Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis: A Survey of Practice Among Pediatric Cardiology Providers.

The 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines limited antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) for infective endocarditis (IE) to fewer patients with predisposing cardiac conditions (PCC). We surveyed the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery (AAP SOCCS) on their recommendations for AP for a number of PCC and procedures. We report on those 173 respondents who follow the 2007 AHA guidelines.

NACA deficiency reveals the crucial role of somite-derived stromal cells in haematopoietic niche formation.

The ontogeny of haematopoietic niches in vertebrates is essentially unknown. Here we show that the stromal cells of the caudal haematopoietic tissue (CHT), the first niche where definitive haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) home in zebrafish development, derive from the caudal somites through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The resulting stromal cell progenitors accompany the formation of the caudal vein sinusoids, the other main component of the CHT niche, and mature into reticular cells lining and interconnecting sinusoids.

Reducing unacceptable missed doses: pharmacy assistant-supported medicine administration.

Objectives: The potential harm from omitted and delayed medicines for hospital inpatients was highlighted by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). Despite evidence of omitted doses, few interventional studies have been reported on preventing the problem. This study aimed to assess the impact on omitted doses when medicine administration was supported by pharmacy assistants (PAs).

Effect of direct neuroradiologist participation in physician marketing on imaging volumes in outpatient radiology.

Background And Purpose: Over the past several years, decreased demand for and increased supply of imaging services has increased competition among outpatient imaging centers in the United States. This study hypothesizes that using a radiology sales representative and neuroradiologist as a team in marketing and sales will increase imaging referrals in outpatient imaging.

Materials And Methods: From January to December 2009, baseline monthly physician referral data of CT and MR scans of 19 referring clinicians (neurologists, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists) to an outpatient radiology group were collected.

Implementation of a pharmacist-led, multidisciplinary diabetes management team.

Purpose: The development, implementation, and evaluation of a pharmacist-led, multidisciplinary diabetes management team (DMT) at a 564-bed medical center in Jackson, Mississippi, are described.

Summary: The overwhelming prevalence of diabetes in Mississippi has a major impact on the state's health care system. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems (MBHS) developed a consultation-driven DMT in November 2008.