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1.
J Occup Rehabil ; 2024 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38869745

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The nature and cumulative occupational demands imposed on families of public safety personnel (PSP) are substantial, in many cases non-negotiable, and distinct from the general population accentuating risk factors for family well-being. Despite this reality, the contributions of PSP families are not well understood, and a conceptual framework is needed. The aim of this paper is to summarize contextual factors (lifestyle dimensions) that shape the lives of PSP families; factors supported in the existing, albeit limited, body of research. METHODS: Grounded in the interpretive/constructivist paradigm, a synthesis was central to understanding the lived experiences of PSP families. An interdisciplinary research team engaged in an iterative process of framework analysis to capture the variability and complexity of PSP family life and distilled the overarching lifestyle dimensions. RESULTS: Three lifestyle dimensions-logistics, risks, and identities-emerged from contextual factors and represent distinct aspects of PSP family life. PSP families play a crucial role in that their capacity to accommodate the lifestyle dimensions (i.e., logistics, risks, and identities), without which the PSP could not meet the demands of the profession. CONCLUSION: Promoting awareness of these dimensions and their consequent demands underscores the cumulative demands that put PSP families at risk. Responses from governments, public safety organizations, and communities are required to help PSP families manage non-negotiable elements of the public safety occupation that spill over into family life over which they have no control.

2.
N Engl J Med ; 382(8): 697-705, 2020 02 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31860793

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The causative agents for the current national outbreak of electronic-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) have not been established. Detection of toxicants in bronchoalveolar-lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with EVALI can provide direct information on exposure within the lung. METHODS: BAL fluids were collected from 51 patients with EVALI in 16 states and from 99 healthy participants who were part of an ongoing study of smoking involving nonsmokers, exclusive users of e-cigarettes or vaping products, and exclusive cigarette smokers that was initiated in 2015. Using the BAL fluid, we performed isotope dilution mass spectrometry to measure several priority toxicants: vitamin E acetate, plant oils, medium-chain triglyceride oil, coconut oil, petroleum distillates, and diluent terpenes. RESULTS: State and local health departments assigned EVALI case status as confirmed for 25 patients and as probable for 26 patients. Vitamin E acetate was identified in BAL fluid obtained from 48 of 51 case patients (94%) in 16 states but not in such fluid obtained from the healthy comparator group. No other priority toxicants were found in BAL fluid from the case patients or the comparator group, except for coconut oil and limonene, which were found in 1 patient each. Among the case patients for whom laboratory or epidemiologic data were available, 47 of 50 (94%) had detectable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or its metabolites in BAL fluid or had reported vaping THC products in the 90 days before the onset of illness. Nicotine or its metabolites were detected in 30 of 47 of the case patients (64%). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E acetate was associated with EVALI in a convenience sample of 51 patients in 16 states across the United States. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others.).


Subject(s)
Acute Lung Injury/pathology , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry , Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Vaping/adverse effects , Vitamin E/analysis , Acute Lung Injury/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cigarette Smoking , Coconut Oil/analysis , Female , Humans , Limonene/analysis , Male , Middle Aged , United States , Young Adult
3.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 28(10): 1982-1989, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35951009

ABSTRACT

In July 2021, we conducted environmental sampling at the residence of a person in Dallas, Texas, USA, who had travel-associated human West African monkeypox virus (MPXV-WA). Targeted environmental swab sampling was conducted 15 days after the person who had monkeypox left the household. Results indicate extensive MPXV-WA DNA contamination, and viable virus from 7 samples was successfully isolated in cell culture. There was no statistical difference (p = 0.94) between MPXV-WA PCR positivity of porous (9/10, 90%) vs. nonporous (19/21, 90.5%) surfaces, but there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between viable virus detected in cultures of porous (6/10, 60%) vs. nonporous (1/21, 5%) surfaces. These findings indicate that porous surfaces (e.g., bedding, clothing) may pose more of a MPXV exposure risk than nonporous surfaces (e.g., metal, plastic). Viable MPXV was detected on household surfaces after at least 15 days. However, low titers (<102 PFU) indicate a limited potential for indirect transmission.


Subject(s)
Monkeypox virus , Mpox (monkeypox) , Humans , Monkeypox virus/genetics , Plastics , Texas/epidemiology , Travel , Travel-Related Illness
4.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 71(14): 509-516, 2022 Apr 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35389974

ABSTRACT

Monkeypox is a rare, sometimes life-threatening zoonotic infection that occurs in west and central Africa. It is caused by Monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus similar to Variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox) and Vaccinia virus (the live virus component of orthopoxvirus vaccines) and can spread to humans. After 39 years without detection of human disease in Nigeria, an outbreak involving 118 confirmed cases was identified during 2017-2018 (1); sporadic cases continue to occur. During September 2018-May 2021, six unrelated persons traveling from Nigeria received diagnoses of monkeypox in non-African countries: four in the United Kingdom and one each in Israel and Singapore. In July 2021, a man who traveled from Lagos, Nigeria, to Dallas, Texas, became the seventh traveler to a non-African country with diagnosed monkeypox. Among 194 monitored contacts, 144 (74%) were flight contacts. The patient received tecovirimat, an antiviral for treatment of orthopoxvirus infections, and his home required large-scale decontamination. Whole genome sequencing showed that the virus was consistent with a strain of Monkeypox virus known to circulate in Nigeria, but the specific source of the patient's infection was not identified. No epidemiologically linked cases were reported in Nigeria; no contact received postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the orthopoxvirus vaccine ACAM2000.


Subject(s)
Mpox (monkeypox) , Humans , Male , Mpox (monkeypox)/diagnosis , Mpox (monkeypox)/epidemiology , Mpox (monkeypox)/prevention & control , Monkeypox virus/genetics , Nigeria/epidemiology , Texas/epidemiology
5.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 69(18)2020 May 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32379731

ABSTRACT

Congregate work and residential locations are at increased risk for infectious disease transmission including respiratory illness outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is primarily spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Nationwide, the meat and poultry processing industry, an essential component of the U.S. food infrastructure, employs approximately 500,000 persons, many of whom work in proximity to other workers (1). Because of reports of initial cases of COVID-19, in some meat processing facilities, states were asked to provide aggregated data concerning the number of meat and poultry processing facilities affected by COVID-19 and the number of workers with COVID-19 in these facilities, including COVID-19-related deaths. Qualitative data gathered by CDC during on-site and remote assessments were analyzed and summarized. During April 9-27, aggregate data on COVID-19 cases among 115 meat or poultry processing facilities in 19 states were reported to CDC. Among these facilities, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 4,913 (approximately 3%) workers, and 20 COVID-19-related deaths were reported. Facility barriers to effective prevention and control of COVID-19 included difficulty distancing workers at least 6 feet (2 meters) from one another (2) and in implementing COVID-19-specific disinfection guidelines.* Among workers, socioeconomic challenges might contribute to working while feeling ill, particularly if there are management practices such as bonuses that incentivize attendance. Methods to decrease transmission within the facility include worker symptom screening programs, policies to discourage working while experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19, and social distancing by workers. Source control measures (e.g., the use of cloth face covers) as well as increased disinfection of high-touch surfaces are also important means of preventing SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Mitigation efforts to reduce transmission in the community should also be considered. Many of these measures might also reduce asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission (3). Implementation of these public health strategies will help protect workers from COVID-19 in this industry and assist in preserving the critical meat and poultry production infrastructure (4).


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Disease Outbreaks , Food-Processing Industry , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Animals , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Humans , Meat , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Poultry , United States/epidemiology
6.
Pediatr Radiol ; 50(8): 1123-1130, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32424612

