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Abstract: Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia remains an important concern in the intensive care unit (ICU). An increasing body of evidence shows that mortality and morbidity can be reduced by implementing a range of preventive strategies, including optimizing oral hygiene. Aim: The aim of this feasibility study was to test two oral hygiene strategies on the effects of microbial colonization of dental plaque with respiratory pathogens (primary outcome) and incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (secondary outcome). Methods: A single blind randomised comparative study was conducted in a 20-bed adult intensive care unit in a university hospital. Patients with an expected duration of mechanical ventilation more than 48h were eligible. Patients were randomised to one of three study regimens (Group A control, second hourly oral rinse with sterile water, Group B sodium bicarbonate mouth wash second hourly, and Group C twice daily irrigations with chlorhexidine 0.2% aqueous oral rinse and second hourly irrigations with sterile water). All study options included cleaning with a toothbrush and non foaming toothpaste. Results: Data from a total of 109 patients were analyzed. Group A 43, Group B 33 and Group C 33 (mean age: 58±17 years, simplified acute physiology score II: 44±14 points). On admission no significant differences were found between groups for all clinical data. While Group B showed a greater trend to reduction in bacterial colonization no significant differences could be demonstrated at Day 4 of admission (p =0.302). The incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia was evenly spread between Groups B and C (5%) while Group A was only 1%. Conclusions: While a number of studies have advocated the use of various mouth rinses in reducing colonization of dental plaque a standardized oral hygiene protocol which includes the use of mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush may be a factor in the reduction of colonization of dental plaque with respiratory pathogens. This feasibility study provides data to inform future adequately powered studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Salmonella outbreaks linked to fresh produce stress the importance of rapid detection methods to help prevent disease. Real-time reverse-transcriptase-PCR (rt-RT-PCR) is based on the detection of mRNA (shorter half-life than DNA), showing promise of detecting viable pathogens while eliminating the need for gel electrophoresis. The research is aimed at applying rt-T-PCR to detect Salmonella from spiked lettuce and tomatoes within one day. Twenty-five grams of lettuce and ∼100 g of tomatoes were inoculated with 1–8 log CFU of an overnight culture of Salmonella Typhimurium. Bacteria were recovered with 0.05 mol/L glycine–0.14 mol/L saline buffer (containing 0.05 g/100 ml Tween-20, 3 g/100 ml beef extract). For low inocula (5 log to 1 log CFU), a short pre-enrichment of 6 h in peptone buffer was carried out to improve assay sensitivity. Serial dilutions were spread plated on Xylose Lactose Tergitol 4 (XLT4) agar and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h and portions used for RNA extraction using the Qiagen RNeasy® Mini Kit. SYBR Green one step RT-PCR kit with invA gene primers and an internal amplification control was used for detection. Reaction conditions were 50 °C/40 min, then 94 °C/45 s, 58 °C/45 s, 72 °C/45 s for 45 cycles followed by melt temperature analysis. This rt-RT-PCR procedure could detect 4 log CFU/25 g Salmonella from lettuce and tomatoes (100 g) after pre-enrichment. Without pre-enrichment, Salmonella detection from lettuce was 6 log CFU/25 g and from tomatoes was ∼6–7 log CFU/100 g. These results show that rt-RT-PCR can be used to detect Salmonella contamination in produce within 24 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To review published studies using action research in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to provide an intervention framework to improve clinical outcomes. Design: Systematic review. Methods: Searches of the electronic databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); Scopus, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and the World Wide Web were undertaken using MeSH key words including: ‘action research’; ‘health care research’, ‘health services evaluation’; ‘intensive care unit’. Reference lists of retrieved articles was also undertaken to identify further articles. All studies were reviewed by two authors using a critical appraisal tool. Results: The search strategy generated 195 articles. Only 21 studies projects were identified using action research in the ICU. The majority of studies were conducted in the United Kingdom. The participants in the action research studies ranged from 6 to 253. Predominately studies using action research involved nurses in collaboration with patients and family and other health care practitioners to address identified problems in the ICU. Conclusions: Based on this review it appears that action research is a promising methodological approach to address clinical practice improvement in the ICU. Studies retrieved focussed primarily on process and formative evaluation but not on clinical outcomes. There is a need to incorporate outcome assessment in action research in the ICU to increase the framework of action research to improve clinical outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

