Thyroid radiation shields: A potential source of intraoperative infection.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid radiation shields are often uncovered by the surgical gown and may represent a preventable source of wound contamination. The aims of this study are to define the common pathogens found on thyroid radiation shields and evaluate the effectiveness of a simple cleaning method. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 29 community thyroid shields collected from the operating theatres of 3 teaching hospitals. Each shield was swabbed under strict sterile technique using a separate swab for each of 4 designated zones. After sampling, shields were cleaned with a readily available disinfectant and sampling was repeated after 5 min. All swabs were cultured in ambient air at 37 °C on 5% sheeps blood agar for 48 hrs and subsequent growth was identified by a MALDI-TOF Walkaway mass spectrometer. RESULTS: Before cleaning, 100% of thyroid shields (29/29) and 68% of shield zones (79/116) grew at least 1 type of bacteria. Coagulase negative staphylococci, including S. epidermidis, S. capitis, S. cohnii, S. haemolyticus and S. hominis, were most commonly isolated. Enterobacteriaceae and S. aureus were also cultured. After cleaning, culturable contamination was reduced by 86.3% and 64.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The most common pathogens associated with SSIs can be isolated on thyroid radiation shields. Appropriate cleaning of thyroid shields with readily available disinfectant can significantly reduce the bacterial burden as detectable by culture. Hospitals should facilitate staff education and reinforce their policies on cleaning these shields which may often be overlooked.

A theory for aftercare of human trafficking survivors for nursing practice in low resource settings.

Research on aftercare for human trafficking survivors highlights the limited knowledge of the needs of survivors; the evaluation of current aftercare; and the process of recovery navigated by the survivor in aftercare (Oram et al., 2012; Locke, 2010; Hacker & Cohen, 2012). Furthermore there has been a transition in aftercare where the victim or survivor, who before was seen as a passive victim of circumstance of their life and in need of therapeutic intervention, is now seen as having an active role in their recovery, thus facilitating recovery (Hacker & Cohen, 2012). The need for a theory grounded in survivor's voices therefore motivated this grounded theory study underpinned by Freire's (1970) Pedagogy of the oppressed. The aim of the theory is to inform nursing care of human trafficking survivors in low resource settings. The findings elicit a theoretical model of the renewed self, and the conditions that facilitate this process in care of human trafficking survivors. The recommendations of this paper may improve the nursing care provided to human trafficking survivors and equip nurses and other health professionals with the knowledge and skills to promote the renewing of human trafficking survivors.

A Quality Improvement Approach to Reducing the Caesarean section Surgical Site Infection Rate in a Regional Hospital.

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates are used extensively by hospitals as a basis for quality improvement. A 30-day post-discharge SSI programme for Caesarean section operations has been implemented in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital since 2011. It has been shown that skin antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis are key factors in the prevention of SSI. Using quality improvement methodology, an infection prevention bundle was introduced to address these two factors. Skin antisepsis was changed from povidone-iodine to chlorhexidine-alcohol. Compliance with choice of antibiotic prophylaxis increased from 89.6% in 2014 to 98.5% in 2015. Compliance with timing also improved. The SSI rate of 7.5% was the lowest recorded to date, with the majority of SSIs (64%) diagnosed after hospital discharge. The level of variation was also reduced. However, the continued presence of variation and possibility of lower infection rates from the literature imply that further improvements are required.

Incidence of central line related/associated bloodstream infections in an acute hospital.

Bloodstream infection related to a central venous catheter in the intensive care unit is a substantial clinical and economic problem. The aim of the study was to examine the incidence of central line related bloodstream infections and central line associated bloodstream infections in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, during a six month period, using an active patient based prospective surveillance method. CLRBSI rate in ICU/HDU was 0.93/1000 central line days. There was no CLABSI identified in the studied time period. However, further interventions are needed, particularly with CVC care bundle. Also, the implementation of 2% chlorhexidin in 70% isopropylalcohol use for skin asepsis, which is recommended by the Irish national guidelines, would be beneficial.

Justifying the expense of the cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist.

In order to maximise patient care, assessment of the adequacy of the service provision by the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) must be regularly undertaken. This study attempted to determine whether CNSs were providing an adequate service via retrospective and prospective audit. The results of a comprehensive audit of the work of the CNS within a tertiary referral Hepatobiliary Unit are presented. The audit involved postal and telephone questionnaires as well as prospective collection of data. The majority of responses from patients were positive, with many finding the CNS a useful and well-utilised contact. Overall, the CNSs performed well in each of their designated tasks; however, areas were still identified which could be further improved. Audit is essential in providing feedback to the CNS and to identify areas which require improvement. The CNS has evolved to meet a clinical gap in patient care, and as a result, the role of a CNS is frequently nebulous or poorly defined. This renders evaluation of the CNS problematic and fraught with difficulties. However, a thorough assessment can still be made using carefully constructed audit looking at each task of the CNS.

Production of serotype C specific and serotype C/D generic monoclonal antibodies using recombinant H(C) and H(N) fragments from Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin types C(1) and D.

Sequence variability of Clostridium botulinum serotypes C and D is particularly complex. Some serotype C and D strains have unique gene structures that encode mosaic isoforms of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) containing components of both BoNT type C(1) (BoNT/C(1)) and BoNT type D (BoNT/D). Such sequence variability and the potential for cross neutralisation must be taken into consideration when developing serotype C and D detection and identification assays. Three fusion proteins containing either a fragment from the carboxyl-terminal domain of the heavy chain (H(C)) of BoNT/C(1) (strain 573), a fragment from the H(C) of BoNT/D (strain BVD/-3) or a fragment from the amino-terminal domain of the heavy chain (H(N)) of BoNT/C(1) (strain 573) were expressed in Escherichia coli, and administered as immunogens to mice. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the recombinant BoNT fragments were prepared by three fusions. MAbs recognising native BoNT/C(1) and BoNT/D were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced, six of which recognised a BoNT fragment that is highly conserved across all serotype C and D producing strains. We conclude that these mAbs and this approach to mAb production may facilitate the development of immunological diagnostic techniques that are not constrained by the existence of mosaic isoforms for the detection and identification of serotypes C and D.

Influence of a vital capacity maneuver on pulmonary gas exchange after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a single, vital capacity breath (vital capacity maneuver [VCM]), administered at the end of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), on pulmonary gas exchange in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery and early tracheal extubation. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 groups. VCM patients received a VCM at the conclusion of CPB. Control patients received no VCM. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Intrapulmonary shunt (Q(S)/Q(T)), arterial oxygenation (PaO2), and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients (P(A-a)O2) were measured after induction of anesthesia, CPB, intensive care unit (ICU) arrival, and extubation. The duration of postoperative intubation was recorded for each group. Q(S)/Q(T) increased significantly 30 minutes after CPB in the control group (15.7 +/- 1.8% to 27.4 +/- 2.6%; p = 0.01). In the VCM group, a small decrease in Q(S)/Q(T) occurred (16.1 +/- 2.0% to 14.9 +/- 2.0%). After ICU arrival and extubation, no significant difference in Q(S)/Q(T) existed between the 2 groups. With the exception of a higher P(A-a)O2 in the control group at induction of anesthesia, no differences in PaO2 or P(A-a)O2 were present between the 2 groups at any measurement interval. Patients who received a VCM were extubated earlier than the control group (6.5 +/- 2.1 hours v 9.4 +/- 4.2 hours; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of a VCM prevented an increase in Q(S)/Q(T) from occurring in the operating room. Although a VCM did not influence pulmonary gas exchange in the ICU, its application in the operating room appears to exert a beneficial effect on tracheal extubation times after cardiac surgery.

Evaluation of oxygen extraction ratio as a physiologic transfusion trigger in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20 percent of all allogeneic blood transfusions are administered in connection with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operations. Transfusion practices vary across the country. The whole-body oxygen extraction ratio (O2 ER) reflects the adequacy of the patient's response to acute normovolemic anemia with an O2 ER of approximately 50 percent being shown to be an appropriate transfusion trigger. The present study monitored the O2 ER in patients undergoing CABG and determined if transfusion practices would have been different if an O2 ER > or = 45 percent were used as a transfusion trigger. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy patients with a postoperative Hct < = 25 percent were the test subjects. Arterial and mixed venous contents were determined before the operation, in the intensive care unit after the operation, and 12 hours after the operation. RESULTS: There were no deaths. Forty-one patients received allogeneic transfusion. These patients were older, weighed less, and had a preoperative Hct lower than the nontransfused patients. There were no significant differences between transfused and nontransfused patients with respect to postoperative Hct (21.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 22.2 +/- 0.4), cardiac index (2.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.1), O2 delivery (6.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.3), O2 consumption (2.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.1), and O2 ER (38.3 +/- 1.7 vs. 37.5 +/- 1.5). In the transfusion group, 7 of 21 patients had a postoperative O2 ER > or = 45 percent, while 3 of 35 in the nontransfused group had that result. CONCLUSION: The use of O2 ER as a transfusion trigger as part of a transfusion algorithm could lead to a reduction in allogeneic blood transfusion.

Development of a random response scale for the multiple affect adjective check list-revised.

