patients undergoing clean extra abdominal ... "

Tags:antibiotics, antimicrobials, perioperative nurses

From the Paper
" BACTERIA & ANTIBIOTICS
Introduction
Lele (1991) reports that non-response to drugs is a problem that all clinicians face. The cause may be due to resistance of the invading micro-organism or the drug used, drug dose, frequency, duration, and administration, or inadequate patient compliance.

Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms
Antibiotics have been found to reduce mortality from infectious diseases, however, the prevalence of these diseases remains. It is hypothesized that use and misuse of antimicrobial agents facilitates the evolution of bacterial resistance which results in therapeutic failure. This trend is due to new resistance mechanisms and the spreading of well-characterized.."

Abstract
This paper discusses the heart disease called infective endocarditis (IE). The paper presents the statistics available regarding the amount of deaths caused by heart diseases and claims that infective endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. The paper reviews an article, "Infective Endocarditis" written by Philippe Moreillon and published in "The Lancet". The paper contends that the purpose of the article is is to help physicians and medical personnel properly identify the new at-risk groups of endocarditis, to teach a method of diagnosing the disease and to provide them with an overall understanding of IE and the new developments in antimicrobial agents.

From the Paper
"The National Center for Health Statistics, a department of the Center for Disease Control, publishes an annual report on the causes of deaths in the United States. In every study since the start of the program, it was found that diseases of the heart have been the leading cause of death. In the last survey published, the 2001 issue, 245.8 of every 100,000 people, 700,142 total deaths, were caused by heart diseases (3). Infective Endocarditis can be held accountable for many of these deaths. By compiling patient data from 1993-2003, the author of "Infective Endocarditis", Philippe Moreillon, found that the median range of incidence for infective endocarditis was 3.6 per 100,000 people (range .3 - 22.4) with a median mortality rate of 16% (range 11-26). Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy and the diagnosis and treatment of complications, bacterial endocarditis continues to be responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreillon states that "this apparent paradox results from a progressive change in risk factors for infective endocarditis.""

Tags:antimicrobial, cardiology, disease

Abstract
The paper reveals that in the past 15 years there has been a dramatic increase in the drug resistant microbes, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi worldwide. The paper also reveals that up to 10% of hospitalized patients in the U.S. contract an infectious disease and about 90,000 die each year. The paper explains that the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs is one contributing factor, and, new antimicrobial drugs are not being developed as quickly as the microbes develop resistance. The paper then discusses how better hospital hygiene, education, and less use and misuse of current drugs will help the situation.

From the Paper
"The number of microbes (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) that are resistant to antimicrobial drug treatment has increased so dramatically in the past 15 years, that it is considered a major public health threat throughout the world (Fauci et al, 2008; Aguilera and Clark, 2006; Laxminarayan et al, 2006; NIAID, 2008). Statistics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention published in 2006 indicate that of the 2 million people who contract an infectious disease from the hospital each year, about 90,000 of them die from the infection. In 1992, that number was about 13,330 (Aguilera and Clark, 2006; NIAID, 2008). That is more..."

Tags:drug, resistance, microbes

Abstract
The paper describes the antimicrobial activity of Vancomycin hydrochloride, a glycopeptide antibiotic that is effective in combating antibiotic-resistant staphylococci and staphylococcal infections. The paper looks at how Vancomycin is absorbed and then relates the regular dosage and the dosage when the patient suffers from renal failure. The paper explains how the dose of vancomycin is also dependent on the type of treatment being received.

From the Paper
"Critically ill patients are at increased risk of contracting Gram-positive nosocomial infections such as Enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcal aureus, pathogens that are particularly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Vancomycin hydrochloride is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is effective in combating antibiotic-resistant staphylococci and staphylococcal infections in patients with methicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant organisms or in patients who cannot be given these primary drugs (I-Hong Hsu, 2001). Patients suffering from catheter-related infections secondary to Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and patients undergoing dialysis are treated with vancomycin. It has been used clinically for over 40 years against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and other Gram-positive bacteria."

Tags:antibiotic, staphylococcal, infections, microorganisms, dialysis

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the raindrop technique of applying essential oils was developed in the 1980s by D. Gary Young. The writer explains that he based his research on the use of essential oils as antimicrobial agents, inspired by information that he learned from Lakota Elder, Black Elk. The writer explains that the raindrop technique continues to grow in popularity on a global basis. Further, the writer looks at the uses of essential oils and then examines the raindrop technique. The writer concludes that the most important factor to consider when one wishes to enter into any type of healing practice is that each and every client is different, as they all have different sensitivities and needs.

Outline:
History and Overview of the Raindrop Technique
Steps Involved in the Raindrop Technique
Essential Oils and Their Uses
Results and Discussion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"After this experience, Young decided to study herbology, natural medicine, and acupuncture, among others. He pursued his research across the globe and was eventually able to walk ability to walk again. Even though he could walk, it was painful. This pain was the key that led him to discover essential oils. Within a very short time, Young was able to eliminate this pain that had been his for nearly 13 years. From this time forward, Young devoted his life to the study of essential oils. This study eventually led him to embark on a worldwide search for information."
"During the mid-1980s, Young traveled the world investigating traditional and modern uses of essential oils. Young was able to perfect every phase of oil production and began producing his own high quality essential oils. In 1993, he bought his own farm for the production of lavender, peppermint, lemon balm, clary sage, and other herbs of use. In 1995, he was invited to speak at a United Nations conference about organic farming."