c. thongson, p.m. davidson, w. mahakarnchanakul and j. weiss. 2004.The objective of this research was to determine the antimicrobial activity of conventional and high-intensity ultrasound-assisted (HI-US) solvent-extracted Thai spices, including ginger (Zingiber officinaleRose), fingerroot (Bosenbergia pandurataHoltt) and turmeric (Curouma longaLinn).Extracts were obtained using hexane, isopropanol and a 7 : 3 isopropanol : hexane mixture as solvents with and without HI-US. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assayed against four strains each ofListeria monocytogenesandSalmonellaTyphimurium DT 104 using an agar dilution assay. Application of HI-US did not alter antibacterial activity againstS.Typhimurium, but antilisterial activity of some HI-US spice extracts decreased. Solvent type affected antimicrobial efficacy of extracts with hexane producing the least antimicrobial activity. Fingerroot extracted with isopropanol–hexane and without HI-US had the best antilisterial effect while HI-US–isopropanol fingerroot extract had the greatest antimicrobial efficacy againstS.Typhimurium.Application of HI-US reduced time of extraction to 5 min, compared with the 24 h required for conventional extraction and maintained antimicrobial activity againstSalmonellabut slightly reduced activity againstListeria.HI-US in combination with proper solvent selection may offer a new tool to optimize extraction of spice essential oil for use as antimicrobial agents, and reduce processing time and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of the antimicrobial efficacy of lysozyme-chelator combinations against two Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains on addition of mineral salts was studied. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of type and concentration of mono-, dj-, and trivalent mineral salts on the antimicrobial effectiveness of lysozyme and various chelators against E. coli O157:H7. Seven salts (Al3+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, K+, Mg2+, and Na+) at 1 to 10 mM were added to aqueous solutions of lysozyme and disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), disodium pyrophosphate (DSPP), or pentasodium tripolyphosphate (PSTPP) at pH 6, 7, or 8 and applied to cultures of E. coli O157:H7 strains 932 and H1730. Inhibitory activity of lysozyme chelator combinations against both strains was completely lost after addition of ≥1 mM Ca2+ and Mg2+ at pH 7 and 8. At pH 6, antimicrobial activity of lysozyme-EDTA against both strains was retained in the presence of calcium or magnesium cations. DSPP-lysozyme inhibited strain H1730 at pH 6 despite the presence of Mg2+. Concentrations above 4 mM Fe2+ neutralized activity of all lysozyme-chelator combinations. Reversal of inhibition by lysozyme-chelator complexes by the monovalent Na+ and K+ ions depended on E. coli O157:H7 strain type. Neither monovalent cation reversed inhibition of strain 932. However, Na+ and K+ reversed lysozyme-chelator inhibition of strain H1730. The addition of ≥1 mM Fe3+ or Al3+ was effective in reversing inhibition of both strains by lysozyme and EDTA at pH 6, 7, and 8. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to determine the amount of ion-specific competitive binding of free cations by EDTA-lysozyme combinations. A mechanistic model for the antimicrobial functionality of chelator-lysozyme combinations is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of three chelating agents (EDTA, disodium pyrophosphate [DSPP], and pentasodium tripolyphosphate [PSTPP]) on the inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by lysozyme. The objective of this study was to identify replacement chelators that exhibit synergistic properties similar to those of EDTA. The inhibitory effects of EDTA at 300 to 1,500 µg/ml and of DSPP and PSTPP at 3,000 to 15,000 µg/ml in combination with lysozyme at 200 to 600 µg/ml for up to 48 h at phs of 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 on four strains of E. coli O157:H7 was studied with the use of a microbroth dilution assay. The addition of EDTA enhanced lysozyme's inhibitory effect on strains of E. coli O157:H7. EDTA at ≥300 µg/ml combined with lysozyme at 200 to 600 µg/ml was sufficient to inhibit the growth of the strains at phs of 6.0 and 8.0. At pH 7.0, lysozyme at 200 to 600 µg/ml and EDTA concentrations of ≥1,000 µg/ml were effective in inhibiting three of the four strains. DSPP at pH 6.0 was inhibitory at ≥10,000 µg/ml when combined with lysozyme at 200 to 300 µg/ ml. In contrast, PSTPP increased the inhibitory activity of lysozyme more effectively at pH 8.0. Lysozyme at 200 to 600 µg/ ml was effective against two strains of E. coli O157:H7 when used in conjunction with PSTPP at ≥5,000 µg/ml. The remaining strains were inhibited by PSTPP at ≥10,000 µg/ml. Our results indicate that inhibition occurred with each lysozyme-chelator combination, but the concentrations of phosphates required to increase the antimicrobial spectrum of lysozyme against E. coli O157:H7 were higher than the EDTA concentrations required to achieve the same effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which explored the growth characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus on fresh-cut oil-blanched potato strips and determined whether staphylococcal enterotoxin is produced during storage. Materials and methods of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Focuses on a study which determined the growth potential of Bacillus cereus from spores on blanched home-style French fries. Efficiency of the finish frying process on inactivation of the microorganism; Reduction of Bacillus cereus spore populations on fresh cut oil blanched potato strips after finish frying; Conclusions.