A scale was constructed to identify random responses on the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List-Revised. Items chosen were the 14 least frequently checked items and 14 most frequently checked items, plus the seven most frequently checked negative items and the seven least frequently checked positive items (total=42). The Random Response Scale successfully differentiated random protocols from those produced by 420 college students, and scores on the scale were significantly higher for the college students than for the random sample. In addition, correlations between scores on the Random Response Scale and the Communality Scale (Adjective Check List) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness Scale suggest its usefulness as a measure of "conscientiousness" or "dependableness."

A polymerase chain reaction method for the amplification of full-length envelope genes of HIV-1 from DNA samples containing single molecules of HIV-1 provirus.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of full-length envelope genes from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) directly from uncultured clinical samples is difficult. This paper describes a comparative assessment of the performance of three thermostable polymerases in an HIV-1 full-length envelope gene PCR. The PCR method utilising Expand HiFi polymerase was successful when using DNA samples extracted from a variety of sources including blood, semen and various tissues. This method generated high and specific yields of product from samples containing as little as one copy of HIV-1 proviral DNA. The resulting PCR products were suitable for a variety of downstream analytical methods including DNA sequence analysis.

Fibrovascular ingrowth in porous ocular implants: the effect of material composition, porosity, growth factors, and coatings.

PURPOSE: Fibrovascular ingrowth into various porous ocular implants as a function of implant material composition, porosity, growth factors, and coatings was investigated in a pilot study in an animal model. METHODS: Eighty-one New Zealand white rabbits underwent unilateral enucleation and implantation with ocular implants composed of the following materials: coralline hydroxyapatite (HA) with 200-microm pores (HA200) or 500-microm pores (HA500), synthetic HA (synHA), and high-density porous polyethylene (PP). The HA200, HA500, and PP implants were implanted untreated or after treatment with recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (Rh-bFGF). Nine HA500 implants were implanted after coating with calcium sulfate (plaster of Paris) to provide a smooth outer surface. Implants were harvested at 1-, 2-, 4-, or 8-week intervals and were examined histologically. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between untreated HA500 and PP, with PP showing better ingrowth. There was no significant difference between untreated HA and PP, nor between untreated HA500 and synHA. Significant increases in ingrowth were found in HA200 compared with HA500, and in Rh-bFGF-treated implants compared with untreated controls. The calcium sulfate-coated implants showed less vascularization compared with the uncoated implants, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrovascular ingrowth occurred earlier in HA200 implants than in HA500 implants, and was enhanced when implants were treated with Rh-bFGF.

HIV-1 in semen: determination of proviral and viral titres compared to blood, and quantification of semen leukocyte populations.

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between proviral DNA and viral RNA titres in semen compared with blood. In addition, the association between semen leukocyte counts with detection frequency and absolute levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nucleic acids was also assessed. Paired samples of blood and semen were collected from a cohort of individuals with different blood CD4 cell counts, and whose anti-HIV therapy had not changed in the preceding 3 months. The cell-associated proviral DNA titres and cell-free plasma viral RNA titres were determined using nested primer polymerase chain reaction and NASBAtrade mark, respectively. In addition, leukocyte counts were determined by immunocytochemical and cytochemical staining of a subset of semen samples. HIV-1 proviral DNA was detected in 100% and 47%, and viral RNA was detected in 76% and 63%, of blood and semen samples tested, respectively. HIV-1 proviral DNA and viral RNA titres in blood were higher than in corresponding semen samples, although the difference observed in viral RNA titres was not statistically significant. Proviral DNA and viral RNA titres were correlated between the two body fluids, and within the semen, although some individuals had disparate semen and blood titres or detection rates, indicating genital tract compartmentalisation. In addition, detection of HIV-1 proviral DNA, but not of HIV RNA, in semen was associated with elevated semen leukocyte counts, although this latter finding requires verification in future studies of larger numbers of patients.

Amblyopia and visual acuity in children with Down's syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Amblyopia in people with Down's syndrome has not been well investigated. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated conditions of amblyopia in a group of home reared children with Down's syndrome. METHODS: All children in the study group underwent an evaluation of visual acuity. In addition, previous ophthalmological records were reviewed, and a subgroup of children was examined. For the purposes of this study, amblyopia was defined quantitatively as a difference of two Snellen acuity lines between eyes or if unilateral central steady maintained (CSM) vision and a clear fixation preference was observed. A high refractive error was defined as a spherical equivalent more than 3 dioptres and astigmatism more than 1.75 dioptres. Anisometropia was defined as a difference of at least 1.5 dioptres of sphere and/or 1.0 dioptre of cylinder between eyes. 68 children with Down's syndrome between the ages of 5 and 19 years were enrolled in the final study group. RESULTS: Amblyopia was observed in 15 (22%) of 68 patients. An additional 16 (24%) patients had bilateral vision less than 20/50. Strabismus, high refractive errors, and anisometropia were the conditions most commonly associated with decreased vision and amblyopia CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the prevalence of amblyopia is higher than previously reported. Fully 46% of these children with Down's syndrome had evidence of substantial visual deficits. These patients may be at higher risk for visual impairment and should be carefully examined for ophthalmological problems.

TT virus sequence heterogeneity in vivo: evidence for co-infection with multiple genetic types.

TT virus (TTV) is a newly described DNA virus of humans that exhibits an unusually high degree of genetic heterogeneity. We have performed extensive analysis of the TTV populations present in samples, taken over a period of 2 to 6 years, from three individuals with persistent TTV infection. TTV DNA titres estimated for sequential samples were found to be quite stable over the entire study period in two patients, but fluctuated considerably in the third. DNA sequence analysis revealed different genetic diversity among TTV populations from samples from the three patients. In one case, absolute sequence homogeneity was observed among samples over a 3 year period. In a second, a limited amount of heterogeneity was found, including one sequence exhibiting G-->A hypermutation. TTV DNA sequences from the third patient exhibited quite remarkable genetic heterogeneity: evidence was found of seven distinct infecting viruses, representing four of the six TTV genotypes that have been described. In addition, minor variants of three of these seven sequences were observed. The heterogeneity of the viral population in this individual declined steadily over a 6 year period. This patient infected with a genetically diverse TTV population had the highest viral DNA titre.

TT virus infection in patients with hepatitis C: frequency, persistence, and sequence heterogeneity.

TT virus (TTV) was recently identified in the serum of a patient with hepatitis. The role of TTV in liver disease has not been established. Three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were used to detect TTV DNA in sera of persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and in blood donors. Sera from 11.5% of HCV-infected patients and 7.7% of blood donors were positive by protocols 1 or 2. In contrast, 48.7% and 57.7% of sera, respectively, were positive when tested by protocol 3. There was no difference in the severity of hepatitis in persons coinfected with TTV and HCV when compared with those infected with HCV alone, regardless of which TTV PCR protocol was used. TTV DNA persisted in serum samples taken up to 6 years apart in individual patients. Sequence analysis indicated that most viral sequences were distinct between patients, and there was evidence of genetic heterogeneity and viral evolution within individuals.

Poor reduction of HIV-1 RNA titres in nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor experienced patients treated with indinavir combination therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The long term effectiveness of combination therapy at reducing viral loads in seminal fluid and blood plasma obtained from HIV-1 infected men who had undergone previous antiretroviral therapy was assessed. METHODS: Samples of semen and blood were obtained from a cohort of 12 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor experienced men before and during 25-68 weeks of combination therapy, which included the protease inhibitor indinavir. HIV-1 RNA titres present in the cell free blood and seminal plasma samples were determined using the nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA)/Nuclisens assay system. RESULTS: Viral RNA was detected in 9/12 and 7/12 baseline blood plasma and seminal plasma samples, with median viral titres of 10(4.81) and 10(4.56) per ml, respectively. By the end of the study period the detection rates of HIV RNA in the blood and seminal plasma samples were 5/12 and 2/12, respectively, with the median viral titres below the assay cut off level for both sample types. Of the nine patients who had detectable viral RNA in the baseline sample, only three cleared virus from both compartments by the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that stable reduction of blood and seminal fluid viral titres is not achievable in a significant proportion of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor experienced men.

Development and evaluation of a PCR-based immunoassay for the rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), involving detection of the mecA and femB genes, was combined with a novel immunoassay system capable of detecting specific PCR products. The resulting PCR-immunoassay was evaluated in comparison with conventional microbiological techniques used in the routine diagnostic laboratory for the rapid identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), either in pure culture or in overnight broth cultures obtained following enrichment of patient screening swabs. Among the 480 purified isolates of staphylococci and 246 enrichment broths examined, only one 'false-negative' result was obtained by PCR, compared with 18 'false-negative' results obtained by conventional methodology and demonstrated by further conventional examination. Five demonstrable 'false-positive' results were obtained by conventional methodology, compared with a possible 10 by the PCR-immunoassay, although it was not certain that these 10 PCR results were true 'false positives' as, by definition, MRSA could not be isolated by conventional methodology. The results indicated that the routine diagnostic laboratory was encountering difficulties in identifying MRSA correctly, and that the conventional microbiological techniques lacked sensitivity. Overall, the PCR technique was more accurate and sensitive than conventional methodology in detecting MRSA, and results were available within 24 h of screening swabs arriving in the laboratory, compared with a minimum of 48-72 h by conventional techniques. The immunoassay system added to the usefulness of the method by allowing the detection of specific PCR products within 5 min of completing the PCR, without the normal additional step of agarose gel electrophoresis.