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Fifolt M, Baker N, Menefee RW, Kidd E, McCormick LC. An analysis of ICAR recommendations for long-term care facilities in Alabama. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:974-976. [PMID: 38734237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The Alabama Long-Term Care Strike Team was established in 2022 to help long-term care facilities build and maintain infection prevention and control (IPC) systems. Infection preventionists use CDC's Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) tools to provide IPC-specific recommendations. Analysis of ICAR recommendations identified the 3 greatest training needs in Alabama: source control, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning. The ICAR provides a standardized and objective way to monitor and mitigate IPC risk.
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Baker N, Oyama S, Nix J. Effect of Body Type on Respiratory Kinematics in Female Classical Singers. J Voice 2024:S0892-1997(24)00164-4. [PMID: 38997843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Breathing for singing is a highly contested issue in singing pedagogy with a wide variety of strategies recommended by teachers and the tendency for individuals to find more success with some strategies than others. The concept of body type as a determining factor has been suggested and supported by Hixon and Hoit, but little research has been conducted on this topic since and especially little research has been conducted using biologically female subjects. The investigators recruited eight female, classically trained singers and evaluated their body composition based on several anthropometric measurements (height, body mass, body fat percentage, and ectomorphy as determined by the Heath-Carter Somatotype system). Subjects were recruited from the greater San Antonio, Texas area and research was recorded on the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio. The subjects were then fitted with reflective markers around the abdomen and thorax and stood on a platform with an eight-camera motion capture system recording their chest wall and abdominal movements while they performed a series of singing tasks. These singing tasks include a messa di voce, staccato arpeggio, and the first verse of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" in a variety of pitch ranges. Data on abdominal and thoracic movements was collected and compared according to body type to test the correlation between somatotype and breathing tendencies.
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Chimfwembe K, Shirley H, Baker N, Wamai R. Zambia: A Narrative Review of Success and Challenges in Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 38251218 PMCID: PMC10820422 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to stop the transmission of infection has significantly reduced the incidence of lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease. The primary strategies that have been employed include mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics and morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP). While some countries have been able to reach elimination status in Africa, there is still active transmission of LF in Zambia. The nematode responsible for the disease is Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. To alleviate the suffering of those infected by the disease, the Zambian Ministry of Health launched a program to eliminate LF as a public health problem in 2003. This project reviewed the efforts to achieve the elimination of LF in Zambia, past and present government policies, and the anticipated challenges. MDAs have been conducted since 2014 and coverage has been between 87% and 92%. Zambia has now moved towards pre-transmission assessment surveys (PRETAS) and transmission assessment surveys (TAS). MMDP is a major priority and planned to be conducted between 2022 and 2026. COVID-19 presented a new challenge in the control of LF, while climate change, immigration, co-infections, and funding limitations will complicate further progress.
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Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Limon G, Maze EA, Hannant K, Hughes E, Tchakarova SR, Alexandrov T, Mmbaga BT, Willett B, Booth G, Lyons NA, Baker N, Thomas KM, Wright D, Saunders J, Browning C, Wilsden G, Carroll M, Hewson R, Charleston B, Lambe T, Ludi AB. Development of anti-Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus Gc and NP-specific ELISA for detection of antibodies in domestic animal sera. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:913046. [PMID: 36090164 PMCID: PMC9454098 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.913046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a priority emerging disease. CCHF, caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), can lead to hemorrhagic fever in humans with severe cases often having fatal outcomes. CCHFV is maintained within a tick-vertebrate-tick cycle, which includes domestic animals. Domestic animals infected with CCHFV do not show clinical signs of the disease and the presence of antibodies in the serum can provide evidence of their exposure to the virus. Current serological tests are specific to either one CCHFV antigen or the whole virus antigen. Here, we present the development of two in-house ELISAs for the detection of serum IgG that is specific for two different CCHFV antigens: glycoprotein Gc (CCHFV Gc) and nucleoprotein (CCHFV NP). We demonstrate that these two assays were able to detect anti-CCHFV Gc-specific and anti-CCHFV NP-specific IgG in sheep from endemic CCHFV areas with high specificity, providing new insight into the heterogeneity of the immune response induced by natural infection with CCHFV in domestic animals.
