The reported influence of donor Killer-cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) genes on the outcomes of haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are contradictory, in part due to diversity of ...disease, donor sources, era and conditioning regimens within and between different studies. Here, we describe the results of a retrospective clinical analysis establishing the effect of donor KIR motifs on the outcomes of 119 HLA-matched, unrelated donor HCT for adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) using myeloablative conditioning (MAC) in a predominantly T-cell deplete (TCD) cohort. We observed that HCT involving donors with at least one KIR B haplotype were more likely to result in non-relapse mortality (NRM) than HCT involving donors with two KIR A haplotypes (p = 0.019). Upon separation of KIR haplotypes into their centromeric (Cen) and telomeric (Tel) motif structures, we demonstrated that the Cen-B motif was largely responsible for this effect (p = 0.001). When the cause of NRM was investigated further, infection was the dominant cause of death (p = 0.006). No evidence correlating donor KIR B haplotype with relapse risk was observed. The results from this analysis confirm previous findings in the unrelated, TCD, MAC transplant setting and imply a protective role for donor-encoded Cen-A motifs against infection in allogeneic HCT recipients.
Our thoughts and feelings towards groupwork and outdoor learning impact our subsequent engagement in, and learning from, such activities. This study explores the impact of a pre-course video when ...used in preparation for an outdoor groupwork skills course. The video was designed according to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to enhance intentions to develop groupwork skills in an international cohort of university students. At the induction session of the 3-5 day residential course (N = 173), participants were assigned to either video-only, video with goal-setting worksheet, or control conditions. Their thoughts and feelings towards the course were measured pre- and post-induction and their groupwork skills were measured pre- and post-course. In line with the TPB, participants' attitudes and self-efficacy towards the course were significant and meaningful predictors of their learning intention and subsequent behaviour change. These pre-course beliefs towards groupwork and outdoor learning were significantly improved by the video, despite learners already holding favourable beliefs at baseline. However, these high baseline scores meant that improvements in attitudes resulting from the video were small, and not enough to enhance the subsequent learning outcomes. The potential mechanisms of the pre-course video are discussed along with practical implications.
This study investigates the initial development of groupwork skills through outdoor adventure education (OAE) and the factors that predict the extent of this development, using the first two levels ...of Kirkpatrick’s model of training evaluation. University students (N = 238) completed questionnaires measuring their initial reactions to OAE (Level 1 of the Kirkpatrick model) and learning from pre- to post-course (Level 2). There were high levels of enjoyment and satisfaction with OAE, and significant self-reported improvements in the use of groupwork skills, attitudes toward groupwork, and groupwork self-efficacy. Learning and intention to transfer learning to the university setting were both positively predicted by students’ perceived use of groupwork skills before OAE, course satisfaction, enjoyment, groupwork self-efficacy, and attitude toward groupwork. These findings demonstrate that OAE increases students’ use of interpersonal groupwork skills, and that this is predicted by positive beliefs at baseline and favorable reactions to the learning experience.
The aim of the present study was to develop and provide psychometric evidence in support of the groupwork skills questionnaire (GSQ) for measuring task and interpersonal groupwork skills. A 46-item ...version of the GSQ was initially completed by 672 university students. The number of items was reduced to 15 following exploratory factor analyses, and a two-factor model consisting of task and interpersonal groupwork skills was revealed. Confirmatory factor analyses with model re-specification on new data (n = 275 students) established that the best fitting model consisted of 10 items and the same two factors (task and interpersonal). Concurrent validity of the GSQ was then determined with 145 participants by demonstrating significant relationships (p < 0.05) with attitudes towards groupwork and groupwork self-efficacy. Test-retest reliability was examined over a one-week interval. Overall, the GSQ demonstrates good validity and reliability, and has potential for both research and pedagogical application.
The platform wound device (PWD) is a wound coverage system that is designed to decrease wound infection rates by allowing for direct delivery of topical antibiotics and antimicrobials while creating ...a sealed, protective barrier around the area of injury. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the PWD as a protective dressing and a delivery system for topical antibiotics compared to the current standard of care (SoC). This was a multi‐center, prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial. The wounds were treated with the PWD with gentamicin cream or SoC dressings. The wounds were evaluated before the start of treatment and after 48–96 hours via clinical assessment, photographs, and qualitative bacterial swabs for bacterial analysis. The delivery of gentamicin via the PWD was safe and did not cause any adverse effects. The treatment decreased both inflammation and bacterial growth during the study period. No significant differences in the SoC were observed. The PWD is a transparent and impermeable polyurethane chamber that encloses and protects the injured area. The delivery of topical gentamicin via the PWD was safe and effective. Clinical assessment for infection found the PWD to be non‐inferior to the current SoC treatment options.
