The application of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge to nursing practice: A national survey of United Kingdom pre-registration nursing students.

AIM: To assess student nurses understanding and skills in the application of antimicrobial stewardship knowledge to practice. DESIGN: Quantitative. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty three student nurses responded across 23 UK universities. Although students felt prepared in competencies in infection prevention and control, patient-centred care and interprofessional collaborative practice, they felt less prepared in competencies in which microbiological knowledge, prescribing and its effect on antimicrobial stewardship is required. Problem-based learning, activities in the clinical setting and face-to-face teaching were identified as the preferred modes of education delivery. Those who had shared antimicrobial stewardship teaching with students from other professions reported the benefits to include a broader understanding of antimicrobial stewardship, an understanding of the roles of others in antimicrobial stewardship and improved interprofessional working. CONCLUSION: There are gaps in student nurses' knowledge of the basic sciences associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which nurses are involved, and a need to strengthen knowledge in pre-registration nurse education programmes pertaining to antimicrobial management, specifically microbiology and antimicrobial regimes and effects on antimicrobial stewardship. Infection prevention and control, patient-centred care and interprofessional collaborative practice are areas of antimicrobial stewardship in which student nurses feel prepared. Interprofessional education would help nurses and other members of the antimicrobial stewardship team clarify the role nurses can play in antimicrobial stewardship and therefore maximize their contribution to antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial management. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION: There is a need to strengthen knowledge from the basic sciences, specifically pertaining to antimicrobial management, in pre-registration nurse education programmes. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. IMPACT: What Problem Did the Study Address? Nurses must protect health through understanding and applying antimicrobial stewardship knowledge and skills (Nursing and Midwifery Council 2018); however, there is no research available that has investigated nurses understanding and skills of the basic sciences associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which they are involved. What Were the Main Findings? There are gaps in student nurses' knowledge of the basic sciences (specifically microbiology and prescribing) associated with the antimicrobial stewardship activities in which nurses are involved. Problem-based learning, and activities in the clinical setting, were reported as useful teaching methods, whereas online learning, was seen as less useful. Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact? Pre-registration nurse education programmes. REPORTING METHOD: The relevant reporting method has been adhered to, that is, STROBE.

STAR-0215 is a Novel, Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibody Inhibitor of Plasma Kallikrein for the Potential Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by a deficiency in functional C1 esterase inhibitor, a serpin family protein that blocks the activity of plasma kallikrein. Insufficient inhibition of plasma kallikrein results in the overproduction of bradykinin, a vasoactive inflammatory mediator that produces both pain and unpredictable swelling during HAE attacks, with potentially life-threatening consequences. We describe the generation of STAR-0215, a humanized IgG1 antibody with a long circulating half-life (t1/2) that potently inhibits plasma kallikrein activity, with a >1000-fold lower affinity for prekallikrein and no measurable inhibitory activity against other serine proteases. The high specificity and inhibitory effect of STAR-0215 is demonstrated through a unique allosteric mechanism involving N-terminal catalytic domain binding, destabilization of the activation domain, and reversion of the active site to the inactive zymogen state. The YTE (M252Y/S254T/T256E) modified fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of STAR-0215 enhances pH-dependent neonatal Fc receptor binding, resulting in a prolonged t1/2 in vivo (∼34 days in cynomolgus monkeys) compared with antibodies without this modification. A single subcutaneous dose of STAR-0215 (≥100 mg) was predicted to be active in patients for 3 months or longer, based on simulations using a minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. These data indicate that STAR-0215, a highly potent and specific antibody against plasma kallikrein with extended t1/2, is a potential agent for long-term preventative HAE therapy administered every 3 months or less frequently. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: STAR-0215 is a YTE-modified immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody with a novel binding mechanism that specifically and potently inhibits the enzymatic activity of plasma kallikrein and prevents the generation of bradykinin. It has been designed to be a long-lasting prophylactic treatment to prevent attacks of HAE and to decrease the burden of disease and the burden of treatment for people with HAE.

