I Heard it through the Grape Vine

Purpose Statement: Patients who are informed and active in their care are more likely to follow recommendations. Providers play a vital role in accomplishing positive communication with cleft team and families.https://digitalcommons.centracare.com/nursing_posters/1043/thumbnail.jp

Disinfection of Shared Mobile Phones Carried by Registered Nurses: A Comparison of Two Methods

This study determined the efficacy of cleaning products on mobile phones. Previous research has demonstrated the risk for bacterial cross contamination between healthcare workers\u27 hands, close contact equipment, and mobile communication devices. There is extensive literature on survival of organisms on inanimate objects. Mobile communication devices can act as a reservoir for bacteria associated with nosocomial infection. Additional studies show cross contamination between the healthcare workers hands, the mobile phones, and the patient.https://digitalcommons.centracare.com/nursing_posters/1025/thumbnail.jp

You Missed a Spot! Disinfecting Shared Mobile Phones

The use of portable mobile devices has facilitated timely communication among healthcare team members. It\u27s now a common practice for hospital-owned mobile phones to be shared among healthcare employees from shift to shift. Despite the benefit of increased, timely communication between caregivers, sharing mobile devices can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This article looks at the efficacy of two types of cleaning products on shared mobile phones carried by RNs at a 489-bed, Magnet-designated, Midwestern regional medical center. The cleaning methods evaluated were 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and ethyl alcohol wipes

Bacteria on Shared Mobile Phones Can Lead to Infections

It\u27s now a common practice for hospital-owned mobile phones to be shared among healthcare employees from shift to shift. Despite the benefit of increased, timely communication between caregivers, sharing mobile devices can lead to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) if they aren\u27t properly disinfected. The Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities describe non-critical environmental surfaces as items that are frequently touched by the hand and may pose a risk of secondary infection transmission

Prime-boost immunization of rabbits with HIV-1 gp120 elicits potent neutralization activity against a primary viral isolate

<div><p>Development of a vaccine for HIV-1 requires a detailed understanding of the neutralizing antibody responses that can be experimentally elicited to difficult-to-neutralize primary isolates. Rabbits were immunized with the gp120 subunit of HIV-1 JR-CSF envelope (Env) using a DNA-prime protein-boost regimen. We analyzed five sera that showed potent autologous neutralizing activity (IC50s at ∼10³ to 10⁴ serum dilution) against pseudoviruses containing Env from the primary isolate JR-CSF but not from the related isolate JR-FL. Pseudoviruses were created by exchanging each variable and constant domain of JR-CSF gp120 with that of JR-FL or with mutations in putative N-glycosylation sites. The sera contained different neutralizing activities dependent on C3 and V5, C3 and V4, or V4 regions located on the glycan-rich outer domain of gp120. All sera showed enhanced neutralizing activity toward an Env variant that lacked a glycosylation site in V4. The JR-CSF gp120 epitopes recognized by the sera are generally distinct from those of several well characterized mAbs (targeting conserved sites on Env) or other type-specific responses (targeting V1, V2, or V3 variable regions). The activity of one serum requires specific glycans that are also important for 2G12 neutralization and this serum blocked the binding of 2G12 to gp120. Our findings show that different fine specificities can achieve potent neutralization of HIV-1, yet this strong activity does not result in improved breadth.</p> </div

Development and Implementation of a Pediatric Palliative Care Program

Palliative care, long-used in the adult setting, is new to the pediatric setting. Research indicates that palliative care reduces length of stay and use of aggressive end-of-life interventions, improves quality of life, and provides hope. It balances provision of coordinated care with building of family memories and preparation for the child\u27s death with celebration of the child\u27s life. We advocate implementation of pediatric palliative care in any hospital that cares for children. This article provides a model outlining critical steps and considerations for establishing a successful pediatric palliative care progra

Macaques Infected with a CCR5-Tropic Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV) Develop Broadly Reactive Anti-HIV Neutralizing Antibodies▿

The development of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) neutralizing antibodies and the evolution of the viral envelope glycoprotein were monitored in rhesus macaques infected with a CCR5-tropic simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV), SHIVSF162P4. Homologous neutralizing antibodies developed within the first month of infection in the majority of animals, and their titers were independent of the extent and duration of viral replication during chronic infection. The appearance of homologous neutralizing antibody responses was preceded by the appearance of amino acid changes in specific variable and conserved regions of gp120. Amino acid changes first appeared in the V1, V2, C2, and V3 regions and subsequently in the C3, V4, and V5 regions. Heterologous neutralizing antibody responses developed over time only in animals with sustained plasma viremia. Within 2 years postinfection the breadth of these responses was as broad as that observed in certain patients infected with HIV type 1 (HIV-1) for over a decade. Despite the development of broad anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibody responses, viral replication persisted in these animals due to viral escape. Our studies indicate that cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies are elicited in a subset of SHIVSF162P4 infected macaques and that their development requires continuous viral replication for extended periods of time. More importantly, their late appearance does not prevent progression to disease. The availability of an animal model where cross-reactive anti-HIV neutralizing antibodies are developed may facilitate the identification of virologic and immunologic factors conducive to the development of such antibodies