Healthcare information management and operational cost performance: empirical evidence.

Healthcare knowledge management systems can mitigate hospitals' operational inefficiency. As a healthcare information technology, the electronic health record (EHR) receives much attention from medical institutions due to its considerable impact on operational cost performance. This paper focuses on EHR systems to address operational inefficiency by which patients pay more for health care services, and many U.S. hospitals are filing for bankruptcy. From the theoretical perspective of the practice-based view, this paper introduces a path to implement EHR systems for improving cost performance. The empirical investigation is archival data of 200 hospitals collected from the U.S. healthcare agencies. Findings contribute to prior work by hypothesizing moderating and mediating roles in EHR systems implementation. This paper introduces absorptive capacity and monitoring mechanisms as enablers of implementing EHR systems. The results showed that hospital monitoring strengthens the relationship between absorptive capacity and electronic health record systems implementation, which results in better operational cost performance. Theoretically, this study supports the long-term potential benefits of EHR adoption, and its findings are consistent with optimizing efficiency through data standardization and interoperability. From a practical perspective, this study supports hospitals' investments in evolving healthcare information technology systems through the development of a knowledge-based system employing EHR, particularly when hospitals are merging or need a financial strategic plan to control expenses.

Molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli strains isolated from urinary tract infections in children admitted to children's referral hospital of Qom, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a highly prevalent infection among children and Escherichia coli is one of the most important pathogens causing pediatric UTIs. Production of extended spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes is an important factor in the emergence of antibiotic resistance among these bacteria. This study aimed to determine the resistance patterns, the frequency of ESBL-encoding genes and the genetic diversity of E. coli strains isolated from children with UTIs who were admitted to children's referral hospital of Hazrat Masoumeh, Qom, Iran. METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive non-duplicative strains of E.coli that were isolated from children with UTIs were included into the study. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion method according to the CLSI guidelines. The ability of the isolates to produce ESBLs was phenotypically determined by both combined disk test and double disk synergy test. The ESBL encoding genes (bla CTX-M, bla SHV, and bla TEM) in phenotypically confirmed ESBL-positive isolates was detected by PCR method. The genetic relatedness of the isolates was designated by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR). RESULTS: Eighty-three percent (n=85) of the children were female. Most of the infected boys (88%, n=15) were less than 1 year of age and most of the infected girls (48%, n=41) aged 1 to 6 years old. The highest sensitivity was observed to nitrofurantoin (8%, n=8), followed by amikacin (12%, n=12) and piperacillin-tazobactam (17%, n=17). In contrast, the highest resistance rate was seen to ampicillin (94%, n=96) and cefazolin (93%, n=95). Eighty-eight percent (90 out of 102) of the strains were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Fifty-eight percent (n=59) of the strains were ESBL-positive and results of the combined disk test was in concordance with PCR. The blaCTX-M was the most frequent ESBL encoding gene (88%, n=52), followed by blaTEM (54%, n=32), and blaSHV (15%, n=9). Based on the ERIC-PCR technique, isolates were clustered in 13 different types. There was no relationship between different ERIC types and origin of the isolates (i.e. hospitalized or outpatients), ESBL-producing ability, and antibiotic resistance patterns. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of ESBL-positive isolates of E. coli (58%) was found in our study and all of them were MDR. In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the resistance rates of ESBL-producers, and non-producers to some antibiotics, which result in limiting their therapeutic options. Continuous surveillance of the emergence of ESBL-producing isolates and their antibiotic resistance profiles as well as using appropriate typing methods is needed for reducing their spread, selecting appropriate treatment regimens and finding hospital outbreaks.

La evaluación cuantitativa es esencial para la interpretación de la linfogammagrafía: comentario sobre el estudio de Forner-Cordero et al. / Quantitative evaluation is essential for lymphoscintigraphy interpretation: Comment on Forner-Cordero et al. stud

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Evaluation of interleukin-12 receptor Beta1 and interferon gamma receptor 1 deficiency in patients with disseminated BCG infection