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) in children suspected for child abuse can be challenging. Ultrasound (US) can potentially help diagnose CMLs. However, its accuracy is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of US in the diagnosis of CMLs using skeletal survey reports as the gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US of the metaphysis was performed in three patient groups age <1 year. Informed consent was obtained for patients scheduled for renal US (Group 1) and for patients scheduled for skeletal surveys for possible child abuse (Group 2). Targeted US was also performed in selected patients to evaluate for possible CML suspected on radiographs (Group 3). In Groups 1 and 2, US was performed of both distal femurs, and of either the right or left proximal and distal tibia. Two radiologists (Rad1 and Rad2) independently reviewed the US studies, blinded to history and other imaging. US sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the following gold standards: CML definitely seen on skeletal survey (positive), CML definitely not seen on skeletal survey or part of renal US group (negative). Cases where the skeletal survey was indeterminate for CML were excluded. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate interobserver variability. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-one metaphyseal sites were evaluated by US in 63 children (mean age: 5 months; 33 males); 34 had skeletal surveys and 29 had renal US. Kappa for the presence of CML was 0.70 with 95.7% agreement. US sensitivity was 55.0% and 63.2% and the specificity was 97.7% and 96.7% for Rad1 and Rad2, respectively. CONCLUSION: US has low sensitivity and high specificity in CML diagnosis. Thus, negative US does not exclude CML, but when the radiographs are equivocal, positive US can help substantiate the diagnosis.


Subject(s)
Child Abuse/diagnosis , Epiphyses/diagnostic imaging , Epiphyses/injuries , Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography/methods , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Radiography , Reference Standards , Sensitivity and Specificity
7.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 68(46): 1076-1080, 2019 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31751326

ABSTRACT

CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and public health and clinical stakeholders are investigating a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) (1). As of November 13, 2019, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) have reported 2,172 EVALI cases to CDC, including 42 (1.9%) EVALI-associated deaths. To inform EVALI surveillance, including during the 2019-20 influenza season, case report information supplied by states for hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients with EVALI were analyzed using data collected as of November 5, 2019. Among 2,016 EVALI patients with available data on hospitalization status, 1,906 (95%) were hospitalized, and 110 (5%) were not hospitalized. Demographic characteristics of hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients were similar; most were male (68% of hospitalized versus 65% of nonhospitalized patients), and most were aged <35 years (78% of hospitalized versus 74% of nonhospitalized patients). These patients also reported similar use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products (83% of hospitalized versus 84% of nonhospitalized patients). Given the similarity between hospitalized and nonhospitalized EVALI patients, the potential for large numbers of respiratory infections during the emerging 2019-20 influenza season, and the potential difficulty in distinguishing EVALI from respiratory infections, CDC will no longer collect national data on nonhospitalized EVALI patients. Further collection of data on nonhospitalized patients will be at the discretion of individual state, local, and territorial health departments. Candidates for outpatient management of EVALI should have normal oxygen saturation (≥95% while breathing room air), no respiratory distress, no comorbidities that might compromise pulmonary reserve, reliable access to care, strong social support systems, and should be able to ensure follow-up within 24-48 hours of initial evaluation and to seek medical care promptly if respiratory symptoms worsen. Health care providers should emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months, including persons who use e-cigarette, or vaping, products (2,3).


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Lung Injury/epidemiology , Vaping/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Female , Humans , Lung Injury/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
8.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 68(45): 1040-1041, 2019 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31725707

ABSTRACT

CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and multiple public health and clinical partners are investigating a national outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Based on data collected as of October 15, 2019, 86% of 867 EVALI patients reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products in the 3 months preceding symptom onset (1). Analyses of THC-containing product samples by FDA and state public health laboratories have identified potentially harmful constituents in these products, such as vitamin E acetate, medium chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil), and other lipids (2,3) (personal communication, D.T. Heitkemper, FDA Forensic Chemistry Center, November 2019). Vitamin E acetate, in particular, might be used as an additive in the production of e-cigarette, or vaping, products; it also can be used as a thickening agent in THC products (4). Inhalation of vitamin E acetate might impair lung function (5-7).