Tags:Aromatherapy, skin, healing, nursing, beauty

Abstract
This paper discusses the common causes and diagnostics of these two throat diseases. It focuses on the concern over the over-prescription of antibiotics in treating upper respiratory infections (URIs) and tonsillitis. It discusses clinical concerns and possible complications, as well as morbidity and mortality rates. It concludes with other suggested treatments.

Antimicrobial Overuse in Standard Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
Causes and Diagnostic Complications
Clinical Concerns
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Morbidity and Mortality Rates
Symptoms of GAS Pharyngitis
Diagnostics then Treatment
Streptococcal Tonsillitis
Symptomology
Alternate Causal Factors
Primary Causal Factors
Standard Diagnostic Tests
Conclusions

From the Paper
"While appropriate antibiotic treatment of group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis leads to more rapid resolution of symptoms and helps prevent rheumatic fever, antibiotic treatment of acute pharyngitis caused by organisms other than GAS is of negligible clinical value, exposes patients to the risk of complications from antibiotic therapy, and promotes emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Therefore, the pertinent clinical issue in the evaluation of patients with acute pharyngitis is the differentiation of GAS infection from other causes.
Additionally, growing concerns over bacterial resistance make monitoring acute tonsillitis with throat swabs for culture and sensitivity an important endeavor. Relying only on clinical criteria, such as the presence of exudate, erythema, fever, and lymphadenopathy, is not an accurate method for distinguishing GABHS from viral tonsillitis."

Tags:antibiotic, medication, bacterial, infection, throat

Abstract
This paper discusses the classification, structure and functioning of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The paper presents the methods of reproduction and mechanisms of pathogenesis, and then lists the antimicrobial agents used against them. For each case, the paper highlights one disease and discusses the laboratory diagnosis.

From the Paper
"Bacteria are prokaryotes, i.e. they do not have their DNA enclosed in a nucleus. They are among the earliest life forms that appeared on Earth billions of years ago and helped change the environment, creating oxygen which enabled higher forms to evolve..."

Tags:bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites

Abstract
This paper discusses the general molecular and cellular aspects of biofilm formation. It describes how bacteria can form mulitcellular communities on solid surfaces that are known as biofilms. This behavior leads to a coordinated control of virulence and biofilm formation. These elements within the biofilm appear to be regulated by density dependant communication called quorum sensing. This paper provides an understanding of how biofilms are built up as well as how they function and develop. It also explains how understanding the way biofilms are built up is pivotal for human health because many diseases that are acquired in hospital environments are based on biofilm forming bacteria that often cannot be counteracted with conventional antimicrobials.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction: A brief overview over biofilm history, structure and formation and the conflicting relationship between humans and biofilms
Discussion: Reasons for the pathogenic potential, resistances and different health issues caused by biofilms and ways to inhibit them
Virulence factors of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeroginosa are controlled by quorum sensing
Staphylococcal infections can be prevented by the use of quorum sensing inhibitors
The lifestyle of Vibrio cholerae depends greatly on quorum sensing
Conclusion: A critical look back on solutions and possible insights which might be achieved in the future
Bibliography

From the Paper
"As indicated above, biofilms are not just bacteria attached to a surface, but stationary colonies with metabolically, morphologically and physiologically distinct features that differ significantly from planktonic bacteria, causing challenges in treating biofilm related diseases. At the same time this opens up therapeutical possibilities to inhibit biofilm formation. First, the role of P. aeroginosa and its biofilms formed by QS in cystic fibrosis pneumonia was discussed. This pathogen can be inhibited by the synthetic QSI C-30 which is an autoinducer antagonist. In the following, I explained the Staphylococcal QS circuit in order to inhibit biofilms by means of inhibiting the virulence factor forming RNAIII with help of the RIP molecule. I finished with QS controlling biofilm formation in V. cholerae which can in contrast to the other examples possibly be counteracted by the use of QS enhancers."

Tags:surface, stationary, physiologically, distinct, colonies

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issue of children washing their hands. According to the paper, handwashing is part of personal hygiene that should be taught not only at home, but also at school. The paper goes on to discuss how handwashing is an imperative part of disease prevention.

From the Paper
"A hand-washing educational plan based on the health care principle of prevention and health promotion can be created using models provided by organizations such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The National Food Service Management Institute, and The School Network for Absenteeism Prevention. First, a team of primary participants should be chosen. When selecting team members, it is important to consider who will be ready and able to motivate school staff, students, and parents, as well as who is already committed to good handwashing. Second, a needs assessment should be conducted, determining how handwashing can be improved in the school. This step should include identifying the challenges to good handwashing habits. Third, an action plan for handwashing education must be developed. This step will include identifying the audience (elementary school students, school staff, etc.), goals, tasks for individual team members, and the budget. Fourth, the plan must be implemented. "

Tags:rotavirus, antimicrobial, micro, organisms, diarrhea