Analysis of the complete organellar genomes of the rockweed Fucus spiralis (Fucaceae, Phaeophyceae) supports its infraspecific recognition as Fucus vesiculosus var. spiralis.

Fucus spiralis L. is a broadly distributed monoecious intertidal seaweed. The specific status of F. spiralis however is debatable. Here, we contribute to the bioinformatics and systematics of F. spiralis by analysing the complete mitochondrial and plastid genomes of a specimen from California, U.S.A. The F. spiralis mitogenome is 36,396 base pairs (bp) in length and contains 67 genes, and the plastid genome is 125,066 bp in length and contains 171 genes. The F. spiralis genomes are 99.7% and 99.8% similar in nucleotide sequence to F. vesiculosus, and support the revised classification of F. spiralis to Fucus vesiculosus var. spiralis.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Xiphister atropurpureus (Perciformes: Stichaeidae).

Analysis of the marine black prickleback Xiphister atropurpureus Kittlitz using 76 bp paired-end Illumina sequences resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,518 bp in length and contains an origin of light strand replication (OL), control region, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes. Content and organization of the X. atropurpureus mitogenome is consistent with other teleost. Phylogenetic analysis of X. atropurpureus resolves it in a clade with another member of the Stichaeidae, Chirolophis japonicus Herzenstein.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from California, USA.

Analysis of Phrynosoma blainvillii Gray from Marina, Monterey County, California, using 150 bp paired-end Illumina sequences (Illumina, San Diego, CA) resulted in the assembly of its complete mitogenome. The mitogenome is 16,946 bp in length and contains a putative origin of light strand replication (OL), control region, 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes. Its content and organization are similar to other Squamata. Phylogenetic analysis of P. blainvillii resolves it in a clade with P. sherbrookei Nieto-Montes de Oca, Arenas-Moreno, Beltrán-Sánchez & Leaché, sister in position to Uma notata Baird. Mitochondrial marker analysis of P. blainvillii from Marina shows that it belongs to a coastal Santa Lucia Mountain Range haplogroup that is distinct from other populations of P. blainvillii in California.

Splenic abscesses in a returning traveler.

Burkholderia, an aerobic gram-negative rod, is the causative organism behind melioidosis and is a common soil and water organism found predominantly in South-East Asia. We report the case of a 68 year-old man returning from an extended trip to the Philippines, with splenic hypodense lesions on abdominal computer tomography scan, later confirmed to be culture-positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei. The patient was treated with a course of intravenous ceftazidime followed by eradication therapy with oral doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. He recovered with complete resolution of symptoms at follow up. In a returning traveler from an endemic area, melioidosis should be considered as part of the differential for any febrile illness with abscesses.

Antiretroviral treatment strategies in highly treatment experienced perinatally HIV-infected youth.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on antiretroviral (ARV) regimens and outcomes in perinatally HIV (PHIV)-infected youth. Substantial drug resistance after long-term ARV use and nonadherence hinder efforts to design suppressive regimens for PHIV-infected youth. This study compares clinical outcomes by expected activity of the prescribed ARV regimens. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 13- to 24-year-old PHIV-infected youth on stable ARV regimens for ≥6 months was conducted at a pediatric HIV clinic. ARV regimens were retrospectively categorized as optimal or suboptimal based on accumulated genotypic resistance before study regimen initiation. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with similar baseline characteristics met inclusion criteria (21 optimal and 31 suboptimal regimens). Patients receiving optimal regimens had significantly higher increases in CD4 than those given suboptimal regimens by week 48 of treatment (+62 versus +8 cells/mm, respectively; P = 0.04) and by the end of study period (+93 versus -1 cells/mm, respectively; P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the groups in decline of viral load, frequency of opportunistic infections or hospitalizations or accumulation of resistance mutations. Overall, 60% of the optimal and 45% of the suboptimal groups had nonadherence during the study regimen (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: PHIV-infected youth receiving optimal regimens had greater CD4 improvements but no difference in virologic outcomes compared with those receiving suboptimal regimens. In a patient population with significant nonadherence, providers must weigh the immunologic benefits of initiating an optimal regimen versus the potential risks of further resistance accumulation limiting future treatment options.

Ongoing evaluation of ease-of-use and usefulness of wireless tablet computers within an ambulatory care unit.

This ongoing research is to assess user acceptance of wireless convertible tablet portable computers in their support of patient care within the clinic environment and to determine their impact on workload reduction for the information staff. A previous publication described our initial experience with a limited wireless environment. There, we tested the premise that wireless convertible tablet computers were equivalent to desktop computers in their support of user tasks. Feedback from users demonstrated that convertible tablet computers were not able to replace desktop computers. Poor network access was a weakness as well as the "cognitive overhead" encountered due to technical problems. This paper describes our further experience with a centre-wide wireless implementation while using a new wireless device. The new tablets, which have some unique functions that existing desktop computers do not provide, have been well received by the clinicians.

The standardization of radiation skin care in British Columbia: a collaborative approach.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based practice guidelines for and standardize the care of radiation skin reactions. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed scientific journals and texts and a survey of the guidelines in use at leading cancer treatment facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. DATA SYNTHESIS: A formal reference document with recommended guidelines was developed. Consensus was obtained from all relevant disciplines, and the guidelines were implemented successfully into practice. CONCLUSIONS: The document introduced a major change in practice from the maintenance of a dry radiation treatment area to the promotion of skin cleanliness and hydration, as well as the adoption of the principles of moist wound healing. Annual review indicated that dissemination of (94%) and compliance with (78%) the guidelines were good. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The process to develop, obtain consensus for, and implement evidence-based practice guidelines was an exemplary demonstration of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.