Evaluation of Anti-Methicillin-Resistant (MRSA) Prescribing Habits in Patients with a Positive MRSA Nasal Swab in the Absence of Positive Cultures.

Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal swabs are guideline-recommended de-escalation tools in certain patients with pneumonia. Prior studies have demonstrated reduced anti-MRSA therapy with negative results, but the impact on durations of therapy has been poorly elucidated in patients with positive PCRs. The objective of this review was to evaluate anti-MRSA treatment durations in patients with a positive MRSA PCR in the absence of MRSA growth on culture.

Loneliness and depressive symptoms in middle aged and older adults experiencing serious mental illness.

Objective: To examine the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI).

Method: Cross-sectional data from a community mental health center were used to understand the contribution of loneliness to depressive symptoms. Participants (n = 100) were aged 50 or older, diagnosed with SMI, and receiving intensive case management services.

The category test perseveration, loss of set, and memory scales: three new scales and their relationship to executive functioning measures.

The Category Test (CT) is a neuropsychological measure that taps into multiple domains of complex reasoning but yields a single error score, limiting the use of the test. In this study, three new CT scales were developed to assess specific aspects of executive dysfunction: Perseveration, Failure to Maintain Cognitive Set, and Inability to Recall and Re-Initiate Past Behavior. The relationship of these scales to well-established neuropsychological measures was examined in head-injured individuals and schizophrenia patients.