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Baker N, Singer P. Accountable care organization reform: past challenges and future opportunities for public health. Public Health 2022; 205:99-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Shoham M, Baker N, Peterson M, Fox P. The Environmental Impact of Surgery. J Am Coll Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.07.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bewley KR, Gooch K, Thomas KM, Longet S, Wiblin N, Hunter L, Chan K, Brown P, Russell RA, Ho C, Slack G, Humphries HE, Alden L, Allen L, Aram M, Baker N, Brunt E, Cobb R, Fotheringham S, Harris D, Kennard C, Leung S, Ryan K, Tolley H, Wand N, White A, Sibley L, Sarfas C, Pearson G, Rayner E, Xue X, Lambe T, Charlton S, Gilbert S, Sattentau QJ, Gleeson F, Hall Y, Funnell S, Sharpe S, Salguero FJ, Gorringe A, Carroll M. Immunological and pathological outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 challenge following formalin-inactivated vaccine in ferrets and rhesus macaques. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg7996. [PMID: 34516768 PMCID: PMC8442907 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg7996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent requirement for safe and effective vaccines to prevent COVID-19. A concern for the development of new viral vaccines is the potential to induce vaccine-enhanced disease (VED). This was reported in several preclinical studies with both SARS-CoV-1 and MERS vaccines but has not been reported with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We have used ferrets and rhesus macaques challenged with SARS-CoV-2 to assess the potential for VED in animals vaccinated with formaldehyde-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (FIV) formulated with Alhydrogel, compared to a negative control vaccine. We showed no evidence of enhanced disease in ferrets or rhesus macaques given FIV except for mild transient enhanced disease seen 7 days after infection in ferrets. This increased lung pathology was observed at day 7 but was resolved by day 15. We also demonstrate that formaldehyde treatment of SARS-CoV-2 reduces exposure of the spike receptor binding domain providing a mechanistic explanation for suboptimal immunity.
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Gilbert BM, O'Keefe L, Baker N. Antibiotic stewardship for urinary tract infection: A program evaluation. Geriatr Nurs 2021; 45:235-237. [PMID: 34238611 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Evidence supporting the use of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) is growing in a variety of healthcare settings for its association with improved patient outcomes, decreased resistance, and improved healthcare costs. There have been few studies supporting this evidence in long-term care facilities. This project involved a program evaluation of a long-term care facility's ASP for urinary tract infection (UTI) management. Improvement in appropriate diagnosing and antibiotic prescribing for UTI was noted, but no conclusions could be made regarding the effect on patient outcomes. The ASP was considered beneficial in this facility and highlighted areas for improvement, notably the need for sustained commitment by facility leadership and healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners are equipped with the skills necessary to assist facilities with education and implementation of systematic programs for judicious antibiotic prescribing.
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Bewley KR, Coombes NS, Gagnon L, McInroy L, Baker N, Shaik I, St-Jean JR, St-Amant N, Buttigieg KR, Humphries HE, Godwin KJ, Brunt E, Allen L, Leung S, Brown PJ, Penn EJ, Thomas K, Kulnis G, Hallis B, Carroll M, Funnell S, Charlton S. Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody by wild-type plaque reduction neutralization, microneutralization and pseudotyped virus neutralization assays. Nat Protoc 2021; 16:3114-3140. [PMID: 33893470 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-021-00536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Virus neutralization assays measure neutralizing antibodies in serum and plasma, and the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) is considered the gold standard for measuring levels of these antibodies for many viral diseases. We have developed procedures for the standard PRNT, microneutralization assay (MNA) and pseudotyped virus neutralization assay (PNA) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The MNA offers advantages over the PRNT by reducing assay time, allowing increased throughput and reducing operator workload while remaining dependent upon the use of wild-type virus. This ensures that all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antigens are present, but Biosafety Level 3 facilities are required. In addition to the advantages of MNA, PNA can be performed with lower biocontainment (Biosafety Level 2 facilities) and allows for further increases in throughput. For each new vaccine, it is critical to ensure good correlation of the neutralizing activity measured using PNA against the PRNT or MNA. These assays have been used in the development and licensure of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca; Oxford University) and Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines and are critical for demonstrating bioequivalence of future vaccines.
