Development and validation of the resident safety activity questionnaire for long-term care facility staff.

This study developed and tested a questionnaire to evaluate the safety activities supporting older adult residents' quality of care among long-term care facility staff. The process included item construction, expert review and pilot testing, testing of reliability and validation with 268 staff from 12 targeted facilities in South Korea. The final questionnaire yielded 28 items across six domains: proactive activities for emergency situations, comfort management, prevention of infections, staff training and communication, sufficient goods and equipment, and adequate personnel. These factors explained 73.48 % of the total variance. The fit indices in the confirmatory factor analysis were acceptable, and the total Cronbach's ⍺ was 0.952 (sub-domains: 0.823 - .895), indicating high reliability. The findings suggest the reliability and validity of the newly-developed Resident Safety Activity Questionnaire, enabling an accurate evaluation of the safety of long-term care facility residents and serving as an indicator for improving care quality in such establishments.

The Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. Despite substantial investigation on SSc-related cellular and molecular mechanisms, effective therapies are still lacking. The skin, lungs, and gut are the most affected organs in SSc, which act as physical barriers and constantly communicate with colonized microbiota. Recent reports have documented a unique microbiome signature, which may be the pathogenic trigger or driver of SSc. Since gut microbiota influences the efficacy and toxicity of oral drugs, evaluating drug-microbiota interactions has become an area of interest in disease treatment. The existing evidence highlights the potential of the microbial challenge as a novel therapeutic option in SSc. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of SSc and highlighted the underlying role of the microbiome in SSc pathogenesis. We have also discussed the latest therapeutic interventions using microbiomes in SSc, including drug-microbiota interactions and animal disease models. This review aims to elucidate the pathophysiological connection and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in SSc. Insights into the microbiome will significantly improve our understanding of etiopathogenesis and developing therapeutics for SSc.

Butyrate Improves Skin/Lung Fibrosis and Intestinal Dysbiosis in Bleomycin-Induced Mouse Models.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Despite several studies on SSc treatments, effective treatments for SSc are still lacking. Since evidence suggests an association between intestinal microbiota and SSc, we focused on butyrate, which has beneficial effects in autoimmune diseases as a bacterial metabolite. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of sodium butyrate (SB) using a bleomycin-induced fibrosis mouse model of SSc and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). SB attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal and lung fibrosis in mice. SB influenced fecal microbiota composition (phyla Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, genera Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus_g2). SB controlled macrophage differentiation in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and bronchoalveolar lavage cells of mice with bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Profibrotic and proinflammatory gene expression was suppressed by SB administration in skin. Furthermore, SB inhibited transforming growth factor ß1-responsive proinflammatory expression with increased acetylation of histone 3 in HDFs. Subcutaneous SB application had antifibrogenic effects on the skin. Butyrate ameliorated skin and lung fibrosis by improving anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model of SSc. Butyrate may exhibit indirect and direct anti-fibrogenic action on fibroblasts by regulating macrophage differentiation and inhibition of histone deacetylase 3. These findings suggest butyrate as an SSc treatment.

Evaluation of the efficacy of ivermectin against Theileria orientalis infection in grazing cattle.

BACKGROUND: Raising cattle on pastures is known to be beneficial for animal welfare and cost reduction. However, grazing is associated with the risk of contracting tick-borne diseases, such as theileriosis. Here, the efficacy of ivermectin against these diseases and associated clinical symptoms were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 68 cattle from a grazing cattle farm were selected and divided into two groups: the control group (17 cattle) with no preventive treatment and the ivermectin-treated group (51 cattle) in which cattle were treated with pour-on ivermectin prior to grazing. The infection rates of Theileria orientalis and the red blood cell (RBC) profile (e.g., RBC count, hematocrit value, and hemoglobin concentration) were compared in the spring (before grazing) and summer (during grazing) between the two groups. Based on PCR amplification of the major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene, 12 cattle were positive for T. orientalis infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates identified in this study consisted of three MPSP types (1, 2, and 7). The T. orientalis infection rate in the control group during grazing was 3-fold higher than that in the ivermectin-treated group. Moreover, differences in RBC parameters during grazing were greater in the control group than in the ivermectin-treated group. In particular, the hematocrit value was significantly reduced in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that ivermectin had protective effects against T. orientalis infection and RBC hemolysis in grazing cattle.

