Using serial cross-sectional surveys to create a retrospective nested cohort to determine HIV incidence from 20 US cities.

Objective: To estimate HIV incidence using successive cross-sectional surveys by creating retrospective nested cohorts among MSM, people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexually active persons (HET).

Design: Cohorts were created among participants who had at least one repeat observation across four surveillance cycles from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance in 20 US cities.

Methods: Repeat participants were identified using a combination of date of birth, race/ethnicity, metropolitan statistical area, and gender.

Implementation of a Medical Clearance Algorithm for Psychiatric Emergency Patients.

Background: Despite evidence demonstrating limited benefit, many clinicians continue to perform routine laboratory testing of well-appearing children to medically clear them before psychiatric admission.

Methods: We conducted a quality improvement project to reduce routine laboratory testing among pediatric patients requiring admission to our psychiatric unit. We convened key stakeholders whose input informed the modification of an existing pathway and the development of a medical clearance algorithm.

A study of the dopamine transporter using the TRACT assay, a novel in vitro tool for solute carrier drug discovery.

Members of the solute carrier (SLC) transporter protein family are increasingly recognized as therapeutic drug targets. The majority of drug screening assays for SLCs are based on the uptake of radiolabeled or fluorescent substrates. Thus, these approaches often have limitations that compromise on throughput or the physiological environment of the SLC.

Confidence level of pediatric trainees in management of shock states.

Aim: To assess overall confidence level of trainees in assessing and treating shock, we sought to improve awareness of recurrent biases in clinical decision-making to help address appropriate educational interventions.

Methods: Pediatric trainees on a national listserv were offered the opportunity to complete an electronic survey anonymously. Four commonly occurring clinical scenarios were presented, and respondents were asked to choose whether or not they would give fluid, rank factors utilized in decision-making, and comment on confidence level in their decision.

Violence, violence prevention, and safety: a research agenda for South Africa.

Violence is a serious problem in South Africa with many effects on health services; it presents complex research problems and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Two key meta-questions emerge: (i) violence must be understood better to develop effective interventions; and (ii) intervention research (evaluating interventions, assessing efficacy and effectiveness, how best to scale up interventions in resource-poor settings) is necessary. A research agenda to address violence is proposed.