Combined methazolamide and theophylline improves oxygen saturation but not exercise performance or altitude illness in acute hypobaric hypoxia.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does the combination of methazolamide and theophylline reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and improve aerobic performance in acute hypobaric hypoxia? What is the main finding and its importance? The oral combination of methazolamide (100 BID) and theophylline (300 BID) improved arterial oxygen saturation but did not reduce symptoms of AMS and impaired aerobic performance. We do not recommend this combination of drugs for prophylaxis against the acute negative effects of hypobaric hypoxia. ABSTRACT: A limited number of small studies have suggested that methazolamide and theophylline can independently reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and, if taken together, can improve aerobic exercise performance in normobaric hypoxia. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to determine if the combination of oral methazolamide and theophylline could provide prophylaxis against AMS and improve aerobic performance in hypobaric hypoxia (∼4875 m). Volunteers with histories of AMS were screened at low altitude (1650 m) and started combined methazolamide (100 mg BID) and theophylline (300 mg BID) treatment, or placebo, 72 h prior to decompression. Baseline AMS (Lake Louise Questionnaire), blood (haemoglobin, haematocrit), cognitive function, ventilatory and pulse oximetry ( SpO2 ) measures were assessed at low altitude and repeated between 4 and 10 h of exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (PB  = 425 mmHg). Aerobic exercise performance was assessed during a 12.5 km cycling time trial (TT) after 4 h of hypobaric hypoxia. Subjects repeated all experimental procedures after a 3-week washout period. Differences between drug and placebo trials were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). The drugs improved resting SpO2 by ∼4% (P < 0.01), but did not affect the incidence or severity of AMS or cognitive function scores relative to placebo. Subjects' performance on the 12.5 km TT was ∼3% worse when taking the drugs (P < 0.01). The combination of methazolamide and theophylline in the prescribed dosages is not recommended for use at high altitude as it appears to have no measurable effect on AMS and can impair aerobic performance.

Investigating the incidence and type of sharps injuries within the nursing student population in the UK.

AIMS: To identify the incidence and type of sharps injuries within a UK nursing student population. BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that nursing students sustain sharps injuries across the world, but there is a lack of data from the UK. Design: Questionnaire survey. METHODS: A survey was administered to a volunteer sample of nursing students (n=1015) in a university, following which the survey was distributed to nursing students nationwide using snowball sampling via social media. Datasets from 1015 nursing students were available for analysis. RESULTS: Sharps injuries were most likely to occur with glass ampoules, when preparing injections and to occur in the second year of the programme. Contributing factors to sharps injury were identified, with inexperience being the primary cause. Some nursing students reported psychological impacts after sustaining the sharps injury. CONCLUSION: Sharps injuries are common among nursing students, and can have many psychological consequences for an individual.

The experience and psychological impact of a sharps injury on a nursing student population in the UK.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to explore the experience and psychological impact of sustaining a sharps injury within a nursing student population in the UK. Design: A qualitative approach was taken, using two methods to gather data, namely a Twitter chat and interviews. METHODS: A Twitter chat was orchestrated to investigate the experiences of sharps injury with nursing students and registered nurses nationwide (n=71). Interviews were conducted with nursing students from a university in the UK who had sustained a sharps injury (n=12) to discover their experiences and the impact of the injury. Findings were then synthesised and examined. RESULTS: Some nursing students reported psychological impacts after sustaining the sharps injury, which affected both their professional and personal life. The qualitative findings were synthesised into eight themes. CONCLUSION: Sharps injuries can have many psychological impacts on the individual nursing student and necessary support should be available.

Metabolism of bioconjugate therapeutics: why, when, and how?