Experimental infection of mice with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 increases the number of megakaryocytes in bone marrow.

BACKGROUND: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes significant economic losses worldwide in the cattle industry through decrease in productive performance and immunosuppression of animals in herds. Recent studies conducted by our group showed that mice can be infected with BVDV-1 by the oral route. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical signs, hematological changes, histopathological lesions in lymphoid tissues, and the distribution of the viral antigen after oral inoculation with a Korean noncytopathic (ncp) BVDV-2 field isolate in mice. METHODS: Mice were orally administered a low or high dose of BVDV-2; blood and tissue samples were collected on days 2, 5, and 9 postinfection (pi). We monitored clinical signs, hematological changes, histopathological lesions, and tissue distribution of a viral antigen by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and then compared these parameters with those in ncp BVDV-1 infections. RESULTS: None of the infected mice developed any clinical signs of the illness. Significant thrombocytopenia was found in both low- and high-dose-inoculated mice on day 2 pi. Leukopenia was apparent only in low-dose-inoculated mice on day 2 pi, whereas lymphopenia was not observed in any ncp BVDV-2-infected animal. Viral RNA was found in the spleen in of low- and high-dose-inoculated mice by RT-PCR. According to the results of IHC, the viral antigen was consistently detected in lymphocytes of bone marrow and spleen and less frequently in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. Despite the antigen detection in BALT and mesenteric lymph nodes, histopathological lesions were not observed in these tissues. Lympholysis, infiltration by inflammatory cells, and increased numbers of megakaryocytes were seen in Peyer's patches, spleens, and bone marrow, respectively. In contrast to ncp BVDV-1 infection, lympholysis was found in the spleen of ncp BVDV-2-infected mice. These histopathological lesions were more severe in high-dose-inoculated mice than in low-dose-inoculated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide insight into the pathogenesis of ncp BVDV-2 infection in mice. Collectively, these results highlight significant differences in pathogenesis between ncp BVDV-1 and ncp BVDV-2 infections in a murine model.

Use of a Turn Coil and Channel Above a GMR-SV Device to Observe and Measure the Properties of Deoxidized Red Blood Cells Coupled to Magnetic Beads.

A giant magnetoresistance-spin valve (GMR-SV) having highly sensitive magnetic properties was prepared with a multilayer soft ferromagnetic/non-magnetic/pinned ferromagnetic/anti-ferromagnetic iridium manganese (IrMn) top layer (NiFe/CoFe/Cu/CoFe/IrMn) structure. Micron-sized magnetic beads (MBs) with a diameter of 1 µm immersed in a solution containing 50 mg of Co-Si-OH/ml were attached to red blood cells (RBCs) having the very low magnetization of hemoglobin (HEM) to detect a deoxidized RBC combined with MBs (RBC+MBs). The RBC+MB combinations can be captured on a single-turn µ-coil that maintains a magnetic field large enough to detect the MBs attached to the RBC. When the RBC+MBs passes through a PR µ-channel with a width of 10 µm, its stopping and starting are controlled by the electrical AC input signal applied to the single-turn µ-coil. The RBC+MBs combinations captured above the µ-device of the GMR-SV change the output signal and thus, can be used for detection. This observation implies that this device can be used as a biosensor to analyze the coupling force between the HEM and the MBs for RBCs with deformed membranes passing through a narrow capillary.

Characteristics and Clinical Significance of De Novo Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies after Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The association of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) antibodies (DSA) and development of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is still undetermined. METHODS: We prospectively screened de novo DSA in 167 KTRs during 32 months after kidney transplantation (KT). Timing of DSA detection was at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant and annually thereafter and when clinically indicated. DSA levels were determined by Luminex assays and expressed as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). We evaluated the incidence, characteristics of DSA, and association between DSA and tacrolimus trough levels or AMR. RESULTS: De novo DSA developed in 16 KTRs (9.6%) and acute AMR occurred more commonly in KTRs with de novo DSA compared to KTRs without de novo DSA (18.8% vs. 0%, P < 0.001). All de novo DSA were against class II antigens. The mean number of DSA was 1.8 ± 1.2 and the average MFI of DSA was 7,399 ± 5,470. Tacrolimus trough level during the first 0-2 months after KT was an independent predictor of DSA development (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.99; P = 0.043). No differences were found in the number of DSA, average MFI of DSA, and tacrolimus levels during the first year between de novo DSA-positive KTRs with AMR and those without AMR. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that monitoring of DSA and maintaining proper tacrolimus levels are essential to prevent AMR during the initial period after KT.

