Detection of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in native cells and zebrafish with a highly potent, cell-permeable fluorescent probe.

Despite its essential role in the (patho)physiology of several diseases, CB2R tissue expression profiles and signaling mechanisms are not yet fully understood. We report the development of a highly potent, fluorescent CB2R agonist probe employing structure-based reverse design. It commences with a highly potent, preclinically validated ligand, which is conjugated to a silicon-rhodamine fluorophore, enabling cell permeability. The probe is the first to preserve interspecies affinity and selectivity for both mouse and human CB2R. Extensive cross-validation (FACS, TR-FRET and confocal microscopy) set the stage for CB2R detection in endogenously expressing living cells along with zebrafish larvae. Together, these findings will benefit clinical translatability of CB2R based drugs

Exploration of a Racially Diverse Sample of Nursing Students' Satisfaction, Self-Efficacy, and Perceptions of Simulation Using Racially Diverse Manikins: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

This study examined a racially diverse sample of nursing students’ participation in simulation using racially diverse manikins. This mixed-methods pilot study utilized pre-post self-efficacy and post satisfaction measures of 16 black and 16 white students. Following completion of the simulation experience, the students participated in single-race focus groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p < .001). Results provide baseline evidence that race of both students and manikins may be a demographic characteristic variable that influences outcomes in simulation. Further research is needed to determine if race is a variable that can be added to the NLN/Jeffries simulation theory

High-fidelity Simulation in Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Review of Simulation Reviews

The purpose of this focused review was to provide an overview of existing highfidelity simulation reviews in undergraduate nursing education. Over the last 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in the use of high-fidelity simulation in undergraduate nursing education. Six reviewers conducted a systematic literature search on existing reviews of high-fidelity simulation and undergraduate nursing education from January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2015. Using a comprehensive search of literature databases and hand searches, a total of 34 reviews were initially selected for full review with seven reviews included in the final analysis after rereview of the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Findings from simulation research and reviews revealed significant differences in design and assessment methods leading to a wide variety of measurement outcomes and a variety of limitations. Of the seven reviews, five were integrative reviews and two were reviews of the literature. No meta-analysis or systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. The review suggests a need for methodologically sound research that translates simulation outcomes to future performance and practice. Findings from the review support the multitude of challenges in simulation research including a lack of funding, a lack of simulation training for faculty and staff, and a lack of support for faculty conducting simulation research. Limitations of prior studies include weak designs, mixed samples, and a lack of valid and reliable evaluation tools

Substitution of Clinical Experience with Simulation in Prelicensure Nursing Programs: A National Survey in the United States

Background: Some states allow simulation substitution of supervised clinical instruction. However, a review of the literature found that a standard substitution ratio for simulation hours to supervised clinical hours does not exist among prelicensure nursing programs. Method: A descriptive survey was sent to more than 1,400 prelicensure schools of nursing. Results: Schools of nursing reported various substitution ratios demonstrating ambiguity between institutions. Conclusion: This study provided an initial view of current practices related to simulation as a substitution for supervised clinical experiences

Challenges and successes of recruitment in the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in infants with single ventricle trial of the Pediatric Heart Network.

OBJECTIVES: Identify trends of enrolment and key challenges when recruiting infants with complex cardiac diseases into a multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled drug trial and assess the impact of efforts to share successful strategies on enrolment of subjects. METHODS: Rates of screening, eligibility, consent, and randomisation were determined for three consecutive periods of time. Sites collectively addressed barriers to recruitment and shared successful strategies resulting in the Inventory of Best Recruiting Practices. Study teams detailed institutional practices of recruitment in post-trial surveys that were compared with strategies of enrolment initially proposed in the Inventory. RESULTS: The number of screened patients increased by 30% between the Initial Period and the Intermediate Period (p = 0.007), whereas eligibility decreased slightly by 7%. Of those eligible for entry into the study, the rate of consent increased by 42% (p = 0.025) and randomisation increased by 71% (p = 0.10). During the Final Period, after launch of a competing trial, fewer patients were screened (−14%, p = 0.06), consented (−19%, p = 0.12), and randomised (−34%, p = 0.012). Practices of recruitment in the post-trial survey closely mirrored those in the Inventory. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification and sharing of best strategies of recruitment among all recruiting sites can be effective in increasing recruitment of critically ill infants with congenital cardiac disease and possibly other populations. Strategies of recruitment should focus on those that build relationships with families and create partnerships with the medical providers who care for them. Competing studies pose challenges for enrolment in trials, but fostering trusting relationships with families can result in successful enrolment into multiple studies