Bioconjugation of therapeutic agents has been used as a selective drug delivery platform for many therapeutic areas. Bioconjugates are prepared by the covalent linkage of active compounds (small or large molecule) to a carrier molecule (lipids, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, and polymers) through a chemical linker. The linkage of the active component to a carrier molecule enhances the therapeutic window through a targeted delivery and by reducing toxicity. Bioconjugates also possess improved pharmacokinetic properties such as a long half-life, increased stability, and cleavage by intracellular enzymes/environment. However, premature cleavage of the bioconjugates and the resulting metabolites/catabolites may produce undesirable toxic effects and, hence, it is critical to understand cleavage mechanisms, metabolism of bioconjugates, and translatability to human in the discovery stages. This article provides a comprehensive overview of linker cleavage pathways and catabolism/metabolism of antibody-drug conjugates, glycoconjugates, polymer-drug conjugates, lipid-drug conjugates, folate-targeted small molecule-drug conjugates, and drug-drug conjugates.

Conductance-Based Interface Detection for Multi-Phase Pipe Flow.

Sediment and flow depth monitoring in sewers is important for informing flow models and for predicting and mitigating against sewer blockage formation and surcharge. In this study, a novel sensor based on conductance measurement has been developed and tested under a laboratory environment and validated by a finite-element model. The relative conductance is measured between pairs of adjacent electrodes to provide a conductance profile along the sensor length. A piecewise linear relationship between conductance and electrode length was derived and the interface positions between sediment, water, and air can be determined from the profile. The results demonstrated that the root mean square error of the model and the measured interface level are within 1.4% and 2.6% of sensor's measurement range. An error distribution of interface height shows that all anticipated errors are within the resolution of the electrode length increments. Furthermore, it was found that the conductivity of the measured medium is proportional to the gradient of the linear relationship of conductance and electrode length. It could therefore prove a valuable new tool for the accurate quantification of sediment and flow levels in sewer conduits, coastal environments, drainage systems for transport networks, and other industrial or academic applications.

Optimal Use of Titanium Dioxide Colourant to Enable Water Surfaces to Be Measured by Kinect Sensors.

Recent studies have sought to use Microsoft Kinect sensors to measure water surface shape in steady flows or transient flow processes. They have typically employed a white colourant, usually titanium dioxide (TiO2), in order to make the surface opaque and visible to the infrared-based sensors. However, the ability of Kinect Version 1 (KV1) and Kinect Version 2 (KV2) sensors to measure the deformation of ostensibly smooth reflective surfaces has never been compared, with most previous studies using a V1 sensor with no justification. Furthermore, the TiO2 has so far been used liberally and indeterminately, with no consideration as to the type of TiO2 to use, the optimal proportion to use or the effect it may have on the very fluid properties being measured. This paper examines the use of anatase TiO2 with two generations of the Microsoft Kinect sensor. Assessing their performance for an ideal flat surface, it is shown that surface data obtained using the V2 sensor is substantially more reliable. Further, the minimum quantity of colourant to enable reliable surface recognition is discovered (0.01% by mass). A stability test shows that the colourant has a strong tendency to settle over time, meaning the fluid must remain well mixed, having serious implications for studies with low Reynolds number or transient processes such as dam breaks. Furthermore, the effect of TiO2 concentration on fluid properties is examined. It is shown that previous studies using concentrations in excess of 1% may have significantly affected the viscosity and surface tension, and thus the surface behaviour being measured. It is therefore recommended that future studies employ the V2 sensor with an anatase TiO2 concentration of 0.01%, and that the effects of TiO2 on the fluid properties are properly quantified before any TiO2-Kinect-derived dataset can be of practical use, for example, in validation of numerical models or in physical models of hydrodynamic processes.

Best available science still supports an ancient common origin of Devils Hole and Devils Hole pupfish.

