Undergraduate students participating in the UCLA Undergraduate Research Consortium for Functional Genomics (URCFG) have conducted a two-phased screen using RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with fluorescent reporter proteins to identify genes important for hematopoiesis in Drosophila. This screen disrupted the function of approximately 3500 genes and identified 137 candidate genes for which loss of function leads to observable changes in the hematopoietic development. Targeting RNAi to maturing, progenitor, and regulatory cell types identified key subsets that either limit or promote blood cell maturation. Bioinformatic analysis reveals gene enrichment in several previously uncharacterized areas, including RNA processing and export and vesicular trafficking. Lastly, the participation of students in this course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) correlated with increased learning gains across several areas, as well as increased STEM retention, indicating that authentic, student-driven research in the form of a CURE represents an impactful and enriching pedagogical approach.

ABSTRACT:In the present study, we examined patterns of benzodiazepine (BZD) use in nurses, and compared the characteristics of frequent users with those of infrequent users. Data on all nurses enrolled in the study were derived from the reimbursement claim records in Taiwan The increasing trend of patterns of BZD use and its association with sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety can be used as references for stress and sleep management in nurses.

Scientific advances are shedding light on the genetic underpinning of common diseases. With such insight, the entire health care team is faced with the need to address patient questions regarding genetic risk, testing, and the psychosocial aspects of genetics information. Nurses are in a prime position to help with patient education about genetic conditions, yet they often lack adequate genetics education within their nursing curriculum to address patient questions and provide resources. One mechanism to address this knowledge deficit is the incorporation of a genetics-based curriculum into nurse residency programs. This article describes a novel genetics-based curriculum designed and implemented in the UCLA Health System Nurse Residency Program. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(8):379-384.

Sepsis survivors have the second highest readmission rate among Medicare beneficiaries, next to heart failure. I-TRANSFER is an implementation science study to improve transitions and reduce readmissions among sepsis survivors transitioning from acute to home health care (HHC). A total of 63 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders among 12 hospitals and 5 affiliated home health agencies (HHAs). The purpose of this secondary analysis was to: 1) examine how the sepsis diagnosis is reflected in HHC documentation, 2) identify barriers in sepsis information transfer to HHC, 3) recommend a documentation strategy to enhance information transfer and HHC documentation. We analyzed the diagnosis coding within a national OASIS dataset and eight I-TRANSFER interviews with hospitalists, documentation specialists, and HHC coders. Findings include: a) sepsis diagnoses were nearly invisible in HHC records being documented for only 10% of 165,000 sepsis survivors transitioned to HHC, b) sepsis information in referral documentation can be unclear to HHC coders, c) the lack of sepsis diagnosis documentation might make HHC clinicians unaware of the patient’s risk for readmission, d) HHC coders recommended improved language in the acute care discharge summary to link the need for HHC to sepsis, thereby supporting the use of ICD-10 sepsis ‘A’ codes in HHC. The use of terms, such as “History of Sepsis” or “Sepsis Resolved,” leads to HHC using non-specific codes, thus is not recommended. We highlight the need for new ICD-10 codes for “Sepsis Aftercare” and “Post-Sepsis Syndrome” to clearly communicate and document the needs of sepsis survivors.