Subject(s)
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry , Disease Outbreaks , Lung Injury/epidemiology , Vaping/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
9.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 68(46): 1081-1086, 2019 Nov 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31751322

ABSTRACT

CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and public health and clinical stakeholders are investigating a nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) (1). CDC has published recommendations for health care providers regarding EVALI (2-4). Recently, researchers from Utah and New York published proposed diagnosis and treatment algorithms for EVALI (5,6). EVALI remains a diagnosis of exclusion because, at present, no specific test or marker exists for its diagnosis, and evaluation should be guided by clinical judgment. Because patients with EVALI can experience symptoms similar to those associated with influenza or other respiratory infections (e.g., fever, cough, headache, myalgias, or fatigue), it might be difficult to differentiate EVALI from influenza or community-acquired pneumonia on initial assessment; EVALI might also co-occur with respiratory infections. This report summarizes recommendations for health care providers managing patients with suspected or known EVALI when respiratory infections such as influenza are more prevalent in the community than they have been in recent months (7). Recommendations include 1) asking patients with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or constitutional symptoms about the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products; 2) evaluating those suspected to have EVALI with pulse oximetry and obtaining chest imaging, as clinically indicated; 3) considering outpatient management for clinically stable EVALI patients who meet certain criteria; 4) testing patients for influenza, particularly during influenza season, and administering antimicrobials, including antivirals, in accordance with established guidelines; 5) using caution when considering prescribing corticosteroids for outpatients, because this treatment modality has not been well studied among outpatients, and corticosteroids could worsen respiratory infections; 6) recommending evidence-based treatment strategies, including behavioral counseling, to help patients discontinue using e-cigarette, or vaping, products; and 7) emphasizing the importance of annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months, including patients who use e-cigarette, or vaping products.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Lung Injury/therapy , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Vaping/adverse effects , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Humans , Lung Injury/epidemiology , United States/epidemiology
10.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 68(43): 985-989, 2019 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31671085

ABSTRACT

CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments, and other public health and clinical stakeholders are investigating a national outbreak of electronic-cigarette (e-cigarette), or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) (1). As of October 22, 2019, 49 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported 1,604 cases of EVALI to CDC, including 34 (2.1%) EVALI-associated deaths in 24 states. Based on data collected as of October 15, 2019, this report updates data on patient characteristics and substances used in e-cigarette, or vaping, products (2) and describes characteristics of EVALI-associated deaths. The median age of EVALI patients who survived was 23 years, and the median age of EVALI patients who died was 45 years. Among 867 (54%) EVALI patients with available data on use of specific e-cigarette, or vaping, products in the 3 months preceding symptom onset, 86% reported any use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products, 64% reported any use of nicotine-containing products, and 52% reported use of both. Exclusive use of THC-containing products was reported by 34% of patients and exclusive use of nicotine-containing products by 11%, and for 2% of patients, no use of either THC- or nicotine-containing products was reported. Among 19 EVALI patients who died and for whom substance use data were available, 84% reported any use of THC-containing products, including 63% who reported exclusive use of THC-containing products; 37% reported any use of nicotine-containing products, including 16% who reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products. To date, no single compound or ingredient used in e-cigarette, or vaping, products has emerged as the cause of EVALI, and there might be more than one cause. Because most patients reported using THC-containing products before symptom onset, CDC recommends that persons should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC. In addition, because the specific compound or ingredient causing lung injury is not yet known, and while the investigation continues, persons should consider refraining from the use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Lung Injury/epidemiology , Vaping/adverse effects , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Dronabinol/toxicity , Female , Humans , Lung Injury/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
11.
Ann Behav Med ; 53(1): 75-97, 2019 01 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29796664

ABSTRACT

Background: Intervention fidelity refers to whether an intervention has been implemented as intended. Trials of infant feeding behavioral interventions to prevent childhood obesity show inconsistent evidence of effectiveness. However, intervention fidelity has not been previously explored within these trials, limiting interpretation of findings. Purpose: To review the use and/or reporting of strategies to enhance and assess intervention fidelity within trials of infant feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity, and their association with study quality, effectiveness, and publication year. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched, with articles screened for inclusion by two reviewers. The National Institutes of Health Behaviour Change Consortium fidelity checklist was used to assess use and/or reporting of fidelity strategies across five domains (design, provider training, delivery, receipt, and enactment). Results: Ten trials (16 papers) were identified. Average use/reporting of fidelity strategies was moderate (54%), ranging from 28.9% to 76.7%. Levels of use/reporting ranged from 15.9% in the domain of provider training to 95% for enactment. No association was found between these levels and study quality, effectiveness, or publication year. Conclusions: The moderate use/reporting of fidelity strategies within trials of infant feeding interventions suggests that previous findings of inconsistent effectiveness may not fully reflect the intended interventions. The review highlights key considerations for improving future research, both in the area of behavioral infant feeding and wider behavior change literature. This includes improving reporting across all fidelity domains and ensuring an enhanced focus on provider training and control group content to optimize the translation of research into practice. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42016033492.


Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior , Health Promotion , Infant Care/methods , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , Treatment Adherence and Compliance , Child , Clinical Studies as Topic , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Health Promotion/methods , Humans , Infant
12.
Pediatr Radiol ; 49(8): 1010-1017, 2019 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31139880

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A hernia is due to a defect in the diaphragm. An eventration is due to a thinned diaphragm with no central muscle. Distinguishing right diaphragmatic hernia from eventration on chest radiographs can be challenging if no bowel loops are herniated above the diaphragm. Experience is limited with postnatal ultrasound (US) evaluation of diaphragmatic hernia or eventration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for specific US signs in the diagnosis of right diaphragmatic hernia and eventration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients (January 2007-December 2017) with right diaphragm US and surgery for eventration or hernia. We reviewed medical charts, and US images/reports for clinical presentation and diaphragm abnormalities. Surgical diagnosis was considered the reference standard. RESULTS: Seventeen children (mean age: 5 months) had US examination before surgery for hernia (n=9) or eventration (n=8). The most common presentation was respiratory distress. In the US reports, hernia was correctly diagnosed in all patients and three patients with eventration were misdiagnosed as hernia, yielding 100% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. In a retrospective evaluation of the US studies, a combination of folding of a free muscle edge with a narrow angle waist had 100% specificity for hernia and was seen in 7/9 children with hernia. Combination of a broad angle waist and hypoechoic strip of diaphragmatic muscle covering the waist had 100% specificity for eventration and was demonstrated in 4/8 children with eventration. Five of 17 patients (31.6%) had no specific sign that differentiated hernia from eventration. CONCLUSION: On US, folding of the free edge of the diaphragm and a narrow angle waist are specific for hernia; a broad angle waist with muscle covering the elevated area is specific for eventration. Definitive differentiation between eventration and hernia may not be possible in about a third of patients.


Subject(s)
Diaphragmatic Eventration/diagnostic imaging , Diaphragmatic Eventration/surgery , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital/diagnostic imaging , Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital/surgery , Ultrasonography, Doppler/methods , Age Factors , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Herniorrhaphy/methods , Humans , Infant , Male , Preoperative Care/methods , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors
13.
J Environ Health ; 82(1): 30-33, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36620308

ABSTRACT

NEHA strives to provide up-to-date and relevant information on environmental health and to build partnerships in the profession. In pursuit of these goals, we feature this column on environmental health services from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in every issue of the Journal. In these columns, authors from CDC's Water, Food, and Environmental Health Services Branch, as well as guest authors, will share insights and information about environmental health programs, trends, issues, and resources. The conclusions in these columns are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of CDC. Kerton Victory is an environmental health specialist and emergency coordinator with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) Emergency Preparedness and Response Office (EPRO). Jill Shugart is a senior environmental health specialist and the Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance coordinator with NIOSH EPRO. Sherry Burrer is a senior epidemiologist and emergency coordinator with NIOSH EPRO. Chad Dowell is the NIOSH deputy associate director for emergency preparedness and response. Lisa Delaney is the NIOSH associate director for emergency preparedness and response.

