COVID-19-Associated Encephalopathy: A Case Series Demonstrating the Rapid Deterioration of Mental Status and a Review of the Literature.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is known for its severe inflammatory response, often leading to multi-organ dysfunction. Among the less-recognized complications is COVID-19-associated encephalopathy, particularly in the elderly, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. This report explores the rapid neurocognitive decline observed in six hospitalized patients with COVID-19, with or without pre-existing neurological conditions.

Recombinant expression systems for production of stabilised virus-like particles as next-generation polio vaccines.

Polioviruses have caused crippling disease in humans for centuries, prior to the successful development of vaccines in the mid-1900's, which dramatically reduced disease prevalence. Continued use of these vaccines, however, threatens ultimate disease eradication and achievement of a polio-free world. Virus-like particles (VLPs) that lack a viral genome represent a safer potential vaccine, although they require particle stabilization.

Comparison of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms Causing Early Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Three Geographically Distinct Trauma Intensive Care Units.

It is unclear why differences in patient location change organisms causing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We investigated VAP organisms in three geographically separate trauma intensive care units (TICUs). A retrospective review of organisms causing VAP (bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] performed ≤7 d after admission and growing ≥10 cfu/mL) in three geographically separate TICUs was conducted.

Time-driven cost analysis of pediatric liver biopsy completed in pediatric sedation clinic and operating room.

Background: Pediatric ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is a commonly performed procedure in children, and may be performed in a variety of clinical settings. However, there is little research on the relative costs associated with different sedation methods and locations.

Objective: This study uses time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to identify relevant costs associated with different biopsy sedation techniques and locations to help inform providers and patients as well as guide value-conscious care.

Development and Implementation of a Context-Specific Multi-modal Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum for a Kenyan Family Medicine Residency Program.

Access to diagnostic imaging is significantly limited in much of the world, and sub-Saharan Africa is no exception. Clinician-performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may provide increased access to diagnostic imaging for many patients in low-resource settings, but training in this modality is limited. We describe the development and implementation of a context-specific, multi-modal pilot POCUS curriculum involving hands-on instruction, in-person and online didactics, asynchronous online image review, and quantitative evaluation.