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Supasa P, Zhou D, Dejnirattisai W, Liu C, Mentzer AJ, Ginn HM, Zhao Y, Duyvesteyn HME, Nutalai R, Tuekprakhon A, Wang B, Paesen GC, Slon-Campos J, López-Camacho C, Hallis B, Coombes N, Bewley KR, Charlton S, Walter TS, Barnes E, Dunachie SJ, Skelly D, Lumley SF, Baker N, Shaik I, Humphries HE, Godwin K, Gent N, Sienkiewicz A, Dold C, Levin R, Dong T, Pollard AJ, Knight JC, Klenerman P, Crook D, Lambe T, Clutterbuck E, Bibi S, Flaxman A, Bittaye M, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Gilbert S, Hall DR, Williams MA, Paterson NG, James W, Carroll MW, Fry EE, Mongkolsapaya J, Ren J, Stuart DI, Screaton GR. Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant by convalescent and vaccine sera. Cell 2021; 184:2201-2211.e7. [PMID: 33743891 PMCID: PMC7891044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 2 million deaths in little over a year. Vaccines are being deployed at scale, aiming to generate responses against the virus spike. The scale of the pandemic and error-prone virus replication is leading to the appearance of mutant viruses and potentially escape from antibody responses. Variant B.1.1.7, now dominant in the UK, with increased transmission, harbors 9 amino acid changes in the spike, including N501Y in the ACE2 interacting surface. We examine the ability of B.1.1.7 to evade antibody responses elicited by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. We map the impact of N501Y by structure/function analysis of a large panel of well-characterized monoclonal antibodies. B.1.1.7 is harder to neutralize than parental virus, compromising neutralization by some members of a major class of public antibodies through light-chain contacts with residue 501. However, widespread escape from monoclonal antibodies or antibody responses generated by natural infection or vaccination was not observed.
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Baker N, Catta-Preta CMC, Neish R, Sadlova J, Powell B, Alves-Ferreira EVC, Geoghegan V, Carnielli JBT, Newling K, Hughes C, Vojtkova B, Anand J, Mihut A, Walrad PB, Wilson LG, Pitchford JW, Volf P, Mottram JC. Systematic functional analysis of Leishmania protein kinases identifies regulators of differentiation or survival. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1244. [PMID: 33623024 PMCID: PMC7902614 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21360-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation between distinct stages is fundamental for the life cycle of intracellular protozoan parasites and for transmission between hosts, requiring stringent spatial and temporal regulation. Here, we apply kinome-wide gene deletion and gene tagging in Leishmania mexicana promastigotes to define protein kinases with life cycle transition roles. Whilst 162 are dispensable, 44 protein kinase genes are refractory to deletion in promastigotes and are likely core genes required for parasite replication. Phenotyping of pooled gene deletion mutants using bar-seq and projection pursuit clustering reveal functional phenotypic groups of protein kinases involved in differentiation from metacyclic promastigote to amastigote, growth and survival in macrophages and mice, colonisation of the sand fly and motility. This unbiased interrogation of protein kinase function in Leishmania allows targeted investigation of organelle-associated signalling pathways required for successful intracellular parasitism.