The age of DHP and how pupfish colonized Devils Hole have always been a topic of interest. Recently, two different publications (Martin, Crawford, Turner, & Simons, & Saglam et al., ) tackled this issue using genomic data sets and demographic models but came to widely different conclusions. In their comment, Martin and Höhne () argue that our results (Saglam et al., ) were misleading because we used inappropriate calibration information and biased a priori assumptions. They then re-analysed our data using a "biologically informed" mutation rate prior and concluded that our data support a much younger age of DHP (12.6 kya) as opposed to 60 kya reported in our study. Below we will summarize why their arguments do not hold up and explore some of the inconsistencies between their claims and what was actually presented in our study. Furthermore, we will demonstrate their re-analyses provide no new information compared to what was presented in our original manuscript and reinforce our estimate of a 60 kya divergence of DHP as outweighing competing hypotheses.

Phylogenetics support an ancient common origin of two scientific icons: Devils Hole and Devils Hole pupfish.

The Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis; DHP) is an icon of conservation biology. Isolated in a 50 m(2) pool (Devils Hole), DHP is one of the rarest vertebrate species known and an evolutionary anomaly, having survived in complete isolation for thousands of years. However, recent findings suggest DHP might be younger than commonly thought, potentially introduced to Devils Hole by humans in the past thousand years. As a result, the significance of DHP from an evolutionary and conservation perspective has been questioned. Here we present a high-resolution genomic analysis of DHP and two closely related species, with the goal of thoroughly examining the temporal divergence of DHP. To this end, we inferred the evolutionary history of DHP from multiple random genomic subsets and evaluated four historical scenarios using the multispecies coalescent. Our results provide substantial information regarding the evolutionary history of DHP. Genomic patterns of secondary contact present strong evidence that DHP were isolated in Devils Hole prior to 20-10 ka and the model best supported by geological history and known mutation rates predicts DHP diverged around 60 ka, approximately the same time Devils Hole opened to the surface. We make the novel prediction that DHP colonized and have survived in Devils Hole since the cavern opened, and the two events (colonization and collapse of the cavern's roof) were caused by a common geologic event. Our results emphasize the power of evolutionary theory as a predictive framework and reaffirm DHP as an important evolutionary novelty, worthy of continued conservation and exploration.

Avalanche Fatalities in the United States: A Change in Demographics.

OBJECTIVE: To describe demographic patterns in avalanche fatalities in the United States during the past 6 decades according to geographic location and preavalanche activity. METHODS: The Colorado Avalanche Information Center currently manages the National Avalanche Accident Dataset. This dataset describes deidentified avalanche fatalities beginning in 1951. Covariates included age, sex, month, state of occurrence, and preavalanche activity. Both absolute and proportional avalanche fatalities were calculated by year and by each covariate. A linear regression model was used to trend the proportion of avalanche fatalities stratified by covariate. RESULTS: There were 925 recorded avalanche fatalities in the United States between 1951 and 2013. There were an average of 15 ± 11 fatalities/y (mean ± SD; range, 0 to 40 fatalities/y). The mean (+/- SD) age was 29 ± 6.6 years (range, 6-67 years), and 86% were men. Total avalanche fatalities have increased linearly (R(2) = 0.68). Despite the highest number of total deaths in Colorado (n = 253), the proportion of avalanche fatalities in Colorado decreased (-5% deaths/decade; P = .01). Snowmobilers are now the largest group among fatalities and accounted for 23% of deaths (n = 213). The proportion of snowmobile fatalities has increased (+7% deaths/decade; P < .01), as has the proportion of snowboarder fatalities (+2% deaths/decade; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Avalanche fatalities have increased. This is most likely related to an overall rise in backcountry utilization. Fatalities have increased among snowmobilers and snowboarders. Despite a rise in backcountry utilization, avalanche fatalities in Colorado are decreasing. A strategy of focused training and education aimed toward at-risk groups could result in lower avalanche fatalities.

