IMPLEMENTATION OF PHARMACOGENETICS: THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND PERSONALIZED ANTI-PLATELET PHARMACOGENETICS PROGRAM

PubMed Central

Shuldiner, Alan R.; Palmer, Kathleen; Pakyz, Ruth E.; Alestock, Tameka D.; Maloney, Kristin A.; O’Neill, Courtney; Bhatty, Shaun; Schub, Jamie; Overby, Casey Lynnette; Horenstein, Richard B.; Pollin, Toni I.; Kelemen, Mark D.; Beitelshees, Amber L.; Robinson, Shawn W.; Blitzer, Miriam G.; McArdle, Patrick F.; Brown, Lawrence; Jeng, Linda Jo Bone; Zhao, Richard Y.; Ambulos, Nicholas; Vesely, Mark R.

2014-01-01

Despite a substantial evidence base, implementation of pharmacogenetics into routine patient care has been slow due to a number of non-trivial practical barriers. We implemented a Personalized Anti-platelet Pharmacogenetics Program (PAP3) for cardiac catheterization patients at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center Patients are offered CYP2C19 genetic testing, which is performed in our Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)-certified Translational Genomics Laboratory. Results are returned within five hours along with clinical decision support that includes interpretation of results and prescribing recommendations for anti-platelet therapy based on the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines. Now with a working template for PAP3, implementation of other drug-gene pairs is in process. Lessons learned as described in this article may prove useful to other medical centers as they implement pharmacogenetics into patient care, a critical step in the pathway to personalized and genomic medicine. PMID:24616408

[Laboratory management fee in national health insurance; what is required from clinical laboratory physicians? --message from Chairpersons].

PubMed

Kimura, Satoshi; Koshiba, Masahiro

2013-06-01

The laboratory management fee (LMF) in national health insurance ("Kentai-Kensa-Kanri-Kasan" in Japanese) has had a major impact on Japanese clinical laboratories, especially in recent years. In 2012, the fee was raised to approximately 5,000 yen per admitted patient. In order to address this national support, clinical pathologists are required to increase their knowledge and skills. On the other hand, there are insufficient clinical pathologists in Japan. In order to solve this problem, the Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine (JSLM) approved a new license for Qualified Clinical Laboratory Managing Physicians (CLMPs), in addition to Certified Clinical Laboratory Physicians (CCLPs). The requirements to become a CLMP are less strict than for CCLP. There are approximately 500 CLMPs and 600 CCLPs in this country. The aim of this symposium was to offer opportunities to increase attendees' clinical skills, especially CLMPs and young clinical pathologists. Four CCLPs were chosen as speakers from a university hospital, a major city hospital, a medium-sized acute care hospital, and a university hospital anatomical pathologist, together with a chief medical technologist from a university hospital. All the speakers presented their ideal role models of clinical pathologists matching LMF requirements. JSLM together with the Japanese Association of Clinical Laboratory Physicians (JACLaP) sponsored this symposium. It was a successful meeting with more than two hundred attendees.

Fatal laboratory-acquired infection with an attenuated Yersinia pestis Strain--Chicago, Illinois, 2009.

PubMed

2011-02-25

On September 18, 2009, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) was notified by a local hospital of a suspected case of fatal laboratory-acquired infection with Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. The patient, a researcher in a university laboratory, had been working along with other members of the laboratory group with a pigmentation-negative (pgm-) attenuated Y. pestis strain (KIM D27). The strain had not been known to have caused laboratory-acquired infections or human fatalities. Other researchers in a separate university laboratory facility in the same building had contact with a virulent Y. pestis strain (CO92) that is considered a select biologic agent; however, the pgm- attenuated KIM D27 is excluded from the National Select Agent Registry. The university, CDPH, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and CDC conducted an investigation to ascertain the cause of death. This report summarizes the results of that investigation, which determined that the cause of death likely was an unrecognized occupational exposure (route unknown) to Y. pestis, leading to septic shock. Y. pestis was isolated from premortem blood cultures. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified the clinical isolate as a pgm- strain of Y. pestis. Postmortem examination revealed no evidence of pneumonic plague. A postmortem diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis was made on the basis of histopathologic, laboratory, and genetic testing. One possible explanation for the unexpected fatal outcome in this patient is that hemochromatosis-induced iron overload might have provided the infecting KIM D27 strain, which is attenuated as a result of defects in its ability to acquire iron, with sufficient iron to overcome its iron-acquisition defects and become virulent. Researchers should adhere to recommended biosafety practices when handling any live bacterial cultures, even attenuated strains, and institutional biosafety committees should implement and maintain effective surveillance systems to detect and monitor unexpected acute illness in laboratory workers.

Study of Physiological Responses to Acute Carbon Monoxide Exposure with a Human Patient Simulator

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cesari, Whitney A.; Caruso, Dominique M.; Zyka, Enela L.; Schroff, Stuart T.; Evans, Charles H., Jr.; Hyatt, Jon-Philippe K.

2006-01-01

Human patient simulators are widely used to train health professionals and students in a clinical setting, but they also can be used to enhance physiology education in a laboratory setting. Our course incorporates the human patient simulator for experiential learning in which undergraduate university juniors and seniors are instructed to design,…

Reduction in Unnecessary Clinical Laboratory Testing Through Utilization Management at a US Government Veterans Affairs Hospital.

PubMed

Konger, Raymond L; Ndekwe, Paul; Jones, Genea; Schmidt, Ronald P; Trey, Marty; Baty, Eric J; Wilhite, Denise; Munshi, Imtiaz A; Sutter, Bradley M; Rao, Maddamsetti; Bashir, Chowdry M

2016-03-01

To implement an electronic laboratory utilization management system (laboratory expert system [LES]) to provide safe and effective reductions in unnecessary clinical laboratory testing. The LES is a set of frequency filter subroutines within the Veterans Affairs hospital and laboratory information system that was formulated by an interdisciplinary medical team. Since implementing the LES, total test volume has decreased by a mean of 11.18% per year compared with our pre-LES test volume. This change was not attributable to fluctuations in outpatient visits or inpatient days of care. Laboratory cost savings were estimated at $151,184 and $163,751 for 2012 and 2013, respectively. A significant portion of these cost savings was attributable to reductions in high-volume, large panel testing. No adverse effects on patient care were reported, and mean length of stay for patients remained unchanged. Electronic laboratory utilization systems can effectively reduce unnecessary laboratory testing without compromising patient care. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Mistakes in a stat laboratory: types and frequency.

PubMed

Plebani, M; Carraro, P

1997-08-01

Application of Total Quality Management concepts to laboratory testing requires that the total process, including preanalytical and postanalytical phases, be managed so as to reduce or, ideally, eliminate all defects within the process itself. Indeed a "mistake" can be defined as any defect during the entire testing process, from ordering tests to reporting results. We evaluated the frequency and types of mistakes found in the "stat" section of the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the University-Hospital of Padova by monitoring four different departments (internal medicine, nephrology, surgery, and intensive care unit) for 3 months. Among a total of 40490 analyses, we identified 189 laboratory mistakes, a relative frequency of 0.47%. The distribution of mistakes was: preanalytical 68.2%, analytical 13.3%, and postanalytical 18.5%. Most of the laboratory mistakes (74%) did not affect patients' outcome. However, in 37 patients (19%), laboratory mistakes were associated with further inappropriate investigations, thus resulting in an unjustifiable increase in costs. Moreover, in 12 patients (6.4%) laboratory mistakes were associated with inappropriate care or inappropriate modification of therapy. The promotion of quality control and continuous improvement of the total testing process, including pre- and postanalytical phases, seems to be a prerequisite for an effective laboratory service.

How well do general practitioners manage laboratory test results for patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease?: A systematic review.

PubMed

McCaughey, Euan J; Li, Julie; Badrick, Tony C; Westbrook, Johanna I; Georgiou, Andrew

2017-10-01

To evaluate how well general practitioners (GPs) manage and respond to laboratory results for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, EBM reviews, ProQuest and Scopus. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2015 that assessed GPs' management of laboratory results for patients with DM or CVD. Study design and demographics, laboratory tests and key findings relating to GP management of laboratory results were extracted from studies. Thirteen articles were included, comprising seven studies which utilized surveys, four observational studies, one cohort study and one randomized controlled trial. Findings indicate that GPs often overestimate the risk of complications associated with DM and CVD based on laboratory results and have unrealistically high expectations regarding the precision of laboratory tests. Considerable variation existed in the use of repeat testing for diagnostic confirmation and in GPs' identification of the difference between two consecutive results required to indicate a change in patient condition. GPs also often failed to initiate appropriate treatment for patients with DM and CVD based on laboratory results. Feedback to GPs about their test ordering patterns and educational messages on laboratory results improved clinical outcomes. Evidence about how well GPs manage results and its impact on patient outcomes remains weak and inconclusive. This review identified a number of areas where interventions could support GPs to improve the interpretation and management of laboratory test results, including feedback to GPs and educational messages on test result reports. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Lyme Disease Diagnosed by Alternative Methods: A Phenotype Similar to That of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

PubMed

Patrick, David M; Miller, Ruth R; Gardy, Jennifer L; Parker, Shoshana M; Morshed, Muhammad G; Steiner, Theodore S; Singer, Joel; Shojania, Kam; Tang, Patrick

2015-10-01

A subset of patients reporting a diagnosis of Lyme disease can be described as having alternatively diagnosed chronic Lyme syndrome (ADCLS), in which diagnosis is based on laboratory results from a nonreference Lyme specialty laboratory using in-house criteria. Patients with ADCLS report symptoms similar to those reported by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We performed a case-control study comparing patients with ADCLS and CFS to each other and to both healthy controls and controls with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Subjects completed a history, physical exam, screening laboratory tests, 7 functional scales, reference serology for Lyme disease using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, reference serology for other tick-associated pathogens, and cytokine expression studies. The study enrolled 13 patients with ADCLS (12 of whom were diagnosed by 1 alternative US laboratory), 25 patients with CFS, 25 matched healthy controls, and 11 SLE controls. Baseline clinical data and functional scales indicate significant disability among ADCLS and CFS patients and many important differences between these groups and controls, but no significant differences between each other. No ADCLS patient was confirmed as having positive Lyme serology by reference laboratory testing, and there was no difference in distribution of positive serology for other tick-transmitted pathogens or cytokine expression across the groups. In British Columbia, a setting with low Lyme disease incidence, ADCLS patients have a similar phenotype to that of CFS patients. Disagreement between alternative and reference laboratory Lyme testing results in this setting is most likely explained by false-positive results from the alternative laboratory. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The medical and economic consequences of automation in bacteriology: a case study in a French university hospital.

PubMed

Sailly, J C; Lebrun, T; Vincent, P; Eeckhoudt, L; Izard, D; Leclerc, H; Arbon, G; Hassoun, A

1985-01-01

In a bacteriology laboratory where automated and non-automated procedures co-existed during the study period (1 year), patients were randomly assigned to each type of procedure and we observed the physicians behaviour as well as patients well-being in a surgical service using the results from the laboratory. Contrary to our expectations, the reduction in the time delay necessary to obtain information did not alter either the prescribing behaviour of physicians nor the welfare of patients. Besides, the gain in time was significantly lower than expected. We also discuss in detail the meaning and relevance of the results.

[Descriptive analysis of the social, clinical, laboratorial and anthropometric profiles of inflammatory bowel disease inwards patients from the "Clementino Fraga Filho" University Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil].

PubMed

Elia, Paula Peruzzi; Fogaça, Homero Soares; Barros, Rodrigo G G Rego; Zaltman, Cyrla; Elia, Celeste Siqueira C

2007-01-01

The epidemiologic survey in Brazil is limited probably due to a diagnosis deficiency and a small number of population-based studies performed. The majority of the prevalence studies available have evaluated inflammatory bowel diseases outpatients, but the knowledge of the profile of inflammatory bowel diseases inpatients is important in order to detect predictive markers of disease severity that will allow earlier medical intervention decreasing the rate of hospitalization and reducing the Health System costs. To determine social, clinical, laboratorial and anthropometric profiles of hospitalized adults inflammatory bowel diseases patients of a tertiary university hospital. Prospective study was performed with 43 inflammatory bowel diseases inpatients from clinical and surgical wards and emergency section of university hospital. We characterized demographic data, presence of comorbidities, disease location and behavior, surgical past-history, extra intestinal manifestations using standardized definitions. Laboratory results were abstracted from medical records and anthropometric measures were performed during our visit. The vast majority of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients had Crohn's disease (72.1%), with ileocolic involvement (60%), with a penetrating disease behavior (77.4%) while ulcerative colitis group presented mostly pancolitis (50%). Articular pain was the most common (44.2%) extra intestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel diseases patients and 97.7% of them had at least one type of complication related to disease. Although, the previous use of specific medical therapies to inflammatory bowel diseases before the hospitalization (more frequently corticosteroids) was done (79%), the majority of the patients were hospitalized because of inflammatory bowel diseases activity. Disease activity was present in 80.7% of Crohn's disease and 50% ulcerative colitis patients. Inflammatory bowel diseases mortality rate was 5.5% (2/36). Comorbidities presence occurred only in 30.2% of inflammatory bowel diseases patients. The predominant surgery performed was intestinal resection. The interval between the symptoms appearance and the definitive diagnosis was less than 1 year in more than 70% of inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Laboratory findings detected were a decreased serum albumin (85.7%) and anemia (69.8%). The majority of the patients had at least one anthropometric alteration. The social stratification of the inflammatory bowel diseases group was similar to the Brazilian population. The inflammatory bowel diseases inpatients from the university hospital wards had more severe evolution of these illnesses with an active and extensive disease with complications and frequent extra intestinal manifestations, despite the prolonged use of corticosteroids. The higher prevalence of Crohn's disease inpatients than ulcerative colitis could reflect a higher aggressive behavior of this disease. The reduced serum albumin, anemia and anthropometric alterations are common inflammatory bowel diseases inpatients and could be related to a major severity of inflammatory bowel diseases evolution.

[Medical support on human resources and clinical laboratory in Myanmar].

PubMed

Koide, Norio

2012-03-01

I have been involved in medical cooperation programs between Myanmar and Japan for over 10 years. The purpose of the first visit to Myanmar was the investigation of hepatitis C spreading among thalassemia patients. I learned that the medical system was underdeveloped in this country, and have initiated several cooperation programs together with Professor Shigeru Okada, such as the "Protection against hepatitis C in Myanmar", "Scientist exchange between the Ministry of Health, Myanmar and Okayama University", and "Various activities sponsored by a Non-Profit Organization". As for clinical laboratories, the laboratory system itself is pre-constructed and the benefit of a clinical laboratory in modern medicine is not given to patients in Myanmar. The donation of drugs and reagents for laboratory tests is helpful, but it will be more helpful to assist the future leaders to learn modern medicine and develop their own various systems to support modern medicine. Our activity in the cooperation program is described.

A Universal Biosensor for Infectious Disease

ScienceCinema

Mukundan, Harshini

2018-05-31

With increased travel and globalization, the spread of new diseases has become a threat to global health—and global security. Whether in a rural village or an urban medical clinic, healthcare workers need diagnostics that provide answers then and there, for any disease, in order to effectively treat individual patients or widespread outbreaks. That’s why Harshini Mukundan and her team at Los Alamos National Laboratory are working to develop a universal biosensor. “If we are able to mimic the body’s immune recognition in the laboratory, we could have a universal strategy for the early diagnosis of all infections,” said Mukundan. Our immune system recognizes pathogens, regardless of their origin, by identifying discrete signatures in the human host. Mukundan's team is working to imitate this ability in the laboratory, which could lead to a simple solution to diagnose all diseases and improve lives across the world.

A College Epidemic of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ralston, David; Cochran, Burt

1979-01-01

The article reports on an outbreak of mycoplasma pneumoniae at the California Polytechnic State University including a historical background of the disease, clinical features, laboratory findings for treated patients, treatment, and clinical clues for diagnosis. (JMF)

A Concentrated Teaching Exercise for Introducing Clinical Dermatology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Binford, Robert T.; And Others

1973-01-01

At Cornell University Medical College one 3-hour session in dermatology is required during the second year. A teaching exercise has been developed that combines a lecture, laboratory exercises, and presentations of patients. (Author)

Electromedical devices test laboratories accreditation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murad, C.; Rubio, D.; Ponce, S.; Álvarez Abri, A.; Terrón, A.; Vicencio, D.; Fascioli, E.

2007-11-01

In the last years, the technology and equipment at hospitals have been increase in a great way as the risks of their implementation. Safety in medical equipment must be considered an important issue to protect patients and their users. For this reason, test and calibrations laboratories must verify the correct performance of this kind of devices under national and international standards. Is an essential mission for laboratories to develop their measurement activities taking into account a quality management system. In this article, we intend to transmit our experience working to achieve an accredited Test Laboratories for medical devices in National technological University.

[Security Management in Clinical Laboratory Departments and Facilities: Current Status and Issues].

PubMed

Ishida, Haku; Nakamura, Junji; Yoshida, Hiroshi; Koike, Masaru; Inoue, Yuji

2014-11-01

We conducted a questionnaire survey regarding the current activities for protecting patients' privacy and the security of information systems (IS) related to the clinical laboratory departments of university hospitals, certified training facilities for clinical laboratories, and general hospitals in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The response rate was 47% from 215 medical institutions, including three commercial clinical laboratory centers. The results showed that there were some differences in management activities among facilities with respect to continuing education, the documentation or regulation of operational management for paper records, electronic information, remaining samples, genetic testing, and laboratory information for secondary use. They were suggested to be caused by differences in functions between university and general hospitals, differences in the scale of hospitals, or whether or not hospitals have received accreditation or ISO 15189. Regarding the IS, although the majority of facilities had sufficiently employed the access control to IS, there was some room for improvement in the management of special cases such as VIPs and patients with HIV infection. Furthermore, there were issues regarding the login method for computers shared by multiple staff, the showing of the names of personnel in charge of reports, and the risks associated with direct connections to systems and the Internet and the use of portable media such as USB memory sticks. These results indicated that further efforts are necessary for each facility to continue self-assessment and make improvements.

Patients' rights in laboratory examinations: do they realize?

PubMed

Leino-Kilpi, H; Nyrhinen, T; Katajisto, J

1997-11-01

This article discusses the rights of patients who are attending hospital for the most common laboratory examinations and who may also be taking part in research studies. A distinction is made between five kinds of rights to: protection of privacy, physical integrity, mental integrity, information and self-determination. The data were collected (n = 204) by means of a structured questionnaire specifically developed for this study in the clinical chemistry, haematological, physiological and neurophysiological laboratories of one randomly selected university hospital in Finland. The analysis of the data was statistical. On the whole, patients' rights were realized reasonably well. This was most particularly the case with protection of privacy, as well as with the rights of physical and mental integrity. The rights to information and self-determination were less well realized. There are various steps that health care professionals and organizations can take to make sure that patients can enjoy their full rights, by counselling the patient, by giving opportunities to plan the examinations in advance, and by arranging a sufficient number of small examination rooms.

Clinical Pharmacy Education in Japan: Using Simulated Patients in Laboratory-Based Communication-Skills Training before Clinical Practice.

PubMed

Kubota, Rie; Shibuya, Kiyoshi; Tanaka, Yoichi; Aoki, Manahito; Shiomi, Megumi; Ando, Wataru; Otori, Katsuya; Komiyama, Takako

2018-06-01

The Japanese pharmaceutical curriculum was extended from four to six years in 2006. Students now receive practical communication-skills training in their fourth year, before progressing to train in hospital and community pharmacies in their fifth year. Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo, had established a program to meet these aims before the 2006 guidance. In the present study, we discuss and evaluate the features of this communication-skills training program. This study enrolled 242 fourth-year pharmacy students at Kitasato University. Students filled out a questionnaire survey after completing the laboratory element of their undergraduate education. As part of training, students were asked to obtain patient data from a model medical chart, before performing simulated patient interviews covering hospital admission and patient counseling. These simulations were repeated in a small group, and feedback was provided to students by both the simulated patient and the faculty after each presentation. It was found that students were able to develop their communication skills through this approach. Thus, an effective system of gradual and continuous training has been developed, which allows students to acquire clinical and practical communication skills.

Extreme QCD 2012 (xQCD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2013-04-01

Acknowledgements This conference would not have been possible without the generous support from Brookhaven National Laboratory and the George Washington University INS and IMPACT institutes, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Vice-President for Research, and the Department of Physics. We thank them wholeheartedly. We are also very grateful for the support of our colleagues on the local organizing committee, Walter Freeman and Frank Lee, and on the International Advisory Committee: Simon Hands, Tetsuo Hatsuda, Frithjof Karsch, Maria Paola Lombardo, Tereza Mendes, Atsushi Nakamura, Owe Philipsen, Claudia Ratti, Paul Romatschke, Misha Stephanov, and Nu Xu. List of participants Alexandru, Andrei George Washington University Bazavov, Alexei Brookhaven National Laboratory Bloch, Jacques University of Regensburg Braun-Munzinger, Peter EMMI, GSI Breto Rangel, Guillermo CMS/UC Davis D'Elia, Massimo University of Pisa, INFN Dexheimer, Veronica UFSC - Federal University of Santa Catarina Ding, Heng-Tong Brookhaven National Laboratory Dion, Alan Stony Brook University Dumitru, Adrian RBRC and Baruch College, CUNY Freeman, Walter George Washington University Gavai, Rajiv Tata Institute (TIFR), Mumbai Hanada, Masanori KEK Theory Center Hands, Simon Swansea University Hegde, Prasad Brookhaven National Laboratory Heinke, Craig University of Alberta Horvath, Ivan University of Kentucky Karsch, Frithjof Brookhaven National Laboratory Krieg, Stefan Wuppertal University Lattimer, James Stony Brook University Lee, Frank George Washington University Li, Anyi Institute for Nuclear Theory Liu, Keh-Fei University of Kentucky Lombardo, Maria Paola INFN - LNF Lottini, Stefano Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main Maezawa, Yu Brookhaven National Laboratory Miura, Kohtaroh Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati - INFN Monnai, Akihiko The University of Tokyo Mukherjee, Swagato Brookhaven National Laboratory Myers, Joyce University of Groningen Nakamura, Atsushi RIISE, Hiroshima university Nicholson, Amy University of Maryland Nishida, Yusuke Los Alamos National Laboratory Petreczky, Peter Brookhaven National Laboratory Sakai, Yuji RIKEN Sasaki, Takahiro Kyushu University Schmidt, Christian University of Bielefeld Scorzato, Luigi ECT* - Trento, Italy Shi, Zhifeng The College of William and Mary Shuryak, Edward Stony Brook University Skokov, Vladimir Brookhaven National Laboratory Strickland, Michael Gettysburg College Teaney, Derek Stony Brook University Wang, Qun University of Science and Technology of China Xu, Nu CCNU/LBNL Xu, Xiao-Ming Shanghai University Yamamoto, Naoki Institute for Nuclear Theory Conference photograph

The clinical information system GastroBase: integration of image processing and laboratory communication.

PubMed

Kocna, P

1995-01-01

GastroBase, a clinical information system, incorporates patient identification, medical records, images, laboratory data, patient history, physical examination, and other patient-related information. Program modules are written in C; all data is processed using Novell-Btrieve data manager. Patient identification database represents the main core of this information systems. A graphic library developed in the past year and graphic modules with a special video-card enables the storing, archiving, and linking of different images to the electronic patient-medical-record. GastroBase has been running for more than four years in daily routine and the database contains more than 25,000 medical records and 1,500 images. This new version of GastroBase is now incorporated into the clinical information system of University Clinic in Prague.

Mumps Outbreak Among a Highly Vaccinated University Community-New York City, January-April 2014.

PubMed

Patel, Leena N; Arciuolo, Robert J; Fu, Jie; Giancotti, Francesca R; Zucker, Jane R; Rakeman, Jennifer L; Rosen, Jennifer B

2017-02-15

On 14 January 2014, a vaccinated student presented with parotitis. Mumps immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing was negative and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing was not performed, resulting in a missed diagnosis and the start of an outbreak at a New York City (NYC) university. Mumps case investigations included patient interviews, medical records review, and laboratory testing including mumps serology and RT-PCR. Case patients were considered linked to the outbreak if they attended or had epidemiologic linkage to the university. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data for outbreak cases residing in NYC were analyzed. Fifty-six NYC residents with mumps were identified with onset between 12 January and 30 April 2014. Fifty-three cases (95%) were university students, 1 (2%) was a staff member, and 2 (4%) had epidemiologic links to the university. The median age was 20 years (range 18-37 years). All cases had parotitis. Three cases were hospitalized, including 1 of 2 cases with orchitis. Fifty-four (96%) cases had received ≥1 mumps-containing vaccine, 1 (2%) was unvaccinated due to religious exemption, and 1 (2%) had unknown vaccination status. Two of the 44 (5%) cases tested by serology were mumps IgM positive, and 27 of the 40 (68%) tested by RT-PCR were positive. Mumps outbreaks can occur in highly vaccinated populations. Mumps should be considered in patients with parotitis regardless of vaccination status. RT-PCR is the preferred testing method; providers should not rely on IgM testing alone. High vaccination coverage and control measures likely limited the extent of the outbreak. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Maintaining Life-saving Testing for Patients With Infectious Diseases: Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Society for Microbiology, and Pan American Society for Clinical Virology Recommendations on the Regulation of Laboratory-developed Tests.

PubMed

Caliendo, Angela M; Couturier, Marc R; Ginocchio, Christine C; Hanson, Kimberly E; Miller, Melissa B; Walker, Kimberly E; Frank, Gregory M

2016-07-15

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs)-diagnostics designed, manufactured, and used within a single laboratory. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology recognize that the FDA is committed to protecting patients. However, our societies are concerned that the proposed regulations will limit access to testing and negatively impact infectious diseases (ID) LDTs. In this joint commentary, our societies discuss why LDTs are critical for ID patient care, hospital infection control, and public health responses. We also highlight how the FDA's proposed regulation of LDTs could impair patient access to life-saving tests and stifle innovation in ID diagnostics. Finally, our societies make specific recommendations for the FDA's consideration to reduce the burden of the proposed new rules on clinical laboratories and protect patients' access to state-of-the art, quality LDTs. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

Interview with a quality leader: Kent Bottles, MD, president of ICSI, on transforming care for the future. Interview by Susan V. White.

PubMed

Bottles, Kent

2010-01-01

Kent Bottles, MD, President of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Dr. Bottles is a board-certified pathologist who specialized in surgical and cyto-pathology. He earned a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He has extensive experience in integrated healthcare delivery systems, research, academia, commercial laboratories, genomics, proteomics, and management of biotech start-up companies. Dr. Bottles was vice president and chief medical officer of the Iowa Health System. Before that, he served as president and CEO of Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center for Health Professions, a multi-institutional consortium of healthcare organizations, and as president of Genomics Repository and chief knowledge officer, Genomics Collaborative Inc. Dr. Bottles has extensive academic experience, serving as Professor and Acting Head, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Iowa. He was also the founding medical director of managed care plans for University of Iowa employees. Dr. Bottles has addressed topics ranging from quality and patient safety and disruptive technology to patient-physician relationships and the future of medicine. He has received numerous honors, including the Rodney T. West Literary Achievement Award for the most important article on medical management presented by the American College of Physician Executives. He has broad clinical experience with the University of Iowa and the San Francisco General Hospital, and has been a national leader in changing the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine to meet the challenges of managed care.

US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing: Hardware Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-11-01

ARL-TR-8199 ● NOV 2017 US Army Research Laboratory US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing...US Army Research Laboratory US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing: Hardware Overview by Roger P...TITLE AND SUBTITLE US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing: Hardware Overview 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT

Screening for thrombophilia in high-risk situations: a meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis.

PubMed

Wu, Olivia; Robertson, Lindsay; Twaddle, Sara; Lowe, Gordon; Clark, Peter; Walker, Isobel; Brenkel, Ivan; Greaves, Mike; Langhorne, Peter; Regan, Lesley; Greer, Ian

2005-10-01

Laboratory testing for the identification of heritable thrombophilia in high-risk patient groups have become common practice; however, indiscriminate testing of all patients is unjustified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of universal and selective history-based thrombophilia screening relative to no screening, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, in women prior to prescribing combined oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, women during pregnancy and patients prior to major orthopaedic surgery. A decision analysis model was developed, and data from meta-analysis, the literature and two Delphi studies were incorporated in the model. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for screening compared with no screening was calculated for each patient group. Of all the patient groups evaluated, universal screening of women prior to prescribing hormone replacement therapy was the most cost-effective (ICER 6824 pounds). In contrast, universal screening of women prior to prescribing combined oral contraceptives was the least cost-effective strategy (ICER 202,402 pounds). Selective thrombophilia screening based on previous personal and/or family history of venous thromboembolism was more cost-effective than universal screening in all the patient groups evaluated.

Effect of Social Comparison Feedback on Laboratory Test Ordering for Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Ryskina, Kira; Jessica Dine, C; Gitelman, Yevgeniy; Leri, Damien; Patel, Mitesh; Kurtzman, Gregory; Lin, Lisa Y; Epstein, Andrew J

2018-05-22

Social comparison feedback is an increasingly popular strategy that uses performance report cards to modify physician behavior. Our objective was to test the effect of such feedback on the ordering of routine laboratory tests for hospitalized patients, a practice considered overused. This was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Between January and June 2016, physicians on six general medicine teams at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania were cluster randomized with equal allocation to two arms: (1) those e-mailed a summary of their routine laboratory test ordering vs. the service average for the prior week, linked to a continuously updated personalized dashboard containing patient-level details, and snapshot of the dashboard and (2) those who did not receive the intervention. The primary outcome was the count of routine laboratory test orders placed by a physician per patient-day. We modeled the count of orders by each physician per patient-day after the intervention as a function of trial arm and the physician's order count before the intervention. The count outcome was modeled using negative binomial models with adjustment for clustering within teams. One hundred and fourteen interns and residents participated. We did not observe a statistically significant difference in adjusted reduction in routine laboratory ordering between the intervention and control physicians (physicians in the intervention group ordered 0.14 fewer tests per patient-day than physicians in the control group, 95% CI - 0.56 to 0.27, p = 0.50). Physicians whose absolute ordering rate deviated from the peer rate by more than 1.0 laboratory test per patient-day reduced their laboratory ordering by 0.80 orders per patient-day (95% CI - 1.58 to - 0.02, p = 0.04). Personalized social comparison feedback on routine laboratory ordering did not change targeted behavior among physicians, although there was a significant decrease in orders among participants who deviated more from the peer rate. Clinicaltrials.gov registration: #NCT02330289.

Are patients in Western Turkey contented with healthcare services?: a quality assessment study.

PubMed

Kuguoglu, Sema; Aslan, Fatma Eti; Icli, Gülnur

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to describe service quality as perceived by 1200 patients who had inpatient treatment at 3 hospitals in Istanbul: university, social security administration, and government. Patients were most satisfied with the helpful attitudes of personnel during check-in procedures, promptness and skill of nurses, overall service provided by physicians, speedy and skilled work of personnel in laboratories and X-ray rooms, and hospitals in general.

Current worldwide nuclear cardiology practices and radiation exposure: results from the 65 country IAEA Nuclear Cardiology Protocols Cross-Sectional Study (INCAPS).

PubMed

Einstein, Andrew J; Pascual, Thomas N B; Mercuri, Mathew; Karthikeyan, Ganesan; Vitola, João V; Mahmarian, John J; Better, Nathan; Bouyoucef, Salah E; Hee-Seung Bom, Henry; Lele, Vikram; Magboo, V Peter C; Alexánderson, Erick; Allam, Adel H; Al-Mallah, Mouaz H; Flotats, Albert; Jerome, Scott; Kaufmann, Philipp A; Luxenburg, Osnat; Shaw, Leslee J; Underwood, S Richard; Rehani, Madan M; Kashyap, Ravi; Paez, Diana; Dondi, Maurizio

2015-07-07

To characterize patient radiation doses from nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and the use of radiation-optimizing 'best practices' worldwide, and to evaluate the relationship between laboratory use of best practices and patient radiation dose. We conducted an observational cross-sectional study of protocols used for all 7911 MPI studies performed in 308 nuclear cardiology laboratories in 65 countries for a single week in March-April 2013. Eight 'best practices' relating to radiation exposure were identified a priori by an expert committee, and a radiation-related quality index (QI) devised indicating the number of best practices used by a laboratory. Patient radiation effective dose (ED) ranged between 0.8 and 35.6 mSv (median 10.0 mSv). Average laboratory ED ranged from 2.2 to 24.4 mSv (median 10.4 mSv); only 91 (30%) laboratories achieved the median ED ≤ 9 mSv recommended by guidelines. Laboratory QIs ranged from 2 to 8 (median 5). Both ED and QI differed significantly between laboratories, countries, and world regions. The lowest median ED (8.0 mSv), in Europe, coincided with high best-practice adherence (mean laboratory QI 6.2). The highest doses (median 12.1 mSv) and low QI (4.9) occurred in Latin America. In hierarchical regression modelling, patients undergoing MPI at laboratories following more 'best practices' had lower EDs. Marked worldwide variation exists in radiation safety practices pertaining to MPI, with targeted EDs currently achieved in a minority of laboratories. The significant relationship between best-practice implementation and lower doses indicates numerous opportunities to reduce radiation exposure from MPI globally. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

[Unilocular cyst hydatid cases diagnosed between 1998-2005 in the Parasitology Laboratory of Yüzüncü Yıl University Research and Training Hospital].

PubMed

Yılmaz, Hasan; Cengiz, Zeynep Taş; Ciçek, Mutalip

2013-01-01

This study was carried out to contribute to the information of the spread of disease in our country by determining the distribution of cystic echinococcosis (CE) on people in our region and to demonstrate the importance of it for our region. In this study, the blood serum samples of a total of 558 patients, which were sent to the Parasitology Laboratory from several outpatient clinics of the Yüzüncü Yıl University Research and Training Hospital between 01.09.1998-01.09.2005, were evaluated in terms of CE by using Indirect Hemaglutination Test (IHA) or ELISA methods. 25.6% of a total of 558 cystic echinococcosis suspected patients were found to be seropositive by IHA or ELISA methods and it was confirmed that the cysts obtained as a result of the positive patients' surgery were unilocular cysts. In our study, seropositivity was found in 25.7% of 303 female patients, 25.5% of 255 male patients; 33.3% of 48 pediatric 8-15 age group patients and 24.9% of 510 adult patients over the age of 15 years. Cystic echinococcosis continues to be a major public health problem in the Van province. Large-scale prevention and control programs should be implemented against this disease.

Stakeholder perspectives on implementing a universal Lynch syndrome screening program: a qualitative study of early barriers and facilitators.

PubMed

Schneider, Jennifer L; Davis, James; Kauffman, Tia L; Reiss, Jacob A; McGinley, Cheryl; Arnold, Kathleen; Zepp, Jamilyn; Gilmore, Marian; Muessig, Kristin R; Syngal, Sapna; Acheson, Louise; Wiesner, Georgia L; Peterson, Susan K; Goddard, Katrina A B

2016-02-01

Evidence-based guidelines recommend that all newly diagnosed colon cancer be screened for Lynch syndrome (LS), but best practices for implementing universal tumor screening have not been extensively studied. We interviewed a range of stakeholders in an integrated health-care system to identify initial factors that might promote or hinder the successful implementation of a universal LS screening program. We conducted interviews with health-plan leaders, managers, and staff. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis began with a grounded approach and was also guided by the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). We completed 14 interviews with leaders/managers and staff representing involved clinical and health-plan departments. Although stakeholders supported the concept of universal screening, they identified several internal (organizational) and external (environment) factors that promote or hinder implementation. Facilitating factors included perceived benefits of screening for patients and organization, collaboration between departments, and availability of organizational resources. Barriers were also identified, including: lack of awareness of guidelines, lack of guideline clarity, staffing and program "ownership" concerns, and cost uncertainties. Analysis also revealed nine important infrastructure-type considerations for successful implementation. We found that clinical, laboratory, and administrative departments supported universal tumor screening for LS. Requirements for successful implementation may include interdepartmental collaboration and communication, patient and provider/staff education, and significant infrastructure and resource support related to laboratory processing and systems for electronic ordering and tracking.

PREFACE: Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Chaohui; Wang, Zhong Lin; Zhou, Bingkun

2011-02-01

The 3rd International Photonics and OptoElectronics Meeting (POEM 2010) was held from November 2-5, 2011, in Wuhan, China. POEM takes place annually, usually in November, with the aim of focusing on the key techniques of scientific frontiers and industry in the field of optoelectronics, understanding future trends as well as making the most of the industrial advantages of Wuhan - Optics Valley of China (OVC). POEM 2010 presented a plenary session and six parallel sessions. The latter comprised Laser Technology and Applications; Nano-enabled Energy Technologies and Materials; Optoelectronic Devices and Integration; Optoelectronic Sensing and Imaging; Solar Cells, Solid State Lighting and Information Display Technologies; and Tera-Hertz Science and Technology. 700 delegates from the field of optoelectronics - including world-famous experts, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs from more than 20 countries - attended the conference, among whom were 160 invited speakers. POEM 2010 once again received extensive praise for its intricate planning, rich contents, and the high-level and influential invited speakers which it attracted. Participants remarked that the presentations by the invited experts, the 'hot topic' discussions, students' posters, and the awards for papers were very engaging. They appreciated this valuable and beneficial opportunity for exchanging ideas with top photonics and optoelectronics experts. Our thanks are extended to the Conference Secretariat and Local Organizing Committee, who have been completely dedicated to their work, and who made the conference such a great success. We are also grateful for the financial support from 111 Project (B07038), and for the help with organization and coordination from Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Proceedings of POEM 2010234 papers were selected out of the 343 manuscripts submitted. The organizers of POEM 2010 are grateful to all the authors whose papers are being published in this volume of the Journal of Physics: Conference Series. The proceedings are divided into six sections according to different technical areas: Laser Technology and Applications (LTA) Nano-enabled Energy Technologies and Materials (NETM) Optoelectronic Devices and Integration (OEDI) Optoelectronic Sensing and Imaging (OSI) Solar Cells, Solid State Lighting and Information Display Technologies (SSID) Tera-Hertz Science and Technology (THST) Wuhan, PR ChinaDecember, 2010 Chaohui YeZhong Lin WangBingkun ZhouConference Chairs The 3rd International Photonics and OptoElectronics Meeting (POEM 2010)November 2-5, 2010Wuhan, China Supporters:Ministry of Education of China (MOE)State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA)National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Sponsors:Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)China Hubei Provincial Science Technology Department (HBSTD)Wuhan East Lake National Innovation Model Park Co-operating Societies:Institute of Physics (IOP)American Institute of Physics (AIP)International Biomedical Optics Society (IBOS)Laser Institute of America (LIA)Optical Society of America (OSA)IEEE Photonics Society (Singapore and Hongkong Chapters)Chinese Optical Society (COS) Organizer:Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (WNLO) 1. LASER TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS (LTA)Editors:Peixiang Lu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Katsumi Midorikawa, Extreme Photonics Research Group, RIKEN (Japan)Bernd Wilhelmi, Jenoptik AG, Jena (Germany) 2. NANO-ENABLED ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND MATERIALS (NETM)Editors:Zhong Lin Wang, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) and Georgia Institute of Technology (USA)Guozhen Shen, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) 3. OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES AND INTEGRATION (OEDI)Editors:Chinlon Lin, Bell Laboratory (USA)Jesper Moerk, Technical University of Denmark (Denmark)Xun Li, McMaster University (Canada)Xinliang Zhang, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Junqiang Sun, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) 4. OPTOELECTRONIC SENSING AND IMAGING (OSI)Editors:Kecheng Yang, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Pengcheng Li, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) 5. SOLAR CELLS, SOLID-STATE LIGHTING AND INFORMATION DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES (SSID)Editors:Hiroshi Amano, Meijo University (Japan)Yibing Cheng, Monash University (Australia)Jinzhong Yu, Institute of Semiconductor, CAS (China)Changqing Chen, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Hongwei Han, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Guoli Tu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) 6. TERA-HERTZ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (THST)Editors:Jianquan Yao, Tianjin University (China)Shenggang Liu, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (China)X C Zhang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA)Jinsong Liu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) International Advisory Committee:Yibing Cheng, Monash University (Australia)Stephen Z D Cheng, University of Akron (USA)Min Gu, Swinburne University of Technology (Australia)Andrew B Holmes, the University of Melbourne (Australia)Chinlon Lin, Bell Laboratory (retired, USA)Xun Li, McMaster University (Canada)Shenggang Liu, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (China)Jesper Moerk, Technical University of Denmark (Denmark)Dennis L Matthews, University of California, Davis (USA)Jiacong Shen, Jilin University (China)Ping Shum, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)Chester C T Shu, Chinese University of Hong Kong (China)Valery V Tuchin, Saratov State University (Russia)Bruce Tromberg, University of California/Irvine (USA)Peiheng Wu, University of Nanjing (China)Alan Willner, University of Southern California (USA)Lihong Wang, Washington University in St. Louis (USA)C P Wong, Georgia Institute of Technology (USA)Jianquan Yao, Tianjin University (China)Xi Zhang, Tsinghua University (China)X C Zhang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA) Program Committee:Qingming Luo, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) - ChairHiroshi Amano, Meijo University (Japan)Yibing Cheng, Monash University (Australia)Peixiang Lu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Ruxin Li, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (China)Chinlon Lin, Bell Laboratory (USA)Xun Li, McMaster University (Canada)Shenggang Liu, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (China)Katsumi Midorikawa, Extreme Photonics Research Group, RIKEN (Japan)Jesper Moerk, Technical University of Denmark (Denmark)Valery V Tuchin, Saratov State University (Russia)Lihong Wang, Washington University in St. Louis (USA)Zhong Lin Wang, Georgia Institute of Technology(USA)Jinzhong Yu, Institute of Semiconductor, CAS (China)Jianquan Yao, Tianjin University (China)X C Zhang, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (USA) Local Organizing committee:Lin Lin, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) - ChairSheng Lu, Administration Committee of Wuhan East Lake Hi-tech Development Zone (China) - ChairChangqing Chen, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Ling Fu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Hongwei Han, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Peixiang Lu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Pengcheng Li, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Jinsong Liu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Junqiang Sun, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Guozhen Shen, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Guoli Tu, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Kecheng Yang, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Xinliang Zhang, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China)Yuandi Zhao, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China) Local Secretariat:Xiaochun Xiao, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China)Weiwei Dong, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China)

Coastal Oceanography in the Beaufort Sea, Summer 1985.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-01

Laboratory University of Washington Li -- and 1: R. K. Perry The Arctic Submarine Laboratory Naval Ocean Systems Center 1. . .. DT IC .ELECTE J 27 V...Applied Physics Laboratory Arctic Submarine Laboratory University of Washington Naval Ocean Systems Center Seattle, Washington 98105 San Diego, California...Becker and G. R. Garrison N The Applied Physics Laboratory University of Washington and R. K. Perry The Arctic Submarine Laboratory Naval Ocean Systems

Evaluation of first-draw whole blood, point-of-care cardiac markers in the context of the universal definition of myocardial infarction: a comparison of a multimarker panel to troponin alone and to testing in the central laboratory.

PubMed

Lee-Lewandrowski, Elizabeth; Januzzi, James L; Grisson, Ricky; Mohammed, Asim A; Lewandrowski, Grant; Lewandrowski, Kent

2011-04-01

Previous studies evaluating point-of-care testing (POCT) for cardiac biomarkers did not use current recommendations for troponin cutoff values or recognize the recent universal definition of acute myocardial infarction. Traditionally, achieving optimal sensitivity for the detection of myocardial injury on initial presentation required combining cardiac troponin and/or creatine kinase isoenzyme MB with an early marker, usually myoglobin. In recent years, the performance of central laboratory combining cardiac troponin assays has improved significantly, potentially obviating the need for a multimarker panel to achieve optimum sensitivity. To compare 2 commonly used POCT strategies to a fourth generation, central laboratory cardiac troponin T assay on first-draw specimens from patients being evaluated for acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department. The 2 strategies included a traditional POCT multimarker panel and a newer POCT method using cardiac troponin I alone. Blood specimens from 204 patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and/or symptoms of myocardial ischemia were measured on the 2 POCT systems and by a central laboratory method. The diagnosis for each patient was determined by retrospective chart review. The cardiac troponin T assasy alone was more sensitive for acute myocardial infarction than the multimarker POCT panel with equal or better specificity. When compared with a POCT troponin I, the cardiac troponin T was also more sensitive, but this difference was not significant. The POCT troponin I alone also had the same sensitivity as the multimarker panel. Testing for combining cardiac troponin alone using newer, commercially available, central laboratory or POCT assays performed with equal or greater sensitivity to acute myocardial infarction as the older, traditional, multimarker panel. In the near future, high-sensitivity, central laboratory troponins will be available for routine clinical use. As a result, the quality gap between central laboratories and older POCT methods will continue to widen, unless the performance of the POCT methods is improved.

Consolidated clinical microbiology laboratories.

PubMed

Sautter, Robert L; Thomson, Richard B

2015-05-01

The manner in which medical care is reimbursed in the United States has resulted in significant consolidation in the U.S. health care system. One of the consequences of this has been the development of centralized clinical microbiology laboratories that provide services to patients receiving care in multiple off-site, often remote, locations. Microbiology specimens are unique among clinical specimens in that optimal analysis may require the maintenance of viable organisms. Centralized laboratories may be located hours from patient care settings, and transport conditions need to be such that organism viability can be maintained under a variety of transport conditions. Further, since the provision of rapid results has been shown to enhance patient care, effective and timely means for generating and then reporting the results of clinical microbiology analyses must be in place. In addition, today, increasing numbers of patients are found to have infection caused by pathogens that were either very uncommon in the past or even completely unrecognized. As a result, infectious disease specialists, in particular, are more dependent than ever on access to high-quality diagnostic information from clinical microbiology laboratories. In this point-counterpoint discussion, Robert Sautter, who directs a Charlotte, NC, clinical microbiology laboratory that provides services for a 40-hospital system spread over 3 states in the southeastern United States explains how an integrated clinical microbiology laboratory service has been established in a multihospital system. Richard (Tom) Thomson of the NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, IL, discusses some of the problems and pitfalls associated with large-scale laboratory consolidation. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

[VASCULITIDES IN CHILDHOOD: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A PERIOD FROM 2002 TO 2012 AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRICS, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTRE ZAGREB].

PubMed

Jelusić, Marija; Kostić, Lucija; Frković, Marijan; Davidović, Masa; Malcić, Ivan

2015-01-01

The aim of our study was to analyze clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment, course and outcome of different types of vasculitis in children. All children aged up to 18 years that have been diagnosed with a vasculitis disorder from 2002. to 2012. at the Department of Paediatric, University Hospital Centre Zagreb according to EULAR/PRES/PRINTO criteria were included in the study. Vasculitis was diagnosed in 180 children, 101 girls and 79 boys, mean age 7.19 ± 3.7 years, with an average follow-up of 5.58 ± 3.28 years. Most of the children (155 or 86%) were diagnosed with Henoch-Shönlein purpura (HSP), polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) was diagnosed in 6 children (3.3%), isolated cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis in 5 (2.8%), Takayasu arteritis (TA) and Kawasaki disease in 2 (1.1%) respectively, hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis in one patient (0.5%) and other types of vasculitis in 10 (5.5%) patients (vasculitides in systemic connective tissue disorders in 7 and unclassified vasculitides in 3 patients). All patients had elevated inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies (ANCA) were positive only in one patient, suffering from microscopic polyangiitis. Treatment modality in most patients were NSAIDs, while children with kidney or gastrointestinal system affection were treated with glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppresive drugs. Biological therapy (anti-CD20, rituximab) was used in patients with most severe symptoms. One child (0.56%), suffering from microscopic polyangiitis, died due to kidney failure during the follow-up. Forty patients (22.6%) had one disease relapse, while 6 (3.4%) had two relapses. In conclusion, we found some differences in laboratory parameters (e.g. lower incidence of elevated antistreptolysin O titer in HSP) and epidemiological data (e.g. higher prevalence of PAN in female children) in comparison to data from available studies, while other clinical features, laboratory findings, disease outcome and treatment were similar.

Implementation of a computer-assisted monitoring system for the detection of adverse drug reactions in gastroenterology.

PubMed

Dormann, H; Criegee-Rieck, M; Neubert, A; Egger, T; Levy, M; Hahn, E G; Brune, K

2004-02-01

To investigate the effectiveness of a computer monitoring system that detects adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by laboratory signals in gastroenterology. A prospective, 6-month, pharmaco-epidemiological survey was carried out on a gastroenterological ward at the University Hospital Erlangen-Nuremberg. Two methods were used to identify ADRs. (i) All charts were reviewed daily by physicians and clinical pharmacists. (ii) A computer monitoring system generated a daily list of automatic laboratory signals and alerts of ADRs, including patient data and dates of events. One hundred and nine ADRs were detected in 474 admissions (377 patients). The computer monitoring system generated 4454 automatic laboratory signals from 39 819 laboratory parameters tested, and issued 2328 alerts, 914 (39%) of which were associated with ADRs; 574 (25%) were associated with ADR-positive admissions. Of all the alerts generated, signals of hepatotoxicity (1255), followed by coagulation disorders (407) and haematological toxicity (207), were prevalent. Correspondingly, the prevailing ADRs were concerned with the metabolic and hepato-gastrointestinal system (61). The sensitivity was 91%: 69 of 76 ADR-positive patients were indicated by an alert. The specificity of alerts was increased from 23% to 76% after implementation of an automatic laboratory signal trend monitoring algorithm. This study shows that a computer monitoring system is a useful tool for the systematic and automated detection of ADRs in gastroenterological patients.

Pressure sores significantly increase the risk of developing a Fournier's gangrene in patients with spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Backhaus, M; Citak, M; Tilkorn, D-J; Meindl, R; Schildhauer, T A; Fehmer, T

2011-11-01

Retrospective chart review. The aim of our study was to evaluate the mortality rate and further specific risk factors for Fournier's gangrene in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Division of Spinal Cord Injury, BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. All patients with a SCI and a Fournier's gangrene treated in our hospital were enrolled in this study. Following parameters were taken form patients medical records: age, type of SCI, cause of Fournier's gangrene, number of surgical debridements, length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, co morbidity factors and mortality rate. In addition, laboratory parameter including the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score and microbiological findings were analyzed. Clinical diagnosis was made via histological examination. A total of 16 male patients (15 paraplegic and one tetraplegic) were included in the study. In 81% of all cases, the origin of Fournier's gangrene was a pressure sore. The median LRINEC score on admission was 6.5. In the vast majority of cases, a polybacterial infection was found. No patient died during the hospital stay. The mean number of surgical debridements before soft tissue closure was 1.9 and after a mean time interval of 39.1 days wound closure was performed in all patients. Pressure sores significantly increase the risk of developing Fournier's gangrene in patients with SCI. We reported the results of our patients to increase awareness among physicians and training staff working with patients with a SCI in order to expedite the diagnosis.

Embryo quality and implantation rate in two different culture media: ISM1 versus Universal IVF Medium.

PubMed

Xella, Susanna; Marsella, Tiziana; Tagliasacchi, Daniela; Giulini, Simone; La Marca, Antonio; Tirelli, Alessandra; Volpe, Annibale

2010-04-01

To compare the outcome of two different culture media marketed by the MediCult AS Company (Jyllinge, Denmark)-Universal IVF Medium and ISM1 Medium culture-which, in addition to glucose, pyruvate, and energy-providing components, also contain amino acids, nucleotides, vitamins, and cholesterol. Laboratory and retrospective clinical study. University teaching hospital. A total of 726 patients, undergoing IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure, comparable in mean age range, oocyte retrieval, and infertility indication, were included in the study. Laboratory quality and standard procedures were maintained unaffected. Oocyte retrieval, different embryo culture media. Embryo quality, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation rate. The frequency of good-quality embryos (79% vs. 74%) and the percentages of ongoing pregnancy (27.5% vs. 18%) and implantation rate (15% vs. 10%) were significantly higher in the group treated with ISM1 Medium rather than Universal IVF Medium. ISM1 Medium culture seems to improve the performance of embryonic growth and development, as well as increasing the percentage of pregnancy. Copyright 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Laboratory Assays in Evaluation of Lynch Syndrome in Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma.

PubMed

Djordjevic, Bojana; Broaddus, Russell R

2016-06-01

This article reviews the main tissue testing modalities for Lynch Syndrome in the pathology laboratory, such as immunohistochemistry and PCR based analyses, and discusses their routine application, interpretation pitfalls, and troubleshooting of common technical performance issues. Discrepancies between laboratory and genetic testing may arise, and are examined in the context of the complexity of molecular abnormalities associated with Lynch Syndrome. The merits of targeted versus universal screening in a changing healthcare climate are addressed. In the absence of comprehensive screening programs, specific tumor topography and histological features that may prompt pathologist-initiated molecular tumor testing are outlined. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Importance of clinical microbiologists for U.S. healthcare infrastructure.

PubMed

Carvalho, John

2011-01-01

Clinical microbiologists are highly skilled scientists within national hospitals and reference laboratories who diagnose patients with infections by emerging pathogens. Most advanced training for clinical microbiologists occurs at universities, where an individual can receive certification as a "Medical Laboratory Scientist" (MLS). Unfortunately, many MLS programs have closed in the United States and this has caused a shortage of clinical microbiologists at U.S. hospitals and reference laboratories. This paper explores the present crisis in MLS training and its ramifications for the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the economics of hospitals, and the overall health of the nation, and provides resolutions for better public health policy with respect to MLS education.

[Laboratory findings in patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome].

PubMed

Puljiz, Ivan; Kuzman, Ilija; Turcinov, Drago; Makek, Nikola; Markotić, Alemka

2005-01-01

To examine the frequency and distribution of hematologic and biochemical laboratory findings in 94 patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the epidemic year 2002. The following laboratory findings were retrospectively analyzed: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte count and differential percentage (segmented neutrophils, band neutrophils, atypical lymphocytes), platelet count, coagulation tests, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urine, potassium, bilirubin (BIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum protein electrophoresis. The study included 94 HFRS patients treated at the Dr Fran Mihaljević University Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Zagreb during 2002. ESR increase, mostly mild to moderate, was found in 86.2% of study patients. Increased CRP was recorded in 98.9% of study patients, however, one-fourth had CRP higher than 100 mg/L. Leukocytosis was recorded in 38.3% (10.1 +/- 4.2 x 10(9)/L), thrombocytopenia in 89.4% patients (68.2 +/- 48.3 x 10(9)/L), and severe thrombocytopenia (x 10(9)/L) in six patients. Three patients had abnormal coagulation tests. Increased values of BUN and creatinine were recorded in more than a half of patients, while only four patients had mild hyperkalemia. Only three patinets required hemodialysis. Mildly to moderately increased values of aminotransferases (AST, ALT, GT) were observed in more than 2/3; hypoalbuminaemia in nearly 1/3, and elevated alpha-2 fraction in more than 2/3 of patients. The majority of patients had pathologic urine findings. First laboratory abnormalities were usually found between day 5 and 7 of the disease (increased CRP level, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and elevation of hemoglobin and hematocrit). Biochemical abnormalities(elevation of cratinine and urea, increased levels of aminotransferases) usually occurred at the beginning of the second week, and ESR increase in the second week of disease. The majority of our patients had laboratory findings characteristic of HFRS. Thrombocytopenia and increased level of CRP were the most common laboratory findings during the first week of the disease. Renal and liver impairment occurred at the beginning of the second week of the disease.

Using health-system-wide data to understand hepatitis B virus prophylaxis and reactivation outcomes in patients receiving rituximab.

PubMed

Schmajuk, Gabriela; Tonner, Chris; Trupin, Laura; Li, Jing; Sarkar, Urmimala; Ludwig, Dana; Shiboski, Stephen; Sirota, Marina; Dudley, R Adams; Murray, Sara; Yazdany, Jinoos

2017-03-01

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in the setting of rituximab use is a potentially fatal but preventable safety event. The rate of HBV screening and proportion of patients at risk who receive antiviral prophylaxis in patients initiating rituximab is unknown.We analyzed electronic health record (EHR) data from 2 health systems, a university center and a safety net health system, including diagnosis grouper codes, problem lists, medications, laboratory results, procedures codes, clinical encounter notes, and scanned documents. We identified all patients who received rituximab between 6/1/2012 and 1/1/2016. We calculated the proportion of rituximab users with inadequate screening for HBV according to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for detecting latent HBV infection before their first rituximab infusion during the study period. We also assessed the proportion of patients with positive hepatitis B screening tests who were prescribed antiviral prophylaxis. Finally, we characterized safety failures and adverse events.We included 926 patients from the university and 132 patients from the safety net health system. Sixty-one percent of patients from the university had adequate screening for HBV compared with 90% from the safety net. Among patients at risk for reactivation based on results of HBV testing, 66% and 92% received antiviral prophylaxis at the university and safety net, respectively.We found wide variations in hepatitis B screening practices among patients receiving rituximab, resulting in unnecessary risks to patients. Interventions should be developed to improve patient safety procedures in this high-risk patient population.

Clinical features and laboratory findings of dengue fever in German travellers: A single-centre, retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Tavakolipoor, Pulad; Schmidt-Chanasit, Jonas; Burchard, Gerd Dieter; Jordan, Sabine

2016-01-01

Dengue fever (DF) is one of the most relevant human arboviral infections worldwide and has become a frequent cause of fever in the returning traveller. This retrospective study aimed to characterize epidemiological and clinical features and laboratory findings of dengue fever in German travellers. This descriptive study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with DF presenting at the Section of Tropical Medicine of the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf from 2007 to 2011. Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. In total, data of 119 DF patients (52 female, 67 male) were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 35 (range 15-75 years). DF was most frequently acquired in South-East Asia (n = 65; 54.7%), and in particular in Thailand (n = 23; 19.7%). A considerable percentage of DF infections (n = 14; 11.8%) was imported from Africa. Patients predominantly presented with fever, headache, rash, myalgia and arthralgia but also with gastrointestinal symptoms, i.e. diarrhoea. Nine patients showed signs of minor haemorrhagic manifestations. Neurological complications occurred in 13 patients. Low platelet count, leukopenia and elevated liver enzymes were the most relevant laboratory findings. Twenty patients (17.8%) had to be hospitalized. Overall, the clinical course was mostly mild to moderate, 13 patients (10.9%) showed DF warnings signs, no fatalities occurred. DF presented as a mostly mild to moderate disease in this study cohort. Outpatient treatment was adequate for the majority of patients. Still, detailed knowledge of clinical symptoms and laboratory features is essential for appropriate triage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical pathologist in Korea--training program and its roles in laboratories.

PubMed

Cho, Han-Ik; Lee, Kap No; Park, Jong-Woo; Park, Hyosoon; Kwak, Yun Sik

2002-01-01

A rapid development of practice of laboratory medicine in Korea owes its success to the clinical pathologists (CP), who have played a role of a pathfinder for laboratories. The Korean CP postgraduate education (residency) program is unique in that it is exclusively for laboratory medicine. The training program for clinical pathologists includes diagnostic hematology, diagnostic immunology, clinical microbiology, clinical chemistry, blood bank, diagnostic genetics, informatics and laboratory management. The program has produced a strong group of about 600 laboratory physicians, officially clinical pathologists since 1963. Most of Korean clinical pathologists work as laboratory directors, directors of university hospital laboratories or teaching faculty members in medical schools. The roles of clinical pathologists are laboratory management, interpretation of laboratory test results, clinical consulting services to clinicians and patients, ordering secondary tests after reviews of requested test results and utilization management. The clinical pathologists have developed clinical laboratories to be a main contributor for improved medical practice. During the last 40 years under the turbulent healthcare system, clinical pathologists have significantly contributed to safeguard the laboratory interests. The education program and the role of clinical pathologists are described.

Stress-induced laboratory eating behavior in obese women with binge eating disorder.

PubMed

Schulz, S; Laessle, R G

2012-04-01

Aim of the study was to compare the microstructural eating behavior of obese patients with and without binge eating disorder (BED) after stress induction in laboratory. Seventy-one female subjects were investigated (mean BMI 36.9). Thirty-five fulfilled criteria for BED. A 2×2 factorial design with repeated measurement (stress vs. no stress) on the second factor was applied. Stress was induced by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and chocolate pudding served as laboratory food. Variables of eating behavior were measured by a universal eating monitor (UEM). Only in participants with BED stress was associated with an increase in the initial eating rate and a diminished deceleration of eating at the end of the meal. Generally, BED subjects ate with larger size of spoonfuls during the laboratory meal than non BED controls. The eating behavior of obese patients with binge eating disorder seems to be significantly affected by stress. The stress-induced eating behavior of BED patients is characterized by a stronger motivation to eat (indicated by a fast initial eating rate) as well as by a lack of satiety perception (indicated by less deceleration of eating rate). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of deranged C-reactive protein and albumin in patients with incurable cancer approaching death.

