Implementation and evaluation of an integrated computerized asthma management system in a pediatric emergency department: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThe use of evidence-based guidelines can improve the care for asthma patients. We implemented a computerized asthma management system in a pediatric emergency department (ED) to integrate national guidelines. Our objective was to determine whether patient eligibility identification by a probabilistic disease detection system (Bayesian network) combined with an asthma management system embedded in the workflow decreases time to disposition decision.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized controlled trial in an urban, tertiary care pediatric ED. All patients 2–18 years of age presenting to the ED between October 2010 and February 2011 were screened for inclusion by the disease detection system. Patients identified to have an asthma exacerbation were randomized to intervention or control. For intervention patients, asthma management was computer-driven and workflow-integrated including computer-based asthma scoring in triage, and time-driven display of asthma-related reminders for re-scoring on the electronic patient status board combined with guideline-compliant order sets. Control patients received standard asthma management. The primary outcome measure was the time from triage to disposition decision.ResultsThe Bayesian network identified 1339 patients with asthma exacerbations, of which 788 had an asthma diagnosis determined by an ED physician-established reference standard (positive predictive value 69.9%). The median time to disposition decision did not differ among the intervention (228 min; IQR = (141, 326)) and control group (223 min; IQR = (129, 316)); (p = 0.362). The hospital admission rate was unchanged between intervention (25%) and control groups (26%); (p = 0.867). ED length of stay did not differ among intervention (262 min; IQR = (165, 410)) and control group (247 min; IQR = (163, 379)); (p = 0.818).ConclusionsThe control and intervention groups were similar in regards to time to disposition; the computerized management system did not add additional wait time. The time to disposition decision did not change; however the management system integrated several different information systems to support clinicians’ communication.     

Los 6 pasos necesarios para elaborar Critically Appraised Topics

Different types of critically appraised topics (CATs) can be elaborated in diagnostic imaging: comparison of diagnostic tests, evaluation of techniques for early detection (screening), economical analyses, or therapeutic aspects, among others. Their design will vary in function of the question they aim to answer. For example, for treatment evaluation, clinical trials are the best, but if there are secondary studies (systematic reviews or meta-analyses) that synthesize information from several studies, the results will be more important and the scientific conclusions will be more relevant. Regardless of the study design used, the elaboration of a CAT will involve six steps: 1) question; 2) systematic and efficient bibliographic search; 3) levels of evidence (choosing the articles that have the best level); 4) critical reading of the articles chosen; 5) applying conclusions to the context, and 6) recommendations. In this article, we will describe these steps and the nuances for different types of studies in each step.     

Purification and identification of a polysaccharide from medicinal mushroom Amauroderma rude with immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effect on tumor growth

Medicinal mushrooms in recent years have been the subject of many experiments searching for anticancer properties. We previously screened thirteen mushrooms for their potential in inhibiting tumor growth, and found that the water extract of Amauroderma rude exerted the highest activity. Previous studies have shown that the polysaccharides contained in the water extract were responsible for the anticancer properties. This study was designed to explore the potential effects of the polysaccharides on immune regulation and tumor growth. Using the crude Amauroderma rude extract, in vitro experiments showed that the capacities of spleen lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells were all increased. In vivo experiments showed that the extract increased macrophage metabolism, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production. In addition, the partially purified product stimulated the secretion of cytokines in vitro, and in vivo. Overall, the extract decreased tumor growth rates. Lastly, the active compound was purified and identified as polysaccharide F212. Most importantly, the purified polysaccharide had the highest activity in increasing lymphocyte proliferation. In summary, this molecule may serve as a lead compound for drug development.     

风能胜湿理论在泄泻中的应用

泄泻病情复杂,易于反复,中医独特的辨证及治疗方法在治疗泄泻中有着明显的优势,通过对风能胜湿理论的阐述,探讨风能胜湿的理论依据,并证实祛风胜湿法在临床治疗泄泻中的作用,以期对泄泻的治疗提供新的思路。     

转化医学实验平台建设与共享机制探讨

转化医学实验平台是突破基础研究与临床平台建设壁垒、将实际问题得以科学解决或转化为技术的依托。根据上海及国内其他地区转化医学建设发展的实际情况,针对目前大部分医院转化医学实验平台建设尚无统一模式、多学科交叉力度不大、资源分配不均等现状,探讨从战略定位、硬件建设、软件建设、人才队伍4个维度进行转化医学平台建设布局。基于提高科研设备使用效益、提高实验效率、保障安全性等共享目的,以需求为导向优化科研共享平台服务策略,从资源共享、服务共享、数据共享、特殊危险试剂共享等方面突出共享机制。实现院内医学转化多课题、多学科,甚至是跨院区、院内外、国际性合作平台的扩展。为优化资源配置、加强协同创新、样本库信息共享、托举人才培养、提高设备使用率、提升科研实际转化奠定基础。有利于基础科学研究转化成临床疗效的平台构建设置,有利于临床疗效转化成临床效果的平台实力展现,有利于临床效果转化成医疗保健措施的平台成果绽放。     

中医封包治疗老年男性患者尿潴留疗效观察

目的探讨中医封包治疗老年男性患者尿潴留的临床效果。方法将117例老年男性尿潴留患者随机分为两组,观察组(中医封包治疗)59例,对照组(诱导排尿)58例。两组观察自行排尿及尿潴留症状缓解情况,并判断疗效。结果观察组39例自行排尿,有效率66.1%,对照组25例自行排尿,有效率43.1%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(χ~2=6.243,P=0.012)。结论中医封包治疗老年男性患者尿潴留效果优于传统诱导排尿方法,是适合老年男性尿潴留患者的简便、安全无创,经济有效的方法。     

推拿配合中药外用治疗婴幼儿腹泻168例临床分析

目的：分析推拿配合中药外用治疗婴儿腹泻的临床疗效。方法：抽取我院于2010年3月-2013年3月收治的门诊婴幼儿患者168例，患者均采用推拿配合中药外敷神阙穴治疗小儿腹泻，观察临床治疗效果。结果：经针对性治疗，治疗第3天，有效113例，显效50例，疗效不显5例。治疗第6天，患者均痊愈康复，治愈率为100%。结论：采用推拿配合中药外用治疗法治疗婴幼儿腹泻，具有较好的临床治疗效果，值得推广使用。