Derivation and External Validation of the Ottawa Bloodstream Infection Model for Acutely Ill Adults.

Background: Knowing the probability that patients have a bloodstream infection (BSI) could influence the ordering of blood cultures and interpretation of their preliminary results. Many previous BSI probability models have limited applicability and accuracy. This study used currently recommended modeling techniques and a large sample to derive and validate the Ottawa BSI Model.

The Independent Association of Plasma and Red Blood Cell Zinc Concentrations with Long-Term Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients.

Background: Plasma and RBC zinc values are unrelated in hospitalized patients. The independent association of these values with important patient outcomes is unknown.

Objectives: Measure the independent association of plasma and RBC zinc with outcomes in hospitalized patients.

Relationship between Plasma Zinc and Red Blood Cell Zinc Levels in Hospitalized Patients.

Background: Patient zinc stores are quantified with plasma or red blood cell (RBC) measures. The relationship between these 2 measures of zinc status has not been determined in a broad population of hospitalized patients.

Methods: Both plasma zinc and RBC zinc were prospectively collected and measured in 252 consenting patients admitted urgently to hospital.

Concurrent external validation of bloodstream infection probability models.

Objective: Accurately estimating the likelihood of bloodstream infection (BSI) can help clinicians make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Many multivariate models predicting BSI probability have been published. This study measured the performance of BSI probability models within the same patient sample.

Do Blood Lactate Levels Affect the Kinematic Patterns of Jump Shots in Handball?

The aim of this study was to determine whether the dynamic motor stereotype of movement (shooting technique) is violated under conditions of an increased lactate concentration in a player's blood after a 30-15 intermittent fitness test. The hypotheses was that there would be statistically significant differences in ball speed and shooting accuracy in jump shots on the goal before and after the occurrence of fatigue in the player. The sample of respondents consisted of 10 top-level handball players of the highest competition rank in Croatia.