Genomic analysis of conjugative and chromosomally integrated mobile genetic elements in oral streptococci.

This study aimed to investigate the diversity of conjugative and chromosomally integrated mobile genetic elements (cciMGEs) within six oral streptococci species. cciMGEs, including integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) and integrative and mobilizable elements (IMEs), are stably maintained on the host cell chromosome; however, under certain conditions, they are able to excise, form extrachromosomal circles, and transfer via a conjugation apparatus. Many cciMGEs encode "cargo" functions that aid survival in new niches and evolve new antimicrobial resistance or virulence properties, whereas others have been shown to influence host bacterial physiology.

Evaluation of Empiric Coverage of Previously Cultured Multidrug Resistant Organisms in Critically Ill Patients Admitted for Sepsis.

: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are associated with an increased length of stay and a higher risk of mortality in hospitalized patients. A lack of literature exists that evaluates the need to empirically cover patients for historic MDROs upon readmission. : A retrospective, single-center, cohort study was conducted to evaluate the impact of empiric MDRO antibiotic coverage in patients with a history of MDROs.

Activation of TnSmu1, an integrative and conjugative element, by an ImmR-like transcriptional regulator in .

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are chromosomally encoded mobile genetic elements that can transfer DNA between bacterial strains. Recently, as part of efforts to determine hypothetical gene functions, we have discovered an important regulatory module encoded on an ICE known as TnSmu1 on the chromosome. The regulatory module consists of a cI-like repressor with a helix-turn-helix DNA binding domain (immunity repressor) and a metalloprotease (anti-repressor).

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: The resurgence of tirofiban.

Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors block platelet aggregation, reducing thrombotic events in acute coronary syndrome. They are most often utilized in patients who likely have an intracoronary thrombus. Tirofiban, eptifibatide, and abciximab are the three GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors approved for use in the United States.

Functions of social support and self-verification in association with loneliness, depression, and stress.

This study investigated the influence of social support and self-verification on loneliness, depression, and stress among 477 college students. The authors propose and test a theoretical model using structural equation modeling. The results indicated empirical support for the model, with self-verification mediating the relation between social support and health outcomes.

Communication competence, social support, and depression among college students: a model of facebook and face-to-face support network influence.

This study examined the influence of the social networking site Facebook and face-to-face support networks on depression among (N = 361) college students. The authors used the Relational Health Communication Competence Model as a framework for examining the influence of communication competence on social support network satisfaction and depression. Moreover, they examined the influence of interpersonal and social integrative motives as exogenous variables.

Evaluation of a standardized protocol using lepirudin or argatroban for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Study Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of our institutions heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) protocol in achieving a therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and to evaluate patient outcomes related to bleeding and thrombotic events before and after protocol implementation.

Design: Retrospective, single-center, pre- and post- assessment of a protocol previously approved at our institution.

Setting: 400-bed community hospital serving surrounding rural populations with emphasis in cardiothoracic surgery.

In their own words: participants' perceptions of the impact of adult day services.

Despite the growth in the number of adult day services programs providing long-term care in the United States, researchers have struggled to consistently identify the benefits of the services to older adult participants. Instead of identifying participant outcomes driven by administrative databases, funding requirements or accreditation expectations, this study attempted to identify outcomes through the lived experiences of the older adult participants through one-on-one interviews after 3 months of attendance. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of older adult participants and to build theoretical understandings that connect experiences with outcomes.