14.
Radiology ; 287(2): 554-562, 2018 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29436946

ABSTRACT

Purpose To identify what information patients and parents or caregivers found useful before an imaging examination, from whom they preferred to receive information, and how those preferences related to patient-specific variables including demographics and prior radiologic examinations. Materials and Methods A 24-item survey was distributed at three pediatric and three adult hospitals between January and May 2015. The χ2 or Fisher exact test (categorical variables) and one-way analysis of variance or two-sample t test (continuous variables) were used for comparisons. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations between responses and demographics. Results Of 1742 surveys, 1542 (89%) were returned (381 partial, 1161 completed). Mean respondent age was 46.2 years ± 16.8 (standard deviation), with respondents more frequently female (1025 of 1506, 68%) and Caucasian (1132 of 1504, 75%). Overall, 78% (1117 of 1438) reported receiving information about their examination most commonly from the ordering provider (824 of 1292, 64%), who was also the most preferred source (1005 of 1388, 72%). Scheduled magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or nuclear medicine examinations (P < .001 vs other examination types) and increasing education (P = .008) were associated with higher rates of receiving information. Half of respondents (757 of 1452, 52%) sought information themselves. The highest importance scores for pre-examination information (Likert scale ≥4) was most frequently assigned to information on examination preparation and least frequently assigned to whether an alternative radiation-free examination could be used (74% vs 54%; P < .001). Conclusion Delivery of pre-examination information for radiologic examinations is suboptimal, with half of all patients and caregivers seeking information on their own. Ordering providers are the predominant and preferred source of examination-related information, with respondents placing highest importance on information related to examination preparation. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Imaging , Information Seeking Behavior , Patient Education as Topic , Patient Preference/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Attitude to Health , Child , Communication , Delivery of Health Care , Female , Health Care Surveys , Hospitals, Teaching , Humans , Male , Patient Satisfaction , Physician-Patient Relations
15.
Appetite ; 123: 56-71, 2018 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29225141

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a global public health challenge. Parental feeding practices, such as responsive feeding, are implicated in the etiology of childhood obesity. PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to examine of effects of healthcare professional-delivered early feeding interventions, on parental feeding practices, dietary intake, and weight outcomes for children up to 2 years. The role of responsive feeding interventions was also specifically examined. METHODS: Databases searched included: CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Maternity and Infant Care. INCLUSION CRITERIA: participants are parents of children ≤2 years; intervention includes focus on early child feeding to prevent overweight and obesity; intervention delivered by healthcare professionals. RESULTS: Sixteen papers, representing 10 trials, met inclusion criteria for review. Six interventions included responsive feeding components. Interventions demonstrated inconsistent effects on feeding practices, dietary intake, and weight outcomes. Findings suggest some reductions in pressure to eat and infant consumption of non-core beverages. Responsive feeding based interventions demonstrate greater improvements in feeding approaches, and weight outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review highlight the importance of incorporating responsive feeding in healthcare professional delivered early feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity. Observed inconsistencies across trials may be explained by methodological limitations.


Subject(s)
Diet , Feeding Behavior , Health Personnel , Parenting , Body Weight , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Overweight/prevention & control , Pediatric Obesity/prevention & control , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
16.
Pediatr Radiol ; 48(13): 1945-1954, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30178078

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is the first-line imaging modality to assess the morbidly adherent placenta, but sensitivity and specificity are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This investigation aims to improve diagnostic accuracy with a comprehensive score using clinical history, US, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women who received both transvaginal US and MRI with suspicion for morbidly adherent placenta between 2009 and 2016. US was scored with the following metrics: (i) previa, (ii) hypervascularity, (iii) loss of retroplacental clear space and (iv) lacunae. MRI was evaluated for (i) intraparenchymal vessels, (ii) abnormally dilated vessels, (iii) fibrin deposition, (iv) placental bulge and (v) bladder dome irregularity. Bayesian analysis was used to estimate the probability of morbidly adherent placenta for a given score. Diagnostic testing parameters were calculated. RESULTS: Among the 41 women with concerning imaging, histologically identified disease was confirmed in 16. The probability of morbidly adherent placenta increased with the score. At the highest US score, the probability of disease was 63.7%. With the highest MRI score, the probability of adherent placentation was 90.5%. Combining the US and MRI findings had a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 92%. CONCLUSION: A combined scoring system using MRI and US may accurately identify patients at risk for morbidity associated with morbidly adherent placenta.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Placenta Previa/diagnostic imaging , Placenta, Retained/diagnostic imaging , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Adult , Bayes Theorem , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity , Severity of Illness Index
17.
Pediatr Radiol ; 47(4): 404-410, 2017 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28246899