Epidemiological Survey on Eimeria spp. Associated with Diarrhea in Pre-weaned Native Korean Calves.

Bovine coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases affecting calf productivity. Here, we investi- gated the prevalence of Eimeria spp. in pre-weaned native Korean calves and determined the correlation between diar- rhea and Eimeria spp. Fecal samples were collected from individual calves (288 normal and 191 diarrheic) in 6 different farms. Of the 479 samples, Eimeria oocysts were detected in 124 calves (25.9%). Five Eimeria spp. were identified; E. zuernii (18.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by E. auburnensis (12.5%), E. bovis (7.5%), E. subspherica (5.8%), and E. bukidnonensis (1.0%). A significant correlation was observed between diarrhea and mixed infection with more than 2 Eimeria spp. (odds ratio [OR]=2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-4.49; P=0.03) compared to single infection (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.77-2.15; P = 0.33). Of the 5 Eimeria spp. identified, E. subspherica (95% CI: 1.24-5.61; P = 0.01) and E. bukidnonensis (95% CI: 825.08-1,134.25; P = 0.00) strongly increased the risk of diarrhea by 2.64-fold and 967.39-fold, respectively, compared to other species. Moreover, mixed infection with E. auburnensis and E. bukidnonensis was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR = 2,388.48; 95% CI: 1,009.71-5,650.00; P < 0.00) in pre-weaned native Korean calves. This is the first report to demonstrate the importance of E. bukidnonensis associated with diarrhea in pre-weaned native Korean calves. Further epidemiological studies should investigate the prevalence of E. bukidnonensis and the association between E. bukidnonensis and diarrhea.

Gold Nanostar Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Detection of an Antibiotic at Attomolar Concentrations via an Aptamer-Antibody Sandwich Assay.

A new sandwich assay for tetracycline (TC) involving a DNA aptamer and antibody pair is demonstrated in conjunction with gold nanostar (GNS) enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to achieve detection in the low attomolar range. GNS particles were covalently functionalized with the antibody probe (antiTC) and integrated into a surface sandwich assay in conjunction with a SPR gold chip modified with the TC-specific aptamer. After it was demonstrated that both affinity probes can bind simultaneously to TC, optimization of the assay was performed using either antiTC only or GNS-antiTC conjugates to interact with aptamer/TC complexes present on the chip surface. Target concentrations as low as 10 aM could be detected using GNS-antiTC's, which was >103 times greater in performance than when using antiTC only. In addition, good selectivity was achieved with respect to other tetracycline derivative antibiotics, such as oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC), both which are structurally similar to TC. As a demonstration of trace antibiotic analysis in environmental samples, the GNS enhanced sandwich assay was applied to analyze TC added to aliquots of local river water and the results validated by comparing to conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

Tandem Femto- and Nanomolar Analysis of Two Protein Biomarkers in Plasma on a Single Mixed Antibody Monolayer Surface Using Surface Plasmon Resonance.

The multiplexed detection of protein biomarkers in plasma present over a range of clinically relevant concentrations continues to be difficult for surface-based bioaffinity detection platforms such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR). As well as nonspecific adsorption, challenges include quantitative comparison between targets whose concentrations differ by orders of magnitude, regenerating SPR chips after plasma exposure, and the two- or four-channel limitation of many commercial SPR instruments limiting sample throughput. In this article, we explore an approach where two protein biomarkers alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) and Tau 381 are detected in tandem within a single SPR channel at micromolar and femtomolar concentrations, respectively. This was achieved by creating a mixed antibody (antiAAT and antiTau) monolayer on the chip surface. After the adsorption of AAT and/or Tau, further specificity was obtained via the adsorption of a DNA aptamer specific to each target. The detection range for each target was controlled via the relative surface density ratio of each antibody type as well as each aptamer concentration. Calibration measurements were performed in both buffer and spiked plasma with the detection of native concentrations of ∼39 fM (Tau) and ∼65 µM (AAT) in a human plasma sample. Finally, tandem measurements of both targets within the same SPR signal channel were demonstrated at these very different concentrations.

