Missense mutations in PIEZO1, which encodes the Piezo1 mechanosensor protein, define Er red blood cell antigens.

Despite the identification of the high-incidence red cell antigen Era nearly 40 years ago, the molecular background of this antigen, together with the other 2 members of the Er blood group collection, has yet to be elucidated. Whole exome and Sanger sequencing of individuals with serologically defined Er alloantibodies identified several missense mutations within the PIEZO1 gene, encoding amino acid substitutions within the extracellular domain of the Piezo1 mechanosensor ion channel. Confirmation of Piezo1 as the carrier molecule for the Er blood group antigens was demonstrated using immunoprecipitation, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, and expression studies in an erythroblast cell line. We report the molecular bases of 5 Er blood group antigens: the recognized Era, Erb, and Er3 antigens and 2 novel high-incidence Er antigens, described here as Er4 and Er5, establishing a new blood group system. Anti-Er4 and anti-Er5 are implicated in severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Demonstration of Piezo1, present at just a few hundred copies on the surface of the red blood cell, as the site of a new blood group system highlights the potential antigenicity of even low-abundance membrane proteins and contributes to our understanding of the in vivo characteristics of this important and widely studied protein in transfusion biology and beyond.

Discerning the adverse effects of psychological therapy: Consensus between experts by experience and therapists.

Measurement of adverse effects of psychological therapy is inconsistent due to ambiguity about the concept. The perspective of people undertaking psychological therapy (that is, experts by experience) has largely been overlooked. This study will investigate whether there is consensus between the opinions of professionals and experts by experience. The Delphi method was used. In Round 1 thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative responses. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to examine group differences in Rounds 2 and 3. The study protocol was prospectively registered, reference osf.io/f9wp7. Fifty-one professionals and 51 experts by experience generated 147 potential adverse effects in Round 1, across 9 themes; including 'therapy amplifies problem', 'emotional lability' and 'sense of self'. Each item was rated for overall consensus in Rounds 2 (n = 62) and 3 (n = 63). Thirty-eight items were rated as essential, very important or important to include on a list of potential adverse effects. A further 12 items were rated as important by the expert by experience group only. Professionals were more conservative in their ratings. There appeared to be consensus between professionals and experts by experience on what to include in a list of adverse effects of psychological therapy (the EDAPT), including novel adverse effects which have not been previously considered. Further research is required to understand which adverse effects are necessary, unnecessary, or indeed harmful to psychotherapy outcomes.

A Survey of Stress and Burnout in Forensic Mental Health Nursing.

BACKGROUND: Although it is known that forensic mental health nurses (FMHNs) work in a stressful environment, their experience of stress and burnout remains largely unexplored. AIM: The study aimed to measure levels of burnout and workplace stressors experienced by FMHNs. METHODS: A survey of 205 FMHNs was undertaken. Respondents completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Nursing Stress Scale. FINDINGS: Fifty-seven FMHNs completed the survey, representing a response rate of 27.8%. Only five respondents (8.8%) experienced high levels of burnout across all three Maslach Burnout Inventory subscales. The most reported workplace stressors were related to "workload," "conflict with other nurses," and "conflict with physicians." A correlation between total Nursing Stress Scale score and both "emotional exhaustion" and "cynicism" were found (r = 0.45, p < 0.001, and r = 0.34, p < 0.011, respectively), indicating that FMHNs who reported higher workplace stress are at an increased risk of burnout. CONCLUSION: Most FMHNs in the current study experienced moderate levels of burnout, although they continued to feel self-assured in their practice and found their work rewarding. Consistent with other nursing populations, the FMHNs in this study reported feeling stressed by their workload and as the result of conflict with other nurses and physicians. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL FORENSIC NURSING PRACTICE: Reduced well-being, associated with stress and burnout, may lead to increased absences from work and the delivery of poor-quality forensic mental health consumer care. The implementation of staff well-being strategies is recommended to address stress and burnout in FMHNs.

One-stop outpatient and pre-operative assessment.

The introduction of the 18-week pathway has provided an opportunity for interprofessional teams at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust to achieve their ultimate goal of more successful patient-led care, and their achievements are now being replicated throughout the country in NHS trusts. Improved communication and awareness of each other's roles and listening skills are key to understanding and negotiating changes in the delivery of care. In addition, there must be a willingness to listen and to change current practice. Changes of care must be interprofessional, and must have at their centre, demonstrable improvements to providing patients with the care that is determined by their individual needs.