BSTRACT Our objective was to compile a bacteriological profile and determine the effect of several storage conditions on the shelflife of white amur ( Ctenopharyngodon idella). The profile showed the presence of Acinetobacter, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Micrococcus, Moraxella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Storage studies on white amur flesh indicated 4°C and 200 μg/mL sodium hypochlorite dip were most effective against coliforms. Packaging in 100% CO2 significantly reduced aerobic bacterial growth (APC) compared to air. Freezing the flesh for 8 wk at - 18°C reduced viable APC, psychrotrophs, and coliforms. Shelflife of white amur should be increased using storage conditions evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of microvascular surgery on the ischemic arm of preterm infants. Use of doppler ultrasonography in locating the proximal site of occlusion; Description of the acute neonatal gangrene; Occurrence of hand revascularization.

Aims Epidemiological evidence suggests that hepatitis A virus ( HAV) is the most common pathogen transmitted by bivalve molluscs such as clams, cockles, mussels and oysters. This study aimed to generate thermal inactivation kinetics for HAV as a first step to design adequate thermal processes to control clam-associated HAV outbreaks. Methods and Results Survivor curves and thermal death curves were generated for different treatment times (0-6 min) at different temperatures (50-72°C) and Weibull and first-order models were compared. D-values for HAV ranged from 47·37 ± 1·23 to 1·55 ± 0·12 min for the first-order model and 64·43 ± 3·47 to 1·25 ± 0·45 min for the Weibull model at temperatures from 50 to 72°C. z-Values for HAV in clams were 12·97 ± 0·59°C and 14·83 ± 0·0·28°C using the Weibull and first-order model respectively. The calculated activation energies for the first-order and Weibull model were 145 and 170 kJ mole−1 respectively. Conclusion The Weibull model described the thermal inactivation behaviour of HAV better than the first-order model. Significance and Impact of the Study This study provides novel and precise information on thermal inactivation kinetics of HAV in homogenized clams. This will enable reliable thermal process calculations for HAV inactivation in clams and closely related seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, chronic and burdensome condition requiring the individual to engage in a range of self-management strategies. The capacity to engage in self-management is dependent on a range of internal (e.g. personal) and external (e.g. health service) factors. Objectives: This paper seeks to define self-management, identify the determinants which influence the individual''s ability to cope and adjust to living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the community, and identify implications for clinical practice and research. Design: Integrative review. Data sources: Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar. Review methods: Integrative review using prospective research questions. Papers were included in the review if they were published in peer reviewed journals and written in English between 2000 and 2010. Articles were accepted for inclusion if they discussed the determinants that influenced self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the community. Confirmation of results and discussion themes was validated by specialists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and complex care. Findings: Self-management is less well characterised in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared with other chronic conditions. Functional limitation and the need to balance disease management with everyday life are the two key elements that patients face in managing their condition. Provider characteristics, socioeconomic status and health literacy are sparsely discussed yet are known to influence chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management. Conclusions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management must be a key focus internationally as the disease incidence increases. Collaborative care is required between patients and health providers in order facilitate patients in confident management of their condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The current study focused on the functionality of chitosan/PEO films as affected by preparation methods, film composition, and thickness. Mixtures of chitosan and PEO with different blend ratios (100/0–50/50) were dissolved in 1% acetic acid to form 1% blend solutions. Films prepared by casting of 20g or 10g film-forming solution per 50-mm diameter polystyrene Petri dish or by using spin-coating method had an average thickness of 87.41±5.44μm (thick), 37.88±2.41μm (thin), and 70.47±3.06nm (ultra-thin), respectively. Development of polymer crystallization was monitored by X-ray diffractometer at ambient temperature; the metal-binding capacity of the films was assessed based on removal of chromium ions from K2CrO4 solution, and the antibacterial properties were tested against Escherichia coli K-12. The crystallization extent of the chitosan/PEO films decreased with decreased thickness as a consequence of faster solvent evaporation during film formation. Decreasing the thickness of the films