The impact of sharps injuries on student nurses: a systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to discover the impact of sharps injuries in the student nurse population. BACKGROUND: Much is known and reported about sharps injuries in registered nurses, but there has been a lack of published evidence regarding sharps injuries within the student nurse population. METHOD: A systematic review of nursing, health and psychology databases was conducted. The limits set were publications between 1980 and 2014 in the English language. Studies were identified then, following a rigorous critical and quality appraisal with validated tools, were selected for the systematic review. RESULTS: A total of 40 articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting studies conducted in 18 countries. Psychological and physical impacts of sharps injuries in student nurses were reported, such as fear, anxiety and depression, although these impacts were not quantified using a validated instrument. CONCLUSION: The impact of sharps injuries can be severe, both psychological and physical. This systematic review shows that further research is needed into this, especially in under-researched areas such as the UK, to establish the impact of sharps injuries within this population. Further research would also aid the education and prevention of this harmful problem. The review also emphasises the psychological issues relating to sharps injuries, the impact these can have on individuals and the support and counselling that student nurses require after injury. RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE: These findings highlight the potential psychological issues that can result from sharps injuries in this population.

Medical Care of the Aquatics Athlete.

Competitive swimmers are affected by several musculoskeletal and medical complaints that are unique to the sport. 'Swimmer's shoulder,' the most common overuse injury, is usually caused by some combination of impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, scapular dyskinesis, and instability. The condition may be treated with training modifications, stroke error correction, and strengthening exercises targeting the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and core. Implementation of prevention programs to reduce the prevalence of shoulder pathology is crucial. Knee pain usually results from the breaststroke kick in swimmers, and the 'egg beater' kick in water polo players and synchronized swimmers. Lumbar back pain also is common in aquatics athletes. Among the medical conditions of particular importance in swimmers are exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, respiratory illnesses, and ear problems. Participants in other aquatics sports (water polo, diving, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming) may experience medical ailments specific to the sport.

The global distribution of special needs dentistry across dental school curricula.

INTRODUCTION: Special needs dentistry (SND) is an emerging dental specialty, with ongoing developments in education and clinical practice focused towards the tailored management of individuals with special needs (SN). Patients with SN have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and unmet dental needs compared to the general population. Although inadequate training and experience in managing patients with SN has been highlighted as a significant barrier to accessing care, there is limited data about the extent of SND teaching at the entry-to-practice or higher levels. METHODS: This work is the first to map SND curricula globally, across 180 countries and 1265 dental schools. RESULTS: Although 74.62% of dental schools were found in developing economies, the distribution of programs that reported SND in their courses was highly skewed towards developed countries. In terms of advanced degrees, beyond basic entry-to-practice training, the USA delivered 60% of the SND programs, followed by Canada (15.56%), UK (13.33%), and Australia (8.89%). The term SND appeared in 33.95% of entry-to-practice level program curricula and was less commonly used in transitioning economies. Only 112 SND-specialized practitioners enter the workforce globally each year from developed economies, and all but three advanced degrees are found in G7 countries. CONCLUSION: By exploring the impact of economic status on its distribution, this paper highlighted the lack of SND representation in dental curricula, especially amongst programs in transitioning or developing economies. Education of both general dentists and specialists is critical as a collaborative effort is needed to manage the growing population of patients with SN.