PubMed

Gray, Sarah; Axelsson, Bertil

2018-01-01

Amongst patients with incurable cancer approaching death, cachexia is common and associated with adverse outcomes. The term cachexia lacks a universally accepted definition and there is no consensus regarding which variables are to be measured. Furthermore, an elevated C-reactive protein is a common clinical challenge in this patient group. This study aims to add to the ongoing discussion regarding the definition of cancer cachexia and to study the role of C-reactive protein and s-albumin in this context. A 1-year cohort, consisting of 155 cancer patients enrolled in a specialized palliative home care team in the city of Östersund, Sweden, that were deceased during the year of 2015 was studied. Laboratory measures were studied within 0-30 and 31-60 days prior to death. C-reactive protein >10 mg/L and coinciding s-albumin <30 g/L was referred to as "laboratory cachexia". Also, the number of days from the first found "laboratory cachexia" until death was noted. The prevalence of "laboratory cachexia" was 85% 0-30 days prior to death compared to 66% 31-60 days prior to death (p<0.01). The majority of patients (75%) had an onset of "laboratory cachexia" within 0-120 days prior to death, with a median of 47 days. The median values for C-reactive protein and s-albumin within 0-30 days prior to death were 84mg/L and 23g/L respectively. Could markedly deranged values of C-reactive protein and s-albumin, such as found in this study, signal a relatively short remaining survival time in patients with incurable cancer and no clinical signs of ongoing infection? The role of "laboratory cachexia" in this context as well as the cut off values for the laboratory measures included may be further discussed.

Biomedical research, development, and engineering at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Annual report 1 October 1978-30 September 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Medical Institutions of The Johns Hopkins University and The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have developed a vigorous collaborative program of biomedical research, development, and systems engineering. An important objective of the program is to apply the expertise in engineering, the physical sciences, and systems analysis acquired by APL in defense and space research and development to problems of medical research and health care delivery. This program has grown to include collaboration with many of the clinical and basic science departments of the medical divisions. Active collaborative projects exist in ophthalmology, neurosensory research and instrumentation development, cardiovascular systems,more » patient monitoring, therapeutic and rehabilitation systems, clinical information systems, and clinical engineering. This application of state-of-the-art technology has contributed to advances in many areas of basic medical research and in clinical diagnosis and therapy through improvement of instrumentation, techniques, and basic understanding.« less

Maintenance of Clinical Expertise and Clinical Research by the Clinical Professors at Gifu Pharmaceutical University.

PubMed

Tachi, Tomoya; Noguchi, Yoshihiro; Teramachi, Hitomi

2017-01-01

The clinical professors at Gifu Pharmaceutical University (GPU) provide pharmaceutical services at GPU Pharmacy, Gifu University Hospital, and Gifu Municipal Hospital to keep their clinical skills up-to-date; they also perform clinical research in collaboration with many clinical institutes. The Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy is part of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, to which the clinical professors belong, and is composed of three clinical professors (a professor, an associate professor, and an assistant professor). The professor administers the GPU Pharmacy as its director, while the associate professor and assistant professor provide pharmaceutical services to patients at Gifu Municipal Hospital, and also provide practical training for students in the GPU Pharmacy. Collectively, they have performed research on such topics as medication education for students, clinical communication education, and analysis of clinical big data. They have also conducted research in collaboration with clinical institutes, hospitals, and pharmacies. Here, we introduce the collaborative research between the Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Gifu Municipal Hospital. These studies include "Risk factors contributing to urinary protein expression resulting from bevacizumab combination chemotherapy", "Hyponatremia and hypokalemia as risk factors for falls", "Economic evaluation of adjustments of levofloxacin dosage by dispensing pharmacists for patients with renal dysfunction", and "Effect of patient education upon discharge for use of a medication notebook on purchasing over-the-counter drugs and health foods". In this symposium, we would like to demonstrate one model of the association and collaborative research between these clinical professors and clinical institutes.

Providing critical laboratory results on time, every time to help reduce emergency department length of stay: how our laboratory achieved a Six Sigma level of performance.

PubMed

Blick, Kenneth E

2013-08-01

To develop a fully automated core laboratory, handling samples on a "first in, first out" real-time basis with Lean/Six Sigma management tools. Our primary goal was to provide services to critical care areas, eliminating turnaround time outlier percentage (TAT-OP) as a factor in patient length of stay (LOS). A secondary goal was to achieve a better laboratory return on investment. In 2011, we reached our primary goal when we calculated the TAT-OP distribution and found we had achieved a Six Sigma level of performance, ensuring that our laboratory service can be essentially eliminated as a factor in emergency department patient LOS. We also measured return on investment, showing a productivity improvement of 35%, keeping pace with our increased testing volume. As a result of our Lean process improvements and Six Sigma initiatives, in part through (1) strategic deployment of point-of-care testing and (2) core laboratory total automation with robotics, middleware, and expert system technology, physicians and nurses at the Oklahoma University Medical Center can more effectively deliver lifesaving health care using evidence-based protocols that depend heavily on "on time, every time" laboratory services.

External quality assurance performance of clinical research laboratories in sub-saharan Africa.

PubMed

Amukele, Timothy K; Michael, Kurt; Hanes, Mary; Miller, Robert E; Jackson, J Brooks

2012-11-01

Patient Safety Monitoring in International Laboratories (JHU-SMILE) is a resource at Johns Hopkins University that supports and monitors laboratories in National Institutes of Health-funded international clinical trials. To determine the impact of the JHU-SMILE quality assurance scheme in sub-Saharan African laboratories, we reviewed 40 to 60 months of external quality assurance (EQA) results of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) in these laboratories. We reviewed the performance of 8 analytes: albumin, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, sodium, WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the human immunodeficiency virus antibody rapid test. Over the 40- to 60-month observation period, the sub-Saharan laboratories had a 1.63% failure rate, which was 40% lower than the 2011 CAP-wide rate of 2.8%. Seventy-six percent of the observed EQA failures occurred in 4 of the 21 laboratories. These results demonstrate that a system of remote monitoring, feedback, and audits can support quality in low-resource settings, even in places without strong regulatory support for laboratory quality.

US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing: Software Overview

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

ARL-TN-0847 ● Sep 2017 US Army Research Laboratory US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing...Destroy this report when it is no longer needed. Do not return it to the originator. ARL-TN-0847 ● Sep 2017 US Army Research Laboratory...US Army Research Laboratory and University of Notre Dame Distributed Sensing: Software Overview by Neal Tesny Sensors and Electron Devices

Review of thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients attending Cork University Hospital.

PubMed

Byrne, Stephen; Weaver, Daniel Timothy

2013-06-01

Although preventable, venous thromboembolism remains a common cause of hospital acquired morbidity and mortality. Guidelines, such as the one produced by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), are aimed at reducing hospital associated venous thromboemboli. Unfortunately the majority of studies have revealed inadequate adherence to these guidelines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at Cork University Hospital. Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. Data from the patient's chart, drug kardex and laboratory results were recorded during April 2010. A Caprini score, a venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment tool, was subsequently calculated for each patient based on data collected. Appropriate prophylaxis was determined after examining data collected, Caprini score and prophylactic regime according to the ACCP 8th edition guidelines. Primary outcome was to analyse adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines. A total of 394 patients met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed, of which, 60% (n = 236) were medical and 37% (n = 146) were surgical patients. In total 63% of patients received some form of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Furthermore, 54% of medical and 76% of surgical patients received prophylaxis. However only 37% of the patients studied received appropriate thromboprophylaxis according to the ACCP 8th edition guidelines (Geerts et al. in chest 133(6 Suppl):381S-453S, 2008). Additionally 51% of surgical and 27% of medical patients received appropriate prophylaxis. Data collected from Cork University Hospital revealed poor adherence to international venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines. As stated in the ACCP 8th edition guidelines, every hospital should develop a formal strategy for venous thromboembolism prevention (Geerts et al. in chest 133(6 Suppl):381S-453S, 2008). In order to improve adherence to guidelines, Cork University Hospital should develop, implement and re-evaluate a specific protocol for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

40 CFR 262.101 - What is in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... definitions that apply to the University laboratories. It contains specific requirements for how to handle... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project... framework for a new management system for wastes that are generated in University laboratories. This...

40 CFR 262.101 - What is in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... definitions that apply to the University laboratories. It contains specific requirements for how to handle... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project... framework for a new management system for wastes that are generated in University laboratories. This...

40 CFR 262.101 - What is in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... definitions that apply to the University laboratories. It contains specific requirements for how to handle... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project... framework for a new management system for wastes that are generated in University laboratories. This...

40 CFR 262.101 - What is in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... definitions that apply to the University laboratories. It contains specific requirements for how to handle... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project... framework for a new management system for wastes that are generated in University laboratories. This...

Evaluation of patients diagnosed with fascioliasis: A six-year experience at a university hospital in Turkey.

PubMed

Boşnak, Vuslat Keçik; Karaoğlan, İlkay; Sahin, Handan Haydaroğlu; Namiduru, Mustafa; Pehlivan, Mustafa; Okan, Vahap; Mete, Ayşe Özlem

2016-04-28

In this study, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and serological examinations of fascioliasis patients were analyzed, and data with a significant impact on differential diagnosis were evaluated. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings and treatment responses of a total of 22 fascioliasis patients, treated between October 2009 and September 2014, were evaluated. Nineteen patients were diagnosed with fascioliasis at the invasive phase and three patients at the chronic phase. Patients were followed up for clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings for a period of three months to one year after treatment. The most frequent complaints in both groups were abdominal pain, and the most common physical examination finding was epigastric tenderness. In the performed examination, an eosinophil elevation in whole blood count was detected in 19 patients (100%) in the hepatic phase, and in 2 patients (66.6%) in the biliary phase. The results of the Fasciola hepatica indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test ordered in the diagnosis were positive in all patients. Treatment with 10 mg/kg/day triclabendazole for two consecutive days was effective. Live parasites were extracted from patients in the biliary phase with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In the follow-ups, remission in IHA titer and clinical and radiological improvement was achieved in all patients. If hypereosinophilia is detected by peripheral smear in patients who are admitted with complaints such as abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, myalgia, and weight loss, radiological evaluation and serological tests should be performed and fascioliasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Intelligent Maintenance Training Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-31

Psychology Knowledge Systems Laboratory University of California Stanford University Berkeley, CA 94720 701 Welch Road Palo Alto, CA 94304 Dr. Milton S ...David S . Surmon James Wogulis 0 Behavioral Technology Laboratories Department of Psychology University of Southern California Sponsored by Office of...Munro Quentin A. Pizzini David S . Surmon James Wogulis March 1988 U Technical Report No. 110 Behavioral Technology Laboratories University of Southern

75 FR 48939 - National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory of Michigan State University; Notice of Decision on...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-12

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory of Michigan State University; Notice of Decision on Applications for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific... Cyclotron Laboratory of Michigan State University. Instrument: Radio Frequency Quadropole Accelerator (RFQ...

Three-year customer satisfaction survey in laboratory medicine in a Chinese university hospital.

PubMed

Guo, Siqi; Duan, Yifei; Liu, Xiaojuan; Jiang, Yongmei

2018-04-25

Customer satisfaction is a key quality indicator of laboratory service. Patients and physicians are the ultimate customers in medical laboratory, and their opinions are essential components in developing a customer-oriented laboratory. A longitudinal investigation of customer satisfaction was conducted through questionnaires. We designed two different questionnaires and selected 1200 customers (600 outpatients and 600 physicians) to assess customer satisfaction every other year from 2012 to 2016. Items with scores <4 were considered unsatisfactory, and corrective actions should be taken. The completion rates of physicians were 96.8% in 2012, 97% in 2014 and 96.5% in 2016, whereas the rates of patients were 95.3%, 96.2% and 95.2%, respectively. In 2012, the most dissatisfaction items were test turnaround time (3.77 points) and service attitude (3.87 points) from physicians, whereas waiting time (3.58 points) and examination environment (3.64 points) were the most dissatisfaction items from patients. After corrective actions were taken, the result of satisfaction in 2014 was better, which illustrated our strategy was effective. However, some items remained to be less than 4, so we repeated the survey after modifying questionnaires in 2016. However, the general satisfaction points of the physicians and patients reduced in 2016, which reminded us of some influential factors we had neglected. By using dynamic survey of satisfaction, we can continuously find deficiencies in our laboratory services and take suitable corrective actions, thereby improving our service quality.

40 CFR 262.104 - What are the minimum performance criteria?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories... criteria? The Minimum Performance Criteria that each University must meet in managing its Laboratory Waste are: (a) Each University must label all laboratory waste with the general hazard class and either the...

40 CFR 262.104 - What are the minimum performance criteria?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories... criteria? The Minimum Performance Criteria that each University must meet in managing its Laboratory Waste are: (a) Each University must label all laboratory waste with the general hazard class and either the...

40 CFR 262.104 - What are the minimum performance criteria?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories... criteria? The Minimum Performance Criteria that each University must meet in managing its Laboratory Waste are: (a) Each University must label all laboratory waste with the general hazard class and either the...

40 CFR 262.105 - What must be included in the laboratory environmental management plan?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.105 What must be included in the laboratory environmental management plan? (a) Each University must include specific... laboratory environmental management plan? 262.105 Section 262.105 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL...

Preservice laboratory education strengthening enhances sustainable laboratory workforce in Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background There is a severe healthcare workforce shortage in sub Saharan Africa, which threatens achieving the Millennium Development Goals and attaining an AIDS-free generation. The strength of a healthcare system depends on the skills, competencies, values and availability of its workforce. A well-trained and competent laboratory technologist ensures accurate and reliable results for use in prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases. Methods An assessment of existing preservice education of five medical laboratory schools, followed by remedial intervention and monitoring was conducted. The remedial interventions included 1) standardizing curriculum and implementation; 2) training faculty staff on pedagogical methods and quality management systems; 3) providing teaching materials; and 4) procuring equipment for teaching laboratories to provide practical skills to complement didactic education. Results A total of 2,230 undergraduate students from the five universities benefitted from the standardized curriculum. University of Gondar accounted for 252 of 2,230 (11.3%) of the students, Addis Ababa University for 663 (29.7%), Jimma University for 649 (29.1%), Haramaya University for 429 (19.2%) and Hawassa University for 237 (10.6%) of the students. Together the universities graduated 388 and 312 laboratory technologists in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic year, respectively. Practical hands-on training and experience with well-equipped laboratories enhanced and ensured skilled, confident and competent laboratory technologists upon graduation. Conclusions Strengthening preservice laboratory education is feasible in resource-limited settings, and emphasizing its merits (ample local capacity, country ownership and sustainability) provides a valuable source of competent laboratory technologists to relieve an overstretched healthcare system. PMID:24164781

Developing Therapies for Brain Tumors: The Impact of the Johns Hopkins Hunterian Neurosurgical Research Laboratory.

PubMed

Brem, Henry; Sankey, Eric W; Liu, Ann; Mangraviti, Antonella; Tyler, Betty M

2017-01-01

The Johns Hopkins Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine was created in 1904 by Harvey Cushing and William Halsted and has had a long history of fostering surgical training, encouraging basis science research, and facilitating translational application. Over the past 30 years, the laboratory has addressed the paucity of brain tumor therapies. Pre-clinical work from the laboratory led to the development of carmustine wafers with initial US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1996. Combining carmustine wafers, radiation, and temozolomide led to a significant increase in the median survival of patients with glioblastoma. The laboratory has also developed microchips and immunotherapy to further extend survival in this heretofore underserved population. These achievements were made possible by the dedication, commitment, and creativity of more than 300 trainees of the Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory. The laboratory demonstrates the beneficial influence of research experience as well its substantial impact on the field of biomedical research.

Could Alerting Physicians for Low Alkaline Phosphatase Levels Be Helpful in Early Diagnosis of Hypophosphatasia?

PubMed

Deeb, Asma; Elfatih, Abubaker

2018-03-01

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn error of metabolism with significant morbidity and mortality. Its presentation is nonspecific leading to delayed or missed diagnosis. Low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a diagnostic test. Unlike high ALP, low level is commonly not flagged by laboratories as abnormal. A new treatment was shown to be effective in HPP. In this study we aimed to establish the frequency of low ALP levels requiring notification to physicians by the laboratory and also to describe the clinical manifestations of patients presenting with low ALP for a possible diagnosis of HPP. Patients under age 18 years with low ALP levels were identified from biochemistry records over a period of 6 months. Reference ranges were used as per the Associated Regional and University Pathologists Reference Laboratory (Utah, USA). Electronic results for patients with low levels were checked for flagging as abnormal/low ALP results. Charts of identified patients were reviewed. Presenting features were categorized under groups of disorders. ALP levels were tested in 2890 patients. 702 had values less than 160 U/L. Of these patients, 226 (32%) had age/gender specific low ALP. None of the low ALP results was flagged as low. Twenty-one had more than one low reading and their charts were reviewed. Four patients in the neuromuscular and four in the miscellaneous group presented with features consistent with HPP despite these patients having no specific diagnoses. Laboratories do not alert physicians in cases with low ALP levels. A persistently low level in patients with unspecified diagnoses could be a key to diagnose HPP. Implementing lab-specific ranges and alerting for low levels could prompt physicians to investigate for undiagnosed HPP.

Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-associated disease at University Hospital Basel including molecular characterisation of the isolates 2006-2007.

PubMed

Fenner, L; Frei, R; Gregory, M; Dangel, M; Stranden, A; Widmer, A F

2008-12-01

A prospective study was conducted during a one-year period between 2006 and 2007 to describe the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) at University Hospital Basel, Switzerland (UHBS) and to determine phenotypic and genotypic features of C. difficile strains isolated at the Microbiology Laboratory UHBS including strains from regional non-university hospitals. We prospectively identified 78 CDAD cases at UHBS with an incidence of 2.65/1,000 hospitalised patients or 2.3/10,000 patient-days. Sixteen patients (20.5%) were infected with clindamycin-resistant strains of PCR-ribotype 027 during an outbreak at the geriatric hospital. Among 124 single-patient isolates, 28 (22.6%) were resistant to moxifloxacin and 34 (27.4%) were resistant to clindamycin, but all remained susceptible to metronidazole and vancomycin. Of 102 toxigenic isolates, 19 (18.7%) had an 18-bp deletion in the tcdC gene, eight (7.8%) a 39-bp deletion, and one (1.0%) a 54-bp deletion. Genes for binary toxin were present in 27 (21.8%). PCR-ribotype 027 was associated with older age (median age 83.5 vs. 65.5 years, p < 0.0001) and longer duration of hospitalisation before onset of disease (median 15.5 vs. 9 days, p = 0.014) with a trend towards higher crude mortality, more severe disease, and previous use of macrolides compared to ribotype non-027. Overall, severe disease correlated with use of a nasogastric tube and surprisingly shorter duration of hospitalisation before onset of disease. Today, laboratory-based and epidemiological surveillance systems are required to monitor CDAD cases and emergence of new epidemic strains.

Review of Army Research Laboratory Programs for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academies Press, 2014

2014-01-01

"Review of Army Research Laboratory Programs for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions" examines the ways in which historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions have used the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) funds to enhance the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics…

Training medical students to communicate with a linguistic minority group.

PubMed

Drouin, Jeanne; Rivet, Christine

2003-06-01

Effective communication is central to a successful physician-patient relationship. Communication is usually enhanced when the linguistic and cultural attributes of patients are incorporated in health care delivery. With this purpose in mind, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa has developed a French-language stream to train future physicians for the francophone minority population of Ontario. As part of this project, a communication skills laboratory was created for francophone students in 1996, since all three tertiary care teaching hospitals operated in English only. The laboratory consists of a controlled environment where francophone students conduct interviews in French while being observed by clinicians trained in observation and feedback techniques. It makes use of simulated patients trained to play specific roles and to give feedback to students. Laboratory sessions take place throughout the first and second years and expose students to 15 scenarios covering different themes in each year. Each scenario includes a communication problem. Facilities are in place for filming the encounters for review by students. The project has had favorable outcomes. Both students and clinician-supervisors find that the laboratory offers an excellent learning environment and describe the cases as realistic and instructive. Clerkship preceptors are pleased with the students' communication skills. Because of the success of the laboratory, faculty authorities plan to translate the scenarios and offer similar sessions to students in the English-language stream. The teaching methods used in the communication skills laboratory may be of interest to other medical schools that serve linguistic minority populations.

Implementation science: the laboratory as a command centre.

PubMed

Boeras, Debrah I; Nkengasong, John N; Peeling, Rosanna W

2017-03-01

Recent advances in point-of-care technologies to ensure universal access to affordable quality-assured diagnostics have the potential to transform patient management, surveillance programmes, and control of infectious diseases. Decentralization of testing can put tremendous stresses on fragile health systems if the laboratory is not involved in the planning, introduction, and scale-up strategies. The impact of investments in novel technologies can only be realized if these tests are evaluated, adopted, and scaled up within the healthcare system with appropriate planning and understanding of the local contexts in which these technologies will be used. In this digital age, the laboratory needs to take on the role of the Command Centre for technology introduction and implementation. Implementation science is needed to understand the political, cultural, economic, and behavioural context for technology introduction. The new paradigm should include: building a comprehensive system of laboratories and point-of-care testing sites to provide quality-assured diagnostic services with good laboratory-clinic interface to build trust in test results and linkage to care; building and coordinating a comprehensive national surveillance and communication system for disease control and global health emergencies; conducting research to monitor the impact of new tools and interventions on improving patient care.

Implementation of Epic Beaker Clinical Pathology at Stanford University Medical Center.

PubMed

Tan, Brent T; Fralick, Jennifer; Flores, William; Schrandt, Cary; Davis, Vicki; Bruynell, Tom; Wilson, Lisa; Christopher, John; Weber, Shirley; Shah, Neil

2017-03-01

To provide an account of implementation of the Epic Beaker 2014 clinical pathology module at Stanford University Medical Center and highlight strengths and weaknesses of the system. Based on a formal selection process, Stanford selected Epic Beaker to replace Sunquest as the clinical laboratory information system (LIS). The rationale included integration between the LIS and already installed Epic electronic medical record (EMR), reduction in the number of systems and interfaces, and positive patient identification (PPID). The build was significantly customized and included a first of its kind Epic-to-Epic interface. This was due to the clinical laboratory serving two hospitals (pediatric and adult) with independent instances of Epic. Test turnaround times showed improvement from historical baselines, mostly because of the implementation of PPID. PPID also resulted in significant reduction in mislabeled specimens. Epic 2014 Beaker clinical pathology is a viable LIS with adequate functionality for a large academic center. Strengths include PPID and integration with the EMR. Integration provides laboratory users with ready access to the patient's relevant clinical history to assist releasing of results and gives physician and nurse providers sophisticated add-on ordering and specimen collection workflows. Areas that could use further development include specimen aliquoting, quality control reporting, and maintenance tools. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

[The distribution of intestinal parasites in people admitted to the Yüzüncü Yıl University Parasitology Laboratory of Health Research and Training Hospital, in 2009].

PubMed

Yılmaz, Hasan; Taş-Cengiz, Zeynep; Ceylan, Abdulkadir; Ekici, Abdurrahman

2012-01-01

This study was performed to present the distribution of intestinal parasites in parients admitted to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Health Research and Training Hospital of Yüzüncü Yıl University in 2009. A total of 6267 patients (3037 female, 3230 male; 3798 of 13 years and under, 2469 of 14 years and over) were included. The stool samples were examined by native-Lugol, flotation and sedimentation methods in the Parasitology Laboratory of the hospital. Trichrome and modified acid-fast staining methods were also applied to suspicious stools. One or more than one parasite species were found in 28.5% of 6267 examined stool samples. Parasitosis was determined in 28% of female and 29% of male. Distribution of the parasites determined in the patients was as follows: 15.4% Blastocystis hominis, 6.6% Giardia intestinalis, 4.9% Entamoeba coli, 3.2% plenty B. hominis, 1.7% Chilomastix mesnili, 1.3% Hymenolepis nana, 0.7% Iodamoeba butschlii, 0.5% Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.1% Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, 0.1% Endolimax nana, 0.1% Enteromonas hominis, 0.1% Trichomonas hominis, 0.1% Cyclospora cayetanensis, 0.1% Enterobius vermicularis, 0.03% Entamoeba hartmanni, 0.03% Dicrocoelium dendriticum,0.03% Taenia saginata and 0.02% Trichuris trichiura. This research shows that the intestinal parasitosis problem still continues in the province.

Study Finds Dual Inhibition Therapy May Lead to Better Outcomes for Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer | Poster

Cancer.gov

A collaboration between the National Cancer Institute (NCI); the Frederick National Laboratory (FNL); and the National University of Ireland, Galway, has shown that two key biomarkers are co-expressed in an aggressive subtype of breast cancer and that inhibiting those two molecules can significantly improve patient survival outcomes.

Randomized clinical trial of nutritional counseling for malnourished hospital patients.

PubMed

Casals, C; García-Agua-Soler, N; Vázquez-Sánchez, M Á; Requena-Toro, M V; Padilla-Romero, L; Casals-Sánchez, J L

2015-01-01

Malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, longer hospital stays and general loss of quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of dietary counseling for malnourished hospital patients. Prospective, randomized, open-label study of 106 hospital patients with malnutrition (54 in the control group and 52 in the intervention group). The intervention group received dietary counseling, and the control group underwent standard treatment. We determined the patients' nutritional state (body mass index, laboratory parameters, malnutrition universal screening tool), degree of dependence (Barthel index), quality of life (SF-12), degree of satisfaction (CSQ-8), the number and length of readmissions and mortality. The patients who underwent the "intervention" increased their weight at 6 months, while the controls lost weight (difference in body mass index, 2.14kg/m(2); p<.001). The intervention group had better results when compared with the control group in the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool scores (difference, -1.29; p<.001), Barthel index (difference, 7.49; p=.025), SF-12 (difference, 13.72; p<.001) and CSQ-8 (difference, 4.34, p<.001) and required fewer readmissions (difference, -0.37; p=.04) and shorter stays for readmissions (difference, -6.75; p=.035). Mortality and laboratory parameters were similar for the 2 groups. Nutritional counseling improved the patients' nutritional state, quality of life and degree of dependence and decreased the number of hospital readmissions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

The AAPT Advanced Laboratory Task Force Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunham, Jeffrey

2008-04-01

In late 2005, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) assembled a seven-member Advanced Laboratory Task Force^ to recommend ways that AAPT could increase the degree and effectiveness of its interactions with physics teachers of upper-division physics laboratories, with the ultimate goal of improving the teaching of advanced laboratories. The task force completed its work during the first half of 2006 and its recommendations were presented to the AAPT Executive Committee in July 2006. This talk will present the recommendations of the task force and actions taken by AAPT in response to them. The curricular goals of the advanced laboratory course at various institutions will also be discussed. The talk will conclude with an appeal to the APS membership to support ongoing efforts to revitalize advanced laboratory course instruction. ^Members of the Advanced Laboratory Task Force: Van Bistrow, University of Chicago; Bob DeSerio, University of Florida; Jeff Dunham, Middlebury College (Chair); Elizabeth George, Wittenburg University; Daryl Preston, California State University, East Bay; Patricia Sparks, Harvey Mudd College; Gerald Taylor, James Madison University; and David Van Baak, Calvin College.

Using Cluster Analysis to Characterize Meaningful Learning in a First-Year University Chemistry Laboratory Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galloway, Kelli R.; Bretz, Stacey Lowery

2015-01-01

The Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI) was designed to measure students' cognitive and affective learning in the university chemistry laboratory. The MLLI was administered at the beginning and the end of the first semester to first-year university chemistry students to measure their expectations and experiences for learning in…

Pension fund activities at Department laboratories managed by the University of California. [Contains Management and Auditor Comments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-09-18

The Department of Energy's (Department) Office of Contractor Human Resource Management, and San Francisco and Albuquerque Field Offices have responsibility for contract administration of the Department's interest in two separate pension plans covering University of California (University) employees at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The purpose of the audit was to review the Department's contract administration of its interest in those pension plans.

Pension fund activities at Department laboratories managed by the University of California

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-09-18

The Department of Energy`s (Department) Office of Contractor Human Resource Management, and San Francisco and Albuquerque Field Offices have responsibility for contract administration of the Department`s interest in two separate pension plans covering University of California (University) employees at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The purpose of the audit was to review the Department`s contract administration of its interest in those pension plans.

[Views of final-year medical students at Damascus University about clinical skills acquired before graduation].

PubMed

Alourfi, Z; Hassan, R El Sayed; Koudsi, A

2012-06-01

Medical education in Syrian universities is facing many challenges that may affect the quality of the education and the standard of graduates. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administrated questionnaire with 76 items to investigate the perceptions of 290 final-year medical students regarding the confidence of performing some core clinical skills. A total of 271 responded (response rate 93.4%). Student responses differed. While confidence was highest for skills that do not require practice in the clinical skills laboratory, it was low for skills that need training in emergency and intensive care units, or when students were participating in patient care with partial responsibility. Our findings confirm the need for effective clinical laboratory training, student participation in emergency room shifts, and that students to be allowed to take some egree of responsibility.

Stress-induced laboratory eating behavior in obese women with binge eating disorder.

PubMed

Laessle, Reinhold G; Schulz, Simone

2009-09-01

To compare the microstructural eating behavior of obese patients with and without binge eating disorder (BED) after stress induction in laboratory. Forty-eight obese women were investigated. Seventeen were assigned to the group of BED. Group (BED vs. non-BED) by condition (stress vs. no stress) interaction effect on feeding variables, measured by a universal eating monitor, was tested. Stress was induced by the trier social stress test (TSST) and chocolate pudding served as laboratory food. From the nonstress to the stress condition, patients with BED, when compared with non-BED had a greater increase in average eating rate (p < .01) and a corresponding greater increase in the frequency of spoonfuls (p < .02). The BED group also showed a different change in acceleration/deceleration from the nonstress to the stress condition compared to the non-BED group (p < .04). Obese individuals with BED appear to exhibit a different response to stress than obese non-BED individuals and individuals with bulimia nervosa.

The Mobile Team of Parasitology-Mycology, a medical entity for educational purposes to serve sick patients.

PubMed

Desoubeaux, G; Simon, E G; Perrotin, D; Chandenier, J

2014-06-01

The Mobile Team of Parasitology-Mycology is a movable entity of the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of Tours University Hospital, France. In contrast to the usual prerogatives of biomedical laboratories, the Mobile Team of Parasitology-Mycology is requested to intervene directly at bedside in various clinical departments, or even outside the hospital facility. Although its actions are of course primarily devoted to specialized diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the Mobile Team also plays an important educational role in the medical training of undergraduate or graduate students. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

How To Curb the Appetite for Energy in University Laboratories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zsirai, Ted; Wright, Michaella

2001-01-01

Discusses ways to cut rising energy costs within university laboratories by using heat recovery systems and variable volume exhaust hood systems. Explores the implementation of broad-based, sustainable laboratory classroom design concepts. (GR)

The Relationships between University Students' Chemistry Laboratory Anxiety, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy Beliefs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurbanoglu, N. Izzet; Akin, Ahmet

2010-01-01

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between chemistry laboratory anxiety, chemistry attitudes, and self-efficacy. Participants were 395 university students. Participants completed the Chemistry Laboratory Anxiety Scale, the Chemistry Attitudes Scale, and the Self-efficacy Scale. Results showed that chemistry laboratory anxiety…

Characterization of anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in Brazil.

PubMed

Barjas de Castro, M L; Locatelli, M F; de Castilho, L M; de Souza, C A

1998-01-01

The existence of an association between autoimmune phenomena and lymphoproliferative neoplasms is well known. In Campinas at the University Hospital, seventy-seven adult patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were studied at diagnosis. The histological subgroup of NHL was performed using Kiel criteria and all patients were characterized by clinical and laboratory examinations according to the Ann Arbor staging. The results of the immunohaematological evaluation of our patients with NHL showed that: 28% presented erythrocyte autoantibodies (auto anti-I or auto-IgG without specificity) but only one developed haemolytic anaemia. There was a weak correlation between low-grade lymphoma and erythrocyte autoantibodies.

Effects of Students' Pre- and Post-Laboratory Concept Maps on Students' Attitudes toward Chemistry Laboratory in University General Chemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kilic, Ziya; Kaya, Osman Nafiz; Dogan, Alev

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of scientific discussions based on student-constructed pre- and post-laboratory concept maps on students' attitudes toward chemistry laboratory in the university general chemistry. As part of instruction, during the first four laboratory sessions, students were taught how to construct and…

Element 117

ScienceCinema

None

2018-06-12

An international team of scientists from Russia and the United States, including two Department of Energy national laboratories and two universities, has discovered the newest superheavy element, element 117. The team included scientists from the Joint Institute of Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia), the Research Institute for Advanced Reactors (Dimitrovgrad), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

A STUDY OF THE APPLICATION OF LABORATORY TRAINING METHODS TO PROGRAMS AT AIR UNIVERSITY (OCTOBER 1964-JULY 1965).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BOYER, RONALD K.; AND OTHERS

THIS 1964-65 STUDY SOUGHT TO EXPLORE APPLICATIONS OF LABORATORY TRAINING TO AIR UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS, TO PREDICT PROBLEMS IN ADAPTING THE LABORATORY METHOD TO SUCH PROGRAMS, AND TO DETERMINE USEFUL MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT BE MADE IN TRAINING DESIGNS. A GROUP OF 25 AIR UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL REPRESENTING VARIOUS RANKS AND SCHOOLS ATTENDED AN…

Laboratory Measurements of Cometary Photochemical Phenomena.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-04

PROGFIAM ELEMENT.PROJECT TASK Laser .Chemistry Division AREA & WORK UNIT NUMaZRS Department of Chemistry - Howard University NR.051-733 Wash’ ngtQn, D. C...William M. Jackson Laser Chemistry Division Department of Chemistry Howard University .Washington, D. C. 20059 / Published by Jet Propulsion Laboratory...MEASUREMENTS OF COMETARY PHOTOCHEMICAL PHENOMENA William M. Jackson Howard University Washington, DC 20059 Abstract Laboratory experiments are described

[Description of patients with confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 admitted to an intensive care unit and identification of severity risk factors].

PubMed

Payet, C; Lutringer-Magnin, D; Cassier, P; Lina, B; Argaud, L; Allaouchiche, B; Vanhems, P

2013-02-01

The authors had for objective to describe patients with confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital and to identify risk factors correlated with the severity of the disease. A prospective study was conducted in an university hospital during the A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza pandemic. Severe laboratory confirmed cases (admitted to an ICU) were described and compared with non-severe confirmed cases (not admitted to an ICU). Sixty-nine patients were included; 36 (52%) were 15 to 44 years of age. Sixteen (23%) cases were defined as severe, ten of these (63%) concerned patients 45 to 64 years of age. The independent factors associated with severity were: a history of heart disease, obesity, and tobacco abuse. This work reinforces the need to identify and protect groups at risk of severe outcomes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 262.107 - Under what circumstances will a university's participation in this environmental management...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... university's participation in this environmental management standard pilot be terminated? 262.107 Section 262...) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.107 Under what circumstances will a university's participation in this...

Google+ as a Tool for Use in Cooperative Laboratory Activities between Universities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puig-Ortiz, Joan; Pàmies-Vilà, Rosa; Martinez Miralles, Jordi Ramon

2015-01-01

The following is a proposal for collaboration between universities with the aim to improve curricula that require laboratory activities. A methodology is suggested to implement an innovative educational project involving the exchange of laboratory activities. The exchange of laboratory activities can be carried out on different levels of…

Clinico-laboratory profile of breath-holding spells in children in Sohag University Hospital, Upper Egypt

PubMed Central

Sadek, Abdelrahim Abdrabou; Mohamed, Montaser Mohamed; Sharaf, El-Zahraa El-Said Ahmed; Magdy, Rofaida Mohamed; Allam, Ahmed Ahmed

2016-01-01

Introduction Breath-holding spells (BHSs) are involuntary pauses of breathing, sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness. They usually occur in response to an upsetting or surprising situation. Breath-holding spells are usually caused by either a change in the usual breathing pattern or a slowing of the heart rate. In some children, BHSs may be related to iron deficiency anemia. The aim of the work was to study the clinical and laboratory profile of BPHs in children presented to the Neuropediatric Clinic at Sohag University Hospital. Methods An observational prospective study was done at Sohag University Hospital over a period of one year on children diagnosed as having BHSs by clinical history and laboratory evaluation, including complete blood count (CBC), serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and Electroencephalography (EEG). Results During the period of study (one year), we reviewed data of 32 children who had been diagnosed as having BHSs. We found that cyanotic spells (71.88%) predominated over pallid spells. There were positive family histories (31.25%) and consanguinity (53.135) in the studied patients. We found a high incidence of iron deficiency anemia (62.5%) in association with BHS. Abnormal EEGs were found in (65.63%) of studied children. Conclusion BHS is a common, important problem associated with iron deficiency anemia, which is, in turn, a common nutritional problem in our country. PMID:27279996

Azathioprine Intolerance in Japanese Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis

PubMed Central

Morishita, Michiko; Watanabe, Haruki; Yan, Minglu; Zeggar, Sonia; Hiramatsu, Sumie; Ohashi, Keiji; Miyawaki, Yoshia; Katsuyama, Eri; Katsuyama, Takayuki; Takano Narazaki, Mariko; Toyota Tatebe, Noriko; Sunahori Watanabe, Katsue; Kawabata, Tomoko; Sada, Ken-Ei; Wada, Jun

2017-01-01

Objective To assess the safety of azathioprine (AZA) in Japanese patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Methods We retrospectively enrolled 67 consecutive AAV patients who had initiated AZA treatment from January 2006 to August 2014 at Okayama University Hospital. We evaluated the development of severe adverse events (AEs), AZA discontinuation due to total AEs (severe AEs included) within 1 year, and AZA-associated risk factors. Results The patients' median age was 70 years old. Forty-nine women and 18 men participated at the initiation of the study. Fifty-eight (87%) patients experienced AEs, and 36 experienced severe AEs (21 hepatic and 11 cytopenic severe AEs). Thirty-one (46%) patients discontinued treatment because of AEs. Abnormal hepatic laboratory test results at the treatment initiation were more frequent in patients with hepatic severe AEs and were associated with treatment discontinuation. The leukocyte and neutrophil counts at the treatment initiation were lower in the patients who discontinued treatment because of cytopenic AEs than in those who continued treatment. Only two patients experienced flare-ups during treatment. Conclusion The AE-associated AZA discontinuation rate in Japanese AAV patients was relatively high. AZA use warrants caution in patients with abnormal hepatic laboratory test results or low leukocyte or neutrophil counts. PMID:28674351

A Hospital Local Area Communication Network—The First Year's Experience

PubMed Central

Simborg, D. W.; Chadwick, M.; Whiting-O'Keefe, Q. E.; Tolchin, S. G.; Stewart, R. L.; Kahn, S. A.; Bergan, E. S.; Gafke, G. P.

1982-01-01

A local area communications network has been implemented at the University of California, San Francisco Hospital to integrate major components of the hospital's information system. This microprocessor-based network technology was developed by The Applied Physics Laboratory of the Johns Hopkins University. The first year's experience has demonstrated the basic feasibility of this technology in simplifying the integration of diverse hardware and software systems. Four minicomputer-based UCSF systems now use the network to synchronize key patient identification and registration information among the systems. Clinical uses of the network will begin during the second year of the project.

Master's level education in biomedical optics: four-year experience at the University of Latvia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spigulis, Janis

2000-06-01

Pilot program for Master's studies on Biomedical Optics has been developed and launched at University of Latvia in 1995. The Curriculum contains several basic subjects like Fundamentals of Biomedical Optics, Medical Lightguides, Anatomy and Physiology, Lasers and Non-coherent Light Sources, Optical Instrumentation for Healthcare, Optical Methods for Patient Treatment, Basic Physics, etc. Special English Terminology and Laboratory-Clinical Praxis are also involved, and the Master Theses is the final step for the degree award. Following one four-year teaching experience, some observations, conclusions and eventual future activities are discussed.

Recurrent wound botulism among injection drug users in California.

PubMed

Yuan, Jean; Inami, Gregory; Mohle-Boetani, Janet; Vugia, Duc J

2011-04-01

Botulism is an acute neurologic illness characterized by cranial nerve palsies and descending flaccid paralysis. Botulism is a rare disease and recurrent botulism even more rare. We review cases of recurrent wound botulism (WB) among injection drug users (IDUs) in California from 1993 through 2006 and describe 2 case patients. From botulism surveillance data for 1993-2006, we identified patients with >1 episode of clinical WB, defined as acute descending paralysis with a visible wound or recent history of injection drug use. For each patient, ≥1 of their WB episodes was laboratory confirmed. We extracted demographic, clinical, and laboratory information from case and laboratory reports and compared clinical characteristic frequency of initial and second WB episodes. During 1993-2006, 17 IDUs had recurrent WB, 14 with 1 recurrence and 3 with 2 recurrences. Of 25 laboratory-confirmed episodes, 22 were confirmed through serum testing and 3 through wound testing. Patients were 32-61 years old, and 94% were male. All patients reported heroin injections; 88% specified black tar heroin use and 76% reported subcutaneous injection. The most common presentations were having a visible wound, speech difficulty, double vision, respiratory difficulty, and trouble swallowing. There were no significant differences in clinical presentation between initial and second episodes. As the California epidemic of WB among IDUs continues, WB episodes are recurring. Both clinicians and IDUs should be aware of the potential for WB to recur among IDUs to enable timely diagnosis and early botulinum antitoxin administration and supportive care. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.

Designing an autoverification system in Zagazig University Hospitals Laboratories: preliminary evaluation on thyroid function profile.

PubMed

Sediq, Amany Mohy-Eldin; Abdel-Azeez, Ahmad GabAllahm Hala

2014-01-01

The current practice in Zagazig University Hospitals Laboratories (ZUHL) is manual verification of all results for the later release of reports. These processes are time consuming and tedious, with large inter-individual variation that slows the turnaround time (TAT). Autoverification is the process of comparing patient results, generated from interfaced instruments, against laboratory-defined acceptance parameters. This study describes an autoverification engine designed and implemented in ZUHL, Egypt. A descriptive study conducted at ZUHL, from January 2012-December 2013. A rule-based system was used in designing an autoverification engine. The engine was preliminarily evaluated on a thyroid function panel. A total of 563 rules were written and tested on 563 simulated cases and 1673 archived cases. The engine decisions were compared to that of 4 independent expert reviewers. The impact of engine implementation on TAT was evaluated. Agreement was achieved among the 4 reviewers in 55.5% of cases, and with the engine in 51.5% of cases. The autoverification rate for archived cases was 63.8%. Reported lab TAT was reduced by 34.9%, and TAT segment from the completion of analysis to verification was reduced by 61.8%. The developed rule-based autoverification system has a verification rate comparable to that of the commercially available software. However, the in-house development of this system had saved the hospital the cost of commercially available ones. The implementation of the system shortened the TAT and minimized the number of samples that needed staff revision, which enabled laboratory staff to devote more time and effort to handle problematic test results and to improve patient care quality.

A prospective survey of air and surface fungal contamination in a medical mycology laboratory at a tertiary care university hospital.

PubMed

Sautour, Marc; Dalle, Frédéric; Olivieri, Claire; L'ollivier, Coralie; Enderlin, Emilie; Salome, Elsa; Chovelon, Isabelle; Vagner, Odile; Sixt, Nathalie; Fricker-Pap, Véronique; Aho, Serge; Fontaneau, Olivier; Cachia, Claire; Bonnin, Alain

2009-04-01

Invasive filamentous fungi infections resulting from inhalation of mold conidia pose a major threat in immunocompromised patients. The diagnosis is based on direct smears, cultural symptoms, and culturing fungi. Airborne conidia present in the laboratory environment may cause contamination of cultures, resulting in false-positive diagnosis. Baseline values of fungal contamination in a clinical mycology laboratory have not been determined to date. A 1-year prospective survey of air and surface contamination was conducted in a clinical mycology laboratory during a period when large construction projects were being conducted in the hospital. Air was sampled with a portable air system impactor, and surfaces were sampled with contact Sabouraud agar plates. The collected data allowed the elaboration of Shewhart graphic charts. Mean fungal loads ranged from 2.27 to 4.36 colony forming units (cfu)/m(3) in air and from 0.61 to 1.69 cfu/plate on surfaces. Strict control procedures may limit the level of fungal contamination in a clinical mycology laboratory even in the context of large construction projects at the hospital site. Our data and the resulting Shewhart graphic charts provide baseline values to use when monitoring for inappropriate variations of the fungal contamination in a mycology laboratory as part of a quality assurance program. This is critical to the appropriate management of the fungal risk in hematology, cancer and transplantation patients.

Project Final Report: The Institute for Sustained Performance, Energy, and Resilience (SUPER)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hollingsworth, Jeffrey K.

This project concentrated on various aspects of creating and applying tool infrastructure to make it easier to effectively use large-scale parallel computers. This project was collaborative with Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.C. San Diego, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, University of Oregon, University Southern California, University of Tennessee, and University of Utah. The research conducted during this project at the University of Maryland is summarized in this report. The complete details of the work are available in the publications listed at the end of the report. Manymore » of the concepts created during this project have been incorporated into tools and made available as freely downloadable software (www.dyninst.org/harmony). It also supported the studies of six graduate students, one undergraduate student, and two post-docs. The funding also provided summer support for the PI and part of the salary of a research staff member.« less

Validation of a laboratory and hospital information system in a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189.

PubMed

Biljak, Vanja Radisic; Ozvald, Ivan; Radeljak, Andrea; Majdenic, Kresimir; Lasic, Branka; Siftar, Zoran; Lovrencic, Marijana Vucic; Flegar-Mestric, Zlata

2012-01-01

The aim of the study was to present a protocol for laboratory information system (LIS) and hospital information system (HIS) validation at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine of the Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. Validity of data traceability was checked by entering all test requests for virtual patient into HIS/LIS and printing corresponding barcoded labels that provided laboratory analyzers with the information on requested tests. The original printouts of the test results from laboratory analyzer(s) were compared with the data obtained from LIS and entered into the provided template. Transfer of data from LIS to HIS was examined by requesting all tests in HIS and creating real data in a finding generated in LIS. Data obtained from LIS and HIS were entered into a corresponding template. The main outcome measure was the accuracy of transfer obtained from laboratory analyzers and results transferred from LIS and HIS expressed as percentage (%). The accuracy of data transfer from laboratory analyzers to LIS was 99.5% and of that from LIS to HIS 100%. We presented our established validation protocol for laboratory information system and demonstrated that a system meets its intended purpose.

Frederick National Laboratory and Georgetown University Launch Research and Education Collaboration | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

FREDERICK, Md. -- A new collaboration established between Georgetown University and the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research aims to expand both institutions’ research and training missions in the biomedical sciences. Representatives f

THE GREEN DORM: A SUSTAINABLE RESIDENCE AND LIVING LABORATORY FOR STANFORD UNIVERSITY

EPA Science Inventory

The Lotus Living Laboratory at Stanford University is exploring sustainable building technologies and sustainable living habits through the design, construction and operation of The Green Dorm, an innovative facility containing residential, laboratory and commons space. Both ...

Plasmodium Parasitemia Associated With Increased Survival in Ebola Virus-Infected Patients.

PubMed

Rosenke, Kyle; Adjemian, Jennifer; Munster, Vincent J; Marzi, Andrea; Falzarano, Darryl; Onyango, Clayton O; Ochieng, Melvin; Juma, Bonventure; Fischer, Robert J; Prescott, Joseph B; Safronetz, David; Omballa, Victor; Owuor, Collins; Hoenen, Thomas; Groseth, Allison; Martellaro, Cynthia; van Doremalen, Neeltje; Zemtsova, Galina; Self, Joshua; Bushmaker, Trenton; McNally, Kristin; Rowe, Thomas; Emery, Shannon L; Feldmann, Friederike; Williamson, Brandi N; Best, Sonja M; Nyenswah, Tolbert G; Grolla, Allen; Strong, James E; Kobinger, Gary; Bolay, Fatorma K; Zoon, Kathryn C; Stassijns, Jorgen; Giuliani, Ruggero; de Smet, Martin; Nichol, Stuart T; Fields, Barry; Sprecher, Armand; Massaquoi, Moses; Feldmann, Heinz; de Wit, Emmie

2016-10-15

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa has resulted in 28 646 suspected, probable, and confirmed Ebola virus infections. Nevertheless, malaria remains a large public health burden in the region affected by the outbreak. A joint Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institutes of Health diagnostic laboratory was established in Monrovia, Liberia, in August 2014, to provide laboratory diagnostics for Ebola virus. All blood samples from suspected Ebola virus-infected patients admitted to the Médecins Sans Frontières ELWA3 Ebola treatment unit in Monrovia were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of Ebola virus and Plasmodium species RNA. Clinical outcome in laboratory-confirmed Ebola virus-infected patients was analyzed as a function of age, sex, Ebola viremia, and Plasmodium species parasitemia. The case fatality rate of 1182 patients with laboratory-confirmed Ebola virus infections was 52%. The probability of surviving decreased with increasing age and decreased with increasing Ebola viral load. Ebola virus-infected patients were 20% more likely to survive when Plasmodium species parasitemia was detected, even after controlling for Ebola viral load and age; those with the highest levels of parasitemia had a survival rate of 83%. This effect was independent of treatment with antimalarials, as this was provided to all patients. Moreover, treatment with antimalarials did not affect survival in the Ebola virus mouse model. Plasmodium species parasitemia is associated with an increase in the probability of surviving Ebola virus infection. More research is needed to understand the molecular mechanism underlying this remarkable phenomenon and translate it into treatment options for Ebola virus infection. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Cutting costs: the impact of price lists on the cost development at the emergency department.

PubMed

Schilling, Ulf Martin

2010-12-01

It was shown that physicians working at the Swedish emergency department (ED) are unaware of the costs for investigations performed. This study evaluated the possible impact of price lists on the overall laboratory and radiology costs at the ED of a Swedish university hospital. Price lists including the most common laboratory analyses and radiological investigations at the ED were created. The lists were distributed to all internal medicine physicians by e-mail and exposed above their working stations continually. No lists were provided for the orthopaedic control group. The average costs for laboratory and radiological investigations during the months of June and July 2007 and 2008 were calculated. Neither clinical nor admission procedures were changed. The physicians were blinded towards the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test. A total of 1442 orthopaedic and 1585 medical patients were attended to in 2007. In 2008, 1467 orthopaedic and 1637 medical patients required emergency service. The average costs per patient were 980.27 SKR (98€)/999.41 SKR (100€, +1.95%) for orthopaedic and 1081.36 SKR (108€)/877.3 SKR (88€, -18.8%) for medical patients. Laboratory costs decreased by 9% in orthopaedic and 21.4% in medical patients. Radiology costs changed +5.4% in orthopaedic and -20.59% in medical patients. The distribution and promotion of price lists as a tool at the ED to heighten cost awareness resulted in a major decrease in the investigation costs. A significant decrease in radiological costs could be observed. It can be concluded that price lists are an effective tool to cut costs in public healthcare.

The Petascale Data Storage Institute

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gibson, Garth; Long, Darrell; Honeyman, Peter

2013-07-01

Petascale computing infrastructures for scientific discovery make petascale demands on information storage capacity, performance, concurrency, reliability, availability, and manageability.The Petascale Data Storage Institute focuses on the data storage problems found in petascale scientific computing environments, with special attention to community issues such as interoperability, community buy-in, and shared tools.The Petascale Data Storage Institute is a collaboration between researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of Michigan, and the University of California at Santa Cruz.

An Experimental Study of a BSCS-Style Laboratory Approach for University General Biology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, William H.

1983-01-01

A Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) inquiry approach for university general biology laboratory was tested against a well-established commercial program judged to be highly directive. The BSCS was found to be more effective in learning biology laboratory concepts than the commercial program as measured by a laboratory concepts test.…

Using the Universal Design for Learning Approach in Science Laboratories to Minimize Student Stress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Daniel K.; Lang, Patricia L.

2016-01-01

This commentary discusses how the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) can be applied in the science laboratory with an emphasis on assisting students who experience stress in the laboratory environment. The UDL approach in the laboratory is based on three elements: open-mindedness, supportive communication, and analysis and…

[Microbiological findings in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in the Hradec Králové Faculty Hospital 1995-2002].

PubMed

Buchta, V; Spacek, J

2004-01-01

To evaluate the microbiological findings in the patients with the recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) with a focus on the establishment of fungal etiology and its in vitro antifungal susceptibility. Retrospective clinical and laboratory study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Medical Faculty Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague. An analysis of clinical and anamnestic data in outpatients of the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the laboratory data from the microbiological examinations performed in the Dept. of Clinical Microbiology from 1995 to 2002. Candida albicans accounted for 88.5% of the episodes of RVVC in the setting of 56 patients. Non-albicans Candida species were represented especially by C. glabrata (4.9%) and C. krusei (3.1%). There were no considerable differences between the spectrum of RVVC and acute vulvovaginal candidiasis with the exception of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.7% in RVVC vs. 3.7% in acute VVC). Mycological findings in 61 (20.5%) samples were accompanied by bacterial microbiota with the predominance of Streptococcus agalactiae (n = 15) and Gardnerella vaginalis (n = 9). Decreased antifungal susceptibility determined by the disk test was observed in the strains of C. glabrata, C. krusei and S. cerevisiae, the other yeast isolates being susceptible to all ten antifungal drugs tested. The microbiological examination was decisive for the establishment of the diagnosis of RVVC in most cases. The most frequent etiological agents responsible for the attacks of RVVC as well as for acute vulvovaginal candidiasis was C. albicans, which was generally susceptible to antifungal drugs.

Impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in department of hematology at single university hospital in Japan.

PubMed

Kato, Yukiko; Hagihara, Mao; Kurumiya, Ai; Takahashi, Tomoko; Sakata, Miki; Shibata, Yuichi; Kato, Hideo; Shiota, Arufumi; Watanabe, Hiroki; Asai, Nobuhiro; Koizumi, Yusuke; Yamagishi, Yuka; Mikamo, Hiroshige

2018-01-01

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are among the most serious complications especially in blood cancer patients. In January 2013, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) introduced a new surveillance definition of mucosal barrier injury-associated laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI). This study was to determine the impact of MBI-LCBI on CLABSIs and compare the clinical characteristics of MBI versus non-MBI-LCBI cases. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 consecutive patients. They were admitted in department of hematology at Aichi Medical University Hospital. We applied the revised 2013 CLABSI surveillance protocol to all CLABSI cases identified during the 47-months period from May 2012 through June 2016. A total of 44 CLABSIs were identified. The median patient age was 65 years (range, 12 to 89). Among 44 patients, 31 patients were diagnosed as leukemia (70.5%) and 12 patients as lymphoma (27.3%). Six patients underwent bone transplantation for leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (13.6%). A total of 20 patients (45.5%) were classified as MBI-LCBI and 24 (54.5%) were classified as non-MBI-LCBI. The primary disease type (P = 0.018), neutropenic within 3 days before CLABSI (MBI-LCBI vs. non-MBI-LCBI: 95.0% vs. 26.3%, P = <0.0001), line(s) removed owing to CLABSI (15.0% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.011) and Gram-negative organisms cultured (70.0% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.004) showed significantly difference between the groups. Our data showed that MBI-LCBI cases account for 45.5% of the CLABSI cases identified in blood cancer patients, and constituted a significant burden to this high-risk patient population. Copyright © 2017 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Evaluation of viral etiology in central nervous system infections from a university hospital point of view in Izmir based on seven years data].

PubMed

Zeytinoğlu, Ayşın; Erensoy, Selda; Sertöz, Rüçhan; Altuğlu, İmre; Çiçek, Candan; Kayın, Münevver; Şirin, Hadiye; Taner, Şafak

2017-04-01

The serious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS); encephalitis and meningitis, have high mortality and morbidity rate especially not diagnosed and treated in time. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is the tool of choice for viral diagnosis in CNS infections. In this study, viral etiological agents found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples sent to our university hospital virology laboratory for laboratory diagnosis of CNS infections were retrospectively evaluated and results were compared with other reports from our country. Viral etiological agents found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples sent to Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology Virology Laboratories for laboratory diagnosis of CNS infection between 01.01.2009-31.12.2015 were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 3778 CSF tests were performed for cell culture of enterovirus (EV) in 487 samples and 3291 tests for nucleic acid testing (NAT) by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV6) and EV. VZV and EV NAT's were performed during the last one and five years period, respectively. NAT positive results for HSV1, HSV2, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV6 and EV were 1.80% (24/1333), 0.08% (1/1333), 3.28% (19/580), 4.35% (22/506), 0.46% (1/216), 1.05% (5/478) and 3.37% (6/178), respectively. EV was isolated in 30 (6.20%) of 487 CSF samples by viral culture. Positive samples were mainly from pediatric, neurology and infectious diseases clinics as expected. The number of higher positive results were found in samples sentin december (35.3%), july (12.9%) and november (10.6%). Overall 80% of positive samples belonged to patients over 18 years old. When the results of other studies reported from Turkey are examined, although the positivity rates are generally similar, it is seen that the rates specific to certain factors are higher in selected smaller patient groups like HSV1 and EV. Rapid nucleic acid tests like multiplex PCR and microarray will provide more practical and effective laboratory diagnosis approach in CNS infections, since many more microorganisms may be causative agents.

[Medical technologist as a member of infection control team].

PubMed

Okuzumi, Katsuko; Ieiri, Tamio

2005-11-01

For the prevention of infection at institutions, an Anti-nosocomial Infection Committee or an Infection Control Team (ICT) is organized at each institution according to its scale. We report the present status of the ICT managed mainly by medical technologists engaged in microbiological examination (certified medical microbiological technologists) at Dokkyo University School of Medicine. Since this hospital is an educational hospital, the department of clinical laboratory medicine cooperates with the microbiological laboratory of the clinical laboratory in infection control education of medical workers (such as medical students, nursing students, physicians and nurses) in infection diagnosis, infection control/infection management. Since infection control is achieved by improvement in hygiene knowledge and its practice in all citizens, we also attached importance to publicity activities associated with microbiology for patients, their families, and all medical workers.

Towards an evaluation framework for Laboratory Information Systems.

PubMed

Yusof, Maryati M; Arifin, Azila

Laboratory testing and reporting are error-prone and redundant due to repeated, unnecessary requests and delayed or missed reactions to laboratory reports. Occurring errors may negatively affect the patient treatment process and clinical decision making. Evaluation on laboratory testing and Laboratory Information System (LIS) may explain the root cause to improve the testing process and enhance LIS in supporting the process. This paper discusses a new evaluation framework for LIS that encompasses the laboratory testing cycle and the socio-technical part of LIS. Literature review on discourses, dimensions and evaluation methods of laboratory testing and LIS. A critical appraisal of the Total Testing Process (TTP) and the human, organization, technology-fit factors (HOT-fit) evaluation frameworks was undertaken in order to identify error incident, its contributing factors and preventive action pertinent to laboratory testing process and LIS. A new evaluation framework for LIS using a comprehensive and socio-technical approach is outlined. Positive relationship between laboratory and clinical staff resulted in a smooth laboratory testing process, reduced errors and increased process efficiency whilst effective use of LIS streamlined the testing processes. The TTP-LIS framework could serve as an assessment as well as a problem-solving tool for the laboratory testing process and system. Copyright © 2016 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

When biological scientists become health-care workers: emotional labour in embryology.

PubMed

Fitzgerald, R P; Legge, M; Frank, N

2013-05-01

Can biological scientists working in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) have a role as health-care workers and, if so, how do they engage in the emotional labour commonly associated with health-care work? The scientists at Fertility Associates (FA) in New Zealand perform the technical and emotional cares associated with health-care work in an occupationally specific manner, which we refer to as a hybrid care style. Their emotional labour consists of managing difficult patients, 'talking up' bad news, finding strategies to sustain hope and meaning, and 'clicking' or 'not clicking' with individual patients. Effective emotional labour is a key component of patient-centred care and is as important to the experience of high-quality MAR as excellent clinical and scientific technique. This is a qualitative study based on open-ended interviews and ethnographic observations with 14 staff in 2 laboratories conducted over 2 separate periods of 3 weeks duration in 2007. Analysis of fieldnotes and interviews was conducted using thematic analysis and an NVivo qualitative database and compared for consistency across each interviewer. The participants were consenting biological scientists working in one of the two laboratories. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 'quiet' work times, and supervised access was allowed to all parts of the laboratories and meeting places. Opportunities for participant review of results and cross comparison of independent analysis by authors increases the faithfulness of fit of this account to laboratory life. The study suggests that emotional labour is a part of routinized scientific labour in MAR laboratories for FA. This is a qualitative study and thus the findings are not generalizable to populations beyond the study participants. While little has been published of the emotional component of scientist's working lives, there may be a New Zealand style of doing scientific work in MAR laboratories which is patient centred and which incorporates much higher patient contact and involvement than is experienced in other laboratories. This study was funded by a research grant from the University of Otago and was also partly funded by a Marsden Grant administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. N/A.