Introduction: Disseminated BCG infections among other complications of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine are rare and have occurred in children with immunodeficiency disorders such as mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) which could be due to defects in some elements of IL-12/IFN-γ axis. MSMD-causing mutations have been identified in 10 genes during the last two decades. Among them, mutations in the IL12Rβ1 and IFN gamma R1 genes constitute about 80% of recorded cases of MSMD syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate IL-12RBeta1 and IFN- gammaR1 deficiencies in patients with disseminated BCG infection. Methods: This study was performed on 31 children with disseminated BCG infections who referred to children's medical center. Whole blood cell culture was performed in presence of BCG, IL-12 and IFN- gamma stimulators. The supernatants were assayed for IFN-gamma and IL-12p70 by ELISA method. In order to evaluate IL12Rbeta1 and IFN- gammaR1 receptors expression, flow cytometry staining was performed on the patients’ T-cells stimulated with PHA. Results: Flow cytometry staining of 31 Iranian patients with disseminated BCG infections with the average age of 43 months showed lack of the expression of IL-12RBeta1 and IFN- gamma R1 genes in PHA-T-cells of the nine and one patients, respectively in whom the incomplete production of IFN- gamma and IL-12 was reported by ELISA. Among these 10 patients, eight cases had related parents (80%). Conclusion: It is recommended that to avoid BCG complications, screening be performed for MSMD before BCG inoculation in individuals with positive family history of primary immunodeficiency diseases and inhabitants of areas with high frequency of consanguinity

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Evaluation of interleukin-12 receptor ß1 and interferon gamma receptor 1 deficiency in patients with disseminated BCG infection.

INTRODUCTION: Disseminated BCG infections among other complications of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine are rare and have occurred in children with immunodeficiency disorders such as mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) which could be due to defects in some elements of IL-12/IFN-γ axis. MSMD-causing mutations have been identified in 10 genes during the last two decades. Among them, mutations in the IL12Rß1 and IFNγR1 genes constitute about 80% of recorded cases of MSMD syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate IL-12Rß1 and IFN-γR1 deficiencies in patients with disseminated BCG infection. METHODS: This study was performed on 31 children with disseminated BCG infections who referred to children's medical center. Whole blood cell culture was performed in presence of BCG, IL-12 and IFN-γ stimulators. The supernatants were assayed for IFN-γ and IL-12p70 by ELISA method. In order to evaluate IL12Rß1 and IFN-γR1 receptors expression, flow cytometry staining was performed on the patients' T-cells stimulated with PHA. RESULTS: Flow cytometry staining of 31 Iranian patients with disseminated BCG infections with the average age of 43 months showed lack of the expression of IL-12Rß1 and IFN-γR1 genes in PHA-T-cells of the nine and one patients, respectively in whom the incomplete production of IFN-γ and IL-12 was reported by ELISA. Among these 10 patients, eight cases had related parents (80%). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that to avoid BCG complications, screening be performed for MSMD before BCG inoculation in individuals with positive family history of primary immunodeficiency diseases and inhabitants of areas with high frequency of consanguinity.

A novel, cell-permeable, collagen-based membrane promotes fibroblast migration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Growth factors are frequently incorporated into scaffolds to promote periodontal regeneration but many currently used scaffolds do not encourage cell migration towards the dentogingival junction. We examined the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts in a novel, physically robust, collagen-Vicryl™ membrane loaded with fibronectin (FN) and/or insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Biocompatibility of the membranes was evaluated in rat dorsal skin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chemotaxis was examined in Boyden chambers and cell migration by confocal imaging of membranes, which were fabricated from rat tail type I collagen with embedded Vicryl knitted mesh, IGF-I (50, 100 ng/mL) and FN (10 µg/mL). Membranes (Vicryl alone, collagen+Vicryl, collagen+Vicryl+IGF-I, collagen+Vicryl+FN') were implanted subcutaneously in 8 rats and were evaluated by histomorphometry after 7 and 14 days. RESULTS: IGF-I (50 or 100 ng/mL) promoted chemotaxis compared with vehicle controls (P = .02, P = .001, respectively). IGF-I did not affect cell proliferation. Incorporation of FN retarded time-dependent release of IGF-I from collagen gels. Three dimensional confocal microscopy imaging of cell migration through collagen+Vicryl membranes showed enhanced migration in the IGF+FN group compared to all other groups at 8, 10 and 14 days (P < .05). In a rat skin model, implanted membranes were surrounded by thin collagen capsules and mild inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of FN into IGF-I-loaded collagen+Vicryl membranes reduced IGF release from collagen and increased the migration of human gingival fibroblasts. The new membrane may promote healing and reformation of the dentogingival junction.

High frequency of metronidazole and clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gastric biopsies.

