Application of PCR-mediated DNA typing in the molecular epidemiology of medically important microorganisms

This thesis describes the development, application and validation of the newer DNA analysis techniques within the field of microbiological epidemiology. Emphasis is placed on the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a test-tube technique enabling the amplification of (parts of) DNA molecules to enormous amounts. By comparing the genomes of microbes, insight in the mode of dissemination of given microorganisms can be obtained. Besides, this type of laboratory procedures also allows evolutionary studies, highlighting genomic variability perse. In the first chapter the teclmology will be introduced and the function of molecular typing within a microbiological laboratory will be explained. Subsequently, present day literature describing the application of PCR in microbial epidemiology will be summarised (chapter II). Chapters III and IV provide examples of the novel PCR approaches for molecular tracking of the protozoan parasites Naeg/eria spp. and Giardia duodenalis. The fact that the application of these techniques is not restricted to free-living amoebae and intestinal parasites is demonstrated in chapters V to VIII. Monitoring spread and persistence of fungal pathogens is performed, indicating the clinical relevance of genetic screening of a diversity of fungal agents, pathogens that went through a steep rise in clinical incidence during the past ten years. The last four chapters (IX to XII) describe the technical possibilities for and the clinical implications of molecular epidemiological studies on (methicillin-resistant) Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, chapter XIII integrates data presented in the previous chapters and gives a summary of current knowhow and sketches future developments

Lived Experiences of Female Undergraduate Students, at a Nursing College in Abu Dhabi, about Nursing as a Profession

Aim: To explore the lived experiences of female undergraduate nursing students about nursing as a profession and the circumstances that have influenced their experience. Introduction: Nursing as a profession is a relatively new practice, and thus in the developmental stage, in the UAE. The number of national students (Emirati) who enrol in the nursing program is relatively small. To understand the opinions, feelings and thoughts of these undergraduate nursing students about nursing as a profession, it was essential to explore their lived experiences. Research Methods and Design: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design was used. The target population was third-year female undergraduates nursing students at a nursing college, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A purposeful sampling was used. Self-report data were gathered from each participant through written reflections. Each participant was asked to reflect on two questions. The sample size was concluded through data saturation. Data was analysed using Collaizi’s 7- step method and guided the researchers to sort each transcript into themes, sub-themes and categories. Trustworthiness criteria was utilized to assess the validity and reliability of the results. Findings: Analysis of data revealed four themes about nursing as a profession. These themes included changing perceptions, nursing as a career, scope of practice, and social stand of nursing as a profession. Conclusion: Nursing students’ lived experiences about nursing as a profession provided valuable information that could be employed to enhance students’ recruitment into the nursing program. Consequently these experiences will inform the Emiratization process, as well as the issue of nursing shortage in the UAE. Keywords: Nursing as a Profession, Nursing Profession, Nursin