increased the surface-to-mass ratio, what resulted in higher number of available active sites on the film surface per unit weight of chitosan, and promoted the metal-binding efficiency of the films. Ultra-thin chitosan/PEO films showed a significantly higher chromium-binding capacity [26.47–70.86mgCr(VI)/g film] compared to the cast films [0.73–7.59mgCr(VI)/g film]. However, these nano-thin films did not show significant antibacterial efficiency, most likely due to their extremely low weight and consequently insufficient chitosan concentration in the inoculated test tubes to kill significant number of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the physical and functional properties of chitosan films prepared with poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) and polyethylene oxide (PEO). Addition of PVP or PEO reduced yellowish coloration of chitosan-based films and made the films easier to puncture and tear. Contrary to chitosan/PEO films, where addition of PEO had tendency to reduce water vapor permeability (WVP), the chitosan/PVP films with PVP content of 75% had significantly higher WVP compared to pure chitosan films. Chromium binding capacity of the films was not significantly reduced by any of the tested synthetic polymers even when they replaced up to 75% chitosan in the films. Similarly, antimicrobial efficiency was reduced only when 75% PEO or 50% PVP was used in the films. It appears that incorporation of PVP or PEO in chitosan films could significantly reduce production price with no effect on functionality of the films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Perturbed angular correlations were measured for Gd ions implanted into gadolinium foils following Coulomb excitation with 40MeV 16O beams. A technique for measuring the relative magnetizations of ferromagnetic gadolinium hosts under in-beam conditions is described and discussed. The combined electric-quadrupole and magnetic-dipole interaction is evaluated. The effect of nuclei implanted onto damaged or non-substitutional sites is assessed, as is the effect of misalignment between the internal hyperfine field and the external polarizing field. Thermal effects due to beam heating are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Equilibrium charge-state distributions of Si and S ions with energies between 84 and 237MeV were measured after passage through iron and gadolinium targets. Knowledge of these exit charge distributions is critical for interpreting g-factor measurements on exotic nuclei produced as radioactive beams. The data for both targets are in agreement with the empirical parameterization of the mean charge state proposed recently by Schiwietz and Grande. The distribution widths are in agreement with the formula of Baudinet-Robinet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Transient-field strengths for Mg ions traversing Gd hosts have been measured above the K-shell electron velocity. The results support a recent model-based extrapolation of the transient-field strength and show sufficient magnitude for g-factor measurements on exotic nuclei near the island of inversion around 32Mg produced as intermediate-energy fragments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The lifetimes of states with spins in the yrast superdeformed band of 192Pb have been measured using the Doppler shift attenuation method. The results are consistent with a constant quadrupole moment eb. This result is comparable with the values obtained for SD bands in Pb isotopes with , but could also be consistent with the smaller quadrupole moment measured in 193Pb. Reasons for the apparently lower deformation of SD 193Pb (compared to its heavier neighbours) are considered in the light of total Routhian surface calculations, and the question of whether a similarly reduced deformation should be expected in 192Pb is addressed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe factors affecting nursing education and labour markets in countries in East, Central, and Southern Africa, and critical areas for investment. Background: An understanding about the relationship between the supply of nurses (determined by types of educational programmes, and the quantity and quality of nurse graduates), and workforce demand is critical to health policy development. Methods: Six focus groups and 14 key informant interviews with nursing leaders and experts were conducted. Participants included government chief nursing officers, registrars of regulatory bodies, association leaders and heads of nursing education. The data were transcribed, coded and analysed using inductive techniques. Findings: Participants discussed challenges and strengths of nursing education, school and regulatory infrastructure, financing mechanisms for the nursing workforce, the state of nursing jobs and scope of nursing practice. Conclusion: Strengthened regulations and leadership are needed to improve investment in nursing, the quality of nursing education, and working conditions and to promote the achievement of better health outcomes. Implications for Nursing Policy: Clarifying scope of practice for nurses in the health sector and creating competency‐based requirements is important. Governments should establish positions that align with updated competencies and provide fair and safe working