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance of Helicobacter pylori is increasing worldwide and has resulted in a loss in the effectiveness of therapeutic regimens. We aimed to evaluate common mutations of resistance genes to clarithromycin (A2143G, A2142G and A2142C) and metronidazole (rdxA and frxA) in H. pylori strains in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gastric biopsies. METHODS: A total of 110 tissue blocks from children suspected of H. pylori infection were included. After DNA extraction, UreC PCR was performed. Specific primers and restriction enzymes by PCR-RFLP were used for analysis of A2143G and A2142G mutations. To detect A2142C and assess frequent mutations of metronidazole resistance, specific primers and PCR method were used. RESULTS: One hundred cases of H. pylori (91%) were by PCR. Of 34 (34%) clarithromycin-resistant isolates 17 (50%), 10 (29%) and 7 (21%) had A2143G, A2142G, A2142C, respectively. Resistance rate to metronidazole was 60% (N = 60). In sequencing rdxA and frxA in the mutated strains, missense mutations were most frequent (60 and 57%, respectively), and there were differences in frameshift and non-sense mutations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Resistance rate to clarithromycin was high and the highest percentage of mutation was of A2143G. PCR-RFLP was used directly with formalin-fixed gastric biopsies, thus, avoiding the requirement for time-consuming culture-based methods. The isolates that developed resistance were mainly associated with mutations of both rdxA and frxA genes.

MHC haplotype diversity in Persian Arabian horses determined using polymorphic microsatellites.

Previous research on the equine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) demonstrated strong correlations between haplotypes defined by polymorphic intra-MHC microsatellites and haplotypes defined using classical serology. Here, we estimated MHC diversity in a sample of 124 Arabian horses from an endangered strain native to Iran (Persian Asil Arabians), using a validated 10-marker microsatellite panel. In a group of 66 horses related as parent-offspring pairs or half-sibling groups, we defined 51 MHC haplotypes, 49 of which were new. In 47 of the remaining 58 unrelated horses, we could assign one previously identified MHC haplotype, and by default, we gave provisional haplotype status to the remaining constellation of microsatellite alleles. In these horses, we found 21 haplotypes that we had previously defined and 31 provisional haplotypes, two of which had been identified in an earlier study. This gave a total of 78 new MHC haplotypes. The final 11 horses were MHC heterozygotes that we could not phase using information from any of the previously validated or provisional haplotypes. However, we could determine that these horses carried a total of 22 different undefined haplotypes. In the overall population sample, we detected three homozygous horses and one maternally inherited recombinant from 21 informative segregations. Virtually all of the horses tested were MHC heterozygotes, and most unrelated horses (98%) were heterozygous for rare microsatellite-defined haplotypes found less than three times in the sampled horses. This is evidence for a very high level of MHC haplotype variation in the Persian Asil Arabian horse.

Nanoparticulation of bovine serum albumin and poly-d-lysine through complex coacervation and encapsulation of curcumin.

Soluble coacervate nanoparticles were fabricated by mixing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and poly-d-lysine with low (LMW-PDL) and high molecular weights (HMW-PDL). The particle size was influenced by molecular weight, mass ratio of polyelectrolytes (PEs), and salt concentration. The smallest nanoparticles had a diameter of 212±11nm which was achieved with LMW-PDL dissolved with 0.1M NaCl at pH 7 and a mass ratio of 2.0 (BSA: PDL). SEM images showed that coacervate nanoparticles of LMW-PDL are relatively spherical in shape, while nanoparticles of HMW-PDL were irregular. Crosslinking of the protein/polypeptide with glutaraldehyde had variable impact on the stability and particle size over 21days at 4 and 25°C. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) for curcumin to BSA molar ratio of 0.5 was 47%. The EE increased to 60% when the curcumin to BSA molar ratio was 10 with a loading capacity of 22µg of curcumin per mg of coacervate nanoparticles. The average particle size of the loaded colloidal dispersions increased as the curcumin concentration was increased. For the colloidal dispersions with 0.5 molar ratio of curcumin to BSA, the particle size was around 204±14nm at day 1, while the nanoparticles with molar ratio of 10 showed a particle size around 316±43nm. The curcumin loaded BSA:LMW-PDL nanoparticles were pretty stable over a period of 21days.

ASQ-3 scores are sensitive to small differences in age in a Peruvian infant population.