Does eccentric training of hamstring muscles reduce acute injuries in soccer?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a 10-week hamstring exercise training program in reducing the incidence and severity of new and recurrent hamstring injuries among male soccer players. DESIGN: Cluster-randomized (by team)controlled trial, stratified by level of play and geographic location. Sample size was calculated with 80% power to show a relative risk reduction for injury of 50% at P ≤ 0.05. SETTING: Soccer community study in Denmark during the period January to December 2008. PARTICIPANTS: Teams in the top 5 soccer divisions (2 professional and 3 amateur)were invited to participate. The exclusion criterion for teams was that they already used eccentric hamstring exercises, and for participants was that they joined the teams after the beginning of the season. Of 116 teams, 54 were eligible and willing to be randomized and 50 were included in the analysis (942 players). INTERVENTION: Teams in both the intervention and control groups followed their normal training programs. At the beginning of the study period, the intervention teams added 27 sessions of the Nordicham string exercise (after warm-up) during the 10-week period of the mid-season break. The exercise begins with the player kneeling with the torso upright and rigid, and the feet held down to the ground by a partner. The player lowers his torso forwards toward the ground braking with his hamstring muscles until the chest reaches the ground (eccentric phase). He returns to the upright position, pushing with his hands to minimize the concentric phase load. Sessions per week and sets and repetitions per session increased to 3, 3, and 12, respectively. Team coaches supervised the sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A hamstring injury was defined as an acute occurrence of a "physical complaint in the region of the posterior thigh sustained during a soccer match or training, irrespective of the need for medical attention or time loss from soccer activities." Injuries were recorded by the teams' medical staff on standardized forms. Only first injuries during the season were included and recorded as first-time injuries or recurrences of injuries sustained before the season.Severity of injury was defined by number of days lost from full participation in games and practices. MAIN RESULTS: Injury rates per 100 player sessions were lower for the intervention group (3.8) than for the control group(13.1); thus, the rate ratio (RR) adjusted for age, level of competition, and previous injury was 0.293 (95% confidence interval[CI], 0.150-0.572). Both rates of new and recurrent injuries were lower for the intervention group than for the control group(new injuries: RR, 0.410; 95% CI, 0.180-0.933; recurrent injuries: RR, 0.137; 95% CI, 0.037-0.509). The 15 injuries in the intervention group resulted in absence of 454 days from soccer (mean, 30.3; SD, 18.3; range, 7-64 days per injury), whereas 51 injuries in the control group resulted in 1344 days absent (mean, 26.4; SD, 19.5; range, 4-89 days per injury). Mean severity of injuries (days absent) was not significantly different (P = 0.16) between groups. Delayed onset muscle soreness,but no other adverse effect, was reported by most members of the intervention group during the training period. CONCLUSIONS: An eccentric hamstring exercise program was associated with lower rates of new and recurrent hamstring injuries in Danish male soccer players.

The use of pregame hyperhydration with intravenous fluids in National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision teams.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of pregame intravenous fluid hyperhydration (PIVFH) usage, administration protocols, indications, complications, and perceived efficacy by National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision (NCAA-FBS) teams. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study. SETTING: National Collegiate Athletic Association Football Bowl Subdivision. PARTICIPANTS: Head athletic trainers from NCAA-FBS institutions. INTERVENTION: Voluntary, anonymous 15-item validated online survey instrument. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of teams reporting use of PIVFH. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 64% (77 of 120). Thirty percent of respondents reported the utilization of PIVFH, administered to an average of 2 to 3 players. The most common reasons cited for using PIVFH were to prevent muscle cramps (95%), heat illness (79%), and dehydration (68%). Additionally, 47% of programs used PIVFH to improve player exercise tolerance and 47% per player request. Twenty-four percent of programs that used PIVFH reported the occurrence of associated complications. Only 15% of respondents believed that PIVFH improved their teams' overall performance. CONCLUSIONS: PIVFH is a common practice among NCAA-FBS teams. PIVFH is used most often to prevent muscle cramps, dehydration, and heat illness. The relatively few numbers of players per team who receive PIVFH suggest that higher risk individuals were targeted for administration.

A Screening Program for SARS-CoV-2 among University of Hawai'i at Manoa Residence Hall Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) created a COVID-19 pandemic team to collaborate, plan, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 across the campus. The purpose of this study was to identify asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 among unvaccinated UHM residence hall students during 3 distinct intervals (semesters) within the COVID-19 pandemic. Supervised self-administered nasal swab testing samples were collected from unvaccinated UHM residence hall students and sent to a clinical laboratory for COVID-19 RT-PCR testing to detect SARS-CoV-2. Positive cases were contacted and placed in isolation while contact tracing was initiated. The screening program performed 2219 tests on 725 unique persons with the identification of COVID-19 infections in 38 asymptomatic unvaccinated students and an additional 10 cases through contact tracing. A positive correlation existed between the screening program case numbers and the state of Hawai'i 7-day average positive cases as demonstrated with a Pearson coefficient of 0.79 and P<.001. The COVID-19 positivity rate was greater during Spring Semester 2022 compared to both Spring Semester 2021 (P<.001) and Fall Semester 2021 (P <.001). This program served as a component ofa larger strategy to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the UHM campus. Additional benefits of the program included opportunities to increase COVID-19 awareness, enact health policy measures, evolve to meet changing pandemic demands, and maintain a safe UHM campus.