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colonic volvulus is rare in children and associated with colonic dysmotility. Diagnosis of colonic volvulus on radiographs in these patients can be challenging. The purpose of the study was to identify the accuracy of abdominal radiographs and findings suggestive of colonic volvulus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective (2003- 2014) study of all children with colonic volvulus proven surgically or endoscopically reviewed their medical charts for underlying disease and clinical presentation as well as their original radiograph reports. Two pediatric radiologists (reader 1 and reader 2) independently reviewed the radiographs. The kappa test was used to evaluate interobserver variability. RESULTS: There were 19 cases of colonic volvulus in 18 patients (11 males) a mean age 14 years. Cecal volvulus was the most common finding at 14/19 cases (74%). Sixteen of 18 (89%) patients had neurological impairment and 10 of 18 (56%) had intestinal dysmotility. The most common presentation was abdominal distension (14/19 [74%]) and pain (11/19 [58%]). Colonic volvulus was diagnosed in only 7/16 (44%) of the abdominal radiographs. The specific finding of a coffee-bean sign was retrospectively observed only by reader 2 in two cases. Absence of rectal gas and focal colonic loop dilation were the most common findings by the readers (average 73.5% and 87%, respectively) with Kappa values of 0.3 and 0.38, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of colonic volvulus in children can be challenging. Radiologists should be alerted to the possibility of colonic volvulus when there is focal colonic loop distention or absent rectal gas.


Subject(s)
Colonic Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Intestinal Volvulus/diagnostic imaging , Radiography, Abdominal/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Colon/diagnostic imaging , Female , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
18.
J Occup Environ Hyg ; 13(12): 980-992, 2016 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27362274

ABSTRACT

Sample collection procedures and primary receptacle (sample container and bag) decontamination methods should prevent contaminant transfer between contaminated and non-contaminated surfaces and areas during bio-incident operations. Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or sample containers may result in the exfiltration of biological agent from the exclusion (hot) zone and have unintended negative consequences on response resources, activities and outcomes. The current study was designed to: (1) evaluate currently recommended sample collection and packaging procedures to identify procedural steps that may increase the likelihood of spore exfiltration or contaminant transfer; (2) evaluate the efficacy of currently recommended primary receptacle decontamination procedures; and (3) evaluate the efficacy of outer packaging decontamination methods. Wet- and dry-deposited fluorescent tracer powder was used in contaminant transfer tests to qualitatively evaluate the currently-recommended sample collection procedures. Bacillus atrophaeus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, were used to evaluate the efficacy of spray- and wipe-based decontamination procedures. Both decontamination procedures were quantitatively evaluated on three types of sample packaging materials (corrugated fiberboard, polystyrene foam, and polyethylene plastic), and two contamination mechanisms (wet or dry inoculums). Contaminant transfer results suggested that size-appropriate gloves should be worn by personnel, templates should not be taped to or removed from surfaces, and primary receptacles should be selected carefully. The decontamination tests indicated that wipe-based decontamination procedures may be more effective than spray-based procedures; efficacy was not influenced by material type but was affected by the inoculation method. Incomplete surface decontamination was observed in all tests with dry inoculums. This study provides a foundation for optimizing current B. anthracis response procedures to minimize contaminant exfiltration.


Subject(s)
Bacillus anthracis , Containment of Biohazards/instrumentation , Containment of Biohazards/methods , Decontamination/methods , Specimen Handling/methods , Spores, Bacterial , Gloves, Protective , Materials Testing
20.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 20(2): 280-3, 2014 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24447835

ABSTRACT

Inhalation anthrax occurred in a man who vacationed in 4 US states where anthrax is enzootic. Despite an extensive multi-agency investigation, the specific source was not detected, and no additional related human or animal cases were found. Although rare, inhalation anthrax can occur naturally in the United States.


Subject(s)
Anthrax/microbiology , Bacillus anthracis/genetics , Inhalation Exposure , Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology , Spores, Bacterial/pathogenicity , Animals , Anthrax/diagnosis , Bacillus anthracis/isolation & purification , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Multilocus Sequence Typing , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Travel , United States
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