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Baker N, Bromley-Dulfano R, Chan J, Gupta A, Herman L, Jain N, Taylor AL, Lu J, Pannu J, Patel L, Prunicki M. COVID-19 Solutions Are Climate Solutions: Lessons From Reusable Gowns. Front Public Health 2020; 8:590275. [PMID: 33330335 PMCID: PMC7732643 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.590275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the inadequacy of the U.S. healthcare system to deliver timely and resilient care. According to the American Hospital Association, the pandemic has created a $202 billion loss across the healthcare industry, forcing health care systems to lay off workers and making hospitals scramble to minimize supply chain costs. However, as the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) grows, hospitals have sacrificed sustainable solutions for disposable options that, although convenient, will exacerbate supply strains, financial burden, and waste. We advocate for reusable gowns as a means to lower health care costs, address climate change, and improve resilience while preserving the safety of health care workers. Reusable gowns' polyester material provides comparable capacity to reduce microbial cross-transmission and liquid penetration. In addition, previous hospitals have reported a 50% cost reduction in gown expenditures after adopting reusable gowns; given the current 2000% price increase in isolation gowns during COVID-19, reusable gown use will build both healthcare resilience and security from price fluctuations. Finally, with the United States' medical waste stream worsening, reusable isolation gowns show promising reductions in energy and water use, solid waste, and carbon footprint. The gowns are shown to withstand laundering 75–100 times in contrast to the single-use disposable gown. The circumstances of the pandemic forewarn the need to shift our single-use PPE practices to standardized reusable applications. Ultimately, sustainable forms of protective equipment can help us prepare for future crises that challenge the resilience of the healthcare system.
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Baker N, Orme M, Robinson T, Drewry S, Hagenberg A, Singh S. Does adapted cardiac rehabilitation change physical activity and sedentary behaviour for people with mild-to-moderate stroke? Physiotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2020.03.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Baker N, Robinson T, Drewry S, Hagenberg A, Singh S. Experiences of an adapted cardiac rehabilitation programme for people post-stroke. Physiotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Baker N, Orme M, Robinson T, Drewry S, Hagenberg A, Singh S. Does adapted cardiac rehabilitation change physical activity and sedentary behaviour for people with mild-to-moderate stroke? Physiotherapy 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2020.03.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Gordon SJ, Baker N, Kidd M, Maeder A, Grimmer KA. Pre-frailty factors in community-dwelling 40-75 year olds: opportunities for successful ageing. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:96. [PMID: 32143634 PMCID: PMC7060633 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-1490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little known about pre-frailty attributes or when changes which contribute to frailty might be detectable and amenable to change. This study explores pre-frailty and frailty in independent community-dwelling adults aged 40-75 years. METHODS Participants were recruited through local council networks, a national bank and one university in Adelaide, Australia. Fried frailty phenotype scores were calculated from measures of unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity levels, poor hand grip strength and slow walking speed. Participants were identified as not frail (no phenotypes), pre-frail (one or two phenotypes) or frail (three or more phenotypes). Factor analysis was applied to binary forms of 25 published frailty measures Differences were tested in mean factor scores between the three Fried frailty phenotypes and ROC curves estimated predictive capacity of factors. RESULTS Of 656 participants (67% female; mean age 59.9 years, SD 10.6) 59.2% were classified as not frail, 39.0% pre-frail and 1.8% frail. There were no gender or age differences. Seven frailty factors were identified, incorporating all 25 frailty measures. Factors 1 and 7 significantly predicted progression from not-frail to pre-frail (Factor 1 AUC 0.64 (95%CI 0.60-0.68, combined dynamic trunk stability and lower limb functional strength, balance, foot sensation, hearing, lean muscle mass and low BMI; Factor 7 AUC 0.55 (95%CI 0.52-0.59) comprising continence and nutrition. Factors 3 and 4 significantly predicted progression from pre-frail to frail (Factor 3 AUC 0.65 (95% CI 0.59-0.70)), combining living alone, sleep quality, depression and anxiety, and lung function; Factor 4 AUC 0.60 (95%CI 0.54-0.66) comprising perceived exertion on exercise, and falls history. CONCLUSIONS This research identified pre-frailty and frailty states in people aged in their 40s and 50s. Pre-frailty in body systems performance can be detected by a range of mutable measures, and interventions to prevent progression to frailty could be commenced from the fourth decade of life.
