Evaluation of Rapid Immunochromatographic Tests for Norovirus in Neonatal and Infant Faecal Specimens

Objectives: To compare the diagnostic performance of two norovirus rapid immunochromatographic kits (QuickNavi(®)-Norovirus [QN] and QuickNavi®-Norovirus 2 [QN2]; Denka Seiken, Niigata, Japan) for neonatal and infant faecal specimens. Methods: Monthly faecal samples were collected from infants from birth to 12 months of age, and tested for norovirus using QN and QN2. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used as the gold standard for norovirus detection. The diagnostic performance of the kits was calculated. Results: A total of 343 specimens from 81 infants were analysed. In all samples, the specificity of QN and QN2 was 80% (275/343) and 99% (339/343), respectively. In infants aged Conclusions: QN2 offers improved performance and is more useful than QN for the diagnosis of norovirus infection in the neonatal and infant period

New-onset egg allergy in an adult: A case report

Most adult cases of hen's egg allergy are carried over from childhood, and new-onset adult cases are rare. Such cases may result from cross-reactivity or sensitization by inhalation. Here we present a rare case of adult-onset egg allergy due to monosensitization to ovalbumin (Gal d 2) with an unclear sensitization pathway. A 27-year-old woman developed recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of raw and under-cooked eggs. She had never suffered from atopic dermatitis or food allergies. She had never kept birds as pets and had no history of exposure to egg allergens. Prick to prick testing was positive only with raw egg white. Specific IgE testing revealed monosensitization to Gal d 2. She was advised to avoid raw and undercooked eggs and her symptoms resolved. In the management of adult-onset egg allergy, evaluation of allergen components will lead to appropriate elimination guidelines, and investigation of sensitization pathways may help identify the cause of this disease

成人看護学に外来科学療法実習を取り入れた看護学生の学び

がん患者の理解が深められることをねらいとして、成人看護学に外来化学療法の実習を取り入れた。本研究の目的は、外来実習による看護学生の学びを明らかにすることである。看護系短期大学3年次生54名の実習後の学習レポートをデータとし、内容分析を行った。学生の学びは、「患者の理解」「看護の理解」「外来化学療法の理解」「社会資源の理解」の4領域に分類され、9カテゴリーを認めた。外来化学療法の実習は、がん患者の暮らしを具体的に理解する機会となり、「生活者」としての対象理解を深める教育方法の一つであると考えられた。患者を生活者として捉える視点を実習で活かせるような教育的支援の必要性が示唆された

島根県西部地区出身看護学生の就職先選択要因に関する調査

島根県西部地区出身の看護学生の就職先選択要因について明らかにすることを目的とし、過去5年間に島根県立大学短期大学部看護学科を卒業した西部地区就職者4名、東部地区就職者9名の合計13名にインタビュー調査を行った。就職先を選択した要因、西部地区の病院に就職しなかった要因、就職先を選択して良かったこと、西部地区への就職率増加につながると思うこと、島根県立大学に求める支援の５つの視点に沿って分析した。その結果から、病院との連携をさらに図りながら現在のキャリア支援を継続していくとともに、卒業後のフォローアップ体制についてもさらに検討していく必要があると考える

Self-Dissolving Microneedle Arrays for Transdermal Absorption Enhancement of Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-34)

Human parathyroid hormone (1-34) (PTH) has been widely used as the subcutaneous injection formulation for the treatment of osteoporosis. In the present study, we developed an efficient transdermal delivery system of PTH by using dissolving microneedle arrays (MNs) composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the treatment of osteoporosis. PTH-loaded MNs, with needle length 800 µm, were fabricated via a micro-molding method. The stability of PTH in MNs was found to be 6-fold higher than that of PTH solution when stored at room temperature (15⁻20 °C) for one month. Micron-scale pores were clearly visible in rat skin following application of PTH-loaded MNs. PTH-loaded MNs were completely dissolved by 60 min following application to rat skin. The bioavailability (BA) of PTH relative to subcutaneous injection was 100 ± 4% following application of PTH-loaded MNs in rats. In addition, PTH-loaded MNs were found to effectively suppress decreases in bone density in a rat model of osteoporosis. Furthermore, no skin irritation was observed at the site of application in rats. These findings indicate that our dissolving MNs have a potential use in formulations for the transdermal delivery of PTH and for the treatment of osteoporosis

Rotated factor pattern (MEEPQ-morning).

<p>Rotated factor pattern (MEEPQ-morning).</p

Relationships between the MEEPQ scores and objectively measured activity levels (weekly mean levels).

<p>Relationships between the MEEPQ scores and objectively measured activity levels (weekly mean levels).</p

Rotated factor pattern (MEEPQ-evening).

<p>Rotated factor pattern (MEEPQ-evening).</p

Correlations between the MEEPQ, rise time, bed time and MEQ score.

<p>Correlations between the MEEPQ, rise time, bed time and MEQ score.</p