Ocular toxoplasmosis in the United States: recent and remote infections.

PubMed

Jones, Jeffrey L; Bonetti, Valerie; Holland, Gary N; Press, Cindy; Sanislo, Steven R; Khurana, Rahul N; Montoya, Jose G

2015-01-15

We tested all samples from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis sent to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory from June 2004 through August 2010 for serologic evidence of recent Toxoplasma gondii infection. Of 205 patients aged 10-96 years, 11.7% had recent infection. Many people develop ocular disease soon after T. gondii infection. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Pancreatic Reference Set Application: Ivan Blasutig-University of Toronto (2014) — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

The primary objective of this study is to independently validate a panel of serum biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The biomarkers were identified in various discovery studies performed in our laboratory1-6. We hypothesize that our candidate biomarkers can be used as a panel that will perform better than CA19.9 alone for the early detection of PDAC. Such a panel has the potential to lead to improved patient outcomes by enabling patients to receive treatment as early as possible.

Reducing blood testing in pediatric patients after heart surgery: a quality improvement project.

PubMed

Delgado-Corcoran, Claudia; Bodily, Stephanie; Frank, Deborah U; Witte, Madolin K; Castillo, Ramon; Bratton, Susan L

2014-10-01

To safely optimize blood testing and costs for pediatric cardiac surgical patients without adversely impacting patient outcomes. This is a quality improvement cohort project with pre- and postintervention groups. University-affiliated pediatric cardiac ICU in a tertiary care children's hospital. All patients were surgical patients for whom Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery categories allowed for stratification by complexity. The preintervention group was treated in 2010 and the postintervention group in 2011. Laboratory ordering processes were analyzed, and practice changed to limit standing blood test orders and requires individualized ordering. Three hundred nineteen patients were studied in 2010 and 345 in 2011. Groups were similar in median age, weight, length of stay (ICU length of stay), and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category. There was a reduction in the total blood tests per patient (24 vs 38; p < 0.0001) and length of stay adjusted tests per patient-day (10.4 vs 14.4; p = 0.0001) in the postintervention group. The largest test reductions were blood gases and single electrolytes. Adverse outcomes, such as extubation failure (6.4% vs 5.6%), central catheter-associated bloodstream infection (2.2 vs 1.5), and hospital mortality (0.6% vs 0.6%), were not significantly different between the groups. Cost analysis demonstrated an overall laboratory cost savings of 32%. In addition, the volume of packed RBC transfusions was also significantly decreased in the postintervention group among the most complex patients (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery, 6). Blood testing rates were safely decreased in postoperative pediatric cardiac patients by changing laboratory ordering practices. In addition, packed RBC transfusion was decreased among the most complex patients.

Telemammography Using Satellite Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Telemammography, the electronic transmission of digitized mammograms, can connect patients with timely, critical medical expertise; howev er, an adequate terrestrial communications infrastructure does not exist in these areas. NASA Lewis Research Center's Advanced Space Commu nications Laboratory is now working with leading breast cancer resear ch hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Virginia, to perform the critical research necessary to allow new satell ite networks to support telemammography.

Patient Safety Center Organization

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

Enterectomy Bariatric 7/20/05 4 hours/course (28 hours/year) Surgery R 7 Dr. Karen Horvath R5 Lap Enterectomy & Colectomy 11/30/05 4...areas in the UW Schools of Nursing and Dentistry, at the Harborview Research Center Microvascular Surgery lab, with the Seattle Children’s Hospital and...1 laboratory complex (2500 sq ft) has been designed within the University of Washington Medical Center, in the Surgery Pavilion complex

Results and Analysis of the Infrastructure Request for Information (DE-SOL-0008318)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heidrich, Brenden John

2015-07-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) released a request for information (RFI) (DE-SOL-0008318) for “University, National Laboratory, Industry and International Input on Potential Office of Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Investments” on April 13, 2015. DOE-NE solicited information on five specific types of capabilities as well as any others suggested by the community. The RFI proposal period closed on June 19, 2015. From the 26 responses, 34 individual proposals were extracted. Eighteen were associated with a DOE national laboratory, including Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Pacificmore » Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL). Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was referenced in a proposal as a proposed capability location, although the proposal did not originate with ORNL. Five US universities submitted proposals (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Houston and the University of Michigan). Three industrial/commercial institutions submitted proposals (AREVA NP, Babcock and Wilcox (B&W) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)). Eight major themes emerged from the submissions as areas needing additional capability or support for existing capabilities. Two submissions supported multiple areas. The major themes are: Advanced Manufacturing (AM), High Performance Computing (HPC), Ion Irradiation with X-Ray Diagnostics (IIX), Ion Irradiation with TEM Visualization (IIT), Radiochemistry Laboratories (RCL), Test Reactors, Neutron Sources and Critical Facilities (RX) , Sample Preparation and Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE) and Thermal-Hydraulics Test Facilities (THF).« less

75 FR 71737 - Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, as Amended

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-24

... 1984-1997. Laboratory for Energy-Related Health Davis 1958-1989; 1991-Present.[dagger] Research.... Environmental Health, University of California (San Francisco). Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory... Physics Laboratory, James Princeton 1951-Present. Forrestal Campus of Princeton University. New Mexico DOE...

40 CFR 262.101 - What is in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.101 What is in this subpart? This subpart provides a framework for a new management system for wastes that are generated in University laboratories. This...

Enhancing nursing informatics competencies and critical thinking skills using wireless clinical simulation laboratories.

PubMed

Cholewka, Patricia A; Mohr, Bernard

2009-01-01

Nursing students at New York City College of Technology are assigned client care experiences that focus on common alterations in health status. However, due to the unpredictability of client census within any healthcare facility, it is not possible for all students to have the same opportunity to care for clients with specific medical conditions. But with the use of patient simulators in a dedicated Clinical Simulation Laboratory setting, students can be universally, consistently, and repeatedly exposed to programmed scenarios that connect theory with the clinical environment. Outcomes from using patient simulators include improved nursing knowledge base, enhanced critical thinking, reflective learning, and increased understanding of information technology for using a Personal Digital Assistant and documenting care by means of an electronic Patient Record System. An innovative nursing education model using a wireless, inter-connective data network was developed by this college in response to the need for increasing nursing informatics competencies and critical thinking skills by students in preparation for client care.

Student research laboratory for optical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolstoba, Nadezhda D.; Saitgalina, Azaliya; Abdula, Polina; Butova, Daria

2015-10-01

Student research laboratory for optical engineering is comfortable place for student's scientific and educational activity. The main ideas of laboratory, process of creation of laboratory and also activity of laboratory are described in this article. At ITMO University in 2013-2014 were formed a lot of research laboratories. SNLO is a student research (scientific) laboratory formed by the Department of Applied and computer optics of the University ITMO (Information Technologies of Mechanics and Optics). Activity of laboratory is career guidance of entrants and students in the field of optical engineering. Student research laboratory for optical engineering is a place where student can work in the interesting and entertaining scientific atmosphere.

Clinical Chemistry of Patients With Ebola in Monrovia, Liberia.

PubMed

de Wit, Emmie; Kramer, Shelby; Prescott, Joseph; Rosenke, Kyle; Falzarano, Darryl; Marzi, Andrea; Fischer, Robert J; Safronetz, David; Hoenen, Thomas; Groseth, Allison; van Doremalen, Neeltje; Bushmaker, Trenton; McNally, Kristin L; Feldmann, Friederike; Williamson, Brandi N; Best, Sonja M; Ebihara, Hideki; Damiani, Igor A C; Adamson, Brett; Zoon, Kathryn C; Nyenswah, Tolbert G; Bolay, Fatorma K; Massaquoi, Moses; Sprecher, Armand; Feldmann, Heinz; Munster, Vincent J

2016-10-15

The development of point-of-care clinical chemistry analyzers has enabled the implementation of these ancillary tests in field laboratories in resource-limited outbreak areas. The Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) outbreak diagnostic laboratory, established in Monrovia, Liberia, to provide Ebola virus and Plasmodium spp. diagnostics during the Ebola epidemic, implemented clinical chemistry analyzers in December 2014. Clinical chemistry testing was performed for 68 patients in triage, including 12 patients infected with Ebola virus and 18 infected with Plasmodium spp. The main distinguishing feature in clinical chemistry of Ebola virus-infected patients was the elevation in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase levels and the decrease in calcium. The implementation of clinical chemistry is probably most helpful when the medical supportive care implemented at the Ebola treatment unit allows for correction of biochemistry derangements and on-site clinical chemistry analyzers can be used to monitor electrolyte balance. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

[Analysis of laboratory data of 155 patients with pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome diagnosed during the past 20 years].

PubMed

Balog, Beatrice; Tőke, Judit; Róna, Kálmán; Szücs, Nikolette; Igaz, Péter; Pusztai, Péter; Sármán, Beatrix; Gláz, Edit; Kiss, Róbert; Patócs, Attila; Rácz, Károly; Tóth, Miklós

2015-04-19

Laboratory diagnosis of pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome has been markedly improved during the past two decades. Retrospective assessment of diagnostic utility of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites as well as serum chromogranin A in 155 patients diagnosed at the 2nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University. Urinary catecholamines and metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection in 155 patients with pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma (of whom 28.4% had hereditary background) and in 170 non-pheochromocytoma patients used as controls. Serum chromogranin A was measured by immunoradiometry. Sensitivity (93.2%) and specificity (87.0%) of urinary fractionated metanephrines were higher than those of urinary catecholamines (90.9% vs. 85.7%, respectively) and serum chromogranin A (88.7% and 77.5%, respectively). Urinary normetanephrine and serum chromogranin A correlated positively with tumor size (r = 0.552, p<0.0001 and r = 0.618, p<0.0001, respectively). These data confirm the diagnostic utility of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites. Urinary normetanephrine and serum chromogranin A may help to estimate tumour mass and probably tumour progression.

Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR)

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-05-12

Athens. Georgia Muriel T. Davisson. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor. Maine Neal L. First. University of Wisconsin, Madison , Wisconsin James W. Glosser...Hear, Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, Madison . Wisconsin Margaret Z. Jones. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan Michael D...California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California Henry C. Pitot III, University of Wisconsin. Madison , Wisconsin Paul G. Risser, Miami University

Evaluation of Chemical and Atmospheric Sciences Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-14

of Chemistry Los Alamos National Laboratory The University of California Los Alamwn, New Mexico 87545 Berkeley, California 94720 Professor Dennis H ...The University of Texas, Dallas Professor Richard P. Van Dwyne Richardson, Texas 75080. Department of Chemistry Northwestern University Professor H ...Jamues Harwox Evanston, Illinois 60201 Chairman Institute of Polymer Science Dr. Field H . Winslow University of Akron Bell Laboratories Akron, Chio

Redirecting Under-Utilised Computer Laboratories into Cluster Computing Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atkinson, John S.; Spenneman, Dirk H. R.; Cornforth, David

2005-01-01

Purpose: To provide administrators at an Australian university with data on the feasibility of redirecting under-utilised computer laboratories facilities into a distributed high performance computing facility. Design/methodology/approach: The individual log-in records for each computer located in the computer laboratories at the university were…

40 CFR 262.106 - When must a hazardous waste determination be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... this point each University must determine whether the laboratory waste will be reused or whether it... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University... accumulation area, each University must evaluate the laboratory wastes to determine whether they are solid...

40 CFR 262.106 - When must a hazardous waste determination be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... this point each University must determine whether the laboratory waste will be reused or whether it... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University... accumulation area, each University must evaluate the laboratory wastes to determine whether they are solid...

40 CFR 262.106 - When must a hazardous waste determination be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... this point each University must determine whether the laboratory waste will be reused or whether it... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University... accumulation area, each University must evaluate the laboratory wastes to determine whether they are solid...

40 CFR 262.106 - When must a hazardous waste determination be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... this point each University must determine whether the laboratory waste will be reused or whether it... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University... accumulation area, each University must evaluate the laboratory wastes to determine whether they are solid...

40 CFR 262.106 - When must a hazardous waste determination be made?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... this point each University must determine whether the laboratory waste will be reused or whether it... (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University... accumulation area, each University must evaluate the laboratory wastes to determine whether they are solid...

The Effect of Added AL2O3 on the Propagation Behavior of an Al/CuO Nanoscale Thermite

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

Malchi a, Richard A. Yetter a,*, T. J. Foley b, and Steven F. Son c a The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA b Los Alamos National...Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA c Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA U. S. Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC...Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA b Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA c Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

Validation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Tests for Universal Pathogen Detection.

PubMed

Schlaberg, Robert; Chiu, Charles Y; Miller, Steve; Procop, Gary W; Weinstock, George

2017-06-01

- Metagenomic sequencing can be used for detection of any pathogens using unbiased, shotgun next-generation sequencing (NGS), without the need for sequence-specific amplification. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated in infectious disease outbreaks of unknown causes and in patients with suspected infections but negative results for conventional tests. Metagenomic NGS tests hold great promise to improve infectious disease diagnostics, especially in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. - To discuss challenges and provide example solutions for validating metagenomic pathogen detection tests in clinical laboratories. A summary of current regulatory requirements, largely based on prior guidance for NGS testing in constitutional genetics and oncology, is provided. - Examples from 2 separate validation studies are provided for steps from assay design, and validation of wet bench and bioinformatics protocols, to quality control and assurance. - Although laboratory and data analysis workflows are still complex, metagenomic NGS tests for infectious diseases are increasingly being validated in clinical laboratories. Many parallels exist to NGS tests in other fields. Nevertheless, specimen preparation, rapidly evolving data analysis algorithms, and incomplete reference sequence databases are idiosyncratic to the field of microbiology and often overlooked.

Severe vitamin D deficiency: a significant predictor of early hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

PubMed

Al-Khatib, Talal; Althubaiti, Abdulrahman M; Althubaiti, Alaa; Mosli, Hala H; Alwasiah, Reem O; Badawood, Lojain M

2015-03-01

To assess the role of preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Retrospective cohort study. University teaching hospital. All consecutively performed total and completion thyroidectomies from February 2007 to December 2013 were reviewed through a hospital database and patient charts. The relationship between postthyroidectomy laboratory hypocalcemia (serum calcium≤2 mmol/L), clinical hypocalcemia, and preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D level was evaluated. Two hundred thirteen patients were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia was 19.7% and 17.8%, respectively. The incidence of laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia among severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (<75 nmol/L), and sufficient (≥75 nmol/L) serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels was 54% versus 33.9%, 10% versus 18%, 2.9% versus 11.6%, and 3.1% versus 0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative severe vitamin D deficiency as a significant independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-22.9; P=.001). Parathyroid hormone level was also found to be an independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8; P=.002). Postoperative clinical and laboratory hypocalcemia is significantly associated with low levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. Our findings identify severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) as an independent predictor of postoperative laboratory hypocalcemia. Early identification and management of patients at risk may reduce morbidity and costs. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2014.

Challenges in Implementing a Biorisk Management Program at Universitas Indonesia: A Checklist Tool for Biorisk Management.

PubMed

Naroeni, Aroem; Bachtiar, Endang Winiati; Ibrahim, Fera; Bela, Budiman; Kusminanti, Yuni; Pujiriani, Ike; Lestari, Fatma

Rapid development and advancement of bioresearch at a university's laboratories can have both positive and negative implications for public health and the environment. Many research activities in which biological materials have been created, modified, stored, and manipulated require safety procedures to keep the negative effects on humans and the environment as low as possible. The Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (OHS&E) Department of the University of Indonesia (UI) is trying to increase the awareness and responsibility of its university members and laboratory staffs who work with biohazard materials by creating a biorisk checklist. The checklist was developed based on WHO guidelines and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Laboratory Manual, which contains 311 questions about the management, administration, and handling of various hazards, recombinant experiments, and animal and plant experiments. A gap analysis was run against the checklist in 14 laboratories at the University of Indonesia Salemba campus, which daily works with highly infectious pathogens and high-risk agents. Overall result showed that none of these laboratories had met all of the checklist items, and there were only 2 laboratories that had implemented more than half of the items. This checklist was proven to be a simple tool for assessing laboratories that handle and store biohazard materials, and it could be used as a monitoring tool for biorisk programs as well. It also could be further developed as a laboratory software application to increase its effectiveness and its accuracy.

Evaluation of Glycemic Control, Lifestyle and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Treated at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan.

PubMed

Al-Eitan, Laith N; Nassar, Ahmad M; Saadeh, Nesreen A; Almomani, Basima A

2016-12-01

The study aimed to assess glycemic control in a Jordanian population with type 2 diabetes and to explore the sociodemographic, clinical and medication-related factors as well as the anthropometric indexes and laboratory values associated with and possibly contributing to unsatisfactory glycemic control. We included 237 patients previously diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes. Data were collected through direct interviews. Sociodemographic and clinical details were collected using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of the study, anthropometric measurements were obtained at the time of the interviews, and laboratory data were extracted from the medical records of King Abdullah University Hospital. Of the participants, 60.8% were found to have unsatisfactory glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin levels ≥7%). Unsatisfactory glycemic control was associated with younger ages at diabetes diagnosis, higher mean weights and higher prevalences of diabetic neuropathy. No relationships were found among glycemic control and body mass index, waist circumference or central obesity. Patients with adequate control were more likely to have health insurance and to have hypothyroidism as a comorbidity. Insulin use and medication plans containing insulin were associated with unsatisfactory control. Patients with unsatisfactory control had higher mean levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides and lower mean levels of high-density lipoproteins. Moreover, elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL) and dyslipidemia were associated with unsatisfactory glycemic control. More than half of the participants had unsatisfactory glycemic control, highlighting the need for a change in the approach and strategies used for patients with diabetes in Jordan. Factors associated with glycemic control that were found in this study should be further studied and used in the prevention and management of diabetes. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Diabetes Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria to determine the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE).

PubMed

Tiao, Janice; Feng, Rui; Carr, Kasey; Okawa, Joyce; Werth, Victoria P

2016-05-01

Approximately 50% of patients with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) meet criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) developed new SLE criteria to improve the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria but the SLICC criteria have not been evaluated in patients with SCLE. We sought to determine how patients with SCLE/SLE meet the ACR and SLICC criteria to compare the 2 sets of criteria. This was a retrospective analysis of 107 patients with SCLE enrolled in a database at the University of Pennsylvania. Patients with SCLE/SLE were more likely than those with only SCLE to have oral ulcers, positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, and positive antinuclear antibody test findings using both sets of criteria. Patients with SCLE/SLE were also more likely to have low complement using the SLICC criteria. There was a statistically insignificant increase in individuals meeting the SLICC criteria. Not all patients received comprehensive laboratory testing. Most patients with SCLE who formally meet criteria for SLE do so based on the laboratory and mucocutaneous criteria. Neither the ACR nor SLICC criteria distinguish patients with SCLE and major internal disease from patients with SCLE without major internal disease. Published by Elsevier Inc.

University-Based Continuing Education for Pharmacists

PubMed Central

Kehrer, James P.; Yuksel, Nesé; Hughes, Christine A.

2012-01-01

University-based continuing education (CE) fulfills an important role to support the professional development of pharmacists, advance the practice of pharmacy, and contribute to societal needs for research and healthcare services. Opportunities for pharmacists to engage in new models of patient care are numerous worldwide, particularly as pharmacists’ scope of practice has expanded. Approaches to CE have changed to address the changing needs of pharmacists and now include a variety of approaches to support development of knowledge and skills. There is emphasis on the learning process as well as the knowledge, with the introduction of the concept of continuing professional development (CPD). As institutions of research and education, universities are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between academic and practice environments, providing opportunities for translation of knowledge to practice. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta is a provider of CE in Alberta, Canada, where an expanded scope of pharmacy practice includes prescribing, administering injections, accessing electronic patient records, and ordering laboratory tests. In this paper, the Faculty offers views about future directions for CE, including the integration of CE with core faculty activities, expanding the audience for CE, areas of focus for learning, and partnerships. Finally, we hope to ignite dialogue with others in the profession about the role and function of university-based CE. PMID:22438592

Interview with Irving W Wainer.

PubMed

Wainer, Irving W

2013-08-01

Irving W Wainer, Senior Investigator in the Intramural Research Program at the National Institute on Aging/NIH received his PhD degree in chemistry from Cornell University and did postdoctoral doctoral studies in molecular biology (University of Oregon) and clinical pharmacology (Thomas Jefferson Medical School). He worked for the US FDA and held positions at St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, at McGill University as Professor in the Department of Oncology, and as a Professor of Pharmacology at Georgetown University. Wainer has published over 350 scientific papers, 10 books, 25 book chapters and holds 11 patents. His awards include: 'A.J.P. Martin Medal' presented by the Chromatographic Society; Doctor HonorisCausa awarded by the Medical University of Gdansk (Gdansk, Poland, 2006), Doctor HonorisCausa awarded by the Department of Medicine, University of Liege (Liege, Belgium, 2012), and the 2013 Eastern Analytical Symposium Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Fields of Analytical Chemistry. Wainer's research includes the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of congestive heart failure, cancer, pain and depression, many of which are in the later stages of drug development. His laboratory has also continued the development of cellular membrane affinity chromatography technology, and recent work includes the development of columns containing immobilized forms of the breast cancer resistance protein found in cellular and nuclear membranes and mitochondrial membrane columns. Wainer's laboratory has also continued its study of the effect of disease progression and aging on drug metabolism in critically ill and terminal patients. Interview was conducted by Lisa Parks, Assistant Commissioning Editor of Bioanalysis.

Specimen rejection in laboratory medicine: Necessary for patient safety?

PubMed

Dikmen, Zeliha Gunnur; Pinar, Asli; Akbiyik, Filiz

2015-01-01

The emergency laboratory in Hacettepe University Hospitals receives specimens from emergency departments (EDs), inpatient services and intensive care units (ICUs). The samples are accepted according to the rejection criteria of the laboratory. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sample rejection ratios according to the types of pre-preanalytical errors and collection areas. The samples sent to the emergency laboratory were recorded during 12 months between January to December, 2013 in which 453,171 samples were received and 27,067 specimens were rejected. Rejection ratios was 2.5% for biochemistry tests, 3.2% for complete blood count (CBC), 9.8% for blood gases, 9.2% for urine analysis, 13.3% for coagulation tests, 12.8% for therapeutic drug monitoring, 3.5% for cardiac markers and 12% for hormone tests. The most frequent rejection reasons were fibrin clots (28%) and inadequate volume (9%) for biochemical tests. Clotted samples (35%) and inadequate volume (13%) were the major causes for coagulation tests, blood gas analyses and CBC. The ratio of rejected specimens was higher in the EDs (40%) compared to ICUs (30%) and inpatient services (28%). The highest rejection ratio was observed in neurology ICU (14%) among the ICUs and internal medicine inpatient service (10%) within inpatient clinics. We detected an overall specimen rejection rate of 6% in emergency laboratory. By documentation of rejected samples and periodic training of healthcare personnel, we expect to decrease sample rejection ratios below 2%, improve total quality management of the emergency laboratory and promote patient safety.

Educating Medical Laboratory Technologists: Revisiting Our Assumptions in the Current Economic and Health-Care Environment

PubMed Central

Linder, Regina

2012-01-01

Health care occupies a distinct niche in an economy struggling to recover from recession. Professions related to the care of patients are thought to be relatively resistant to downturns, and thus become attractive to students typically drawn to more lucrative pursuits. Currently, a higher profile for clinical laboratory technology among college students and those considering career change results in larger and better prepared applicant pools. However, after decades of contraction marked by closing of programs, prospective students encounter an educational system without the capacity or vigor to meet their needs. Here discussed are some principles and proposals to allow universities, partnering with health-care providers, government agencies, and other stake-holders to develop new programs, or reenergize existing ones to serve our students and patients. Principles include academic rigor in biomedical and clinical science, multiple points of entry for students, flexibility in format, cost effectiveness, career ladders and robust partnerships. PMID:23653802

Occupational scleroderma. A 17-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Ishikawa, O; Warita, S; Tamura, A; Miyachi, Y

1995-11-01

Two patients with a scleroderma-like disorder induced by epoxy resins were reported from the Department of Dermatology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan in 1980. Here, we describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of these patients after 17 years' follow-up from 1976 to 1993. Their systemic manifestations and indurated sclerotic skin changes disappeared within 5 years. No internal organ involvement has developed during the period of follow-up. On routine laboratory tests, no abnormalities have been found in the peripheral blood or in the blood chemistry or serology. Histological examination revealed atrophy of the dermis and restoration of the normal pattern of fine collagen bundles, when compared with the previous skin biopsy specimens. This scleroderma-like disorder induced by epoxy resins is considered to be different from systemic sclerosis: it has an acute onset and a fairly good prognosis, and does not show involvement of the internal organs.

Technology Support for Combat Casualty Related Medical Infrared Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-10

LtCol. David Trant USAF as On-site PI, and the Duke Medical IR group (Drs. Pearlstein and Guenther) serving as Co-PI’s, was approved in January 2009...patient outcome. COLLABORATORS: LtCol. Kenneth Egerstrom, USAF; LtCol. David Trant, USAF; Dr. Larry Katz, Department of Emergency Medicine...University of North Carolina Hospitals; Col. Byron Funke, USAF; Dr. David Randall, USArmy Night Vision Laboratories (Ft. Belvoir); Mr. Wayne Antesberger

Validation of a laboratory and hospital information system in a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189

PubMed Central

Biljak, Vanja Radisic; Ozvald, Ivan; Radeljak, Andrea; Majdenic, Kresimir; Lasic, Branka; Siftar, Zoran; Lovrencic, Marijana Vucic; Flegar-Mestric, Zlata

2012-01-01

Introduction The aim of the study was to present a protocol for laboratory information system (LIS) and hospital information system (HIS) validation at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine of the Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. Materials and methods: Validity of data traceability was checked by entering all test requests for virtual patient into HIS/LIS and printing corresponding barcoded labels that provided laboratory analyzers with the information on requested tests. The original printouts of the test results from laboratory analyzer(s) were compared with the data obtained from LIS and entered into the provided template. Transfer of data from LIS to HIS was examined by requesting all tests in HIS and creating real data in a finding generated in LIS. Data obtained from LIS and HIS were entered into a corresponding template. The main outcome measure was the accuracy of transfer obtained from laboratory analyzers and results transferred from LIS and HIS expressed as percentage (%). Results: The accuracy of data transfer from laboratory analyzers to LIS was 99.5% and of that from LIS to HIS 100%. Conclusion: We presented our established validation protocol for laboratory information system and demonstrated that a system meets its intended purpose. PMID:22384522

Effects of Gender, Load, and Backpack on Easy Standing and Vertical Jump Performance. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

D BY RICHARD C. NELSON AND PHILIP E. MARTIN BIOMECHANICS LABORATORY THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY PARK, PENNSYLVANIA MARCH...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS Biomechanics Laboratory The Pennsylvania State University University Park. Pennsylvania 16802 10. PROGRAM...REFERENCES APPENDICES A. Clothing and Equipment Used in This Study B. ANOVA Summary Tables for Easy Standing C. ANOVA Summary Tables for

Does the Beach-Spawning Grunion Eat Its Own Eggs? Eighth Graders Use Inquiry-Based Investigation to Collect Real Data in a University Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cavanagh, J. William; Martinez, Kimberly M.; Higgins, Benjamin A.; Horn, Michael H.

2014-01-01

A collaborative effort between a junior high school and a nearby university allowed 40 eighth-grade honors students to engage in a scientific investigation within a university laboratory. These students, with their science teachers and university researchers, gathered data on egg cannibalism in a beach-spawning fish and thereby contributed to an…

Autovalidation and automation of the postanalytical phase of routine hematology and coagulation analyses in a university hospital laboratory.

PubMed

Mlinaric, Ana; Milos, Marija; Coen Herak, Désirée; Fucek, Mirjana; Rimac, Vladimira; Zadro, Renata; Rogic, Dunja

2018-02-23

The need to satisfy high-throughput demands for laboratory tests continues to be a challenge. Therefore, we aimed to automate postanalytical phase in hematology and coagulation laboratory by autovalidation of complete blood count (CBC) and routine coagulation test results (prothrombin time [PT], international normalized ratio [PT-INR], activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], fibrinogen, antithrombin activity [AT] and thrombin time [TT]). Work efficacy and turnaround time (TAT) before and after implementation of automated solutions will be compared. Ordering panels tailored to specific patient populations were implemented. Rerun and reflex testing rules were set in the respective analyzers' software (Coulter DxH Connectivity 1601, Beckman Coulter, FL, USA; AutoAssistant, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Germany), and sample status information was transferred into the laboratory information system. To evaluate if the automation improved TAT and efficacy, data from manually verified results in September and October of 2015 were compared with the corresponding period in 2016 when autovalidation was implemented. Autovalidation rates of 63% for CBC and 65% for routine coagulation test results were achieved. At the TAT of 120 min, the percentage of reported results increased substantially for all analyzed tests, being above 90% for CBC, PT, PT-INR and fibrinogen and 89% for APTT. This output was achieved with three laboratory technicians less compared with the period when the postanalytical phase was not automated. Automation allowed optimized laboratory workflow for specific patient populations, thereby ensuring standardized results reporting. Autovalidation of test results proved to be an efficient tool for improvement of laboratory work efficacy and TAT.

Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories: Volume 1. Accident Prevention for College and University Students, 7th Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Chemical Society, Washington, DC.

This book contains volume 1 of 2 and describes safety guidelines for academic chemistry laboratories to prevent accidents for college and university students. Contents include: (1) "Your Responsibility for Accident Prevention"; (2) "Guide to Chemical Hazards"; (3) "Recommended Laboratory Techniques"; and (4) "Safety Equipment and Emergency…

Patients' satisfaction with inpatient services provided in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2011-2013

PubMed Central

Makarem, Jalil; Larijani, Bagher; Joodaki, Kobra; Ghaderi, Sahar; Nayeri, Fatemeh; Mohammadpoor, Masoud

2016-01-01

Implementation of patient feedback is considered as a critical part of effective and efficient management in developed countries. The main objectives of this study were to assess patient satisfaction with the services provided in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, identify areas of patient dissatisfaction, and find ways to improve patient satisfaction with hospital services. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 phases. After 2 initial preparation phases, the valid instrument was applied through telephone interviews with 21476 participants from 26 hospitals during August, 2011 to February, 2013.Using the Satisfaction Survey tool, information of patient's demographic characteristics were collected and patient satisfaction with 15 areas of hospital services and the intent to return the same hospitals were assessed. The mean score of overall satisfaction with hospital services was 16.86 ± 2.72 out of 20. It was found that 58% of participants were highly satisfied with the services provided. Comparison of mean scores showed physician and medical services (17.75 ± 4.02), laboratory and radiology services (17.67 ± 3.66), and privacy and religious issues (17.55 ± 4.32) had the highest satisfaction. The patients were the most dissatisfied with the food services (15.50 ± 5.54). It was also found that 83.7% of the participants intended to return to the same hospital in case of need, which supported the measured satisfaction level. Patient satisfaction in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences was high. It seems that the present study, with its large sample size, has sufficient reliability to express the patient satisfaction status. Moreover, appropriate measures should be taken in some areas (food, cost, and etc.) to increase patient satisfaction. PMID:27471589

Using Focused Laboratory Management and Quality Improvement Projects to Enhance Resident Training and Foster Scholarship

PubMed Central

Ford, Bradley A.; Klutts, J. Stacey; Jensen, Chris S.; Briggs, Angela S.; Robinson, Robert A.; Bruch, Leslie A.; Karandikar, Nitin J.

2017-01-01

Training in patient safety, quality, and management is widely recognized as an important element of graduate medical education. These concepts have been intertwined in pathology graduate medical education for many years, although training programs face challenges in creating explicit learning opportunities in these fields. Tangibly involving pathology residents in management and quality improvement projects has the potential to teach and reinforce key concepts and further fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education goals for pursuing projects related to patient safety and quality improvement. In this report, we present our experience at a pathology residency program (University of Iowa) in engaging pathology residents in projects related to practical issues of laboratory management, process improvement, and informatics. In this program, at least 1 management/quality improvement project, typically performed during a clinical chemistry/management rotation, was required and ideally resulted in a journal publication. The residency program also initiated a monthly management/informatics series for pathology externs, residents, and fellows that covers a wide range of topics. Since 2010, all pathology residents at the University of Iowa have completed at least 1 management/quality improvement project. Many of the projects involved aspects of laboratory test utilization, with some projects focused on other areas such as human resources, informatics, or process improvement. Since 2012, 31 peer-reviewed journal articles involving effort from 26 residents have been published. Multiple projects resulted in changes in ongoing practice, particularly within the hospital electronic health record. Focused management/quality improvement projects involving pathology residents can result in both meaningful quality improvement and scholarly output. PMID:28913416

Using Focused Laboratory Management and Quality Improvement Projects to Enhance Resident Training and Foster Scholarship.

PubMed

Krasowski, Matthew D; Ford, Bradley A; Klutts, J Stacey; Jensen, Chris S; Briggs, Angela S; Robinson, Robert A; Bruch, Leslie A; Karandikar, Nitin J

2017-01-01

Training in patient safety, quality, and management is widely recognized as an important element of graduate medical education. These concepts have been intertwined in pathology graduate medical education for many years, although training programs face challenges in creating explicit learning opportunities in these fields. Tangibly involving pathology residents in management and quality improvement projects has the potential to teach and reinforce key concepts and further fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education goals for pursuing projects related to patient safety and quality improvement. In this report, we present our experience at a pathology residency program (University of Iowa) in engaging pathology residents in projects related to practical issues of laboratory management, process improvement, and informatics. In this program, at least 1 management/quality improvement project, typically performed during a clinical chemistry/management rotation, was required and ideally resulted in a journal publication. The residency program also initiated a monthly management/informatics series for pathology externs, residents, and fellows that covers a wide range of topics. Since 2010, all pathology residents at the University of Iowa have completed at least 1 management/quality improvement project. Many of the projects involved aspects of laboratory test utilization, with some projects focused on other areas such as human resources, informatics, or process improvement. Since 2012, 31 peer-reviewed journal articles involving effort from 26 residents have been published. Multiple projects resulted in changes in ongoing practice, particularly within the hospital electronic health record. Focused management/quality improvement projects involving pathology residents can result in both meaningful quality improvement and scholarly output.

Automated Broad-Range Molecular Detection of Bacteria in Clinical Samples

PubMed Central

Hoogewerf, Martine; Vandenbroucke-Grauls, Christina M. J. E.; Savelkoul, Paul H. M.

2016-01-01

Molecular detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR), have found their way into clinical microbiology laboratories for the detection of an array of pathogens. Most routinely used methods, however, are directed at specific species. Thus, anything that is not explicitly searched for will be missed. This greatly limits the flexibility and universal application of these techniques. We investigated the application of a rapid universal bacterial molecular identification method, IS-pro, to routine patient samples received in a clinical microbiology laboratory. IS-pro is a eubacterial technique based on the detection and categorization of 16S-23S rRNA gene interspace regions with lengths that are specific for each microbial species. As this is an open technique, clinicians do not need to decide in advance what to look for. We compared routine culture to IS-pro using 66 samples sent in for routine bacterial diagnostic testing. The samples were obtained from patients with infections in normally sterile sites (without a resident microbiota). The results were identical in 20 (30%) samples, IS-pro detected more bacterial species than culture in 31 (47%) samples, and five of the 10 culture-negative samples were positive with IS-pro. The case histories of the five patients from whom these culture-negative/IS-pro-positive samples were obtained suggest that the IS-pro findings are highly clinically relevant. Our findings indicate that an open molecular approach, such as IS-pro, may have a high added value for clinical practice. PMID:26763956

Implementation of a successful on-call system in clinical chemistry.

PubMed

Hobbs, G A; Jortani, S A; Valdes, R

1997-11-01

Successful practice of clinical pathology depends on a wide variety of laboratory, clinical, and managerial decisions. The skills needed to make these decisions can most effectively be learned by residents and fellows in pathology using a service-oriented on-call approach. We report our experience implementing an on-call system in the clinical chemistry laboratory at the University of Louisville Hospital (Ky). We detail the guidelines used to establish this system and the elements required for its successful implementation. The system emphasizes a laboratory-initiated approach to linking laboratory results to patient care. From inception of the program during late 1990 through 1995, the number of beeper calls (including clinician contacts) steadily increased and is currently 8 to 20 per week. The on-call system is active 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, thus representing activity on all three laboratory shifts. Types of responses were separated into administrative (12%), analytical (42%), clinical (63%), quality control or quality assurance (12%), and consultation (13%) categories. We also present 6 case reports as examples demonstrating multiple elements in these categories. In 23% of the calls, clinician contact was required and achieved by the fellow or resident on call for the laboratory. The on-call reports are documented and presented informally at weekly on-call report sessions. Emphasis is placed on learning and refinement of investigative skills needed to function as an effective laboratory director. Educational emphasis for the medical staff is in establishing awareness of the presence of the laboratory as an important interactive component of patient care. In addition, we found this program to be beneficial to the hospital and to the department of pathology in fulfilling its clinical service and teaching missions. Our experience may be helpful to other institutions establishing such a program.

Connecting QGP-Heavy Ion Physics to the Early Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rafelski, Johann

2013-10-01

We discuss properties and evolution of quark-gluon plasma in the early Universe and compare to laboratory heavy ion experiments. We describe how matter and antimatter emerged from a primordial soup of quarks and gluons. We focus our discussion on similarities and differences between the early Universe and the laboratory experiments.

Snake River Plain FORGE Site Characterization Data

DOE Data Explorer

Moos, Danial; Barton, Colleen A.

2016-04-18

The site characterization data used to develop the conceptual geologic model for the Snake River Plain site in Idaho, as part of phase 1 of the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) initiative. This collection includes data on seismic events, groundwater, geomechanical models, gravity surveys, magnetics, resistivity, magnetotellurics (MT), rock physics, stress, the geologic setting, and supporting documentation, including several papers. Also included are 3D models (Petrel and Jewelsuite) of the proposed site. Data for wells INEL-1, WO-2, and USGS-142 have been included as links to separate data collections. These data have been assembled by the Snake River Geothermal Consortium (SRGC), a team of collaborators that includes members from national laboratories, universities, industry, and federal agencies, lead by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Other contributors include the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CEAS), the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Boise State University, University of Wyoming, University of Oklahoma, Energy and Geoscience Institute-University of Utah, US Geothermal, Baker Hughes Campbell Scientific Inc., Chena Power, US Geological Survey (USGS), Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Geological Survey, and Mink GeoHydro.

[The experimental surgery and your relation with the university: an experience report].

PubMed

Yamaki, Vitor Nagai; Teixeira, Renan Kleber Costa; Feijo, Daniel Haber; Silva, José Antonio Cordero da; Botelho, Nara Macedo; Henriques, Marcus Vinicius

2014-01-01

The laboratory of experimental surgery represents one of the key points for the university, especially in the biomedical area. This focuses on the university's tripod of primary structure that are teaching, research and extension, which are essential for formation of humanistic and practice of a good doctor that is based, first of all, on scientific evidence and critical knowledge. The importance of a laboratory of experimental surgery centers for medical education was regulated from the new curriculum guidelines of the Ministério da Educação e Cultura, establishing a mandatory laboratory within college centers. Therefore, it is of great importance to the contribution of the laboratories of experimental surgery in the curriculum, both in the discipline of surgical technics and experimental surgery, and an incentive for basic research. Thus, the study presents the experience of 15 years of the Laboratory of Experimental Surgery from Universidade do Estado do Pará, with the goal show the importance of this to medical graduation and the university.

Frequent Questions About Managing Hazardous Waste at Academic Laboratories

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

FAQs about Alternative Requirements for Hazardous Waste Determination and Accumulation of Unwanted Material for Laboratories Owned by Colleges and Universities and Other Eligible Academic Entities Formally Affiliated with Colleges and Universities.

76 FR 62046 - Defense Science Board; Notice of Advisory Committee Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-06

... University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723. The mission of the Defense... Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723. FOR FURTHER...

The G209A mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene is not detected in familial cases of Parkinson disease in non-Greek and/or Italian populations.

PubMed

Wang, W W; Khajavi, M; Patel, B J; Beach, J; Jankovic, J; Ashizawa, T

1998-12-01

To determine whether the G-to-A substitution at nucleotide 209 (G209A) mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene is responsible for familial Parkinson disease (PD) in the US population. Polymerase chain reaction-based DNA analysis of consecutive patients with PD and family history of PD. A university-affiliated movement disorder clinic and a Veterans Affairs clinical research laboratory. Forty-four patients with PD and family history of PD and 29 patients with sporadic PD, all with no known Greek and/or Italian background. None of the DNA samples showed the G209A mutation. The G209A mutation is rare in US patients with familial PD.

Effects of Gender, Frame Length, and Participation Time on Load Carrying Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-01

MARTIN RICHARD C. NELSON AND IN-SIK SHIN DHTI C BIOMECHANICS LABORATORY FLECTEMk THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY DEC 2 2 1982 ! W UNIVERSITY...ADDRESS Biomechanics Laboratory The Pennsylvania State University University Park, Pennsylvania 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK AREA & WORK...trousers, combat boots, a PASGT helmet, the ALICE fighting gear, and an ALICE backpack containing 20 lb of military clothing and equipment. The length of

Granulomatous Mastitis: A Ten-Year Experience at a University Hospital

PubMed Central

Korkut, Ercan; Akcay, Mufide Nuran; Karadeniz, Erdem; Subasi, Irmak Durur; Gursan, Nesrin

2015-01-01

Objective: In this study we aimed to define clinical, radiologic and pathological specialties of patients who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty with granulomatous mastitis and show medical and surgical treatment results. With the help of this study we will be able to make our own clinical algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: We searched retrospectively addresses, phone numbers and clinical files of 93 patients whom diagnosed granulomatous mastitis between a decade of January 2001 – December 2010. We noted demographic specialties, ages, gender, medical family history, main complaints, physical findings, radiological and laboratory findings, medical treatments, postoperative complications and surgical procedures if they were operated; morbidity, recurrence and success ratios, complications after treatment for patients discussed above. Results: In this study we evaluated 93 patients, 91 females and 2 males, with granulomatous mastitis retrospectively who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty between January 2001 and December 2010. Mean age was 34.4 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the lesions. Seventy three patients had idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis and 20 patients had specific granulomatous mastitis IGM (18 tuberculosis mastitis, 1 alveolar echinococcosis and 1 silk reaction). All the patients had surgical debridement or antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory treatment with results bad clinical response before applied our clinic. Conclusion: Empiric antibiotic therapy and drainage of the breast lesions are not enough for complete remission of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. The lesion must be excised completely. In selected patients, corticosteroid therapy can be useful. In the patients with tuberculous mastitis, abscess drainage and antituberculous therapy can be useful, but wide excision must be chosen for the patients with recurrent disease. PMID:26644764

Granulomatous Mastitis: A Ten-Year Experience at a University Hospital.

PubMed

Korkut, Ercan; Akcay, Mufide Nuran; Karadeniz, Erdem; Subasi, Irmak Durur; Gursan, Nesrin

2015-10-01

In this study we aimed to define clinical, radiologic and pathological specialties of patients who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty with granulomatous mastitis and show medical and surgical treatment results. With the help of this study we will be able to make our own clinical algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. We searched retrospectively addresses, phone numbers and clinical files of 93 patients whom diagnosed granulomatous mastitis between a decade of January 2001 - December 2010. We noted demographic specialties, ages, gender, medical family history, main complaints, physical findings, radiological and laboratory findings, medical treatments, postoperative complications and surgical procedures if they were operated; morbidity, recurrence and success ratios, complications after treatment for patients discussed above. In this study we evaluated 93 patients, 91 females and 2 males, with granulomatous mastitis retrospectively who applied to General Surgery Department of Atatürk University Medical Faculty between January 2001 and December 2010. Mean age was 34.4 years. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the lesions. Seventy three patients had idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis and 20 patients had specific granulomatous mastitis IGM (18 tuberculosis mastitis, 1 alveolar echinococcosis and 1 silk reaction). All the patients had surgical debridement or antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory treatment with results bad clinical response before applied our clinic. Empiric antibiotic therapy and drainage of the breast lesions are not enough for complete remission of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. The lesion must be excised completely. In selected patients, corticosteroid therapy can be useful. In the patients with tuberculous mastitis, abscess drainage and antituberculous therapy can be useful, but wide excision must be chosen for the patients with recurrent disease.

[Gdansk HIV-AIDS project, yesterday, today and future].

PubMed

Zielińska, W

1995-09-01

Medical care project for HIV positive and AIDS patients in Gdańsk voivodship was established in 1988 in the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of Gdańsk Medical University. The aim of this modern and multidirectional program was to provide full medical care for HIV/AIDS patients and introduce effective prophylaxis against spread of HIV infection. According to the project-clinical ward, outpatient clinic for HIV positive and AIDS patients, diagnostic and laboratory units, were established. Close cooperation including specialistic and general medical care, was set with detoxication ward, rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, prison medical services and the Korczak Orphanage. Education of medical staff and some social groups was provided (teachers, teenagers of secondary schools, journalists, police employees). Clinical ward for HIV positive patients who are in need of inpatient medical care is localized in the Clinic for Infectious Diseases of Gdańsk Medical University. The ward has 16 double - bed Melcer's boxes which are used for other HIV/AIDS patients according to present needs. Free beds are used for HIV negative patients. HIV/AIDS Outpatient Clinic is localized in Venerologic Outpatient Unit. This was because of some psychological, social, professional and organization aspects. Outpatient Clinic staff is responsible for first patients' examination. Serological diagnostics of HIV infection is follow up for everyone (anonymous testing is possible); testing for STD is available also. Diagnostic laboratory base for clinical ward and other units are the laboratories of Gdańsk Voivodship Hospital for Infectious Diseases. Clinic for Infectious Diseases supervises all co-operating units. These are the following: 10-beds detoxication ward for drug addicts in Psychiatric - Neurological Hospital "Srebrzysko", 70-80 places in rehabilitation centers for drug addicts in Zapowiednik and Smazyno, remand prison ward for HIV positive patients (this is the first ward established in Poland, thanks to our initiative, in 1990). One of very important units of our Center is the Korczak Orphanage for children aged 0-7 years, which is subjected to Voivodship Health Department. This orphanage is the place for children with positive HIV serology from the whole Poland. Children who need inpatient medical care, among them AIDS children, are admitted to the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and can be diagnosed and consulted in all units of Gdańsk Medical University. In 1992 the co-operation with Gdańsk homosexual society represented by the Gdańsk Initiative (a submit of Lambda organization), was established. Education program is the next very important part of the Clinical and Diagnostic HIV/AIDS Center work. Until now medical staff and Education Department staff were mainly concerned. It is planned to establish Voivodship Social Needs Outpatient Clinic which would continue all hitherto activities, which would be extended by social law counseling. Such outpatient clinic would facilitate education activity. It would be the base for medical research on social pathology and HIV/AIDS related problems.

University Physics Students' Ideas of Thermal Radiation Expressed in Open Laboratory Activities Using Infrared Cameras

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haglund, Jesper; Melander, Emil; Weiszflog, Matthias; Andersson, Staffan

2017-01-01

Background: University physics students were engaged in open-ended thermodynamics laboratory activities with a focus on understanding a chosen phenomenon or the principle of laboratory apparatus, such as thermal radiation and a heat pump. Students had access to handheld infrared (IR) cameras for their investigations. Purpose: The purpose of the…

A Place for Materials Science: Laboratory Buildings and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Pennsylvania

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi, Hyungsub; Shields, Brit

2015-01-01

The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM), University of Pennsylvania, was built in 1965 as part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's (ARPA) Interdisciplinary Laboratories (IDL) program intended to foster interdisciplinary research and training in materials science. The process that led to the construction of the…

Feasibility of Key Star Wars Technology at Center of Debate over Information a Cal. Laboratory Gave Government.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Kim

1988-01-01

The question of whether a university is responsible for the technical accuracy of information released by senior administrators of a laboratory it is charged with overseeing is examined in the case involving a dispute at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that is overseen by the University of California. (MLW)

Improving Pre-Service Elementary Teachers' Education via a Laboratory Course on Air Pollution: One University's Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mandrikas, Achilleas; Parkosidis, Ioannis; Psomiadis, Ploutarchos; Stoumpa, Artemisia; Chalkidis, Anthimos; Mavrikaki, Evangelia; Skordoulis, Constantine

2013-01-01

This paper describes the structure of the "Air Pollution Course", an environmental science laboratory course developed at the Science Education Laboratory of the Faculty of Primary Education, University of Athens, as well as the findings resulting from its implementation by pre-service elementary teachers. The course proposed in this…

Orders on file but no labs drawn: investigation of machine and human errors caused by an interface idiosyncrasy.

PubMed

Schreiber, Richard; Sittig, Dean F; Ash, Joan; Wright, Adam

2017-09-01

In this report, we describe 2 instances in which expert use of an electronic health record (EHR) system interfaced to an external clinical laboratory information system led to unintended consequences wherein 2 patients failed to have laboratory tests drawn in a timely manner. In both events, user actions combined with the lack of an acknowledgment message describing the order cancellation from the external clinical system were the root causes. In 1 case, rapid, near-simultaneous order entry was the culprit; in the second, astute order management by a clinician, unaware of the lack of proper 2-way interface messaging from the external clinical system, led to the confusion. Although testing had shown that the laboratory system would cancel duplicate laboratory orders, it was thought that duplicate alerting in the new order entry system would prevent such events. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Establishment of a microbiology laboratory open 365 days a year and its impact].

PubMed

Komori, Toshiaki; Fujita, Naohisa; Hirose, Yuri; Kimura, Takeshi; Kyotani, Noriko; Kurahashi, Satoko; Yamada, Yukiji; Ushiyama, Masaji; Yasumoto, Towa; Yuasa, Soh-Ichi

2009-12-01

The microbiology laboratory of our university hospital aims to provide accurate and rapid microbiological results and useful information for healthcare workers involved in both the treatment of infectious diseases and infection control. For this purpose, we have been running a microbiology laboratory open 365 days a year since 2005. Before starting this laboratory, we formulated both a precise procedural manual and educational program to increase the number of microbiological technologists from 4 to 8 persons and improve their skills. Moreover, we reviewed the reporting system. As a result, we could report positive blood cultures up to 1.4 days earlier than previously possible, and significantly improved the prognosis of MRSA bacteremia patients by the early treatment of anti-MRSA antimicrobials within 48 hours after positive blood culture. In addition, the rate of MRSA/Staphylococcus aureus decreased to 35.8%. It is essential for the treatment of infectious diseases and infection control to accept only appropriate specimens and report the results rapidly and accurately.

Safety leadership in the teaching laboratories of electrical and electronic engineering departments at Taiwanese Universities.

PubMed

Wu, Tsung-Chih

2008-01-01

Safety has always been one of the principal goals in teaching laboratories. Laboratories cannot serve their educational purpose when accidents occur. The leadership of department heads has a major impact on laboratory safety, so this study discusses the factors affecting safety leadership in teaching laboratories. This study uses a mail survey to explore the perceived safety leadership in electrical and electronic engineering departments at Taiwanese universities. An exploratory factor analysis shows that there are three main components of safety leadership, as measured on a safety leadership scale: safety controlling, safety coaching, and safety caring. The descriptive statistics also reveals that among faculty, the perception of department heads' safety leadership is in general positive. A two-way MANOVA shows that there are interaction effects on safety leadership between university size and instructor age; there are also interaction effects between presence of a safety committee and faculty gender and faculty age. It is therefore necessary to assess organizational factors when determining whether individual factors are the cause of differing perceptions among faculty members. The author also presents advice on improving safety leadership for department heads at small universities and at universities without safety committees.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among tuberculosis laboratory workers in Iran.

PubMed

Nasehi, Mahshid; Hashemi-Shahraki, Abdolrazagh; Doosti-Irani, Amin; Sharafi, Saeed; Mostafavi, Ehsan

2017-01-01

The risk of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients to health care workers (HCWs) is a neglected problem in many countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) among TB laboratory staff in Iran, and to elucidate the risk factors associated with LTBI. All TB laboratory staff (689 individuals) employed in the TB laboratories of 50 Iranian universities of medical sciences and a random sample consisting of 317 low-risk HCWs were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants with tuberculin skin test indurations of 10 mm or more were considered to have an LTBI. The prevalence of LTBI among TB laboratory staff and low-risk HCWs was 24.83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.31 to 27.74%) and 14.82% (95% CI, 11.31 to 19.20%), respectively. No active TB cases were found in either group. After adjusting for potential confounders, TB laboratory staff were more likely to have an LTBI than low-risk HCWs (prevalence odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.35 to 3.17). This study showed that LTBI are an occupational health problem among TB laboratory staff in Iran. This study reinforces the need to design and implement simple, effective, and affordable TB infection control programs in TB laboratories in Iran.

The standard data model approach to patient record transfer.

PubMed Central

Canfield, K.; Silva, M.; Petrucci, K.

1994-01-01

This paper develops an approach to electronic data exchange of patient records from Ambulatory Encounter Systems (AESs). This approach assumes that the AES is based upon a standard data model. The data modeling standard used here is IDEFIX for Entity/Relationship (E/R) modeling. Each site that uses a relational database implementation of this standard data model (or a subset of it) can exchange very detailed patient data with other such sites using industry standard tools and without excessive programming efforts. This design is detailed below for a demonstration project between the research-oriented geriatric clinic at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) and the Laboratory for Healthcare Informatics (LHI) at the University of Maryland. PMID:7949973

Prevalence of IgG-mediated food intolerance among patients with allergic symptoms.

PubMed

Shakoor, Zahid; AlFaifi, Abrar; AlAmro, Bayan; AlTawil, Lama Nabil; AlOhaly, Rana Yazid

2016-01-01

Food intolerance mediated by food specific IgG antibodies has been implicated in a variety of disorders. To assess the prevalence of food specific IgG antibodies among patients clinically presenting with allergic symptoms lacking laboratory evidence of allergy. Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study. King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh between 2010-2015. Patients were screened for food specific IgG antibodies. All symptomatic patients lacking laboratory evidence of allergy who underwent food specific IgG testing during the study duration were included. Levels of IgG antibodies in patients with unidentified allergic symptoms. We selected 71 patients with allergic symptoms lacking laboratory evidence of allergy. There were 49 female and 22 male patients mean age 38.8 (16.0) years. The majority (85.7%) had urticaria. The most frequently occurring food specific IgG antibodies were against cola nut in 80.3% of patients followed by yeast in 78.9%, wheat in 77.5%, red kidney bean in 71.8%, pea in 63.4%, corn in 62% and egg white in 62% of the patients. Compared with male patients, females harbored significantly higher food specific IgG antibodies for frequently occurring food materials, particularly against wheat (74% vs 25.5%; P < .0001), corn (77.3% vs 22.7%; P < .0001) and cola nut (71.9% vs 28.1%; P < .001). Patients aged less than 40 years had higher levels of food specific IgG against gliadin (P < .003), egg white (P < .03) and barley (P < .05) compared with older patients. The detection of a variety of food specific IgG antibodies among patients with allergic symptoms indicates a possible link to food intolerance allergy. Females are prone to develop food intolerance more than males. Difficulty of comparison of results with previous studies because of lack of data. Follow-up studies could not be performed to assess the effects of elimination from the diet due to limited time allocated for this study.

The challenge of providing infertility services to a low-income immigrant Latino population

PubMed Central

Nachtigall, Robert D.; Castrillo, Martha; Shah, Nina; Turner, Dylan; Harrington, Jennifer; Jackson, Rebecca

2009-01-01

Study Objective To provide insight into the experience of low income immigrant Latino couples seeking infertility treatment. Design Qualitative interview study. Setting Infertility Clinic at a University-affiliated urban public teaching hospital. Patients Infertile low-income immigrant Latino couples (105 women and 40 men). Interventions In-depth tape-recorded interviews. Main Outcome Measures After transcription and translation, the interviews were coded and analyzed for thematic content. Results We identified four major challenges to providing infertility services to this population: (1) Communication: Language and cultural barriers resulted in patients having difficulty both in understanding diagnoses and treatments and in communicating their questions, concerns and experiences to physicians; (2) Continuity: Because medical student and residents rotated frequently, patients usually saw a different physician at each visit. (3) Bureaucracy: Patients reported having difficulty with appointment scheduling, follow-up visits, and timed laboratory procedures. (4) Accessibility: Patients faced issues of limited availability and affordability of treatment. Conclusions At a large, urban, University-affiliated infertility clinic, challenges related to communication, comprehension, continuity, bureaucracy, accessibility, availability, and affordability impeded the delivery of optimal infertility care to many low income immigrant Latino patients. We recommend a greater availability of translators and both patient and physician cultural orientations to address these health care barriers. PMID:18710703

Innovative Designs for the Smart ICU.

PubMed

Halpern, Neil A

2014-03-01

Successfully designing a new ICU requires clarity of vision and purpose and the recognition that the patient room is the core of the ICU experience for patients, staff, and visitors. The ICU can be conceptualized into three components: the patient room, central areas, and universal support services. Each patient room should be designed for single patient use and be similarly configured and equipped. The design of the room should focus upon functionality, ease of use, healing, safety, infection control, communications, and connectivity. All aspects of the room, including its infrastructure; zones for work, care, and visiting; environment, medical devices, and approaches to privacy; logistics; and waste management, are important elements in the design process. Since most medical devices used at the ICU bedside are really sophisticated computers, the ICU needs to be capable of supporting the full scope of medical informatics. The patient rooms, the central ICU areas (central stations, corridors, supply rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, staff lounge, visitor waiting room, on-call suite, conference rooms, and offices), and the universal support services (infection prevention, finishings and flooring, staff communications, signage and wayfinding, security, and fire and safety) work best when fully interwoven. This coordination helps establish efficient and safe patient throughput and care and fosters physical and social cohesiveness within the ICU. A balanced approach to centralized and decentralized monitoring and logistics also offers great flexibility. Synchronization of the universal support services in the ICU with the hospital's existing systems maintains unity of purpose and continuity across the enterprise and avoids unnecessary duplication of efforts. Copyright © 2014 The American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

How do laboratory technicians perceive their role in the tuberculosis diagnostic process? A cross-sectional study among laboratory technicians in health centers of Central Java Province, Indonesia.

PubMed

Widjanarko, Bagoes; Widyastari, Dyah Anantalia; Martini, Martini; Ginandjar, Praba

2016-01-01

Detection of acid-fast bacilli in respiratory specimens serves as an initial pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Laboratories are the essential and fundamental part of all health systems. This study aimed to describe how laboratory technicians perceived their own self and work. This included perceived self-efficacy, perceived role, perceived equipment availability, perceived procedures, perceived reward and job, and perceived benefit of health education, as well as level of knowledge and attitudes related to work performance of laboratory technicians. This was a cross-sectional quantitative study involving 120 laboratory technicians conducted in Central Java. Interviews and observation were conducted to measure performance and work-related variables. Among 120 laboratory technicians, 43.3% showed fairly good performance. They complied with 50%-75% of all procedures, including sputum collection, laboratory tools utilization, sputum smearing, staining, smear examination, grading of results, and universal precaution practice. Perceived role, perceived self-efficacy, and knowledge of laboratory procedures were significantly correlated to performance, besides education and years of working as a laboratory technician. Perceived equipment availability was also significantly correlated to performance after the education variable was controlled. Most of the laboratory technicians believed that they have an important role in TB patients' treatment and should display proper self-efficacy in performing laboratory activities. The result may serve as a basic consideration to develop a policy for enhancing motivation of laboratory technicians in order to improve the TB control program.