Hematological Changes Associated with Theileria orientalis Infection in Korean Indigenous Cattle.

Tick-borne pathogens can cause serious problems in grazing cattle. However, little information is available on tick-mediated diseases in cattle grazing on mountains. Thus, this study aimed to understand the potential problems related to tick-borne diseases in grazing cattle through the investigation of prevalent tick-transmitted infections, and their associated hematological changes, in terms of season and grazing type in Korean indigenous cattle (=Hanwoo). Hanwoo cattle from 3 regions of the Republic of Korea (=Korea) were either maintained indoors or placed on grassy mountains from spring to fall of 2014 and 2015. Cattle that grazed in mountainous areas showed a greater prevalence of tick-borne infections with an increased Theileria orientalis infection rate (54.7%) compared to that in non-grazing cattle (16.3%) (P<0.001). Accordingly, the red blood cell (RBC) count and hematocrit (HCT) values of grazing cattle were significantly lower than those of non-grazing cattle throughout the season (P<0.05). Moreover, RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), and HCT of T. orientalis-positive group were significantly lower than those of T. orientalis-negative group (P<0.05). T. orientalis is a widespread tick-borne pathogen in Korea. Grazing of cattle in mountainous areas is closely associated with an increase in T. orientalis infection (RR=3.4, P<0.001), and with consequent decreases in RBC count and HCT. Thus, these findings suggest that the Hanwoo cattle in mountainous areas of Korea are at a high risk of infection by T. orientalis, which can lead to hematological alterations. This study highlights the necessity of preventive strategies that target T. orientalis infection.

Femtomolar Detection of Tau Proteins in Undiluted Plasma Using Surface Plasmon Resonance.

The ability to directly detect Tau protein and other neurodegenerative biomarkers in human plasma at clinically relevant concentrations continues to be a significant hurdle for the establishment of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this article, we introduce a new DNA aptamer/antibody sandwich assay pairing and apply it for the detection of human Tau 381 in undiluted plasma at concentrations as low as 10 fM. This was achieved on a multichannel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform with the challenge of working in plasma overcome through the development of a tailored mixed monolayer surface chemistry. In addition, a robust methodology was developed involving various same chip control measurements on reference channels to which the detection signal was normalized. Comparative measurements in plasma between SPR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurements were also performed to highlight both the 1000-fold performance enhancement of SPR and the ability to measure both spiked and native concentrations that are not achievable with ELISA.

Post-thaw ATP supplementation enhances cryoprotective effect of iodixanol in rat spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND: Successful cryopreservation of rat spermatozoa from various strains still remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine if combinations of OptiPrep™ (iodixanol) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) can improve rat sperm function during the cryopreservation procedure. METHODS: Epididymal rat spermatozoa were frozen under different OptiPrep™ concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 %) and were diluted with media supplemented with or without 2 mM ATP after thawing. Post-thaw sperm motility, acrosomal membrane integrity (AMI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were then evaluated. In addition, the effect of different OptiPrep™ concentrations on fresh and cooled rat spermatozoa was tested via motility. RESULTS: There was no effect of OptiPrep™ on motility of fresh and cooled spermatozoa. The supplementation of 1 and 2 % OptiPrep™ increased motility of frozen spermatozoa at 10 min after thawing, while it did not improve motility of spermatozoa at 3 h after thawing in the absence of ATP. During incubation of thawed spermatozoa, the ATP addition protected time-dependent decrease in motility after thawing in OptiPrep™-treated samples. OptiPrep™ had no effect on AMI and MMP in frozen-thawed spermatozoa but combinations of OptiPrep™ and ATP improved MMP in frozen-thawed spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS: Iodixanol has cryoprotective effects during rat sperm freezing without any toxic effect. Moreover, the combinations of iodixanol and ATP have a beneficial role in maintaining function of frozen-thawed rat spermatozoa for long period of incubation post-thaw.

