Characteristics of nursing homes with high rates of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Background: Nursing home residents experience a large burden of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Data are limited regarding nursing home characteristics associated with differences in facility-level invasive MRSA rates.

Methods: We analyzed 2011-2015 data from CDC's Emerging Infections Program (EIP) active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for invasive MRSA cases within seven states.

Development and Implementation of Digital Health Tools in Radiation Oncology: A Rapid Review.

A rapid review of 21 studies into 20 unique digital health tools found significant benefits to utilizing the following 4 categories of tools: (1) educational videos increased patient knowledge of radiotherapy (RT) and reduced treatment-related anxiety; (2) extended reality tools improved patient understanding of RT and reduced anxiety, with virtual reality coaching enhancing tumor motion reproducibility during CT simulation; (3) digital patient engagement tools helped patients manage treatment symptoms, increased health literacy, and improved quality of life; (4) an electronic feedback form decreased patient anxiety and increased RT knowledge. Most interventions were single-use and implemented before the start of RT.

Utility of Papilledema for Detection of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Craniosynostosis.

Papilledema is swelling of the optic disk due to fluid accumulation around the optic nerve and is commonly used to detect increased intracranial (ICP) in craniosynostosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and utility of papilledema detection in patients with single-suture, multi-suture, and syndromic craniosynostosis and the differences before and after surgical intervention. A retrospective review of ophthalmology examinations of patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis treated between 2008 and 2023 was performed.

Testing a Web-Based Interactive Comic Tool to Decrease Obesity Risk Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Preadolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Childhood obesity prevalence remains high, especially in racial and ethnic minority populations with low incomes. This epidemic is attributed to various dietary behaviors, including increased consumption of energy-dense foods and sugary beverages and decreased intake of fruits and vegetables. Interactive, technology-based approaches are emerging as promising tools to support health behavior changes.

Saline Lavage for Sampling of the Canine Nasal Immune Microenvironment.

Evaluating the local immune microenvironment of the canine nasal cavity can be important for investigating normal tissue health and disease conditions, particularly those associated with local inflammation. We have optimized a technique to evaluate the local nasal immune microenvironment of dogs via serial nasal lavage. Briefly, with dogs under anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency, prewarmed sterile saline is flushed into the affected nostril using a flexible soft rubber catheter.