3-Dimensional and Interactive Istanbul University Virtual Laboratory Based on Active Learning Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ince, Elif; Kirbaslar, Fatma Gulay; Yolcu, Ergun; Aslan, Ayse Esra; Kayacan, Zeynep Cigdem; Alkan Olsson, Johanna; Akbasli, Ayse Ceylan; Aytekin, Mesut; Bauer, Thomas; Charalambis, Dimitris; Gunes, Zeliha Ozsoy; Kandemir, Ceyhan; Sari, Umit; Turkoglu, Suleyman; Yaman, Yavuz; Yolcu, Ozgu

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study is to develop a 3-dimensional interactive multi-user and multi-admin IUVIRLAB featuring active learning methods and techniques for university students and to introduce the Virtual Laboratory of Istanbul University and to show effects of IUVIRLAB on students' attitudes on communication skills and IUVIRLAB. Although there…

Enhancement of Laboratory and Field Instruction in Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry Degree Programs at University of the Incarnate Word

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-10-12

The project provided state-of-the-art training to students on the use of modern field and laboratory equipment in Environmental Science , Chemistry...laboratory instruction in Environmental Science , Chemistry, and Biology during the past 1998-99 academic year at the University of the Incarnate Word...development of maps at selected study sites. Dr. William F. Thomann, Environmental Science provided instruction on field and laboratory studies of water

Laboratory Particle Velocity Experiments on (JVE) Analog Rock

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

1620 Dr. Richard LaCoss Prof. William Menke MIT-Lincoln Laboratory Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory M-200B of Columbia University P. 0. Box 73...Building #77 University Park University of Arizona Los Angeles, CA 90089-0741 Tucson, AZ 85721 Prof. Christopher H. Scholz Dr. William Wortman Lamont...Stt"d University 11800 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 1212 Stanfora, CA 94305 Reston, VA 22091 Mr William J. Best Prof. Robert W. Clayton 907 Westwood

Science and Engineering Alliance, Inc., Annual Report 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1994-01-01

Science and Engineering Alliance (SEA) is a not-for-profit corporation formed by four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a leading national laboratory. The four HBCU Institutions are: Alabama A and M University, Jackson State University, Prairie View A and M University, and Southern University and A and M College. The national laboratory is Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This was a year of continued focusing for SEA. Guided by the belief that involving faculty and students in high-quality research, coupled with implementing action plans to enhance the research infrastructure of the universities will lead to the production of well-qualified African-Americanmore » scientists and engineers, SEA research agenda became one of the primary focus. The Research Design Teams represents SEA's vanguard activity, and their work this past year reflected the commitment to producing technical talent of the highest quality.« less

[Actual state and problems in neurology training at graduate school].

PubMed

Kira, Jun-ichi; Ohyagi, Yasumasa; Taniwaki, Takayuki; Inuzuka, Takashi; Yoshii, Fumihito; Aoki, Masashi; Amano, Takahiro; Toyoshima, Itaru; Fukutake, Toshio; Hashimoto, Yoichiro

2014-01-01

To understand the status of postgraduate education in neurology in Japan, the Committee for the Education of Undergraduate Students and Junior Residents within the Japanese Society of Neurology investigated the four-year trend at 80 medical schools from 2009 to 2012. The mean number of new students to each postgraduate school increased from 1.24 to 1.67 during these four years. After training clinical neurology, more than half of the neurological residents entered the postgraduate schools. Students in the postgraduate schools seemed to be researching major neurological diseases using various methods at each neurology laboratory. However, some problems were suggested. First, the mean number of newcomers to the neurology departments of the universities decreased gradually from 2.29/year to 1.96/year. Second, many of the postgraduate students were working in patient services at university hospitals or as part-time workers at other hospitals, and may not have sufficient time for their research projects. Third, many of the postgraduate students were carrying out research at each affiliated department of neurology, and may not have the opportunity to work in laboratories specializing in basic science. Finally, there may not be sufficient opportunities for further research at other laboratories in Japan or overseas after they finished their work at postgraduate school.

Valproic acid induced hyperammonaemic encephalopathy.

PubMed

Amanat, Saima; Shahbaz, Naila; Hassan, Yasmin

2013-01-01

To observe clinical and laboratory features of valproic acid-induced hyperammonaemic encephalopathy in patients taking valproic acid. Observational study was conducted at the Neurology Department, Dow University of Health Sciences, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from February 26, 2010 to March 20, 2011. Ten patients on valproic acid therapy of any age group with idiopathic or secondary epilepsy, who presented with encephalopathic symptoms, were registered and followed up during the study. Serum ammonia level, serum valproic acid level, liver function test, cerebrospinal fluid examination, electroencephalogram and brain imaging of all the patients were done. Other causes of encephalopathy were excluded after clinical and appropriate laboratory investigations. Microsoft Excell 2007 was used for statistical analysis. Hyperammonaemia was found in all patients with encephalopathic symptoms. Rise in serum ammonia was independent of dose and serum level of valproic acid. Liver function was also found to be normal in 80% (n = 8) of the patients. Valproic acid was withdrawn in all patients. Three (30%) patients improved only after the withdrawal of valproic acid. Six (60%) patients improved after L-Carnitine replacement, one (10%) after sodium benzoate. On followup, serum ammonia had reduced to normal in five (50%) patients and to more than half of the baseline level in two (20%) patients. Three (30%) patients were lost to followup after complete clinical improvement. Within therapeutic dose and serum levels, valproic acid can cause symptomatic hyperammonaemia resulting in encephalopathy. All patients taking valproic acid presenting with encephalopathic symptoms must be monitored for the condition.

Prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized patients with diarrhoea: Results of a Polish multicenter, prospective, biannual point-prevalence study.

PubMed

Pituch, Hanna; Obuch-Woszczatyński, Piotr; Lachowicz, Dominika; Kuthan, Robert; Dzierżanowska-Fangrat, Katarzyna; Mikucka, Agnieszka; Jermakow, Katarzyna; Pituch-Zdanowska, Aleksandra; Davies, Kerrie

2018-04-13

We aimed to measure the underdiagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection across Poland and the distribution of PCR-ribotypes of C. difficile. Twenty seven Polish healthcare facilities (HCFs) participated in this prospective study. Each HCF systematically sent all diarrhoeal stools received from inpatients at their laboratories on two days (one in January 2013 and one in July 2013), independently of CDI test request, to the National Coordinating Laboratory (NCL) for standardized testing of CDI. Positive samples (using two-stage algorithm), had CDI, confirmed by qPCR and toxigenic culture. C. difficile isolates were characterized by PCR-ribotyping. Hospitals were questioned about their methods and testing policy for CDI during the study period: September 2011 to August 2013. During the study period, participating hospitals reported a mean of 33.2 tests for CDI per 10 000 patient-days and a mean of 8.4 cases of CDI per 10 000 patient-days. The overall prevalence of positive CDI patients at NCL was 16.5%. Due to absence of clinical suspicion, 19.1% of these patients were not diagnosed by the local diagnostic laboratory. We identified 23 different PCR-ribotypes among 87C. difficile strains isolated from patients. PCR-ribotype 027 (48%) was the most prevalent. The incidence of CDI in Poland in study period was very high. It should be noted however, that there is a lack of clinical suspicion and underestimation of the need to perform diagnostic tests for CDI in hospitalized patients. This will have an impact on the reported epidemiological status of CDI in Poland. Copyright © 2018 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dengue fever in travellers and risk of local spreading: case reports from Southern Italy and literature update.

PubMed

Fabrizio, Claudia; Lepore, Luciana; Chironna, Maria; Angarano, Gioacchino; Saracino, Annalisa

2017-01-01

Dengue fever (DF), an arbovirosis caused by Dengue viruses (DV, serotypes 1-4), is responsible for an increasing number of travel-related acute febrile illnesses due to population growth, climate changes, spreading by viremic travellers, and improved laboratory diagnosis. The presence of efficient vectors (mosquito Aedes albopictus) has also been described in temperate regions including Italy which is considered the most heavily infected European country. Normally characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms, DF incidence is probably underestimated, especially in non-endemic countries, but the risk of severe forms is substantial. Between August and November 2013, five DF patients (4 males, age 23-38) were observed in the Infectious Disease Clinic (University of Bari, Southern Italy). All had just returned from DF endemic areas (2 French Polynesia, 3 Dominican Republic); 4/5 were hospitalized. Common clinical features included acute febrile syndrome, headache (2 with retro-orbital pain), rash (all patients), two with bleeding manifestations and one with gum bleeding. Laboratory tests demonstrated leukopenia (4 patients), elevated liver enzymes (3 patients), and thrombocytopenia (1 patient). Serum samples for DV antibodies and RNA detection were analyzed by the Regional Arbovirosis Reference Laboratory. Viral RNA was identified in 2/5 patients (DV-4) and seroconversion in the remaining cases. All patients made a complete recovery. Recent literature was reviewed, focusing on epidemiology and vector distribution (especially European and Italian territories), pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment including vaccine strategies. The occurrence of 5 DF cases during the period of highest vector activity (June-November) in Italy emphasizes the risk of local outbreaks in temperate regions. This paper highlights the importance of clinical alert for dengue also in non-endemic countries.

[How do hospital clinical laboratories and laboratory testing companies cooperate and build reciprocal relations?].

PubMed

Kawano, Seiji

2014-12-01

As the 2nd Joint Symposium of the Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine and the Japanese Association of Laboratory Pathologists, the symposium on clinical test out-sourcing and branch laboratories was held at the 60th General Meeting of the Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine on November 2nd, 2013 in Kobe. For the symposium, we conducted a questionnaire survey on the usage of clinical test out-sourcing and the introduction of branch laboratories to clinical laboratories of Japanese university hospitals, both private and public, between July 25th and August 20th, 2013. Seventy-two hospitals responded to the questionnaire survey, consisting of 41 public medical school hospitals and 31 private ones. According to the survey, the selection of each clinical test for out-sourcing was mainly determined by the capacities of hospital clinical laboratories and their equipment, as well as the profitability of each test. The main concerns of clinical laboratory members of university hospitals involved the continuity of measurement principles, traceability, and standardization of reference values for each test. They strongly requested the interchangeability and computerization of test data between laboratory testing companies. A branch laboratory was introduced to six hospitals, all of which were private medical college hospitals, out of 72 university hospitals, and eight of the other hospitals were open to its introduction. The merits and demerits of introducing a branch laboratory were also discussed. (Review).

Department of Defense Instrumentation Award.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-07-01

Office of Scientific Research Prepared by The Electrical Engineering Department and The Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies University of...Electrical Engineering Department Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742 Principal Investigator

Universal immunogenicity validation and assessment during early biotherapeutic development to support a green laboratory.

PubMed

Bautista, Ami C; Zhou, Lei; Jawa, Vibha

2013-10-01

Immunogenicity support during nonclinical biotherapeutic development can be resource intensive if supported by conventional methodologies. A universal indirect species-specific immunoassay can eliminate the need for biotherapeutic-specific anti-drug antibody immunoassays without compromising quality. By implementing the R's of sustainability (reduce, reuse, rethink), conservation of resources and greener laboratory practices were achieved in this study. Statistical analysis across four biotherapeutics supported identification of consistent product performance standards (cut points, sensitivity and reference limits) and a streamlined universal anti-drug antibody immunoassay method implementation strategy. We propose an efficient, fit-for-purpose, scientifically and statistically supported nonclinical immunogenicity assessment strategy. Utilization of a universal method and streamlined validation, while retaining comparability to conventional immunoassays and meeting the industry recommended standards, provides environmental credits in the scientific laboratory. Collectively, individual reductions in critical material consumption, energy usage, waste and non-environment friendly consumables, such as plastic and paper, support a greener laboratory environment.

Rationale for cost-effective laboratory medicine.

PubMed Central

Robinson, A

1994-01-01

There is virtually universal consensus that the health care system in the United States is too expensive and that costs need to be limited. Similar to health care costs in general, clinical laboratory expenditures have increased rapidly as a result of increased utilization and inflationary trends within the national economy. Economic constraints require that a compromise be reached between individual welfare and limited societal resources. Public pressure and changing health care needs have precipitated both subtle and radical laboratory changes to more effectively use allocated resources. Responsibility for excessive laboratory use can be assigned primarily to the following four groups: practicing physicians, physicians in training, patients, and the clinical laboratory. The strategies to contain escalating health care costs have ranged from individualized physician education programs to government intervention. Laboratories have responded to the fiscal restraints imposed by prospective payment systems by attempting to reduce operational costs without adversely impacting quality. Although cost containment directed at misutilization and overutilization of existing services has conserved resources, to date, an effective cost control mechanism has yet to be identified and successfully implemented on a grand enough scale to significantly impact health care expenditures in the United States. PMID:8055467

The Importance of a Laboratory Section on Student Learning Outcomes in a University Introductory Earth Science Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forcino, Frank L.

2013-01-01

Laboratory sections of university Earth science courses provide hands-on, inquiry-based activities for students in support of lecture and discussion. Here, I compare student conceptual knowledge outcomes of laboratory sections by administering an independent concept inventory at the beginning and end of two courses: one that had a lecture and a…

The Dept. of Energy Artificial Retina project

ScienceCinema

None

2017-12-09

LLNL has assisted in the development of the first long-term retinal prosthesis - called an artificial retina - that can function for years inside the harsh biological environment of the eye. This work has been done in collaboration with four national laboratories (Argonne, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge and Sandia), four universities (the California Institute of Technology, the Doheny Eye Institute at USC, North Carolina State University and the University of California, Santa Cruz), an industrial partner (Second Sight® Medical Products Inc. of Sylmar, Calif.) and the U.S. Department of Energy. With this device, application-specific integrated circuits transform digital images from a camera into electric signals in the eye that the brain uses to create a visual image. In clinical trials, patients with vision loss were able to successfully identify objects, increase mobility and detect movement using the artificial retina.

Autologous chondrocyte implantation for cartilage injury treatment in Chiang Mai University Hospital: a case report.

PubMed

Wongtriratanachai, Prasit; Pruksakorn, Dumnoensun; Pothacharoen, Peraphan; Nimkingratana, Puwapong; Pattamapaspong, Nuttaya; Phornphutkul, Chanakarn; Setsitthakun, Sasiwariya; Fongsatitkul, Ladda; Phrompaet, Sureeporn

2013-11-01

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has become one of the standard procedures for articular cartilage defect treatment. This technique provides a promising result. However the procedural process requires an approach of several steps from multidisciplinary teams. Although the success of this procedure has been reported from Srinakharinvirot University since 2007, the application of ACI is still limited in Thailand due to the complexity of processes and stringent quality control. This report is to present the first case of the cartilage defect treatment using the first generation-ACI under Chiang Mai University's (CMU) own facility and Ethics Committee. This paper also reviews the process of biotechnology procedures, patient selection, surgical, and rehabilitation techniques. The success of the first case is an important milestone for the further development of the CMU Human Translational Research Laboratory in near future.

Imported malaria in pregnancy in Madrid.

PubMed

Jiménez, Beatriz C; Cuadros-Tito, Pedro; Ruiz-Giardin, Jose M; Rojo-Marcos, Gerardo; Cuadros-González, Juan; Canalejo, Eduardo; Cabello, Noemi; San Martín, Juan V; Barrios, Ana M; Hinojosa, Juan; Molina, Laura

2012-04-11

Malaria in pregnancy is associated with maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, but information on imported cases to non-endemic areas is scarce.The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of malaria in pregnancy in two general hospitals in Madrid, Spain. Retrospective descriptive study of laboratory-confirmed malaria in pregnant women at the Fuenlabrada University Hospital and the Príncipe de Asturias University Hospital, in Madrid, over a six- and 11-year period, respectively. Relevant epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data was obtained from medical records. There were 19 pregnant women among 346 malaria cases (5.4%). The average age was 27 years. The gestational age (trimester) was: 53% 3rd, 31% 1st, 16% 2nd. All but one were multigravidae. Three were HIV positive. All were sub-Saharan immigrants: two were recently arrived immigrants and seventeen (89%) had visited friends and relatives. None had taken prophylaxis nor seeked pre-travel advice. 16 symptomatic patients (fever in fourteen, asthenia in two), three asymptomatic. Median delay in diagnosis: 7.5 days. Laboratory tests: anaemia (cut off Hb level 11 g/dl) 78.9% (mild 31.6%, moderate 31.6%, severe 15.8%) thrombocytopaenia 73.7%, hypoglycaemia 10.5%. All cases were due to Plasmodium falciparum, one case of hyperparasitaemia. Quinine + clindamycin prescribed in 84%. no severe maternal complications or deaths, two abortions, fifteen term pregnancies, no low-birth-weight newborns, two patients were lost to follow-up. Though cases of malaria in pregnancy are uncommon, a most at risk group is clearly defined: young sub-Saharan mothers visiting friends and relatives without pre-travel counselling and recently-arrived immigrants. The most common adverse maternal and foetal effects were anaemia and stillbirth. Given that presentation can be asymptomatic, malaria should always be considered in patients with unexplained anaemia arriving from endemic areas. These findings could help Maternal Health programme planners and implementers to target preventive interventions in the immigrant population and should create awareness among clinicians.

Lyme Disease Testing in a High-Incidence State: Clinician Knowledge and Patterns.

PubMed

Conant, Joanna L; Powers, Julia; Sharp, Gregory; Mead, Paul S; Nelson, Christina A

2018-02-17

Lyme disease (LD) incidence is increasing, but data suggest some clinicians are not fully aware of recommended procedures for ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. The study objective was to assess clinicians' knowledge and practices regarding LD testing in a high-incidence region. We distributed surveys to 1,142 clinicians in the University of Vermont Medical Center region, of which 144 were completed (12.6% response rate). We also examined LD laboratory test results and logs of calls to laboratory customer service over a period of 2.5 years and 6 months, respectively. Most clinicians demonstrated basic knowledge of diagnostic protocols, but many misinterpreted Western blot results. For example, 42.4% incorrectly interpreted a positive immunoglobulin M result as an overall positive test in a patient with longstanding symptoms. Many also reported receiving patient requests for unvalidated tests. Additional education and modifications to LD test ordering and reporting systems would likely reduce errors and improve patient care. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2018. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Outcomes from a university-based low-cost in vitro fertilization program providing access to care for a low-resource socioculturally diverse urban community.

PubMed

Herndon, Christopher N; Anaya, Yanett; Noel, Martha; Cakmak, Hakan; Cedars, Marcelle I

2017-10-01

To report on outcomes from a university-based low-cost and low-complexity IVF program using mild stimulation approaches and simplified protocols to provide basic access to ART to a socioculturally diverse low-income urban population. Retrospective cohort study. Academic infertility center. Sixty-five infertile couples were enrolled from a county hospital serving a low-resource largely immigrant population. Patients were nonrandomly allocated to one of four mild stimulation protocols: clomiphene/letrozole alone, two clomiphene/letrozole-based protocols involving sequential or flare addition of low-dose gonadotropins, and low-dose gonadotropins alone. Clinical fellows managed all aspects of cycle preparation, monitoring, oocyte retrieval, and embryo transfer under an attending preceptor. Retrieval was undertaken without administration of deep anesthesia, and laboratory interventions were minimized. All embryo transfers were performed at the cleavage stage. Sociomedical demographics, treatment response, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. From August 2010 to June 2016, 65 patients initiated 161 stimulation IVF cycles, which resulted in 107 retrievals, 91 fresh embryo transfers, and 40 frozen embryo transfer cycles. The mean age of patients was 33.3 years, and mean reported duration of infertility was 5.3 years; 33.5% (54/161) of cycles were cancelled before oocyte retrieval, with 13% due to premature ovulation. Overall, cumulative live birth rates per retrieval including subsequent use of frozen embryos was 29.0%; 44.6% (29/65) of patients enrolled in the program achieved pregnancy. Use of mild stimulation protocols, simplified monitoring, and minimized laboratory handling procedures enabled access to care in a low-resource socioculturally diverse infertile population. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The Power of Partnership

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hazi, A

2005-09-20

Institutions Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conduct similar or complementary research often excel through collaboration. Indeed, much of Lawrence Livermore's research involves collaboration with other institutions, including universities, other national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. In particular, Livermore's strategic collaborations with other University of California (UC) campuses have proven exceptionally successful in combining basic science and applied multidisciplinary research. In joint projects, the collaborating institutions benefit from sharing expertise and resources as they work toward their distinctive missions in education, research, and public service. As Laboratory scientists and engineers identify resources needed to conduct their work, they often turn tomore » university researchers with complementary expertise. Successful projects can expand in scope to include additional scientists and engineers both from the Laboratory and from UC, and these projects may become an important element of the research portfolios of the cognizant Livermore directorate and the university department. Additional funding may be provided to broaden or deepen a research project or perhaps develop it for transfer to the private sector for commercial release. Occasionally, joint projects evolve into a strategic collaboration at the institutional level, attracting the attention of the Laboratory director and the UC chancellor. Government agencies or private industries may contribute funding in recognition of the potential payoff of the joint research, and a center may be established at one of the UC campuses. Livermore scientists and engineers and UC faculty are recruited to these centers to focus on a particular area and achieve goals through interdisciplinary research. Some of these researchers hold multilocation appointments, allowing them to work at Livermore and another UC campus. Such centers also attract postdoctoral researchers and graduate students pursuing careers in the centers specialized areas of science. foster university collaboration is through the Laboratory's institutes, which have been established to focus university outreach efforts in fields of scientific importance to Livermore's programs and missions. Some of these joint projects may grow to the level of a strategic collaboration. Others may assist in Livermore's national security mission; provide a recruiting pipeline from universities to the Laboratory; or enhance university interactions and the vitality of Livermore's science and technology environment through seminars, workshops, and visitor programs.« less

Specimen rejection in laboratory medicine: Necessary for patient safety?

PubMed Central

Dikmen, Zeliha Gunnur; Pinar, Asli; Akbiyik, Filiz

2015-01-01

Introduction The emergency laboratory in Hacettepe University Hospitals receives specimens from emergency departments (EDs), inpatient services and intensive care units (ICUs). The samples are accepted according to the rejection criteria of the laboratory. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sample rejection ratios according to the types of pre-preanalytical errors and collection areas. Materials and methods The samples sent to the emergency laboratory were recorded during 12 months between January to December, 2013 in which 453,171 samples were received and 27,067 specimens were rejected. Results Rejection ratios was 2.5% for biochemistry tests, 3.2% for complete blood count (CBC), 9.8% for blood gases, 9.2% for urine analysis, 13.3% for coagulation tests, 12.8% for therapeutic drug monitoring, 3.5% for cardiac markers and 12% for hormone tests. The most frequent rejection reasons were fibrin clots (28%) and inadequate volume (9%) for biochemical tests. Clotted samples (35%) and inadequate volume (13%) were the major causes for coagulation tests, blood gas analyses and CBC. The ratio of rejected specimens was higher in the EDs (40%) compared to ICUs (30%) and inpatient services (28%). The highest rejection ratio was observed in neurology ICU (14%) among the ICUs and internal medicine inpatient service (10%) within inpatient clinics. Conclusions We detected an overall specimen rejection rate of 6% in emergency laboratory. By documentation of rejected samples and periodic training of healthcare personnel, we expect to decrease sample rejection ratios below 2%, improve total quality management of the emergency laboratory and promote patient safety. PMID:26527231

Molecular diagnosis of microbial aetiologies using SepsiTest™ in the daily routine of a diagnostic laboratory.

PubMed

Haag, Heike; Locher, Franziska; Nolte, Oliver

2013-08-01

A universal PCR and sequencing test, SepsiTest™ (Molzym, Germany) was evaluated for its applicability during daily diagnostic routine in a privately operated laboratory. In total, 96 specimens originating from 66 patients under suspect of infectious endocarditis, infections of joints, encephalitis/meningitis, systemic infections and infections of unknown genesis were PCR analysed and compared to culture results. Samples comprised cultured and non-cultured blood, synovial fluid, synovial tissue, heart valves, pacemakers, spinal tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and swabs. PCR and culture were concordant in 26 negative and 8 positive cases (51.5%). A group of 25 patients was culture-negative but PCR-positive (37.9%). In at least 14 of these, common and/or rare aetiologies were identified, while for 4 patients the results of 16S PCR could not be unequivocally linked with the underlying disease. Benefits and limitations of the molecular test are discussed with special emphasis on technical and economic issues. In conclusion, SepsiTest™ proved to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of aetiologies, particularly in cases of culture-negative patients who are under strong suspicion for an infection. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

United States Air Force Summer Research Program -- 1993 Summer Research Program Final Reports. Volume 10. Wright Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

LABORATORIES 5800 Uplander Way Culver City, CA 90230-6608 Program Director, RDL Program Manager , AFOSR Gary Moore Col. Hal Rhoades Program Manager , RDL...Laboratory: PL/RK Aerospace Engineering University of Cinc nati Vol-Page No: 8-10 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0000 Burns, Paul Field: Electrical Engineering as...Laboratory: PL/GP Electrical Engineering Boston University Vol-Page No: a- 5 Boston, MA 2215-0000 GSRP Participant Data Stauffer, Joseph Field: Management MS

Center for Defect Physics - Energy Frontier Research Center (A "Life at the Frontiers of Energy Research" contest entry from the 2011 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) Summit and Forum)

ScienceCinema

Stocks, G. Malcolm (Director, Center for Defect Physics in Structural Materials); CDP Staff

2017-12-09

'Center for Defect Physics - Energy Frontier Research Center' was submitted by the Center for Defect Physics (CDP) to the 'Life at the Frontiers of Energy Research' video contest at the 2011 Science for Our Nation's Energy Future: Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) Summit and Forum. Twenty-six EFRCs created short videos to highlight their mission and their work. CDP is directed by G. Malcolm Stocks at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is a partnership of scientists from nine institutions: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (lead); Ames Laboratory; Brown University; University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon University; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Ohio State University; and University of Tennessee. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science established the 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) in 2009. These collaboratively-organized centers conduct fundamental research focused on 'grand challenges' and use-inspired 'basic research needs' recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The overall purpose is to accelerate scientific progress toward meeting the nation's critical energy challenges.

Infectious mononucleosis in Turkish children.

PubMed

Cengiz, Ali Bülent; Cultu-Kantaroğlu, Oge; Seçmeer, Gülten; Ceyhan, Mehmet; Kara, Ateş; Gürgey, Aytemiz

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics and prognoses of children diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis (IM). The demographic features, referral complaints, clinical and laboratory findings, follow-up, and prognoses of 44 patients diagnosed with IM between January 2000 and June 2006 at the Infectious Diseases Department of Hacettepe University Ihsan Doğramaci Children's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The children suspected of IM based on clinical findings and whose diagnoses were proven by serological tests were enrolled in the study. In addition, the patients were divided into four groups -namely, age 0-4, age 5-8, age 9-12 and age 13-16, and the differences among groups were investigated in terms of their clinical and laboratory findings. The patients were aged between 3 months and 16 years. The median age was 4, and 56.8% of patients were below age 5. The male/female ratio was 1.6. No statistically significant variation was observed in the seasonal distribution of patients (p = 0.131). The most common referral complaints were swollen cervical lymph nodes or swollen neck (68.1%), followed by fever (43.1%) and sore throat (25%). Lymphadenopathy (79.5%), tonsillopharyngitis (72.7%), splenomegaly (34%), and hepatomegaly (25%) were the most common physical examination findings. Leukocyte count was normal in 68.3% of the cases. Leukocytosis was detected in 29.5% of the patients, and leukopenia in 2.2%. Lymphocytosis was detected in 44.7% of patients. Downey cell was detected in the peripheral blood smear of 23.6% of patients, and thrombocytopenia in 11.3%. Elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were detected in 61.9% and 90.4% of patients who were investigated for these parameters, respectively. The clinical, hematological and biochemical findings of patients did not vary significantly among age groups (p > 0.05). Only one complication (hemophagocytic syndrome) was observed in one patient.

Comparison of clinical and serological differences among juvenile-, adult-, and late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Korean patients.

PubMed

Choi, J H; Park, D J; Kang, J H; Yim, Y R; Lee, K E; Lee, J W; Wen, L; Kim, T J; Park, Y W; Lee, J K; Lee, S S

2015-10-01

We investigated whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients could be distinguished based on the time of disease onset and, if so, whether the groups differed in their clinical and laboratory features in ethnically homogeneous Korean patients. We enrolled 201 SLE patients with available clinical data at the time of onset of SLE from the lupus cohort at Chonnam National University Hospital. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including autoantibodies, and concomitant diseases were found at the time of diagnosis of SLE by reviewing patient charts. We divided SLE patients according to age at SLE diagnosis into three groups: juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE, diagnosed at ≤ 18 years), adult-onset SLE (ASLE, diagnosed at 19-50 years), and late-onset SLE (LSLE, diagnosed at >50 years), and compared baseline demographic, clinical, and relevant laboratory findings. Of the 201 patients, 27 (14.4%), 149 (74.1%), and 25 (12.4%) were JSLE, ASLE, and LSLE patients, respectively. Fever, oral ulcers, nephritis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were more common in JSLE patients than ASLE or LSLE patients (p < 0.05, < 0.05, 0.001, < 0.05, and < 0.05, respectively). However, Sjögren's syndrome was more frequent in LSLE patients than JSLE or ASLE patients (p < 0.05). Disease activity was significantly higher in JSLE patients than in ASLE or LSLE patients (p < 0.001). Anti-dsDNA and anti-nucleosome antibodies were found more frequently in JSLE patients and less frequently in LSLE patients (p < 0.05 and 0.005, respectively) and decreased complement levels were more common in JSLE patients and less common in LSLE patients (p < 0.001, 0.001, and < 0.05, respectively). Our results indicate that SLE patients present with different clinical and serological manifestations according to age at disease onset. JSLE patients have more severe disease activity and more frequent renal involvement and LSLE patients have milder disease activity, more commonly accompanied by Sjögren's syndrome, at disease onset. © The Author(s) 2015.

Implementation of Scientific Community Laboratories and Their Effect on Student Conceptual Learning, Attitudes, and Understanding of Uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lark, Adam

Scientific Community Laboratories, developed by The University of Maryland, have shown initial promise as laboratories meant to emulate the practice of doing physics. These laboratories have been re-created by incorporating their design elements with the University of Toledo course structure and resources. The laboratories have been titled the Scientific Learning Community (SLC) Laboratories. A comparative study between these SLC laboratories and the University of Toledo physics department's traditional laboratories was executed during the fall 2012 semester on first semester calculus-based physics students. Three tests were executed as pre-test and post-tests to capture the change in students' concept knowledge, attitudes, and understanding of uncertainty. The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) was used to evaluate students' conceptual changes through the semester and average normalized gains were compared between both traditional and SLC laboratories. The Colorado Learning Attitudes about Science Survey for Experimental Physics (E-CLASS) was conducted to elucidate students' change in attitudes through the course of each laboratory. Finally, interviews regarding data analysis and uncertainty were transcribed and coded to track changes in the way students understand uncertainty and data analysis in experimental physics after their participation in both laboratory type. Students in the SLC laboratories showed a notable an increase conceptual knowledge and attitudes when compared to traditional laboratories. SLC students' understanding of uncertainty showed most improvement, diverging completely from students in the traditional laboratories, who declined throughout the semester.

Bipolar Versus Unipolar Intraarticular Pulsed Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Chronic Knee Pain Treatment: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Gulec, Ersel; Ozbek, Hayri; Pektas, Sinan; Isik, Geylan

2017-03-01

Chronic knee pain is a major widespread problem causing significant impairment of daily function. Pulsed radiofrequency has been shown to reduce severe chronic joint pain as a non-pharmacological and less invasive treatment method. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of unipolar and bipolar intraarticular pulsed radiofrequency methods in chronic knee pain control. Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Pain clinic in Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine. One hundred patients, aged 20 - 70 years with grade 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive either unipolar (group U, n = 50) or bipolar (group B, n = 50) intraarticular pulsed radiofrequency (IAPRF) with a 45 V voltage, 2 Hz frequency, 42° C temperature, 10 msec pulse width, and 10 minute duration. We recorded visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index LK 3.1WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index LK 3.1) scores of patients at baseline and one, 4, and 12 weeks after the procedure. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with ≥ 50% reduction in knee pain at 12 weeks after the procedure. There was a significant difference between the groups according to VAS scores at all post-intervention time points. In group B, 84% of patients, and in the group U, 50% of patients achieved at least 50% knee pain relief from the baseline to 3 months. In group B, WOMAC scores were significantly lower than the group U at one and 3 months. Lack of long-term clinical results and supportive laboratory tests. Bipolar IAPRF is more advantageous in reducing chronic knee pain and functional recovery compared with unipolar IAPRF. Further studies with longer follow-up times, laboratory-based tests, and different generator settings are required to establish the clinical importance and well-defined mechanism of action of PRF. This study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT02141529), on May 15, 2014. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval date: January 16, 2014, and number: 26/9Key words: Chronic pain, intraarticular, knee joint, knee osteoarthritis, pain management, pulsed radiofrequency treatment, quality of life, recovery of function.

Dengue: etiology of acute febrile illness in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in 2011-2012.

PubMed

L'Azou, Maïna; Succo, Tiphanie; Kamagaté, Mamadou; Ouattara, Abdoulaye; Gilbernair, Elia; Adjogoua, Edgar; Luxemburger, Christine

2015-11-01

The burden of dengue in Africa is not well understood. A prospective study was conducted in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire from December 2011 to December 2012 to estimate the proportion of dengue and malaria cases among febrile patients during a period when dengue was not known to be circulating in the region, and to describe the clinical and virological characteristics of laboratory-diagnosed dengue cases. Blood samples were taken from febrile patients (body temperature ≥ 38°C) at two study sites. Patients with fever lasting more than 7 days, with fever of known origin and with jaundice were excluded. Thick blood film tests, ELISA for anti-dengue IgM and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) were performed. A total of 812 patients were enrolled (51.7% male [48.3% female]; 46.4% aged <10 years) of whom 796 (98.0%) provided IgM ELISA and RT-PCR data, and 807 (99.4%) had thick blood film results. Three (0.4%) patients had laboratory-diagnosed dengue (one with DENV-3 serotype), none of whom were diagnosed clinically, and 234 (28.8%) had confirmed malaria. This study suggests that dengue virus circulates in Abidjan outside an epidemic and that there should be an increase in awareness of dengue as a possible diagnosis in cases of undifferentiated fever. These results stress the importance of implementing laboratory capacity to assess dengue burden in Africa. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Artificial Intelligence Project

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

Artifcial Intelligence Project at The University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Austin, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory AITR84-01. Novak...Texas at Austin, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory A187-52, April 1987. Novak, G. "GLISP: A Lisp-Based Programming System with Data Abstraction...of Texas at Austin, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory AITR85-14.) Rim, Hae-Chang, and Simmons, R. F. "Extracting Data Base Knowledge from Medical

Paving the way for a gold standard of care for infertility treatment: improving outcomes through standardization of laboratory procedures.

PubMed

Schoolcraft, William; Meseguer, Marcos

2017-10-01

Infertility affects over 70 million couples globally. Access to, and interest in, assisted reproductive technologies is growing worldwide, with more couples seeking medical intervention to conceive, in particular by IVF. Despite numerous advances in IVF techniques since its first success in 1978, almost half of the patients treated remain childless. The multifactorial nature of IVF treatment means that success is dependent on many variables. Therefore, it is important to examine how each variable can be optimized to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients. The current approach to IVF is fragmented, with various protocols in use. A systematic approach to establishing optimum best practices may improve IVF success and live birth rates. Our vision of the future is that technological advancements in the laboratory setting are standardized and universally adopted to enable a gold standard of care. Implementation of best practices for laboratory procedures will enable clinicians to generate high-quality gametes, and to produce and identify gametes and embryos of maximum viability and implantation potential, which should contribute to improving take-home healthy baby rates. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

André Cournand, Bellevue's Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, and Research on Heart Failure.

PubMed

Braunwald, Eugene

2018-02-01

In 1954-1955, the author served as a research fellow in the cardiopulmonary laboratory led by André Cournand at Bellevue Hospital in New York. Cournand was a pulmonary physiologist and a professor of medicine at Columbia University. In his quest to obtain mixed venous blood to calculate pulmonary blood flow, he catheterized the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery in patients and also measured the pressures in these chambers. Cournand and his collaborators soon appreciated the enormous potential of cardiac catheterization in deepening the understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology. After a series of groundbreaking studies, Cournand and his coworker Dickinson Richards, as well as German physician Werner Forssmann, were awarded a Nobel Prize in 1956. Cournand's laboratory, his work habits, and his rigorous approach to science are described, as well as the stimulation the author received during the author's fellowship. As a result, the author went on to extend to the left side of the heart the observations that the Cournand group had conducted in the right heart. Also, the author continued Cournand's work on heart failure by developing techniques to measure ventricular function in patients and to describe the neurohumoral changes that occur in human heart failure.

Measuring the Transition Temperature of a Superconductor in a Pre-University Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ireson, Gren

2006-01-01

This article presents the methodology and results for a simple approach to the measurement of the transition temperature of a superconducting material, in a pre-university laboratory session, using readily available apparatus (and some liquid nitrogen).

Changing scene highlights III. [Iowa State University

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fassel, V. A.; Harl, Neil E.; Legvold, Sam

1979-01-01

The research programs in progress at Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, are reviewed: hydrogen (storage), materials, catalysts, TRISTAN (their laboratory isotope separator), coal preparation, coal classification, land reclamation (after surface mining, nitinol, neutron radiography, grain dust explosions, biomass conversion, etc). (LTC)

Radar research at The Pennsylvania State University Radar and Communications Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan, Ram M.

2017-05-01

The Radar and Communications Laboratory (RCL) at The Pennsylvania State University is at the forefront of radar technology and is engaged in cutting edge research in all aspects of radar, including modeling and simulation studies of novel radar paradigms, design and development of new types of radar architectures, and extensive field measurements in realistic scenarios. This paper summarizes the research at The Pennsylvania State University's Radar and Communications Laboratory and relevant collaborative research with several groups over the past 15 years in the field of radar and related technologies, including communications, radio frequency identification (RFID), and spectrum sensing.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Jong -Kyu

The 20th workshop on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability control took place November 22–24, 2015, in Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), following the American Physical Society—Division of Plasma Physics annual meeting on November 16–20 in Savannah, GA. The purpose of this workshop is to stimulate in depth discussion and motivate future research in the areas of MHD stability physics and control of magnetically confined plasmas. Furthermore, the workshop was organized jointly by Auburn University, Columbia University, General Atomics, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and under the auspices of the US/Japan Collaboration.

Laboratory-Directed Research and Development 2016 Summary Annual Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pillai, Rekha Sukamar; Jacobson, Julie Ann

The Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) reports its status to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by March of each year. The program operates under the authority of DOE Order 413.2C, “Laboratory Directed Research and Development” (April 19, 2006), which establishes DOE’s requirements for the program while providing the laboratory director broad flexibility for program implementation. LDRD funds are obtained through a charge to all INL programs. This report includes summaries of all INL LDRD research activities supported during Fiscal Year (FY) 2016. INL is the lead laboratory for the DOE Office of Nuclearmore » Energy (DOE-NE). The INL mission is to discover, demonstrate, and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options, and critical infrastructure with a vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our critical infrastructure. Operating since 1949, INL is the nation’s leading research, development, and demonstration center for nuclear energy, including nuclear nonproliferation and physical and cyber-based protection of energy systems and critical infrastructure, as well as integrated energy systems research, development, demonstration, and deployment. INL has been managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (a wholly owned company of Battelle) for DOE since 2005. Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, is a partnership between Battelle, BWX Technologies, Inc., AECOM, the Electric Power Research Institute, the National University Consortium (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, University of New Mexico, and Oregon State University), and the Idaho university collaborators (i.e., University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University). Since its creation, INL’s research and development (R&D) portfolio has broadened with targeted programs supporting national missions to advance nuclear energy, enable clean energy deployment, and secure and modernize critical infrastructure. INL’s research, development, and demonstration capabilities, its resources, and its unique geography enable integration of scientific discovery, innovation, engineering, operations, and controls into complex large-scale testbeds for discovery, innovation, and demonstration of transformational clean energy and security concepts. These attributes strengthen INL’s leadership as a demonstration laboratory. As a national resource, INL also applies its capabilities and skills to the specific needs of other federal agencies and customers through DOE’s Strategic Partnership Program.« less

Socioeconomic correlates of inpatient spending for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China: evidence from Hangzhou.

PubMed

Li, H; Chen, B K; Shah, N; Wang, Z; Eggleston, K N

2012-01-01

We evaluated the factors associated with inpatient costs including total costs, pharmaceutical costs and laboratory costs for diabetes-related admissions. Using data for 960 adult patients admitted between May 2005 and April 2008 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University Medical School (SRRSH) in Hangzhou, China, we evaluate the association between patient characteristics and inpatient costs with multivariable regression analyses. Total inpatient costs were positively associated with age, higher UKPDS stroke risk score, and presence of any complication. A regression that included patient socioeconomic and clinical characteristics explained 21.5% of the variation in total inpatient costs; regression estimates indicate that patients with coronary artery disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and diabetic foot had inpatient costs that were respectively 93.7%, 14.0%, 17.5%, 11.5% and 89.0% higher than otherwise similar patients without those complications. Pharmaceutical costs did not differ by insurance coverage. Insured patients spent 7-16% more on laboratory tests than otherwise similar patients did. Clinical factors, especially presence of diabetes-related complications, appear to be the primary determinants of variation in inpatient costs for patients with type 2 DM in China. To mitigate the health costs increases associated with China's DM epidemic, policymakers should focus on cost-effective ways to manage patients in outpatient settings to prevent the complications associated with diabetes. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory Specialist

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Along with the development of medicine, increasingly significant role has been played by the laboratory diagnostics. For over ten years the profession of the medical laboratory specialist has been regarded in Poland as the autonomous medical profession and has enjoyed a status of one of public trust. The process of education of medical laboratory specialists consists of a five-year degree in laboratory medicine, offered at Medical Universities, and of a five-year Vocational Specialization in one of the fields of laboratory medicine such as clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, medical laboratory toxicology, medical laboratory cytomorphology and medical laboratory transfusiology. An important component of medical laboratory specialists’ identity is awareness of inherited ethos obtained from bygone generations of workers in this particular profession and the need to continue its further development. An expression of this awareness is among others Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory Specialist (CEMLS) containing a set of values and a moral standpoint characteristic of this type of professional environment. Presenting the ethos of the medical laboratory specialist is a purpose of this article. Authors focus on the role CEMLS plays in areas of professional ethics and law. Next, they reconstruct the Polish model of ethos of medical diagnostic laboratory personnel. An overall picture consists of a presentation of the general moral principles concerning execution of this profession and rules of conduct in relations with the patient, own professional environment and the rest of the society. Polish model of ethical conduct, which is rooted in Hippocratic medical tradition, harmonizes with the ethos of medical laboratory specialists of other European countries and the world. PMID:27683468

Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory Specialist.

PubMed

Elżbieta, Puacz; Waldemar, Glusiec; Barbara, Madej-Czerwonka

2014-09-01

Along with the development of medicine, increasingly significant role has been played by the laboratory diagnostics. For over ten years the profession of the medical laboratory specialist has been regarded in Poland as the autonomous medical profession and has enjoyed a status of one of public trust. The process of education of medical laboratory specialists consists of a five-year degree in laboratory medicine, offered at Medical Universities, and of a five-year Vocational Specialization in one of the fields of laboratory medicine such as clinical biochemistry, medical microbiology, medical laboratory toxicology, medical laboratory cytomorphology and medical laboratory transfusiology. An important component of medical laboratory specialists' identity is awareness of inherited ethos obtained from bygone generations of workers in this particular profession and the need to continue its further development. An expression of this awareness is among others Polish Code of Ethics of a Medical Laboratory Specialist (CEMLS) containing a set of values and a moral standpoint characteristic of this type of professional environment. Presenting the ethos of the medical laboratory specialist is a purpose of this article. Authors focus on the role CEMLS plays in areas of professional ethics and law. Next, they reconstruct the Polish model of ethos of medical diagnostic laboratory personnel. An overall picture consists of a presentation of the general moral principles concerning execution of this profession and rules of conduct in relations with the patient, own professional environment and the rest of the society. Polish model of ethical conduct, which is rooted in Hippocratic medical tradition, harmonizes with the ethos of medical laboratory specialists of other European countries and the world.

Biomedical Research, Development, and Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Annual Report, October 1, 1975-September 30, 1976

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-01

Holographic Stress Testing of the surgicai. cornea, B. F. Hochheimer (APL) and J. .. Calkins (JHMI) §37 Constant Pressure Tonography, L. J. Viernatein...September 1976 HOLOGRAPHIC STRESS TESTING OF SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION THE SURGICAL CORNEA We have successfully demonstrated that holographic interferometry is...recording me- stress testing of corneal wounds in several thodology suitable for performing do sle-pulsed postoperative patients. The only stress used

Purpura, cutaneous necrosis, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated with levamisole-adulterated cocaine.

PubMed

Graf, Jonathan; Lynch, Kara; Yeh, Chia-Lin; Tarter, Laura; Richman, Nicole; Nguyen, Thuy; Kral, Alex; Dominy, Steven; Imboden, John

2011-12-01

To describe the clinical and serologic abnormalities in 6 patients who presented with retiform purpura and extensive cutaneous necrosis after exposure to levamisole-adulterated cocaine. All patients were evaluated at San Francisco General Hospital or the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Each underwent standard screening for substances of abuse and had urine tested for the presence of levamisole by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Routine laboratory, autoantibody, and antiphospholipid antibody testing was performed in the hospitals' clinical or reference laboratories. Testing for atypical antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) was performed separately using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The patients were women ages 39-50 years who presented with retiform purpura and cutaneous necrosis. Skin biopsies revealed a predominantly small-vessel thrombotic vasculopathy with varying degrees of vasculitis. Four patients were neutropenic. All tested positive for lupus anticoagulant, had IgM antibodies to cardiolipin, and tested strongly positive for ANCAs in a perinuclear pattern by immunofluorescence. Each patient had antibodies to multiple components of neutrophil granules, including neutrophil elastase, lactoferrin, cathepsin G, proteinase 3, and myeloperoxidase. Rheumatologists should be aware of this distinctive form of necrotic purpura, its associated autoantibodies, and its link to levamisole-adulterated cocaine. Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Rheumatology.

[The purpose of clinical laboratory accreditation in transplantation medicine].

PubMed

Flegar-Mestrić, Zlata; Nazor, Aida; Perkov, Sonja; Surina, Branka; Siftar, Zoran; Ozvald, Ivan; Vidas, Zeljko

2011-09-01

Although transplantation of solid organs has become a more standardized method of treatment, liver transplantation represents an exceptional multidisciplinary clinical procedure requiring understanding of specific pathophysiological changes that occur in the end stage of liver disease. Liver transplantation has been performed at Merkur University Hospital since 1998, with 360 transplantations performed to date. The most common indications are alcohol liver disease, cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C virus, hepatocellular carcinoma and cryptogenetic liver cirrhosis. Laboratory tests required for liver transplantation are performed at Department of Clinical Chemistry, Merkur University Hospital, accredited according to ISO 15189 in 2007 for the areas of clinical chemistry, laboratory hematology and coagulation, laboratory immunology-cell immunophenotyping, and molecular diagnosis. The complexity of liver transplant patients requires constant interaction between the anesthesiologist team and clinical laboratory, which has to ensure fast and efficient intraoperative monitoring of biochemical and liver profile: electrolytes and acid-base status, complete blood count, coagulation profile and monitoring of graft function according to the individual patient's health status. Dynamics of intraoperative changes is measured in whole arterial blood samples on a Nova Biomedical Stat Profile Critical Care Xpress mobile acid-base analyzer. Frequent monitoring of ionized calcium and magnesium levels is very important because of citrated blood transfusion and for appropriate therapeutic procedure. During anhepatic stage, there is a progressive increase in lactate level concentration. After reperfusion, a rapid increase in lactate clearance is an excellent indicator of stable graft initial function and its adequate size. During the transplantation procedure, there is usually a biphasic acid-base disturbance characterized by metabolic acidosis and then by metabolic alkalosis. The loss of base equivalents starts during the dissection stage and accelerates during the anhepatic stage. Fast and efficient intraoperative monitoring of hematological tests and coagulation status is of great help in detecting the cause of possible hemorrhage and consequential complications during transplantation procedure. The possibility of organ and tissue transplantation mostly depends on well regulated international cooperation in the areas of donating, transplanting and exchange of required organs and tissues, while laboratory test results must be comparable regardless of their geographical area, methodology employed or analytical equipment used, which is mainly warranted through accreditation according to the international ISO 15189 standard.

Oscar Marin and the Creation of a Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory.

PubMed

Posner, Michael I

2015-09-01

During the 1980s, the Cognitive Neuropsychology Laboratory at Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland, Oregon, made important strides in the study of brain injury. Created and headed by Oscar Marin and the author, in affiliation with the University of Oregon, the lab brought together students, fellows, and visiting experts in neurology, psychology, psychiatry, neuropsychology, neurobiology, neurophysiology, and computation. Their patient-focused collaborations produced groundbreaking research in language and its disorders, bradyphrenia, neglect, cerebellar function and impairment, and the psychology of music. The lab hosted the meeting that they documented in the influential 1985 book Attention and Performance XI: Mechanisms of Attention. The lab's members have gone on to lead distinguished careers and continue making major contributions to cognitive neuroscience.

Feature selection for examining behavior by pathology laboratories.

PubMed

Hawkins, S; Williams, G; Baxter, R

2001-08-01

Australia has a universal health insurance scheme called Medicare, which is managed by Australia's Health Insurance Commission. Medicare payments for pathology services generate voluminous transaction data on patients, doctors and pathology laboratories. The Health Insurance Commission (HIC) currently uses predictive models to monitor compliance with regulatory requirements. The HIC commissioned a project to investigate the generation of new features from the data. Feature generation has not appeared as an important step in the knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) literature. New interesting features for use in predictive modeling are generated. These features were summarized, visualized and used as inputs for clustering and outlier detection methods. Data organization and data transformation methods are described for the efficient access and manipulation of these new features.

Research Collaborations Between Universities and Department of Defense Laboratories

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-31

collaboration and often combines government, industry , and university partners. Must be competed. Medium to long term Yes Yes Yes Yes...can reach out to third parties such as industry or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) without the having to go through...position at DOD laboratories. Students learn about research that is important to the DOD, and university- industry collaborations are a great way to

The level of laboratory testing required for diagnosis or exclusion of a platelet function disorder using platelet aggregation and secretion assays.

PubMed

Mezzano, Diego; Quiroga, Teresa; Pereira, Jaime

2009-03-01

The major advances from research on platelet molecular and cell biology, physiology, and pathophysiology over the past decades have not been adequately translated to clinical laboratory diagnosis. Hereditary platelet function disorders (PFDs) are at least as prevalent in the general population as von Willebrand disease (VWD) although PFDs tend not be as well recognized or evaluated. Clinical mucous and skin bleeding in patients with PFDs is prototypic of primary hemostasis disorders, and the bleeding pattern is not distinguishable from that of other primary hemostasis disorders such as VWD. However, different treatment needs, between these discrete disorders, make a precise diagnosis mandatory. Currently, clinicians receive reliable laboratory reports when testing patients with severe PFDs, such as Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, due to the distinctive laboratory defects that these disorders present, together with the availability of differential diagnostic tests. This is not the case for the majority of PFDs generically classified as "platelet secretion disorders," which are a heterogeneous group of "mild bleeding disorders," for which there are not universally accepted diagnostic criteria. An important reason for robust diagnostic tests is the high proportion (more than 50% in some reports) of patients with unequivocal bleeding who have no precise diagnosis established after a complete laboratory workup. It is paradoxical that the current "gold standard" test for PFD diagnosis, light transmission aggregometry (LTA), has not been standardized after more than four decades of worldwide clinical use. This review describes current diagnostic assays for PFD in a clinical hemostasis laboratory, relating these with current knowledge on platelet function and pathophysiology. Special emphasis will be given to LTA and platelet secretion tests, as well as to the reasons why sensitive tests are needed to explore the lesser known participation of platelets in blood clotting and fibrinolytic processes.

Insomnia with objective short sleep duration is associated with longer duration of insomnia in the Freiburg Insomnia Cohort compared to insomnia with normal sleep duration, but not with hypertension

PubMed Central

Johann, Anna F.; Hertenstein, Elisabeth; Kyle, Simon D.; Baglioni, Chiara; Feige, Bernd; Nissen, Christoph; McGinness, Alastair J.; Riemann, Dieter; Spiegelhalder, Kai

2017-01-01

Study objectives To replicate the association between insomnia with objective short sleep duration and hypertension, type 2 diabetes and duration of insomnia. Design Retrospective case-control study. Setting Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center—University of Freiburg. Participants 328 patients with primary insomnia classified according to DSM-IV criteria (125 males, 203 females, 44.3 ± 12.2 years). Interventions N/A Measurements All participants were investigated using polysomnography, blood pressure measurements, and fasting routine laboratory. Results Insomnia patients with short sleep duration (< 6 hours) in the first night of laboratory sleep presented with a longer duration of insomnia compared to those with normal sleep duration (≥ 6 hours) in the first night of laboratory sleep. Insomnia patients who were categorised as short sleepers in either night were not more likely to suffer from hypertension (systolic blood pressure of ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 90 mm Hg, or a previously established diagnosis). Data analysis showed that insomnia patients with objective short sleep duration were not more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes (fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dl, or a previously established diagnosis). However, the diabetes analysis was only based on a very small number of diabetes cases. As a new finding, insomnia patients who were categorised as short sleepers in either night presented with increases in liver enzyme levels. Conclusions The finding on insomnia duration supports the concept of two distinct sub-groups of insomnia, namely insomnia with, and without, objectively determined short sleep duration. However, our data challenges previous findings that insomnia patients with short sleep duration are more likely to suffer from hypertension. PMID:28746413

Insomnia with objective short sleep duration is associated with longer duration of insomnia in the Freiburg Insomnia Cohort compared to insomnia with normal sleep duration, but not with hypertension.

PubMed

Johann, Anna F; Hertenstein, Elisabeth; Kyle, Simon D; Baglioni, Chiara; Feige, Bernd; Nissen, Christoph; McGinness, Alastair J; Riemann, Dieter; Spiegelhalder, Kai

2017-01-01

To replicate the association between insomnia with objective short sleep duration and hypertension, type 2 diabetes and duration of insomnia. Retrospective case-control study. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg. 328 patients with primary insomnia classified according to DSM-IV criteria (125 males, 203 females, 44.3 ± 12.2 years). N/A. All participants were investigated using polysomnography, blood pressure measurements, and fasting routine laboratory. Insomnia patients with short sleep duration (< 6 hours) in the first night of laboratory sleep presented with a longer duration of insomnia compared to those with normal sleep duration (≥ 6 hours) in the first night of laboratory sleep. Insomnia patients who were categorised as short sleepers in either night were not more likely to suffer from hypertension (systolic blood pressure of ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 90 mm Hg, or a previously established diagnosis). Data analysis showed that insomnia patients with objective short sleep duration were not more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes (fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 126 mg/dl, or a previously established diagnosis). However, the diabetes analysis was only based on a very small number of diabetes cases. As a new finding, insomnia patients who were categorised as short sleepers in either night presented with increases in liver enzyme levels. The finding on insomnia duration supports the concept of two distinct sub-groups of insomnia, namely insomnia with, and without, objectively determined short sleep duration. However, our data challenges previous findings that insomnia patients with short sleep duration are more likely to suffer from hypertension.

Satisfaction of Dental Students, Faculty, and Patients with Tooth Shade-Matching Using a Spectrophotometer.

PubMed

Ballard, Erin; Metz, Michael J; Harris, Bryan T; Metz, Cynthia J; Chou, Jang-Ching; Morton, Dean; Lin, Wei-Shao

2017-05-01

The aims of this study were to evaluate dental students' clinical shade-matching outcomes (from subjective use of shade guide) with an objective electronic shade-matching tool (spectrophotometer); to assess patients', students', and supervising faculty members' satisfaction with the clinical shade-matching outcomes; and to assess clinicians' support for use of the spectrophotometer to improve esthetic outcomes. A total of 103 volunteer groups, each consisting of patient, dental student, and supervising faculty member at the University of Louisville, were recruited to participate in the study in 2015. Using the spectrophotometer, clinical shade-matching outcome (ΔE clinical ) and laboratory shade-matching outcome (ΔE laboratory ) were calculated. Two five-point survey items were used to assess the groups' satisfaction with the clinical shade-matching outcome and support for an objective electronic shade-matching tool in the student clinic. The results showed that both ΔE clinical (6.5±2.4) and ΔE laboratory (4.3±2.0) were outside the clinical acceptability threshold ΔE values of 2.7, when visual shade-matching method (subjective usage of shade guide) was used to fabricate definitive restorations. Characteristics of the patients, dental students, supervising faculty members, and restorations had minimal to no effect on the ΔE clinical The patients, dental students, and supervising faculty members generally had positive opinions about the clinical shade-matching outcome, despite the increased ΔE clinical observed. Overall, clinical shade-matching outcomes in this school need further improvement, but the patients' positive opinions may indicate the need to revisit the acceptability threshold ΔE value of 2.7 in the academic setting.

Bacterial contamination, bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates from stethoscopes at Jimma University Specialized Hospital

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction Hospital acquired infections are recognized as critical public health problems. Infections are frequently caused by organisms residing in healthcare environment, including contaminated medical equipment like Stethoscopes. Objective To determine bacterial contamination, bacterial profile and anti-microbial susceptibility pattern of the isolates from stethoscopes at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Methodology Cross-sectional study conducted from May to September 2011 at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. One hundred seventy-six stethoscopes owned by Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Medical students were randomly selected and studied. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. Specimen was collected using moisten sterile cotton swab and 1 ml normal saline was used to transport the specimen, all laboratory investigations were done following standard microbiological techniques, at Microbiology Laboratory, Jimma University. SPSS windows version 16 used for data analysis and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: A total, of 151 (85.8%) stethoscopes were contaminated. A total of 256 bacterial strains and a mean of 1.44×104 CFUs/diaphragm of stethoscopes was isolated. Of the 256 isolates, 133 (52%) were potential pathogens like S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., P. aeruginosa and E. coli. All strains were resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics (two to eight classes of antibiotics). Disinfection practice was poor. Disinfection practice was found to be associated with bacterial contamination of stethoscopes (P < 0.05). High contamination rate 100 (90.9%) was observed among stethoscopes that had never been disinfected; while the least contamination 29 (72.2%) was found on those disinfected a week or less before the survey. Conclusion Bacterial contamination of the stethoscope was significant. The isolates were potential pathogens and resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics. Stethoscope is potential vehicle in the transmission of infections between patients and Healthcare Workers. Stethoscope diaphragm should be disinfected before and after each patient contact. PMID:24330702

Bacterial contamination, bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates from stethoscopes at Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

PubMed

Shiferaw, Teklu; Beyene, Getenet; Kassa, Tesfaye; Sewunet, Tsegaye

2013-12-13

Hospital acquired infections are recognized as critical public health problems. Infections are frequently caused by organisms residing in healthcare environment, including contaminated medical equipment like Stethoscopes. To determine bacterial contamination, bacterial profile and anti-microbial susceptibility pattern of the isolates from stethoscopes at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Cross-sectional study conducted from May to September 2011 at Jimma University Specialized Hospital. One hundred seventy-six stethoscopes owned by Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Medical students were randomly selected and studied. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. Specimen was collected using moisten sterile cotton swab and 1 ml normal saline was used to transport the specimen, all laboratory investigations were done following standard microbiological techniques, at Microbiology Laboratory, Jimma University. SPSS windows version 16 used for data analysis and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total, of 151 (85.8%) stethoscopes were contaminated. A total of 256 bacterial strains and a mean of 1.44×104 CFUs/diaphragm of stethoscopes was isolated. Of the 256 isolates, 133 (52%) were potential pathogens like S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., Citrobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., P. aeruginosa and E. coli. All strains were resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics (two to eight classes of antibiotics). Disinfection practice was poor. Disinfection practice was found to be associated with bacterial contamination of stethoscopes (P < 0.05). High contamination rate 100 (90.9%) was observed among stethoscopes that had never been disinfected; while the least contamination 29 (72.2%) was found on those disinfected a week or less before the survey. Bacterial contamination of the stethoscope was significant. The isolates were potential pathogens and resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics. Stethoscope is potential vehicle in the transmission of infections between patients and Healthcare Workers. Stethoscope diaphragm should be disinfected before and after each patient contact.

An inexpensive modification of the laboratory computer display changes emergency physicians' work habits and perceptions.

PubMed

Marinakis, Harry A; Zwemer, Frank L

2003-02-01

Little is known about how the availability of laboratory data affects emergency physicians' practice habits and satisfaction. We modified our clinical information system to display laboratory test status with continuous updates, similar to an airport arrival display. The objective of this study was to determine whether the laboratory test status display altered emergency physicians' work habits and increased satisfaction compared with the time period before implementation of laboratory test status. A retrospective analysis was performed of emergency physicians' actual use of the clinical information system before and after implementation of the laboratory test status display. Emergency physicians were retrospectively surveyed regarding the effect of laboratory test status display on their practice habits and clinical information system use. Survey responses were matched with actual use of the clinical information system. Data were analyzed by using dependent t tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. The study was conducted at a university hospital. Clinical information system use by 46 emergency physicians was analyzed. Twenty-five surveys were returned (71.4% of available emergency physicians). All emergency physicians perceived fewer clinical information system log ons per day after laboratory test status display. The actual average decrease was 19%. Emergency physicians who reported the greatest decrease in log ons per day tended to have the greatest actual decrease (r =-0.36). There was no significant correlation between actual and perceived total time logged on (r =0.08). In regard to effect on emergency physicians' practice habits, 95% reported increased efficiency, 80% reported improved satisfaction with data access, and 65% reported improved communication with patients. An inexpensive computer modification, laboratory test status display, significantly increased subjective efficiency, changed work habits, and improved satisfaction regarding data access and patient communication among emergency physicians. Knowledge of the test queue changed emergency physician behavior and improved satisfaction.

