A side-by-side comparison of the performance and time-and-motion data of VITEK MS.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry systems are designed for rapid and reliable microbial identification. VITEK MS PRIME is the bioMérieux's new generation instrument equipped with a continuous load-and-go sample loading system, urgent slide prioritization for critical patient samples and new internal components for faster identification. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of VITEK MS PRIME and to compare it to that of the VITEK MS system. In addition, at two sites, we performed a time-and-motion study to evaluate the efficiency of sample analysis from colony picking to slide removal from the instrument. We analyzed by VITEK MS and VITEK MS PRIME a total of 1413 isolates (1320 bacterial and 76 yeast) deriving from routine diagnostic samples that came into four laboratories in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. VITEK MS PRIME and VITEK MS were concordant to the species and genus level for 1354/1413 (95.8%) and to the species level for 1341/1413 (94.9%). The identification and concordance rates in individual centers were largely homogenous. Overall, VITEK MS PRIME identified 1370/1413 (97.0%) of isolates compared to 1367/1413 (96.7%) identified by VITEK MS. Identification rates were consistently high for all microorganism categories. A time-and-motion study showed that the use of VITEK MS PRIME was associated with significant time saving. VITEK MS PRIME performs as well as VITEK MS and reduces the time necessary for pathogen identification. To fully optimize the laboratory process and obtain maximum efficiency, VITEK MS PRIME must be integrated into the laboratory workflow.

Screening for autism spectrum disorder in underserved communities: Early childcare providers as reporters.

Early diagnosis of autism typically is associated with earlier access to intervention and improved outcomes. Daycares and preschools largely have been ignored as possible venues for early identification. This may be especially important for minority children in the United States who are typically diagnosed with autism later than White children, limiting their access to early specialized interventions and possibly resulting in poorer outcomes. Early childcare providers within underserved communities completed autism screening tools for a sample of low-risk young children (n = 967) in their programs. Early childcare providers returned screening tools for 90% of the children for whom parental consent had been received. A total of 14% of children screened positive for autism spectrum disorder and 3% of the sample met criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Among those who screened positive, 34% were lost to follow-up. Findings suggest that early childcare providers can effectively screen young children for autism spectrum disorder in preschool/daycare settings, thus improving access to early diagnosis and reducing potential healthcare disparities among underserved populations.

The use of functional electrical stimulation cycles in children and adolescents with spinal cord dysfunction: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Children who experience spinal cord injuries (SCI) may develop many complications, including loss of bone mass, osteoporosis, and pathological fractures. Additionally, patients with SCI often rate their quality of life as poor compared to non-injured peers. We examined the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycle exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) and quality of life (QOL) in six patients ranging in age from 9 to 20 years. BMD was determined using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry scans, and QOL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0). RESULTS: While patients experienced difficulty in attending sessions consistently, we found a tendency toward improved BMD and QOL associated with the number of months using the FES cycles. In addition, a positive relation was seen between improved BMD and the total number of cycling sessions, as well as between the final rating of QOL and time from injury. CONCLUSION: FES cycle exercise has the potential to increase BMD, possibly leading to a decrease in pathologic fractures, as well as to improve QOL, in children and adolescents with SCI. Further investigation is warranted on a larger population of children with SCI in order to establish the full benefits of FES cycle exercise.