Impact of cytomegalovirus on outcomes in acute severe ulcerative colitis: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) is highly prevalent in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) but data for outcomes of CMV positivity in ASUC and the benefit of antiviral therapy remain unclear.

Objectives: We aim to determine the impact of CMV positivity, and antiviral therapy, on outcomes such as colectomy-free survival, length of hospital stay and readmission rate, among hospitalized patients with ASUC.

Design: This is a retrospective, multicentre study of patients admitted with ASUC.

How to do mesh-mediated fascial traction for delayed primary closure of the open abdomen.

The open abdomen can be a life-saving resuscitative manoeuvre in patients with catastrophic abdominal pathologies, however, can lead to the need for delayed primary closure. The most recent guidelines released from the European Hernia Society and World Society for Emergency Surgery both suggest mesh-mediated fascial traction in conjunction with negative pressure wound therapy as the preferred method in this situation. We present a detailed 'how to do it' on this technique.

Why hospital-based healthcare professionals do not report adverse drug reactions: a mixed methods study using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Purpose: Adverse drug reaction (ADR) underreporting is highly prevalent across the world. This study aimed to identify factors associated with ADR reporting and map these to a behavioural change framework to help inform future interventions designed to improve ADR underreporting.

Methods: A mixed methods survey was distributed to healthcare professionals at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia.

An exploratory survey study of disorder and its association with safety culture in four hospitals.

Background: Signs of disorder in neighbourhoods (e.g., litter, graffiti) are thought to influence the behaviour of residents, potentially leading to violations of rules and petty criminal behaviour.

Effect of statin use on the risk of influenza and influenza vaccine effectiveness.

Background: Some studies have shown that statins reduce the efficacy of influenza vaccine. The aim was to examine the impact of statins on influenza and influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE).

Methods: This study was a post-hoc analysis of subjects in a prospective case-control study of influenza and acute myocardial infarction, where data on influenza infection, vaccination and statin use was collected.

Family presence during resuscitation and invasive procedures.

The practice of allowing family to be present during patient resuscitation or invasive procedures (Family Presence) is gaining acceptance in North America and the United Kingdom in controlled circumstances. Research into Family Presence has demonstrated multiple benefits for the patient, family and health care team. These advantages include helping the family to understand the severity of the illness/trauma and to see that appropriate attempts were undertaken to save their loved one.