In Memoriam: Paolo Cappa

PubMed Central

Patanè, Fabrizio; Laut, Jeffrey

2017-01-01

Prof. Paolo Cappa passed away on 26 August 2016, at the age of 59, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Paolo Cappa was a Professor in Mechanical and Thermal Measurements and Experimental Biomechanics in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome, where he had also served as the Head of the Department, and a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of New York University Tandon School of Engineering. During his intense, yet short, career, he made several significant scientific contributions within the discipline of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements, pioneering fundamental applications to Biomechanics. He co-founded the Motion Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab) within the Neurorehabilitation Division of IRCCS Pediatric Hospital “Bambino Gesu”, in Rome, to fuel transitional research from the laboratory to clinical practice. Through collaboration with neurologists and physiatrists at MARLab, Prof. Cappa led the development of a powerful array of novel mechanical solutions to wearable robotics for pediatric patients, addressing dramatic needs for children’s health and contributing to the training of an entire generation of Mechanical Engineering students. PMID:29156582

The HVAC Challenges of Upgrading an Old Lab for High-end Light Microscopes

PubMed Central

Richard, R.; Martone, P.; Callahan, L.M.

2014-01-01

The University of Rochester Medical Center forms the centerpiece of the University of Rochester's health research, teaching, patient care, and community outreach missions. Within this large facility of over 5 million square feet, demolition and remodeling of existing spaces is a constant activity. With more than $145 million in federal research funding, lab space is frequently repurposed and renovated to support this work. The URMC Medical Center Facilities Organization supporting small to medium space renovations is constantly challenged and constrained by the existing mechanical infrastructure and budgets to deliver a renovated space that functions within the equipment environmental parameters. One recent project, sponsored by the URMC Shared Resources Laboratory, demonstrates these points. The URMC Light Microscopy Shared Resource Laboratory requested renovation of a 121 sq. ft. room in a 40 year old building which would enable placement of a laser capture microdissection microscope and a Pascal 5 laser scanning confocal microscope with the instruments separated by a blackout curtain. This poster discusses the engineering approach implemented to bring an older lab into the environmental specifications needed for the proper operation of the high-end light microscopes.

In Memoriam: Paolo Cappa.

PubMed

Palermo, Eduardo; Rossi, Stefano; Patanè, Fabrizio; Laut, Jeffrey; Porfiri, Maurizio

2017-11-18

Prof. Paolo Cappa passed away on 26 August 2016, at the age of 59, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Paolo Cappa was a Professor in Mechanical and Thermal Measurements and Experimental Biomechanics in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of Sapienza University of Rome, where he had also served as the Head of the Department, and a Research Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of New York University Tandon School of Engineering. During his intense, yet short, career, he made several significant scientific contributions within the discipline of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements, pioneering fundamental applications to Biomechanics. He co-founded the Motion Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARLab) within the Neurorehabilitation Division of IRCCS Pediatric Hospital "Bambino Gesu", in Rome, to fuel transitional research from the laboratory to clinical practice. Through collaboration with neurologists and physiatrists at MARLab, Prof. Cappa led the development of a powerful array of novel mechanical solutions to wearable robotics for pediatric patients, addressing dramatic needs for children's health and contributing to the training of an entire generation of Mechanical Engineering students.

A Cataract Surgery Training Program: 2-Year Outcome After Launching.

PubMed

Yu, A-Yong; Wang, Qin-Mei; Li, Jin; Huang, Fang; Golnik, Karl

2016-01-01

To investigate whether a short-term training program can produce competent cataract surgeons. This observational pilot study enrolled 12 trainees who could not perform phacoemulsification independently. The training consisted of 2 phases. During the first 3-month phase, trainees were taught phacoemulsification through wet laboratory exposure and deliberate practice in patients at the training center in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China. The second phase consisted of performing 50 cases at the trainees׳ home institution with supports from instructors of the first phase. Trainees׳ surgical results were followed-up. The surgical skill as measured by the Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric (OSCAR) and surgical outcomes were analyzed. During the first phase trainees performed 193.3 ± 95.4 wet laboratory cases and 557 eyes in patients. The complication rate was 0.54%. The OSCAR scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) in the first phase. At the second phase, all the trainees could carry out phacoemulsification at their home hospital and the complication rate was 1.87%. During the long-term follow-up, 4936 cases of phacoemulsification were performed and the complication rate was 0.87%. Trainees succeeded in performing phacoemulsification safely and skillfully through a limited short period of training by wet laboratory exposure, deliberate practice in patients, and frequent formative feedback provided by the OSCAR tool. Copyright © 2016 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

78 FR 20950 - Department of Energy Facilities Covered Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-08

...- Health Research, University of Present [dagger]. California (Davis). Laboratory of Biomedical and Los... Radiobiology and San Francisco..... 1951-1999. Environmental Health, University of California (San Francisco........... New Brunswick..... 1948-1977. Princeton Plasma Physics Princeton......... 1951-Present. Laboratory...

Calibration and GEANT4 Simulations of the Phase II Proton Compute Tomography (pCT) Range Stack Detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uzunyan, S. A.; Blazey, G.; Boi, S.

Northern Illinois University in collaboration with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) and Delhi University has been designing and building a proton CT scanner for applications in proton treatment planning. The Phase II proton CT scanner consists of eight planes of tracking detectors with two X and two Y coordinate measurements both before and after the patient. In addition, a range stack detector consisting of a stack of thin scintillator tiles, arranged in twelve eight-tile frames, is used to determine the water equivalent path length (WEPL) of each track through the patient. The X-Y coordinates and WEPL are required input formore » image reconstruction software to find the relative (proton) stopping powers (RSP) value of each voxel in the patient and generate a corresponding 3D image. In this Note we describe tests conducted in 2015 at the proton beam at the Central DuPage Hospital in Warrenville, IL, focusing on the range stack calibration procedure and comparisons with the GEANT~4 range stack simulation.« less

Benefits of an automatic patient dose registry system for interventional radiology and cardiology at five hospitals of the Madrid area.

PubMed

Fernandez-Soto, J M; Ten, J I; Sanchez, R M; España, M; Pifarre, X; Vano, E

2015-07-01

The purpose of this article is to present the results of connecting the interventional radiology and cardiology laboratories of five university hospitals to a unique server using an automatic patient dose registry system (Dose On Line for Interventional Radiology, DOLIR) developed in-house, and to evaluate its feasibility more than a year after its introduction. The system receives and stores demographic and dosimetric parameters included in the MPPS DICOM objects sent by the modalities to a database. A web service provides a graphical interface to analyse the information received. During 2013, the system processed 10 788 procedures (6874 cardiac, 2906 vascular and 1008 neuro interventional). The percentages of patients requiring clinical follow-up due to potential tissue reactions before and after the use of DOLIR are presented. The system allowed users to verify in real-time, if diagnostic (or interventional) reference levels are fulfilled. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Acute parasitic and other infectious myelopathies in the tropics: 26 cases at the University Hospital in Conakry.

PubMed

Cisse, F A; Ekué, W A E; Barry, L; Barry, S D; Touré, M L; Cissé, A

2016-11-01

In tropical countries, laboratory-confirmed diagnostic certainty of parasitic and other infectious causes of acute myelopathy is difficult because of a shortage of medical professionals and consulting delays. We performed a retrospective study of 168 patients hospitalized for spinal disorders between 2007 and 2013 and identified 26 diagnosed with acute non-compressive myelopathy of presumed sudden onset. An parasitic or other infectious cause was established for all. A preliminary clinical infection preceding the development of neurologic signs was reported for 22 patients (84.6 %). Neurological signs were limited to the existence of a progressive sensorimotor symptomatology with sphincter disorders.

Study of H. pylori infection in children with recurrent abdominal pain attending the pediatrics outpatient clinic of Zagazig University Hospitals.

PubMed

Badr, M A; El-Saadany, Hosam F; Ali, Adel S A; Abdelrahman, D

2012-12-01

This study assessed the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children with recurrent abdominal pain attending the Outpatient Pediatric Clinic of Zagazig University Hospitals. The study was conducted on 100 children suffering from different GIT symptoms mainly recurrent abdominal pain, they were categorized into 3 categories according to their ages. First category below 5 years, second category between 5 and 10 years and last category above 10 years. All subjects underwent full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Protozoa infection was in 29% of patients, helminthes 10%, chronic constipation 4% and UTI 4%. The patients with apparent etiology were excluded. The data do not support the hypothesis that there is a direct role for H. pylori infection as a causative agent for Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP) in children. The mean +/- SD of age of patients were 5.7 +/- 3.7, with range of 1:18 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.1. H. pylori serum IgG antibodies were in 26 patients (43.3%) and 24 controls (p = 0.71), and H. pylori stool Ag in stool of 22 cases and 20 controls (p = 0.7).

Ohio Space Grant Funds for Scholarship/Fellowship Students

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAT), a consortium of university, industry, and government, was formed to promote collaborative aerospace-related research, graduate education, and technology transfer among the nine Ohio universities with doctoral level engineering programs, NASA Lewis Research Center, Air Force Wright Laboratory, and industry. OAT provides enhanced opportunities for affiliates to utilize federal government research laboratories and facilities at Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and Wright Laboratory. As a component of the graduate education and research programs, students and faculty from the member universities, LeRC engineers and scientists, and visiting investigators from industry, government and non-member universities conduct collaborative research projects using the unique facilities at LeRC, and will participate in collaborative education programs. Faculty from the member universities who hold collateral appointments at OAT, and government and industry experts serving as adjunct faculty, can participate in the supervision of student research.

Papers presented to the International Colloquium on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

This volume contains short papers that have been accepted for the International Colloquium on Venus, August 10-12, Pasadena, California. The Program Committee consisted of Stephen Saunders (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and Sean C. Solomon (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Chairmen: Raymond Arvison (Washington University); Vassily Moroz (Institute for Space Research); Donald B. Campbell (Cornell University); Thomas Donahue (University of Michigan); James W. Head III (Brown University); Pamela Jones (Lunar and Planetary Institute); Mona Jasnow, Andrew Morrison, Timothy Pardker, Jeffrey Plaut, Ellen Stofan, Tommy Thompson, Cathy Weitz (Jet Propulsion Laboratory); Gordon Pettengil (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); and Janet Luhmann (University of California, Los Angeles).

Proton Radiation Therapy in the Hospital Environment: Conception, Development, and Operation of the Initial Hospital-Based Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, James M.; Slater, Jerry D.; Wroe, Andrew J.

The world's first hospital-based proton treatment center opened at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1990, following two decades of development. Patients' needs were the driving force behind its conception, development, and execution; the primary needs were delivery of effective conformal doses of ionizing radiation and avoidance of normal tissue to the maximum extent possible. The facility includes a proton synchrotron and delivery system developed in collaboration with physicists and engineers at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and from other high-energy-physics laboratories worldwide. The system, operated and maintained by Loma Linda personnel, was designed to be safe, reliable, flexible in utilization, efficient in use, and upgradeable to meet demands of changing patient needs and advances in technology. Since the facility opened, nearly 14,000 adults and children have been treated for a wide range of cancers and other diseases. Ongoing research is expanding the applications of proton therapy, while reducing costs.

Final report: Prototyping a combustion corridor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rutland, Christopher J.; Leach, Joshua

2001-12-15

The Combustion Corridor is a concept in which researchers in combustion and thermal sciences have unimpeded access to large volumes of remote computational results. This will enable remote, collaborative analysis and visualization of state-of-the-art combustion science results. The Engine Research Center (ERC) at the University of Wisconsin - Madison partnered with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and several other universities to build and test the first stages of a combustion corridor. The ERC served two important functions in this partnership. First, we work extensively with combustion simulations so we were able to provide real worldmore » research data sets for testing the Corridor concepts. Second, the ERC was part of an extension of the high bandwidth based DOE National Laboratory connections to universities.« less

Knowledge, attitude and practice of aspects of laboratory safety in Pathology Laboratories at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

PubMed

Ejilemele, A A; Ojule, A C

2005-12-01

To assess current knowledge, attitudes and practice of aspects of laboratory safety in pathology laboratories at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in view of perceived inadequacies in safety practices in clinical laboratories in developing countries. Sixty (60) self- administered questionnaires were distributed to all cadres of staff in four (4) different laboratories (Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Blood bank and Medical Microbiology) at the Hospital. Gross deficiencies were found in the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory safety by laboratory staff in areas of use of personal protective equipment, specimen collection and processing, centrifuge--related hazards, infective hazards waste disposal and provision and use of First Aid Kits. Issues pertaining to laboratory safety are not yet given adequate attention by both employers and employees in developing countries in this ear of resurgence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Band C, is emphasized.

Communications Middleware for Tactical Environments: Observations, Experiences, and Lessons Learned

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-12

posi- tion at the Engineering Department of the University of Ferrara , Italy . His research interests include distributed and mobile computing, QoS...science engineering from the Uni- versity of Padova, Italy , in 2005. She continued her studies at the University of Ferrara , where she gained a Master’s...Stefanelli, University of Ferrara Jesse Kovach, U.S. Army Research Laboratory James Hanna, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Communications Middleware

Underground Nuclear Explosions at Azgir, Kazakhstan, and Implications for Identifying Decoupled Nuclear Testing in Salt

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-28

nuclear explosions in the national economy of the USSR, UCRL - Trans-10477, (Translation from Russian), Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of...applications of underground nuclear explosions in the national economy of the USSR, UCRL -Trans-10477, 47 pp., Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of...of Southern California 3701 North Fairfax Drive University Park Arlington, VA 22203-1714 Los Angeles, CA 90089-0741 Prof. Shelton Alexander Dr

[Impact of enterobacteriaceae-producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLE) incidence increasing on barrier precautions implementation in a university hospital].

PubMed

Bourigault, C; Corvec, S; Bemer, P; Juvin, M-E; Guillouzouic, A; Crémet, L; Reynaud, A; Leprince, C; Lepelletier, D

2013-10-01

The French national surveillance program of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) shows an increase of enterobacteriaceae-producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLE) incidence. The objectives of this study were to assess: the incidence of EBLSE in a large French university hospital between 2005 and 2010, and the difference of barrier precautions implementation between ESBL and other MDR. The ESBLE incidence measure used data from the laboratory of bacteriology. The application of isolation and barrier precautions was analyzed from the MRB national surveillance data over a 3-year period from 2006 to 2008. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info software. The Chi(2) test was used for the comparison of proportions. The overall incidence of ESBLE was significantly higher in 2010 than in 2005 (0.20/1000 patients-days vs 0.03/1000 patients-days, respectively) (P<0.001). The same was observed for Escherichia coli incidence with rates ranging from 0.02/1000 patients-days in 2005 to 0.15/1000 patients-days in 2010. Isolation precautions for patients with EBLSE were applied in relation for most patients with MRB (ESBLE vs others), without significant difference. The surveillance programme of MRB showed a significant increase of ESBLE, especially for E. coli. Isolation and barrier precautions were used for most patients with MRB, including ESBLE. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Laboratory medicine in Ontario: its downsizing and the consequences on quality.

PubMed

Richardson, H

1999-12-01

Health care in Ontario consumes 35% of provincial government annual revenues. Fiscal constraint mandates restructuring of health services to maintain a fully, publicly-funded universally-accessible health system that is patient-focussed and health-outcome driven. Acute-care hospital restructuring under the authority of the Health Services Restructuring Commission and primary health-care reform characterise present government initiatives. Laboratory medicine services at about Can $1 billion annually account for about 5% of health expenditure. A Laboratory Services Restructuring Secretariat created by the Ministry of Health in 1995 has planned regionally-based integrated laboratory services systems bringing together public and private providers, designed a province-wide laboratory information system, developed a quality management program, reviewed the human resource needs for laboratory physicians, scientists and technologists, and recommended that the legislation be rewritten so as to be enabling - not controlling. Meanwhile both hospital and private laboratories have closed, leaving 296 in 1998 compared to 394 in 1991. Laboratory physician numbers at 39 per million population falls far short of the recommended target of 52 and many are within 10 years of retirement. Renewal of laboratory physicians and scientists to meet the shortfall is not occurring. The numbers of registered laboratory technologists has fallen by 6. 8% over 2 years. Consolidation and downsizing of laboratories with the formation of core laboratories has resulted in multi-discipline and cross discipline tasking of specialist technologists. Senior and middle level management technologists have been declared redundant. As a consequence, quality control practices have been hard hit. Plans to address these deficiencies through regional integration and sharing of resources remain to be implemented.

Special Issue on the 20th Workshop on MHD Stability Control

DOE PAGES

Park, Jong -Kyu

2016-11-08

The 20th workshop on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability control took place November 22–24, 2015, in Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), following the American Physical Society—Division of Plasma Physics annual meeting on November 16–20 in Savannah, GA. The purpose of this workshop is to stimulate in depth discussion and motivate future research in the areas of MHD stability physics and control of magnetically confined plasmas. Furthermore, the workshop was organized jointly by Auburn University, Columbia University, General Atomics, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and under the auspices of the US/Japan Collaboration.

The space laboratory of University College London

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnstone, Alan

1994-10-01

University College London was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since its laboratory, the Mullard Space Science Laboratory was established, it has participated in 40 satellite missions and more than 200 sounding rocket experiments. Its scientific research in five fields, space plasma physics, high energy astronomy, solar astronomy, Earth remote sensing, and detector physics is internationally renowned. The scientific and technological expertise development through the construction and use of space instrumentation has been fed back into an educational program which leads to degrees at the three levels of B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D.

[Immunological monitoring in kidney transplantation: 13 years experience of a Moroccan histocompatibility laboratory].

PubMed

Brick, C; Atouf, O; Essakalli, M

2016-05-01

The quality of the immunological monitoring is crucial because it determines the success of the kidney transplantation. The scope of this work is to describe the experience of the department of immunological unity of the Ibn Sina university hospital in Rabat regarding the immunological monitoring of patients transplanted between 2001 and 2014. Patient samples were collected from nephrology services of different public and private hospitals of Morocco. The tests conducted in the context of immunological monitoring are ABO typing, HLA-A, B, DR, DQ typing, anti-HLA antibodies detection and identification and cross-match. One hundred and fourteen benefited from a pre- and post-transplant immunological monitoring in our laboratory. The percentage of recipients having between 2 and 5 stored sera is 60.5 before transplantation and 56.1 after transplantation. Immunized patients account for 22.8% before the transplant and 17.6% after transplantation. Ninety-seven patients still have a functional graft, while 4 of them had DSA of low intensity before transplantation. Five immunological rejections were reported while the cross-match were negative and no DSA was identified before transplantation. Patient survival and graft at 1 year was 98.2% and 92.7% respectively. Conducting regular immunological monitoring is sometimes difficult in our context, however, the results are satisfactory in terms of graft and patients survival. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Postoperative Pleural Effusions After Orthotopic Heart Transplant: Cause, Clinical Manifestations, and Course.

PubMed

Ulubay, Gaye; Küpeli, Elif; Er Dedekargınoğlu, Balam; Savaş Bozbaş, Şerife; Alekberov, Mahal; Salman Sever, Özlem; Sezgin, Atilla

2016-11-01

Postoperative pleural effusions are common in patients who undergo cardiac surgery and orthotopic heart transplant. Postoperative pleural effusions may also occur as postcardiac injury syndrome. Most of these effusions are nonspecific and develop as a harmless complication of the surgical procedure itself and generally have a benign course. Here, we investigated the cause and clinical and laboratory features of postoperative early and late pleural effusions in orthotopic heart transplant patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 50 patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplant between 2004 and 2015 at Baskent University. Patient demographics and clinical and laboratory data, including cause of heart failure, presence of pleural effusions at chest radiography in the first year after transplant, timing of onset, microbiologic and biochemical analyses of pleural effusions, and treatment strategies were noted. Mean age of patients was 39.22 ± 13.83 years (39 men, 11 women). Reason for heart failure was dilated cardiomyopathy in most patients (76%). Nineteen patients (38%) had postoperative pleural effusions, with 15 patients (78.9%) with pleural effusion during the first week after transplant. Of these, 4 patients had recurrent pleural effusion. A diagnostic thoracentesis was performed in 10 patients, with 4 showing transudative effusion and 6 showing exudative effusion secondary to infection (2 patients), postcardiac injury syndrome (1 patient), and hemothorax (3 patients). Aspergillus fumigatus was detected by quantitative culture from pleural effusion in 1 patient. Tube thoracoscopy drainage was performed in 10 patients (25%), and 2 patients received antibiotic therapy. Pleural effusions are frequent after cardiac transplant. Complications may occur in a small portion of patients, with most effusions being nonspecific and having a benign course with spontaneous resolution. Early diagnostic thoracentesis could improve postoperative outcomes in these patients.

A BSCS-Style Laboratory Approach for University General Biology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leonard, William H.

1982-01-01

Compared effectiveness of a Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS)-style laboratory program in a university general biology course against a popular traditionally oriented program. Although learning gains for both groups were significant, students using the BSCS-style investigations scored significantly higher on a posttest of laboratory…

Virtual Instruction: A Qualitative Research Laboratory Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stadtlander, Lee M.; Giles, Martha J.

2010-01-01

Online graduate programs in psychology are becoming common; however, a concern has been whether instructors in the programs provide adequate research mentoring. One issue surrounding research mentoring is the absence of research laboratories in the virtual university. Students attending online universities often do research without peer or lab…

Anomalous Resistivity of Auroral Field Lines.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-25

Anomalous Resistivity on Auroral Field Lines H-. L. R0VNLAND AND K. PAPADOPOULOS Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies$ University of Maryland...d in Stock 20, It difitir.oI from Reprt) It.SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES * Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies, University of NMarland, College

Renal autotransplantation--a possibility in the treatment of complex renal vascular diseases and ureteric injuries.

PubMed

Hau, Hans Michael; Bartels, Michael; Tautenhahn, Hans-Michael; Morgul, Mehmet Haluk; Fellmer, Peter; Ho-Thi, Phuc; Benckert, Christoph; Uhlmann, Dirk; Moche, Michael; Thelen, Armin; Schmelzle, Moritz; Jonas, Sven

2012-12-31

We report our contemporary experiences with renal autotransplantation in patients with complicated renal vascular diseases and/or complex ureteral injuries. Since its first performance, renal autotransplantation has been steadily improved and become a safe and effective procedure. Between 1998 and 2006, 6 renal autotransplantations in 6 patients were performed at the University Medical Center of Leipzig. After nephrectomy and renal perfusion ex vivo, the kidney was implanted standardized in the fossa iliaca. The vessels were anastomized to the iliac vessels, the ureter was reimplanted in an extravesical tunneled ureteroneocystostomy technique according to Lich-Gregoir. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were collected and analyzed for pre-, intra-, and postoperative period. Indications for renal autotransplantation were complex renovascular diseases in 2 patients (1 with fibromuscular dysplasia and 1 with Takayasu's arteritis) and in 4 patients with complex ureteral injuries. The median duration of follow-up was 9.7 years (range: 5.6-13.3). The laboratory values of our 6 patients showed improvements of creatinine, urea and blood pressure levels in comparison to the preoperative status at the end of follow-up period. The present study reports excellent results of renal autotransplantation in patients with renovascular disease or complex ureteric injuries. After a median follow-up of 9.7 years all 6 patients present with stable renal function as well as normal blood pressure values. Postoperative complications were observed with a rate comparable to other studies.

CPTAC Team Releases Targeted Proteomic Assays for Ovarian Cancer | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

Cancer.gov

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) investigators in the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), announces the public release of 98 targeted mass spectrometry-based assays for ovarian cancer research studies.  Chosen based on proteogenomic observations from the recently published multi-institutional collaborative project between PNNL and Johns Hopkins University that comprehensively examined the collections of proteins in the tumors of ovarian cancer patients (highlighted in a paper in

Multifaceted intervention including education, rounding checklist implementation, cost feedback, and financial incentives reduces inpatient laboratory costs.

PubMed

Yarbrough, Peter M; Kukhareva, Polina V; Horton, Devin; Edholm, Karli; Kawamoto, Kensaku

2016-05-01

Inappropriate laboratory testing is a contributor to waste in healthcare. To evaluate the impact of a multifaceted laboratory reduction intervention on laboratory costs. A retrospective, controlled, interrupted time series (ITS) study. University of Utah Health Care, a 500-bed academic medical center in Salt Lake City, Utah. All patients 18 years or older admitted to the hospital to a service other than obstetrics, rehabilitation, or psychiatry. Multifaceted quality-improvement initiative in a hospitalist service including education, process change, cost feedback, and financial incentive. Primary outcomes of lab cost per day and per visit. Secondary outcomes of number of basic metabolic panel (BMP), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), complete blood count (CBC), and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio tests per day; length of stay (LOS); and 30-day readmissions. A total of 6310 hospitalist patient visits (intervention group) were compared to 25,586 nonhospitalist visits (control group). Among the intervention group, the unadjusted mean cost per day was reduced from $138 before the intervention to $123 after the intervention (P < 0.001), and the unadjusted mean cost per visit decreased from $618 to $558 (P = 0.005). The ITS analysis showed significant reductions in cost per day, cost per visit, and the number of BMP, CMP, and CBC tests per day (P = 0.034, 0.02, <0.001, 0.004, and <0.001). LOS was unchanged and 30-day readmissions decreased in the intervention group. A multifaceted approach to laboratory reduction demonstrated a significant reduction in laboratory cost per day and per visit, as well as common tests per day at a major academic medical center. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:348-354. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

Gerson Goldhaber: A Life in Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlish, Ursula

2011-06-01

I draw on my interviews in 2005-2007 with Gerson Goldhaber (1924-2010), his wife Judith, and his colleagues at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. I discuss his childhood, early education, marriage to his first wife Sulamith (1923-1965), and his further education at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (1942-1947) and his doctoral research at University of Wisconsin at Madison (1947-1950). He then was appointed to an instructorship in physics at Columbia University (1950-1953) before accepting a position in the physics department at the University of California at Berkeley and the Radiation Laboratory (later the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, today the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), where he remained for the rest of his life. He made fundamental contributions to physics, including to the discovery of the antiproton in 1955, the GGLP effect in 1960, the psi particle in 1974, and charmed mesons in 1977, and to cosmology, including the discovery of the accelerating universe and dark energy in 1998. Beginning in the late 1960s, he also took up art, and he and his second wife Judith, whom he married in 1969, later collaborated in illustrating and writing two popular books. Goldhaber died in Berkeley, California, on July 19, 2010, at the age of 86.

[Industry-Academia Collaboration in the Clinical Laboratory Field: Chairmen's Introductory Remarks].

PubMed

Inaba, Tohru; Ikemoto, Toshiyuki

2016-01-01

Industry-academia collaboration has become essential in contemporary medicine. Therefore, many institutes including university corporations have promoted the establishment of an endowed chair and/or performed collaborative research. This symposium was held to overview the present status of industry-academia collaboration in the clinical laboratory field. As a representative of the industry, Mr. Taniguchi (Sysmex) presented the development process of M2BP Glycosylation Isomer, a new marker for liver fibrosis. Mr. Saitoh (Horiba) introduced the achievements of joint collaborative research with Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, especially the practical realization of an automated hematology analyzer capable of simultaneously measuring C-reactive protein. Mr. Setoyama (LSI Medience) presented on the characteristic collaboration between academia and commercial laboratories such as Tsukuba Medical Laboratory of Education and Research (TMER). On the other hand, as a representative of academia, Associate Prof. Imai (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine) summarized the necessity of clinical laboratories spread regenerative medicine. Finally, Prof. Koshiba (Hyogo College of Medicine) presented on the industry-academia collaboration in routine laboratory work in his institute.

Ebola Laboratory Response at the Eternal Love Winning Africa Campus, Monrovia, Liberia, 2014-2015.

PubMed

de Wit, Emmie; Rosenke, Kyle; Fischer, Robert J; Marzi, Andrea; Prescott, Joseph; Bushmaker, Trenton; van Doremalen, Neeltje; Emery, Shannon L; Falzarano, Darryl; Feldmann, Friederike; Groseth, Allison; Hoenen, Thomas; Juma, Bonventure; McNally, Kristin L; Ochieng, Melvin; Omballa, Victor; Onyango, Clayton O; Owuor, Collins; Rowe, Thomas; Safronetz, David; Self, Joshua; Williamson, Brandi N; Zemtsova, Galina; Grolla, Allen; Kobinger, Gary; Rayfield, Mark; Ströher, Ute; Strong, James E; Best, Sonja M; Ebihara, Hideki; Zoon, Kathryn C; Nichol, Stuart T; Nyenswah, Tolbert G; Bolay, Fatorma K; Massaquoi, Moses; Feldmann, Heinz; Fields, Barry

2016-10-15

West Africa experienced the first epidemic of Ebola virus infection, with by far the greatest number of cases in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. The unprecedented epidemic triggered an unparalleled response, including the deployment of multiple Ebola treatment units and mobile/field diagnostic laboratories. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deployed a joint laboratory to Monrovia, Liberia, in August 2014 to support the newly founded Ebola treatment unit at the Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) campus. The laboratory operated initially out of a tent structure but quickly moved into a fixed-wall building owing to severe weather conditions, the need for increased security, and the high sample volume. Until May 2015, when the laboratory closed, the site handled close to 6000 clinical specimens for Ebola virus diagnosis and supported the medical staff in case patient management. Laboratory operation and safety, as well as Ebola virus diagnostic assays, are described and discussed; in addition, lessons learned for future deployments are reviewed. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Rotavirus Infection in the Auckland Region After the Implementation of Universal Infant Rotavirus Vaccination: Impact on Hospitalizations and Laboratory Implications.

PubMed

McAuliffe, Gary N; Taylor, Susan L; Drinković, Dragana; Roberts, Sally A; Wilson, Elizabeth M; Best, Emma J

2018-01-01

In July 2014, New Zealand introduced universal infant vaccination with RotaTeq (Merk & Co.) administered as 3 doses at 6 weeks, 3 and 5 months of age. We sought to assess the impact of rotavirus vaccination on gastroenteritis (GE) hospitalizations in the greater Auckland region and analyze changes in rotavirus testing in the period around vaccine introduction. Hospitalizations, laboratory testing rates and methods were compared between the pre-vaccine period (2009-2013), post-vaccine period (January 2015 to December 2015) and year of vaccine introduction (2014). There was a 68% decline in rotavirus hospitalizations of children <5 years of age after vaccine introduction (from 258/100,000 to 83/100,000) and a 17% decline in all-cause gastroenteritis admissions (from 1815/100,000 to 1293/100,000). Reductions were also seen in pediatric groups too old to have received vaccine. Despite these changes, rotavirus testing rates in our region remained static in the year after vaccine introduction compared with the 2 prior years, and after vaccine introduction, we observed a high rate of false positives 19/58 (33%) in patients with reactive rotavirus tests. Rotavirus vaccine has had a significant early impact on gastroenteritis hospitalizations for children in the Auckland region. However, continued rotavirus testing at pre-vaccine rates risks generating false positive results. Laboratories and clinicians should consider reviewing their testing algorithms before vaccine introduction.

A Novel High School Chemistry Camp as an Outreach Model for Regional Colleges and Universities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Exstrom, Christopher L.; Mosher, Michael D.

2000-01-01

Describes the summer chemistry camp offered by the University of Nebraska at Kearney which consists of multistage open-ended laboratory projects. Focuses on introducing high school students to principles, methods, and equipment used in academic and professional chemistry laboratories. (Contains 19 references.) (YDS)

When "Less is More": The Optimal Design of Language Laboratory Hardware.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kershaw, Gary; Boyd, Gary

1980-01-01

The results of a process of designing, building, and "de-bugging" two replacement language laboratory hardware systems at Concordia University (Montreal) are described. Because commercially available systems did not meet specifications within budgetary constraints, the systems were built by the university technical department. The systems replaced…

Fire and Explosion Hazards Expected in a Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rasool, Shireen R.; Al-Dahhan, Wedad; Al-Zuhairi, Ali Jassim

Scientists at universities across Iraq are actively working to report actual incidents and accidents occurring in their laboratories, as well as structural improvements made to improve safety and security, to raise awareness and encourage openness, leading to widespread adoption of robust Chemical Safety and Security (CSS) practices. This manuscript is the fifth in a series of five case studies describing laboratory incidents, accidents, and laboratory improvements. In this study, we summarize unsafe practices involving the improper installation of a Gas Chromatograph (GC) at an Iraqi university which, if not corrected, could have resulted in a dangerous fire and explosion. Wemore » summarize the identified infractions and highlight lessons learned. By openly sharing the experiences at the university involved, we hope to minimize the possibility of another researcher being injured due to similarly unsafe practices in the future.« less

40 CFR 262.103 - What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.103 What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard? The Laboratory Environmental Management Standard... environmental management standard? 262.103 Section 262.103 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

Identifying patients for clinical trials using fuzzy ternary logic expressions on HL7 messages.

PubMed

Majeed, Raphael W; Röhrig, Rainer

2011-01-01

Identifying eligible patients is one of the most critical parts of any clinical trial. The process of recruiting patients for the third phase of any clinical trial is usually done manually, informing relevant physicians or putting notes on bulletin boards. While most necessary information is already available in electronic hospital information systems, required data still has to be looked up individually. Most university hospitals make use of a dedicated communication server to distribute information from independent information systems, e.g. laboratory information systems, electronic health records, surgery planning systems. Thus, a theoretical model is developed to formally describe inclusion and exclusion criteria for each clinical trial using a fuzzy ternary logic expression. These expressions will then be used to process HL7 messages from a communication server in order to identify eligible patients.

Information Technology: A Tool to Cut Health Care Costs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mukkamala, Ravi; Maly, K. J.; Overstreet, C. M.; Foudriat, E. C.

1996-01-01

Old Dominion University embarked on a project to see how current computer technology could be applied to reduce the cost and or to improve the efficiency of health care services. We designed and built a prototype for an integrated medical record system (MRS). The MRS is written in Tool control language/Tool kit (Tcl/Tk). While the initial version of the prototype had patient information hard coded into the system, later versions used an INGRES database for storing patient information. Currently, we have proposed an object-oriented model for implementing MRS. These projects involve developing information systems for physicians and medical researchers to enhance their ability for improved treatment at reduced costs. The move to computerized patient records is well underway, several standards exist for laboratory records, and several groups are working on standards for other portions of the patient record.

Development of a universal control unit for functional electrical stimulation (FES).

PubMed

Brandell, B R

1982-12-01

In collaboration with the College of Engineering the author has developed a laboratory, or clinic, based, battery operated "universal" control system, designed to improve disabled gait in upper motor neuron disabilities, especially stroke, hemiplegia, and cerebral palsy, by applying several channels of FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) to the lower limb muscles while the patient is walking. The timing of the FES pulses, which can be applied to as many as six of the patient's muscles, is determined by potentiometer controlled one-shot timers, which are triggered by any of three switches in the sole of either shoe. Combinations of inverters, flip flops, AND gates and OR gates in the externally connected logic circuits determine the sequence of delays and pulses applied to the patient's muscles. This paper describes and diagrams some of the logic circuits and as an example of the possible application of the concept of a "universal" control unit reports the modifications of gait induced in a hemiplegic, four year post-stroke, patient. The characteristics of this patient's gait with FES in comparison to its characteristics without FES are demonstrated with motion picture frames, EMG recordings and graphic tracings of her right knee and ankle joint positions. They include more symmetrical timing of her right and left stance and swing phases, increased dorsiflexion of her right ankle in the swing phase, followed by a more distinct heel strike, and improved flexion--extension sequences of the knee and ankle joints and an increased heel rise in the stance phase. The author concludes that the gait characteristics of some hemiplegic patients will improve as they become adapted over a period of weeks or months to a control logic, which lessens their functional limitations by the use of a properly timed and amplified sequence of FES pulses. He suggests that the FES control requirements for individual patients should be determined experimentally with a control system "universally" adaptable to a wide range of disabilities, and that these control parameters could then determine the design of portable units, which may be used on a long term basis. These units would include only the operational options needed to duplicate the gait corrections found to be practicable for each individual patient, by the testing procedure, through a universal logic unit as described in this paper.

Nurse-delivered universal point-of-care testing for HIV in an open-access returning traveller clinic.

PubMed

Herbert, R; Ashraf, A N; Yates, T A; Spriggs, K; Malinnag, M; Durward-Brown, E; Phillips, D; Mewse, E; Daniel, A; Armstrong, M; Kidd, I M; Waite, J; Wilks, P; Burns, F; Bailey, R; Brown, M

2012-09-01

Early diagnosis of HIV infection reduces morbidity and mortality associated with late presentation. Despite UK guidelines, the HIV testing rate has not increased. We have introduced universal HIV screening in an open-access returning traveller clinic. Data were prospectively recorded for all patients attending the open-access returning traveller clinic between August 2008 and December 2010. HIV testing was offered to all patients from May 2009; initially testing with laboratory samples (phase 1) and subsequently a point-of-care test (POCT) (phase 2). A total of 4965 patients attended the clinic; 1342 in phase 0, 792 in phase 1 and 2831 in phase 2. Testing rates for HIV increased significantly from 2% (38 of 1342) in phase 0 to 23.1% (183 of 792) in phase 1 and further increased to 44.5% (1261 of 2831) during phase 2 (P < 0.0001). Two new diagnoses of HIV-1 were identified in phase 1 (1.1% of tested); seven patients had a reactive POCT test in phase 2, of whom five (0.4% of those tested) were confirmed in a 4th generation assay. The patients with false reactive tests had a concurrent Plasmodium falciparum infection. Patients travelling to the Middle East and Europe were less likely to accept an HIV test with POCT. A nurse-delivered universal point-of-care HIV testing service has been successfully introduced and sustained in an acute medical clinic in a low-prevalence country. Caution is required in communicating reactive results in low-prevalence settings where there may be alternative diagnoses or a low population prevalence of HIV infection. © 2012 British HIV Association.

Reliability and validity of job content questionnaire for university research laboratory staff in Malaysia.

PubMed

Nehzat, F; Huda, B Z; Tajuddin, S H Syed

2014-03-01

Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) has been proven a reliable and valid instrument to assess job stress in many countries and among various occupations. In Malaysia, both English and Malay versions of the JCQ have been administered to automotive workers, schoolteachers, and office workers. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the instrument with research laboratory staff in a university. A cross sectional study was conducted among 258 research laboratory staff in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Malaysian laboratory staff who have worked for at least one year were randomly selected from nine faculties and institutes in the university that have research laboratory. A self-administered English and Malay version of Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was used. Three major scales of JCQ: decision latitude, psychological job demands, and social support were assessed. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of two scales were acceptable, decision latitude and psychological job demands (0.70 and 0.72, respectively), while Cronbach's alpha coefficient for social support (0.86) was good. Exploratory factor analysis showed five factors that correspond closely to the theoretical construct of the questionnaire. The results of this research suggest that the JCQ is reliable and valid for examining psychosocial work situations and job strain among research laboratory staff. Further studies should be done for confirmative results, and further evaluation is needed on the decision authority subscale for this occupation.

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Laboratory Evaluation of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Cases Followed in Firat University Hospital: A 6-Year Retrospective Analysis.

PubMed

Sağmak Tartar, Ayşe; Akbulut, Ayhan

2018-03-01

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasite. Sporadic cases have not been observed in Turkey since 2010, but imported malaria cases are still prevalent owing to migration. The present study aimed to evaluate Plasmodium falciparum malaria in patients hospitalized in our hospital. A total of 15 adult patients (14 males and 1 female) who were diagnosed with malaria and who were managed at our clinic between January 2011 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively for their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings; treatment; and prognosis. Of the 15 cases, 14 (93.3%) were male and (6.7%), female. All patients had a history of travelling to endemic areas, and none of them undertook regular chemoprophylaxis. Fever (100%), splenomegaly (86.7%), hepatomegaly (26.7%), leukopenia (13.3%), thrombocytopenia (80%), elevated liver function tests (40%), and increased serum creatinine levels (13.3%) were found in the patients. The number of import cases is increasing owing to tourism, migration, and deficiency in eradication programs. Malaria caused by P. falciparum is an import case in Turkey. The current study emphasizes on the necessity of providing proper education to Turkish individuals traveling to endemic areas for the purpose of work or travel and on the necessity of initiating chemoprophylaxis.

Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in Stockholm, Sweden: a retrospective study from 2005-2009.

PubMed

Drakensjö, Iara Trocoli; Chryssanthou, Erja

2011-07-01

Dermatophytic infections are common worldwide but the distribution of dermatophyte species varies among geographical areas and changes over time. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiologic profile of dermatophytosis in Stockholm, Sweden. Laboratory records comprising direct microscopy and culture results of 37,503 specimens from skin, hair and nail scrapings collected from January 2005 through December 2009 were retrospectively analyzed in the mycology laboratory at Karolinska University Hospital. Onychomycosis had, over time, the highest overall prevalence of 14.1%, followed by tinea pedis (4.4%). Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant pathogen isolated from these cases (83.2%), followed by T. mentagrophytes (7.4 %). In contrast, T. violaceum and T. soudanense accounted for 81.6% of the isolates from patients with tinea capitis.

Teaching and Research with Accelerators at Tarleton State University

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marble, Daniel K.

2009-03-10

Tarleton State University students began performing both research and laboratory experiments using accelerators in 1998 through visitation programs at the University of North Texas, US Army Research Laboratory, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Carderock. In 2003, Tarleton outfitted its new science building with a 1 MV pelletron that was donated by the California Institution of Technology. The accelerator has been upgraded and supports a wide range of classes for both the Physics program and the ABET accredited Engineering Physics program as well as supplying undergraduate research opportunities on campus. A discussion of various laboratory activities and research projectsmore » performed by Tarleton students will be presented.« less

[Laboratory of Pharmacognosy of Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (Portugal): teaching and et research (1902-1980)].

PubMed

Cabral, Célia; Lígia Salgueiro; Pita, João Rui

2016-03-01

In this article the authors present a brief history of the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal (1902-1980). The authors refer the importance of pharmacognosy in the study plans, the scientific research and the scientific collection of pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra. This heritage consists of collection of drugs prepared in the laboratory of pharmacognosy, a collection Drogen-Lehrsammlung purchased to E. Merck and a collection of botanic-didactic models of the XIXth century of the famous German manufacturer R. Brendel. The authors study the relationship between research and teaching, highlighting the importance of the collections of drugs.

Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with psoriasis.

PubMed

Ranza, Roberto; Carneiro, Sueli; Qureshi, Abrar A; Martins, Gladys; Rodrigues, Jose Joaquim; Romiti, Ricardo; Barros, Thiago Bitar M; Carneiro, Jamille; Sampaio, Ana Luisa; Grynszpan, Rachel; Markus, Juliana; Pinto, Rogerio Melo Costa; Goldenstein-Schainberg, Claudia

2015-05-01

To determine the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in a large cohort of Brazilian patients with psoriasis (PsO) being seen at dermatology centers. A multicenter study was conducted in 4 university dermatology clinics. In each center, consecutive patients with confirmed diagnoses of PsO were evaluated by a rheumatologist. Individuals were classified as having PsA according to the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR). Laboratory tests and radiographs were performed, as needed, based on the clinical judgment of the rheumatologist. A total of 524 patients with PsO were evaluated. The mean age was 48.5 ± 14.5 years, 50% were women, and the mean PsO duration was 15.4 ± 11.7 years. A diagnosis of PsA was documented in 175 patients (33%), of whom 49% were newly identified by the rheumatologist. Most individuals with PsA (72%) had peripheral involvement, 11% had isolated axial involvement, and 17% had both peripheral and axial involvement. Dactylitis occurred in 20% and clinical enthesitis in 30% of the patients. Laboratory and/or radiograph tests were necessary for a definitive diagnosis of PsA in 42 of 175 individuals (24%). In our study, one-third of Brazilian patients with PsO, followed in dermatology settings, were diagnosed with PsA by a rheumatologist. Almost half of subjects with PsA had no previous diagnosis. A collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists is greatly needed to establish earlier PsA diagnoses and adequate multidisciplinary management.

The association between otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis and thrombophilia - A long-term follow-up.

PubMed

Schneider, Shay; Kapelushnik, Joseph; Kraus, Mordechai; El Saied, Sabri; Levi, Itai; Kaplan, Daniel Michael

Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST) is an intracranial, potentially life-threatening complication of acute and chronic otitis media. Since congenital thrombophilic disorders are risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis, OLST may be related to thrombophilia. The aim of our study was twofold: to evaluate whether patients who suffered from OLST in childhood also have thrombophilia, and whether these patients experienced thromboembolic episodes in future years. Retrospective case series. The medical charts of all children hospitalized for OLST at Soroka University Medical Center of Israel, a tertiary referral hospital, from January 1983 to September 2014 were reviewed. The patients were invited for a follow-up visit and comprehensive medical history was taken along with a physical examination and laboratory work-up for thrombophilia. Seven patients were included in the study. Of these, 3 (43%) had results suggesting thrombophilic disorders manifested by elevated levels of factor IX and decreased levels of protein S activity (n = 1), decreased levels of proteins C and S activity (n = 1), and elevated levels of antibodies to cardiolipin (n = 1). No patients experienced clear thrombophilic events; however, 2 patients (29%) with later proven thrombophilia suffered neurologic sequelae, possibly suggesting thrombophilic events. Pediatric OLST secondary to acute otitis media and mastoiditis may reflect an underlying thrombophilia. Laboratory work-up for thrombophilia should be performed, and anticoagulant treatment may be warranted in managing these patients. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Laboratory exams necessity for patients admitted to an university hospital intensive care unity].

PubMed

Machado, Fernando Osni; Silva, Flávia Solano Patrício da; Argente, Juliana Sonego; Moritz, Rachel Duarte

2006-12-01

The progressive increasing diagnostic resources had influenced the quality and quantity of laboratory exams. It is not clear if the amount of exams performed influence the morbidity and mortality in the ICU patients. The purpose of this study was to appraise the frequency of the most ordering tests in the ICU of HU-UFSC and to check if there was connection between them and the age, the destiny until the ICU discharge and the estimate severity of their diseases. Prospective cohort study with qualitative approach. The blood samples of admitted patients were analyzed, from July to December 2005. Clinical and demographic features were collected and the most frequently blood-samples were quantified per day. In the sequence the daily rate of exams were calculated during all the admission period. The patients were analyzed according to three criterions: age, destiny until the ICU discharge and estimate severity according to APACHE II index. Data were analyzed using Fisher Exact, Chi-square and ANOVA tests. One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled to this study. The average test-ordering was 11.50 per day. These numbers didn't have statistical difference when they were compared between survivor and non-survivor patients, and between those whose the death estimated tax was bigger or smaller than 50 per cent. The test-ordering didn't show clinical and prognostic relation to its request. There were no statistic relation between the patient's age, ICU discharge and the estimate severity.

Improving undergraduate biology education in a large research university.

PubMed Central

Bender, C; Ward, S; Wells, M A

1994-01-01

The campus-wide Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) at the University of Arizona improves undergraduate science education by expanding student opportunities for independent research in faculty laboratories. Within the supportive community of a research laboratory, underclassmen, nonscience majors, and those aspiring to scientific careers all learn to appreciate the process of science. The Program impacts more than the students, promoting departmental cooperation, interdisciplinary collaborations, and improvements in undergraduate science education throughout a Research I University. PMID:8018999

A Comparison of the Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Adult Patients with Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza A or B during the 2011–2012 Influenza Season in Korea: A Multi-Center Study

PubMed Central

Wie, Seong-Heon; So, Byung Hak; Song, Joon Young; Cheong, Hee Jin; Seo, Yu Bin; Choi, Sung Hyuk; Noh, Ji Yun; Baek, Ji Hyeon; Lee, Jin Soo; Kim, Hyo Youl; Kim, Young Keun; Choi, Won Suk; Lee, Jacob; Jeong, Hye Won; Kim, Woo Joo

2013-01-01

Background During the 2011/2012 winter influenza season in the Republic of Korea, influenza A (H3N2) was the predominant virus in the first peak period of influenza activity during the second half of January 2012. On the other hand, influenza B was the predominant virus in the second peak period of influenza activity during the second half of March 2012. The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza A or influenza B. Methodology/Principal Findings We analyzed data from 2,129 adult patients with influenza-like illnesses who visited the emergency rooms of seven university hospitals in Korea from October 2011 to May 2012. Of 850 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza, 656 (77.2%) had influenza A (H3N2), and 194 (22.8%) influenza B. Age, and the frequencies of cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypertension were significantly higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). The frequencies of leukopenia or thrombocytopenia in patients with influenza B at initial presentation were statistically higher than those in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). The rate of hospitalization, and length of hospital stay were statistically higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05), and of the 79 hospitalized patients, the frequency of diabetes, hypertension, cases having at least one of the comorbid conditions, and the proportion of elderly were significantly higher in patients with influenza A (H3N2) (P<0.05). Conclusions The proportion of males to females and elderly population were significantly higher for influenza A (H3N2) patients group compared with influenza B group. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neuromuscular diseases were independently associated with hospitalization due to influenza. Physicians should assess and treat the underlying comorbid conditions as well as influenza viral infections for the appropriate management of patients with influenza. PMID:23671624

Accuracy of a continuous noninvasive hemoglobin monitor in intensive care unit patients.

PubMed

Frasca, Denis; Dahyot-Fizelier, Claire; Catherine, Karen; Levrat, Quentin; Debaene, Bertrand; Mimoz, Olivier

2011-10-01

To determine whether noninvasive hemoglobin measurement by Pulse CO-Oximetry could provide clinically acceptable absolute and trend accuracy in critically ill patients, compared to other invasive methods of hemoglobin assessment available at bedside and the gold standard, the laboratory analyzer. Prospective study. Surgical intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital. Sixty-two patients continuously monitored with Pulse CO-Oximetry (Masimo Radical-7). None. Four hundred seventy-one blood samples were analyzed by a point-of-care device (HemoCue 301), a satellite lab CO-Oximeter (Siemens RapidPoint 405), and a laboratory hematology analyzer (Sysmex XT-2000i), which was considered the reference device. Hemoglobin values reported from the invasive methods were compared to the values reported by the Pulse CO-Oximeter at the time of blood draw. When the case-to-case variation was assessed, the bias and limits of agreement were 0.0±1.0 g/dL for the Pulse CO-Oximeter, 0.3±1.3g/dL for the point-of-care device, and 0.9±0.6 g/dL for the satellite lab CO-Oximeter compared to the reference method. Pulse CO-Oximetry showed similar trend accuracy as satellite lab CO-Oximetry, whereas the point-of-care device did not appear to follow the trend of the laboratory analyzer as well as the other test devices. When compared to laboratory reference values, hemoglobin measurement with Pulse CO-Oximetry has absolute accuracy and trending accuracy similar to widely used, invasive methods of hemoglobin measurement at bedside. Hemoglobin measurement with pulse CO-Oximetry has the additional advantages of providing continuous measurements, noninvasively, which may facilitate hemoglobin monitoring in the intensive care unit.

Decoding Student Satisfaction: How to Manage and Improve the Laboratory Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nikolic, Sasha; Ritz, Christian; Vial, Peter James; Ros, Montserrat; Stirling, David

2015-01-01

The laboratory plays an important role in teaching engineering skills. An Electrical Engineering department at an Australian University implemented a reform to monitor and improve student satisfaction with the teaching laboratories. A Laboratory Manager was employed to oversee the quality of 27 courses containing instructional laboratories.…

Attitudes of Healthcare Students on Gross Anatomy Laboratory Sessions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kawashiro, Yukiko; Anahara, Reiko; Kohno, Toshihiko; Mori, Chisato; Matsuno, Yoshiharu

2009-01-01

At Chiba University, gross anatomy laboratory sessions ("laboratories") are required for physical therapy students. Though most physical therapy schools require their students to participate in laboratories so that they will better understand the structure of the human body, few data exist on the value of these laboratories specifically…

Utilizing On-Campus Foodservice Facilities as a Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dallmeyer, Martha A.

2012-01-01

In 2008, the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at Bradley University recognized the need to improve the quality of the laboratory experience in foodservice classes. A hands-on, real-world, learning experience was desired. Simultaneously, the university administration wanted to provide an on-campus foodservice for students from 8:00 p.m. to…

Reengineering Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Laboratories at Escola Politecnica, University of Sao Paulo.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seabra, Antonio C.; Consonni, Denise

Brazilian engineering schools are under a strict program to reengineer their courses with the financial support of the federal agencies. At the electronic engineering department at the University of Sao Paulo, this process started by modifying the Basic Electricity and Electronic Laboratories. This paper describes the new structure of these labs…

Radiation from a Relativistic Electron Beam in a Molecular Medium due to Parametric Pumping by a Strong Electromagnetic Wave,

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

GUteborg, Sweden and Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742 Physics Publication Number 81...GCiteborg, Sweden and Laboratory for Plasma and Fusion Energy Studies University oflMaryland College Park, Maryland 20742 i AflS1RACi Parametric

The incidence and clinical implication of sputum with positive acid-fast bacilli smear but negative in mycobacterial culture in a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Seok; Kim, Eui-Chong; Joo, Sei Ick; Lee, Sang-Min; Yoo, Chul-Gyu; Kim, Young Whan; Han, Sung Koo; Shim, Young-Soo; Yim, Jae-Joon

2008-10-01

Although it is not rare to find sputum that is positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear but subsequent culture fails to isolate mycobacteria in clinical practice, the incidence and clinical implication of those sputa from new patients has not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical implication of sputum with positive AFB smear but negative in mycobacterial culture. All sputa that were positive AFB smear requested during diagnostic work up for new patients visiting Seoul National University Hospital from 1 January 2005 through 31 December 2006 were included. Sputa producing a positive AFB smear but negative mycobacterial culture were classified into one of four categories: laboratory failure to isolate mycobacteria, false positive AFB smear, pathogen may show a positive AFB smear other than mycobacteria, and indeterminate results. Out of 447 sputa with a positive AFB smear, 29 (6.5%) failed to culture any organism. Among these 29 sputa, 18 were caused by laboratory failure to isolate mycobacteria, six were false positive smears, and five indeterminate. Although most sputum with a positive AFB smear but negative culture could be classified as a laboratory failure, clinicians should consider the possibility of false positive AFB smear.

Evaluation and utilization of preassembled frozen commercial fast real-time qPCR master mixes for detection of cytomegalovirus and BK virus.

PubMed

Glover, William A; Atienza, Ederlyn E; Nesbitt, Shannon; Kim, Woo J; Castor, Jared; Cook, Linda; Jerome, Keith R

2016-01-01

Quantitative DNA detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus (BKV) is critical in the management of transplant patients. Quantitative laboratory-developed procedures for CMV and BKV have been described in which much of the processing is automated, resulting in rapid, reproducible, and high-throughput testing of transplant patients. To increase the efficiency of such assays, the performance and stability of four commercial preassembled frozen fast qPCR master mixes (Roche FastStart Universal Probe Master Mix with Rox, Bio-Rad SsoFast Probes Supermix with Rox, Life Technologies TaqMan FastAdvanced Master Mix, and Life Technologies Fast Universal PCR Master Mix), in combination with in-house designed primers and probes, was evaluated using controls and standards from standard CMV and BK assays. A subsequent parallel evaluation using patient samples was performed comparing the performance of freshly prepared assay mixes versus aliquoted frozen master mixes made with two of the fast qPCR mixes (Life Technologies TaqMan FastAdvanced Master Mix, and Bio-Rad SsoFast Probes Supermix with Rox), chosen based on their performance and compatibility with existing PCR cycling conditions. The data demonstrate that the frozen master mixes retain excellent performance over a period of at least 10 weeks. During the parallel testing using clinical specimens, no difference in quantitative results was observed between the preassembled frozen master mixes and freshly prepared master mixes. Preassembled fast real-time qPCR frozen master mixes perform well and represent an additional strategy laboratories can implement to reduce assay preparation times, and to minimize technical errors and effort necessary to perform clinical PCR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Study of physiological responses to acute carbon monoxide exposure with a human patient simulator.

PubMed

Cesari, Whitney A; Caruso, Dominique M; Zyka, Enela L; Schroff, Stuart T; Evans, Charles H; Hyatt, Jon-Philippe K

2006-12-01

Human patient simulators are widely used to train health professionals and students in a clinical setting, but they also can be used to enhance physiology education in a laboratory setting. Our course incorporates the human patient simulator for experiential learning in which undergraduate university juniors and seniors are instructed to design, conduct, and present (orally and in written form) their project testing physiological adaptation to an extreme environment. This article is a student report on the physiological response to acute carbon monoxide exposure in a simulated healthy adult male and a coal miner and represents how 1) human patient simulators can be used in a nonclinical way for experiential hypothesis testing; 2) students can transition from traditional textbook learning to practical application of their knowledge; and 3) student-initiated group investigation drives critical thought. While the course instructors remain available for consultation throughout the project, the relatively unstructured framework of the assignment drives the students to create an experiment independently, troubleshoot problems, and interpret the results. The only stipulation of the project is that the students must generate an experiment that is physiologically realistic and that requires them to search out and incorporate appropriate data from primary scientific literature. In this context, the human patient simulator is a viable educational tool for teaching integrative physiology in a laboratory environment by bridging textual information with experiential investigation.

Proceedings of Symposium on the Interaction of Non-Nuclear Munitions with Structures (2nd), Held at Panama City Beach, Florida on April 15-18, 1985

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

Engineering & Services Laboratory Tyndall AFB, Florida Armament Laboratory Eglin AFB, Floida Weapons Laboratory Kirtland AFB, New Mexico The symposium was...Theodor Krauthammer and Mehul Parikh University of New Mexico University of Minnesota EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF 182 SIMULATION OF REAL WEAPON-EFFECTS IN 56...REVETMENT EFFECTS MULTIPLE-DRIVER SHOCK TUBES Firooz A. Allahdadi and James M. Carson G. Hoffmann, Ernat-Mach-Institut, WEST GERMANY New Mexico

Cell scientist to watch - Sandra Rieger.

PubMed

2018-06-19

Sandra Rieger studied at the University of Applied Sciences at Fulda, Germany, and wrote her diploma thesis in collaboration with Zyomyx, Inc. (San Francisco, USA). She then joined the laboratory of Reinhard Koester at the Helmholtz Center in Munich to complete her PhD in developmental neurobiology in 2008. For her postdoctoral studies, Sandra moved to the University of California, Los Angeles to work with Alvaro Sagasti on axon regeneration in zebrafish. Since 2011, she has been Assistant Professor for regenerative biology and medicine at the MDI Biological Laboratory in Maine, USA. In the summer of 2018, Sandra will establish a laboratory at the University of Miami, Florida, to become a tenure-track Associate Professor at the Department of Biology. The Rieger laboratory studies cellular communication mechanisms between sensory neurons and injured epidermal cells, leading to wound healing, nerve regeneration and degeneration after injury or exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Risk assessment and quality improvement of liquid waste management in Taiwan University chemical laboratories.

PubMed

Ho, Chao-Chung; Chen, Ming-Shu

2018-01-01

The policy of establishing new universities across Taiwan has led to an increase in the number of universities, and many schools have constructed new laboratories to meet students' academic needs. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of laboratory accidents from the liquid waste in universities. Therefore, how to build a safety system for laboratory liquid waste disposal has become an important issue in the environmental protection, safety, and hygiene of all universities. This study identifies the risk factors of liquid waste disposal and presents an agenda for practices to laboratory managers. An expert questionnaire is adopted to probe into the risk priority procedures of liquid waste disposal; then, the fuzzy theory-based FMEA method and the traditional FMEA method are employed to analyze and improve the procedures for liquid waste disposal. According to the research results, the fuzzy FMEA method is the most effective, and the top 10 potential disabling factors are prioritized for improvement according to the risk priority number (RNP), including "Unclear classification", "Gathering liquid waste without a funnel or a drain pan", "Lack of a clearance and transport contract", "Liquid waste spill during delivery", "Spill over", "Decentralized storage", "Calculating weight in the wrong way", "Compatibility between the container material and the liquid waste", "Lack of dumping and disposal tools", and "Lack of a clear labels for liquid waste containers". After tracking improvements, the overall improvement rate rose to 60.2%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oral surgery in a patient with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia: a case report.