NOX1/2 activation in human gingival fibroblasts by Fusobacterium nucleatum facilitates attachment of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Periodontal diseases are infectious polymicrobial inflammatory diseases that lead to destruction of the periodontal ligament, gingiva, and alveolar bone. Sequential colonization of a broad range of bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, is an important phenomenon in this disease model. F. nucleatum is a facultative anaerobic species thought to be a key mediator of dental plaque maturation due to its extensive coaggregation with other oral bacteria, while P. gingivalis is an obligate anaerobic species that induces gingival inflammation by secreting various virulence factors. The formation of a bacterial complex by these two species is central to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during bacterial infections and are involved in intracellular signaling. However, the impact of oral bacteria-induced ROS on the ecology of F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis has yet to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated ROS production induced in primary human oral cells by F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis and its effect on the formation of their bacterial complexes and further host cell apoptosis. We found that in primary human gingival fibroblasts (GFs), two NADPH oxidase isoforms, NOX1 and NOX2, were activated in response to F. nucleatum infection but not P. gingivalis infection. Accordingly, increased NADPH oxidase activity and production of superoxide anion were observed in GFs after F. nucleatum infection, but not after P. gingivalis infection. Interestingly, in NOX1, NOX2, or NOX1/NOX2 knockdown cells, the number of P. gingivalis decreased when the cells were coinfected with F. nucleatum. A similar pattern of host cell apoptosis was observed. This implies that F. nucleatum contributes to attachment of P. gingivalis by triggering activation of NADPH oxidase in host cells, which may provide an environment more favorable to strict anaerobic bacteria and have a subsequent effect on apoptosis of host cells.

Factors Affecting Sexually Transmitted Infections in South Korean High School Students.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified factors affecting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among high school students in South Korea. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This study was a secondary data analysis using data from the eighth annual Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey conducted in 2012. Data from 2,387 high school students who reported having sexual intercourse were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression by gender. MEASURES: The survey questionnaire measured drug experience, Internet pornography preference, age at first intercourse, and method of contraception. RESULTS: Overall, 7.2% of participants had experienced STIs. The common significant predictors of STIs in male and female students were drug experience, Internet pornography preference, and age at first intercourse. Contraceptive methods were statistically significant only for males; living arrangements and Internet usage were significant only for females. CONCLUSIONS: Drug experiences, Internet pornography preference, and age at first intercourse were strong factors that affected both male and female students, suggesting the necessity to reinforce laws and regulations prohibiting drug use and pornography. Moreover, precise and detailed information on intercourse, sexual behaviors, and STIs offered by public health nurses should be officially provided starting in elementary school. For male students, the practice of condom use should be emphasized.

Direct Detection of α-1 Antitrypsin in Serum Samples using Surface Plasmon Resonance with a New Aptamer-Antibody Sandwich Assay.

The challenges associated with performing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based measurements in serum and other biofluids have continued to limit the applicability of this valuable sensing technology for sensitive bioaffinity measurements of proteins in clinically relevant samples. In this paper, a new sandwich assay is introduced for the quantitative SPR analysis of α-1 antitrypsin (AAT), which is a recognized biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Detection was performed via the specific adsorption of AAT onto a gold chip surface modified with a DNA aptamer. The measurement dynamic range and also sensitivity in serum were improved with the subsequent surface binding of antiAAT. A methodology was established to measure the target protein in serum, albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) solutions with the results correlated with measurements in buffer only. A comparison between SPR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurements was also made. The detection of AAT in serum at clinically relevant concentrations was demonstrated with target concentrations as low as 10 fM readily achievable.

Interaction of peroxiredoxin V with dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2 (DBT) in mouse kidney under hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Peroxiredoxin V (Prdx V) plays a major role in preventing oxidative damage as an effective antioxidant protein within a variety of cells through peroxidase activity. However, the function of Prdx V is not limited to peroxidase enzymatic activity per se. It appears to have unique function in regulating cellular response to external stimuli by directing interaction with signaling protein. In this study, we identified Prdx V interacting partners in mouse kidney under hypoxic stress using immunoprecipitation and shotgun proteomic analysis (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: Immunoprecipitation coupled with nano-UPLC-MS(E) shotgun proteomics was employed to identify putative interacting partners of Prdx V in mouse kidney in the setting of hypoxia. A total of 17 proteins were identified as potential interacting partners of Prdx V by a comparative interactomics analysis in kidney under normoxia versus hypoxia. Dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2 (DBT) appeared to be a prominent candidate protein displaying enhanced interaction with Prdx V under hypoxic stress. Moreover, hypoxic kidney exhibited altered DBT enzymatic activity compared to normoxia. An enhanced colocalization of these two proteins under hypoxic stress was successfully observed in vitro. Furthermore, peroxidatic cysteine residue (Cys48) of Prdx V is likely to be responsible for interacting with DBT. CONCLUSIONS: We identified several proteins interacting with Prdx V under hypoxic condition known to induce renal oxidative stress. In hypoxic condition, we observed an enhanced interaction of Prdx V and DBT protein as well as increased DBT enzymatic activity. The results from this study will contribute to enhance our understanding of Prdx V's role in hypoxic stress and may suggest new directions for future research.