OBJECTIVE: The Ages and Stages Questionnaires Edition 3 (ASQ-3) are a well-validated international screen for developmental delays in young children. However, previous studies demonstrate variable scores between children eligible to take the same ASQ-3 interval. This study aimed to determine a relationship between age and ASQ-3 score for each screening interval. METHODS: This was a baseline exploratory cross-sectional study of infants under 2 years old evaluated for the Peruvian social programme Cuna Más. Participants were included in Cuna Más if they lived in districts with fewer than 2000 inhabitants or 400 homes, indicating a predominantly rural population. The appropriate ASQ-3 screening interval was administered to each subject. Subjects were divided into four 2-week chronological subgroups based on age within each 2-month screening window and aggregated across all 12 screening intervals. Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance and Bonferonni post hoc test were used to compare differences between age subgroups. Linear regression was performed to assess the relationship between ASQ-3 score and both aggregated and disaggregated age subgroup. RESULTS: A total of 5850 Peruvian infants were evaluated in 2013. Mean age was 13 ± 6.6 months, 50.7% were male and mean maternal education was 6.6 ± 4.0 years; 34.8% infants were stunted, 7.8% were underweight, 0.9% were wasted and 2% had age adjusted greater than 35 days for prematurity for ASQ-3 interval assignment. Mean total ASQ-3 was 42.2 ± 8.2. The ASQ-3 allocated 49.6% with suspected delay in one or more developmental areas. Before and after adjusting for wealth quintile, maternal education level, infant nutritional status and prematurity adjustment, age subgroup remained significantly associated with total ASQ-3 score (ß = 1.8, CI: 1.7-2.0, P < 0.001), sectional ASQ-3 score (all P < 0.001) and inversely associated with one or more scores indicating suspected developmental delay (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ASQ-3 may underestimate the sensitivity of child development to small differences in age in this population.

The application of soy isoflavones for subjective symptoms and objective signs of vaginal atrophy in menopause: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

Vaginal atrophy is a common complaint among many women in their menopause, presenting with a cluster of symptoms including dryness, itching, burning/soreness, discharge, irritation and painful intercourse. We searched for existing pertinent data in three chief registries. Specified time brackets included 1996-2013 for Medline, 1990-2013 for Scopus and 2013 for Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (issue 1). Of 110 potentially relevant publications, 17 and 9 trials (7 on maturation value and 2 on vaginal dryness) were selected for qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. In general, soy isoflavones seem to improve vaginal symptoms as opposed to control arms. Soy isoflavones were also shown to be more efficacious in quantitative analysis, though this was statistically non-significant. Standardised difference in means of maturation value change was 0.072 (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 0.42 to 0.57), p = 0.777; heterogeneity P = 0.00; I(2) = 85.15%. Difference in means of vaginal dryness was - 0.204 (95% CI: - 0.28 to - 0.126), p < 0.001; heterogeneity P = 0.423; I(2) = 0.00. Soy isoflavones may relieve vaginal symptoms during menopause; nevertheless beneficial effects still remain uncertain due to possible publication bias or vast heterogeneity of the selected studies. Further studies with consistency in design as well as statistics are warranted.

Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study evaluated the efficacy of red clover to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in peri/postmenopausal women. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The mean frequency of hot flashes in red clover groups was lower compared with that in the control groups (close to statistical significance). Difference in means (MD) of hot flashes frequency was - 1.99 (- 4.12-0.139; p = 0.067; heterogeneity P > 0.01; I(2) = 94.93%; Random effect model). Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover. Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders. Red clover consumption may decrease frequency of hot flashes, especially in women with severe hot flashes (≥ 5 per day). Red clover may reduce other menopausal symptoms. Further trials are needed to confirm the current systematic review findings.

Emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an Iranian referral paediatric hospital.

The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals has been changed in recent years due to the arrival of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) strains into healthcare settings. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type V as well as SCCmec IV subtypes, which have been associated with community-acquired infection among healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility, SCCmec type, spa type and the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were determined for all HA-MRSA isolates in an Iranian referral hospital. In this study of 48 HA-MRSA isolates, 13 (27%), three (6.2%), five (10.4%) and one (2%) belonged to SCCmec subtypes IVa, IVb, IVc and IVd, respectively. Only two isolates (4.2%) belonged to SCCmec types V Notably, one isolate was found to harbour concurrent SCCmec subtypes IVb and IVd. MRSA containing SCCmec subtype IVb, IVc and IVd as well as type V isolates were all susceptible to chloramphenicol, clindamycin and rifampicin, while the sensitivity to these antibiotics was lower among MRSA containing SCCmec subtype IVa. The most frequently observed spa ttype was t037, accounting for 88% (22/25). Three other spa type was t002, t1816 and t4478. Large reservoirs of MRSA containing type IV subtypes and type V now exist in patients in this Iranian hospital. Therefore, effective infection control management in order to control the spread of CA-MRSA is highly recommended.