PubMed

Patel, Seena; Perry, Maureen Munnelly; Spolarich, Ann Eshenaur

2016-01-01

While most oral surgical procedures can be safely performed in an outpatient setting, certain medical conditions may present a higher chance of postoperative complications. In particular, those predisposing the patient to bleeding abnormalities pose a potential risk when performing such treatments. The authors report a case involving full-mouth extractions in a patient with cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia after obtaining a platelet transfusion. A 62-year-old Caucasian female presented to a university special care dental clinic requiring extractions. Her pertinent medical history was remarkable for cirrhosis and thrombocytopenia, with a platelet count of 32,000/uL. Upon medical consultation, the patient was appointed for a prophylactic platelet transfusion. The surgery was rendered uneventfully, and the patient achieved adequate hemostasis without hospitalization. Patients with cirrhosis pose a potential bleeding risk with dental surgical procedures. Pre-operative medical consultation, review of pertinent laboratory values, and prophylactic platelet transfusion allow these patients to be managed safely in an outpatient setting. © 2015 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cases of typhoid fever in Copenhagen region: a retrospective study of presentation and relapse.

PubMed

Barrett, Freja Cecille; Knudsen, Jenny Dahl; Johansen, Isik Somuncu

2013-08-11

Typhoid fever is a systemic illness which in high-income countries mainly affects travellers. The incidence is particularly high on the Indian subcontinent. Travellers who visit friends and relatives (VFR) have been shown to have a different risk profile than others. We wished to identify main characteristics for travellers infected with S. Typhi considering both clinical and laboratory findings in order to provide for faster and better diagnostics in the future. The outcome of treatment, especially concerning relapse, was evaluated as well. Retrospectively collected data from 19 adult cases of typhoid fever over a 5-year period at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre Denmark. The patients were young adults, presenting with symptoms within a month after travelling. 84% were returned from travelling in the Indian subcontinent. 17 out of 19 patients were VFR-travellers. The main symptoms were fever (100%), gastrointestinal symptoms (84%), headache (58%) and dry cough (26%). Laboratory findings showed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in all cases and elevated alanine transaminase (ALAT) in 47% of cases. In primary cases 4 isolates were fully susceptible to ciprofloxacin, the remaining were intermediate susceptible. Relapse occurred in 37% of the cases and only in cases where the patient was infected by a strain with intermediate susceptibility. Better pre-travel counselling should be given to VFR-travellers. The main symptoms and laboratory findings confirm previous findings. The relapse rate was unexpected high and could be correlated to ciprofloxacin-resistance.

Clinical exome sequencing reports: current informatics practice and future opportunities.

PubMed

Swaminathan, Rajeswari; Huang, Yungui; Astbury, Caroline; Fitzgerald-Butt, Sara; Miller, Katherine; Cole, Justin; Bartlett, Christopher; Lin, Simon

2017-11-01

The increased adoption of clinical whole exome sequencing (WES) has improved the diagnostic yield for patients with complex genetic conditions. However, the informatics practice for handling information contained in whole exome reports is still in its infancy, as evidenced by the lack of a common vocabulary within clinical sequencing reports generated across genetic laboratories. Genetic testing results are mostly transmitted using portable document format, which can make secondary analysis and data extraction challenging. This paper reviews a sample of clinical exome reports generated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified genetic testing laboratories at tertiary-care facilities to assess and identify common data elements. Like structured radiology reports, which enable faster information retrieval and reuse, structuring genetic information within clinical WES reports would help facilitate integration of genetic information into electronic health records and enable retrospective research on the clinical utility of WES. We identify elements listed as mandatory according to practice guidelines but are currently missing from some of the clinical reports, which might help to organize the data when stored within structured databases. We also highlight elements, such as patient consent, that, although they do not appear within any of the current reports, may help in interpreting some of the information within the reports. Integrating genetic and clinical information would assist the adoption of personalized medicine for improved patient care and outcomes. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Safety in the Chemical Laboratory: Safety in the Chemistry Laboratories: A Specific Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corkern, Walter H.; Munchausen, Linda L.

1983-01-01

Describes a safety program adopted by Southeastern Louisiana University. Students are given detailed instructions on laboratory safety during the first laboratory period and a test which must be completely correct before they are allowed to return to the laboratory. Test questions, list of safety rules, and a laboratory accident report form are…

CSF biomarker variability in the Alzheimer’s Association quality control program

PubMed Central

Mattsson, Niklas; Andreasson, Ulf; Persson, Staffan; Carrillo, Maria C.; Collins, Steven; Chalbot, Sonia; Cutler, Neal; Dufour-Rainfray, Diane; Fagan, Anne M.; Heegaard, Niels H. H.; Hsiung, Ging-Yuek Robin; Hyman, Bradley; Iqbal, Khalid; Lachno, D. Richard; Lleó, Alberto; Lewczuk, Piotr; Molinuevo, José L.; Parchi, Piero; Regeniter, Axel; Rissman, Robert; Rosenmann, Hanna; Sancesario, Giuseppe; Schröder, Johannes; Shaw, Leslie M.; Teunissen, Charlotte E.; Trojanowski, John Q.; Vanderstichele, Hugo; Vandijck, Manu; Verbeek, Marcel M.; Zetterberg, Henrik; Blennow, Kaj; Käser, Stephan A.

2013-01-01

Background The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers amyloid beta 1–42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau are used increasingly for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research and patient management. However, there are large variations in biomarker measurements among and within laboratories. Methods Data from the first nine rounds of the Alzheimer’s Association quality control program was used to define the extent and sources of analytical variability. In each round, three CSF samples prepared at the Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory (Mölndal, Sweden) were analyzed by single-analyte enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a multiplexing xMAP assay, or an immunoassay with electrochemoluminescence detection. Results A total of 84 laboratories participated. Coefficients of variation (CVs) between laboratories were around 20% to 30%; within-run CVs, less than 5% to 10%; and longitudinal within-laboratory CVs, 5% to 19%. Interestingly, longitudinal within-laboratory CV differed between biomarkers at individual laboratories, suggesting that a component of it was assay dependent. Variability between kit lots and between laboratories both had a major influence on amyloid beta 1–42 measurements, but for total tau and phosphorylated tau, between-kit lot effects were much less than between-laboratory effects. Despite the measurement variability, the between-laboratory consistency in classification of samples (using prehoc-derived cutoffs for AD) was high (>90% in 15 of 18 samples for ELISA and in 12 of 18 samples for xMAP). Conclusions The overall variability remains too high to allow assignment of universal biomarker cutoff values for a specific intended use. Each laboratory must ensure longitudinal stability in its measurements and use internally qualified cutoff levels. Further standardization of laboratory procedures and improvement of kit performance will likely increase the usefulness of CSF AD biomarkers for researchers and clinicians. PMID:23622690

Papers presented to the International Colloquium on Venus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-01-01

This volume contains short papers that have been accepted for the International Colloquium on Venus, August 10-12, Pasadena, California. The Program Committee consisted of Stephen Saunders (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and Sean C. Solomon (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Chairmen: Raymond Arvison (Washington University); Vassily Moroz (Institute for Space Research); Donald B. Campbell (Cornell University); Thomas Donahue (University of Michigan); James W. Head III (Brown University); Pamela Jones (Lunar and Planetary Institute); Mona Jasnow, Andrew Morrison, Timothy Pardker, Jeffrey Plaut, Ellen Stofan, Tommy Thompson, Cathy Weitz (Jet Propulsion Laboratory); Gordon Pettengil (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); and Janet Luhmann (University of California, Losmore » Angeles). Separate abstracts have been prepared for papers in this report.« less

Promoting ergonomics in Algeria: activities of "the research and training laboratory" in the University of Oran.

PubMed

Mebarki, Bouhafs; El-Bachir, Tebboune Cheikh

2012-01-01

The growing need in Algeria to develop ergonomics knowledge and practice in industry was behind the initiative to develop a training and research project within the ergonomics laboratory at Oran University. Since 2005 the laboratory team is running an academic option master in work design and ergonomics. The evaluation of the academic master in 2010 revealed the acute need of the local industry for professional competences in ergonomic and work psychology. A professional training master program in "ergonomics & work psychology" was then developed in partnership with local industry, five European Universities and six Universities from three Maghreb countries. Research projects were initiated around the two training programs, in conjunction with a number of ergonomics dissemination and promotion activities. Preliminary results of the project are presented and discussed in relation to the local context, and in the light of similar cases in Industrially Developing Countries.

[Complement deficiencies and meningococcal disease in The Netherlands].

PubMed

Swart, A G; Fijen, C A; te Bulte, M T; Daha, M R; Dankert, J; Kuijper, E J

1993-06-05

To determine the prevalence of complement system deficiencies in patients who have survived a Neisseria meningitidis infection. Retrospective. Reference laboratory for bacterial meningitis of the University of Amsterdam and the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection. Out of the files of the laboratory 187 patients who had experienced a meningococcal infection in the Netherlands between 1959-1990 were selected in two groups according to the infecting bacterial strain: 97 patients with a serogroup X, Y, Z, W135, 29E, or non-groupable strains and 90 patients with an infection due to serogroup A or C. The patients were asked for their cooperation by their family doctor and one of us visited the patients at home to take blood samples. The complement activity was studied with a haemolysis in gel test and with an assay of haemolytic activity in free solution. Complement deficiency was present in 18% of the 187 patients who had experienced a meningococcal infection. The highest prevalence was found in patients older than 10 years who had developed infections due to serogroups X, Y, W135, or non-groupable strains (45%). Of the patients with a serogroup A or C infection, 3% had an complement deficiency. Of the complement deficiencies, 42% concerned a component of the alternative pathway, 12% a deficiency of C3, and 46% a component of the terminal route. The most commonly found deficiencies were properdin deficiency (39%) and C8 deficiency (18%). 30% of the complement deficient patients reported other family members having experienced meningitis. Recurrent meningitis was only observed in patients with terminal route deficiencies. We recommend that patients with a meningococcal infection due to serogroups X, Y, W135 or non-groupable strains should be screened for complement deficiency.

University Research Consortium annual review meeting program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-07-01

This brochure presents the program for the first annual review meeting of the University Research Consortium (URC) of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). INEL is a multiprogram laboratory with a distinctive role in applied engineering. It also conducts basic science research and development, and complex facility operations. The URC program consists of a portfolio of research projects funded by INEL and conducted at universities in the United States. In this program, summaries and participant lists for each project are presented as received from the principal investigators.

A collaboration of labs: The Institute for Atom-Efficient Chemical Transformations (IACT)

ScienceCinema

Lobo, Rodrigo; Marshall, Chris; Cheng, Lei; Stair, Peter; Wu, Tianpan; Ray, Natalie; O'Neil, Brandon; Dietrich, Paul

2018-06-08

The Institute for Atom-Efficient Chemical Transformations (IACT) is an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. IACT focuses on advancing the science of catalysis to improve the efficiency of producing fuels from biomass and coal. IACT is a collaborative effort that brings together a diverse team of scientists from Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Northwestern University, Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.iact.anl.gov

SOFIA®RSV: prospective laboratory evaluation and implementation of a rapid diagnostic test in a pediatric emergency ward.

PubMed

Tran, Léa C; Tournus, Céline; Dina, Julia; Morello, Rémy; Brouard, Jacques; Vabret, Astrid

2017-06-26

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for severe respiratory infections and higher costs in medical care. The two aims of this work were to assess the performances of SOFIA ® RSV tests in "real-life-laboratory" conditions (study 1) and implemented at point-of-care testing in a pediatric emergency department (ED, study 2), during two consecutive winter seasons. In study 1, fresh nasopharyngeal swabs from patients of all ages were sampled in 1.5 ml of Universal virological Transport Medium (UTM) and prospectively tested using SOFIA ® RSV tests. In study 2, conducted in a pediatric ED, nasopharyngeal swabs were placed in 3 ml of UTM. All SOFIA ® RSV tests were confirmed by molecular testing, considered as reference method. The epidemiological and clinical features of tested patients, as well as the care of these patients after obtaining quick results were evaluated. The sensitivities of SOFIA ® RSV in infants (aged under 24 months) performed in the laboratory and in the pediatric ED were respectively 95% (95% CI: 86.8-98.1) and 74.8% (95% CI: 68.0-80.9) compared to PCR. In study 1, the sensitivity among children (from 2 to 15 years old) and adults (above 15 years old) dropped to 45% (95% CI: 23.1-68.5) and 59% (95% CI: 32.9-81.6), respectively. In study 2, there were some differences in bed-management of SOFIA ® RSV positive compared to SOFIA ® RSV negative infants. SOFIA ® RSV tests performed in the laboratory and in the pediatric ED show high and satisfactory sensitivities among young children under 24 months, which supports its robustness and reliability. However, the impact of these tests on patient care at point-of-care cannot be clearly assessed when considering the limits of the study 2 design.

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at a palliative care unit: A prospective single service analysis.

PubMed

Heckel, Maria; Geißdörfer, Walter; Herbst, Franziska A; Stiel, Stephanie; Ostgathe, Christoph; Bogdan, Christian

2017-01-01

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial microorganisms is a particular challenge for the health care systems. Little is known about the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB) in patients of palliative care units (PCU). The primary aim of this study was to determine the carriage of MRSA among patients of a PCU at a German University Hospital and to assess whether the positive cases would have been detected by a risk-factor-based screening-approach. Between February 2014 and January 2015 patients from our PCU were tested for MRSA carriage within 48 hours following admission irrespective of pre-existing risk factors. In addition, risk factors for MRSA colonization were assessed. Samples from the nostrils and, if applicable, from pre-existing wounds were analysed by standardized culture-based laboratory techniques for the presence of MRSA and of other bacteria and fungi. Results from swabs taken prior to admission were also recorded if available. 297 out of 317 patients (93.7%) fulfilled one or more MRSA screening criteria. Swabs from 299 patients were tested. The detection rate was 2.1% for MRSA. All MRSA cases would have been detected by a risk-factor-based screening-approach. Considering the detected cases and the results from swabs taken prior to admission, 4.1% of the patients (n = 13) were diagnosed with MRSA and 4.1% with MDRGNB (n = 13), including two patients with MRSA and MDRGNB (0.6%). The rate of MRSA carriage in PCU patients (4.1%) was elevated compared to the rate seen in the general cohort of patients admitted to our University Hospital (2.7%). PCU patients have an increased risk to carry MRSA compared to other hospitalized patients. Although a risk factor-based screening is likely to detect all MRSA carriers amongst PCU patients, we rather recommend a universal screening to avoid the extra effort to identify the few risk factor-negative patients (<7%). As we did not perform a systematic MDRGNB screening, further studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of MDRGNB amongst PCU patients.

Reducing turnaround time for laboratory test results does not improve retention of stable HIV-infected adults on POV program: experience from Uganda.

PubMed

Maselle, Edna; Muhanguzi, Asaph; Muhumuza, Simon; Nansubuga, Jeniffer; Nawavvu, Cecilia; Namusobya, Jeniffer; Kamya, Moses R; Semitala, Fred C

2014-01-01

HIV/ AIDS clinics in resource limited settings (RLS) face increasing numbers of patients and workforce shortage [1, 2]. To address these challenges, efficient models of care like pharmacy only visits (POV) and nurse only visits (NOV) are recommended [3]. The Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), a PEPFAR funded program providing care to over 42,000 HIV infected adults has implemented the POV model since 2009. In this model, stable patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with adherence to ART >95% and Karnofsky score >90% are reviewed by a doctor every four months but visit pharmacy for ART re-fills every two months. A study conducted in August 2011 showed low retention on the POV program with symptomatic diseases, pending CD4 count, complete blood count results, and poor adherence to ART as the major reasons for the non-retention in the POV program. To improve retention on POV, the TAT (Turnaround Time) for laboratory results (the main reason for non-retention in the previous study) was reduced from one month to one week. In August 2012, the study was repeated to assess the effect of reducing TAT on improving retention one year after patients were placed on POV. A cohort analysis of data from patients in August 2011 and in August 2012 on POV was done. We compared retention of POV before and after reducing the TAT for laboratory results. Retention on POV was 12.0% (95% CI 9.50-14.7) among 619 patients in 2011, (70% Females), mean age was 33 years, Standard Deviation (SD) 8.5 compared to 11.1% (95% CI 9.15-13.4) among 888 patients (70% Females), mean age 38.3 years, SD 8.9 in 2012 (p=0.59). The main reasons for non-retention on the POV program in 2012 were poor adherence to ART (23%) and missed clinic appointments (14%). Reducing TAT for laboratory test results did not improve retention of stable HIV-infected adults on POV in our clinic. Strategies for improving adherence to ART and keeping clinic appointments need to be employed to balance workload and management of patients without compromising quality of care, patients' clinical, immunological and adherence outcome.

GENETIC INDICATORS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

EPA Science Inventory

University of California, Davis, Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory; US EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, Molecular Ecology Research Division, Cincinnati, OH; US EPA National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Gulf Ecology Division, Gulf Breeze, FL;...

Biobanking of different body fluids within the frame of IVF-a standard operating procedure to improve reproductive biology research.

PubMed

Schenk, Michael; Huppertz, Berthold; Obermayer-Pietsch, Barbara; Kastelic, Darja; Hörmann-Kröpfl, Martina; Weiss, Gregor

2017-02-01

The aim of the present study was to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the collection, transport, and storage of human cumulus cells, follicular fluid, blood serum, seminal plasma, embryo culture supernatant, and embryo culture supernatant control obtained within the IVF process under approved protocols and written informed consent from participating patients. The SOP was developed at the Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk, Dobl, Austria, together with Biobank Graz of the Medical University of Graz, Austria. The SOP provides comprehensive details of laboratory procedures and sampling of the different fluids within the IVF process. Furthermore, information on sample coding, references of involved laboratory techniques (e.g., oocyte retrieval with a Steiner-TAN needle), ethical approvals, and biobanking procedures are presented. The result of the present study is a standard operating procedure. The SOP ensures a professional way for collection and scientific use of IVF samples by the Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk, Dobl, Austria, and Biobank Graz of the Medical University of Graz, Austria. It can be used as a template for other institutions to unify specimen collection procedures in the field of reproductive health research.

National Laboratories and Universities: Building New Ways to Work Together--Report of a Workshop

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academies Press, 2005

2005-01-01

This volume is a report of a workshop held in 2003 to address best practices and remaining challenges with respect to national laboratory-university collaborations. The following are appended: (1) Committee Member Biographies; (2) Workshop Agenda; (3) Workshop Participants; (4) Glossary of Acronyms; and (5) Major Benefits and Challenges. [This…

Designing the Psychology Laboratories at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fawl, Clifford L.

This paper describes the psychology laboratory at Nebraska Wesleyan University and the efforts of the small department which participated in the design and development process. The lab consists of 26 rooms, mostly small cubicles, and covers approximately 3,800 square feet. Each area of the lab is described in terms of its design and function.…

Identifying and Addressing Challenges to Research in University Laboratory Preschools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

File, Nancy

2012-01-01

Research Findings: This essay offers a review of challenges that university laboratory preschools face in providing a site for research that fits with other components of the program mission. An argument is made to consider paradigm shifts in research questions and methods that move away from traditions within the fields that study children's…

76 FR 68460 - Designation of a Class of Employees for Addition to the Special Exposure Cohort

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-04

... designate a class of employees from the Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University as an addition to the... contractors and subcontractors who worked in any area of the Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University [email protected] . John Howard, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. [FR Doc. 2011...

Building a Low-Cost Gross Anatomy Laboratory: A Big Step for a Small University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goldman, Evan

2010-01-01

This article illustrates details of the planning, building, and improvement phases of a cost-efficient, full-dissection gross anatomy laboratory on a campus of an historically design-centric university. Special considerations were given throughout the project to the nature of hosting cadavers in a building shared amongst all undergraduate majors.…

Association pernicious anemia and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy: a retrospective study

PubMed Central

Zulfiqar, AA; Andres, E

2017-01-01

Objective: To investigate the association between pernicious anemia and other autoimmune diseases. Methods: This retrospective and bicentric study was conducted at Reims and Strasbourg University Hospitals and involved 188 patients with pernicious anemia examined between 2000 and 2010 in order to search for other autoimmune diseases and to evaluate the role of pernicious anemia in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Results: A total of 74 patients with a combination of pernicious anemia and other autoimmune diseases were included in the study. Our study revealed the privileged association of pernicious anemia with autoimmune thyroiditis. The association of pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis are a part of the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3b. Conclusion: We suggest undertaking a systematic clinical examination and laboratory investigations in search of autoimmune thyroiditis in patient(s) with the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. The association of pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis is frequent and a part of autoimmune polyglandular 3b. PMID:29362601

Association pernicious anemia and autoimmune polyendocrinopathy: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Zulfiqar, A A; Andres, E

2017-01-01

To investigate the association between pernicious anemia and other autoimmune diseases. This retrospective and bicentric study was conducted at Reims and Strasbourg University Hospitals and involved 188 patients with pernicious anemia examined between 2000 and 2010 in order to search for other autoimmune diseases and to evaluate the role of pernicious anemia in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. A total of 74 patients with a combination of pernicious anemia and other autoimmune diseases were included in the study. Our study revealed the privileged association of pernicious anemia with autoimmune thyroiditis. The association of pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis are a part of the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3b. We suggest undertaking a systematic clinical examination and laboratory investigations in search of autoimmune thyroiditis in patient(s) with the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. The association of pernicious anemia and autoimmune thyroiditis is frequent and a part of autoimmune polyglandular 3b.

Remote Sonography in Routine Clinical Practice Between Two Isolated Medical Centers and the University Hospital Using a Robotic Arm: A 1-Year Study.

PubMed

Georgescu, Monica; Sacccomandi, Arnaud; Baudron, Bernard; Arbeille, Philippe L

2016-04-01

A robotic arm was developed by our laboratory for tele-operated echography on patients in locations isolated from a trained sonographer. The objective of the study was to evaluate, over a 1-year period, the use of the robotic arm for telesonography performed by a sonographer located at the University Hospital (Tours, France) on patients in two isolated medical centers 50 km away linked via the Internet. A nonsonographer operator (physician or paramedic) located the ultrasound probe attached to the robotic arm over the appropriate acoustic window for the organ of interest by rolling the whole robotic arm and mechanical support across the floor. The expert sonographer then telemanipulated the robotic arm via an Internet connection and adjusted the orientation of the probe until the most appropriate organ view for delivering a diagnosis was obtained. Three hundred telesonography examinations were performed within 1 year: 68 (22.7%) on abdominal organs, 20 (6.7%) on pelvic organs, 138 (46%) on supraaortic vessels (carotid artery), 33 (11%) on the thyroid, 30 (10%) on leg veins, and 11 (3.7%) on the kidney and urinary tract. Telesonography could not be achieved in 10 of the 300 cases due to poor image quality on obese patients or those presenting poor echogenicity. These cases were re-examined at the university hospital by a sonographer. The rate of telesonography exams over the 1-year period was 1.5 per day for the "general population" medical site and 1 per week for the "elderly patient" medical site. This study demonstrated that telesonography using a robotic arm can be routinely used for providing echographic diagnoses on patients isolated from imaging centers.

Laboratory systems integration: robotics and automation.

PubMed

Felder, R A

1991-01-01

Robotic technology is going to have a profound impact on the clinical laboratory of the future. Faced with increased pressure to reduce health care spending yet increase services to patients, many laboratories are looking for alternatives to the inflexible or "fixed" automation found in many clinical analyzers. Robots are being examined by many clinical pathologists as an attractive technology which can adapt to the constant changes in laboratory testing. Already, laboratory designs are being altered to accommodate robotics and automated specimen processors. However, the use of robotics and computer intelligence in the clinical laboratory is still in its infancy. Successful examples of robotic automation exist in several laboratories. Investigators have used robots to automate endocrine testing, high performance liquid chromatography, and specimen transportation. Large commercial laboratories are investigating the use of specimen processors which combine the use of fixed automation and robotics. Robotics have also reduced the exposure of medical technologists to specimens infected with viral pathogens. The successful examples of clinical robotics applications were a result of the cooperation of clinical chemists, engineers, and medical technologists. At the University of Virginia we have designed and implemented a robotic critical care laboratory. Initial clinical experience suggests that robotic performance is reliable, however, staff acceptance and utilization requires continuing education. We are also developing a robotic cyclosporine which promises to greatly reduce the labor costs of this analysis. The future will bring lab wide automation that will fully integrate computer artificial intelligence and robotics. Specimens will be transported by mobile robots. Specimen processing, aliquotting, and scheduling will be automated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The Physics Laboratory in Honduras.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zuniga, M. A.

1979-01-01

This paper, presented at the conference on the role of the laboratory in physics education, which was held in Oxford, England in July 1978, describes the role of the laboratory in school and university physics in Honduras. (HM)

Artificial Neural Network Approach in Laboratory Test Reporting:  Learning Algorithms.

PubMed

Demirci, Ferhat; Akan, Pinar; Kume, Tuncay; Sisman, Ali Riza; Erbayraktar, Zubeyde; Sevinc, Suleyman

2016-08-01

In the field of laboratory medicine, minimizing errors and establishing standardization is only possible by predefined processes. The aim of this study was to build an experimental decision algorithm model open to improvement that would efficiently and rapidly evaluate the results of biochemical tests with critical values by evaluating multiple factors concurrently. The experimental model was built by Weka software (Weka, Waikato, New Zealand) based on the artificial neural network method. Data were received from Dokuz Eylül University Central Laboratory. "Training sets" were developed for our experimental model to teach the evaluation criteria. After training the system, "test sets" developed for different conditions were used to statistically assess the validity of the model. After developing the decision algorithm with three iterations of training, no result was verified that was refused by the laboratory specialist. The sensitivity of the model was 91% and specificity was 100%. The estimated κ score was 0.950. This is the first study based on an artificial neural network to build an experimental assessment and decision algorithm model. By integrating our trained algorithm model into a laboratory information system, it may be possible to reduce employees' workload without compromising patient safety. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Delivering Patient-Centered Care in a Fragile State: Using Patient-Pathway Analysis to Understand Tuberculosis-Related Care Seeking in Pakistan.

PubMed

Fatima, Razia; Haq, Mahboob Ul; Yaqoob, Aashifa; Mahmood, Nasir; Ahmad, Khawaja Laeeq; Osberg, Mike; Makayova, Julia; Hymoff, Aaron; Hanson, Christy

2017-11-06

Pakistan has the sixth largest population in the world and boasts the fifth greatest burden of tuberculosis. The Government of Pakistan has set the ambitious goal of zero deaths due to tuberculosis and universal access to tuberculosis care by 2020. Successfully reaching these goals is dependent on the country's capacity to diagnose and successfully treat an estimated 200000 unnotified or missing patients with tuberculosis. A patient-pathway analysis (PPA) was conducted at the national level, as well as for each of the 4 provinces, to assess the alignment between patient care seeking and the availability of tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment services. Almost 90% of patients initiated care in the private sector, which accounts for only 15% of facilities with the capacity for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment. Across the country, nearly 50% of tuberculosis microscopy laboratories were located in public-sector-basic health units and regional health centers. However, very few patients initiated care in these facilities. Overall, tuberculosis case detection was high given the low likelihood of patients reaching facilities with the capacity for tuberculosis service delivery during their first visit. Improving the engagement of the informal sector and lower-level clinicians will improve the efficiency and timeliness of tuberculosis diagnosis for patients in Pakistan. Concurrently, the apparent strength of the referral networks connecting community-level workers and private clinicians to the public sector for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment suggests that strengthening the capacity of the public sector could be valuable. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

The Exercise Physiology Laboratory--A Source of Health Promotion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norris, William; Norred, Robert

1988-01-01

A visit to the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at the University of Tennessee is part of a physical education class required of all undergraduate students. The laboratory demonstration stimulates student interest and enrollment in physical education. Benefits to students, the laboratory, and the school are described. (MT)

Center for Defect Physics - Energy Frontier Research Center (A "Life at the Frontiers of Energy Research" contest entry from the 2011 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) Summit and Forum)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stocks, G. Malcolm; Ice, Gene

"Center for Defect Physics - Energy Frontier Research Center" was submitted by the Center for Defect Physics (CDP) to the "Life at the Frontiers of Energy Research" video contest at the 2011 Science for Our Nation's Energy Future: Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) Summit and Forum. Twenty-six EFRCs created short videos to highlight their mission and their work. CDP is directed by G. Malcolm Stocks at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is a partnership of scientists from eight institutions: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (lead); Ames Laboratory; University of California, Berkeley; Carnegie Mellon University; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Ohio State University;more » University of Georgia and University of Tennessee. The Office of Basic Energy Sciences in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science established the 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) in 2009. These collaboratively-organized centers conduct fundamental research focused on 'grand challenges' and use-inspired 'basic research needs' recently identified in major strategic planning efforts by the scientific community. The overall purpose is to accelerate scientific progress toward meeting the nation's critical energy challenges.« less

Translational HIV-1 research: from routine diagnostics to new virology insights in Amsterdam, the Netherlands during 1983-2013

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

An HIV-1 diagnostic laboratory was established in the Academic Medical Center (AMC) of the University of Amsterdam after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The first AIDS patients were diagnosed here in 1981 and since 1983 we have tested the samples of 50992 patients using a variety of assays that greatly improved over the years. We will describe some of the basic results from this diagnostic laboratory and then focus on the spin-off in terms of the development of novel virus assays to detect super-infections and ultra-sensitive assays to measure the intracellular HIV-1 RNA load. We also review several original research findings in the field of HIV-1 virology that stem from initial observations made in the diagnostic unit. This includes the study of genetic defects in the HIV-1 genome and time trends of the replication fitness over 30 years of viral evolution, but also the description of novel HIV-1 variants in difficult-to-diagnose clinical specimen. PMID:23985078

Translational HIV-1 research: from routine diagnostics to new virology insights in Amsterdam, the Netherlands during 1983-2013.

PubMed

van der Kuyl, Antoinette C; Bakker, Margreet; Jurriaans, Suzanne; Back, Nicole K T; Pasternak, Alexander O; Cornelissen, Marion; Berkhout, Ben

2013-08-28

An HIV-1 diagnostic laboratory was established in the Academic Medical Center (AMC) of the University of Amsterdam after the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The first AIDS patients were diagnosed here in 1981 and since 1983 we have tested the samples of 50992 patients using a variety of assays that greatly improved over the years. We will describe some of the basic results from this diagnostic laboratory and then focus on the spin-off in terms of the development of novel virus assays to detect super-infections and ultra-sensitive assays to measure the intracellular HIV-1 RNA load. We also review several original research findings in the field of HIV-1 virology that stem from initial observations made in the diagnostic unit. This includes the study of genetic defects in the HIV-1 genome and time trends of the replication fitness over 30 years of viral evolution, but also the description of novel HIV-1 variants in difficult-to-diagnose clinical specimen.

Occupational dose reduction in cardiac catheterisation laboratory: a randomised trial using a shield drape placed on the patient.

PubMed

Ordiales, J M; Nogales, J M; Vano, E; López-Mínguez, J R; Alvarez, F J; Ramos, J; Martínez, G; Sánchez, R M

2017-04-25

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation dose in interventional cardiology by using a shielding drape on the patient. A random study with and without the protective material was conducted. The following control parameters were registered: demographic data, number of stents, contrast media volume, fluoroscopy time, number of cine images, kerma-area product and cumulative air kerma. Occupational dose data were obtained by electronic active dosemeters. No statistically significant differences in the analysed control parameters were registered. The median dose value received by the interventional cardiologist was 50% lower in the group with a shielding drape with a statistically significant p-value <0.001. In addition, the median value of the maximum scatter radiation dose was 31% lower in this group with a statistically significant p-value <0.001. This study showed that a shielding drape is a useful tool for reducing the occupational radiation dose in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A structured simple form for ordering genetic tests is needed to ensure coupling of clinical detail (phenotype) with DNA variants (genotype) to ensure utility in publication and databases.

PubMed

Cotton, R G H; Auerbach, A D; Brown, A F; Carrera, P; Christodoulou, J; Claustres, M; Compton, J; Cox, D W; De Baere, E; den Dunnen, J T; Greenblatt, M; Fujiwara, M; Hilbert, P; Jani, A; Lehvaslaiho, H; Nebert, D W; Verma, I; Vihinen, M

2007-10-01

Researchers and clinicians ideally need instant access to all the variation in their gene/locus of interest to efficiently conduct their research and genetic healthcare to the highest standards. Currently much key data resides in the laboratory books or patient records around the world, as there are many impediments to submitting this data. It would be ideal therefore if a semiautomated pathway was available, with a minimum of effort, to make the deidentified data publicly available for others to use. The Human Variome Project (HVP) meeting listed 96 recommendations to work toward this situation. This article is planned to initiate a strategy to enhance the collection of phenotype and genotype data from the clinician/diagnostic laboratory nexus. Thus, the aim is to develop universally applicable forms that people can use when investigating patients for each inherited disease, to assist in satisfying many of the recommendations of the HVP Meeting [Cotton et al., 2007]. We call for comment and collaboration in this article. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Proteogenomics Identifies New Biology in Ovarian Cancer and Insights to Diagnosis, Treatment | Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research

Cancer.gov

June 29, 2016 — In what is believed to be the largest study of its kind, scientists at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) led a multi-institutional collaborative project that comprehensively examined the collections of proteins in the tumors of 169 ovarian cancer patients to identify critical proteins expressed by their tumors. By integrating their findings about the collection of proteins (the proteome) with information already known about the tumors’ genetic data (the genome), the investigators r

Information Technologies, Health, and Globalization: Anyone Excluded?

PubMed Central

Parent, Florence; Parent, Marc

2001-01-01

Modern information technologies and worldwide communication through the Internet promise both universal access to information and the globalization of the medico-social network's modes of communication between doctors, laboratories, patients, and other players. The authors, specialists in public health and members of an association that aims to create opportunities for access to training in public health in developing countries, warn that the use of the term "globalization" ignores the reality of the "digital divide," that is, the fact that social inequalities may preclude the realization of this promise on a truly global scale. PMID:11720953

Information technologies, health, and "globalization": anyone excluded?

PubMed

Parent, F; Coppieters, Y; Parent, M

2001-01-01

Modern information technologies and worldwide communication through the Internet promise both universal access to information and the globalization of the medico-social network s modes of communication between doctors, laboratories, patients, and other players. The authors, specialists in public health and members of an association that aims to create opportunities for access to training in public health in developing countries, warn that the use of the term "globalization" ignores the reality of the "digital divide," that is, the fact that social inequalities may preclude the realization of this promise on a truly global scale.

Information and consent in internet paternity testing: focus on minors' protection in Italy.

PubMed

Caenazzo, Luciana; Tozzo, Pamela; Benciolini, Paolo; Rodriguez, Daniele

2008-12-01

Paternity testing in Italy is usually performed by private laboratories and universities having direct contacts with the applicants. Recently, the number of paternity tests offered through laboratory websites has increased in Italy and Europe. The execution of genetic tests, including paternity testing based on DNA analysis, represents a complex act, which contains three main steps. Paternity analyses carried out by laboratories via Internet are performed on samples collected by the applicants and then mailed back to the laboratories without any patient-physician relationship. Information is given to the subjects through the laboratory's website or mailed with the test order form. The execution of "household" DNA analysis without technical precautions may provide an incorrect response with severe consequences on the individual who has undergone testing, on the family involved, and on society in general. The problems connected with this kind of analysis are not technical, but ethical and deontological. In this work, we will discuss the problems related to information and consent by way of outlining the relevant Italian laws and codes of medical ethics. The Italian Privacy's Guarantor is assessing the ethical and legal implications, but regulations are not yet in place. We believe that adequate information related to this practice cannot be given via Internet, and, consequently, the validity of the consent expressed during this kind of procedure can be uncertain. Further, we will analyze issues regarding the importance of minors' protection when a paternity test is performed via Internet. In our opinion, the complexity of the situations and expectations linked to paternity investigations require a special sensitivity in dealing with each case, based on a patient-physician relationship in the decision-making process especially referring to the defense of the minors' well-being.

United States Air Force Summer Research Program -- 1993. Volume 9. Rome Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

Walter Field: Electrical Engineering MS Laboratory: RL/IR Electrical Engineering University of Maine Vol-Page No: 9- 9 Orono, ME 4469-0000 Swindal, J...0000 Tipton, Kevin Field: Zoology MS Laboratory: AL/CF Nutrition and Food Scienc Auburn University Vol-Page No: 7-11 Auburn, AL 36849-5605 Tornow ...deterministic analysis assumed only 1-17 one handling. w ~vA-A-, PPIMAJý PATH Legen(3ND P"ysCaI LinK (forwarid VPC P’ýs Cal L-,* (reverse VPC) Figure 8. OPNET

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Watts, Bernadette M.; Collis, Samuel Scott; Ceballos, Deanna Rose

This report summarizes the activities of the Computer Science Research Institute (CSRI) at Sandia National Laboratories during the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. During this period, the CSRI hosted 182 visitors representing 83 universities, companies and laboratories. Of these, 60 were summer students or faculty. The CSRI partially sponsored 2 workshops and also organized and was the primary host for 3 workshops. These 3 CSRI sponsored workshops had 105 participants, 78 from universities, companies and laboratories, and 27 from Sandia. Finally, the CSRI sponsored 12 long-term collaborative research projects and 3 Sabbaticals.

High Altitude Pollution Program Stratospheric Measurement System Laboratory Performance Capability Report Chemical Conversion Techniques.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

TRAIS) The Perkin-Elmer Corporation Electro-Optical Division on . Norwalk, Connecticut 06856 1 DdT-FA77WA 8 1_ 3. Type of eport ond Period Cover d 12...Harvard University, D . Kley and M. McFarland of the NOAA Aeronomy Laboratory, R. Shetter and D . H. Stedman of the University ot Michigan, and H...Volltrauer of the AeroChem Research Laboratories. We wish to thank also L. Glasgow of the E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company for a supply of chlorine nitrate

Inflammation and Cancer: Two Pieces of the Same Puzzle? | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Chronic inflammation, in Crohn’s disease for example, is a known risk factor for malignant transformation, however the role inflammation plays in cancer initiation is poorly understood. STAT2, an important protein that regulates gene activation, is known to be stimulated by immune factors that inhibit cell growth. STAT2 also has reduced expression in the immune cells of patients with Crohn’s disease, which suggested to Ana Gamero, Ph.D., a former NCI Scholar of the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, CCR, and now Assistant Professor at Temple University in collaboration with Nancy Colburn, Ph.D. of the Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and her colleagues, that STAT2 may be a key protein in regulating inflammation-induced cancer progression. The results of their studies were recently published in a Cancer Prevention Research article.

Physics Laboratory in UEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takada, Tohru; Nakamura, Jin; Suzuki, Masaru

All the first-year students in the University of Electro-Communications (UEC) take "Basic Physics I", "Basic Physics II" and "Physics Laboratory" as required subjects; Basic Physics I and Basic Physics II are calculus-based physics of mechanics, wave and oscillation, thermal physics and electromagnetics. Physics Laboratory is designed mainly aiming at learning the skill of basic experimental technique and technical writing. Although 95% students have taken physics in the senior high school, they poorly understand it by connecting with experience, and it is difficult to learn Physics Laboratory in the university. For this reason, we introduced two ICT (Information and Communication Technology) systems of Physics Laboratory to support students'learning and staff's teaching. By using quantitative data obtained from the ICT systems, we can easily check understanding of physics contents in students, and can improve physics education.

Implementation of a Project-Based Molecular Biology Laboratory Emphasizing Protein Structure-Function Relationships in a Large Introductory Biology Laboratory Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Treacy, Daniel J.; Sankaran, Saumya M.; Gordon-Messer, Susannah; Saly, Danielle; Miller, Rebecca; Isaac, R. Stefan; Kosinski-Collins, Melissa S.

2011-01-01

In introductory laboratory courses, many universities are turning from traditional laboratories with predictable outcomes to inquiry-inspired, project-based laboratory curricula. In these labs, students are allowed to design at least some portion of their own experiment and interpret new, undiscovered data. We have redesigned the introductory…

The costs of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a patient-based cost of illness analysis.

PubMed

Wilke, T; Tesch, S; Scholz, A; Kohlmann, T; Greinacher, A

2009-05-01

SUMMARY BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Due to the complexity of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), currently available cost analyses are rough estimates. The objectives of this study were quantification of costs involved in HIT and identification of main cost drivers based on a patient-oriented approach. Patients diagnosed with HIT (1995-2004, University-hospital Greifswald, Germany) based on a positive functional assay (HIPA test) were retrieved from the laboratory records and scored (4T-score) by two medical experts using the patient file. For cost of illness analysis, predefined HIT-relevant cost parameters (medication costs, prolonged in-hospital stay, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, laboratory tests, blood transfusions) were retrieved from the patient files. The data were analysed by linear regression estimates with the log of costs and a gamma regression model. Mean length of stay data of non-HIT patients were obtained from the German Federal Statistical Office, adjusted for patient characteristics, comorbidities and year of treatment. Hospital costs were provided by the controlling department. One hundred and thirty HIT cases with a 4T-score >or=4 and a positive HIPA test were analyzed. Mean additional costs of a HIT case were 9008 euro. The main cost drivers were prolonged in-hospital stay (70.3%) and costs of alternative anticoagulants (19.7%). HIT was more costly in surgical patients compared with medical patients and in patients with thrombosis. Early start of alternative anticoagulation did not increase HIT costs despite the high medication costs indicating prevention of costly complications. An HIT cost calculator is provided, allowing online calculation of HIT costs based on local cost structures and different currencies.

Honors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-10-01

More than a dozen AGU members are among 94 researchers announced by U.S. president Barack Obama on 26 September as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award, which is coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President, is considered the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. This year's recipients include Jeffrey Book, Naval Research Laboratory; Jonathan Cirtain, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; Fotini Katopodes Chow, University of California, Berkeley; Elizabeth Cochran, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); Ian Howat, Ohio State University; Christiane Jablonowski, University of Michigan; Justin Kasper, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory; Elena Litchman, Michigan State University; James A. Morris Jr., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Erin M. Oleson, NOAA; Victoria Orphan, California Institute of Technology; Sasha Reed, USGS; David Shelly, USGS; and Feng Wang, University of California, Berkeley. Five AGU members are among 10 U.S. representatives recently selected for International Arctic Science Committee working groups. The AGU members, chosen as representatives through the U.S. National Academies review process, are Atmosphere Working Group member James Overland, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, NOAA; Cryosphere Working Group members Walter Meier, University of Colorado at Boulder, and Elizabeth Hunke, Los Alamos National Laboratory; Marine Working Group member Mary-Louise Timmermans, Yale University; and Terrestrial Working Group member Vanessa Lougheed, University of Texas at El Paso.

Hematocrit Levels, Blood Testing, and Blood Transfusion in Infants After Heart Surgery.

PubMed

Delgado-Corcoran, Claudia; Wolpert, Katherine H; Lucas, Kathryn; Bodily, Stephanie; Presson, Angela P; Bratton, Susan L

2016-11-01

To determine whether judicious blood testing impacts timing or amount of packed RBC transfusions in infants after heart surgery. A retrospective study comparing before and after initiation of a quality improvement process. A university-affiliated cardiac ICU at a tertiary care children's hospital. Infants less than 1 year old with Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4, 5, 6, or d-transposition of great arteries (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 3) consecutively treated during 2010 through 2013. A quality improvement process implemented in 2011 to decrease routine laboratory testing after surgery. Fifty-two infants preintervention and 214 postintervention had similar age, weight, proportion of cyanotic lesions, and surgical complexity. Infants with single versus biventricular physiology were compared separately. The number of laboratory tests per patient adjusted for cardiac ICU length of stay (laboratory tests/patient/day) was significantly lower in postintervention populations for single and biventricular groups (9 vs 15 and 10 vs 15, respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of single ventricle patients transfused post- and preintervention was not statistically different (72% vs 90%; p = 0.130). Transfusion in the biventricular groups was the same over time (65% vs 65%). Time to first transfusion was significantly longer in the postintervention single ventricle group (4 vs 1 d; p < 0.001), and was not statistically different in the biventricular patients (4 vs 7 d; p = 0.058). The median hematocrit level at first transfusion was significantly lower (37% vs 40%; p = 0.004) postintervention in the cyanotic population, but did not differ in the biventricular group (31% vs 31%; p = 0.840). In infants after heart surgery, blood testing targeted to individual needs significantly decreased the number of blood tests, but did not significantly decrease postoperative blood transfusion.

Modulation of the oxidative plasmatic state in gastroesophageal reflux disease with the addition of rich water molecular hydrogen: A new biological vision.

PubMed

Franceschelli, Sara; Gatta, Daniela Maria Pia; Pesce, Mirko; Ferrone, Alessio; Di Martino, Giuseppe; Di Nicola, Marta; De Lutiis, Maria Anna; Vitacolonna, Ester; Patruno, Antonia; Grilli, Alfredo; Felaco, Mario; Speranza, Lorenza

2018-05-01

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a clinical condition characterized by reflux of gastroduodenal contents in the oesophagus, has proved to demonstrate a strong link between oxidative stress and the development of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been universally accepted as first-line therapy for management of GERD. The potential benefits of electrolysed reduced water (ERW), rich in molecular hydrogen, in improving symptoms and systemic oxidative stress associated with GERD was assessed. The study was performed on 84 GERD patients undergoing control treatment (PPI + tap water) or experimental treatment (PPI + ERW) for 3 months. These patients were subjected to the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire as well as derivatives reactive oxigen metabolites (d-ROMs) test, biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test, superoxide anion, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde assays, which were all performed as a proxy for the oxidative/nitrosative stress and the antioxidant potential status. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between scores and laboratory parameters. Overall results demonstrated that an optimal oxidative balance can be restored and GERD symptoms can be reduced rapidly via the integration of ERW in GERD patients. The relative variation of heartburn and regurgitation score was significantly correlated with laboratory parameters. Thus, in the selected patients, combination treatment with PPI and ERW improves the cellular redox state leading to the improvement of the quality of life as demonstrated by the correlation analysis between laboratory parameters and GERD symptoms. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Impact of Different Creatinine Measurement Methods on Liver Transplant Allocation

PubMed Central

Kaiser, Thorsten; Kinny-Köster, Benedict; Bartels, Michael; Parthaune, Tanja; Schmidt, Michael; Thiery, Joachim

2014-01-01

Introduction The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is used in many countries to prioritize organ allocation for the majority of patients who require orthotopic liver transplantation. This score is calculated based on the following laboratory parameters: creatinine, bilirubin and the international normalized ratio (INR). Consequently, high measurement accuracy is essential for equitable and fair organ allocation. For serum creatinine measurements, the Jaffé method and enzymatic detection are well-established routine diagnostic tests. Methods A total of 1,013 samples from 445 patients on the waiting list or in evaluation for liver transplantation were measured using both creatinine methods from November 2012 to September 2013 at the university hospital Leipzig, Germany. The measurements were performed in parallel according to the manufacturer’s instructions after the samples arrived at the institute of laboratory medicine. Patients who had required renal replacement therapy twice in the previous week were excluded from analyses. Results Despite the good correlation between the results of both creatinine quantification methods, relevant differences were observed, which led to different MELD scores. The Jaffé measurement led to greater MELD score in 163/1,013 (16.1%) samples with differences of up to 4 points in one patient, whereas differences of up to 2 points were identified in 15/1,013 (1.5%) samples using the enzymatic assay. Overall, 50/152 (32.9%) patients with MELD scores >20 had higher scores when the Jaffé method was used. Discussion Using the Jaffé method to measure creatinine levels in samples from patients who require liver transplantation may lead to a systematic preference in organ allocation. In this study, the differences were particularly pronounced in samples with MELD scores >20, which has clinical relevance in the context of urgency of transplantation. These data suggest that official recommendations are needed to determine which laboratory diagnostic methods should be used when calculating MELD scores. PMID:24587188

Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: national recommendations for venous blood sampling

PubMed Central

Nikolac, Nora; Šupak-Smolčić, Vesna; Šimundić, Ana-Maria; Ćelap, Ivana

2013-01-01

Phlebotomy is one of the most complex medical procedures in the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients in healthcare. Since laboratory test results are the basis for a large proportion (60–80%) of medical decisions, any error in the phlebotomy process could have serious consequences. In order to minimize the possibility of errors, phlebotomy procedures should be standardised, well-documented and written instructions should be available at every workstation. Croatia is one of the few European countries that have national guidelines for phlebotomy, besides the universally used CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) H3-A6 Procedures for the Collection of Diagnostic Blood Specimens by Venipuncture; approved Standard-Sixth Edition (CLSI, 2007) and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy (WHO, 2010). However, the growing body of evidence in importance of preanalytical phase management resulted in a need for evidence based revision and expansion of existing recommendations. The Croatian Society for Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase issued this recommendation. This document is based on the CLSI guideline H3-A6, with significant differences and additional information. PMID:24266294

Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine: national recommendations for venous blood sampling.

PubMed

Nikolac, Nora; Supak-Smolcić, Vesna; Simundić, Ana-Maria; Celap, Ivana

2013-01-01

Phlebotomy is one of the most complex medical procedures in the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients in healthcare. Since laboratory test results are the basis for a large proportion (60-80%) of medical decisions, any error in the phlebotomy process could have serious consequences. In order to minimize the possibility of errors, phlebotomy procedures should be standardised, well-documented and written instructions should be available at every workstation. Croatia is one of the few European countries that have national guidelines for phlebotomy, besides the universally used CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) H3-A6 Procedures for the Collection of Diagnostic Blood Specimens by Venipuncture; approved Standard-Sixth Edition (CLSI, 2007) and WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in phlebotomy (WHO, 2010). However, the growing body of evidence in importance of preanalytical phase management resulted in a need for evidence based revision and expansion of existing recommendations. The Croatian Society for Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase issued this recommendation. This document is based on the CLSI guideline H3-A6, with significant differences and additional information.

Clinical and Laboratory Factors Associated with Severe Dengue: A Case-Control Study of Hospitalized Children.

PubMed

Wakimoto, Mayumi Duarte; Camacho, Luiz Antonio Bastos; Gonin, Michelle Luiza; Brasil, Patrícia

2017-10-20

More than half of the hospitalizations because of dengue in Brazil occurred in children <15 years of age in 2007 and 2008, an unexpected change in the epidemiological pattern. We sought to determine clinical and laboratory parameters associated with severity. A case-control study was conducted in three pediatric hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 233 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients were included: 69 cases and 164 controls. Specific clinical and laboratory factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Lethargy [adjusted odds ratio (ORa): 9.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.08-27.12], dyspnea (ORa: 8.24, 95% CI: 3.27-20.72) and abdominal pain (ORa: 6.78, 95% CI: 1.44-31.84) were independently associated with severe dengue in children. Lethargy and dyspnea presented as early as 72 and 48 h, respectively, before shock. Abdominal pain and lethargy confirmed their role as warning signs, which along with dyspnea might be helpful in identifying cases progressing to severe dengue. © The Author [2017]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

The Problem with Reform from the Bottom up: Instructional Practises and Teacher Beliefs of Graduate Teaching Assistants Following a Reform-Minded University Teacher Certificate Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Addy, Tracie M.; Blanchard, Margaret R.

2010-01-01

Reform-minded practices are widely encouraged during pre-service science teacher education in concert with national reform documents. This contrasts to the nature of instruction within university science laboratories in which pre-service teachers enrol, which are largely confirmatory in nature. Undergraduate science laboratories are taught…

A Laboratory Project on the Theory, Fabrication, and Characterization of a Silicon-on-Insulator Micro-Comb Drive Actuator with Fixed-Fixed Beams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbas, K.; Leseman, Z. C.

2012-01-01

A laboratory course on the theory, fabrication, and characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for a multidisciplinary audience of graduate students at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, has been developed. Hands-on experience in the cleanroom has attracted graduate students from across the university's engineering…

John Dewey as Administrator: The Inglorious End of the Laboratory School in Chicago

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knoll, Michael

2015-01-01

The Laboratory School of the University of Chicago founded by John Dewey in 1896 is considered as one of the most innovative schools of progressive education. Its history, and specifically its sudden end, is still of general interest. In sympathy with Dewey, most historians tend to put the main blame for the tragedy on University President William…

Coding and Analysing Behaviour Strategies of Instructors in University Science Laboratories to Improve Science Teachers Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ajaja, Patrick Osawaru

2013-01-01

The intention of this study was to determine how science instructors in the university laboratories spend time on instruction. The study, was guided by three research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study employed a non-participant observation case study design. 48 instructors teaching lower and higher levels…

The Level of Awareness of Safety Measures Practiced in School Laboratories among Pre-Service Science Teachers at Najran University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fagihi, Yahea Ali

2018-01-01

This study is an attempt to identify the level of awareness of safety measures practiced in school laboratories among pre-service Science teachers at Najran University. It also aims to identify the sources of safety measures awareness and the statistically significant differences among the sample responses due to specialization and grade…

Establishment of a Laboratory for Biofuels Research at the University of Kentucky

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crocker, Mark; Crofcheck, Czarena; Andrews, Rodney

2013-03-29

This project was aimed at the development of the biofuels industry in Kentucky by establishing a laboratory to develop improved processes for biomass utilization. The facility is based at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research and the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and constitutes an “open” laboratory, i.e., its equipment is available to other Kentucky researchers working in the area. The development of this biofuels facility represents a significant expansion of research infrastructure, and will provide a lasting resource for biobased research endeavors at the University of Kentucky. In order to enhance the laboratory's capabilities andmore » contribute to on-going biofuels research at the University of Kentucky, initial research at the laboratory has focused on the following technical areas: (i) the identification of algae strains suitable for oil production, utilizing flue gas from coal-fired power plants as a source of CO 2; (ii) the conversion of algae to biofuels; and (iii) the development of methods for the analysis of lignin and its deconstruction products. Highlights from these activities include the development of catalysts for the upgrading of lipids to hydrocarbons by means of decarboxylation/decarbonylation (deCOx), a study of bio-oil production from the fast pyrolysis of algae (Scenedesmus), and the application of pyrolytic gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) to the characterization of high lignin biomass feedstocks.« less

Role of a quality management system in improving patient safety - laboratory aspects.

PubMed

Allen, Lynn C

2013-09-01

The aim of this study is to describe how implementation of a quality management system (QMS) based on ISO 15189 enhances patient safety. A literature review showed that several European hospitals implemented a QMS based on ISO 9001 and assessed the impact on patient safety. An Internet search showed that problems affecting patient safety have occurred in a number of laboratories across Canada. The requirements of a QMS based on ISO 15189 are outlined, and the impact of the implementation of each requirement on patient safety is summarized. The Quality Management Program - Laboratory Services in Ontario is briefly described, and the experience of Ontario laboratories with Ontario Laboratory Accreditation, based on ISO 15189, is outlined. Several hospitals that implemented ISO 9001 reported either a positive impact or no impact on patient safety. Patient safety problems in Canadian laboratories are described. Implementation of each requirement of the QMS can be seen to have a positive effect on patient safety. Average laboratory conformance on Ontario Laboratory Accreditation is very high, and laboratories must address and resolve any nonconformities. Other standards, practices, and quality requirements may also contribute to patient safety. Implementation of a QMS based on ISO 15189 provides a solid foundation for quality in the laboratory and enhances patient safety. It helps to prevent patient safety issues; when such issues do occur, effective processes are in place for investigation and resolution. Patient safety problems in Canadian laboratories might have been prevented had effective QMSs been in place. Ontario Laboratory Accreditation has had a positive impact on quality in Ontario laboratories. Copyright © 2013 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 262.102 - What special definitions are included in this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.102 What special definitions are... Laboratory Waste means a laboratory waste, defined in the Environmental Management Plan as posing significant... Management Plan (EMP) means a written program developed and implemented by the university which sets forth...

Web-Based Evaluation System for a Problem-Based Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azli, Naziha Ahmadi; Othman, Mohd Shahizan

2008-01-01

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University Technology Malaysia is currently moving towards a Problem-Based Laboratory implementation rather than the conventional instructional-based laboratory for final year students. The laboratory has commenced session with about 500 students' registration in the 2007/08/1. The Problem-Based Laboratory…

BASIC STEPS IN DESIGNING SCIENCE LABORATORIES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

WHITNEY, FRANK L.

PLANNERS OF CURRENT UNIVERSITY LABORATORIES OFTEN MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES MADE BY INDUSTRIAL LABORATORIES 20 YEARS AGO. THIS CAN BE REMEDIED BY INCREASED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCIENTISTS AND DESIGNERS IN SEMINARS DEFINING THE BASIC NEEDS OF A PARTICULAR LABORATORY SITUATION. ELECTRONIC AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ACCOUNT FOR OVER 50 PER CENT OF TOTAL…

Simulator technology as a tool for education in cardiac care.

PubMed

Hravnak, Marilyn; Beach, Michael; Tuite, Patricia

2007-01-01

Assisting nurses in gaining the cognitive and psychomotor skills necessary to safely and effectively care for patients with cardiovascular disease can be challenging for educators. Ideally, nurses would have the opportunity to synthesize and practice these skills in a protected training environment before application in the dynamic clinical setting. Recently, a technology known as high fidelity human simulation was introduced, which permits learners to interact with a simulated patient. The dynamic physiologic parameters and physical assessment capabilities of the simulated patient provide for a realistic learning environment. This article describes the High Fidelity Human Simulation Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and presents strategies for using this technology as a tool in teaching complex cardiac nursing care at the basic and advanced practice nursing levels. The advantages and disadvantages of high fidelity human simulation in learning are discussed.

Use of Mobile Apps Among Medical and Nursing Students in Iran.

PubMed

Sheikhtaheri, Abbas; Kermani, Farzaneh

2018-01-01

Mobile technologies have a positive impact on patient care and cause to improved decision making, reduced medical errors and improved communication in care team. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of mobile technologies by medical and nursing students and their tendency in future. This study was conducted among 372 medical and nursing students of Tehran University of Medical Science. Respectively, 60.8% and 62.4% of medical and nursing students use smartphone. The most commonly used apps among medical students were medical dictionary, drug apps, medical calculators and anatomical atlases and among nursing students were medical dictionary, anatomical atlases and nursing care guides. Also, the use of decision support systems, remote monitoring, patient imagery and remote diagnosis, patient records documentation, diagnostic guidelines and laboratory tests will be increased in the future.

Reducing turnaround time for laboratory test results does not improve retention of stable HIV-infected adults on POV program: experience from Uganda

PubMed Central

Maselle, Edna; Muhanguzi, Asaph; Muhumuza, Simon; Nansubuga, Jeniffer; Nawavvu, Cecilia; Namusobya, Jeniffer; Kamya, Moses R; Semitala, Fred C

2014-01-01

Introduction HIV/ AIDS clinics in resource limited settings (RLS) face increasing numbers of patients and workforce shortage [1, 2]. To address these challenges, efficient models of care like pharmacy only visits (POV) and nurse only visits (NOV) are recommended [3]. The Makerere University Joint AIDS Program (MJAP), a PEPFAR funded program providing care to over 42,000 HIV infected adults has implemented the POV model since 2009. In this model, stable patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with adherence to ART >95% and Karnofsky score >90% are reviewed by a doctor every four months but visit pharmacy for ART re-fills every two months. A study conducted in August 2011 showed low retention on the POV program with symptomatic diseases, pending CD4 count, complete blood count results, and poor adherence to ART as the major reasons for the non-retention in the POV program. To improve retention on POV, the TAT (Turnaround Time) for laboratory results (the main reason for non-retention in the previous study) was reduced from one month to one week. In August 2012, the study was repeated to assess the effect of reducing TAT on improving retention one year after patients were placed on POV. Materials and Methods A cohort analysis of data from patients in August 2011 and in August 2012 on POV was done. We compared retention of POV before and after reducing the TAT for laboratory results. Results Retention on POV was 12.0% (95% CI 9.50–14.7) among 619 patients in 2011, (70% Females), mean age was 33 years, Standard Deviation (SD) 8.5 compared to 11.1% (95% CI 9.15–13.4) among 888 patients (70% Females), mean age 38.3 years, SD 8.9 in 2012 (p=0.59). The main reasons for non-retention on the POV program in 2012 were poor adherence to ART (23%) and missed clinic appointments (14%). Conclusions Reducing TAT for laboratory test results did not improve retention of stable HIV-infected adults on POV in our clinic. Strategies for improving adherence to ART and keeping clinic appointments need to be employed to balance workload and management of patients without compromising quality of care, patients’ clinical, immunological and adherence outcome. PMID:25394111

76 FR 51982 - Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-19

... Dynamic Decision Making Laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University will investigate several independent... Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh between January 2010 and December 2010. Participants were recruited through an online research participant pool from Carnegie Mellon University and the...

[Clinical and epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in a university hospital in Santiago, Chile].