conditions. The current and ongoing investment case for nursing requires improved data systems and a commitment to use labour market data for decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity/exercise has consistently been shown to improve objective measures of functional capacity, enhance quality of life, improve coronary risk profile, and reduce mortality for individuals with coronary heart disease. Despite the gains achieved by those who attend cardiac rehabilitation (CR) many individuals fail to maintain lifestyle changes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of motivational interviewing as a strategy for promoting maintenance of cardiac risk factor modification in patients who had participated in standard, 6-week outpatient CR programs. In a randomized controlled trail, participants in usual care and intervention group (Motivational interviewing supplemental to a standard 6-week CR program) were followed up at 6-weeks and 12-months. The primary outcome was distance walked on the six-minute walk test (6MWT), used as both an indicator of functional capacity and habitual physical activity. Secondary outcomes included modifiable coronary risk factors (smoking, self-reported physical activity, waist circumference, body mass index and medication adherence), psychological status (depression, anxiety, stress, perceived cardiac control, perceived social support, exercise self-efficacy) and quality of life. Total 110 patients, usual care (n = 58) and intervention (n = 52), consented to participate in the study. Overall, demographic and clinical characteristics did not differ between groups at baseline. Motivational interviewing was no more likely to promote maintenance of cardiac risk factor modification (both primary and secondary outcomes) than a standard CR program alone. Both intervention and control groups maintained the gains achieved during CR at the 12-month follow-up except for weight loss. Although both groups maintained the gains achieved during CR for physical activity, there was no effect of the intervention on maintenance of cardiac risk factor modification on both primary and secondary outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who are dehydrated, volume contracted or both at the time of hospitalization for acute ischemic stroke have worse clinical outcomes than do individuals with optimal volume status. Currently, there is no gold standard method for measuring hydration status, except indirect markers of a volume contracted state (VCS) including elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio. We sought to test the feasibility and acceptability of a non-invasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM) for the measurement of hydration status in a group of hospitalized ischemic stroke patients, and explore the relationship with a common indirect laboratory-based measure of VCS. We performed a prospective observational feasibility study of hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients. We collected hemodynamic parameters using the NICOM device before and after fluid auto-bolus via passive leg raise and BUN/creatinine ratio. Successful acquisition of relevant hemodynamic data was the primary objective of this study. We explored agreement between the NICOM results and BUN/creatinine ratio using Cohen's kappa statistic. Thirty patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. We found that 29/30 patients tolerated assessment with NICOM. Hemodynamic data were collected in all 30 patients. Data capture took an average of 10 min(SD ± 112 s). Agreement between NICOM and BUN/creatinine ratio was 70%; (expected agreement 51%; kappa 0.38). Agreement was stronger in the cohort without history of diabetes (81% agreement, kappa 0.61). NICOM assessment was feasible in hospitalized stroke patients. The identification of an objective, real-time measure of hydration status would be clinically useful, and could allow precise, goal-directed care. • Dehydration is common at the time of stroke and can contribute to worsened outcome • In this study we use a noninvasive cardiac output monitor to quantify hydration status • The noninvasive monitor was safe, easy to use, acceptable to patients and agreed with laboratory measures of volume contracted state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WAN CHIK W.Z., SALAMONSON Y., EVERETT B., RAMJAN L.M., ATTWOOD N., WEAVER R., SAAD Z. & DAVIDSON P.M. (2012) Gender difference in academic performance of nursing students in a Malaysian university college. International Nursing Review 59, 387-393 Purpose: To examine differences in academic performance between male and female nursing students, and to identify whether professional identity and language usage were explanatory factors of academic performance. Background: Although the numbers of men entering the nursing profession are increasing, societal stereotypes and the lack of male role models in nursing may have a negative impact on motivation, and hence, academic performance. Methods: A total of 147 students who were enrolled in an undergraduate nursing programme in Peninsula Malaysia were surveyed in January 2011. In addition to demographic and academic data, three instruments were administered to measure language acculturation and professional identity. Findings: The mean age of participants was 20.0 (SD: 1.5) years with 81% being female. Almost all students spoke the Malay language at home. Although there were no differences between male and female nursing students in relation to professional identity ( P = 0.496), male nursing students reported a lower mean English language usage score (9.9 vs. 10.9, P = 0.011) and a higher mean Malay language usage score (20.4 vs. 18.8, P = 0.017). Males were also found to have lower academic performance than female students, as measured by grade point average (GPA) (2.7 vs. 3.2, P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed gender was the only significant predictor of academic performance (β = −0.44, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Males represent less than 10% of the nursing workforce in developed countries, with some developing countries experiencing even lower participation rates. Promoting academic support of male nursing students may assist in increasing the number of male registered nurses in the nursing workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: CPR in patients in residential aged care facilities (RACF) deserves careful consideration. We examined the characteristics, management and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in RACF patients in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry (VACAR) was searched for all OHCAs occurring in RACFs in Melbourne. The characteristics and outcomes were compared to non-RACF patients in the VACAR. Results: Between 2000 and 2009 there were 30,006 OHCAs, 2350 (7.8%) occurring in a RACF. A shockable rhythm was present in 179 (7.6%) patients on arrival of paramedics of whom bystander CPR had been performed in 118 (66%); 173 (97%) received an EMS attempted resuscitation. ROSC was achieved in 71 (41%) patients and 15 (8.7%) patients survived to leave hospital. Non shockable rhythm was present in 2171 patients (92%) of whom 804 (37%) had an attempted resuscitation by paramedics. ROSC was achieved in 176 patients (22%) and 10 patients (1.2%) were discharged alive. Survival from OHCA occurring in a RACF was less than survival in those aged >70 years of age who suffered OHCA in their own homes (1.8% vs. 4.7%, p =0.001). On multivariable analysis, witnessed OHCA (OR 3.0, 95% CI 2.4–3.7) and the presence of bystander CPR (OR 4.6, 95% CI 3.7–5.8) was associated with the paramedic decision to resuscitate. Conclusion: Resuscitation of patients in RACF is not futile. However, informed decisions concerning resuscitation status should be made by patients and their families on entry to a RACF. Where it is appropriate to perform resuscitation, outcomes may be improved by the provision of BLS training and possibly AED equipment to RACF staff. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Computer-aided engineering tools can help speed up food product, process and equipment design by making it easier to check “what if” scenarios, much as such tools have improved productivity in other industries. In particular, food safety is a critical area where such predictive tools can have great impact. A realistic, integrated and comprehensive software has been developed that can simulate a food process and its safety by combining a fundamental, physics-based model of the process with the kinetics of microbiological and chemical changes during processing to provide needed information at any time and at any location in the food during processing. Compositions for a large number of foods are integrated into the software, and therefore, composition-based prediction of thermophysical properties, needed for the model, can be obtained. Microbiological and chemical kinetic databases that are also built-in can cover many practical situations, based on the grouping of foods. An intuitive graphical user interface has been built with those in the food sector in mind. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A superconducting solenoidal fusion product separator, based on a 6.5T solenoid, has been developed at the Australian National University to enable separation and detection of evaporation residues following heavy-ion fusion reactions. This device, with an angular coverage of , produces a spatial separation between the fusion products and the intense background of elastically scattered beam particles. Its high efficiency allows precise measurement of nuclear fusion cross-sections, as well as being ideal for evaporation residue coincidence measurements. The essential features of the system and the first results obtained are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The transient-field technique has been used to measure the g(2+1) values in 116,118,120Sn, simultaneously, relative to each other and to the well-known g(2+1) values in the stable even Pd isotopes. The g factor in 118Sn, which has a small positive value, evidently differs from those in 116Sn and 120–124Sn, which have small negative values. This behavior is investigated through shell model calculations. The experimental g factors are also compared with recent QRPA and RQRPA calculations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new internal conversion coefficient database, BrIcc has been developed which integrates a number of tabulations on internal conversion electron (ICC) and electron–positron pair conversion coefficients (IPC), as well as electronic factors. A critical review of general formulae and procedures to evaluate theoretical ICC and IPC values are presented, including the treatment of uncertainties in transition energy and mixing ratio in accordance with the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File. The default ICC table, based on the Dirac–Fock calculations using the so called “Frozen Orbital” approximation, takes into account the effect of atomic vacancies created in the conversion process. The table has been calculated for all atomic shells and to cover transition energies of 1–6000keV and atomic numbers of –110. The software tools presented here are well suited for basic nuclear structure research and for a range of applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The level scheme of 212Rn has been extended to spins of and excitation energies of about 13 MeV using the 204Hg(13C, 5n)212Rn reaction and γ-ray spectroscopy. Time correlated techniques have been used to obtain sensitivity to weak transitions and channel selectivity. The excitation energy of the 22+ core-excited isomer has been established at 6174 keV. Two isomers with and are identified at 12211 and 12548 keV, respectively. These are the highest-spin nuclear isomers now known, and are attributed to configurations involving triple neutron core-excitations coupled to the aligned valence protons. Semi-empirical shell-model calculations can account for most states observed, but with significant energy discrepancies for some configurations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The near-stable nucleus 184 75Re has been studied using the 180Hf(7Li, 3n)184Re reaction at 30 MeV. Prior to this work, a number of low-spin structures were known following transfer reaction experiments, but only three γ-ray transitions had been observed following the decay of a day, state. An extensive level scheme has been constructed from the present data, including states de-exciting through the isomer and the rotational band. Configurations are assigned with the aid of values and the comparison of energies with predictions of blocked BCS calculations. Finally, residual nucleon–nucleon interactions for orbitals in this region are collated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The properties of high spin states in 210Rn have been investigated using the 198Pt(17O, 5n) reaction at a bombarding energy of 96 MeV. Decay properties for states up to an excitation energy of and spin of (37−) have been deduced. The level scheme is compared with predictions of empirical shell model calculations. High lying states are interpreted in terms of multiparticle configurations which include single and double neutron core excitations. Configurations have been assigned for almost all of the observed levels. Agreement between experimental and calculated level energies is generally within 200 keV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of chitosans in oil-in-water emulsions. Model emulsions were prepared with 20% corn oil, 1.5% Tween 20, 1.5% Trypticase soy broth, 0.58% acetic acid, and chitosan polysaccharide or chitosan oligosaccharide in concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 0.7%. A control containing HCl was included to determine the role of acetic acid in the overall antibacterial activity. The pH of samples and controls was adjusted to 4.5. Emulsions were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes (strains Scott A and 310) or Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 (strains 2486 and 2576) at a level of 107 CFU/ml. Inoculated emulsions were incubated at 10 and 25°C for 4 days and analyzed for bacterial count every 24 h. Both tested Salmonella strains were more susceptible to acetic acid than Listeria. However, L. monocytogenes was more affected by chitosan than either Salmonella strain. During the storage at 25°C, initial inoculum in the emulsions with 0.58% acetic acid and 0.1% chitosan polysaccharide was reduced to below the detection limits after 24, 48, 72, or 96 h for L. monocytogenes 310, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 2576, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 2486, or L. monocytogenes Scott A, respectively. Chitosan oligosaccharide was less effective against all tested bacteria and showed a concentration-dependent effect. The antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan was reduced at 10°C, and reduction of microbial loads was delayed for approximately 24 h compared with 25°C. Results suggest that addition of 0.1% chitosan polysaccharide would be sufficient to ensure the microbial safety of oil-in-water emulsions regardless of storage temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Does more equal less: development of a heart failure management program complexity score (HF-IS) (BENCH study)," by A. Driscoll and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Depressed mood in Chronic Heart Failure patients predicts an increase in mortality and hospital admissions," by A. Driscoll and colleagues is presented.

The article presents an abstract of the study "Prescribing Patterns for Evidence-Based Drug Therapy in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Are Target Doses and Multiple Medication Therapies Realistic?," by A. Driscoll and colleagues.