Over the years, industrial accidents and military actions have led to unintentional, large-scale, high-dose human exposure to environmental contaminants with endocrine-disrupting action. These ...historical events, in addition to laboratory studies, suggest that exposure to toxicants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls negatively impact the reproductive system and likely influence the development of gynecologic diseases. Although high-level exposure to a single toxicant is rare, humans living in industrialized countries are continuously exposed to a complex mixture of manmade and naturally produced endocrine disruptors, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. Since minorities are more likely to live in areas with known environmental contamination; herein, we conducted a literature review to identify potential associations between toxicant exposure and racial disparities in women's health. Evidence within the literature suggests that the body burden of environmental contaminants, especially in combination with inherent genetic variations, likely contributes to previously observed racial disparities in women's health conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, and premature birth.
Outdoor adventure education courses are used in higher education to develop transferable skills such as groupwork and problem-solving skills. There is a need for exploratory investigation into ...students' perceptions of this experience. This study aimed to develop an innovative qualitative data collection method, and to use it to explore students' perceived learning processes and developmental outcomes when taking part in an outdoor groupwork skills course. Participants (n = 40) were undergraduate engineering students who were taking part in the 3 day residential course as part of their degree course. Students' experiences were captured whilst immersed in the course, using a semi-structured video diary room. Participants entered the diary room at different time points throughout the course and responded to openended questions. Following a thematic analysis, students were found to arrive on the course with mixed feelings towards groupwork and expected learning outcomes. Activities were enjoyable yet challenging, revealing students' weaknesses and demanding a range of skills and coping methods. The outdoor environment added novelty, risk and natural consequences. Students reported developing a range of skills in groupwork, adaptability, persistence, planning, problem-solving, time-management, communication, leadership, cooperation, group reflection and team spirit, as well as benefits to physical activity, self-confidence, self-awareness, peer and staff relationships and internationalisation. These findings provide a base for future investigation into the long-term impact on student development and skill transfer. The semi-structured video diary room yielded rich data, contributing to the literature by offering a simple, yet effective, qualitative research method that can be implemented in a variety of contexts. (HRK / Abstract übernommen).
PROBLEM STATEMENT: To describe research mentorship strategies needed to strengthen oncology nursing science and ensure that a cadre of nurse scientists are available to carry outthe research mission ...of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). DESIGN: Multimethod consensus-building approach by content experts of the ONS Research Mentorship Task Force and approval by the ONS Board of Directors was employed. DATA SOURCES: Expert opinion, surveys, notes from an all-day research mentorship retreat, and literature review were used. ANALYSIS: Content analysis was used to synthesize notes from the research mentorship retreat. FINDINGS: Various strategies were identified to strengthen the pipeline of oncology nurse scientists and promote development across the career trajectory. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Mentorship is essential to advance the growth and impact of oncology nursing science and requires support throughoutthe career trajectory.
This study investigated whether imaging a brisk walk once a day over a week could increase barrier self-efficacy among women who wanted to increase their exercise behavior. Participants (
N
= 32, ...mean age = 31.90 years,
SD
= 10.17) were randomly allocated to either an imagery rehearsal group or control group. The 4 min 10 s guided imagery script was designed to tap several sources of self-efficacy (e.g., performance accomplishments). The participants completed the Barriers Self-Efficacy Scale (BARSE; McAuley
1992
) before and after the intervention. Scores increased significantly for the rehearsal group but not for the control group but these changes were no longer significant after controlling for pre-exercise levels. Results show preliminary evidence that imagery can be used by women to increase their barrier self-efficacy, which in turn may increase the likelihood of successful exercise adherence.
In December 2019, a cluster of cases of pneumonia emerged in Wuhan City in central China's Hubei Province. Genetic sequencing of isolates obtained from patients with pneumonia identified a novel ...coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as the etiology (1). As of February 4, 2020, approximately 20,000 confirmed cases had been identified in China and an additional 159 confirmed cases in 23 other countries, including 11 in the United States (2,3). On January 17, CDC and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection began health screenings at U.S. airports to identify ill travelers returning from Wuhan City (4). CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center on January 21 and formalized a process for inquiries regarding persons suspected of having 2019-nCoV infection (2). As of January 31, 2020, CDC had responded to clinical inquiries from public health officials and health care providers to assist in evaluating approximately 650 persons thought to be at risk for 2019-nCoV infection. Guided by CDC criteria for the evaluation of persons under investigation (PUIs) (5), 210 symptomatic persons were tested for 2019-nCoV; among these persons, 148 (70%) had travel-related risk only, 42 (20%) had close contact with an ill laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient or PUI, and 18 (9%) had both travel- and contact-related risks. Eleven of these persons had laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV infection. Recognizing persons at risk for 2019-nCoV is critical to identifying cases and preventing further transmission. Health care providers should remain vigilant and adhere to recommended infection prevention and control practices when evaluating patients for possible 2019-nCoV infection (6). Providers should consult with their local and state health departments when assessing not only ill travelers from 2019-nCoV-affected countries but also ill persons who have been in close contact with patients with laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV infection in the United States.
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