Which management strategy do parents prefer for their head-injured child: immediate computed tomography scan or observation?

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine which method of head injury evaluation, immediate computed tomography (CT) or observation, parents would prefer for their child when given the opportunity to make an informed decision and to determine factors influencing preference.

Methods: Parents of head-injured children 2 years or older who presented to a pediatric emergency department were eligible. After triage evaluation, and before physician assessment, research assistants presented educational materials regarding the method, risks, and benefits of both immediate CT and observation.

Phase 1 study of a recombinant mutant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis.

A phase 1 study of a recombinant mutant protective antigen (rPA) vaccine was conducted in 186 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years. Volunteers were randomized to receive one of three formulations of rPA (formalin treated, alum adsorbed, or both), in 10- or 20-μg dosages each, or the licensed vaccine, AVA. Three injections were given at 2-month intervals and a 4th 1 year after the 3rd.

Animated video vs pamphlet: comparing the success of educating parents about proper antibiotic use.

Objective: The objective was to create an animated video to teach parents about the appropriate use of antibiotics and to compare their knowledge to parents who were provided with the American Academy of Pediatrics pamphlet. We hypothesized that the video format would result in improved comprehension and retention.

Methods: This prospective randomized, controlled trial was conducted in an urban pediatric emergency department.

Parental preference for rehydration method for children in the emergency department.

Objective: To determine which rehydration method, oral or intravenous, parents would choose for their child when given the opportunity to make an informed decision and to determine factors influencing preference.

Methods: Parents of children, aged 6 months to 5 years, who presented to a pediatric emergency department with a chief complaint of vomiting and/or diarrhea were eligible. After triage evaluation and before physician assessment, research assistants presented educational materials regarding the method, risks, and benefits of both oral and intravenous rehydration.

A biophysical approach to the optimisation of dendritic-tumour cell electrofusion.

Electrofusion of tumour and dendritic cells (DCs) is a promising approach for production of DC-based anti-tumour vaccines. Although human DCs are well characterised immunologically, little is known about their biophysical properties, including dielectric and osmotic parameters, both of which are essential for the development of efficient electrofusion protocols. In the present study, human DCs from the peripheral blood along with a tumour cell line used as a model fusion partner were examined by means of time-resolved cell volumetry and electrorotation.