Serum potassium levels as an independent predictor of unplanned enteral nutrition discontinuation in older adults with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background & Aims: Enteral nutrition in older adults is often associated with intolerance, a phenomenon not well-understood in the context of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This observational study aimed to evaluate serum potassium levels as an independent prognostic factor for unplanned enteral nutrition discontinuation in older adults with GERD.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 213 consecutive patients with GERD who received enteral nutrition at our institution from April 2018 to March 2023.

Observational Study of Words Used by Emergency Callers and Their Impact on the Recognition of an Out-Of-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest by the Medical Dispatcher.

Background: Survival of victims of out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (CA) is related to the time and quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).1 Considering that most CAs occur outside the hospital setting, it is evident that the early recognition of this condition is the cornerstone of the chain of survival. Current literature on the theme is still scarce.

Mechanistic Insights into Oxygen-Independent DNA Photodegradation by Pheophorbide a: Implications for Future Photodynamic Therapy Applications.

This study explores the unique properties of Pheophorbide a (Phed a) in the photodegradation of G-quadruplex DNA under anoxic conditions, emphasizing its potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in hypoxic tumor environments. We used electron spin resonance (ESR), circular dichroism (CD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies to assess the radical generation and DNA interaction capabilities of Phed a compared to Pyropheophorbide a (Pyro a) under both oxygenated and anoxic conditions. Our results reveal that Phed a effectively degrades G-quadruplex DNA in the absence of oxygen, whereas Pyro a does not.

Building Resilience in New Graduate RNs: Lessons Learned.

Background: Transitioning into oncology practice can be challenging for new graduate RNs. High patient acuity, a steep learning curve, psychosocial challenges, and frequent patient deaths can be overwhelming.

Objectives: The purpose of this program was to provide resilience training for new graduate oncology nurses as part of an existing nurse residency program.

Synergy between Laminin-Derived Elastin-like Polypeptides (LELPs) Optimizes Cell Spreading.

A major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), laminins, modulates cells via diverse receptors. Their fragments have emerging utility as components of "ECM-mimetics" optimized to promote cell-based therapies. Recently, we reported that a bioactive laminin peptide known as A99 enhanced cell binding and spreading via fusion to an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP).