Universal COVID-19 testing and a three-space triage protocol is associated with a nine-fold decrease in possible nosocomial infections in an inpatient psychiatric facility.

In May of 2020, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMSA) issued guidelines for state psychiatric hospitals, recommending that these facilities adopt universal testing for COVID-19 and "three-space" triage protocols for dedicated COVID-19 positive, negative, and quarantine spaces to mitigate the risk of nosocomial infection. The Westchester Behavioral Health Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital (WBHC-NYP) adopted a comprehensive infection control protocol consistent with these recommendations in April, 2020. We reviewed the records of 1,139 patients treated on the inpatient service at WBHC-NYP between March 14th and June 10, 2020, dates corresponding to the first COVID-19 surge in the New York City metropolitan region.

Safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin in hepatitis C genotype 1 patients including those with decompensated cirrhosis who failed prior treatment with simeprevir/sofosbuvir.

Background: Combination therapy of simeprevir (SIM)/sofosbuvir (SOF) is an approved treatment for hepatitis C genotype (gen) 1 with overall SVR12 rate of 85%-95%. The single tablet fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir (LDV)/SOF is also approved for gen 1 with sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) rates ≥95%. No data are available on the efficacy of retreatment with LDV/SOF in patients who failed initial treatment with SIM/SOF.

Sofosbuvir and simeprevir in hepatitis C genotype 1-patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis or GFR <30 ml/min.

Background & Aims: Treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has suboptimal tolerability and cure rates. Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir plus simeprevir regimen in CHC-infected patients with ESRD on haemodialysis (HD) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 ml/min is unknown. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in this special patient population.

Safety and efficacy of simeprevir plus sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin in patients with decompensated genotype 1 hepatitis C cirrhosis.

Combination antiviral therapy involving sofosbuvir (SOF) and simeprevir (SIM) is a treatment option in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C; however, the safety of this regimen in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is not established. Data from a combined treatment cohort of 2 large hepatology referral centers were evaluated to assess for safety and efficacy of SIM plus SOF with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with Child B or C cirrhosis. All (n = 42) patients included in the analysis had Child B (n = 35) or C (n = 7) cirrhosis and received 400 mg daily of SOF plus 150 mg daily of SIM, with (n = 7) or without (n = 35) RBV, for 12 weeks.

The effectiveness of delegation interventions by the registered nurse to the unlicensed assistive personnel and their impact on quality of care, patient satisfaction, and RN staff satisfaction: a systematic review.

Background: Delegation by the registered nurse is a decision making process that includes assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Due to an ever-expanding global shortage of nurses, registered nurses are increasingly dependent on unlicensed assistive personnel to assist in the provision of safe patient care. Delegation is recognised as a fundamental nursing skill that can be utilised effectively to improve quality care.

A partnered approach for structured observation to assess the environment of a neighborhood with high diabetes rates.

Background: The Communities IMPACT Diabetes Center uses partnered methods to address diabetes-related conditions among African Americans and Latinos in East Harlem, New York.

Objectives: To describe a novel, partnered approach that integrates simultaneous structured observation by community and academic partners with "on-the-spot" resolution of differences to collect baseline data regarding the built and food environments in a two census tract area of East Harlem and present select findings.

Methods: We designed an environmental assessment to explore characteristics of the environment related to walking and eating.

Reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels during statin therapy is associated with a reduced incidence of advanced colon polyps.

Background: Elevated serum cholesterol levels may stimulate proliferation in adenomatous polyps (AP). Our aim was to determine how a reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients taking statins influences the incidence of APs.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients taking statins who were found to have > or =1 APs on an index colonoscopy, and who also had a follow-up colonoscopy within 3 to 5 years.

Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of advanced adenomatous colon polyps in a male veteran population.

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk for colonic adenomatous polyps (APs) and colorectal cancers, but the influence of obesity on the development of advanced APs is not clear. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of obesity on the prevalence of advanced APs in a male veteran population. We performed a retrospective study of patients (n = 2,903) with histologically confirmed APs on an index colonoscopy.

For patients with colorectal cancer, the long-term use of statins is associated with better clinical outcomes.

Statins have been found to suppress tumor cell growth and to limit the ability of tumor cells to metastasize in studies involving cell lines and animals. To explore how the long-term use of statins influences the presentation and survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), we conducted a retrospective case-control study of male patients with a new diagnosis of CRC who we categorized as: (1) Statin Users who used statins continuously >/=3 years prior to the diagnosis of CRC and (2) Statin Non-Users who did not use statins. Clinical factors were analyzed by simple Chi-square and multivariate regression analysis to identify independent predictors for advanced CRC.

The long-term use of statins is associated with a decreased incidence of adenomatous colon polyps.

Background/aims: Studies have suggested that statins may protect against colorectal cancer (CRC), but it is not clear whether that protection results from effects on established adenomatous polyps (APs) or from preventing the development of new APs. We have conducted a retrospective, cohort study to explore how the long-term use of statins influences the development of new APs.

Methods: We reviewed endoscopy and pathology databases to identify patients with histologically verified APs, all of which were removed during an index colonoscopy, and who had a follow-up colonoscopy 3-5 years later.

Safety and efficacy of metallic stents in the management of colorectal obstruction.

Background: The use of self-expandable metallic stents in the management of obstructing colorectal cancer has been described with increasing frequency in the literature. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and associated morbidity of the use of self-expandable metallic stents to relieve colorectal obstruction at our institution.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent colorectal stent placement between December 2001 and December 2003 in a tertiary referral center was performed.