Differentiation of cancer cell origin and molecular subtype by plasma membrane N-glycan profiling.

In clinical settings, biopsies are routinely used to determine cancer type and grade based on tumor cell morphology, as determined via histochemical or immunohistochemical staining. Unfortunately, in a significant number of cases, traditional biopsy results are either inconclusive or do not provide full subtype differentiation, possibly leading to inefficient or ineffective treatment. Glycomic profiling of the cell membrane offers an alternate route toward cancer diagnosis. In this study, isomer-sensitive nano-LC/MS was used to directly obtain detailed profiles of the different N-glycan structures present on cancer cell membranes. Membrane N-glycans were extracted from cells representing various subtypes of breast, lung, cervical, ovarian, and lymphatic cancer. Chip-based porous graphitized carbon nano-LC/MS was used to separate, identify, and quantify the native N-glycans. Structure-sensitive N-glycan profiling identified hundreds of glycan peaks per cell line, including multiple isomers for most compositions. Hierarchical clusterings based on Pearson correlation coefficients were used to quickly compare and separate each cell line according to originating organ and disease subtype. Based simply on the relative abundances of broad glycan classes (e.g., high mannose, complex/hybrid fucosylated, complex/hybrid sialylated, etc.), most cell lines were readily differentiated. More closely related cell lines were differentiated based on several-fold differences in the abundances of individual glycans. Based on characteristic N-glycan profiles, primary cancer origins and molecular subtypes could be distinguished. These results demonstrate that stark differences in cancer cell membrane glycosylation can be exploited to create an MS-based biopsy, with potential applications toward cancer diagnosis and direction of treatment.

Factors Related to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. The variables include event experiences, cognitive flexibility, and co-worker support. METHODS: A survey was conducted among 153 ICU nurses working in a general hospital or an advanced general hospital. The questionnaire was completed between October and December 2018, and 153 copies were used for the final analysis. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the factors associated with PTSD symptoms among ICU nurses. RESULTS: The level of PTSD symptoms of ICU nurses was 1.20 ± 0.82 out of 4. Full PTSD, signified by a total score of 25 or more, was reported by 45.1% of the study's 153 participants. The significant influencing factors of PTSD symptoms among ICU nurses were the "experience of traumatic events," "trusted alliance," which is a subarea of "coworker support," and both "control" and "alternative," which are subareas of "cognitive flexibility." The explanatory power (49.8%) was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a program to enhance the cognitive flexibility and coworker support of ICU nurses needs to be developed to reduce the PTSD symptoms of ICU nurses.

Development and Testing of the School Healthcare Partnership Scale for Parents.

BACKGROUND: Cooperation between parents and school nurses is essential for the successful completion of school courses and a healthy school life for children with long-term conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test a scale to measure parental perceptions of partnerships between school nurses and parents in the school health care (SHC) system for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: The content validity, factorial structure validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, known-group validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability of the School Healthcare Partnership Scale for Parents (SHCPS-P) were evaluated. Data were analyzed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson's correlation, Cronbach's α, and independent t-tests. The total sample included 155 parents for the EFA and 49 parents for the stability test. Seventeen items, grouped into 3 dimensions, were extracted through principal axis factoring. RESULTS: The total variance explained by these factors was 53.57%. The scale demonstrated a high correlation with parental satisfaction regarding school nursing and a moderate correlation with diabetes-related safety, thereby showing convergent validity. A low correlation with empathy demonstrated discriminant validity. A significant difference existed in the partnership scores in known-group comparisons. Cronbach's α was 0.95, and the test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.95, which showed reliability. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the SHCPS-P is a reliable and valid tool for measuring the perception of SHC partnership among parents of children with T1D and can be used as an indicator to measure parents' perspectives about SHC.