Evaluation of the timing of MRSA PCR nasal screening: How long can a negative assay be used to rule out MRSA-positive respiratory cultures?

Purpose: Previous studies indicate that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal assay for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has a consistently high (>95%) negative predictive value (NPV) in ruling out MRSA pneumonia; however, optimal timing of PCR assay specimen and respiratory culture collection is unclear.

Methods: A study including 736 patients from a community hospital system was conducted. Patients were included if they had undergone MRSA nasal screening with a PCR assay and had documented positive respiratory culture results.

Multiple Health Benefits and Minimal Risks Associated with Vegetarian Diets.

Purpose Of Review: Understand the current prevalence, health benefits, and health risks of vegetarian diets.

Recent Findings: Since the publishing of the Adventist Health Study 2 in 2013, there have been several prospective diet studies demonstrating and challenging the health benefits and risks of the vegetarian diet. The definition of the vegetarian diet has become more specific over time and requires standardization for research purposes.

Practices Involved in the Enteral Delivery of Drugs.

Purpose Of Review: While the delivery of medications through enteral tubes is common in critically ill patients, there are complications and a lack of unified practices between institutions. The purpose of this review is to evaluate current practices and literature evidence regarding this administration route. The effect of this administration on the medication's efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics was examined, as well as other considerations to ensure that this route of delivery is both safe and effective for patients.