scholarly journals Investigation of Pansusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa Meningitis Cases in Patients With External Ventricular Devices

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s306-s306
Author(s):  
Yoojin Kim ◽  
Carmen Cortes-Ramos ◽  
Chad Douglas Nix ◽  
Lauren Ogden ◽  
Molly Hale ◽  
...  

Background: During a 2-month period at an academic medical system, 4 cases of pansusceptible P. aeruginosa (PsA) meningitis were identified among neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU) patients with an external ventricular device (EVD). Methods: We reviewed microbiology data for the previous 2 years to determine background PsA rates and to identify additional cases of PsA meningitis. A case was defined as the isolation of PsA from a CSF specimen. We convened a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders to review medical records of case patients and to conduct a series of observational rounds. Scalp swab specimens were collected from NSICU patients to detect possible skin colonization. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analyses were performed on PsA isolates from the 4 case patients and 5 patients with PsA isolates from other body sites. Results: There was no hospital-wide increase in PsA incidence, and no patient without an EVD had PsA cultured from CSF. Infections occurred, on average, 10 days (range, 6–15 days) after EVD insertion. Cases were geographically dispersed in the NSICU and did not share common staff. None of the PsA isolates were genetically related and all scalp cultures were negative. Observations included multiple opportunities for contact with water sources: sinks in proximity to the head of the bed, storage of supplies next to sinks, reuse of bath basins, and use of dilute peroxide to clean surgical wounds. Multiuse shampoos, conditioners and lotions, not approved for hospital use, were found on the unit. Furthermore, 3 of 4 patients received cefazolin >24 hours after 6 of their 7 neurosurgeries for an average of 4.7 days (range, 0.8–4 days). Care practices were changed to mitigate contact between EVD sites and environmental water sources, and extended cefazolin surgical prophylaxis was discontinued. EVD practices were revised, and clinical teams had their competency confirmed. No additional cases have been identified in the 16 months following these interventions. Conclusions: This cluster of EVD infections was likely caused by patient care practices that resulted in independent introductions of PsA from multiple nonsterile or contaminated water sources. Antibiotic selection of PsA by extended use of cefazolin perioperative prophylaxis may have also contributed. EVD care practices should be designed to limit contact between and EVD insertion sites and nonsterile water sources or potentially contaminated care supplies. To substantiate performance improvement efforts and ensure interinstitutional comparability, a practical, standardized EVD-associated infection surveillance definition is needed.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Sensor Review ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulayam Singh Gaur ◽  
Rajni Yadav ◽  
Mamta Kushwah ◽  
Anna Nikolaevna Berlina

Purpose This information will be useful in the selection of materials and technology for the detection and removal of mercury ions at a low cost and with high sensitivity and selectivity. The purpose of this study is to provide the useful information for selection of materials and technology to detect and remove the mercury ions from water with high sensitivity and selectivity. The purpose of this study is to provide the useful information for selection of materials and technology to detect and remove the mercury ions from water with high sensitivity and selectivity. Design/methodology/approach Different nano- and bio-materials allowed for the development of a variety of biosensors – colorimetric, chemiluminescent, electrochemical, whole-cell and aptasensors – are described. The materials used for their development also make it possible to use them in removing heavy metals, which are toxic contaminants, from environmental water samples. Findings This review focuses on different technologies, tools and materials for mercury (heavy metals) detection and remediation to environmental samples. Originality/value This review gives up-to-date and systemic information on modern nanotechnology methods for heavy metal detection. Different recognition molecules and nanomaterials have been discussed for remediation to water samples. The present review may provide valuable information to researchers regarding novel mercury ions detection sensors and encourage them for further research/development.


Author(s):  
Ina Liko ◽  
Lisa Corbin ◽  
Eric Tobin ◽  
Christina L Aquilante ◽  
Yee Ming Lee

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose We describe the implementation of a pharmacist-provided pharmacogenomics (PGx) service in an executive health program (EHP) at an academic medical center. Summary As interest in genomic testing grows, pharmacists have the opportunity to advance the use of PGx in EHPs, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. In November 2018, a pharmacist-provided PGx service was established in the EHP at the University of Colorado Hospital. The team members included 3 physicians, a pharmacist trained in PGx, a registered dietitian/exercise physiologist, a nurse, and 2 medical assistants. We conducted 4 preimplementation steps: (1) assessment of the patient population, (2) selection of a PGx test, (3) establishment of a visit structure, and (4) selection of a billing model. The PGx consultations involved two 1-hour visits. The first visit encompassed pretest PGx education, review of the patient’s current medications and previous medication intolerances, and DNA sample collection for genotyping. After this visit, the pharmacist developed a therapeutic plan based on the PGx test results, discussed the results and plan with the physician, and created a personalized PGx report. At the second visit, the pharmacist reviewed the PGx test results, personalized the PGx report, and discussed the PGx-guided therapeutic plan with the patient. Overall, the strategy worked well; minor challenges included evaluation of gene-drug pairs with limited PGx evidence, communication of information to non-EHP providers, scheduling issues, and reimbursement. Conclusion The addition of a PGx service within an EHP was feasible and provided pharmacists the opportunity to lead PGx efforts and collaborate with physicians to expand the precision medicine footprint at an academic medical center.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brienna L. Anderson-Coughlin ◽  
Kalmia E. Kniel