Exploring the psychological effects of sharps injuries sustained by healthcare workers.

Much of the research into sharps injuries sustained by healthcare workers focuses on prevalence and incidence and to a lesser extent the financial implications of such injuries. An under-researched area is the psychological effects of such injuries. This article reports the findings of a narrative literature review that aimed to synthesise the evidence on this subject. Electronic databases and the grey literature were searched with no date limits set and 27 articles were included in the review. Findings suggested that healthcare workers may experience a range of psychological issues following a sharps injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. There was also evidence to suggest that the necessary psychological follow-up care is often inadequate, so improvements are required in this area. Further research is necessary to enhance understanding of the psychological effects of sharps injuries on healthcare workers and to ensure they receive appropriate support.

Transmembrane segment 3 of Drosophila melanogaster odorant receptor subunit 85b contributes to ligand-receptor interactions.

The OR class insect odorant receptors are ligand-gated ion channels comprised of at least one common subunit (OR83b in Drosophila) and at least one putative odorant-binding subunit. However, little else is known about the molecular details of insect OR architecture. For example, nothing is known about how these receptors bind odorants, greatly limiting efforts to develop insect OR-targeted compounds for the control of insects involved in disease propagation and agricultural damage. Here we identify a portion of a Drosophila OR that is involved in odorant activation of the receptor. Using the substituted cysteine accessibility method, we identified residues 146-150 of OR85b, located at the predicted interface between transmembrane segment 3 (TMS3) and extracellular loop 2 (ECL2), as playing a role in odorant (2-heptanone) activation. We found that occupation of the receptor by the competitive antagonist 2-nonanone protected the receptor from methanethiosulfonate action at position 148, placing this region close to the odorant-binding site. In addition, mutations at positions 142 and 143 within TMS3 altered odorant sensitivity. Our results identify the involvement of the extracellular half of TMS3 in Drosophila OR85b in odorant activation of the receptor. This finding can serve as a starting point for future detailed analysis of the molecular basis for odorant recognition by insect ORs, a novel class of ligand-gated channel.

Comparative analysis of the effects of antimuscarinic agents on bladder functions in both nonhuman primates and rodents.

Both the physiological role of muscarinic receptors for bladder function and the therapeutic efficacy of antimuscarinic agents for overactive bladder syndrome are well documented. We investigated the effect of antimuscarinic agents with different subtype selectivity on urodynamic parameters in nonhuman primates and rodents and compared plasma levels of these agents between species. Anesthetized rhesus monkeys were transurethrally catheterized, and the bladder was infused with saline. Urodynamic parameters were measured before and after intravenous drug administration. Tolterodine (nonselective) and oxybutynin (moderately M(3)-selective) increased bladder capacity at lower doses than those required to decrease micturition pressure. However, higher doses of darifenacin (M(3)-selective) were needed to increase the bladder capacity than those needed to decrease the micturition pressure. In rats, tolterodine had no effect on the bladder capacity but decreased the micturition pressure at all of the doses administered. Oxybutynin also decreased micturition pressure and increased bladder capacity at the highest dose. Plasma levels of these drugs overlap in both species. These results suggest that, in addition to the M(3) receptor, other muscarinic receptor subtypes contribute to regulate bladder storage function in nonhuman primates, since less subtype-selective tolterodine and oxybutynin showed higher specificity to the bladder capacity effect than the effect on micturition pressure compared with M(3)-selective darifenacin. In addition, the role of muscarinic receptors in bladder storage function varies between primates and rodents. Compared with rodents, muscarinic receptors may play a more active role during the storage phase to regulate the functional bladder capacity in primates.