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Blakely KK, Suttle R, Wood T, Stallworth K, Baker N. Measles-What's Old Is New Again. Nurs Womens Health 2020; 24:45-51. [PMID: 31917147 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Measles (rubeola) was once nearly eradicated in the United States. Unfortunately, it has reappeared, with more than three times the number of confirmed cases in 2019 than in 2018. The virus, which produces a distinct rash that appears within days of exposure, can spread quickly and can produce severe complications. There is no cure; treatment is supportive care. Measles was once a minimal concern in the United States due to high vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, because of the increase in individuals traveling to countries with high rates of measles and the fact that fewer U.S. children are being immunized against measles, the incidence of measles will likely continue to rise in the United States. It is vital that nurses and other health care providers educate individuals about the importance of the prevention and treatment of measles.
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Gordon SJ, Grimmer K, Bradley A, Direen T, Baker N, Marin T, Kelly MT, Gardner S, Steffens M, Burgess T, Hume C, Oliffe JL. Health assessments and screening tools for adults experiencing homelessness: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:994. [PMID: 31340786 PMCID: PMC6657068 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7234-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homelessness is increasing globally. It results in poorer physical and mental health than age matched people living in permanent housing. Better information on the health needs of people experiencing homelessness is needed to inform effective resourcing, planning and service delivery by government and care organisations. The aim of this review was to identify assessment tools that are valid, reliable and appropriate to measure the health status of people who are homeless. METHODS Data sources: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed (and Medline), PsychInfo, Scopus, CINAHL and ERIC from database inception until September 2018. Key words used were homeless, homelessness, homeless persons, vagrancy, health status, health, health issues, health assessment and health screening. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) hierarchy of evidence was applied; methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the McMaster critical appraisal tools and psychometric properties of the tools were appraised using the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence Ready Reckoner. RESULTS Diverse tools and measures (N = 71) were administered within, and across the reviewed studies (N = 37), with the main focus being on general health, oral health and nutrition. Eleven assessment tools in 13 studies had evidence of appropriate psychometric testing for the target population in domains of quality of life and health status, injury, substance use, mental health, psychological and cognitive function. Methodological quality of articles and tools were assessed as moderate to good. No validated tools were identified to assess oral health, chronic conditions, anthropometry, demography, nutrition, continence, functional decline and frailty, or vision and hearing. However, assessments of physical constructs (such as oral health, anthropometry, vision and hearing) could be applied to homeless people on a presumption of validity, because the constructs would be measured with clinical indicators in the same manner as people living in permanent dwellings. CONCLUSIONS This review highlighted the need to develop consistent and comprehensive health assessment tools validated with, and tailored for, adults experiencing homelessness.
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Wingo NP, Roche CC, Baker N, Dunn D, Jennings M, Pair L, Somerall D, Somerall WE, White T, Willig JH. "Playing for Bragging Rights": A Qualitative Study of Students' Perceptions of Gamification. J Nurs Educ 2019; 58:79-85. [PMID: 30721307 DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20190122-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing faculty sought to promote students' engagement with course material and their peers by using Kaizen, an online educational game. The purpose of this qualitative study was to learn more about nursing students' perceptions of team competition in an educational game and whether the game promoted their engagement with educational material in one fundamental nursing course. METHOD Qualitative data collection included focus groups, observations of students, documents showing leaderboards and game participation, and "status of competition" e-mails. Data were transcribed and coded to determine emerging themes. RESULTS Four themes emerged from data analysis: learning in teams, motivators to play, learning course content, and suggestions for game improvement. CONCLUSION Students were overwhelmingly positive about using a gamified platform for its educational rewards. They perceived that playing the game increased their knowledge retention, and they believed it helped them improve their test-taking skills. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(2):79-85.].