The variability of environmental water samples impacts the allowance of one method to be universally ideal for all water types and volumes. Surface and reclaimed waters can be used for crop irrigation and may be referred to as non-traditional irrigation waters as these water types may be associated with a higher risk of microbial contamination compared to groundwater. These waters are typically more microbially and chemically complex than groundwater and have a higher risk of viral contamination. To detect viruses in these water types, an infinite number of variations can be made to traditional recovery methods. This protocol was developed based on a commonly used virus adsorption and elution (VIRADEL) method. Additional steps were included to simplify and efficiently reduce particulates in the viral concentrate and remove DNA from eluted nucleic acids prior to detection. Method alterations allow for volumes up to 40 liters to be processed with consistent recovery of enteric viruses including Aichi virus, hepatitis A virus, and noroviruses belonging to genogroups GI and GII. No inhibition was observed among either surface or reclaimed water samples. This protocol could be utilized in the monitoring of a wide array of irrigation water sources throughout irrigation processes.


1988 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 320-322
Author(s):  
G.A.J. Ayliffe

Surveillance methods vary in different hospitals, but are mainly based on laboratory reports, as in Sweden. These reports are supplemented by ward visits by the infection control nurse and by the usual epidemiologic methods in the investigation of outbreaks.An increasing interest in surveillance of hospital infection occurred in the 1950s when outbreaks of staphylococcal infection were causing problems throughout the world. The appointment of an MD as infection control officer in every hospital was suggested in 1955 by Colebrook in the Birmingham Accident Hospital, but no full-time officer has so far been appointed in the United Kingdom (UK). The task was taken on by medical microbiologists, who are usually physicians and, currently in England and Wales, make up 82% of infection control officers.”In the early days, the recording of the incidence of infection was usually confined to surgical wounds, as in the US. The problem of collecting a large amount of data by the microbiologist was recognized by Moore who appointed the first infection control nurse.” He also described the importance of laboratory reports in the early detection of outbreaks.Surveillance was a major topic for discussion at the international Conference on Nosocomial Infections in 1970, and Moore suggested that incidence rates were of little value for determining changes in a hospital or for comparisons between hospitals. The number of infections in individual hospitals was too small for statistical comparison, particularly if rates were low and infections influenced bv many factors were not corrected for in the overall rates.


The Analyst ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 145 (4) ◽  
pp. 1195-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy A. Bowyer ◽  
Clara Shen ◽  
Elizabeth J. New

A fluorescent sensing array based on analogues of Calcein Blue is able to classify toxic heavy metals in water.


2021 ◽  
Vol 896 (1) ◽  
pp. 012033
Author(s):  
B Syahputra ◽  
B F T Kiono ◽  
Sudarno

Abstract The Semarang City Government prohibits groundwater/deep wells in hotel and apartment buildings because the use of groundwater or deep wells in locations that have experienced subsidence will further aggravate the subsidence. The method used in this research is to purposively select hotel and apartment buildings in Semarang that have received an assessment by the Semarang City Building Expert Team and have received a certificate of serviceability. Furthermore, compare the map of land subsidence in some areas of the city of Semarang with the natural water sources used by the hotel and apartment buildings. The research results showed that from 10 hotel and apartment buildings, there were 7 that used deep wells in zone level II, namely subsidence between 2.1 to 4 cm/year. Meanwhile, 3 other hotel and apartment buildings use water from the Municipal Drinking Water Company of Semarang. The existence of hotel and apartment buildings that use groundwater/deep wells in zone level II will increase and trigger the more significant subsidence in the area, thereby increasing the level of subsidence to level III.


Author(s):  
Kevin M. Oliver ◽  
Robert L. Moore ◽  
Michael A. Evans

This design case discusses key steps taken to establish a virtual makerspace for students enrolled in an online graduate course on informal learning. Two key design decisions are elaborated around (a) the selection of appropriate projects and packaged materials that distance education students can receive by mail to participate in making, and (b) the choice of an online platform for distance education students to document their design processes for assessment purposes and peer interaction and learning. This design case is relevant to a variety of online communities who may wish to engage in maker activities as well as isolated face-to-face communities or individuals who may not have local mentors to support informal making and could, therefore, benefit from online connectivity to an expert or peer support. To promote replication of the design, materials and community tools to support making among geographically dispersed makers are detailed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (14) ◽  
pp. 2070076
Author(s):  
Jiahua Pu ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Jicong Zhang ◽  
Bolin An ◽  
Yingfeng Li ◽  
...  

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