PubMed

Morgado, Alvaro; Köhnenkampf, Ruth; Navarrete, Pablo; García, Patricia; Balcells, M Elvira

2012-07-01

The incidence and epidemiological profile of tuberculosis (TB) has changed significantly in the recent years in Chile. To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of TB cases diagnosed in the last decade at a university hospital in Santiago. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture registry of the microbiology laboratory was reviewed. Medical records of patients with a positive culture registered between 2000 and 2010 were retrieved and analyzed. Two hundred forty positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures were identified and the medical records of 158 of these patients were accessed for analysis. The median age was 53 years (range: 3 to 89), 55.1% were female and nearly 42% had extra-pulmonary TB. Among known risk factors, 32.9% of patients were older than 65 years, 4.4% were health care workers and 3.9% immigrants. Twenty eight percent (41/145) had some type of immunosuppression at diagnosis: 11.7% HIV infection and 16.6% were using immunosuppressive drugs. In this group, a previous tuberculin skin test was done in only 5 cases (12.2%). Adverse events related to TB treatment were reported in 21.3% of cases (17/80). No cases of fulminant hepatitis or death from this cause were identified. Four of 92 patients that had a complete follow up during treatment, died. Two of these patients were receiving steroids. Almost one third of TB cases occurred among immunosuppressed patients and 42% were extra-pulmonary forms. The prevention of TB reactivation in this group should be strengthened.

Serum albumin predicts survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

PubMed

Waghray, Abhijeet; Sobotka, Anastasia; Marrero, Carlos Romero; Estfan, Bassam; Aucejo, Federico; Narayanan Menon, K V

2017-02-01

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating malignancy with incidence varying by geography and other risk factors. Rapid progression of disease and delays in diagnosis restrict the number of patients eligible for curative therapy. The objective of this study was to determine prognostic factors of overall survival in all patients presenting with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. All adult patients with histologically confirmed hilar cholangiocarcinoma from 2003 to 2013 were evaluated for predictors of survival using demographic factors, laboratory data, symptoms and radiological characteristics at presentation. A total of 116 patients were identified to have pathological diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and were included in the analysis. Patients with a serum albumin level >3.0 g/dL (P < 0.01), cancer antigen 19-9 ≤200 U/mL (P = 0.03), carcinoembryonic antigen ≤10 ìg/L (P < 0.01) or patients without a history of cirrhosis (P < 0.01) or diabetes (P = 0.02) were associated with a greater length of overall survival. A serum albumin level >3.0 g/dL was identified as an independent predictor of overall survival (hazard ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval 0.14-0.70) with a survival benefit of 44 weeks. This study was the largest analysis to date of prognostic factors in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. A serum albumin level >3.0 g/dL conferred an independent survival advantage with a significantly greater length of survival. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press and Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University.

[Prevalence of cancer in the Afro-Caribbean population presenting dermatomyositis and anti-synthetase syndrome: a preliminary study conducted at Pointe-à-Pitre University Hospital, 2000-2012].

PubMed

Tersiguel, A-C; Longueville, C; Beltan, E; Vincent, T; Tressières, B; Cordel, N

2014-10-01

An association with cancer is described in 17-32% of cases of dermatomyositis (DM) and in 5-16% of cases of anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS). The literature contains very few studies involving Afro-Caribbean patients with DM or ASS. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of cancer in a series of patients with DM or ASS at the University Hospital of Pointe-à-Pitre between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2012. The secondary objective was to review the clinical and laboratory features as well as the course of DM/ASS in these patients. The inclusion criteria were as follows: Afro-Caribbean origin; age >15 years; patient living in Guadeloupe; screening for malignancy. Twenty-two patients were included (15 DM, 7 ASS). Only one case of cancer was diagnosed in the entire study population at a mean follow-up of 6 ± 4 years (prevalence: 6.7%, CI95% [1.7-31.9]). Of the 15 patients presenting DM (sex ratio F/M: 4, mean age: 45 ± 14 years), 6 (40%) had associated connective tissue disease. Our study suggests a weak association between DM and cancer in Afro-Caribbean patients. These results may be explained by the features of the disease seen in these patients (female gender, young age at onset, associated connective tissue disease) and the low prevalence in the Caribbean region of cancers typically associated with DM. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Clinical characteristics of lung abscess in children: 15-year experience at two university hospitals

PubMed Central

Choi, Mi Suk; Chun, Ji Hye; Lee, Kyung Suk; Rha, Yeong Ho

2015-01-01

Purpose Information on the clinical features of lung abscess, which is uncommon in children, at hospitalizationis helpful to anticipate the disease course and management. There is no report concerning lung abscess in Korean children. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of pediatric lung abscess and compare the difference between primary and secondary abscess groups. Methods The medical records of 11 lung abscess patients (7 males and 4 females) from March 1998 to August 2011 at two university hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, symptoms, underlying disease, laboratory and radiologic findings, microbiological results, and treatments were examined. Results Six patients had underlying structural-related problems (e.g., skeletal anomalies). No immunologic or hematologic problem was recorded. The mean ages of the primary and secondary groups were 2.4 and 5.3 years, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (22.8 days vs. 21.4 days). Immunologic studies were performed in 3 patients; the results were within the normal range. Most patients had prominent leukocytosis. Seven and 4 patients had right and left lung abscess, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and antimycoplasma antibodies were detected in both groups. Two patients with primary lung abscess were administered antibiotics in the absence of other procedures, while 8 underwent interventional procedures, including 5 with secondary abscess. Conclusion The most common symptoms were fever and cough. All patients in the primary group were younger than 3 years. Structural problems were dominant. Most patients required interventional procedures and antibiotics. PMID:26770223

Clinical characteristics of lung abscess in children: 15-year experience at two university hospitals.

PubMed

Choi, Mi Suk; Chun, Ji Hye; Lee, Kyung Suk; Rha, Yeong Ho; Choi, Sun Hee

2015-12-01

Information on the clinical features of lung abscess, which is uncommon in children, at hospitalizationis helpful to anticipate the disease course and management. There is no report concerning lung abscess in Korean children. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of pediatric lung abscess and compare the difference between primary and secondary abscess groups. The medical records of 11 lung abscess patients (7 males and 4 females) from March 1998 to August 2011 at two university hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, symptoms, underlying disease, laboratory and radiologic findings, microbiological results, and treatments were examined. Six patients had underlying structural-related problems (e.g., skeletal anomalies). No immunologic or hematologic problem was recorded. The mean ages of the primary and secondary groups were 2.4 and 5.3 years, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean length of hospital stay was similar in both groups (22.8 days vs. 21.4 days). Immunologic studies were performed in 3 patients; the results were within the normal range. Most patients had prominent leukocytosis. Seven and 4 patients had right and left lung abscess, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and antimycoplasma antibodies were detected in both groups. Two patients with primary lung abscess were administered antibiotics in the absence of other procedures, while 8 underwent interventional procedures, including 5 with secondary abscess. The most common symptoms were fever and cough. All patients in the primary group were younger than 3 years. Structural problems were dominant. Most patients required interventional procedures and antibiotics.

The clinical manifestations and survival of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Turkey: report from two centers.

PubMed

Pamuk, O N; Akbay, F G; Dönmez, S; Yilmaz, N; Calayir, G B; Yavuz, S

2013-11-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a variety of clinical features. Survival has become longer as a result of better treatment modalities and better supportive care. There is no information on survival of SLE patients in Turkey. We evaluated clinical features and survival in SLE patients in two rheumatology departments. All SLE patients being followed up by the Department of Rheumatology, Trakya University Medical Faculty, and the Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, over the 1996-2012 period were included. Patients were diagnosed with SLE if they fulfilled at least four American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The clinical and laboratory features, mortality data were obtained from medical charts. We had 428 SLE patients, and women (399 patients, 93.2%) far outnumbered men (29 patients, 6.8%). The mean age at the time of SLE diagnosis was 40.3 ± 12.4 years. The most frequent clinical manifestations were arthritis (76.9%) and photosensitivity (70.1%). Renal disease was present in 32.9% of patients and neurological involvement in 12.9% of patients. After a median follow-up of 60 months, 19 patients died. The most frequent causes of death were ischemic heart disease, chronic renal failure and sepsis. The rate of five-year survival was 96%; 10-year survival, 92%; and 15-year survival, 88.8%. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that serositis at the time of diagnosis, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score 6, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia were independent prognostic factors. Data from two centers in Northwestern Turkey show that the mortality rate for SLE is similar to the rate in Western countries.

Teaching Laboratory Renovation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al-Zuhairi, Ali Jassim; Al-Dahhan, Wedad; Hussein, Falah

Scientists at universities across Iraq are actively working to report actual incidents and accidents occurring in their laboratories, as well as structural improvements made to improve safety and security, to raise awareness and encourage openness, leading to widespread adoption of robust Chemical Safety and Security (CSS) practices. The improvement of students’ understanding of concepts in science and its applications, practical scientific skills and understanding of how science and scientists work in laboratory experiences have been considered key aspects of education in science for over 100 years. Facility requirements for the necessary level of safety and security combined with specific requirementsmore » relevant to the course to be conducted dictate the structural design of a particular laboratory, and the design process must address both. This manuscript is the second in a series of five case studies describing laboratory incidents, accidents, and laboratory improvements. We summarize the process used to guide a major renovation of the chemistry instructional laboratory facilities at Al-Nahrain University and discuss lessons learned from the project.« less

Asking the next generation: the implementation of pre-university students’ ideas about physics laboratory preparation exercises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunnett, K.; Bartlett, P. A.

2018-01-01

It was planned to introduce online pre-laboratory session activities to a first-year undergraduate physics laboratory course to encourage a minimum level of student preparation for experiments outside the laboratory environment. A group of 16 and 17 year old laboratory work-experience students were tasked to define and design a pre-laboratory activity based on experiments that they had been undertaking. This informed the structure, content and aims of the activities introduced to a first year physics undergraduate laboratory course, with the particular focus on practising the data handling. An implementation study showed how students could try to optimise high grades, rather than gain efficiency-enhancing experience if careful controls were not put in place by assessors. However, the work demonstrated that pre-university and first-year physics students can take an active role in developing scaffolding activities that can help to improve the performance of those that follow their footsteps.

Reliability of the Superimposed-Burst Technique in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Technical Report.

PubMed

Norte, Grant E; Frye, Jamie L; Hart, Joseph M

2015-11-01

The superimposed-burst (SIB) technique is commonly used to quantify central activation failure after knee-joint injury, but its reliability has not been established in pathologic cohorts. To assess within-session and between-sessions reliability of the SIB technique in patients with patellofemoral pain. Descriptive laboratory study. University laboratory. A total of 10 patients with self-reported patellofemoral pain (1 man, 9 women; age = 24.1 ± 3.8 years, height = 167.8 ± 15.2 cm, mass = 71.6 ± 17.5 kg) and 10 healthy control participants (3 men, 7 women; age = 27.4 ± 5.0 years, height = 173.5 ± 9.9 cm, mass = 78.2 ± 16.5 kg) volunteered. Participants were assessed at 6 intervals spanning 21 days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs [3,3]) were used to assess reliability. Quadriceps central activation ratio, knee-extension maximal voluntary isometric contraction force, and SIB force. The quadriceps central activation ratio was highly reliable within session (ICC [3,3] = 0.97) and between sessions through day 21 (ICC [3,3] = 0.90-0.95). Acceptable reliability of knee extension (ICC [3,3] = 0.75-0.91) and SIB force (ICC [3,3] = 0.77-0.89) was observed through day 21. The SIB technique was reliable for clinical research up to 21 days in patients with patellofemoral pain.

Cost analysis of hospitalized Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

PubMed Central

Hübner, Claudia; Hübner, Nils-Olaf; Muhr, Michaela; Claus, Franziska; Leesch, Henning; Kramer, Axel; Flessa, Steffen

2015-01-01

Aim: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) causes heavy financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. As with all hospital-acquired infections, prolonged hospital stays are the main cost driver. Previous cost studies only include hospital billing data and compare the length of stay in contrast to non-infected patients. To date, a survey of actual cost has not yet been conducted. Method: A retrospective analysis of data for patients with nosocomial CDAD was carried out over a 1-year period at the University Hospital of Greifswald. Based on identification of CDAD related treatment processes, cost of hygienic measures, antibiotics and laboratory as well as revenue losses due to bed blockage and increased length of stay were calculated. Results: 19 patients were included in the analysis. On average, a CDAD patient causes additional costs of € 5,262.96. Revenue losses due to extended length of stay take the highest proportion with € 2,555.59 per case, followed by loss in revenue due to bed blockage during isolation with € 2,413.08 per case. Overall, these opportunity costs accounted for 94.41% of total costs. In contrast, costs for hygienic measures (€ 253.98), pharmaceuticals (€ 22.88) and laboratory (€ 17.44) are quite low. Conclusion: CDAD results in significant additional costs for the hospital. This survey of actual costs confirms previous study results. PMID:26550553

Identification and Fibrosis Staging of Hepatitis C Patients Using the Electronic Medical Record System.

PubMed

Anand, Vijay; Hyun, Christian; Khan, Qasim M; Hall, Curtis; Hessefort, Norbert; Sonnenberg, Amnon; Fimmel, Claus J

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to noninvasively assess the severity of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in large patient populations. It would be helpful if fibrosis scores could be calculated solely on the basis of data contained in the patients' electronic medical records (EMR). We performed a pilot study to identify all HCV-infected patients in a large health care system, and predict their fibrosis stage on the basis of demographic and laboratory data using common data from their EMR. HCV-infected patients were identified using the EMR. The liver biopsies of 191 HCV patients were graded using the Ishak and Metavir scoring systems. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted from the EMR and used to calculate the aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, Fib-4, Fibrosis Index, Forns, Göteborg University Cirrhosis Index, Lok Index, and Vira-HepC. In total, 869 HCV-infected patients were identified from a population of over 1 million. In the subgroup of patients with liver biopsies, all 7 algorithms were significantly correlated with the fibrosis stage. The degree of correlation was moderate, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.22 to 0.60. For the detection of advanced fibrosis (Metavir 3 or 4), the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranged from 0.71 to 0.84, with no significant differences between the individual scores. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were within the previously reported range. All scores tended to perform better for higher fibrosis stages. Our study demonstrates that HCV-infected patients can be identified and their fibrosis staged using commonly available EMR-based algorithms.

Asking the Next Generation: The Implementation of Pre-University Students' Ideas about Physics Laboratory Preparation Exercises

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunnett, K.; Bartlett, P. A.

2018-01-01

It was planned to introduce online pre-laboratory session activities to a first-year undergraduate physics laboratory course to encourage a minimum level of student preparation for experiments outside the laboratory environment. A group of 16 and 17 year old laboratory work-experience students were tasked to define and design a pre-laboratory…

Naval stores research at the Forest Products Laboratory, past and present

Treesearch

Duane F. Zinkel

1987-01-01

As many of you may not be familiar with Forest Products Laboratory, allow me to introduce it to you. The Forest Products Laboratory is a Federal government laboratory of the United States Department of Agriculture and, more specifically, of the Forest Service. The Laboratory was built in Madison, Wisconsin in close cooperation with the University of Wisconsin to serve...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trinklei, Eddy; Parker, Gordon; Weaver, Wayne

This report presents a scoping study for networked microgrids which are defined as "Interoperable groups of multiple Advanced Microgrids that become an integral part of the electricity grid while providing enhanced resiliency through self-healing, aggregated ancillary services, and real-time communication." They result in optimal electrical system configurations and controls whether grid-connected or in islanded modes and enable high penetrations of distributed and renewable energy resources. The vision for the purpose of this document is: "Networked microgrids seamlessly integrate with the electricity grid or other Electric Power Sources (EPS) providing cost effective, high quality, reliable, resilient, self-healing power delivery systems." Scopingmore » Study: Networked Microgrids September 4, 2014 Eddy Trinklein, Michigan Technological University Gordon Parker, Michigan Technological University Wayne Weaver, Michigan Technological University Rush Robinett, Michigan Technological University Lucia Gauchia Babe, Michigan Technological University Chee-Wooi Ten, Michigan Technological University Ward Bower, Ward Bower Innovations LLC Steve Glover, Sandia National Laboratories Steve Bukowski, Sandia National Laboratories Prepared by Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan 49931 Michigan Technological University« less

Optimizing physician access to surgical intensive care unit laboratory information through mobile computing.

PubMed

Strain, J J; Felciano, R M; Seiver, A; Acuff, R; Fagan, L

1996-01-01

Approximately 30 minutes of computer access time are required by surgical residents at Stanford University Medical Center (SUMC) to examine the lab values of all patients on a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) service, a task that must be performed several times a day. To reduce the time accessing this information and simultaneously increase the readability and currency of the data, we have created a mobile, pen-based user interface and software system that delivers lab results to surgeons in the ICU. The ScroungeMaster system, loaded on a portable tablet computer, retrieves lab results for a subset of patients from the central laboratory computer and stores them in a local database cache. The cache can be updated on command; this update takes approximately 2.7 minutes for all ICU patients being followed by the surgeon, and can be performed as a background task while the user continues to access selected lab results. The user interface presents lab results according to physiologic system. Which labs are displayed first is governed by a layout selection algorithm based on previous accesses to the patient's lab information, physician preferences, and the nature of the patient's medical condition. Initial evaluation of the system has shown that physicians prefer the ScroungeMaster interface to that of existing systems at SUMC and are satisfied with the system's performance. We discuss the evolution of ScroungeMaster and make observations on changes to physician work flow with the presence of mobile, pen-based computing in the ICU.

Measuring Equilibrium Binding Affinity of Biological Macromolecules in Solution by Thermophoresis

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-18

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: The primary research focus of the San Diego State University (SDSU) Structural Biochemistry Laboratory led by Dr. Tom...U.S. Army Research Office P.O. Box 12211 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211 Biochemistry , Biophysics, Fluorescence, IkappaB Kinase...University (SDSU) Structural Biochemistry Laboratory led by Dr. Tom Huxford is to understand how the assembly of macromolecular complexes gives rise

The Dewey School as Triumph, Tragedy, and Misunderstood: Exploring the Myths and Historiography of the University of Chicago Laboratory School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fallace, Thomas; Fantozzi, Victoria

2017-01-01

Background/Context: Over the last century, perhaps no school in American history has been studied more than John Dewey's Laboratory School at the University of Chicago (1896-1904). Scholars have published dozens of articles, books, essays, and assessments of a school that existed for only seven and a half years. Purpose/Objective/Research…

Investigation of a pseudo-outbreak of orthopedic infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Forman, W; Axelrod, P; St John, K; Kostman, J; Khater, C; Woodwell, J; Vitagliano, R; Truant, A; Satishchandran, V; Fekete, T

1994-10-01

To report a pseudoepidemic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections discovered during an investigation of postoperative joint infections. A retrospective review of case patients' hospital charts, operative reports, and laboratory data, as well as environmental culturing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyping of outbreak isolates, and in vitro analysis of P aeruginosa growth characteristics. A 510-bed, university-affiliated adult tertiary care hospital. Between October 1 and December 1, 1992, seven postsurgical joint infections were diagnosed, including four caused by P aeruginosa. A bottle of "sterile" saline used to process tissue specimens was found to be contaminated with P aeruginosa. Further investigation revealed that P aeruginosa had grown from seven additional tissue cultures, all of which had been processed with the contaminated saline. PCR ribotypes of the contaminant matched those of the clinical isolates. In vitro, P aeruginosa strains were viable in commercial nonbacteriostatic saline, but never caused visible turbidity. Six patients received antibiotics for their presumed infections; four patients had peripherally inserted central catheters placed, and one experienced severe anaphylactic reactions to several antibiotics. Pseudoepidemics due to common organisms are often difficult to detect, and delayed recognition can result in substantial morbidity. This outbreak investigation illustrates the potential for contamination of diluents in the microbiology laboratory and emphasizes the need for meticulous quality control.

Voss and Kelly in the Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-19

STS102-E-5310 (19 March 2001) --- Astronauts James S. Voss (left) and James M. Kelly share a friendly moment onboard the International Space Station's U.S. laboratory Destiny in spite of the long-standing academic/athletic rivalry between their respective alma maters--Auburn University and the University of Alabama. Voss, STS-102 mission specialist-turned Expedition Two flight engineer and a 1972 alumnus of Auburn with a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering, sports a T-shirt paying tribute to his university. Kelly, STS-102 pilot and masters of science degree graduate in aerospace engineering from the University of Alabama in 1996, is wearing a cap from that institution of higher learning.

Voss and Kelly in the Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-03-19

STS102-E-5307 (19 March 2001) --- Astronauts James S. Voss (left) and James M. Kelly share a friendly moment onboard the International Space Station's U.S. laboratory Destiny in spite of the long-standing academic/athletic rivalry between their respective alma maters--Auburn University and the University of Alabama. Voss, STS-102 mission specialist-turned Expedition Two flight engineer and a 1972 alumnus of Auburn with a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering, sports a T-shirt paying tribute to his university. Kelly, STS-102 pilot and masters of science degree graduate in aerospace engineering from the University of Alabama in 1996, is wearing a cap from that institution of higher learning.

SAFETY IN THE DESIGN OF SCIENCE LABORATORIES AND BUILDING CODES.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

HOROWITZ, HAROLD

THE DESIGN OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS USED FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IS DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF LABORATORY SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS. MAJOR TOPIC AREAS ARE--(1) SAFETY RELATED DESIGN FEATURES OF SCIENCE LABORATORIES, (2) LABORATORY SAFETY AND BUILDING CODES, AND (3) EVIDENCE OF UNSAFE DESIGN. EXAMPLES EMPHASIZE…

Characterizing Instructional Practices in the Laboratory: The Laboratory Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velasco, Jonathan B.; Knedeisen, Adam; Xue, Dihua; Vickrey, Trisha L.; Abebe, Marytza; Stains, Marilyne

2016-01-01

Chemistry laboratories play an essential role in the education of undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM students. The extent of student learning in any educational environment depends largely on the effectiveness of the instructors. In chemistry laboratories at large universities, the instructors of…

40 CFR 262.103 - What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.103 What is the scope... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard? 262.103 Section 262.103 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

40 CFR 262.103 - What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.103 What is the scope... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard? 262.103 Section 262.103 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

40 CFR 262.103 - What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.103 What is the scope... 40 Protection of Environment 27 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard? 262.103 Section 262.103 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

40 CFR 262.103 - What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.103 What is the scope... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What is the scope of the laboratory environmental management standard? 262.103 Section 262.103 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION...

Teaching Engineering Design in a Laboratory Setting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hummon, Norman P.; Bullen, A. G. R.

1974-01-01

Discusses the establishment of an environmental systems laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh with the support of the Sloan Foundation. Indicates that the "real world" can be brought into the laboratory by simulating on computers, software systems, and data bases. (CC)

Thomas Addis, MD (1881-1949): Scottish-American clinical laboratory researcher, social activist and pioneer of renal medicine.

PubMed

Boulton, Frank E

2011-01-01

Addis was born and educated in Edinburgh, from the University of which he graduated MB in 1905, and MD in 1908, in which year he also gained membership of Edinburgh's Royal College of Physicians. After researching disordered haemostasis associated with various clinical conditions, he spent over a year in Germany: in Berlin with Dr. E.L. Salkowski learning urinalysis and at Heidelberg under Ludolph von Krehl studying haemophilics. Back in Edinburgh he concluded that the ultimate cause of haemophilia was an 'anatomical defect in the molecule of prothrombin'. He was the first to monitor the effects on plasma clotting times of transfusion of anticoagulated blood into a haemophilic. In 1911 he was recruited by Ray Lyman Wilbur, the first dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine, to investigate metabolic disorders including jaundice, diabetes and ultimately chronic renal disease. In 1917 he described the 'urea ratio'--the mathematical and conceptual forerunner of clearance formulae--and over the next 30 years developed a combined clinical and laboratory service for patients with inexorably failing kidneys. He devised an effective, rational and individually based dietary treatment--some patients such as Linus Pauling, who presented in 1941 with marked nephrosis, responded completely. Addis' Calvinist upbringing gave him a strong sense of 'mission' which during the American Depression developed into support for poverty-stricken workers in America, and against the fascists in Spain. He died before the full development of the 'McCarthy Witch Hunts' of the 1950s, although many associates, including Robert Oppenheimer, were interrogated.

Home sleep studies in the assessment of sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome.

PubMed

Golpe, Rafael; Jiménez, Antonio; Carpizo, Rosario

2002-10-01

To determine the clinical utility of a limited sleep-recording device used unsupervised in the patient's home, compared with in-laboratory, fully supervised polysomnography for the diagnosis of sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), and to assess its impact on costs. Prospective case study. The sleep-disorders unit of a tertiary referral university hospital. Fifty-five patients suspected of having SAHS and living within 30 km of our laboratory. Patients were studied first in their homes with the limited sleep-recording device. Polysomnography was performed within 30 days of the first study. Both studies were read by independent investigators blinded to the results of the other study. Diagnoses and therapeutic decisions regarding the use of continuous positive airway pressure obtained from the home and laboratory studies were compared. Agreement between the home and laboratory study recordings was also assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Bland-Altman analysis. One half of the home studies were randomly assigned to be performed with a sleep technician's set up of the equipment in the patient's home (group 1), and the other half with the patient's own setup of the sleep-recording device (group 2), after an instruction period in the hospital. An economic analysis was performed, considering the cost of repeating studies in cases with faulty or inconclusive home studies (these patients should undergo polysomnography as a second step). Seven percent of the home studies in group 1, and 33% in group 2 produced no interpretable data because of artifacts (p < 0.05). Sixteen percent of the home study findings were inconclusive. The diagnosis obtained from the limited sleep-recording device and polysomnography agreed in 75% of the interpretable home studies (89%, if inconclusive home studies were excluded). The area under the ROC curve for the home study-derived parameters was between 0.84 and 0.89, compared with polysomnography. There was no bias between home and polysomnography studies in the Bland-Altman plot. The cost per study of home study recordings was less expensive than that of polysomnography (143.86 euros), either with (93.08 euros) or without (129.97 euros) intervention of the technician in the patient's home. Home sleep studies are a viable form of diagnosing SAHS, and are less expensive than polysomnography. Intervention of a sleep technician in the patient's home was the least expensive strategy, because of the high percentages of faulty studies with the patient's own setup of the equipment, when using the limited sleep-recording device.

Joint and fascial chronic graft-vs-host disease: correlations with clinical and laboratory parameters

PubMed Central

Vukić, Tamara; Smith, Sean Robinson; Ljubas Kelečić, Dina; Desnica, Lana; Prenc, Ema; Pulanić, Dražen; Vrhovac, Radovan; Nemet, Damir; Pavletic, Steven Z.

2016-01-01

Aim To determine if there are correlations between joint and fascial chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) with clinical findings, laboratory parameters, and measures of functional capacity. Methods 29 patients were diagnosed with cGVHD based on National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Criteria at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb from October 2013 to October 2015. Physical examination, including functional measures such as 2-minute walk test and hand grip strength, as well as laboratory tests were performed. The relationship between these evaluations and the severity of joint and fascial cGVHD was tested by logistical regression analysis. Results 12 of 29 patients (41.3%) had joint and fascial cGVHD diagnosed according to NIH Consensus Criteria. There was a significant positive correlation of joint and fascial cGVHD and skin cGVHD (P < 0.001), serum C3 complement level (P = 0.045), and leukocytes (P = 0.032). There was a significant negative correlation between 2-minute walk test (P = 0.016), percentage of cytotoxic T cells CD3+/CD8+ (P = 0.022), serum albumin (P = 0.047), and Karnofsky score (P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression model found that a significant predictor for joint and fascial cGVHD was cGVHD skin involvement (odds ratio, 7.79; 95 confidence interval 1.87-32.56; P = 0.005). Conclusion Joint and fascial cGVHD manifestations correlated with multiple laboratory measurements, clinical features, and cGVHD skin involvement, which was a significant predictor for joint and fascial cGVHD. PMID:27374828

Electronic laboratory quality assurance program: A method of enhancing the prosthodontic curriculum and addressing accreditation standards.

PubMed

Moghadam, Marjan; Jahangiri, Leila

2015-08-01

An electronic quality assurance (eQA) program was developed to replace a paper-based system and to address standards introduced by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and to improve educational outcomes. This eQA program provides feedback to predoctoral dental students on prosthodontic laboratory steps at New York University College of Dentistry. The purpose of this study was to compare the eQA program of performing laboratory quality assurance with the former paper-based format. Fourth-year predoctoral dental students (n=334) who experienced both the paper-based and the electronic version of the quality assurance program were surveyed about their experiences. Additionally, data extracted from the eQA program were analyzed to identify areas of weakness in the curriculum. The study findings revealed that 73.8% of the students preferred the eQA program to the paper-based version. The average number of treatments that did not pass quality assurance standards was 119.5 per month. This indicated a 6.34% laboratory failure rate. Further analysis of these data revealed that 62.1% of the errors were related to fixed prosthodontic treatment, 27.9% to partial removable dental prostheses, and 10% to complete removable dental prostheses in the first 18 months of program implementation. The eQA program was favored by dental students who have experienced both electronic and paper-based versions of the system. Error type analysis can yield the ability to create customized faculty standardization sessions and refine the didactic and clinical teaching of the predoctoral students. This program was also able to link patient care activity with the student's laboratory activities, thus addressing the latest requirements of the CODA regarding the competence of graduates in evaluating laboratory work related to their patient care. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

76 FR 21906 - Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-19

... at Carnegie Mellon University will investigate several independent variables relevant to Instance... Laboratory conducted this research with a total of 28 students from Carnegie Mellon University and the... online research participant pool from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh to...

The quality and scope of information provided by medical laboratories to patients before laboratory testing: Survey of the Working Group for Patient Preparation of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

PubMed

Nikolac, Nora; Simundic, Ana-Maria; Kackov, Sanja; Serdar, Tihana; Dorotic, Adrijana; Fumic, Ksenija; Gudasic-Vrdoljak, Jelena; Klenkar, Kornelija; Sambunjak, Jadranka; Vidranski, Valentina

2015-10-23

The aim of this work was to evaluate to what extent the scope and content of information provided to patients is standardized across medical biochemistry laboratories in Croatia. Two on-line self-report surveys were sent out: Survey A regarding attitudes on importance of patient preparation and Survey B on the contents of patient preparation instructions. 13/118 laboratories (11%) do not provide written instructions to patients on how to prepare for laboratory testing, and 36 (40%) do not include information about water intake in their instructions. Only half of laboratories provide instructions for prostate-specific antigen (53.8%), female sex hormones (53.7%) and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) (52.5%). Inadequate information about fasting status (55.0%) and 24 hour urine collection (77.9%) were frequent errors with high severity and were associated with the greatest potential to cause patient harm. Laboratory professionals in Croatia have a positive attitude towards the importance of patient preparation for laboratory testing. However, the information for laboratory testing is not standardized and frequently lacks guidance for tests related to TDM, coagulation and endocrinology. This study highlights the need for standardized, updated and evidence-based recommendations for patient preparation in order to minimize the risk for patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

University of Oregon: GPS-based Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV)

DOE Data Explorer

Vignola, F.; Andreas, A.

2013-08-22

A partnership with the University of Oregon and U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to collect Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) data to compliment existing resource assessment data collection by the university.

Virtual laboratory learning media development to improve science literacy skills of mechanical engineering students on basic physics concept of material measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jannati, E. D.; Setiawan, A.; Siahaan, P.; Rochman, C.

2018-05-01

This study aims to determine the description of virtual laboratory learning media development to improve science literacy skills of Mechanical Engineering students on the concept of basic Physics. Quasi experimental method was employed in this research. The participants of this research were first semester students of mechanical engineering in Majalengka University. The research instrument was readability test of instructional media. The results of virtual laboratory learning media readability test show that the average score is 78.5%. It indicates that virtual laboratory learning media development are feasible to be used in improving science literacy skill of Mechanical Engineering students in Majalengka University, specifically on basic Physics concepts of material measurement.

Distribution of yeast-like fungi at a university hospital in Turkey.

PubMed

Ece, Gulfem

2014-12-01

The increased life span has led to application of more invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment of particularly immunosuppressed individuals. This situation drew more attention to fungal infections due to existence of yeast-like fungi. Candida infections have increased due to transplant in patients, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and invasive procedures. Recently, identification of yeast-like fungi as well as antifungal susceptibility test has been gaining more importance. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution of yeast-like fungi strains isolated from blood, urine, wound and respiratory specimens, which were sent from various departments of Izmir University School of Medicine University Hospital. The 262 yeast strains (of 13860 clinical specimens), isolated during 30.05.2012-20.05.2013, which were sent from various departments of Izmir University School of Medicine to Medical Microbiology Laboratory, were included in this study. Blood, wound, respiratory (sputum, tracheal secretion), and urine specimens were cultivated on blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated for 24-48 hours at 37°C. The isolates were cultivated on CHROMagar Candida and Cornmeal Tween 80 medium for identification. Besides, the automatized Vitek version 2.0 system was used for identification of the yeast strains as well as the antifungal susceptibility of blood culture strains. A total of 262 strains, isolated from the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Unit, as well as from the departments of Hematology, Urology, Infectious Diseases, Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Ear Nose and Throat, were included in this study. The most common isolated yeast-like species was Candida albicans. C. parapsilosis was the most common yeast-like fungus isolated from blood cultures. All the blood culture strains were susceptible to amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole and voriconazole. Candida strains isolated from newborns, elderly patients, and intensive care patients, identified and isolates from blood cultures, should be studied for antifungal susceptibility for management of the treatment. Our University Hospital is a recently opened center and these are the first data of our center. Gradually, as the number of patients increases, this data will be evaluated further.

Distribution of Yeast-Like Fungi at a University Hospital in Turkey

PubMed Central

Ece, Gulfem

2014-01-01

Background: The increased life span has led to application of more invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment of particularly immunosuppressed individuals. This situation drew more attention to fungal infections due to existence of yeast-like fungi. Candida infections have increased due to transplant in patients, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and invasive procedures. Recently, identification of yeast-like fungi as well as antifungal susceptibility test has been gaining more importance. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution of yeast-like fungi strains isolated from blood, urine, wound and respiratory specimens, which were sent from various departments of Izmir University School of Medicine University Hospital. Materials and Methods: The 262 yeast strains (of 13860 clinical specimens), isolated during 30.05.2012-20.05.2013, which were sent from various departments of Izmir University School of Medicine to Medical Microbiology Laboratory, were included in this study. Blood, wound, respiratory (sputum, tracheal secretion), and urine specimens were cultivated on blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated for 24-48 hours at 37°C. The isolates were cultivated on CHROMagar Candida and Cornmeal Tween 80 medium for identification. Besides, the automatized Vitek version 2.0 system was used for identification of the yeast strains as well as the antifungal susceptibility of blood culture strains. Results: A total of 262 strains, isolated from the Anesthesiology and Reanimation Unit, as well as from the departments of Hematology, Urology, Infectious Diseases, Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Ear Nose and Throat, were included in this study. The most common isolated yeast-like species was Candida albicans. C. parapsilosis was the most common yeast-like fungus isolated from blood cultures. All the blood culture strains were susceptible to amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole and voriconazole. Conclusions: Candida strains isolated from newborns, elderly patients, and intensive care patients, identified and isolates from blood cultures, should be studied for antifungal susceptibility for management of the treatment. Our University Hospital is a recently opened center and these are the first data of our center. Gradually, as the number of patients increases, this data will be evaluated further. PMID:25741432

Laboratory Safety Monitoring of Chronic Medications in Ambulatory Care Settings

PubMed Central

Hurley, Judith S; Roberts, Melissa; Solberg, Leif I; Gunter, Margaret J; Nelson, Winnie W; Young, Linda; Frost, Floyd J

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate laboratory safety monitoring in patients taking selected chronic prescription drugs. DESIGN Retrospective study using 1999–2001 claims data to calculate rates of missed laboratory tests (potential laboratory monitoring errors). Eleven drugs/drug groups and 64 laboratory tests were evaluated. SETTING Two staff/network model health maintenance organizations. PATIENTS Continuously enrolled health plan members age≥19 years taking ≥1 chronic medications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Among patients taking chronic medications (N=29,823 in 1999, N=32,423 in 2000, and N=36,811 in 2001), 47.1% in 1999, 45.0% in 2000, and 44.0% in 2001 did not receive ≥1 test recommended for safety monitoring. Taking into account that patients were sometimes missing more than 1 test for a given drug and that patients were frequently taking multiple drugs, the rate of all potential laboratory monitoring errors was 849/1,000 patients/year in 1999, 810/1,000 patients/year in 2000, and 797/1,000 patients/year in 2001. Rates of potential laboratory monitoring errors varied considerably across individual drugs and laboratory tests. CONCLUSIONS Lapses in laboratory monitoring of patients taking selected chronic medications were common. Further research is needed to determine whether, and to what extent, this failure to monitor patients is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. PMID:15857489

Study of nosocomial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus with special reference to methicillin resistant S. aureus in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

PubMed

Shrestha, B; Pokhrel, B; Mohapatra, T

2009-06-01

To find out the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial infection and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), clinical samples from nosocomially infected patients were processed by following standard methodology in microbiology laboratory, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Of 149 S. aureus isolates, skin infection isolates contributed a major part 72.5% making nosocomial infection by S. aureus most prevalent in skin infection followed by lower respiratory tract infection 11.41% and urinary tract infection 8.7%. Overall MRSA prevalence was 45.0%. MRSA prevalence was 42.6% in skin infection, 82.3% in lower respiratory tract infection and 30.8% in urinary tract infection. MRSA infection was found associated with lower respiratory tract infection only. Highest occurrence of nosocomial infection was observed in female surgical ward, surgical out patient department, orthopedic ward, male surgical ward and maternity ward. MRSA isolation was high from lower respiratory tract of patients admitted in intensive care unit, coronary care unit, Sub-acute intensive care unit, intermediate coronary care unit, neurology ward and post-operative ward. Whereas methicillin sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) occurrence was higher in patients admitted in orthopedic, Surgical out patient department, and female surgical ward. The occurrence of MRSA did not differ with age but MRSA was found associated with male patients and MSSA was associated with female patients. Since MRSA prevalence was high, regular surveillance of MRSA and nosocomial infections should be done and universal precautions to control nosocomial infections should be followed.

Bone mineral density status and frequency of osteoporosis and clinical fractures in 155 patients with psoriatic arthritis followed in a university hospital.

PubMed

Busquets, Noemi; Vaquero, Carmen Gómez; Moreno, Jesús Rodríguez; Vilaseca, Daniel Roig; Narváez, Javier; Carmona, Loreto; Nolla, Joan M

2014-01-01

To assess the bone mineral density (BMD) and the frequency of osteoporosis and clinical fractures in a large group of Spanish patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). BMD was determined by DXA in all the patients who were willing to participate and had peripheral PsA regularly evaluated in a tertiary university hospital. All patients underwent a physical examination and general laboratory analysis. We gathered demographic and clinical variables related with BMD and risk of fractures. We also recorded the history of clinical low impact fractures. The population of reference to calculate T-score and Z-score came from a Spanish database. One hundred and fifty-five patients were included (64 postmenopausal women, 26 premenopausal women and 65 men). The clinical forms of PsA were: 46% oligoarticular and 54% polyarticular. Mean disease duration was 13.7±9.4 years and mean ESR was 21.8±13.9mm/h; 66% of patients had received glucocorticoid treatment. We found no differences in BMD status between the patients and the Spanish general population, neither in the whole series nor in each defined subgroup. Frequency of osteoporosis was 16%; it was higher in postmenopausal women (28%) than in men (9%) or premenopausal women (4%). Frequency of clinical fractures was 13%; it accounted specially in postmenopausal women. The magnitude of the problem of osteoporosis in PsA seems to be mild. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

An analysis of nursing students' decision-making in teams during simulations of acute patient deterioration.

PubMed

Bucknall, Tracey K; Forbes, Helen; Phillips, Nicole M; Hewitt, Nicky A; Cooper, Simon; Bogossian, Fiona

2016-10-01

The aim of this study was to examine the decision-making of nursing students during team based simulations on patient deterioration to determine the sources of information, the types of decisions made and the influences underpinning their decisions. Missed, misinterpreted or mismanaged physiological signs of deterioration in hospitalized patients lead to costly serious adverse events. Not surprisingly, an increased focus on clinical education and graduate nurse work readiness has resulted. A descriptive exploratory design. Clinical simulation laboratories in three Australian universities were used to run team based simulations with a patient actor. A convenience sample of 97 final-year nursing students completed simulations, with three students forming a team. Four teams from each university were randomly selected for detailed analysis. Cued recall during video review of team based simulation exercises to elicit descriptions of individual and team based decision-making and reflections on performance were audio-recorded post simulation (2012) and transcribed. Students recalled 11 types of decisions, including: information seeking; patient assessment; diagnostic; intervention/treatment; evaluation; escalation; prediction; planning; collaboration; communication and reflective. Patient distress, uncertainty and a lack of knowledge were frequently recalled influences on decisions. Incomplete information, premature diagnosis and a failure to consider alternatives when caring for patients is likely to lead to poor quality decisions. All health professionals have a responsibility in recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration within their scope of practice. A typology of nursing students' decision-making in teams, in this context, highlights the importance of individual knowledge, leadership and communication. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Computer-aided psychotherapy based on multimodal elicitation, estimation and regulation of emotion.

PubMed

Cosić, Krešimir; Popović, Siniša; Horvat, Marko; Kukolja, Davor; Dropuljić, Branimir; Kovač, Bernard; Jakovljević, Miro

2013-09-01

Contemporary psychiatry is looking at affective sciences to understand human behavior, cognition and the mind in health and disease. Since it has been recognized that emotions have a pivotal role for the human mind, an ever increasing number of laboratories and research centers are interested in affective sciences, affective neuroscience, affective psychology and affective psychopathology. Therefore, this paper presents multidisciplinary research results of Laboratory for Interactive Simulation System at Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb in the stress resilience. Patient's distortion in emotional processing of multimodal input stimuli is predominantly consequence of his/her cognitive deficit which is result of their individual mental health disorders. These emotional distortions in patient's multimodal physiological, facial, acoustic, and linguistic features related to presented stimulation can be used as indicator of patient's mental illness. Real-time processing and analysis of patient's multimodal response related to annotated input stimuli is based on appropriate machine learning methods from computer science. Comprehensive longitudinal multimodal analysis of patient's emotion, mood, feelings, attention, motivation, decision-making, and working memory in synchronization with multimodal stimuli provides extremely valuable big database for data mining, machine learning and machine reasoning. Presented multimedia stimuli sequence includes personalized images, movies and sounds, as well as semantically congruent narratives. Simultaneously, with stimuli presentation patient provides subjective emotional ratings of presented stimuli in terms of subjective units of discomfort/distress, discrete emotions, or valence and arousal. These subjective emotional ratings of input stimuli and corresponding physiological, speech, and facial output features provides enough information for evaluation of patient's cognitive appraisal deficit. Aggregated real-time visualization of this information provides valuable assistance in patient mental state diagnostics enabling therapist deeper and broader insights into dynamics and progress of the psychotherapy.

Diagnosis delay and duration of hospitalisation of patients with Buruli ulcer in Nigeria.

PubMed

Meka, Anthony O; Chukwu, Joseph N; Nwafor, Charles C; Oshi, Daniel C; Madichie, Nelson O; Ekeke, Ngozi; Anyim, Moses C; Alphonsus, Chukwuka; Mbah, Obinna; Uzoukwa, Glory C; Njoku, Martin; Ntana, Kentigern; Ukwaja, Kingsley N

2016-09-01

Delayed diagnosis of Buruli ulcer can worsen clinical presentation of the disease, prolong duration of management, and impose avoidable additional costs on patients and health providers. We investigated the profile, delays in diagnosis, duration of hospitalisation, and associated factors among patients with Buruli ulcer in Nigeria. This was a prospective cohort study of patients with Buruli ulcer who were identified from a community-based survey. Data on the patients' clinical profile, delays in diagnosis and duration of hospitalisation were prospectively collected. Of 145 patients notified, 125 (86.2%) were confirmed by one or more laboratory tests (81.4% by PCR). The median age of the patients was 20 years, 88 (60.7%) were >15years old and 85 (58.6%) were females. In addition, 137 (94.5%) were new cases, 119 (82.1%) presented with ulcers and 110 (75.9%) had lower limb lesions. The mean time delay to diagnosis was 50.6 (±101.9) weeks. The mean duration of hospitalisation was 108 (±60) days. Determinants of time delay to diagnosis were higher disease category (p=0.001) and laboratory confirmation of disease (p=0.02). Determinants of longer hospitalisation were; multiple lesions (p=0.035), and having functional limitation at diagnosis and undertaking surgery (p=0.003). Patients with Buruli ulcer have very long time delays to diagnosis and long hospitalisation during treatment. This calls for early case-finding and improved access to Buruli ulcer services in Nigeria. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A rare but serious manifestation of Behçet's disease: intracardiac thrombus in 22 patients.

PubMed

Emmungil, Hakan; Yaşar Bilge, N Şule; Küçükşahin, Orhan; Kılıç, Levent; Okutucu, Sercan; Gücenmez, Sercan; Kalyoncu, Umut; Kaşifoğlu, Timuçin; Turgay, Murat; Aksu, Kenan

2014-01-01

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, multisystemic disorder characterised by recurrent oral aphtous ulcers, genital ulcers and ocular inflammation. Vasculitis and thrombotic events are the most important causes of mortality. Vena cava thrombosis, pulmonary artery aneurysms, Budd-Chiari syndrome, peripheral artery aneurysms, dural sinus thrombosis and abdominal aorta aneurysms are the other less common vascular manifestations of BD. Cardiac involvement in BD is a rare and life-threatening complication. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with BD who have intracardiac thrombus. The hospital files of BD patients followed by rheumatology clinics of four medical centres (Ankara University, Ege University, Hacettepe University and Eskişehir Osmangazi University Hospitals) were retrospectively evaluated. Data included patients' demographic and clinical features, laboratory findings and outcome. All patients fulfilled three or more of the International Study Group Criteria for BD. Twenty-two patients with intracardiac thrombus were evaluated. The mean age of patients with intracardiac thrombosis was 29.1 yrs (22-44) and there was a male predominance with a ratio of 20:2. Cardiac involvement was the first clinical manifestation of BD in 9 of the 22 patients. Initial symptoms of the patients were fever (n=18, 81%), dyspnea (n=9, 40%) chest pain (n=9, 40%) and haemoptysis (n=7, 31.8%). Sixteen patients (72%) had pulmonary arteritis and 10 (45%) patients had venous system lesions included deep vein, inferior vena cava and hepatic vein. Intra-cardiac thrombus were found only in the right cavities in 17 patients (77%), only in the left cavities in 2 patients (9%), and in both left and right cavities of the heart in 3 patients (13.6%). Once the cardiac lesion was diagnosed as a complication of BD, high dose (1mg/kg/d) prednisone (n=22, 100%) plus cyclophosphamide (n=18, 81%) or azathioprine (n=3, 13.6%) and warfarin (n=8, 36.3% (after the elimination of pulmonary aneurysm) therapy for anticoagulation was initiated. Four patients (18%) had high dose prednisone plus cyclophosphamide plus interferon-α (IFN-α) combination treatment and two patients (n=2, 9%) had high dose prednisone plus cyclophosphamide or plus azathioprine combination treatment. After treatment, the intra-cardiac thrombus disappeared in 13 cases and the size of the thrombus reduced in 7 cases. One patient died because of recurrent intra-cardiac thrombus and massive pulmonary arteritis in the emergency department. Intracardiac thrombus in BD is more common in young men. The right side of the heart is usually involved and cardiac involvement is often accompanied by pulmonary artery occlusion possibly due to pulmonary arteritis. Early and aggressive immunosuppressive and/or anticoagulation therapy are life-saving.

DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program FY 2005 Annual Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Program FY 2005 Annual Report chronicles the R&D results of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program for Fiscal Year 2005. In particular, the report describes R&D performed by the Program?s national laboratories (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Brookhaven National Laboratory) and university and industry partners.

The Influence of Laboratory Safety on Capital Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Francis, Robert A.

1980-01-01

Discusses state and federal legislation concerning the handling of dangerous materials and its impact on the design of college and university buildings. Lists federal legislation affecting laboratory safety, the objectives of each act, and the influence of each act on laboratory safety. (IRT)

A Laboratory Safety Program at Delaware.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whitmyre, George; Sandler, Stanley I.

1986-01-01

Describes a laboratory safety program at the University of Delaware. Includes a history of the program's development, along with standard safety training and inspections now being implemented. Outlines a two-day laboratory safety course given to all graduate students and staff in chemical engineering. (TW)

The Language Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hocking, Elton

This condensed article on the language laboratory describes educational and financial possibilities and limitations, often citing the foreign language program at Purdue University as an example. The author discusses: (1) costs and amortization, (2) preventive maintenance, (3) laboratory design, (4) the multichannel recorder, and (5) visuals. Other…

Implementing and Improving Automated Electronic Tumor Molecular Profiling

PubMed Central

Staggs, David B.; Hackett, Lauren; Haberman, Erich; Tod, Mike; Levy, Mia; Warner, Jeremy

2016-01-01

Oncology practice increasingly requires the use of molecular profiling of tumors to inform the use of targeted therapeutics. However, many oncologists use third-party laboratories to perform tumor genomic testing, and these laboratories may not have electronic interfaces with the provider’s electronic medical record (EMR) system. The resultant reporting mechanisms, such as plain-paper faxing, can reduce report fidelity, slow down reporting procedures for a physician’s practice, and make reports less accessible. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and its genomic laboratory testing partner have collaborated to create an automated electronic reporting system that incorporates genetic testing results directly into the clinical EMR. This system was iteratively tested, and causes of failure were discovered and addressed. Most errors were attributable to data entry or typographical errors that made reports unable to be linked to the correct patient in the EMR. By providing direct feedback to providers, we were able to significantly decrease the rate of transmission errors (from 6.29% to 3.84%; P < .001). The results and lessons of 1 year of using the system and transmitting 832 tumor genomic testing reports are reported. PMID:26813927

Implementation of HIV and Tuberculosis Diagnostics: The Importance of Context.

PubMed

Dominique, Joyelle K; Ortiz-Osorno, Alberto A; Fitzgibbon, Joseph; Gnanashanmugam, Devasena; Gilpin, Christopher; Tucker, Timothy; Peel, Sheila; Peter, Trevor; Kim, Peter; Smith, Steven

2015-10-15

Novel diagnostics have been widely applied across human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis prevention and treatment programs. To achieve the greatest impact, HIV and tuberculosis diagnostic programs must carefully plan and implement within the context of a specific healthcare system and the laboratory capacity. A workshop was convened in Cape Town in September 2014. Participants included experts from laboratory and clinical practices, officials from ministries of health, and representatives from industry. The article summarizes best practices, challenges, and lessons learned from implementation experiences across sub-Saharan Africa for (1) building laboratory programs within the context of a healthcare system; (2) utilizing experience of clinicians and healthcare partners in planning and implementing the right diagnostic; and (3) evaluating the effects of new diagnostics on the healthcare system and on patient health outcomes. The successful implementation of HIV and tuberculosis diagnostics in resource-limited settings relies on careful consideration of each specific context. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

Listeriosis--a review of eighty-four cases.

PubMed

Paul, M L; Dwyer, D E; Chow, C; Robson, J; Chambers, I; Eagles, G; Ackerman, V

1994-04-18

To review the epidemiology, risk factors for acquisition, clinical features and outcomes of Listeria monocytogenes infection in Sydney. A retrospective study over the period 1983-1992 at four university teaching hospitals in Sydney. Cases were identified from microbiology laboratory records of the isolation of L. monocytogenes from sterile sites. Eighty-four cases were reviewed, with 72 patients (86%) having a predisposing underlying condition, including 13 perinatal patients (15%). Septicaemia (56%) and central nervous system disease (41%) were the major clinical presentations. Nineteen patients (23%) had hospital-associated infection. A mortality of 21% (18 patients) was directly attributable to L. monocytogenes infection, with another 10% (nine patients) dying of their underlying disease during admission. The 84 cases represented 80% of all L. monocytogenes cases occurring in Sydney during the study period. Listeriosis is predominantly a disease of the elderly or of immunosuppressed individuals, pregnant women and neonates. The presentation and outcome in these groups are similar to those reported in other Western countries. A significant feature of this study was the number of cases occurring in already hospitalised patients, suggesting that L. monocytogenes may be an important hospital-associated pathogen in immunocompromised patients.

University Nanosatellite Program ION-F Constellation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swenson, Charles; Fullmer, Rees; Redd, Frank

2002-01-01

The Space Engineering program at Utah State University has developed a small satellite, known as USUSat, under funding from AFOSR, AFRL, NASA and Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory. This satellite was designed and significantly manufactured by students in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments within the College of Engineering. USUSat is one of three spacecraft being designed for the Ionospheric Observation Nanosatellite Formation (ION- F). This formation comprises three 15 kg. spacecraft designed and built in cooperation by Utah State University, University of Washington, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The ION-F satellites are being designed and built by students at the three universities, with close coordination to insure compatibility for launch, deployment, and the formation flying mission. The JON-F mission is part of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) University Nanosatellite Program, which provides technology development and demonstrations for the TechSat2l Program. The University Nanosatellite Program involves 10 universities building nanosatellites for a launch in 2004 on two separate space shuttle missions. Additional support for the formation flying demonstration has been provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Evaluation of the UF/NCI hybrid computational phantoms for use in organ dosimetry of pediatric patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided cardiac procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Emily L.; Borrego, David; Tran, Trung; Fudge, James C.; Bolch, Wesley E.

2018-03-01

Epidemiologic data demonstrate that pediatric patients face a higher relative risk of radiation induced cancers than their adult counterparts at equivalent exposures. Infants and children with congenital heart defects are a critical patient population exposed to ionizing radiation during life-saving procedures. These patients will likely incur numerous procedures throughout their lifespan, each time increasing their cumulative radiation absorbed dose. As continued improvements in long-term prognosis of congenital heart defect patients is achieved, a better understanding of organ radiation dose following treatment becomes increasingly vital. Dosimetry of these patients can be accomplished using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, coupled with modern anatomical patient models. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the University of Florida/National Cancer Institute (UF/NCI) pediatric hybrid computational phantom library for organ dose assessment of patients that have undergone fluoroscopically guided cardiac catheterizations. In this study, two types of simulations were modeled. A dose assessment was performed on 29 patient-specific voxel phantoms (taken as representing the patient’s true anatomy), height/weight-matched hybrid library phantoms, and age-matched reference phantoms. Two exposure studies were conducted for each phantom type. First, a parametric study was constructed by the attending pediatric interventional cardiologist at the University of Florida to model the range of parameters seen clinically. Second, four clinical cardiac procedures were simulated based upon internal logfiles captured by a Toshiba Infinix-i Cardiac Bi-Plane fluoroscopic unit. Performance of the phantom library was quantified by computing both the percent difference in individual organ doses, as well as the organ dose root mean square values for overall phantom assessment between the matched phantoms (UF/NCI library or reference) and the patient-specific phantoms. The UF/NCI hybrid phantoms performed at percent differences of between 15% and 30% for the parametric set of irradiation events. Among internal logfile reconstructed procedures, the UF/NCI hybrid phantoms performed with RMS organ dose values between 7% and 29%. Percent improvement in organ dosimetry via the use of hybrid library phantoms over the reference phantoms ranged from 6.6% to 93%. The use of a hybrid phantom library, Monte Carlo radiation transport methods, and clinical information on irradiation events provide a means for tracking organ dose in these radiosensitive patients undergoing fluoroscopically guided cardiac procedures. This work was supported by Advanced Laboratory for Radiation Dosimetry Studies, University of Florida, American Association of University Women, National Cancer Institute Grant 1F31 CA159464.

["How can hospitals develop a beneficial relationship with laboratory testing companies?" - Chairmen's introductory remarks].

PubMed

Morita, Toshisuke; Kawano, Seiji

2014-12-01

The symposium was held with the Japanese Society of Laboratory Medicine and JACLaP to discuss the way to develop a beneficial relationship between hospitals and laboratory testing companies with co-chairing by Seiji Kawano, Kobe University and Toshisuke Morita, Toho University. Clinical testing is considered to be essential for medical diagnosis and treatment; however, it is difficult for a hospital to perform all clinical testing for various reasons, including cost-effectiveness. In this session, 4 guest speakers gave a talk from their viewpoints. Doctor Kawano talked about the results of a questionnaire filled out by 114 university hospitals on how to develop a beneficial relationship between hospitalsoand laboratory testing companies. Next, Mr. Shinji Ogawa, president and CEO of SRL, talked about favorable ways to utilize laboratory testing companies, sayingthat such companies, which have a variety of skills, are expected to offer new and advanced technologies to hospitals continuously, and abundant data which laboratory testing companies have should be used for the advancement of community medicine. Professor Koshiba, Hyogo Medical School, expressed his apprehension to develop a so-called branch lab. in university hospitals from his own experience, and concluded that a beneficial relationship with companies to perform tasks required by hospitals should be sought. The last speaker, Yuichi Setoyama, Mitsubishi Chemical Medience, talked about the new relationship between hospitals and laboratory testing companies, and emphasized that hospitals and such companies should know the strong and weak points of each other and build a mutually complementary system. After all presentations were over, a discussion with participants was held. Doctors of clinics said that the role of laboratory testing companies for large hospitals is different from that for small clinics, and such companies are indispensable for his everyday medical activities. Each medical institute has its own medical mission, and, therefore, what constitutes a beneficial relationship varies with each medical institute. The key to the success of building a win-win relationship with laboratory testing companies is held by each hospital. (Review).

Environmental Literacy and Action at Tufts University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Creighton, Sarah Hammond; Cortese, Anthony D.

1992-01-01

In 1990, Tufts University (Massachusetts) became the first major university to establish environmental education and protection as institutional priorities. The day-to-day environmental impacts of a university make it an ideal laboratory for exploring new ways to reduce hazards, improve efficiency, reuse and recycle waste, and develop incentives…

Patient and professional attitudes towards research in general practice: the RepR qualitative study.

PubMed

Cadwallader, Jean-Sébastien; Lebeau, Jean-Pierre; Lasserre, Evelyne; Letrilliart, Laurent

2014-07-21

Since the 1990s, professional institutions worldwide have emphasised the need to develop research in general practice to improve the health of the population. The recent creation of professorships in general practice in French Universities should foster research in this field. Our aim was to explore the views of patients and relevant professionals on research in general practice. Qualitative study, using the grounded theory approach according to Strauss and Corbin, conducted in 2010 in three French regions. Nine focus groups were run to data saturation, and included 57 participants in four different categories: patients, non-academic GPs, academic GPs, academics in other disciplines. Most of the participants in the four categories described research in general practice as specific to the population managed and relevant for health care. They considered that its grounding in day-to-day practice enabled pragmatic approaches. The influence of the pharmaceutical industry, rivalries between university disciplines and a possible gap between research and practice were considered as pitfalls. The barriers identified were representations of the medical researcher as a "laboratory worker", the lack of awareness of any research in the discipline, and lack of time and training. While the views of patients and non-academic GPs are mostly focused on professional issues and the views of academics other than GPs on technical issues, academic GPs are in a position to play a role of interface between the universities and general practices. Although the role of GPs in research is perceived differently by the various protagonists, research in general practice has an undisputed legitimacy in France. Solutions for overcoming the identified barriers include research networks with appropriate resources and training and scientifically sound collaborative research projects, as already implemented in leading countries.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in three ethnic groups: III. A comparison of characteristics early in the natural history of the LUMINA cohort. LUpus in MInority populations: NAture vs. Nurture.

PubMed

Alarcón, G S; Friedman, A W; Straaton, K V; Moulds, J M; Lisse, J; Bastian, H M; McGwin, G; Bartolucci, A A; Roseman, J M; Reveille, J D

1999-01-01

To determine and contrast the socioeconomic-demographic and clinical features of patients with recent onset (< or =5 y) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from three ethnic groups, Hispanic, African-American and Caucasian (H, AA, C). SLE cases (American College of Rheumatology criteria) (incident (n = 56), prevalent (n = 173)), were enrolled in a longitudinal study at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center and The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Socioeconomic-demographic, clinical, immunological, behavioral and psychological data were obtained using validated instruments and standard laboratory techniques, and compared. 70 H, 88 AA and 71 C SLE patients constitute this cohort. H and AA patients were younger and of lower socioeconomic-demographic status. They also had evidence of more frequent organ system involvement (renal, cardiovascular), more auto-antibodies, more active disease (after adjusting for discrepant socioeconomic-demographic features), lower levels of social support and more abnormal illness-related behaviors (more in H than in AA). H also were more likely to have an abrupt disease onset; C were more likely to be on antimalarials but less likely to be on corticosteroids. H, AA, and C used health care resources comparably. They had similar levels of pain and physical and mental functioning after adjusting for age, disease duration, income, education, social support, illness-related behaviors, and Systemic Lupus Activity Measure or SLAM scores. H and AA patients have more active SLE, at an earlier age of onset, and a less favorable socioeconomic-demographic structure (worse among the H than AA) which predispose them to a less favorable natural history.

Laboratory safety and the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety.

