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The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of a previously un-studied wild mushroom, Echinodontium tinctorium, collected from the forests of north-central British Columbia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was used to study the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. The crude alkaline extract demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity, and was further purified using a "bio-activity-guided-purification" approach. The size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography yielded a water-soluble anti-inflammatory polysaccharide (AIPetinc). AIPetinc has an average molecular weight of 5 kDa, and is a heteroglucan composed of mainly glucose (88.6%) with a small amount of galactose (4.0%), mannose (4.4%), fucose (0.7%), and xylose (2.3%). In in vivo settings, AIPetinc restored the histamine-induced inflammatory event in mouse gluteus maximus muscle, thus confirming its anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model. This study constitutes the first report on the bioactivity of Echinodontium tinctorium, and highlights the potential medicinal benefits of fungi from the wild forests of northern British Columbia. Furthermore, it also reiterates the need to explore natural resources for alternative treatment to modern world diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of rh immune globulin (RhIG) for the prevention of Rhesus D (RhD) alloimmunization has significantly decreased the incidence of RhD alloimmunization. Despite long-standing prevention, the experiences of RhD negative women with pregnancy is absent in the literature., Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of RhD negative women with pregnancy., Methods: Utilizing an Interpretive Description approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with RhD negative women about their pregnancies. This study took place within the geographic context of northern British Columbia (BC). The analysis involved a two-cycle approach to identify themes within the data., Findings: Sixteen RhD negative women that live in northern BC participated in this study. The analysis identified that RhD negative women are uninformed and want to be involved in the decision-making process regarding the prevention of RhD alloimmunization. The themes that emerged from the interview data were communication, information-seeking behaviour, out of sight out of mind, choice and trust, and patient advocacy., Discussion: The participants in this study described lacking information regarding the prevention of RhD alloimmunization. They sought information to overcome the gaps in knowledge and a desire to be involved in the decision-making process., Conclusion: RhD negative women want information and to be involved in the decision-making process in the prevention of RhD alloimmunization. Working with RhD negative women to develop decision-aids and/or other educational tools to aid in the decision-making process are warranted., (Crown Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence-based recommendations for Healthcare Providers (HCPs) to utilize when making patient care decisions. Rural providers face challenges in the provision of evidence-based care, including the use of guidelines. The aim of this article is to explore the complexities of providing healthcare in rural areas. This article will focus on a specific aspect of rural maternity care with well-established CPGs, the prevention of Rhesus D factor alloimmunization. An applied health research approach, interpretive description, utilized semistructured interviews with HCPs across the vast geographic region of northern British Columbia. The study found that HCPs are aware of guidelines but face various barriers during implementation. In order to implement guidelines within practice, rural HCPs adapt processes to overcome local barriers. These process adaptations need to be identified and shared across a large health authority with a complex geography and healthcare system to ensure quality of care.