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MacFarlane M, Thompson JMD, Zuccollo J, McDonald G, Elder D, Stewart AW, Lawton B, Percival T, Baker N, Schlaud M, Fleming P, Taylor B, Mitchell EA. Smoking in pregnancy is a key factor for sudden infant death among Māori. Acta Paediatr 2018; 107:1924-1931. [PMID: 29869345 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) disparity between Māori and non-Māori in New Zealand. METHODS A nationwide prospective case-control study ran from March 2012 to February 2015. Exposure to established SUDI risk factors was analysed to investigate the disparity experienced by Māori. Infant ethnicity was based on mother's ethnicity. Māori ethnicity was prioritised. Non-Māori includes Pacific, Asian, NZ European and Other. RESULTS There were 137 cases and 649 controls. The Māori SUDI rate was 1.41/1000 live births compared to 0.53/1000 for non-Māori. Parents/caregivers of 132 cases (96%) and 258 controls (40%) were interviewed. Smoking in pregnancy was associated with an equally increased SUDI risk for Māori (adjusted OR = 8.11, 95% CI = 2.64, 24.93) and non-Māori (aOR = 5.09, 95% CI = 1.79, 14.47), as was bed-sharing (aOR = 3.66, 95% CI = 1.49, 9.00 vs aOR = 11.20, 95% CI = 3.46, 36.29). Bed-sharing prevalence was similar; however, more Māori controls smoked during pregnancy (46.7%) than non-Māori (22.8%). The main contributor relating to increased SUDI risk for Māori/non-Māori infants is the combination of smoking in pregnancy and bed sharing. CONCLUSION The association between known SUDI risk factors, including bed sharing and/or smoking in pregnancy and SUDI risk, is the same regardless of ethnicity. Māori infants are exposed more frequently to both behaviours because of the higher Māori smoking rate.
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Browne P, Kleinstreuer NC, Ceger P, Deisenroth C, Baker N, Markey K, Thomas RS, Judson RJ, Casey W. Development of a curated Hershberger database. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:259-271. [PMID: 30205136 PMCID: PMC6711601 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify Hershberger bioassays for ∼3200 chemicals including those used to validate the OECD/US EPA guideline assay, US EPA's chemicals screened for endocrine activity, and the library of chemicals run in US EPA 's ToxCast in vitro assays. For 134 chemicals that met pre-defined criteria, experimental results were extracted into a database used to characterize uncertainty in results and evaluate the concordance of the Hershberger assay with other in vivo rodent studies that measure androgen-responsive endpoints. Of 25 chemicals tested in >1 Hershberger study, 28% had disagreements between studies (i.e. ≥1 positive and ≥1 negative study), and of the 65 chemicals tested in Hershberger studies and other in vivo studies with androgen-responsive endpoints, 43% indicated disagreements, though in some cases these may be explained by differences in study designs or physiology of the animal model. Ultimately, 49 chemicals were identified with reproducible androgen pathway responses confirmed in ≥2 in vivo rodent studies that could be considered reference chemicals useful for validating alternative methods.
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Kleinstreuer NC, Browne P, Chang X, Judson R, Casey W, Ceger P, Deisenroth C, Baker N, Markey K, Thomas RS. Evaluation of androgen assay results using a curated Hershberger database. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:272-280. [PMID: 30205137 PMCID: PMC7171594 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A set of 39 reference chemicals with reproducible androgen pathway effects in vivo, identified in the companion manuscript [1], were used to interrogate the performance of the ToxCast/Tox 21 androgen receptor (AR) model based on 11 high throughput assays. Cytotoxicity data and specificity confirmation assays were used to distinguish assay loss-of-function from true antagonistic signaling suppression. Overall agreement was 66% (19/29), with ten additional inconclusive chemicals. Most discrepancies were explained using in vitro to in vivo extrapolation to estimate equivalent administered doses. The AR model had 100% positive predictive value for the in vivo response, i.e. there were no false positives, and chemicals with conclusive AR model results (agonist or antagonist) were consistently positive in vivo. Considering the lack of reproducibility of the in vivo Hershberger assay, the in vitro AR model may better predict specific AR interaction and can rapidly and cost-effectively screen thousands of chemicals without using animals.
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Whittam S, Baker N, Smith M. ICU nurses’ perceived knowledge of code blue locations improved post implementation of an educational strategy: Wayfinding videos and competition. Aust Crit Care 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2017.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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25
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Breeding J, Buscher H, Nair P, Baker N, Frost C, Mathews N, McGauley J, Welch S, Whittam S, Burrows F. Sound and light in ICU during different environmental conditions. Aust Crit Care 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2017.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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