Improving Outcomes in Patients With Sepsis.

Sepsis mortality may be improved by early recognition and appropriate treatment based on evidence-based guidelines. An intervention was developed that focused on earlier identification of sepsis, early antimicrobial administration, and an educational program that was disseminated throughout all hospital units and services. There were 1331 patients with sepsis during the intervention period and 1401 patients with sepsis during the control period.

Evaluation of apoptogenic adenovirus type 5 oncolytic vectors in a Syrian hamster head and neck cancer model.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) vectors are intensely investigated for virotherapy of a wide variety of human cancers. Here, we have evaluated the effect of two apoptogenic HAdV5 vectors in an immunocompetent Syrian hamster animal model of head and neck cancer. We established two cell lines of hamster cheek pouch squamous cell carcinomas, induced by treatment with 9,10-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene.

Improved physician consult response times in an academic Emergency Department after implementation of an institutional guideline.

Background: Physician consultation in the Emergency Department (ED) can account for a significant portion of ED length of stay, which can lead to poor clinical outcomes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an institutional guideline could lead to a reduction in time between consult request and admission decision. This guideline codified a 90-min expected time interval to arrive and complete an admission disposition where the consulting and admitting service were the same in an academic ED with weekly audits and reports to departmental chairs and hospital administrators.

Reduction of central venous catheter associated blood stream infections following implementation of a resident oversight and credentialing policy.

Background: This study assesses the impact that a resident oversight and credentialing policy for central venous catheter (CVC) placement had on institution-wide central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). We therefore investigated the rate of CLABSI per 1,000 line days during the 12 months before and after implementation of the policy.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data at an academic medical center with four adult ICUs and a pediatric ICU.

A mouse model of lethal infection for evaluating prophylactics and therapeutics against Monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an orthopoxvirus closely related to variola, the etiological agent of smallpox. In humans, MPXV causes a disease similar to smallpox and is considered to be an emerging infectious disease. Moreover, the use of MPXV for bioterroristic/biowarfare activities is of significant concern.

MBP-1 inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis in immunocompetent mice.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women. We have shown previously an antiproliferative effect of MBP-1 on several human cancer cells. In this study, we have examined the potential of MBP-1 as a gene therapeutic candidate in regression of breast cancer growth and metastasis in an immunocompetent mouse model.

Use of the i-STAT portable clinical analyzer in mice.

The use of portable chemistry analyzers is an attractive option for obtaining clinical pathology panels in mice, because these analyzers require only small volumes of whole blood. However, in studies with other animals, portable analyzers do not always agree with results obtained using standard laboratory equipment. The authors evaluated the use of the i-STAT handheld portable clinical analyzer compared to the use of standard nonportable laboratory instruments in mice.