PubMed

McCay, Layla; Lemer, Claire; Wu, Albert W

2009-06-01

Laboratory medicine has been a pioneer in the field of patient safety; indeed, the College of American Pathology first called attention to the issue in 1946. Delivering reliable laboratory results has long been considered a priority, as the data produced in laboratory medicine have the potential to critically influence individual patients' diagnosis and management. Until recently, most attention on laboratory safety has focused on the analytic stage of laboratory medicine. Addressing this stage has led to significant and impressive improvements in the areas over which laboratories have direct control. However, recent data demonstrate that pre- and post-analytical phases are at least as vulnerable to errors; to further improve patient safety in laboratory medicine, attention must now be focused on the pre- and post-analytic phases, and the concept of patient safety as a multi-disciplinary, multi-stage and multi-system concept better understood. The World Alliance for Patient Safety (WAPS) supports improvement of patient safety globally and provides a potential framework for considering the total testing process.

Wave Attenuation on Muddy Bottoms Offshore Cassino Beach

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

D.Sc Principal Investigator Laboratory for the Dynamics of Cohesive Sediments Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro , Brazil...5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Federal University of Rio de Janeiro ,Laboratory for the...Dynamics of Cohesive Sediments, Rio de Janeiro , Brazil, 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES

Trial Support and Data Analysis for 2015 ONR Sea-Trial

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-21

Report Chad M. Smith The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory P.O. Box 30 State College, PA 16804-0030 phone: (814) 863...was the support of the PI and Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (PSU-ARL) technicians for demobilization and post-experimental cleanup of the...NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Labotatory Office of Sponsored Programs 110 Technology Center Building

Chemical and Physical Signatures for Microbial Forensics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cliff, John B.; Kreuzer, Helen W.; Ehrhardt, Christopher J.

Chemical and physical signatures for microbial forensics John Cliff and Helen Kreuzer-Martin, eds. Humana Press Chapter 1. Introduction: Review of history and statement of need. Randy Murch, Virginia Tech Chapter 2. The Microbe: Structure, morphology, and physiology of the microbe as they relate to potential signatures of growth conditions. Joany Jackman, Johns Hopkins University Chapter 3. Science for Forensics: Special considerations for the forensic arena - quality control, sample integrity, etc. Mark Wilson (retired FBI): Western Carolina University Chapter 4. Physical signatures: Light and electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gravimetry etc. Joseph Michael, Sandia National Laboratory Chapter 5. Lipids: FAME,more » PLFA, steroids, LPS, etc. James Robertson, Federal Bureau of Investigation Chapter 6. Carbohydrates: Cell wall components, cytoplasm components, methods Alvin Fox, University of South Carolina School of Medicine David Wunschel, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Chapter 7. Peptides: Peptides, proteins, lipoproteins David Wunschel, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Chapter 8. Elemental content: CNOHPS (treated in passing), metals, prospective cell types John Cliff, International Atomic Energy Agency Chapter 9. Isotopic signatures: Stable isotopes C,N,H,O,S, 14C dating, potential for heavy elements. Helen Kreuzer-Martin, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Michaele Kashgarian, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Chapter 10. Extracellular signatures: Cellular debris, heme, agar, headspace, spent media, etc Karen Wahl, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Chapter 11. Data Reduction and Integrated Microbial Forensics: Statistical concepts, parametric and multivariate statistics, integrating signatures Kristin Jarman, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory« less

Development and validation of a set of six adaptable prognosis prediction (SAP) models based on time-series real-world big data analysis for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy: A multicenter case crossover study

PubMed Central

Kanai, Masashi; Okamoto, Kazuya; Yamamoto, Yosuke; Yoshioka, Akira; Hiramoto, Shuji; Nozaki, Akira; Nishikawa, Yoshitaka; Yamaguchi, Daisuke; Tomono, Teruko; Nakatsui, Masahiko; Baba, Mika; Morita, Tatsuya; Matsumoto, Shigemi; Kuroda, Tomohiro; Okuno, Yasushi; Muto, Manabu

2017-01-01

Background We aimed to develop an adaptable prognosis prediction model that could be applied at any time point during the treatment course for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, by applying time-series real-world big data. Methods Between April 2004 and September 2014, 4,997 patients with cancer who had received systemic chemotherapy were registered in a prospective cohort database at the Kyoto University Hospital. Of these, 2,693 patients with a death record were eligible for inclusion and divided into training (n = 1,341) and test (n = 1,352) cohorts. In total, 3,471,521 laboratory data at 115,738 time points, representing 40 laboratory items [e.g., white blood cell counts and albumin (Alb) levels] that were monitored for 1 year before the death event were applied for constructing prognosis prediction models. All possible prediction models comprising three different items from 40 laboratory items (40C3 = 9,880) were generated in the training cohort, and the model selection was performed in the test cohort. The fitness of the selected models was externally validated in the validation cohort from three independent settings. Results A prognosis prediction model utilizing Alb, lactate dehydrogenase, and neutrophils was selected based on a strong ability to predict death events within 1–6 months and a set of six prediction models corresponding to 1,2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months was developed. The area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.852 for the 1 month model to 0.713 for the 6 month model. External validation supported the performance of these models. Conclusion By applying time-series real-world big data, we successfully developed a set of six adaptable prognosis prediction models for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. PMID:28837592

Clinical profile and improving mortality trend of scrub typhus in South India.

PubMed

Varghese, George M; Trowbridge, Paul; Janardhanan, Jeshina; Thomas, Kurien; Peter, John V; Mathews, Prasad; Abraham, Ooriapadickal C; Kavitha, M L

2014-06-01

Scrub typhus, a bacterial zoonosis caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, may cause multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and is associated with significant mortality. This study was undertaken to document the clinical and laboratory manifestations and complications and to study time trends and factors associated with mortality in patients with scrub typhus infection. This retrospective study, done at a university teaching hospital, included 623 patients admitted between 2005 and 2010 with scrub typhus. The diagnosis was established by a positive IgM ELISA and/or pathognomonic eschar with PCR confirmation where feasible. The clinical and laboratory profile, course in hospital, and outcome were documented. Factors associated with mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (100%), nausea/vomiting (54%), shortness of breath (49%), headache (46%), cough (38%), and altered sensorium (26%). An eschar was present in 43.5% of patients. Common laboratory findings included elevated transaminases (87%), thrombocytopenia (79%), and leukocytosis (46%). MODS was seen in 34% of patients. The overall case-fatality rate was 9.0%. Features of acute lung injury were observed in 33.7%, and 29.5% required ventilatory support. On multivariate analysis, shock requiring vasoactive agents (relative risk (RR) 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.2-25.7, p<0.001), central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (RR 5.1, 95% CI 2.4-10.7, p<0.001), and renal failure (RR 3.6, 95% CI 1.7-7.5, p=0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. Over 4 years, a decreasing trend was observed in the mortality rate. Scrub typhus can manifest with potentially life-threatening complications such as lung injury, shock, and meningoencephalitis. MODS occurred in a third of our patients. The overall case-fatality rate was 9%, with shock, renal failure, and CNS associated with a higher mortality. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Leonard F. Peltier, MD, PhD, 1920-2003.

PubMed

Reckling, Frederick W; Lo Vecchio, Janolyn G; Reckling, JoAnn B

2004-05-01

Leonard F. Peltier, MD, PhD, was an orthopaedic surgeon, academician, administrator, laboratory investigator, historian, and mentor. His career spanned nearly six decades, beginning with graduate education at the University of Minnesota (UM) under the auspices of Owen H. Wangensteen, MD, PhD. In addition to obtaining a PhD in physiology in the UM Graduate School, he completed general and orthopaedic surgery residencies and attained board certification in each specialty. He served in the US Army Occupation Force Medical Corps in Germany just after World War II. In 1957, at 37 years old, he assumed the chairmanship of the orthopaedic training program at the University of Kansas. In 1971, he couldn't resist the opportunity to become one of the founding members of the "start-up" University of Arizona College of Medicine, accepting an appointment as chair of the new orthopaedic training program, where he remained until his retirement in 1990. He took clinical problems to the laboratory, and made important scientific contributions, particularly in the area of fat embolism and in using calcium sulfate (plaster of Paris) to fill bone defects. He served on governing boards of national professional organizations and presided over the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma from 1980-1981. Throughout his career, he was fascinated by, and published extensively in, the history of medicine arena. Known fondly as "the professor" to many of his residents and colleagues, he had a pragmatic, honest, upbeat, and often humorous approach to life's challenges, valuing personal integrity above other virtues. He explored various eclectic interests far beyond his professional contributions while maintaining his family as a central priority. With his exemplary productivity and interests in the surgical and laboratory sciences, history of medicine, appreciation of fine arts, and perceptive and effective interactions with family, friends, patients, and colleagues, the memory of Leonard Peltier evokes the image of a modern-day Renaissance man.

Start, Stop, Restart: The Recent History of Federal Funding for Radiochemistry Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williamson, R. Craig

2009-08-01

Over the course of the 2009, Federal Fiscal Year the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Defense will introduce university programs designed to provide the U.S. national laboratories with a highly qualified workforce in nuclear forensics. These programs are designed to recruit the best and brightest students, develop universities research and education activities, and to enhance university/laboratory(s) interactions nuclear forensics. The approach will be comprehensive in that it will target undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members and institutions. This will include an undergraduate research program designed to encourage emerging seniors to perform research at designated national laboratories throughout the United States. In addition to the undergraduate program, a nationally competitive graduate fellowship program in nuclear forensics was established in 2008. This program provides a four-year appointment with a monthly stipend, full payment of tuition and fees, the establishment of participating universities, and required post-graduate positions in nuclear forensics. A Nuclear Forensics Education Award program will also be introduced. This broad-based program will have an impact on university programs interested in developing nuclear forensics capabilities. This will include funds for instrumentation and equipment, faculty members, students, and curriculum.

Center For Advanced Energy Studies Overview

ScienceCinema

Blackman, Harold; Curnutt, Byron; Harker, Caitlin; Hamilton, Melinda; Butt, Darryl; Imel, George; Tokuhiro, Akira; Harris, Jason; Hill, David

2017-12-09

A collaboration between Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. Conducts research in nuclear energy, advanced materials, carbon management, bioenergy, energy policy, modeling and simulation, and energy efficiency. Educates next generation of energy workforce.

Low Cost Space Experiments. Study Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-06

Air Force Phillips Laboratory with Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory . The goals of ALTAIR...Cs<- &l. LOW COST SPACE EXPERIMENTS STUDY REPORT 6 December 1991 19980302 059 Phillips Laboratory /SXL Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-6008 TVPTT" OTT...Report Corporate Author or Publisher: Phillips Laboratory /SXL, Kirtland AFB,NM 87117-6008 Publication Date: Dec 06, 1991 Pages: 176 Comments

Measuring Meaningful Learning in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory: A National, Cross-Sectional Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Galloway, Kelli R.; Bretz, Stacey Lowery

2015-01-01

Research on laboratory learning points to the need to better understand what and how students learn in the undergraduate chemistry laboratory. The Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI) was administered to general and organic chemistry students from 15 colleges and universities across the United States in order to measure the…

The Effects of Jigsaw Technique Based on Cooperative Learning on Prospective Science Teachers' Science Process Skill

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karacop, Ataman; Diken, Emine Hatun

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of laboratory approach based on jigsaw method with cooperative learning and confirmatory laboratory approach on university students' cognitive process development in Science teaching laboratory applications, and to determine the opinions of the students on applied laboratory methods. The…

PREFACE: HITES 2012: 'Horizons of Innovative Theories, Experiments, and Supercomputing in Nuclear Physics'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hecht, K. T.

2012-12-01

This volume contains the contributions of the speakers of an international conference in honor of Jerry Draayer's 70th birthday, entitled 'Horizons of Innovative Theories, Experiments and Supercomputing in Nuclear Physics'. The list of contributors includes not only international experts in these fields, but also many former collaborators, former graduate students, and former postdoctoral fellows of Jerry Draayer, stressing innovative theories such as special symmetries and supercomputing, both of particular interest to Jerry. The organizers of the conference intended to honor Jerry Draayer not only for his seminal contributions in these fields, but also for his administrative skills at departmental, university, national and international level. Signed: Ted Hecht University of Michigan Conference photograph Scientific Advisory Committee Ani AprahamianUniversity of Notre Dame Baha BalantekinUniversity of Wisconsin Bruce BarrettUniversity of Arizona Umit CatalyurekOhio State Unversity David DeanOak Ridge National Laboratory Jutta Escher (Chair)Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Jorge HirschUNAM, Mexico David RoweUniversity of Toronto Brad Sherill & Michigan State University Joel TohlineLouisiana State University Edward ZganjarLousiana State University Organizing Committee Jeff BlackmonLouisiana State University Mark CaprioUniversity of Notre Dame Tomas DytrychLouisiana State University Ana GeorgievaINRNE, Bulgaria Kristina Launey (Co-chair)Louisiana State University Gabriella PopaOhio University Zanesville James Vary (Co-chair)Iowa State University Local Organizing Committee Laura LinhardtLouisiana State University Charlie RascoLouisiana State University Karen Richard (Coordinator)Louisiana State University

A Laboratory Course in Technological Chemistry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiseman, P.

1986-01-01

Describes a laboratory course taught at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (United Kingdom) which focuses on the preparation, properties, and applications of end-use products of the chemical industry. Outlines laboratory experiments on dyes, fibers, herbicides, performance testing, antioxidants, and surface active…

Multidimensional Screening as a Pharmacology Laboratory Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malone, Marvin H.; And Others

1979-01-01

A multidimensional pharmacodynamic screening experiment that addresses drug interaction is included in the pharmacology-toxicology laboratory experience of pharmacy students at the University of the Pacific. The student handout with directions for the procedure is reproduced, drug compounds tested are listed, and laboratory evaluation results are…

The Medical Interaction Laboratory--Multidiscipline Approach for Presentation of Principles of Physiology and Pharmacology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliver, Jack W.; Sims, Michael H.

1979-01-01

An interdisciplinary physiology and pharmacology course presented by the Medical Interaction Laboratory at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine provides interaction among faculty, conserves faculty time and animal expense, and presents a coordinated laboratory experience. (BH)

OCCUPATION--LANGUAGE LABORATORY DIRECTOR.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

TURNER, DAYMOND

TRUE PROFESSIONAL STATUS FOR A LABORATORY DIRECTOR, PLUS ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT OF SUCH INSTRUCTION, WILL GIVE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ADEQUATE RETURN FOR THEIR INVESTMENT IN ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. BY BEING INVOLVED IN IMPORTANT RESEARCH AND INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF A LANGUAGE LABORATORY CAN SERVE ALSO TO FREE THE TEACHER AND…

Clock Reaction: Outreach Attraction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carpenter, Yuen-ying; Phillips, Heather A.; Jakubinek, Michael B.

2010-01-01

Chemistry students are often introduced to the concept of reaction rates through demonstrations or laboratory activities involving the well-known iodine clock reaction. For example, a laboratory experiment involving thiosulfate as an iodine scavenger is part of the first-year general chemistry laboratory curriculum at Dalhousie University. With…

The laboratory diagnosis of testosterone deficiency.

PubMed

Paduch, Darius A; Brannigan, Robert E; Fuchs, Eugene F; Kim, Edward D; Marmar, Joel L; Sandlow, Jay I

2014-05-01

The evaluation and treatment of hypogonadal men has become an important part of urologic practice. Fatigue, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction are commonly reported, but nonspecific symptoms and laboratory verification of low testosterone (T) are an important part of evaluation in addition to a detailed history and physical examination. Significant intraindividual fluctuations in serum T levels, biologic variation of T action on end organs, the wide range of T levels in human serum samples, and technical limitations of currently available assays have led to poor reliability of T measurements in the clinical laboratory setting. There is no universally accepted threshold of T concentration that distinguishes eugonadal from hypogonadal men; thus, laboratory results have to be interpreted in the appropriate clinical setting. This review focuses on clinical, biological, and technological challenges that affect serum T measurements to educate clinicians regarding technological advances and limitations of the currently available laboratory methods to diagnose hypogonadism. A collaborative effort led by the American Urological Association between practicing clinicians, patient advocacy groups, government regulatory agencies, industry, and professional societies is underway to provide optimized assay platforms and evidence-based normal assay ranges to guide clinical decision making. Until such standardization is commonplace in clinical laboratories, the decision to treat should be based on the presence of signs and symptoms in addition to serum T measurements. Rigid interpretation of T ranges should not dictate clinical decision making or define coverage of treatment by third party payers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Development of a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Molecular Diagnostics

PubMed Central

Williams, Gail S.; Brown, Judith D.; Keagle, Martha B.

2000-01-01

A post-baccalaureate certificate program in diagnostic molecular sciences was created in 1995 by the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program in the School of Allied Health at the University of Connecticut. The required on-campus lecture and laboratory courses include basic laboratory techniques, health care issues, cell biology, immunology, human genetics, research, management, and molecular diagnostic techniques and laboratory in molecular diagnostics. These courses precede a 6-month, full-time practicum at an affiliated full-service molecular laboratory. The practicum includes amplification and blotting methods, a research project, and a choice of specialized electives including DNA sequencing, mutagenesis, in situ hybridization methods, or molecular diagnostic applications in microbiology. Graduates of the program are immediately eligible to sit for the National Credentialing Agency examination in molecular biology to obtain the credential Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Molecular Biology (CLSp(MB). This description of the University of Connecticut program may assist other laboratory science programs in creating similar curricula. PMID:11232107

The Los Alamos universe: Using multimedia to promote laboratory capabilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kindel, J.

2000-03-01

This project consists of a multimedia presentation that explains the technological capabilities of Los Alamos National Laboratory. It takes the form of a human-computer interface built around the metaphor of the universe. The project is intended promote Laboratory capabilities to a wide audience. Multimedia is simply a means of communicating information through a diverse set of tools--be they text, sound, animation, video, etc. Likewise, Los Alamos National Laboratory is a collection of diverse technologies, projects, and people. Given the ample material available at the Laboratory, there are tangible benefits to be gained by communicating across media. This paper consists ofmore » three parts. The first section provides some basic information about the Laboratory, its mission, and its needs. The second section introduces this multimedia presentation and the metaphor it is based on along with some basic concepts of color and user interaction used in the building of this project. The final section covers construction of the project, pitfalls, and future improvements.« less

[Standardization in laboratory hematology by participating in external quality assurance programs].

PubMed

Nazor, Aida; Siftar, Zoran; Flegar-Mestrić, Zlata

2011-09-01

Since 1985, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, has been participating in the International External Quality Assessment Scheme for Hematology (IEQAS-H) organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Owing to very good results, in 1987 the Department received a certificate of participation in this control scheme. Department has been cooperating in the external quality assessment program in laboratory hematology which has been continuously performed in Croatia since 1986 by the Committee for External Quality Assessment Schemes under the auspices of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemists and School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb. Nowadays, 186 medical biochemical laboratories are included in the National External Quality Assessment program, which is performed three times per year. Our Department has participated in the international projects of the European Committee for External Quality Assurance Programs in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM).

Fatal Clostridium perfringens sepsis due to emphysematous gastritis and literature review.

PubMed

Sarvari, Karoly Peter; Vasas, Bela; Kiss, Ildiko; Lazar, Andrea; Horvath, Istvan; Simon, Marianna; Peto, Zoltan; Urban, Edit

2016-08-01

A 76-year-old female patient was admitted to the Level I Emergency Department of University of Szeged with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. The clinical assessment with laboratory tests and radiological investigations confirmed severe sepsis associated with intravascular hemolysis and multiorgan failure and acute pancreatitis. On the abdominal CT, besides of other abnormalities, the presence of gas bubbles in the stomach, small intestines and liver were seen. The gastric alterations pointed to emphysematous gastritis. Despite of the medical treatment, the patient's condition quickly deteriorated and eight hours after admission the patient died. The autopsy evaluation revealed systemic infection of abdominal origin caused by gas-producing Gram-positive bacteria, and the post-mortem microbiological cultures confirmed the presence of Cloctridium perfringens in many abdominal organs. Emphysematous gastritis seemed to be the primary infectious focus. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development, Use, and Impact of a Global Laboratory Database During the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa.

PubMed

Durski, Kara N; Singaravelu, Shalini; Teo, Junxiong; Naidoo, Dhamari; Bawo, Luke; Jambai, Amara; Keita, Sakoba; Yahaya, Ali Ahmed; Muraguri, Beatrice; Ahounou, Brice; Katawera, Victoria; Kuti-George, Fredson; Nebie, Yacouba; Kohar, T Henry; Hardy, Patrick Jowlehpah; Djingarey, Mamoudou Harouna; Kargbo, David; Mahmoud, Nuha; Assefa, Yewondwossen; Condell, Orla; N'Faly, Magassouba; Van Gurp, Leon; Lamanu, Margaret; Ryan, Julia; Diallo, Boubacar; Daffae, Foday; Jackson, Dikena; Malik, Fayyaz Ahmed; Raftery, Philomena; Formenty, Pierre

2017-06-15

The international impact, rapid widespread transmission, and reporting delays during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa highlighted the need for a global, centralized database to inform outbreak response. The World Health Organization and Emerging and Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network addressed this need by supporting the development of a global laboratory database. Specimens were collected in the affected countries from patients and dead bodies meeting the case definitions for Ebola virus disease. Test results were entered in nationally standardized spreadsheets and consolidated onto a central server. From March 2014 through August 2016, 256343 specimens tested for Ebola virus disease were captured in the database. Thirty-one specimen types were collected, and a variety of diagnostic tests were performed. Regular analysis of data described the functionality of laboratory and response systems, positivity rates, and the geographic distribution of specimens. With data standardization and end user buy-in, the collection and analysis of large amounts of data with multiple stakeholders and collaborators across various user-access levels was made possible and contributed to outbreak response needs. The usefulness and value of a multifunctional global laboratory database is far reaching, with uses including virtual biobanking, disease forecasting, and adaption to other disease outbreaks. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Skin cancer patients profile at faculty of medicine university of North Sumatera pathology anatomy laboratory and Haji Adam Malik general hospital in the year of 2012-2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sembiring, E. K.; Delyuzar; Soekimin

2018-03-01

The most common types of skin cancer found worldwide are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. In America, about 800,000 people suffer from skin cancer every year and 75% are basal cell carcinoma. According to WHO, around 160,000 people suffer from malignant melanoma every year and 48,000 deaths were reported every year. In Jakarta, in 2000-2009, dr. CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) reported 261 cases of basal cell carcinoma, followed by 69 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 22 cases of malignant melanoma.This study was descriptive study with retrospective design and consecutive sampling method. Data consisted of age, gender, tumor location, occupation and histopathology subtype which were taken from skin cancer patients’ medical record at Faculty of Medicine University of North Sumatera Pathology Anatomy Laboratory and Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan in 2012-2015. Data were analyzed using SPSS program and classified based on WHO. From 92 study subjects, squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer which is 59 cases (64.13%), found in 48 women (52.2%), and often found between 45-47 years old (30.4%).

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory annual technical progress report of ecological research for the year ending July 31, 1995

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, M.H.

1995-07-01

The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) is a research unit of the University of Georgia (UGA). The overall mission of the Laboratory is to acquire and communicate knowledge of ecological processes and principles. SREL conducts basic and applied ecological research, as well as education and outreach programs, under a contract with the US Department of Energy (DOE) at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. Significant accomplishments were made during the past year in the areas of research, education and service. Major additions to SREL Facilities were completed that will enhance the Laboratory`s work in the future. Following severalmore » years of planning, opening ceremonies were held for the 5000 ft{sup 2} multi-purpose conference center that was funded by the University of Georgia Research Foundation (UGARF). The center is located on 68 acres of land that was provided by the US Department of Energy. This joint effort between DOE and UGARF supports DOE`s new initiative to develop partnerships with the private sector and universities. The facility is being used for scientific meetings and environmental education programs for students, teachers and the general public. A 6000 ft{sup 2} office and library addition to S@s main building officially opened this year, and construction plans are underway on a new animal care facility, laboratory addition, and receiving building.« less

An innovative educational approach to professional development of medical laboratory scientists in Botswana.

PubMed

Magowe, Mabel Km; Ledikwe, Jenny H; Kasvosve, Ishmael; Martin, Robert; Thankane, Kabo; Semo, Bazghina-Werq

2014-01-01

To address the shortage of laboratory scientists in Botswana, an innovative, one-year academic bridging program was initiated at the University of Botswana, to advance diploma-holding laboratory technicians towards becoming laboratory scientists holding Bachelor's degrees. An evaluation was conducted, which described the outcomes of the program and the lessons learned from this novel approach to meeting human resource needs. This was a cross-sectional, mixed-methods evaluation. Qualitative interviews were conducted with graduates of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) bridging program, along with the graduates' current supervisors, and key informants who were involved in program development or implementation. The quantitative data collected included a written questionnaire, completed by program graduates, with a retrospective pre-test/post-test survey of graduates' confidence, in terms of key laboratory competencies. The BSc MLS bridging program produced thirty-three laboratory scientists over 3 years. There was a significant increase in confidence among graduates, for specified competencies, after the program (P<0.05). Graduates reported acquiring new skills and, often, accepting new responsibilities at their former workplace, particularly in relationship to leadership and management. Five graduates enrolled in advanced degree programs. Most graduates assumed increased responsibility. However, only two graduates were promoted after completing the training program. The lessons learned include: the importance of stakeholder involvement, the need for data to identify local needs, financial sustainability, catering for the needs of adult learners, and ensuring a technically challenging work environment, conducive to the application of skills learned during training. A strong public health and clinical laboratory system is essential for the rapid detection and control of emerging health threats, and for patient care. However, there is a need to adequately prepare laboratory human resources, to ensure efficient and effective laboratory services. Advancement of laboratory technicians towards becoming laboratory scientists, through a bridging program, can provide the necessary skills within a short time.

Comprehensive evaluation of contemporary assisted reproduction technology laboratory operations to determine staffing levels that promote patient safety and quality care.

PubMed

Alikani, Mina; Go, Kathryn J; McCaffrey, Caroline; McCulloh, David H

2014-11-01

To consider how staffing requirements have changed with evolving and increasingly more complex assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratory practice. Analysis by four laboratory directors from three different ART programs of the level of complexity and time requirements for contemporary ART laboratory activities to determine adequate staffing levels. University-based and private ART programs. None. None. Human resource requirements for ART procedures. Both complexity and time required for completion of a contemporary ART cycle have increased significantly compared with the same requirements for the "traditional cycle" of the past. The latter required roughly 9 personnel hours, but a contemporary cycle can require up to 20 hours for completion. Consistent with this increase, a quantitative analysis shows that the number of embryologists required for safe and efficient operation of the ART laboratory has also increased. This number depends on not only the volume but also the types of procedures performed: the higher the number of complex procedures, the more personnel required. An interactive Personnel Calculator is introduced that can help determine staffing needs. The increased complexity of the contemporary ART laboratory requires a new look at the allocation of human resources. Our work provides laboratory directors with a practical, individualized tool to determine their staffing requirements with a view to increasing the safety and efficiency of operations. The work could serve as the basis for revision of the 2008 American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) staffing guidelines. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Clinical and laboratory studies on 28 patients with glutaric aciduria type 1].

PubMed

Wang, Qiao; Ding, Yuan; Liu, Yupeng; Li, Xiyuan; Wu, Tongfei; Song, Jinqing; Wang, Yujie; Yang, Yanling

2014-06-01

To investigate the clinical, biochemical and genetic profiles of 28 Chinese patients with glutaric aciduria type 1. Twenty-eight patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 seen in the Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital from July 2003 to October 2013 were studied. The data of clinical course, laboratory examinations, cranial MRI and GCDH gene mutations of the patients were analyzed. (1) Three cases were detected by newborn screening, and the other patients were diagnosed at the age of 2 months to 17 years. (2) 22 patients (79%) were infant onset cases with psychomotor retardation, dystonia, seizures, athetosis, recurrent vomiting, drowsiness or feeding difficulty. Only two of the 22 patients with infant onset got normal intelligence and movement after treatment. Twenty of them were improved slowly with delayed development, dystonia and other neurological problems. Three patients (11%) had late onset. They had motor regression, headache and seizure at the age of 8, 9 and 17 years, respectively. Rapid improvement was observed after treatment. (3) Cranial MRI has been checked in 23 patients; 22 of them showed characteristic widening of the Sylvian fissure, abnormalities of the basal ganglia, leukoencephalopathy and brain atrophy. Thirty-five mutations in GCDH gene of the patients were identified; c.148T>C (p.W50R) was the most common mutation with the frequency of 7.7%; 6 mutations (c.628A>G, c.700C>T, c.731G>T, c.963G>C, c.1031C>T and c.1109T>C) were novel. Glutaric aciduria type 1 usually induced neurological deterioration resulting in severe psychomotor retardation and dystonia. Most of our patients were clinically diagnosed. Patients with early onset usually remained having neurological damage. Phenotype and genotype correlation has not been found in the patients. Neonatal screening for organic acidurias should be expanded in China.

Accelerator-based techniques for the support of senior-level undergraduate physics laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, J. R.; Clark, J. C.; Isaacs-Smith, T.

2001-07-01

Approximately three years ago, Auburn University replaced its aging Dynamitron accelerator with a new 2MV tandem machine (Pelletron) manufactured by the National Electrostatics Corporation (NEC). This new machine is maintained and operated for the University by Physics Department personnel, and the accelerator supports a wide variety of materials modification/analysis studies. Computer software is available that allows the NEC Pelletron to be operated from a remote location, and an Internet link has been established between the Accelerator Laboratory and the Upper-Level Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory in the Physics Department. Additional software supplied by Canberra Industries has also been used to create a second Internet link that allows live-time data acquisition in the Teaching Laboratory. Our senior-level undergraduates and first-year graduate students perform a number of experiments related to radiation detection and measurement as well as several standard accelerator-based experiments that have been added recently. These laboratory exercises will be described, and the procedures used to establish the Internet links between our Teaching Laboratory and the Accelerator Laboratory will be discussed.

U-stitching splenorraphy technique: experimental and clinical study.

PubMed

Tsaroucha, Alexandra K; Pitiakoudis, Michail S; Chanos, Georgios; Chiotis, Anestis S; Argyropoulou, Paraskevi I; Prassopoulos, Panos; Simopoulos, Constantinos E

2005-04-01

The aim of the present study was to describe the laboratory development and the subsequent clinical utility of the U-stitching technique for splenorraphy over the recent years in a general non-trauma hospital. Patients with splenectomies and patients treated conservatively during the same time period, are also presented. In the 15-year period from September 1988 until September 2003, 65 patients were diagnosed with splenic injury following admission to 2nd Department of Surgery, Democritus University Hospital, after blunt abdominal trauma. During the first 3 years, 14 patients were admitted; one of them was treated conservatively and 13 had splenectomies. Because computed tomography (CT) was not available at that time, these 14 patients form a control group. During the remaining 12-year period, 51 patients (39 male and 12 female; age, 4-82 years; mean, 31.1 years; SD, 19.7 years) were treated conservatively or surgically, either with splenectomy or with splenorraphy. Splenorraphy was performed using the U-stitching technique. This alternative splenorraphy technique was first tested on experimental models at 2nd Department of Surgery, Democritus University Hospital, then followed by successful clinical application. The medical records for these patients were reviewed to extract the data for the present study. Thirty-six patients (70.6% of 51 patients) were treated surgically; of these, 21 (41.2% of 51 patients) had splenectomy and 15 (29.4% of 51 patients) had splenorraphy. Non-operative treatment was initially given to 15 patients (29.4% of 51 patients). Two of them had delayed rupture of the spleen and underwent splenectomy (at 8 and 40 days). The total number of preserved spleens was 28 of 51 (54.9%). None of the patients with conservative treatment or splenorraphy died. One patient with splenectomy died later from overwhelming sepsis. Splenic salvage is now a treatment goal. If the patient is haemodynamically unstable and splenorraphy is possible, the U-stitching technique is a promising approach.

Institutional practices and policies in acid-base testing: a self reported Croatian survey study on behalf of the Croatian society of medical biochemistry and laboratory medicine Working Group for acid-base balance.

PubMed

Dukić, Lora; Simundić, Ana-Maria

2014-01-01

The aim of this survey study was to assess the current practices and policies in use related to the various steps in the blood gas testing process, across hospital laboratories in Croatia. First questionnaire was sent by email to all medical biochemistry laboratories (N = 104) within general, specialized and clinical hospitals and university hospital centres to identify laboratories which perform blood gas analysis. Second questionnaire with detailed questions about sample collection, analysis and quality control procedures, was sent only to 47 laboratories identified by the first survey. Questionnaire was designed as combination of questions and statements with Likert scale. Third questionnaire was sent to all participating laboratories (N=47) for additional clarification for either indeterminate or unclear answers. Blood gas analysis is performed in 47/104 hospital laboratories in Croatia. In 25/41 (0.61) of the laboratories capillary blood gas sampling is the preferred sample type for adult patient population, whereas arterial blood sample is preferentially used in only 5/44 laboratories (0.11). Blood sampling and sample processing for capillary samples is done almost always by laboratory technicians (36/41 and 37/44, respectively), whereas arterial blood sampling is almost always done by the physician (24/29) and only rarely by a nurse (5/28). Sample acceptance criteria and sample analysis are in accordance with international recommendations for majority of laboratories. 43/44 laboratories participate in the national EQA program. POCT analyzers are installed outside of the laboratory in 20/47 (0.43) institutions. Laboratory staff is responsible for education and training of ward personnel, quality control and instrument maintenance in only 12/22, 11/20 and 9/20 institutions, respectively. Practices related to collection and analysis for blood gases in Croatia are not standardised and vary substantially between laboratories. POCT analyzers are not under the direct supervision by laboratory personnel in a large proportion of surveyed institutions. Collective efforts should be made to harmonize and improve policies and procedures related to blood gas testing in Croatian laboratories.

Does external evaluation of laboratories improve patient safety?

PubMed

Noble, Michael A

2007-01-01

Laboratory accreditation and External Quality Assessment (also called proficiency testing) are mainstays of laboratory quality assessment and performance. Both practices are associated with examples of improved laboratory performance. The relationship between laboratory performance and improved patient safety is more difficult to assess because of the many variables that are involved with patient outcome. Despite this difficulty, the argument to continue external evaluation of laboratories is too compelling to consider the alternative.

The Laboratory-Based Economics Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Paul G.; LaRoe, Ross M.

1991-01-01

Describes the liberal arts, computer laboratory-based economics program at Denison University (Ohio). Includes as goals helping students to (1) understand deductive arguments, (2) learn to apply theory in real-world situations, and (3) test and modify theory when necessary. Notes that the program combines computer laboratory experiments for…

IBBR and Frederick National Laboratory Collaborate to Study Vaccine-Boosting Compounds | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

The Frederick National Laboratory and the University of Maryland’s Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) will work under a formal collaboration to evaluate the effectiveness of new compounds that might be used to enhance the im

Chemistry in a Large, Multidisciplinary Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lingren, Wesley E.; Hughson, Robert C.

1982-01-01

Describes a science facility built at Seattle Pacific University for approximately 70 percent of the capital cost of a conventional science building. The building serves seven disciplines on a regular basis. The operation of the multidisciplinary laboratory, special features, laboratory security, and student experience/reactions are highlighted.…

A Software Laboratory Environment for Computer-Based Problem Solving.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kurtz, Barry L.; O'Neal, Micheal B.

This paper describes a National Science Foundation-sponsored project at Louisiana Technological University to develop computer-based laboratories for "hands-on" introductions to major topics of computer science. The underlying strategy is to develop structured laboratory environments that present abstract concepts through the use of…

The National Program of Educational Laboratories. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chase, Francis S.

This report presents results of a critical analysis of 20 regional educational laboratories and nine university research and development centers established under ESEA Title IV. Observations, supported by specific examples, are made concerning the laboratories and centers and deal with their roles, programs definitions, impact on educational…

Assessing and Analyzing Behavior Strategies of Instructors in College Science Laboratories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kyle, William C., Jr.; And Others

1980-01-01

Analyzed are university instructor behaviors in introductory and advanced level laboratories of botany, chemistry, geology, physics and zoology. Science Laboratory Interaction Categories--Teacher (SLIC) was used to assess 15 individual categories of teacher behaviors in the areas of questioning, giving directions, transmitting information,…

40 CFR 262.108 - When will this subpart expire?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO GENERATORS OF HAZARDOUS WASTE University Laboratories XL Project-Laboratory Environmental Management Standard § 262.108 When will this subpart expire? This subpart will...

The Case for Laboratory Developed Procedures

PubMed Central

Sabatini, Linda M.; Tsongalis, Gregory J.; Caliendo, Angela M.; Olsen, Randall J.; Ashwood, Edward R.; Bale, Sherri; Benirschke, Robert; Carlow, Dean; Funke, Birgit H.; Grody, Wayne W.; Hayden, Randall T.; Hegde, Madhuri; Lyon, Elaine; Pessin, Melissa; Press, Richard D.; Thomson, Richard B.

2017-01-01

An explosion of knowledge and technology is revolutionizing medicine and patient care. Novel testing must be brought to the clinic with safety and accuracy, but also in a timely and cost-effective manner, so that patients can benefit and laboratories can offer testing consistent with current guidelines. Under the oversight provided by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, laboratories have been able to develop and optimize laboratory procedures for use in-house. Quality improvement programs, interlaboratory comparisons, and the ability of laboratories to adjust assays as needed to improve results, utilize new sample types, or incorporate new mutations, information, or technologies are positive aspects of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments oversight of laboratory-developed procedures. Laboratories have a long history of successful service to patients operating under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. A series of detailed clinical examples illustrating the quality and positive impact of laboratory-developed procedures on patient care is provided. These examples also demonstrate how Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments oversight ensures accurate, reliable, and reproducible testing in clinical laboratories. PMID:28815200

Site Description for the University of Nebraska's Sandhills Agricultural Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, B. R.; Blad, B. L.

1985-01-01

The Sandhills Agricultural Laboratory is operated by the University of Nebraska. The laboratory is located in the south-central part of the Nebraska Sandhills near Tryon, Nebraska (41 deg. 37' N; 100 deg. 50' W). The laboratory is surrounded on the west and south by native rangeland vegetation, on the south by a large field of corn irrigated by a center pivot, and on the east by wheat stubble. This site is appropriate for moisture stress studies since rainfall is almost always inadequate to meet evaporative demands of agricultural crops during most of the growing season and the sandy soils (Valentine fine sand) at the site do not store large quantities of water. Various levels of water stress are achieved through irrigation from solid set sprinklers.

Lean Six Sigma Applied to Ultrasound Guided Needle Biopsy in the Head and Neck.

PubMed

Matt, Bruce H; Woodward-Hagg, Heather K; Wade, Christopher L; Butler, Penny D; Kokoska, Mimi S

2014-07-01

(1) Confirm the positive value stream of office-based ultrasound using Lean Six Sigma; (2) demonstrate how ultrasound reduces time to diagnosis, costs, patient inconvenience and travel, exposure to ionizing radiation, intravenous contrast, and laboratory tests. Case series with historical controls using chart review. Tertiary Veterans Administration Hospital (university-affiliated). Patients with a consult request or decision for ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) from 2006 to 2012. Process evaluation using Lean Six Sigma methodologies; years study conducted: 2006-2012; outcome measurements: type of diagnostic tests and imaging studies including CT scans with associated radiation exposure, time to preliminary and final cytopathologic diagnosis, episodes of patient travel. Value stream mapping prior to and after implementing office-based ultrasound confirmed the time from consult request or decision for USFNA to completion of the USFNA was reduced from a range of 0 to 286 days requiring a maximum 17 steps to a range of 0 to 48 days, necessitating only a maximum of 9 steps. Office-based USFNA for evaluation of head and neck lesions reduced costs, time to diagnosis, risks and inconvenience to patients, radiation exposure, unnecessary laboratory, and patient complaints while increasing staff satisfaction. In addition, office-based ultrasound also changed the clinical management of specific patients. Lean Six Sigma reduces waste and optimizes quality and accuracy in manufacturing. This is the first known application of Lean Six Sigma to office-based USFNA in the evaluation of head and neck lesions. The literature supports the value of office-based ultrasound to patients and health care systems. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2014.

Public Outcry Increasingly Becoming Safeguard of University Forests

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Straka, Thomas J.

2010-01-01

Many universities and colleges own forestland. Although these lands can be worth billions of dollars, most are devoted to the institutional goals of education, research, and outreach. These forests become an integral part of the university and serve as teaching and research laboratories. They are usually called university or college forests or…

Model Compound Studies of Rigid Rod Aromatic Heterocyclic Polymer Systems, the X-Ray Crystal Structure of 2,6-Diphenylbenzo (1,2-d; 5,4-d’) Diimidazole Tetrahydrate, C2OH14N4. 4H2O, a Model System for the Study of Polymer-Water Interaction in Polybenzimidazoles.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

Marilyn Hunsaker and W. Wade Adams Polyimer Branch Nonmetallic Division Albert V. Fratini University of Dayton Research Institute 300 College Park...U. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMUER(e) M. Hunsaker, and W. W. Adams , Air Force Wright I atudrcnrc Aeronautical Laboratories, Materials Laboratory F33615-81-C...Scientist. Co-authors were Marilyn Hunsaker and W. W. Adams , Materials Laboratory (AFWAL/MLHP); and Dr. Albert V. Fratini, University of Dayton Research

The laboratory astrophysics facility at University College

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyland, A. R.; Smith, R. G.; Robinson, G.

A laboratory astrophysics facility for the study of the terrestrial analogues of interstellar dust grains is being developed in the Physics Department, University College, Australian Defence Force Academy. The facility consists of a gas handling system for the preparation of samples, a closed-cycle cooler and specimen chamber, and a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer capable of high resolution (0.3/cm) and high sensitivity measurements, currently from 1-25 microns. The layout and construction of the laboratory are described, and the proposed initial experimental program aimed at determining the optical constants of ices, over a wide wavelength range for comparison with astronomical observations, is discussed.

Testing the Consistency of Soviet Data Using a Sequence of Hypothesis Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-09-01

94720 P.O. Box 1620 La Jolla, CA 92038-1620 Dr. Richard LaCoss Prof. William Menke MIT-Lincoln Laboratory Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory M-200B of...Scholz Dr. William Wortman Lanont-Doherty Geological Observatory Mission Research Corporation of Columbia University 8560 Cinderbed Road Palisades...Geophysics A Division of Maxwell Laboratory Stanford University 11800 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 1212 Stanford, CA 94305 Reston, VA 22091 Mr. William J

Recent Methodological Developments in Magnitude Determination and Yield Estimation with Applications to Semipalatinsk Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-07-16

UCRL -51414-REV1, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, University of California, CA. - 47 - North, R. G. (1977). Station magnitude bias --- its determination...1976 at and near the nuclear testing ground in eastern Kazakhstan, UCRL -52856, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, University of California, CA. Ryall, A...VA 24061 Dr. Ralph Alewine, I Dr. Stephen Bratt DARPA/NMRO Center for Seismic Studies 3701 North Fairfax Drive 1300 North 17th Street Arlington, VA

International Workshop on Methane Hydrate Research and Development (4th) Held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on May 9-11, 2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-27

Research at the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; the Marine Biogeochemistry Section at the Naval Research Laboratory...was organized by the Centre for Earth and Ocean Research at the University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; the Marine ...Richard Coffin, Marine Biogeochemistry Section, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC, USA, rcoffin@ccs.nrl.navy.mil Dr. Bjørn Kvamme

Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Sherwood

1997-12-01

This volume contains abstracts that have been accepted by the Program Committee for presentation at the Workshop on Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples, held in Milpitas, California, January 16-18, 1989. Conveners are Sherwood Chang (NASA Ames Research Center) and Larry Nyquist (NASA Johnson Space Center). Program Committee members are Thomas Ahrens (ex-officio; California Institute of Technology), Lou Allamandola (NASA Ames Research Center), David Blake (NASA Ames Research Center), Donald Brownlee (University of Washington, Seattle), Theodore E. Bunch (NASA Ames Research Center), Humberto Campins (Planetary Science Institute), Jeff Cuzzi (NASA Ames Research Center), Eberhard Griin (Max-Plank-Institut fiir Kemphysik), Martha Hanner (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Alan Harris (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), John Kerrid-e (University of Califomia, Los Angeles), Yves Langevin (University of Paris), Gerhard Schwehm (ESTEC), and Paul Weissman (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Logistics and administrative support for the workshop were provided by the Lunar and Planetary Institute Projects Office.

Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Sherwood (Compiler)

1997-01-01

This volume contains abstracts that have been accepted by the Program Committee for presentation at the Workshop on Analysis of Returned Comet Nucleus Samples, held in Milpitas, California, January 16-18, 1989. Conveners are Sherwood Chang (NASA Ames Research Center) and Larry Nyquist (NASA Johnson Space Center). Program Committee members are Thomas Ahrens (ex-officio; California Institute of Technology), Lou Allamandola (NASA Ames Research Center), David Blake (NASA Ames Research Center), Donald Brownlee (University of Washington, Seattle), Theodore E. Bunch (NASA Ames Research Center), Humberto Campins (Planetary Science Institute), Jeff Cuzzi (NASA Ames Research Center), Eberhard Griin (Max-Plank-Institut fiir Kemphysik), Martha Hanner (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Alan Harris (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), John Kerrid-e (University of Califomia, Los Angeles), Yves Langevin (University of Paris), Gerhard Schwehm (ESTEC), and Paul Weissman (Jet Propulsion Laboratory). Logistics and administrative support for the workshop were provided by the Lunar and Planetary Institute Projects Office.

Predictors of intestinal pseudo-obstruction in systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by digestive manifestations: data from a Southern China lupus cohort.

PubMed

Huang, Q; Lai, W; Yuan, C; Shen, S; Cui, D; Zhao, J; Lin, J; Ren, H; Yang, M

2016-03-01

To determine factors that may predict intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IpsO) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients complicated by digestive manifestations. SLE patients with digestive manifestations (n = 135) were followed at Southern Medical University affiliated Nanfang Hospital from 2000 until 2013. Demographic variables, clinical features, and laboratory data were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish factors that predispose to IpsO in these patients. At the end of the study period, 32 (23.7%) patients had developed IpsO. Mortality (9 patients) was infrequent and the cause of death was unrelated to IpsO. Independent predictors of IpsO in SLE were ureterectasia, anti-U1 RNP(+), peritonitis, and low C3 levels. Regular abdominal X-ray examinations are recommended in SLE patients with ureterectasia, anti-U1 RNP(+), peritonitis, or low C3 levels, as early diagnosis and therapy may prevent unnecessary surgical intervention and improve the disease course. © The Author(s) 2015.

A Laboratory Course for Teaching Laboratory Techniques, Experimental Design, Statistical Analysis, and Peer Review Process to Undergraduate Science Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gliddon, C. M.; Rosengren, R. J.

2012-01-01

This article describes a 13-week laboratory course called Human Toxicology taught at the University of Otago, New Zealand. This course used a guided inquiry based laboratory coupled with formative assessment and collaborative learning to develop in undergraduate students the skills of problem solving/critical thinking, data interpretation and…

An Investigation into Prospective Science Teachers' Attitudes towards Laboratory Course and Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Laboratory Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aka, Elvan Ince

2016-01-01

The aim of the current study is to identify the attitudes towards the laboratory course and self-efficacy beliefs in the laboratory use of prospective teachers who are attending Gazi University Gazi Education Faculty Primary Education Science Teaching program, and to investigate the relationship between the attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs.…

Adding value to laboratory medicine: a professional responsibility.

PubMed

Beastall, Graham H

2013-01-01

Laboratory medicine is a medical specialty at the centre of healthcare. When used optimally laboratory medicine generates knowledge that can facilitate patient safety, improve patient outcomes, shorten patient journeys and lead to more cost-effective healthcare. Optimal use of laboratory medicine relies on dynamic and authoritative leadership outside as well as inside the laboratory. The first responsibility of the head of a clinical laboratory is to ensure the provision of a high quality service across a wide range of parameters culminating in laboratory accreditation against an international standard, such as ISO 15189. From that essential baseline the leadership of laboratory medicine at local, national and international level needs to 'add value' to ensure the optimal delivery, use, development and evaluation of the services provided for individuals and for groups of patients. A convenient tool to illustrate added value is use of the mnemonic 'SCIENCE'. This tool allows added value to be considered in seven domains: standardisation and harmonisation; clinical effectiveness; innovation; evidence-based practice; novel applications; cost-effectiveness; and education of others. The assessment of added value in laboratory medicine may be considered against a framework that comprises three dimensions: operational efficiency; patient management; and patient behaviours. The profession and the patient will benefit from sharing examples of adding value to laboratory medicine.

Communicating laboratory results through a Web site: Patients' priorities and viewpoints.

PubMed

Sabahi, Azam; Ahmadian, Leila; Mirzaee, Moghademeh

2018-02-28

Patients can access laboratory results using various technologies. The aim of this study was to integrate the laboratory results into the hospital Web site based on patients' viewpoints and priorities and to measure patients' satisfaction. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2015. First, a questionnaire was distributed among 200 patients to assess patients' priorities to receive laboratory results through the Web site. Second, those who agreed (n = 95) to receive their laboratory results through the Web site were identified. Then, the required changes were made to the hospital Web site based on patients' viewpoints and priorities. Third, patients were divided into two groups. The first group received their laboratory results through the Web site on the date had been announced during their visit to the laboratory. The second group was informed by SMS once their results were shown on the Web site. After receiving laboratory results, patients' satisfaction was evaluated. More than half of the participants (n = 53, 55.8%) were highly satisfied with receiving the results electronically. The higher number of people in SMS group (n = 9, 20.9%) reported that they were satisfied with time-saving compared to other group (n = 2, 3.8%) (P = .04). Participants after receiving the results through the Web site considered the functionalities of reprinting (P < .0001) and timeliness (P = .017) more important. Integrating laboratory results into the hospital Web site based on the patients' viewpoints and priorities can improve patient satisfaction and lower the patients' concern regarding confidentiality of their results. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Three-dimensional visualization of the craniofacial patient: volume segmentation, data integration and animation.

PubMed

Enciso, R; Memon, A; Mah, J

2003-01-01

The research goal at the Craniofacial Virtual Reality Laboratory of the School of Dentistry in conjunction with the Integrated Media Systems Center, School of Engineering, University of Southern California, is to develop computer methods to accurately visualize patients in three dimensions using advanced imaging and data acquisition devices such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CT) and mandibular motion capture. Data from these devices were integrated for three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific visualization, modeling and animation. Generic methods are in development that can be used with common CT image format (DICOM), mesh format (STL) and motion data (3D position over time). This paper presents preliminary descriptive studies on: 1) segmentation of the lower and upper jaws with two types of CT data--(a) traditional whole head CT data and (b) the new dental Newtom CT; 2) manual integration of accurate 3D tooth crowns with the segmented lower jaw 3D model; 3) realistic patient-specific 3D animation of the lower jaw.

The clinical presentation of acute bacterial meningitis varies with age, sex and duration of illness.

PubMed

Johansson Kostenniemi, Urban; Norman, David; Borgström, Malin; Silfverdal, Sven Arne

2015-11-01

This Swedish study reviewed differences in clinical presentation and laboratory findings of acute bacterial meningitis in children aged one month to 17 years in Västerbotten County, Sweden. A register-based study was performed for the period 1986 to 2013 using the Västerbotten County Council's patient registration and laboratory records at the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Umeå University Hospital. The medical records were reviewed to extract data and confirm the diagnosis. We found 103 cases of acute bacterial meningitis, and Haemophilus influenzae was the most common pathogen, causing 40.8% of all cases, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae at 30.1% and Neisseria meningitidis at 9.7%. Significant differences in clinical presentation and laboratory findings were found. Younger children were more unwell than older ones and had more diffuse symptoms on admission. In addition, important sex-related differences were found that might explain the higher case fatality rates for boys than girls. For example, boys tended to have a higher disturbance in the blood-brain barrier, which is known to be a negative prognostic factor. This study showed that clinical presentation for acute bacterial meningitis varied with age and sex and, to a lesser extent, on the duration of the illness. ©2015 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Perceived emotional aptitude of clinical laboratory sciences students compared to students in other healthcare profession majors.

PubMed

Adams, Austin; McCabe, Kristin; Zundel, Cassandra; Price, Travis; Dahl, Corey

2011-01-01

Emotional aptitude can be defined as the ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and interpret the emotions of others. It has been speculated that Clinical Laboratory Sciences students may lack the emotional skills to most effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals, therefore a logical hypothesis would be that they would evaluate their own emotional intelligence lower than students from other healthcare majors. While this has been a topic of discussion in healthcare, a lack of research has been conducted to validate this assumption. This study assesses the perceived emotional aptitude of Clinical Laboratory Sciences students compared to students of other healthcare majors in the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber State University. The perceived emotional aptitude of the healthcare students was determined by completion of a self-evaluation questionnaire that included questions about one's emotions, their understanding of others' emotions, and how they manage conflict. A total of 401 questionnaires were completed, compiled, and analyzed. Although minor differences were seen in the responses, statistical analysis found these differences to be insignificant. The perceived emotional aptitude of Clinical Laboratory Sciences students was insignificantly different than that of students of other healthcare majors at the Dumke College of Health Professions.

SDSS-III

Science.gov Websites

Mexico. SDSS-III consists of four surveys, each focused on a different scientific theme. Click on one of Collaboration including the University of Arizona, the Brazilian Participation Group, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Florida, the French Participation Group, the German

Overview of USEPA/NERL Cooperative Agreement Research Program on Air Pollution Exposure and Health

EPA Science Inventory

USEPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) recently initiated a two-year Cooperative Agreement Research Program between EPA and three academic institutions: Emory University, Rutgers University and University of Washington. Under this EPA/NERL sponsored research, nov...

Multiphasic Health Testing in the Clinic Setting

PubMed Central

LaDou, Joseph

1971-01-01

The economy of automated multiphasic health testing (amht) activities patterned after the high-volume Kaiser program can be realized in low-volume settings. amht units have been operated at daily volumes of 20 patients in three separate clinical environments. These programs have displayed economics entirely compatible with cost figures published by the established high-volume centers. This experience, plus the expanding capability of small, general purpose, digital computers (minicomputers) indicates that a group of six or more physicians generating 20 laboratory appraisals per day can economically justify a completely automated multiphasic health testing facility. This system would reside in the clinic or hospital where it is used and can be configured to do analyses such as electrocardiography and generate laboratory reports, and communicate with large computer systems in university medical centers. Experience indicates that the most effective means of implementing these benefits of automation is to make them directly available to the medical community with the physician playing the central role. Economic justification of a dedicated computer through low-volume health testing then allows, as a side benefit, automation of administrative as well as other diagnostic activities—for example, patient billing, computer-aided diagnosis, and computer-aided therapeutics. PMID:4935771

Case studies identify savings of up to $40,000 for academic research laboratories with the use of video journals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pritsker, Moshe

2015-04-01

Recent studies indicate that 70% to 90% of results published in science journals are not reproducible, which presents troubling uncertainty about the future of scientific research. In contrast to the text format of traditional journals, novel video-based journals allow for systematic, step-by-step visualized demonstrations of research experiments. Video articles produce a more efficient transfer of knowledge between laboratories and therefore offer a viable solution to the issue of reproducibility. To quantify the savings of time and money generated by this alternative mode of scientific communication, we conducted a number of case studies among academic laboratories who use the peer-reviewed video journal JoVE. One study determined that using video as a guide to learn a new dissection technique saved a bioengineering lab at the University of Washington 40,000. A second case study found that a laboratory at Cornell University studying muscular dystrophy eliminated 6 months of experimentation by learning a new complex stem cell injection technique from the video journal. Results from a third study indicated that a laboratory at the University of Helsinki shortened the time to learn a surgical technique from 1 year to 2 weeks. Together, these studies indicate that video publication significantly enhances the reproducibility and productivity of scientific research.

[110 years--University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin dom"].

PubMed

Zlatkov, V

2014-01-01

The first specialized Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Bulgaria was founded based on the idea of Queen Maria Luisa (1883). Construction began in 1896 and the official opening of the hospital took place on November 19, 1903. What is unique about the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin dom" is above all the fact that the Bulgarian school of obstetrics and gynecology was founded within its institution. Currently, the hospital has nearly 400 beds and 600 employees who work at nine clinics and six laboratories, covering the entire spectrum of obstetric and gynecological activities. Its leading specialists still continue to embody the highest level of professionalism and dedication. The future development of the hospital is chiefly associated with the renovation of facilities, resources and equipment and with the enhancement of the professional competence of the staff and of the quality of hospital products to improve the health and satisfaction of the patients.

FOREWORD: 2nd International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems (NCMIP 2012)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanc-Féraud, Laure; Joubert, Pierre-Yves

2012-09-01

Conference logo This volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series is dedicated to the scientific contributions presented during the 2nd International Workshop on New Computational Methods for Inverse Problems, (NCMIP 2012). This workshop took place at Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan, in Cachan, France, on 15 May 2012, at the initiative of Institut Farman. The first edition of NCMIP also took place in Cachan, France, within the scope of the ValueTools Conference, in May 2011 (http://www.ncmip.org/2011/). The NCMIP Workshop focused on recent advances in the resolution of inverse problems. Indeed inverse problems appear in numerous scientific areas such as geophysics, biological and medical imaging, material and structure characterization, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, and finance. The resolution of inverse problems consists of estimating the parameters of the observed system or structure from data collected by an instrumental sensing or imaging device. Its success firstly requires the collection of relevant observation data. It also requires accurate models describing the physical interactions between the instrumental device and the observed system, as well as the intrinsic properties of the solution itself. Finally, it requires the design of robust, accurate and efficient inversion algorithms. Advanced sensor arrays and imaging devices provide high rate and high volume data; in this context, the efficient resolution of the inverse problem requires the joint development of new models and inversion methods, taking computational and implementation aspects into account. During this one-day workshop, researchers had the opportunity to bring to light and share new techniques and results in the field of inverse problems. The topics of the workshop were: algorithms and computational aspects of inversion, Bayesian estimation, kernel methods, learning methods, convex optimization, free discontinuity problems, metamodels, proper orthogonal decomposition, reduced models for the inversion, non-linear inverse scattering, image reconstruction and restoration, applications (bio-medical imaging, non-destructive evaluation etc). NCMIP 2012 was a one-day workshop. Each of the submitted papers was reviewed by 2 to 4 reviewers. Among the accepted papers, there are 8 oral presentations and 5 posters. Three international speakers were invited for a long talk. This second edition attracted 60 registered attendees in May 2012. NCMIP 2012 was supported by Institut Farman (ENS Cachan) and endorsed by the following French research networks (GDR ISIS, GDR Ondes, GDR MOA, GDR MSPC). The program committee acknowledges the following laboratories CMLA, LMT, LSV, LURPA, SATIE, as well as DIGITEO Network. Laure Blanc-Féraud and Pierre-Yves Joubert Workshop Co-chairs Laure Blanc-Féraud, I3S laboratory, CNRS, France Pierre-Yves Joubert, IEF laboratory, Paris-Sud University, CNRS, France Technical Program Committee Alexandre Baussard, ENSTA Bretagne, Lab-STICC, France Marc Bonnet, ENSTA, ParisTech, France Jerôme Darbon, CMLA, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Oliver Dorn, School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, UK Mário Figueiredo, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal Laurent Fribourg, LSV, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Marc Lambert, L2S Laboratory, CNRS, SupElec, Paris-Sud University, France Anthony Quinn, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Christian Rey, LMT, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Joachim Weickert, Saarland University, Germany Local Chair Alejandro Mottini, Morpheme group I3S-INRIA Sophie Abriet, SATIE, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Béatrice Bacquet, SATIE, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Reviewers Gilles Aubert, J-A Dieudonné Laboratory, CNRS and University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, France Alexandre Baussard, ENSTA Bretagne, Lab-STICC, France Laure Blanc-Féraud, I3S laboratory, CNRS, France Marc Bonnet, ENSTA, ParisTech, France Jerôme Darbon, CMLA, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Oliver Dorn, School of Mathematics, University of Manchester, UK Gérard Favier, I3S laboratory, CNRS, France Mário Figueiredo, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal Laurent Fribourg, LSV, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Jérôme Idier, IRCCyN, CNRS, France Pierre-Yves Joubert, IEF laboratory, Paris-Sud University, CNRS, France Marc Lambert, L2S Laboratory, CNRS, SupElec, Paris-Sud University, France Dominique Lesselier, L2S Laboratory, CNRS, SupElec, Paris-Sud University, France Anthony Quinn, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Christian Rey, LMT, ENS Cachan, CNRS, France Simon Setzer, Saarland University, Germany Joachim Weickert, Saarland University, Germany Invited speakers Antonin Chambolle: CMAP, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, France Matteo Pastorino: University of Genoa, Italy Michael Unser: Ecole polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland