Moral and ethical dilemmas have increased among consumers and the

Moral and ethical dilemmas have increased among consumers and these concerns have stimulated interest to reexamine the methods used to achieve the shared goals of humane production of safe, affordable animal products for human consumption. This article discusses drug and anesthetic protocols for field surgery of cattle, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, opioids, local and regional anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, and electroacupuncture.”
“Numerous reports highlighting the cytotoxic effects of 3,5-diaryl N-acetyl-pyrazolines and isatin tempted us to

synthesise conjugates of the functionalities via alkyl armed triazole tetheration. The hybrids were synthesized by click chemistry approach and were evaluated against a panel of cell lines i.e. viz HeLa (cervix cancer), CAKI-I (Renal cancer), PC-3 (Prostate cancer) and Miapaca-2 (pancreatic learn more cancer). The hybrids were classified into right-handed and left-handed conjugates on the basis of the placement of the isatin ring. The length of the alkyl armed triazole linker was varied from 2 to 6. Structure activity relationship has also been presented. A preliminary cytotoxic assay was performed on the series of 3,5-diaryl N-acetyl-pyrazolines and only the potent 3,5-diaryl N-acetyl-pyrazolines were selected for their inclusion in the hybrid scaffold. Among the cell lines employed, HeLa cell line Bucladesine molecular weight was the most sensitive towards the exposure

of test compounds. Out of all the compounds evaluated, two right-handed conjugates ACY-738 manufacturer MI-7b and MI-8b and two left-handed conjugates MI-4b, MI-6b displayed significant cytotoxic potential and exhibited an IC50 range from 1.3 to 3.5 mu M against HeLa Cell line. .”
“Intensive care unit patients exposed to multiple devices but free of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) until discharge

were identified through a surveillance network of HAIs in Lyon, France, between 2003 and 2011. Multiexposed patients were defined according to the tenth deciles of length of stay and exposures to invasive devices. Overall, 982 (5.0%) multiexposed patients were identified; 154 (15.7%) remained uninfected. Multiexposed infected patients differed from noninfected patients regarding length of exposures and mortality. Copyright (C) 2015 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Exogenously administered B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been shown to offer cardioprotection through activation of particulate guanylyl cycla se (p GC), protein kina se G (PKG) and KATp channel opening. The current study explores if cardioprotection afforded by short intermittent BNP administration involves PI3K/Akt/p70s6k dependent signaling, and whether this signaling pathway may participate in regulation of BNP mRNA expression at early reperfusion. Isolated Langendorff perfused rat hearts were subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion (IR).


“A Thoroughbred gelding in North America


“A Thoroughbred gelding in North America selleck compound was evaluated for Actinobacillus peritonitis on three different occasions over a 4-year period. At each presentation, peritoneal fluid had an elevated nucleated cell count (220,000-550,000 cells/mu L) characterised by non-degenerate neutrophils, no visible bacteria, an elevated total protein (4.6-5.5 g/dL) and bacterial culture yielding Actinobacillus spp. Actinobacillus peritonitis appears

to be a regional disease occurring in Australia and less commonly in New Zealand and North America. Recurrence, other than incomplete resolution, has not been previously reported. This case highlights the classical presentation, response to therapy and excellent prognosis despite the alarmingly abnormal peritoneal

fluid characteristic of Actinobacillus peritonitis and questions the role of parasite migration in the pathogenesis. Finally, this case is remarkable Fosbretabulin mouse because Actinobacillus peritonitis was recurrent over several years in an otherwise normal horse.”
“We present a methodology for implementing discrete-time signal processing operations, such as filtering, with molecular reactions. The reactions produce time-varying output quantities of molecules as a function of time-varying input quantities according to a functional specification. This computation is robust and independent of the reaction rates, provided that the GSK-J4 rate constants fall within coarse categories. We describe two approaches: one entails synchronization with a clock signal, implemented through sustained chemical oscillations; the other is self-timed or asynchronous. We illustrate the methodology by synthesizing a simple moving-average filter, a biquad filter, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Abstract molecular reactions for these filters and transforms are translated into DNA strand displacement reactions. The computation is validated through mass-action simulations of the DNA kinetics. Although

a proof of concept for the time being, molecular filters and transforms have potential applications in fields such as biochemical sensing and drug delivery.”
“Purpose: This study aims to identify and compare the relevance of barriers that nurses in nursing homes experience in medication management in Belgium.\n\nDesign: The mixed-method study started with an expert meeting in November 2008 and was followed by a cross-sectional survey in February-March 2009, questioning 246 nurses and 270 nurse assistants in 20 nursing homes.\n\nMethods: Twelve nurses represented nursing homes in an expert meeting and listed all barriers that might cause suboptimal medication management.

These QSAR studies employed docking data from both ChEs that were

These QSAR studies employed docking data from both ChEs that were previously submitted to molecular dynamics

(MD) simulations. Donepezil and galanthamine stereoisomers were included to analyze their quantum mechanics properties and for validating the docking procedure. Quantum parameters such as frontier orbital energies, dipole moment, molecular volume, atomic charges, bond length and reactivity parameters were measured, as well as partition coefficients, molar refractivity and polarizability were also analyzed. In order to evaluate the obtained equations, four compounds: NU7441 molecular weight 1 a (4-oxo-4-(phenylamitio)butanoic acid), 2a ((2Z)-4-oxo-4-(phenylamino)but-2-enoic acid), 3a (2-phenylcyclopentane-1,3-dione) and 4a (2-phenylcyclopent-4-ene-1,3-dione) were employed as independent data set, using only equations with r(m(test))(2) bigger than 0.5. It was observed that residual values gave low value in almost all series, excepting in series 1 for compounds 3a and 4a, and in series 4 for compounds 1 a, 2a and 3a, giving a low value for 4a. Consequently, equations seems to be specific according to the structure of the evaluated compound, that means, series 1 fits better for compound 1 a, series 3 or 4 fits better for compounds 3a or 4a. Same behavior was observed in the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Therefore, check details obtained equations in this QSAR study could be employed

to calculate the inhibition constant (Ki) value for compounds having a similar structure as N-aryl derivatives described here. The QSAR study showed that bond lengths, molecular electrostatic potential and frontier orbital energies are important in both ChE targets. Docking studies revealed that despite the multiple conformations obtained through MD simulations on both ChEs, the ligand recognition properties were conserved. In fact, the complex formed between ChEs

and the best N-aryl compound reproduced the binding mode experimentally reported, where the ligand was coupled into the choline-binding site and stabilized through pi-pi interactions with Trp82 or Trp86 for BChE and AChE, respectively, GSK2879552 suggesting that this compound could be an efficient inhibitor and supporting our model. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.”
“Sickle cell disease is a systemic genetic disorder, causing many functional and tissular modifications. As the prevalence of patients with sickle cell disease increases gradually in France, every physician can be potentially involved in the care of these patients. Complications of sickle cell disease can be acute and chronic. Pain is the main symptom and should be treated quickly and aggressively. In order to reduce the fatality rate associated with acute chest syndrome, it must be detected and treated early. Chronic complications are one of the main concerns in adults and should be identified as early as possible in order to prevent end organ damage. Many organs can be involved, including bones, kidneys, eyes, lungs, etc.

pylori infection in hemodialysis patients “
“Vitamin A defic

pylori infection in hemodialysis patients.”
“Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in developing countries. Some studies also implicate a suboptimal vitamin A intake in certain parts of the population GSK3326595 mouse of the industrialized world. Provitamin A carotenoids such as beta-carotene

are the major source for retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) in the human diet. However, it is still controversial how much beta-carotene intake is required and safe. An important contributor to this uncertainty is the lack of knowledge about the biochemical and molecular basis of beta-carotene metabolism. Recently, key players of provitamin A metabolism have been molecularly identified and biochemically characterized. Studies in knockout mouse models showed that intestinal beta-carotene absorption and conversion to retinoids is under negative feedback regulation that adapts this process to

the actual requirement of vitamin A of the body. These studies also showed that in peripheral tissues a conversion of beta-carotene occurs and affects retinoid-dependent physiologic processes. Moreover, these analyses provided a possible explanation for the adverse health effects of carotenoids by showing that a pathologic accumulation of these compounds can induce oxidative stress in mitochondria and cell signaling pathways related to disease. Genetic polymorphisms in identified selleck products genes exist in humans and also alter carotenoid homeostasis. Here, the advanced knowledge of beta-carotene metabolism is reviewed, which provides a molecular framework for understanding the role of this important micronutrient in health and disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;96(suppl):1234S-44S.”
“Even CX-6258 though fractures in children with immature spines occur predominantly in the upper cervical spine, isolated C-1 fractures are relatively rare. The fractures in almost all cases reported to date were considered stable due to the presence of the intact transverse ligament The authors

report the case of a young child who sustained a Jefferson fracture and in whom MR imaging revealed disruption of the transverse ligament. Although surgical treatment has been suggested as the treatment of choice for children with unstable atlantoaxial injuries, external immobilization alone allowed a full recovery in the patient with no evidence of instability at follow-up. (DOI. 10.3171/2009.4.PEDS0973)”
“This article offers a spatio-temporal analysis of the distribution of CO2 emissions, the main cause for greenhouse gases, due to agricultural activities across US counties. Based on a novel database, we investigate how crop production output (measured in carbon) relates to CO2 emitted in the production and transportation process of the inputs needed for crop production. Various spatial statistics are used to highlight the clusters of counties with similarities in the levels and growth of output per area, input per area and productivity.

However, although the eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) has repeatedly

However, although the eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) has repeatedly been recommended as an appropriate bioindicator for monitoring purposes in the Baltic Sea, information on histopathological liver alterations of this species is scarce. In order to obtain an overview, a total of 1070 eelpout, collected in the period between spring 2001 and winter 2010 from 34 sampling sites distributed over large parts of the Baltic Sea, were histologically analyzed. Liver lesions were recorded and classified according to established liver lesion categories. A high prevalence of non-specific and early toxicopathic non-neoplastic

hepatic lesions was recorded. In contrast, pre-neoplastic lesions were observed only in rare cases and neoplastic changes were absent. A comparison with published data on other fish species revealed that the observed alterations may indicate effects of environmental stressors

including check details contaminants. The results of the present study, thus, support the application of eelpout liver histopathology in environmental monitoring. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Research development in the adolescent health arena is increasingly called for, given the relative lack of robust data on the Torin 1 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor health of young people. However, specific issues need to be considered when researching this age group. Such issues include participation of young people in the research process, availability of adolescent-specific data, developmental considerations and the interface between paediatric and adult-orientated healthcare. The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of participation of young people in research and to discuss the key areas for consideration for practitioners when conducting research involving young people.”
“Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the state of parameters characterising

different sites of metabolism and the degree of endogenous intoxication in first-episode drug-naive schizophrenic [first episode of schizophrenia PF-03084014 solubility dmso (FES)] patients. It is hypothesised that the FES is the initial step in the development of pathologically disturbed biochemical status that is characteristic of chronic schizophrenia. Methods Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serum semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activities, serum concentrations of middle-mass endotoxic molecules (MMEM) and malondialdehyde and parameters of the serum albumin functional state were measured in 26 FES patients and 15 age-matched healthy controls. Results Severity of disorder before the treatment was 75.5 2.2, according to Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score. FES patients were characterised by significant increase in MAO activity (99%) and MMEM concentration (124%) and significant decrease in SSAO activity (26%) as compared with controls. Changes of all other parameters were insignificant.

Accordingly, this work aims at evaluating a new and more friendly

Accordingly, this work aims at evaluating a new and more friendly process based on the use of benign solvents with different hydrophobicities, namely common alimentary oil, polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol, for the selective recovery of natural products, followed by pervaporation. Particularly, the extraction and fractionation of limonene from orange peels was studied and optimised,

where a high value product is obtained from a highly abundant material that is mostly disposed. Firstly, the best benign solvents were selected, in order to obtain high yields of extraction, and then pervaporation and vacuum distillation were compared after the extraction process, in order to obtain high yields of global recovery of limonene with the least contaminants possible. The integrated LY3009104 process selected was the

extraction of limonene from orange peels using polypropylene glycol 240 (PPG), followed by organophilic pervaporation, providing the selective recovery of limonene free of solvent.”
“A new multifunctional semirigid Schiff-base DMH1 nmr ligand comprising two pyridyl (Py) and two benzimidazolyl (Bim) donor groups, 1,2-bis(1-(1-(pyridine-3-ylmethyl)benzimidazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine (L), has been synthesized, with which 10 coordination polymers of different transition metal ions, namely, [AgL]CF(3)SO(3)center dot CH(3)OH(n) (1), [Ag(2)L](p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)SO(3))(2)center dot 2CH(3)OH(n) (2), [Hg(3)LCl(6)]center dot CHCl(3)(n) (3), [HgLBr(2)](n) (4), [CdL(CH(3)CO(2))(2)H(2)O]center dot 1.5H(2)O(n)

(5), [CdLI(2)](n) (6), ([MnL(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(2)center dot H(2)O}(n) (7), [MnL(p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)SO(3))(2)](n) Navitoclax manufacturer (8), [ZnL(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](CF(3)SO(3))(2)(n) (9), and [ZnL(2)(CH(3)CH(2)OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](p-CH(3)C(6)H(4)SO(3))(2)(n) (10) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In complexes 1, 2, and 3, L acts as a tetradentate ligand to connect four metal ions that show the same coordination environment in 1 or different coordination environments in 2 and 3, generating two-dimensional (2D) networks of the (4, 4) net topology. In complexes 4-8, 1, acts as a bidentate ligand to bridge two metal ions that display diversified coordination environments depending on coordination of the anions and/or water molecules. Complexes 4-7 have similar one-dimensional (1D) chain structures, while 8 is a three-dimensional (3D) framework with dia topology. In complexes 9 and 10, L acts as a monodentate ligand to form mononuclear coordination motifs. Besides versatile coordination modes, ligand 1, takes oil different conformations responsive to donor affinity of different metal ions.

0-5 0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum of 2 0% NaCl) Under aerobic condition

0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum of 2.0% NaCl). Under aerobic conditions, the major isoprenoid quinones were ubiquinone-9 and menaquinone-9 and the minor quinones were ubiquinone-8 and menaquinone-8. The major cellular fatty acids were C-18:1 omega 7c, C-16:1 omega 7c and C-16:0 and the

hydroxy acids were C-10:0 3-OH and C-12:0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content was 48.3-48.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the isolates within the radiation of the genus Endozoicomonas in a broad clade of uncultured clones recovered from various marine invertebrates. The isolates exhibited 96.5-96.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Endozoicomonas elysicola MKT110(T) and Endozoicomonas Selleckchem CT99021 montiporae CL-33(T), with which the isolates formed a monophyletic cluster with 100 % bootstrap support. The phenotypic features (carbohydrate fermentation, quinone system and some major cellular fatty acids) differed from those of members of the genus Endozoicomonas, which are aerobic, produce little PLX4032 chemical structure or no menaquinone under aerobic conditions and possess different amounts of C-14:0 and C-18:1 omega 7c. Although some phenotypic differences were identified, the isolates should be assigned to the genus Endozoicomonas on the basis of congruity of phylogeny and should be classified as representatives of a novel species, for which the name Endozoicomonas numazuensis sp. nov. is proposed.

The type strain is HC50(T) (=NBRC 108893(T) =DSM 25634(T)). An emended description of the genus Endozoicomonas is presented.”
“The

paper aims at developing a simple two-step homogenization scheme for prediction of elastic properties of a high performance concrete (HPC) in which microstructural heterogeneities are distinguished with the help of nanoindentation. The main components of the analyzed material include blended cement, CP-868596 purchase fly-ash and fine aggregate. The material heterogeneity appears on several length scales as well as porosity that is accounted for in the model. Grid nanoindentation is applied as a fundamental source of elastic properties of individual microstructural phases in which subsequent statistical evaluation and deconvolution of phase properties are employed. The multilevel porosity is evaluated from combined sources, namely mercury intrusion porosimetry and optical image analyses. Micromechanical data serve as input parameters for analytical (Mori-Tanaka) and numerical FFT-based elastic homogenizations at microscale. Both schemes give similar results and justify the isotropic character of the material. The elastic stiffness matrices are derived from individual phase properties and directly from the grid nanoindentation data with very good agreement. The second material level, which accounts for large air porosity and aggregate, is treated with analytical homogenization to predict the overall composite properties. The results are compared with macroscopic experimental measurements received from static and dynamic tests.

(c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved “
“Objective To a

(c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) plus methotrexate/placebo (MTX/PBO) over 2 years and the course of disease activity in patients who discontinued TCZ due to sustained remission. Methods ACT-RAY was a double-blind

find more 3-year trial. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite MTX were randomised to add TCZ to ongoing MTX (add-on strategy) or switch to TCZ plus PBO (switch strategy). Using a treat-to-target approach, open-label conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), other than MTX, were added from week 24 if Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) bigger than 3.2. Between weeks 52 and 104, patients in sustained clinical remission (DAS28-ESR smaller than 2.6 at two consecutive visits 12 weeks apart) discontinued TCZ and were assessed every 4 weeks for 1 year. If sustained remission was maintained, FK228 in vivo added csDMARDs, then MTX/PBO, were discontinued. Results Of the 556 randomised patients, 76% completed year 2. Of patients entering year 2, 50.4% discontinued TCZ after achieving sustained remission and 5.9% achieved drug-free remission. Most patients who discontinued TCZ (84.0%) had a subsequent flare, but responded well to TCZ reintroduction. Despite many patients temporarily stopping TCZ, radiographic progression was minimal, with differences favouring add-on treatment.

Rates of serious adverse events and serious infections per 100 patient-years were 12.2 and 4.4 in add-on and 15.0 and 3.7 in switch patients. In patients with normal baseline values, alanine aminotransferase elevations bigger than 3xupper limit of normal were more frequent

in add-on (14.3%) versus switch patients (5.4%). Conclusions Treat-to-target strategies could be successfully implemented with TCZ to achieve sustained remission, after selleck chemicals which TCZ was stopped. Biologic-free remission was maintained for about 3 months, but most patients eventually flared. TCZ restart led to rapid improvement.”
“BACKGROUND: A revised guideline for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was formulated by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in 2011 to improve disease diagnosis and provide a simplified algorithm for clinicians. The impact of these revisions on patient classification, however, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the concordance between diagnostic guidelines to understand how revisions impact patient classification. METHODS: A cohort of 54 patients with either suspected IPF or a working diagnosis of IPF was evaluated in a retrospective chart review, in which patient data were examined according to previous and revised ATS guidelines. Patient characteristics influencing the fulfillment of diagnostic criteria were compared using one-way ANOVA and x(2) tests. RESULTS: Revised and previous guideline criteria for IPF were met in 78% and 83% of patients, respectively.

In a male patient with TS, ADHD, and OCD (obsessive compulsive di

In a male patient with TS, ADHD, and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) we identified two microduplications (at 15q13.3 and Xq21.31) inherited from a mother with subclinical ADHD. The 15q duplication included the CHRNA7 gene; while two genes, PABPC5 and PCDH11X, were within the Xq duplication.

The Xq21.31 duplication was present in three brothers with TS including the proband, but not in an unaffected brother, whereas the 15q duplication was present only in the proband and his mother. The structural variations observed in this family may contribute to the observed symptoms, but further studies are necessary to investigate the possible involvement of the described variations in the Cyclosporin A solubility dmso TS etiology. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“ISO 15189 has been introduced to enable any clinical laboratory, irrespective of geographic location, to be accredited against internationally recognized standards and therefore facilitate direct international comparison of laboratories. Together P005091 clinical trial with increasing use of

ISO 15189 for standardization and competition purposes, often triggered by demands of patients and clinicians, clinical flow cytometry laboratories are becoming increasingly challenged to introduce compliant quality management systems. Whilst in most countries, ISO 15189 accreditation is not yet compulsory, there is increasing evidence to suggest that the implementation of this standard is growing. As a result, the European Society of Clinical Cell Analysis (ESCCA) has analysed the impact of accreditation in clinical flow cytometry laboratories. It found, through a discussion forum, that staff qualification, adaptation of multicolour antibody panels, and implementation of a comprehensive quality system (including quality assessment) have been identified as major challenges. (c) 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society”
“RAP (receptor-associated protein) is a three domain 38 Birinapant cost kDa ER (endoplasmic reticulum)-resident

protein that is a chaperone for the LRP (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein). Whereas RAP is known to compete for binding of all known LRP ligands, neither the location, the number of binding sites on LRP, nor the domains of RAP involved in binding is known with certainty. We have systematically examined the binding of each of the three RAP domains (D1, D2 and D3) to tandem and triple CRs (complement-like repeats) that span the principal ligand-binding region, Cluster II, of LRP. We found that D3 binds with low nanomolar affinity to all (CR)(2), species examined. Addition of a third CR domain increases the affinity for D3 slightly. A pH change from 7.4 to 5.

Polymers with ion exchange capacity (IEC) ranging from 0 to 3 2 m

Polymers with ion exchange capacity (IEC) ranging from 0 to 3.2 meqH(+)/g were obtained. The chemical structure of the sPBI was confirmed by NMR, Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR). Although GDC-0941 mouse the sPBI display a very poor solubility in organic solvents, they are, in the ammonium salt form, soluble in polar aprotic solvents such as DMF, NMP, or DMSO. Tough and ductile membranes from solution casting method were prepared. The water uptake and the ionic conductivity were determined

at 30 and 90 degrees C. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1732-1742, 2010″
“Chronic liver diseases are rare in children, but encompass a wide spectrum of disorders that may all be complicated by liver fibrosis and therefore by portal hypertension. BIX 01294 ic50 They may be classified according to the level of portal flow obstruction: prehepatic, intrahepatic or suprahepatic.

Most of them, except presinusoidal diseases, may progress to cirrhosis that carries additional risks of impaired liver function and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Imaging plays an important role in guiding the diagnosis and biopsy and for follow-up during treatment. US, with high-frequency transducers and Doppler, is the first modality of choice, directs the rest of the investigations and guides interventional radiology. MDCT has made great progress and has replaced angiography for diagnostic purposes. MRI is indicated for parenchyma and nodule characterization and for CBL0137 in vitro biliary tract evaluation. To avoid liver biopsy, several elasticity imaging techniques have been developed and have to be evaluated for accuracy and convenience in children. The role of each modality with main imaging findings is described in extrahepatic portal

vein obstruction, hepatoportal sclerosis, congenital hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome.”
“Usability evaluations are necessary to determine the feasibility of nurses’ interactions with computerized clinical decision-support systems. Limitations and challenges of operations that inhibit or facilitate utilization in clinical practice can be identified. This study provided nurses with mobile information terminals, PDAs and tablet PCs, to improve point-of-care access to information. The purpose of this study was to determine usability issues associated with point-of-care technology. Eleven nurses were self-selected. Nurses were videotaped and audiotaped completing four tasks, including setting up the device and three resource search exercises. A research team member completed a usability checklist. Completion times for each task, success rate, and challenges experienced were documented. Four participants completed all tasks, with an average time of 3 minutes 22 seconds.