MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'infection'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:48:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158993&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiac-devices-causing-more-infections-whats-the-cause%2F2011.08.25 A new report published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and reported in theHeart.org and elsewhere, suggests the infection rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CEID’s) between 1993 and 2008 has greatly increased from 1.53% in 2004 to 2.41% in 2008 (p < 0.001) with a dramatic rise in 2005: Click image to enlarge The authors explain this sudden increase on the basis of comorbities: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158993 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5158993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096576&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D317 Each year, there are approximately 250,000 colon resections performed in the U.S, and according to a study, complications affect almost 30% of bowel resection patients.  But, I recently came across a group of physicians discussing the ColonRing™, a revolutionary compression device designed to improve colon resection outcomes by eliminating the need for staples and sutures.  It’s a simple solution to the challenge surgeons must face when reconnecting a patient’s colon after a section has been removed.  The ColonRing is designed as an easy to use, suture-less device that mechanically holds ends of the tissues in place, thus promoting hemostasis.  After seven to 14 days, the ring is naturally expelled from the body. I asked Dr. William F. Anderson, MD, MPH, Medical Officer, GI and O... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096576 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:01:48 +0100 5096576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094818&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2Fajz9Aivm4B0%2F I joined Dr. Kirsten Sanford on episode 106 of Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour for a basic discussion about viruses. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download DKSH #106 (31 MB .mp3, 64 minutes) Download video (272 MB .mp4) (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094818 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:24:32 +0100 5094818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086170&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwho-report-outlines-problem-of-hospital-acquired-infections%2F2011.08.01 The World Health Organization’s new patient safety envoy will take on health care acquired infections in his new role, he announced last week. Liam Donaldson, England’s former Chief Medical Officer, pointed out in his first report as envoy that patient safety incidents occur in 4% to 16% of all hospitalized patients, and that hospital-acquired infections affect hundreds of millions of patients globally. A WHO report outlined the problem. High-income countries had pooled health care acquired infection rates of 7.6%. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control estimated that 4.1 million Europeans incur 4.5 million health care acquired infections annually. In the U.S. the incidence rate was 4.5% in 2002, or 9.3 infections per 1,000 patient-days and 1.7 million affected ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086170 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5086170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077828&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2F29%2Furinary-tract-infection-antibiotics-or-cranberry-juice%2F An article came out this week in the New York Times reporting that antibiotics work better than cranberry juice at treating urinary tract infections. This finding came from a research study on 221 women published in The Archives of Internal Medicine. We decided to look and see what the 1,303 people at CureTogether with UTIs had to say about this. Here’s what we found: Our results agree with the study! Antibiotics rate as the #1 treatment for UTI, while cranberry juice rates near the bottom for effectiveness. Also, it’s worth noting that our study, while perhaps not as well controlled as the published study, was done at a tiny fraction of the cost, with more patients. And still came to the same conclusion. (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077828 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:53:05 +0100 5077828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062239&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fasthma-treatment-used-for-chronic-sinus-infections%2F2011.07.25 Many people are already aware of nebulizer treatments to help with breathing during asthma attacks and other pulmonary conditions. What many people may not be aware of is that such nebulizer treatments can also potentially be used for chronic sinus infections. One of the best known companies offering such treatment is Sinus Dynamics. Using one of several different nebulizers, compounded liquid medications (antibiotics and/or steroids) selected by the physician are nebulized/atomized which the patient then breathes into the nasal passages. The small size of the particles allow medication to theoretically move through the tiniest of sinus openings directly onto the infected tissue. Treatments are quick generally lasting 3 – 5 minutes (depending on medication and device). Here’s a vid... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062239 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5062239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050849&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D307 Cost control and lowering the potential for infection are driving disposable endoscopes.  These factors are significant considering over 10 million endoscopic procedures are performed in the U.S. each year.  New manufacturing processes have allowed engineers to place up to 30,000 image sensors in a 3-mm camera head at a fraction of the cost of existing cameras, which opens the door to a lot more applications.  Not only can flexible scopes be made into single-use devices, the 3-mm cameras can now be mounted on the end of instruments, such as biopsy forceps.  One of the driving factors of single-use endoscopes is the fear of cross contamination.  According to current literature, the documented infection rate from endoscopes is 1 per 1.8 million.  Other sources suggest that it is very d... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050849 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:55:02 +0100 5050849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050581&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fone-of-the-most-common-infections-of-childhood-otitis-media%2F2011.07.20 Ear infections are the bane of childhood and can spoil many outdoor adventures. One of the most common infections of childhood, they provoke long nights of miserable children, sleepless parents, and unhappiness all around. They may be recurrent, and can also progress (rarely) to more serious medical problems, such as meningitis. What Are Ear Infections? Acute otitis (inflammation of the ear) media (“middle”) infection is caused by bacteria or viruses. When it occurs, there is redness and inflammation of the eardrum, frequently with a collection of  blood, serum, or pus behind the drum. To know whether or not this has occurred, and to precisely determine the anatomic diagnosis and severity, one needs to see the eardrum, which is what the healthcare provider does with an otoscope. With ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050581 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5050581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028215&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcdc-outlines-infection-prevention-in-outpatient-settings%2F2011.07.14 jQ(document).ready(function(){jQ('.bannerad').html("");jQ('#healthy_vision').parent().parent().parent().hide();});As healthcare professionals, we must recognize our responsibility to protect patients – care should not provide any avenue for the transmission of infections. By working together, we can ensure infection prevention practices are understood and followed by all, during every patient visit. Healthcare continues to transition to settings outside the hospital, and efforts to prevent infections must extend to all settings where patients receive care. Today, CDC is pleased to present the Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care. a summary guide of infection prevention recommendations for outpatient settings. Although these recommendat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028215 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:00:41 +0100 5028215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997670&cid=t_96116_118_f&fid=34702&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmspblog%2F%7E3%2FdTJltB93-fQ%2F // Hospitalized patients diagnosed with Clostridium Difficile (C Diff), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or other infectious diseases are usually placed in contact isolation.  The upside to that is a private room, the downside is that for long hospital stays the patient experience can feel like solitary confinement.   Hospital employees must don gowns and gloves before entering the patient’s room, which requires the expenditure of two valuable and limited hospital resources, money and time.  I spent some time recently with a patient in contact isolation.  Every time an IV beeped, or a food tray needed to be brought in or taken out of the room, or the patient rang the call bell, staff would open the cabinet outside the patient’s room and place a yello... MSSPNexus Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997670 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:37:17 +0100 4997670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992114&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FLKECkCOaQIs%2F Analysis of poliovirus recovered from the stool of a patient with fatal poliomyelitis revealed that she had been infected with the virus 12 years earlier, probably when one of her children received the oral poliovirus vaccine. This case has the longest known incubation period for vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, and highlights our still rudimentary understanding of how poliovirus causes disease. The patient in this case, a 44 year old woman from Minnesota, had been diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) in 1991.  Patients with this disease lack B lymphocytes and therefore cannot produce antibodies that help control microbial infections. For example, individuals with CVI often develop chronic enterovirus infections. Furthermore, after receiving oral poliovirus vaccine, CVI pat... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992114 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:44:49 +0100 4992114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968485&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fis-your-cell-phone-carrying-bacteria%2F2011.06.26 Alright doctors, time to give up the cell phones. (Never mind that there has not been a study linking cell phones and hospital acquired infections). From the American Journal of Infection Control: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine bacterial colonization on the mobile phones (MPs) used by patients, patients’ companions, visitors, and health care workers (HCWs). Significantly higher rates of pathogens (39.6% vs 20.6%, respectively; P = .02) were found in MPs of patients’ (n = 48) versus the HCWs’ (n = 12). There were also more multidrug pathogens in the patents’ MPs including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp, high-level aminoglycoside-resistant Enterococcus spp, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968485 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4968485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911734&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FNyEgYB8ud2E%2F Post from: BlissTree Sinus Headaches Are Just An Old Wives’ Tale (You Probably Have a Migraine) (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911734 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:30:20 +0100 4911734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803145&cid=t_96116_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fjb3BNUadb9Y%2F Environmental selection pressures are a driving force in the adaptive processes driving adaptive processes in organisms. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803145 Wed, 04 May 2011 16:38:30 +0100 4803145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758703&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011-vol-305-no-12%2F The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of hydrocortisone therapy in trauma patients. The study concludes that in intubated trauma patients, the use of an intravenous stress-dose of hydrocortisone, compared with placebo, resulted in a decreased risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Cross Infection, Hydrocortisone, Intensive Care Units, Intubation, Patient Safety, Pneumonia, Randomised Controlled Trials, Trauma, Wounds and Injuries (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758703 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:50:27 +0100 4758703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723288&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F6EfTXFJ1g-4%2F Discussion about CROI at ViroBlogy Land cover and West Nile virus disease (Am Journ Trop Med Hyg) Construction of recombinant poxviruses (Methods Mol Biol) Geographic Information System TWiV on Facebook Letters read on TWiV 129 Weekly Science Picks Rich – Polyxeni Potter and EID covers Dickson – American Museum of Natural History Alan – Moon Trees (EurekAlert! article) Vincent – Infection Landscapes Listener Picks of the Week Didier  - The Vaccines (MySpace) /Sven-Urban – The Science of Discworld by Terry Pratchett Garren – Omega Tau podcast Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv, or call them in to 908-312-0760. You can also post articles that you would like us to discuss at microbeworld.org and tag them with twi... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723288 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:46:13 +0100 4723288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605827&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fasymptomatic-strep-throat-should-we-treat-it%2F2011.03.17 Occasionally, I see patients who have received throat swabs for strep that have come back positive… even if they have no signs or symptoms of pharyngitis. In this situation, there are 2 main actions a physician may take (I am biased towards one): 1) Prescribe antibiotics until throat cultures are normal 2) Do nothing Personally, if a patient is without throat symptoms and has no history of rheumatic fever or kidney damage, I would not have even bothered obtaining a strep test. What for??? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605827 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4605827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600489&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fnursing-times-2011-vol-107-no-9%2F Fade Fave: Surveillance of surgical sites in primary care Fade Skinny: A trust set up a programme to monitor surgical site infection that had developed after patient discharge to identify the risk factors and assess compliance with best practice. Contact the Library for a copy of this article.   Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Post Discharge, Surgical Site Infection, Surveillance (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600489 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:11:25 +0100 4600489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600492&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fnursing-times-2011-vol-107-no-6%2F This study reveals how specific hand hygiene products boost patients’ handwashing. Contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Hand Hygiene, Infection Control, Patient Preference (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600492 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:28:18 +0100 4600492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570546&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-to-do-about-fever%2F2011.03.10 Fever is often a part of life as a parent, particularly with young children in the winter time (read: six to 10 colds a year is the norm.) Although I sincerely don’t like it and do feel naturally uneasy when my boys have a fever, as a pediatrician I know to take fever as one of many symptoms they develop when responding to infection. I certainly use medications like Tylenol when my boys are feverish, refusing to eat, punked out, and exhausted. Thing is, it works! And often they respond beautifully, bouncing back, regaining energy, and improving their fluid intake and appetite. But I don’t treat every fever they have and I don’t recommend you run for the medicine cabinet when you feel that warm forehead. It’s not necessary to treat every fever. And it’s certainly not ideal to trea... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570546 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:00:26 +0100 4570546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565904&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpreventing-hospital-acquired-infections-patients-must-be-safety-partners%2F2011.03.09 This is a guest post by Dr. Julia Hallisy. Serious infections are becoming more prevalent and more virulent both in our hospitals and in our communities. The numbers are staggering: 1.7 million people will suffer from a hospital-acquired infections each year and almost 100,000 will die as a result. When our late daughter, Kate, was diagnosed with an aggressive eye cancer in 1989 at five months of age, our life became consumed by doctor visits, MRI scans, radiation treatments, chemotherapy — and fear. My husband and I assumed that our fight was against the ravages of cancer, but almost eight years later we faced another life-threatening challenge we never counted on — a hospital-acquired infection. In 1997, Kate was infected with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRS... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565904 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:00:43 +0100 4565904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540567&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-study-links-hpv-to-head-and-neck-cancers-in-men%2F2011.03.02 A new study finds that half of men in America are infected with the HPV virus. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the growing concern that the virus in men could be responsible for an increase in head and neck cancers. HPV Affects Half Of U.S. Men A study out [yesterday] in The Lancet by Moffitt Cancer Center researcher Anna Giuliano, Ph.D., and her colleagues finds that 50 percent of men ages 18 to 70 in Brazil, Mexico, and the U.S. have genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).  HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer in women. It also causes warts and cancer of the genitals and anus in both men and women. Over the past several years, researchers have realized that the virus can also cause cancer of the head and neck. Aimee R. Kreimer, Ph.D., of the National Cancer Institute, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540567 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:34 +0100 4540567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477762&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffugus-an-unwanted-yoga-partner%2F2011.02.14 Yoga is good for your mind and body, including your skin. Yoga mats, on the other hand, might not be. Using someone else’s yoga mat for an hour could lead to an infection. Fungal infections are common and appear as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and ringworm. Unfortunately, the fungus can survive on surfaces like mats long after the infected person has left. Although most people blame the gym locker room when they develop athlete’s foot, you can catch the fungus from a variety of places anytime you walk barefoot. Fortunately, even if the fungus comes into contact with your skin, it doesn’t always lead to infection. Dry, cracked skin, or soft, wet skin disrupt your primary defense against the fungus — the densely packed barrier of skin cells, oils and proteins on your healthy... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477762 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:00:35 +0100 4477762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4473014&cid=t_96116_118_f&fid=34702&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmspblog%2F%7E3%2FypbSYCPGb9s%2F Human hands – a marvel of masterful design. With them we reach, grasp, work, and create. With them we comfort, arouse, touch, and heal. Their tasks can be elegant, complex, or dirty, and in the case of healthcare, are often all three. This is a reminder and a plea to wash your marvelous, elegant, healing hands. When you don’t your touch may well bring harm, even death. Save lives with soap. (Source: MSSPNexus Blog) MSSPNexus Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4473014 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 12:43:07 +0100 4473014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433105&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-link-between-oral-sex-and-head-and-neck-cancer%2F2011.02.03 USA Today published a pretty accurate article regarding the rise of certain head and neck cancers with the increased popularity of oral sex and number of sexual partners. The factor that creates this link is the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is associated with tonsil and tongue cancer. Alcohol and tobacco use is more highly linked with such oral cancers, but HPV does appear to be an independent risk factor. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that younger people with head and neck cancers who tested positive for oral HPV infection were more likely to have had multiple vaginal and oral sex partners in their lifetime. Having six or more oral sex partners over a lifetime was associated with a 3.4 times higher risk for oropharyngeal cancer — cancers of the base ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433105 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4433105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405778&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcranberry-juice-for-urinary-tract-infections-evidence-is-still-lacking%2F2011.01.26 It always somewhat surprises me how some interventions never seem to die. One therapy that refuses to be put to rest, or even to be clarified, is the use of cranberry juice for urinary tract infections (UTIs). PubMed references go back to 1962, and there are over 100 references. Firm conclusions are still lacking. There is a reasonable, but incomplete, basic science behind the use of the cranberry juice for UTIs. E. coli , the most common cause of UTIs, causes infection in the bladder by binding to the uroepithelial cells. To do this, they make  fimbriae,  proteinaceous fibers on the bacterial cell wall. Fimbriae are adhesins that attach to specific sugar based receptors on uroepithelial cells. Think Velcro. Being able to stick to cells is an important virulence factor for bacteri... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405778 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:00:51 +0100 4405778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389242&cid=t_96116_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1883 Watch out for SPERM RASH! There’s a mysterious phenomenon in which some men, immediately after having an orgasm, come down with a flu-like illness, or skin rash.  Scientists are saying these men may be allergic to their own semen.  The condition is known as post-orgasmic illness sydrome, or POIS.  I bet soon you will hear of another syndrome called pre-sex bullshit syndrome PSBS, where a man actually gets sick of his own lies told trying to convince a girl out of her panties.  You heard it here first! Semen is the cloudy white body fluid that is emitted from the urethra of the penis during orgasm. The average volume of semen produced in a single ejaculation is 5 ml, or a teaspoon. The semen is loaded with 600 million sperm, depending on the length of time since the last ejacula... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389242 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 04:35:48 +0100 4389242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4386473&cid=t_96116_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-lame-condom-excuses%2F Condoms are Fun to UseTen reasons why these are lame excuses not to use a condom…I don’t have any infectionsMake sure it stays that way – use a condom every time you have sexI can’t find one that fitsCondoms can stretch to around 3 feet long and 18 inches wide – don’t boast!I have superb controlWith a condom you don’t need to – accidents do happen and you can really get carried away by the passion of the momentSex doesn’t feel as goodUsing a condom stops those niggling worries about pregnancy or STIs – great sex is safer sexCondoms cut off my circulationCondoms can hold 40 litres of air – more inflated than your ego!If you love me you wouldn’t ask me to wear oneIf you loved me you’d protect meThey smell terribleNot any more – they’re vi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4386473 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:40:01 +0100 4386473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352700&cid=t_96116_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpartial-total-splenectomy-hereditary-spherocystosis%2F Heredity spherocystois is caused by a defect in the red blood cell membrane that causes an abnormal shape to the RBC. Destruction of these deformed cells occurs in the spleen and causes among other things severe anemia, increased bilirubin, and the formation of pigment gallstones. Traditionally, the mainstay of treatment has been total splenectomy, but this is associated with the risk of potentially fatal overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI). Partial splenectomy has been advocated as a means of improving the anemia and incidence of liver and gallbladder sequela while still retaining some splenic immune function against infection. However, partial splenectomy can be problematic. Studies have shown that partial splenectomy does result in increased hemoglobin values and decreased re... Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352700 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 06:00:13 +0100 4352700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343127&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finfluenza-its-not-just-the-flu%2F2011.01.13 One of our readers suggested that I review the book The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History, by John M. Barry. It’s not a new book (it was published in 2004) but it is very pertinent to several of the issues that we have been discussing on this blog, especially in regards to the current anti-vaccine movement. It’s well worth reading for its historical insights, for its illumination of the scientific method, and for its accurate reporting of what science has learned about influenza. In the great flu epidemic of 1918, influenza killed as many people in 24 weeks as AIDS has killed in 24 years. It’s hard to even imagine what that must have been like, but this book helps us imagine it. It tells horror stories: Children found alone and starving beside the cor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343127 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:51 +0100 4343127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4342737&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FuLm1tCudeRQ%2F (MOI) is a frequently used term in virology which refers to the number of virions that are added per cell during infection. If one million virions are added to one million cells, the MOI is one. If ten million virions are added, the MOI is ten. Add 100,000 virions, and the MOI is 0.1. The concept is straightforward. But here is the tricky part. If you infect cells at a MOI of one, does that mean that each cell in the cutlure receives one virion? The answer is no. Here is another way to look at this problem: imagine a room containing 100 buckets. If you threw 100 tennis balls into that room – all at the same time – would each bucket get one ball? Most likely not. How many tennis balls end up in each bucket, or the number of virions that each cell receives at different MOI, is d... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4342737 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:57:25 +0100 4342737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318365&cid=t_96116_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FspOFl_UG6Vs%2Fnew-mrsa-treatment-guidelines.html I learned of this thanks to a tweet from @OFPC: New #MRSA guidelines for the treatment of staph infections http://goo.gl/NQ3xZ #medicine MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infections continue to be a growing public health issue, both hospital-acquired and community-acquired.  These guidelines come from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).  The article is a 38 page document (pdf file, full reference below); the last 10 pages are supporting references. The major performance measures are: 1. The management of all MRSA infections should include identification, elimination and/or debridement of the primary source and other sites of infection when possible (eg, drainage of abscesses, removal of central venous catheters, and debridement of osteomyel... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318365 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:14:00 +0100 4318365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300555&cid=t_96116_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F8aL39CL0ceM%2F It would be fascinating to run a fly-on-the-wall documentary on life at trolley level in a local Emergency Department. When you’ve been there, done it and survived to watch TV again, the dramatised version served up in your average medical soap is about as true to life as Harry Potter. Someone will just have to come up with ED-trolleycam. The MicroGnome was left under no illusions when struck down with a travel-related infection following a week with the Lab Without Walls in East Timor. He became a victim of the Four R Rule: (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300555 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 06:27:51 +0100 4300555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288580&cid=t_96116_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhow-do-infections-cause-male.html The most common cause of azoospermia in India was previously smallpox. This infection injured the epididymis, leading to ductal obstruction. Fortunately, this particular disease is now of historical importance only, as it has been wiped out. Tuberculosis also harms the epididymis, causing azoospermia. Nevertheless, making the correct medical diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis can be quite difficult, since it is often a silent as well as indolent disease. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis along with other STDs ( sexually transmitted diseases) might also create chaos with the man's genital system; leading to irreparable injury to its epithelium (inner lining).Mumps may also cause orchitis (inflammation of the testis) - particularly when this impacts younger males. This may result in signific... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288580 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 04:39:00 +0100 4288580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151791&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcuring-the-common-cold-from-the-inside-out%2F2010.11.09 Antibodies can fight viruses from within infected cells, reported researchers who now believe that treatments could be applied to viral diseases like the common cold, “winter vomiting,” and gastroenteritis. Previously, scientists thought that antibodies could only reduce infection by attacking viruses outside cells and by blocking their entry into cells. Once inside the cell, the body’s only defense was to destroy the cell. But protection mediated by antibodies doesn’t end at the cell membrane. It continues inside the cell to provide a last line of defense against infection. Researchers at the U.K.’s Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology showed that cells possess a cytosolic IgG receptor, tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), whic... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151791 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4151791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098138&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D65 Two topics that almost always seem to enter the discussion when I am talking to administrators are safety and the budget.  This isn’t surprising considering that under evolving “never events” incentives, hospitals are becoming more financially responsible for the costs of infections.  Sepsis is a deadly hospital-acquired blood infection that impacts both.  It is a major concern for all hospitals, especially since CMS is tracking hospital infection rates.   But now, a filter that can remove deadly bacteria from the blood before a patient goes into septic shock is being developed.  It is so simple, yet revolutionary.  So just how serious is sepsis? Daniel Baram, M.D., assistant professor, Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Stony Brook University Hospital in NY told me, “In my... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098138 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:25:33 +0100 4098138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074063&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-to-prevent-an-infection-from-your-pet%2F2010.10.15 Can your dog give you MRSA? Sharing with your dog is wonderful — unless you’re sharing bacteria. Pets can harbor harmful germs to pass on to you. Staphylococcus bacteria is a common cause for skin infections in people and animals. A virulent strain of staph, called MRSA, has made headlines for school outbreaks and fatal infections. MRSA infections are usually blamed on dirty locker rooms and contaminated gym clothes, but the source for an infection might be in your lap right now. Here are five ways to avoid catching an infection from your pet: 1. Your pet’s mouth is not clean. It’s teeming with bacteria. Don’t let your pet lick your wounds. A dialysis patient once contracted a life-threatening pasturella bacteria infection from his beautiful golden retriever this way. 2... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074063 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:00:19 +0100 4074063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045091&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsafe-sex-thailand-and-mr-condom%2F2010.10.08 Mechai Viravaidya has been fighting poverty and disease in Southeast Asia through innovative promotions of safe sex practices. In this TED talk, he gives an amusing overview of how Thailand went from seven children per family to 1.5 in less than four decades and a 90 percent reduction in HIV infection rates from 1991 to 2003. *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045091 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:00:05 +0100 4045091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018255&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D47 A zero infection rate for ventilator patients may be as simple as an antimicrobial coating on an endotracheal tube.  Unless you are in the ICU or the CFO trying to balance the budget, ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP) is not a familiar topic, but it’s on the list for “Hospital-Acquired Conditions” that are not reimbursable under the CMS 2011 Final Rule.  Considering up to 20% of patients on a ventilator develop pneumonia at a cost of over $10,000+, this issue will surely come up in next year’s budget discussion.  Endotracheal tubes with a pharmaceutical coating, a technology based on synthetic, small molecules that are electrostatically attracted to certain viruses, fungi, and bacteria, are now being studied.  Studies indicate that this method, which has a long shelf life, ca... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018255 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:28:13 +0100 4018255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013466&cid=t_96116_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2010%2F09%2F28%2Fvaricella-zoster%2F The past two mornings I have awakened to outside temperatures of 50 degrees.  Soon on goes the gas log fireplace in the living room – a sure sign of things to come. I started to experience pain in my right breast last week, followed in a few days by an accompanying pain in my upper right back.  The oncology nurse in me went to the internet to review information of  male breast cancer.  Did I or did I not perceive a certain lumpiness right of the nipple?  Afterall this is  my first attempted self-breast exam.  The pains remained pretty constant, even increasing in intensity.  Then after a few more days I experienced pain under my arm, like a band connecting the pains in my back and breast. At bedtime I decided to take a look at this new area of tenderness.  Looking in the bat... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013466 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:18:16 +0100 4013466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3980792&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F17%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-106-no-36%2F This article outlines the development of satellite roles in an infection control team which has resulted in the a reduced in healthcare associated infections, improved clinical practice and patient satisfaction. Contact the Library for a copy of this article Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Acute Services, Infection Control (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3980792 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:45:33 +0100 3980792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965418&cid=t_96116_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FoPskSFLzMHg%2F Molecular biologists working with a team of anthropologists have discovered a new gene that is set to revise the theories of social structure in humans. The team initially embarked on an ambitious project to discover when humans and our early ancestors formed hierarchies whereby the members in key organisational positions began to become underproductive social malignancies with the sole aim of self perpetuation at the expense of functional individuals. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965418 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 07:51:03 +0100 3965418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965537&cid=t_96116_118_f&fid=34702&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fmspblog%2F%7E3%2FdJesxG33Qyg%2F Are you struggling with improving handwashing compliance in your hospital? There are some simple steps organizatons can take that may help improve compliance with this important but basic infection control technique. The Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare has put together a list of Handwashing Factors and Solutions, which is based on first-hand observation in multiple healthcare settings by Joint Commission surveyors. The Center for Transforming Healthcare is making their findings available for free to any organization interested in using them.  Click here for a free copy of  Handwashing Factors and Solutions. (Source: MSSPNexus Blog) MSSPNexus Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965537 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:37:45 +0100 3965537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965420&cid=t_96116_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F8Sz-JOiISqU%2F Vaccine production during pandemics encounters severe bottlenecks that give rise to the shortages many health departments dread. Chief among these bottlenecks is the availability of bioreactor organisms with sufficient capacity to produce this vital preventative medicine. A new modern exciting development has seen flu cases plummet this year after it's unintentional early release. The Virtually Indistinguishable Respiratory Usage Saver (VIRUS) Particle is the latest release from the Centre for Community as a Culture Producer (CCCP) headed by Commander Harrison Biscuit III. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965420 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 02:48:15 +0100 3965420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965422&cid=t_96116_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FtMZN8RSkHpU%2F Can contemporary medical economics combat the growing threat of microbes? Have we created sufficient evolutionary pressures that the microbe diseases of yesteryear and the neglected pathogens of today become a threat for us tomorrow? Whilst I don't yet have the answers I intend to test my hypotheses and opinions expressed below as part of a review, which I also intend on making into a science communication presentation, (I will share if it’s of sufficient quality). (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965422 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 07:39:09 +0100 3965422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942791&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-safety-video-hand-hygiene-saves-lives%2F2010.09.07 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a patient safety video about the importance of handwashing for hospital patients and their healthcare providers. The instructional piece entitled “Hand Hygiene Saves Lives” is available for hospitals to offer their newly-admitted patients. I think everyone should watch and learn: Source: CDC-TV (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942791 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:57 +0100 3942791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938291&cid=t_96116_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fkartageners-syndrome-classic-clinical-triad%2F Situs inversus, infertility, pulmonary infections (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938291 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:04:44 +0100 3938291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924930&cid=t_96116_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FK0X-mHTco20%2Finfected-or-exposed-breast-prosthesis.html Discussion: Management of the Infected or Exposed Breast Prosthesis: A Single Surgeon's 15-Year Experience with 69 Patients; Hammond, Dennis C.; Plast Reconstr Surg.125(4):1085-1086, April 2010; doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181d18289 The infected or exposed breast implant: Management and treatment strategies; Spear SL, Howard MA, Boehmler JH, Ducic I, Low M, Abbruzzesse MR.;  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004;113:1634–1644. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924930 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:18:00 +0100 3924930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920839&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-safety-%25e2%2580%259care-you-safe%25e2%2580%259d-awareness-video%2F2010.08.31 Today [Aug 28] I’m participating in the workshop “Engaging Minority Communities in Safer Healthcare” organized by MITSS (Medically Induced Trauma Support Services), a Boston non-profit I’ve written about before. The current speaker is Lisa O’Connor, VP of Nursing at Boston Medical Center. She just showed this four-minute safety awareness video, produced by Quantros. Much of its content will be familiar to our readers here (the frequency of medical errors and hospital acquired infections), but I’m posting it because of its good, concrete, specific actions every patient should know. The part with specific actions for patients starts around 2:30. (My highlights are below.) (more…) *This blog post was originally published at e-Patients.net* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920839 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:00:51 +0100 3920839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899494&cid=t_96116_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fnew_study_links_mouse_retroviruses_to_chronic_fatigue_syndrome.php © SMercury98Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a serious systemic illness of unknown cause. Now, another study in the US found that gene sequences of a family of mouse retroviruses in a high proportion of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Also, the researchers found the same gene sequences in a small proportion of healthy blood donors. The researchers warned however that even though their findings suggest a link between murine leukemia viruses (MLV) and CFS, further studies ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899494 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 +0100 3899494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890475&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Futi-and-eat-pray-love%2F2010.08.21 I really didn’t expect to like Eat, Pray, Love. In fact, since its publication in 2006, I’d been avoiding it like the plague. “Typical new-agey, Oprah-y, girly-book,” I thought. Nothing in it to speak to me. Then I saw the trailer for the movie, and I was hooked –- probably because I, like mostly everyone, love Julia Roberts. I immediately downloaded the book on my iPhone using the Kindle App and began to read. First, let me say that Elizabeth Gilbert writes exceptionally well, and the book is actually a joy to read. I, of course, loved the Italy eating part. But more surprising to me, I wasn’t turned off by the whole yoga, Guru, find-yourself stuff. This is because Gilbert writes it all with a reporter’s curiosity and a skeptic’s eye, and frames it not as a belief syst... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890475 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:54 +0100 3890475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885379&cid=t_96116_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FV3IymbFlsRQ%2Fprimary-breast-abscess-risk-factors.html A recent article in the July issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (full reference below) looked at the risk factors for developing a breast abscess. It is a case control study of 68 patients with a primary breast abscess. Several (36/68) developed a recurrence as defined by the need for repeated drainage within 6 months. They found Univariate analysis indicated that smoking (odds ratio [OR] 8.0 [95% CI 3.4 to 19.4]), obesity (OR 3.6 [95% CI 1.5 to 9.2]), diabetes mellitus (OR 5.7 [95% CI 1.1 to 54.9]), and nipple piercing (OR 10.2 [95% CI 1.3 to 454.4]) were significant risk factors for development of primary breast abscess. Recurrent breast abscess occurred in 36 (53%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified significant OR for an increase in recurre... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885379 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:15:00 +0100 3885379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3805819&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fjock-itch-how-to-get-rid-of-it%2F2010.07.30 I’ve been seeing a lot of jocks lately. The anatomical area, not the athletes. Summertime means heat and humidity, sports, and itchy groins. Jock itch is a general term for an itchy rash in the groin. Heat, sweat, and skin rubbing on skin can leave the area looking like you slid into second base, groin first. There are three main causes of an itchy groin. Classic jock itch is caused by a fungus, the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. This fungus often causes a red scaly rash on the inner thighs. It tends to be dry and can have bumps or pimples. The fungus is often spread from your feet or from contaminated sports equipment, towels, etc. It can be treated with topical terbinafine cream 1% twice a day for 2-4 weeks. Severe cases can require oral anti-fungal medications, especially i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3805819 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:00:50 +0100 3805819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795025&cid=t_96116_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fsunrise.html Windswept.  We spent our last morning on Folly Beach watching the sunrise just a few weeks ago in South Carolina.  The kids in p.j.s, adults hungering for crabcake eggs benedict at the Lost Dog.  I feel the same way...scrubbed clean with exhaustion, soul adrift in a quiet sea, eyes heavy...today.  Headache is through the roof painful, infection seems a bit worse today in my pacer pocket.  The doctor was on the fence but decided it doesn't look "grossly infected", so I can stay home, take my oral antibiotics and avoid a surgical revision of the pacemaker, at least for the moment.  My comprehensive exam has been resubmitted.  If all goes well and I pass the written portion, I will defend sometime the week of August 2 (i.e. next week).  Luckily, I have ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795025 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:48:00 +0100 3795025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786987&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Farticle-boasts-new-birth-centers-luxury-hotel-amenities%2F2010.07.25 Here’s the Minneapolis Star Tribune headline: “Buffalo birthing center has the latest amenities.” And here’s an excerpt: Starting in August, new mothers will have a chance to multi-task in style in Buffalo, Minn. The local hospital is unveiling its new birth center, where every patient room will be equipped with an iPod docking station, a flat-screen TV and DVD player, a soaking tub, rocking chair and refrigerator — oh, and a place for the baby to sleep, too. Buffalo Hospital has spent $7.1 million to turn its old labor and delivery unit into a state-of-the-art facility to appeal to a new generation of patients. At maternity wards around the country, that increasingly means catering to patients and families as if they’re at “a luxury hotel,” ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786987 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:00:31 +0100 3786987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737001&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F08%2Fbritish-journal-of-general-practice-2010-vol-4-no-7%2F Title: Diabetes, ageing and bladder function Skinny: Discusses diabetes and the increased risk of urinary incontience.  and the link between age and developing the illnesses.  Explores treatment options such as medication and bladder retraining. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Filed under: Diabetes, Journals Tagged: Age, Diabetes, Incontinence, Infection, Medication (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737001 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:11:04 +0100 3737001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718318&cid=t_96116_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F07%2Ffistulas-reasons-nonclosure%2F FETID F – foreign body present E – epithelization T – tumor present I – infection present D – distal obstruction Fistulas cause some FETID (i.e., soiled, foul-smelling) dressings. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718318 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:22:12 +0100 3718318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714187&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpreventive-health-tip-get-vaccinated-for-whooping-cough%2F2010.06.30 California recently declared an epidemic of whooping cough (pertussis) which resulted in the death of five infants under the age of 3 months. The pertussis vaccine, which is already given routinely to infants, is first given at 2 months of age, then 4 months and 6 months of age, with an additional booster at 15 to 18 months of age, and then again at 4 to 6 years old. The vaccines for Bortella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough, does not confer lifelong immunity. In other words, fully-vaccinated children who then become teenagers and then adults lose immunity, can acquire the infection and then spread it. Should babies acquire pertussis, as the public has discovered, it can be deadly. The persistent cough tires the baby, causes difficulty breathing, and can make them turn blue ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714187 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3714187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707032&cid=t_96116_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F06%2F28%2Fhigher-vitamin-d-level-linked-with-reduced-risk-of-infection%2F In previous posts (here and here) I have highlighted the benefits vitamin D has with regard to improving the immune response and helping keep infections such as flu at bay. It has been mooted that the upsurge in viral infections during the winter is connected with the generally lower vitamin D levels at this time. [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707032 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:42:24 +0100 3707032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687100&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fherbal-remedy-for-uti-if-youre-a-lab-rat-maybe%2F2010.06.22 A patient came into the office the other day carrying a small clipping from a reputable women’s health newsletter touting new research on an herbal remedy for urinary tract infection. Having recurrent bladder infections, my patient naturally was wondering if this was something she should try. The article was entitled “Herbal Remedy Effective for Urinary Tract Infections” and began with this startling revelation: The common herbal extract forskolin can greatly reduce urinary tract infections and could potentially help antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause most bladder infections.  But the article advised that the “popular” remedy was not FDA approved for this indication, so you should “ask your doctor.” (more…) *This blog post was... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687100 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3687100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676655&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D531 Yeast infections are unpleasant to begin with, and when they show up during pregnancy, it can be worrisome.  The Mayo Clinic reports that typical treatments for yeast infections can be prescribed during pregnancy without risk or danger to mom or baby.  The clinic suggests a seven-day protocol of the two major medications: Miconazole (Monistat) or Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). (Source: Cord Blood News) Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676655 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:25:43 +0100 3676655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671760&cid=t_96116_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FIs98FloW3Rg%2Funusual-case-of-itching-in-surgery.html Patients who are in the early postoperative period (first 2 days) will sometimes complain of itching. I hear this either during the call I make the evening of surgery or when the patient calls the next day. I follow up this complaint up with a few questions: How severe is it? Where do you itch? Is there any rash? When did it start? Most often the itching is a minor irritation. Often they or a family member will immediately think they have to be allergic to one of the medications they are taking. Most often this is not the case. If the itching is localized to the area of the surgery, then most often it is due to the surgical scrubs not being cleaned off well enough (almost impossible to fully do). This itching goes away quickly when the patient takes their shower and can fully cleanse the ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671760 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:01:00 +0100 3671760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644715&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Farchives-of-surgery-2010-vol-145-no-3%2F contents page Fade Fave: Effect of Chlorhexidine Whole-Body Bathing on Hospital-Acquired Infections Among Trauma Patients Fade Skinny: Aims to demonstrate whether daily bathing with cloths impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate will decrease colonization of resistant bacteria and reduce the rates of health care–associated infections in critically injured patients. Finds daily bathing of trauma patients with cloths impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate is associated with a decreased rate of colonization by MRSA and Acinetobacter and lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection and MRSA VAP. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Hospital ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644715 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:27:55 +0100 3644715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644718&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F08%2Fweekly-publication-of-hospital-data-on-mrsa-bacteraemias-and-c-difficile-infections%2F Title: Weekly publication of Hospital data on MRSA bacteraemias and C. Difficile infections Skinny: Dear Colleague Letter from Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE, Secretary of State for Health. He announces the weekly publication of data on MRSA bacteraemias and C. Difficile infections for all hospitals in England. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 2p. Published: 07/06/10 Filed under: Grey Literature, Hospitals, Infection Control, NHS, Quality, Statistical Data Tagged: Clostridium Difficile, Dear Colleague Letters, Grey Literature, Hospitals, Infection Control, MRSA, Statistical Data (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644718 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:44:40 +0100 3644718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515302&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdaily-health-quiz-do-you-know-whats-in-your-yeast-infection%2F How much do you really know about health? You might think you know all the ins and outs of staying healthy, but our daily Health Smarts Quiz will tell you how good your knowledge really is. Answer our question, below, and check back tomorrow for the correct answer and your next pop quiz. Most women experience vaginal yeast infections, but do you know what really causes them? Today’s Question: Itchy, smelly, and uncomfortable down there? It’s probably a yeast infection. They’re caused by an overabundance of naturally occurring fungus, that’s normally found in the mouth, skin, digestive system, and reproductive organs. Most women experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime, and some experience them regularly. Do you know what the yeast is call... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515302 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:39:23 +0100 3515302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3486625&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FeYY8hlOy30U%2F Download: .wmv (322 MB) | .mp4 (91 MB) Visit the virology W3310 home page for a complete list of course resources. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3486625 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:20:43 +0100 3486625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479641&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fdavid-duchovny-and-demi-moore-sickened-by-a-smooch%2F David Duchovny and Demi Moore (photo: WENN.com/FayesVision) Word at Starpulse is that David Duchovny initially refused to kiss Demi Moore while filming their new movie The Joneses, because the actress had what he calls a “raging cold.” Duchovny eventually relented and locked lips with Moore to keep the filming schedule on track. The former X-Files leading man claims that he did get sick from the smooch, and he doesn’t seem happy about it. With a cold season this year that never seems to end, we’re wondering, how far do you go to avoid germs? If it were your job to tongue someone with the sniffles, would you do it? Do you steer clear of your loved ones when they’re sick? Drop us a note in the comments section, below, and let us know. Post from: BlissTree D... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479641 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:14:36 +0100 3479641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3471869&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FNfCHRnVydxo%2F              The labyrinth is the inner ear consisting of the vestibule, cochlear and semicircular canals.  The cochlea is concerned with hearing and the vestibule and semicircular canals with equilibrium (sense of balance).  The bony portion of the labyrinth (osseous labyrinth) is composed of a series of canals tunneled out of the temporal bone.  Labyrinthitis is an infection of the labyrinth, the fluid-filled chamber of the inner ear that controls balance and hearing.  It is almost always caused by viral infection, but can rarely be caused by bacteria.  The viral form may occur during a flu-like illness or during illnesses such as measles or mumps.  Bacterial labyrinthitis can result from inadequately treated or sub-acute otitis media (infection of the middle ear).  Inf... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3471869 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:46:21 +0100 3471869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3463662&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FXMjj2Veq2nE%2F           Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs.  It occurs when either bacteria or viruses get stuck in the lungs – the germs multiply and form an infected area.  In order to understand it, things you should know include something about the lungs and what they do. When you breathe in, you pull oxygen into your lungs.  That oxygen travels through breathing tubes and eventually gets into your blood through the alveoli.  Alveoli are tiny air sacs covered in tiny blood vessels called capillaries.  When oxygen-rich air reaches the alveoli, it can be absorbed into the blood and then your red blood cells carry oxygen all over your body.  When an individual has pneumonia, his or her lungs can’t do their job as well as they usually do.  The reason is because th... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3463662 Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:15:31 +0100 3463662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460236&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FrAU3dxmDo3A%2F           Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body.  It includes your bladder and kidneys and the tubes that connect them.  A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in your urinary system.  Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.  Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involve the lower urinary tract – the urethra and the bladder.  In general, the farther the organ in the urinary tract from the place where the bacteria enter, the less likely the organ is to be infected.  Most urinary tract infections are bladder infections.  A bladder infection usually is not serious if it is treated right away.  If you do not take care of a bladder infe... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460236 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:29:06 +0100 3460236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429135&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2010%2F04%2F01%2Fdiabetics-more-likely-to-die-from-cancer-surgery%2F People with diabetes who undergo cancer surgery are more likely to die in the month following their operations than those who are not diabetic, researchers at Johns Hopkins University say. The study, which will be published in the April issue of "Diabetes Care," shows that cancer patients who also have Type 2 diabetes have a 50 percent greater risk of death after surgery. "Diabetic patients, their oncologists and their surgeons should be aware of the increased risk when they have cancer surgery," Hsin-Chieh "Jessica" Yeh, Ph.D., assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in a press release. "Care of diabetes before, during and after surgery is very important. It should be part of the preoperative discussion. Although the researchers analyzed 15 previous s... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429135 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3429135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420623&cid=t_96116_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fosaps-new-website%2F Annapolis, MD:  March 29, 2010 – The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has launched a new website at www.osap.org. The OSAP website is the gateway for accessing up-to-the-minute research-based information on infection control and safety in dentistry.  The site features charts, checklists, training tools, continuing education programs, news summaries, and more. Much of the content is available to the public, but OSAP members are able to access special content and features. A new social networking capability allows OSAP members to connect with each other, as well as follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter, view photos and videos on Flickr and YouTube, and subscribe to the RSS feed. A Safety Mall offers products and services relating to infection control ... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420623 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:32:55 +0100 3420623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420569&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FLbkt_dOiLLo%2F           Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly.  It is a systemic infection, usually caused by bacteria of various types contaminating a person’s blood. When septicemia is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, the infected blood can then contaminate other organs or tissues of the body, creating life-threatening infections.  There are many things that can cause septicemia, most notably, cuts that have become infected.  You have probably heard of ‘blood poisoning’ or ‘bacteremia with sepsis’ or possibly ‘systemic inflammatory response syndrome’ – these are all alternative names for septicemia.  This disease is rare, but absolutely devastating.           Infections of the mouth or teeth, when untreated b... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420569 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:14:39 +0100 3420569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359244&cid=t_96116_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fvitamin-d-supplementation-found-to-help-prevent-flu-in-children%2F Back in February I wrote a post that was largely focused on my experience of supplementing with vitamin D, and specifically the fact that I had not had a single infection (e.g. cold or flu) since starting supplementation. I still, by the way, have not had an infection. Not even a hint of one. This [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359244 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:54:33 +0100 3359244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358924&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fbmj-2010-vol-340-no-7743%2F Contents page Fade Fave: Presentation, pattern, and natural course of severe symptoms, and role of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among patients presenting with suspected uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care: observational study Fade Skinny: To assess the natural course and the important predictors of severe symptoms in urinary tract infection and the effect of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Antibiotic Resistance, Antibiotics, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Primary Care Trusts, Urinary Tract Infection (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358924 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:15:17 +0100 3358924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358617&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virology.ws%2F012_W3310_10.wmv Download: .wmv (369 MB) | .mp4 (77 MB) Visit the virology W3310 home page for a complete list of course resources. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358617 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:09:47 +0100 3358617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354248&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2Fcommissioning-for-qualitiy-delivering-national-priorities%2F Title: Commissioning for quality – delivering national priorities The Skinny: This Briefing highlights some actions commissioners can take to ensure they secure best value for patients and taxpayers when commissioning for two NHS priorities in 2010/11: delivering same-sex accommodation (DSSA) as part of the thrust towards high-quality care; and improving cleanliness and further reducing healthcare associated infections (HCAI). Key Points: Drafting effective contracts supports the delivery of key HCAI and DSSA objectives as well as offering a solid foundation on which to build sound commissioner and provider relationships. Clinically-driven service specifications that include HCAI and DSSA add value to the commissioning process and support the achievement of desired outcomes. Buildin... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354248 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:31:53 +0100 3354248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346654&cid=t_96116_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myelomablog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2Fwarm-weather-and-shoeless-feet%2F When summer comes around, the first thing I want to do is run around without shoes on.  I hate wearing shoes, and the PN has made most shoes pretty uncomfortable for me.  A few years ago, before I went in for my stem cell transplant for the treatment of my multiple myeloma, I was walking by the pool and I stubbed my toe on something. Toe stubbing is a more frequent occurrence for me now that I have neuropathy.  It’s hard to keep track of just exactly where my feet are.  Anyway, aside from hurting like the dickens, the toe injury included some broken nails. I thought nothing of it. A few weeks later, I had high dose chemo, which wiped out my immune system.  In no time, I noticed that my toes were discolored and the nails on two of my toes were getting flaky. It was the weirdest t... beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346654 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:38 +0100 3346654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283844&cid=t_96116_165_f&fid=36770&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetaot.com%2Fblog%2Foccupational-balance-do-we-practise-what-we-preach Walking into the hospital where I work this morning I noticed a sign telling anybody with respiratory tract infection symptoms to stay away, to avoid infecting patients. I walked past the sign with a small cough and then blew my nose at the first available discreet opportunity. It seemed like the sign did not apply to me; it only applied to the public. During my first hour at work today I noticed a physiotherapist with a cough and a healthcare assistant with a cold. The only person to bat an eyelid at my coughing for the last two weeks was a Sister. She rewarded me with a dirty look, but said nothing. Despite frequent hand-washing, the likelihood is that I was infected by a colleague and my inconsiderate behaviour will have in turn infected many of my colleagues. The next person to use thi... meta-ot blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283844 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:47:56 +0100 3283844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259309&cid=t_96116_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fcranberry-found-effective-for-urinary-tract-infections-in-girls%2F Urinary tract infections are common in women, and for some women can be recurrent and require repeated doses of antibiotics or even prophylactic antibiotics. Organisms (usually E. coli) that cause UTIs generally gain access to the bladder via the urethra (the pipe connecting the bladder with the outside). Some of the strategies that may help [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259309 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:36:26 +0100 3259309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254757&cid=t_96116_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fcranberry-found-effective-for-urinary-tract-infections-in-girls%2F Urinary tract infections are common in women, and for some women can be recurrent and require repeated doses of antibiotics or even prophylactic antibiotics. Organisms (usually E. coli) that cause UTIs generally gain access to the bladder via the urethra (the pipe connecting the bladder with the outside). Some of the strategies that may help [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254757 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:34:50 +0100 3254757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244078&cid=t_96116_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F02%2F05%2Fcan-vitamin-d-keep-you-infection-free%2F On Wednesday morning I had a nice chat over coffee with Oliver Gillie, a writer and researcher with a particular interest in vitamin D. We spent much of our time talking about the role vitamin D may have in a wide range of conditions including role in a range of conditions including cancer, diabetes, [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244078 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:10:31 +0100 3244078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208024&cid=t_96116_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Fmononuclear-phagocytes-and-virus.html By Howard E. Gendelman (University of Nebraska Medical Centre, USA) writing in Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecular and Cellular InteractionsFor chronic lentiviral infections mononuclear phagocytes remain an enigma. On the one hand they are among the first cells contacted by virus and, despite a virtual armada of immunological tools, still serve as means to both spread and contain infection. Virus particles can simultaneously assemble and hide in intracellular compartments, largely free from immune attack. Interestingly, the mononuclear phagocytes are not destroyed by the virus and throughout infection they still contribute to host immunity while at the same time perpetuating lentiviral dissemination. Infected mononuclear phagocytes are readily observed in lymph nodes and organs such as... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208024 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:12:00 +0100 3208024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3204827&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fbreastfeeding-and-thrush-nipple-yeast%2F Welcome Carnival of Breastfeeding readers! This month the participants refer you to the “best of the best” on various breastfeeding topics. First, I feature several helpful resources on thrush, also known as an overgrowth of nipple yeast (usually the yeast Candida albicans) or candidiasis. At the end of this post are links to the other collections of resources from carnival participants. When a woman is experiencing intense pain while breastfeeding, it is important that she consider the possibility of thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mother’s nipple and the baby’s mouth. If you only have time to read one resource on thrush, I recommend this comprehensive article from LLLI. For more information on particular topics, see the links below. If you do believe you... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3204827 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:40:02 +0100 3204827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189094&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F20%2Fbritish-journal-of-healthcare-assistants-2010-vol-4-no-1%2F Title: MRSA: Minimize the spread Skinny: Describes meticillan-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and details what healthcare assistants can do to minimize its spread, including promoting hand hygiene and good practice among other staff members, and improve patient safety. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Infection Control, Journals Tagged: Hand Hygiene, Healthcare Assistants, Infection, Infection Control, MRSA (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189094 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:54:18 +0100 3189094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189334&cid=t_96116_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fanother-commercial-partnership-jdrf-and-bd-join-forces-to-improve-insulin-pumping.html I know, I know, I had the same reaction: What the heck?! Just on the heels of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)’s big artificial pancreas announcement last week that brings the non-profit into a commercial partnership with J&J, yesterday they released news of a new commercial partnership with Becton Dickinson (BD). The goal of [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189334 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:27 +0100 3189334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201904&cid=t_96116_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FuQxC7heAxqY%2F A healthy dentist is one of the most important ingredients in a successful dental practice. An ingredient not to be taken for granted. Professionals, dentists included, can and do experience illnesses and problems that can disrupt or impair a practice. In addition to the vulnerabilities of the human condition–addictive disorders, psychiatric illnesses, infectious disease, family and relationship problems, or the many varieties of human misery–dentists have undergone a powerful process of socialization into their professional role that makes it difficult to seek help for themselves. Stigma about addictive and psychiatric illnesses continues to be a problem despite significant advances in scientific understanding of these disorders. Many people, especially those in positions of c... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201904 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:01:56 +0100 3201904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178742&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F16%2Fthe-lancet-2009-volume-375-issue-9710%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Adjustment of dosing of antimicrobial agents for bodyweight in adults Fade Skinny: The consideration of body size characteristics of patients is essential for the optimisation of drug therapy in specialties such as oncology, haematology, anaesthetics, critical care, and paediatrics. However, for most widely used antimicrobial agents, dosing recommendations in adults do not take into account adjustment to body size measures. (Print Subscription Held by the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Antibiotics, Current Awareness, Infection Control, Journals, Obesity (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178742 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:24:04 +0100 3178742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167170&cid=t_96116_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F04etTmhDcyY%2Fpreoperative-skin-cleanser.html Looks like it’s time for me to rethink my preference for preoperative skin cleanser. This past week there were two new prospective studies published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, along with an accompanying editorial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in American hospitals alone, there are 1.7 million healthcare-associated infections each year. Of these infections, 22% are surgical site infections (SSIs). So if simply changing the preop skin cleanser will reduce my patient’s SSI risk, then I will do so. Rabih Darouiche, MD and colleagues found using chlorhexidine as the preoperative skin cleanser reduced infections by 41% compared with povidone-iodine. Their study involve randomly assigning 897 adults undergoing clean-contaminat... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167170 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:01:00 +0100 3167170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167060&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fpandemic-h1n1-influenza-a-summary-of-guidance-for-infection-control-in-healthcare-settings%2F Title: Summary infection control guidance for ambulance services during an influenza pandemic Skinny: Updated version of Pandemic flu: A summary of guidance for infection control in health care settings issued in September 2007. It is specific to the current pandemic influenza virus, pandemic (H1N1), and thus represents current guidance.  Particularly it updates details on: transmission characteristics of pandemic (H1N1) influenza aerosol-generating procedures occupational health: deployment of staff at high risk of complications from influenza setting-specific guidance for mortuaries and dental surgeries. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 32p. Published: 08/01/2010 Posted in Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Infection Control, ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167060 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:49:14 +0100 3167060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167061&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fpandemic-influenza-summary-infection-control-guidance-for-ambulance-services-during-an-influenza-pandemic%2F Title: Summary infection control guidance for ambulance services during an influenza pandemic Skinny: Concise summary guidance for infection control for the ambulance services and it is intended for use during the pandemic. The guidance in this document is equally applicable to lay responders, who should adopt the same infection control and hygiene measures.  This guidance document includes sections on patient management, infection control precautions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and environmental infection control, as well as occupational health. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 25p. Published: 08/01/2010 Posted in Ambulance Services, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Ambulance Services, Grey, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic (So... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167061 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:44:21 +0100 3167061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3108452&cid=t_96116_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fgeneral-health%2Fwatch-for-the-kiss-of-death Your health is one of the most precious things you have, therefore you should protect it all the time.  You should watch out so much because even an innocent looking thing you may be doing every day can kill you.  And here is how. Not so long ago a 23-year-old man without prior medical history came in the emergency room with nonspecific flu like symptoms and then developed liver failure. In the beginning doctors could not figure out why, and a short time later, he died in the hospital. After questioning of the friends that brought him in and after getting back all lab results, doctors realized what truly killed him: superinfection ( source: NEJM June 11 2009). Not only had his friends seen him at the bar talking to a woman, but they also noticed she had a vesicular lesion on her lip. Tu... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3108452 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:39:01 +0100 3108452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111496&cid=t_96116_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F20%2Fdont-get-depleted-over-the-holidays-or-candidiasis-and-adrenal-fatigue-run-together%2F Running yourself ragged is easy this time of year. (Photo: smellyknee)                     . Does this look like you? Around the holidays we often stop listening to our bodies. Family cheer comes along with a good dose of stress, overeating, and not much exercise. For some people, this depletion of our bodies can increase susceptibility to yeast infection (candidiasis), or adrenal fatigue, or both. Today’s announcement is that we found a strong association between Candidiasis and Adrenal Fatigue. This is a new association that has not been extensively studied by traditional research. In graphical form: . CureTogether members who report Candidiasis are 4x more likely to report Adrenal Fatigue than members with no Candidiasis. This comes from a study of 750 people sharin... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111496 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:44:15 +0100 3111496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3106769&cid=t_96116_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F20%2Fmental-health-year-in-review-2009%2F Another year is over, and so brings us to the close of another year of great stories, great friends, and great insights into the world of psychology — our annual Year in Review of Mental Health. Conflicts of Interest, Lawsuits and Transparency Perhaps 2009 will be noted as the year of reckoning for pharmaceutical companies, who have not enjoyed good press this year. In January, we noted how Eli Lilly settled a Zyprexa lawsuit for $1.4 billion with 30 states due to its off-label marketing of the atypical antipsychotic drug for use in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Philip over at Furious Seasons puts the total Zyprexa tab at $2.8 billion with settlements with 39 states, with another 6 states pending. Keeping in mind that Zyprexa has had $37 billion in sales since its introduc... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3106769 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:55:38 +0100 3106769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096791&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fthe-health-and-social-care-act-2008-code-of-practice-for-health-and-adult-social-care-on-the-prevention-and-control-of-infections-and-related-guidance%2F Title: The Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance Skinny: The Code of Practice, which comes into force on 1 April 2010 for the NHS and October 2010 for all other registered providers, sets out the criteria against which a registered provider will be assessed by the Care Quality Commission. It also provides guidance on how the provider can meet the registration requirement relating to healthcare associated infections set out in the regulations. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 72p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Infection Control Tagged: Codes of Practice, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Quality, Regulation (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096791 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:33 +0100 3096791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3096797&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F17%2Fthe-operating-framework-for-201011-for-the-nhs-in-england%2F Title: The operating framework for 2010/11 for the NHS in England Skinny: Letter introducing the NHS operating framework 2010/11 to Chief Executives in the NHS. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 3p. Published: 16/12/2009 Posted in Acute Services, Decision Making, Financial Management, Governance, Grey Literature, Management, NHS, Primary Care, Quality Tagged: Access, Deprivation, Equity, Grey Literature, H1N1, Hospitals, Inequalities, Infection Control, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic, Patient Experience, Poverty, Primary Care, Priorities, Quality, Staff Satisfaction, Stakeholder Engagement, Waiting Times (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3096797 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:21 +0100 3096797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089217&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fmrsa-objective-recommendations-from-the-national-quality-board%2F Title: MRSA objective: recommendations from the National Quality Board Skinny: The MRSA objective reflects a zero tolerance approach to preventable infections and the aim of reducing variation in performance on MRSA bloodstream infections.  NHS organisations will be set an objective for reducing MRSA infections, relative to the median, with the best-performers setting their objectives locally. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 3p. Published: 11/12/2009 Additional Papers: Supplementary paper 1 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations Supplementary paper 2 – MRSA objective – detail of recommendations Letter from Secretary of State, Andy Burnham, to NHS Chief Executive Impact assessment of proposals to set an objective for MRSA reductions Equality impact assessment Pos... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089217 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:00:57 +0100 3089217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089221&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fmrsa-objective-stakeholder-engagement-summary-of-responses%2F Title: MRSA objective: stakeholder engagement, summary of responses Skinny: Summarises responses to the National Quality Board’s stakeholder engagement exercise on the development of the new MRSA objective. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 19p. Published: 11/12/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Infection Control Tagged: Grey Literature, Infection Control, MRSA, Stakeholder Engagement (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089221 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:30:24 +0100 3089221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467775&cid=t_96116_99_f&fid=39134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanepi.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fstay-home-when-you-are-sick-you-too-doc.html I had a disturbing conversation with a colleague over breakfast this morning. She is a physician in a clinic for underserved populations. She is the only physician in that clinic, but she has a nurse practitioner who works with her. Between the two of them, they have more open charts than is advisable, but they are the only low-income clinic in their area and do the best they can to see all the folks who need care. This morning the NP called in sick. This throws a wrench in the clinic scheduling, as the NP was already overbooked with appointments all day. The doctor will now have to work her butt off to see all the patients herself. This means long waits, even less time per patient, and a very long day for her.She explained to me that the NP felt really guilty for taking off. The NP came d... The Epidemiologist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467775 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:49:00 +0100 3467775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063229&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F07%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-21%2F This article reports on a study of 13796 patients presenting on a single day (May 27 2007) in more than 1200 ICUs across 75 countries. The study known as EPIC II (Extended Prevalance of Infection in the ICU) revealed several noteworthy insights into the current practice patterns of antibiotic use and infection risks in ICU patients. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Antibiotic Resistance, Antibiotics, Infection, Intensive Care, Prevalence, Risks (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063229 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:51:12 +0100 3063229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2962871&cid=t_96116_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Fequine-infectious-anemia-virus.html Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is an ungulate lentivirus related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Much of the understanding of lentiviral infection of macrophages comes from HIV studies that have provided insights into molecular regulation of all lentiviruses. However, numerous aspects of the life cycle of each lentivirus are unique and associated with specific pathological consequences. In vivo EIAV is primarily if not exclusively a macrophage-tropic virus. As a consequence of this targeted tropism, EIAV causes an acute and sometimes fulminant disease associated with high-titered viremia with no associated immunodeficiency. Investigations have only begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms leading to cell-specific replication of EIAV.from Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecul... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2962871 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0100 2962871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2962877&cid=t_96116_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F11%2Flentivirus-tropism-and-disease.html Lentiviruses are among the most intensely and extensively studied group of viruses. They are found worldwide and infect a broad array of animal species. Historically, lentiviruses have been investigated longer than any other virus group. The first viral etiology ascribed to an animal disease was a lentivirus. The diseases associated with lentiviral infections range from benign and subclinical to severely debilitating and lethal. The diverse group of viruses that compose the lentiviruses have many common and distinctive features. Among the common features is tropism for cells from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Infection of macrophage affords this assorted group of viruses many evolutionary advantages, including a potential hiding place from the infected host's immune system. from Lentivi... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2962877 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:01:00 +0100 2962877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950687&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fmax4health-hand-hygiene-evaluation-report%2F Title: Max4Health hand hygiene evaluation report Skinny: Sets out the results of an evaluation of the Max4Health hand hygiene campaign undertaken at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust over a nine week period between February and April 2009 Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 16p Published: 23/10/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Impact Assessments, Infection Control Tagged: Good Practice, Grey Literature, Hand Hygiene, Infection Control (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950687 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:04:41 +0100 2950687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939242&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fhealth-and-social-care-workers-and-pandemic-influenza-information-for-staff-who-are-pregnant-or-in-other-at-risk-groups%2F Title: Health and social care workers and pandemic influenza: information for staff who are pregnant or in other at-risk groups Skinny: Guidance giving advice on protecting healthcare employees who are pregnant or in one of the other at risk groups identified for  (H1N1) 2009 flu (swine flu). Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 12p Published: 28/10/2009 Posted in Influenza, Pandemic Tagged: Grey Literature, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic, Pregnancy (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939242 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:07:04 +0100 2939242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930906&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fadvice-for-mainstream-schools%2F Title: Advice for Mainstream Schools and Advice for Special Schools Skinny: Advice for schools resulting from a recognition that some groups are particularly vulnerable to any illness, including swine flu. This can include some children and young people with particular health conditions, including some complex disabilities such as cerebral palsy that can make it more difficult for them to fight off viruses. Publisher: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Size of Publication: 2p and 3p Published: 27/10/2009 Posted in Children, Disabilities, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Influenza, Young People Tagged: Children, Disabilities, Grey Literature, Guidance, H1N1, Infection Control, Influenza, Pandemic, Schools, Young People (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930906 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:46:04 +0100 2930906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924787&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Fhow-a-flu-virus-invades-your-body-an-animation%2F I’ve seen “viral invasion, replication and spread” more elaborately and scientifically explained, but nothing comes near a clear visual and audible presentation of what happens on a micro-scale. Here is a video on a Flu Attack that stirs the imagination. And one thing or another, those kind of videos get really viral on Twitter and blogs as [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924787 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:42:55 +0100 2924787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908584&cid=t_96116_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D312 Breaking news last week of federal stimulus funding allocated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center had meaningful and exciting implications for future research regarding the transfusion of cord blood stem cells to treat blood tumors such as leukemia. The institution will receive more than $40 million across 60 research grants under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the Stimulus package. One grant totaling $1.74 million will be allocated to Dr. Colleen Delaney, a member of the Clinical Research Division at the Center to explore an innovative approach to increasing the number of neutrophil cells generated from a single unit of cord blood.  These cells are capable of rapid recovery from infection following cord blood transfusions, and the hope is th... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908584 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:04:34 +0100 2908584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894460&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F15%2Fnew-england-journal-of-medicine-2009-vol-361-no-16%2F This article highlights and evaluates the case of a man with a 1 week history of bloody diarrhoea with no history of travel or contact with other sick people. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Journals Tagged: Communicable Diseases, Diarrhoea, Dysentry, Infection Sources (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894460 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:00:12 +0100 2894460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894693&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnxp.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2Fchronic-fatigue-infection.php The New York Times has a long article on the implications of the new paper in Science, Detection of an Infectious Retrovirus, XMRV, in Blood Cells of Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here are the numbers: "Studying peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CFS patients, we identified DNA from a human gammaretrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), in 68 of 101 patients (67%) compared to 8 of 218 (3.7%) healthy controls." (Source: Gene Expression) Gene Expression blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894693 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:18:00 +0100 2894693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883157&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnxp.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2Feffects-of-toxoplasma-gondii.php An older article on the effects of Toxoplasma gondii in Schizophrenia Bulletin:Consistent and significant differences in Cattell's personality factors were found between Toxoplasma-infected and -uninfected subjects in 9 of 11 studies, and these differences were not the same for men and women. After using the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, the personality of infected men showed lower superego strength (rule consciousness) and higher vigilance (factors G and L on Cattell's 16PF). Thus, the men were more likely to disregard rules and were more expedient, suspicious, jealous, and dogmatic. The personality of infected women, by contrast, showed higher warmth and higher superego strength (factors A and G on Cattell's 16PF), suggesting that they were more warm hearted, outgoing, consci... Gene Expression blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883157 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:40:00 +0100 2883157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876275&cid=t_96116_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fflashback-friday-pitching-yeast.html Mixing it up a little from my Wayback Wednesday series today… It was four whole years ago that I wrote this tongue-in-cheek post about diabetes and yeast infections. The guys aren’t brewing at our place so much anymore, but I’m finding that ladies with diabetes are still struggling for answers. Why don’t doctors proactively tell us this [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876275 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:49:38 +0100 2876275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865317&cid=t_96116_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Fdengue-disease.html is caused by the four serotypes of mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV1-4), positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the genus Flavivirus. Escalation of the dengue pandemic can largely be attributed to three factors: (i) increased urbanization and consequent urban detritus and population density leading to enhanced vector breeding and increased contact between humans and vectors, (ii) global invasion of the major mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, leading to geographic spread and geographic overlap of all four dengue virus serotypes and (iii) interaction and evolution of the four serotypes themselves, resulting in greater disease severity. As a result of these changes, DENV is now the most common arboviral infection of humans in the subtropical and subtropical regions of t... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865317 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0100 2865317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862432&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F05%2Fdosage-of-oseltamivir-in-children-under-one-year-of-age-with-swine-flu-2009%2F Title: Dosage of oseltamivir in children under one year of age with swine flu (2009) Skinny: Letter from Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England. Letter highlights the change in dosage of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) in children aged 6 months to 1 year of age during an influenza pandemic outbreak. Up to now, the treatment dose for oseltamivir in children under 1 has been 2mg/kg twice daily for 5 days. The recommended dose for treatmnent of children 6-12 months of age is now 3mg per kg body weight twice daily for 5 days. Outlines the steps that need to be taken to ensure a safe transition to the new dosage. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 4p Published: 24/09/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Guidance, Infection Control, Influenza, Paediatrics, Pandemic Tagged: Influenza, Osel... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862432 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:32:02 +0100 2862432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836321&cid=t_96116_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FYmqc_XFG2JA%2Fi-am-my-mothers-caregiver-ilenes-email.html Recently, I received the email below from Ilene. If you know me well you can understand why it struck me as funny and interesting. In a few quick paragraphs she hit on several issues that Alzheimer's caregivers deal with frequently. If you have an interesting, funny, or informative story on any of these issues, and you would like to publish them on the Alzheimer's Reading Room--send them in. Feel free to use the comments box below the article to add your comments or reactions. By Ilene.. I am my mothers caregiver. I had lived away from her for thirty 33 years. She is in beginning to mid stage AD; depending on which professional you speak with. She is a people person and so in public she is able to fool some with her social skills. She is very convincing when she answers questions with m... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836321 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:02:05 +0100 2836321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832296&cid=t_96116_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-why-me%2F I am not, as the title of this blog posting may lead you to believe, wallowing in the fact that I have MS today.  Not feeling sorry for myself, not throwing a pity party, not even bemoaning, just wondering…seriously, why me?! Research seems to be coming out at an increasing pace of late.  Research that is telling us more and more about multiple sclerosis, the disease itself, the aggravating events and anecdotal evidence of some causative factors.  Still I find myself asking “why me?”! I’m a man with a disease which is diagnosed three times more frequently in women. I never had a bout of mononucleosis in my youth (and don’t show evidence in blood work that I was ever exposed/infected without knowing) I’ve never had a major trauma to the head or neck. I’ve never smoked cigar... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832296 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:31:17 +0100 2832296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809730&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fezwc22AAhs8%2F I’m always amazed at some of the things people accidentally swallow or ingest. Such is the case with John Manley who, as CNN reports, swallowed a spoon from Wendy’s. He had two years of suffering with “ill health, coughing, vomiting and pain.” His doctors viewed his lungs with an endoscope (which is basically a small medical camera) and saw that there was a spoon in his lung that had writing on it. After further investigation they found that the spoon said “Wendy’s” on it. The man claims that there is no way he could have ingested this, and that it had to be in his food. Not sure how that can happen either, but what an amazing story. I’m also glad he has been able to find some relief after two years of suffering. Image: sxc.hu. ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809730 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:03:10 +0100 2809730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804199&cid=t_96116_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usnews.com%2Farticles%2Fscience%2Fmedical-science%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Finfection-could-hasten-alzheimers-memory-loss.html My name is Bob DeMarco, I am an Alzheimer's caregiver. My mother Dorothy, now 93 years old, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. This has been a particularly bad week for my mother, and me. Once again my mother has a urinary track infection (UTI)--the fourth time this year. Each time this happens my mother's Alzheimer's seems to worsen. This time around it was horrific. Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room--via Email My mother seemed completely disoriented. On Monday morning, I woke up when I heard my mother yelling, Bobby, Bobby, Bobby. She came down to my room and asked me if I was in bed for the night. It was 6:45 AM. When I tried to explain to her it was morning, she started whimpering, and started telling me about how she is losing it. My mother started on the antibiotics for ... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804199 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:21:39 +0100 2804199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796515&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FVIXj-pD9pTU%2F If you’ve been wondering if those medical clinics in retail stores are safe and trustworthy, a study by Rand Corp. says that they are just fine. The study was done because many doctors disagree with the retail-type clinics, believing that they offer substandard care or may be influenced by the fact that the stores that have these clinics also have pharmacies, increasing the likelihood of prescription medications, which may not really be necessary. The study findings were published in the most recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. The researchers looked at over 2000 cases of people who went to the clinics for ear infections (otitis media), sore throat (pharyngitis) or urinary tract infection (UTI). Their care was compared to similar patients who had received treatment in a ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796515 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:01:54 +0100 2796515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796677&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FMqic5OSjAPw%2F MRSA is short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that is resistant to certain types of antibiotics, including methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Most infections occur in the hospitals or health care setting where people’s immune systems are naturally weaker (called healthcare-associated or HA-MRSA). Another type of MRSA can infect healthy people in the community (called community-associated or CA-MRSA), and this bacteria causes a serious form of pneumonia and skin infections. But this breaking news is rather surprising – researchers combing the beaches along the state of Washington found MRSA in the sand at the shoreline! The type of Staph found in 10 public beaches were similar to those acquired from hospitals, but there are no local hospita... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796677 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:24:25 +0100 2796677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772674&cid=t_96116_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fje-mappelle-funny-bear-full-french.html Hosted by "Tracy" at "Mother May I," but the photo-picture below will whizz you right there with one click.Just call me snap happy.I have made a Bakewell Tart and a couple of loaves of fresh bread but I am completely incapable of filling in the rest of the menu for the night as my brain has been numbed by twenty minutes of the sing songy exchange:-“Come to the dark side.”“The health inspectors are here!”I don’t know from whence it has come, but I sincerely I hope that it doesn’t stay too long as the Boris Karloff maniacal laugh that accompanies it, is far too realistic for peace of mind. Frankly I do not consider this an improvement on Axel F sung at 50 decibels in chorus, even though once upon a time I did find the theme song to Beverly Hills Cops quite jolly. I remind myself... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772674 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 06:51:00 +0100 2772674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772602&cid=t_96116_115_f&fid=37661&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnottotallyrad.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Frap-id-advice-for-h1n1.html If you get H1N1 influenza or any other infectious disease (ID) this year, chances are really, really good that it won't be from a radiologist. If you are auscultated, touched or sneezed upon by a physician, we're not the 'droids you're looking for.However, there are a lot of other major disease vectors out there to contend with, i.e., your friends and family and co-workers. To protect yourself from them, here are a few helpful hints from Dr. John D. Clarke, medical director of Long Island Railroad:HT to Medgadget (Source: Not Totally Rad) Not Totally Rad blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772602 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:48:00 +0100 2772602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751844&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F01%2Fabout-mrsa-information-for-people-going-into-hospital%2F Title: About MRSA: Information for people going into hospital The Skinny: Easy read version of a leaflet called MRSA screening: a positive result. This leaflet is for people who need to go into hospital for an operation or other treatment who are carrying the MRSA germ. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 16p Published: 27/08/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Infection Control, NHS Tagged: Grey Literature, Hospitals, Infection Control, MRSA, Patient Information (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751844 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:45:44 +0100 2751844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2752046&cid=t_96116_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fosap-announces-call-for-abstracts%2F Annapolis, MD: August 27, 2009 - The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has announced a call for abstracts for their 2010 Annual Symposium, which will be held June 10-13, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. The Symposium will feature leading experts on infection control and occupational health and safety sharing information of critical concern to dental professionals and others involved in dentistry. Abstracts may be submitted in the categories of Infection Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Science, and Other (a category that includes analysis of policy development and implementation, new analysis of existing research, meta-analysis or synthesis from existing studies of the above, and behavioral studies [including intervention studies] of utilization or adopti... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2752046 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:33:17 +0100 2752046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730031&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F24%2F5301%2F Title: Local self-assessment audit for assessing implementation of HTM 01-05: decontamination in primary care dental practices and related infection prevention and control issues The Skinny: Audit tool produced jointly by the Department and the Infection Prevention Society, to allow practices to assess their level of compliance with the HTM 01-05: decontamination in primary care dental practices. It will allow practices to identify areas where they need to improve the quality of the decontamination process to achieve essential quality requirements and best practice, as identified in the guidance document. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 16p Published: 24/08/2009 Posted in Dental Health, Grey Literature, Infection Control, NHS Tagged: Clinical Audit, Dental Health, Grey Literature, Guid... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730031 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:34:28 +0100 2730031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681673&cid=t_96116_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Finfections-may-trigger-narcolepsy.html In May the Sleep Education Blog reported that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. Research suggests that narcolepsy may develop when the immune system attacks and destroys hypocretin-producing brain cells by mistake. Hypocretin is a hormone that helps promote wakefulness.But what causes this immune system response? A study in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that bacterial infection may be one trigger.The study involved 200 people with narcolepsy and 200 healthy controls. They were recruited from the U.S., the Czech Republic, Italy and South Korea. Their blood was tested for antibodies that are markers of bacterial infection.Results show that the levels of antibodies related to “streptococcus” were much higher in people with narcolepsy. These levels were highest when b... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681673 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:04:00 +0100 2681673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678802&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FYb3TdyGz7yU%2F This is common with most infections, but especially scary when it comes to the flu. You may have already passed the virus to someone even before you showed signs that you were sick. Case in point – the swine flu: the range of transmission is one day before showing symptoms up to seven days after getting sick.  Until your fever spiked you will have no idea that you’re sick with the flu, or any infection for that matter. But scientists from Duke University say that may all change in the future. Geoffrey Ginsburg and his colleagues have developed an experimental genetic test that can detect infections before symptoms appear. Now that’s a landmark discovery don’t you think? You can just go to your doctor’s office and get yourself tested and find out if you are before you show ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678802 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:35:00 +0100 2678802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670889&cid=t_96116_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F05%2Fcomfort-food-my-crack-cocaine%2F It has been proven time and time again that a middle aged woman has about as much chance of losing the last ten pounds of unwanted body fat as she has to be abducted by little green (skinny) aliens. The odds get worse if said middle aged woman has a food addiction. Last week was an emotionally hard week. A dear family member was offended by something I wrote in my blog, my landlord called to tell me more rent was due than I budgeted for, and I was very worried I was coming down with a nasty, painful, bladder infection. Forgive me if that is too much information, but it’s the truth. My first inclination under Level 8 stress (on a scale of one to ten, ten being the Ninth Ward during Hurricane Katrina) is put something in my mouth. If I were a smoker it would be a cigarette, if I were t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670889 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:25:57 +0100 2670889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660757&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FU5hWfAG2MAY%2F Another great talk at TED: “Drug-resistant bacteria kills, even in top hospitals. But now tough infections like staph and anthrax may be in for a surprise. Nobel-winning chemist Kary Mullis, who watched a friend die when powerful antibiotics failed, unveils a radical new cure that shows extraordinary promise.” addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F07%2F31%2Fnext-generation-cure-for-killer-infections%2F'; addthis_title = 'Next+generation+cure+for+killer+infections'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660757 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:12:21 +0100 2660757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613879&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FhBqdVLgOht0%2F Swine flu continues its rampage - and it is not flu season yet! “Although the media buzz has died down a bit, swine flu continues to affect thousands of people each week. As of July 2, the H1N1 virus has killed 170 people in the U.S. The CDC reports 33,000 confirmed cases of the virus have affected 53 U.S. states and territories. “ More on Swine Flu addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fswine-flu-continues-it-rampage%2F'; addthis_title = 'Swine+Flu+continues+it+rampage'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613879 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:47:16 +0100 2613879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570330&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F04%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-1%2F Contents Fade Fave: Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus in three pregnant women  – United States, April-May 2009 Fade Skinny:As part of surveillance for infection with H1N1 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated surveillance with pregnant women who were infected. Cases studies discuss diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for 3 pregnant patients. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online   Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: H1N1, Infection Control, Maternal Care, Pregnancy (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570330 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:00:20 +0100 2570330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741108&cid=t_96116_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FerWGm6bFOVg%2F My colleague Ian Lipkin has developed new methods to rapidly identify pathogens. At Pop!Tech 2008, he explained how an increased understanding of zoonotic diseases, together with advancements in diagnostic technology, are helping to detect the next emerging virus. (Source: virology blog) virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741108 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:47:55 +0100 2741108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513359&cid=t_96116_155_f&fid=36522&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpathtalk%2F%7E3%2FLrCpoRDRkMk%2F1137 Shocking and tragic and you wonder how systems break down within a hospital to lead to these types of problems. Having both worked and received care at VA hospitals in the past I have always found decent health care once you obtain access to the system and waited for an appointment.  Our veterans deserve better.    The CBS Evening News (6/16, story 5, 2:35, Glor) reported, “Capitol Hill is famous for holding hearings, but rarely have members of Congress been as shocked as they were” Tuesday, when “they got the results of a new report with this startling headline: More than 10,000 veterans who went in for checkups at several Southeast VA hospitals may have been exposed to HIV or other blood diseases.” According to CBS, over “10,000 veterans have now recei... pathtalk.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513359 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:45:25 +0100 2513359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2510792&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FQ4DypJowUUo%2F Guest Post: The word pandemic has been thrown around in recent years because of the prevalence of many major illnesses that have occurred throughout the third world nations as well as even many Western nations. However, the recent Swine Flu outbreak has caused much deliberation as to the proper terminology of the word itself. There have been generations of widespread epidemics in the past that have included influenza, cholera, and a multitude of other diseases. However, the World Health Organization has come up with a six-tiered level in which to determine when to implement specific disease control efforts around the world, which has successfully led to many countries quarantining illnesses which could be easily spread abroad. However, the true definition of a pandemic is not delivered by ... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2510792 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:52:19 +0100 2510792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464165&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FjWbgdwnYxh0%2F “In a world-first breakthrough, UNSW medical researchers have used stem cells cultured on a simple contact lens to restore sight to sufferers of blinding corneal disease.” addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F06%2F08%2Fstem-cell-imregnated-contact-lens-restores-sight%2F'; addthis_title = 'Stem+cell+impregnated+contact+lens+restores+sight'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464165 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:57:39 +0100 2464165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380966&cid=t_96116_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fswine-flue-information-for-dental-practitioners%2F Prevention of Swine Flu in the Dental Healthcare Setting, from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) , offers guidance regarding the prevention of swine influenza.  The CDC will continue to update new information as it becomes available. In addition, the American Dental Association has created an online resource which includes an overview and recommendations. Finally, [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380966 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:31:43 +0100 2380966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376537&cid=t_96116_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FxKPBq70iwHc%2F And we all thought the bird flu pandemic was going to be it! DANG. This morning I wake up to a breaking news from Associated Press that governments (yes, plural – around the world) are “racing” to prevent the threat of a pandemic and public panic caused by the spread of swine flu. Swine flu outbreaks in Mexico and US. Image: Newscom SWINE FLU OUTBREAKS. Not the bird flu that caused outrageous panic three years ago, but a sneaky influenza virus that began in Mexico and crept up the southern US border. Up to 103 deaths have been reported, and cases of confirmed swine flu are found in Canada (6) and the U.S (20)! New York – 8. California – 7. Kansas – 2. Ohio –1. Texas – 2. The swine flu outbreak is not global pandemic yet but it has “the potential to become a pandemic and ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376537 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:32:15 +0100 2376537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2311096&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FPocpp7nfcoc%2F “Using genetic sequencing, needle-haystack research, and dogged persistence, Nathan Wolfe has proven what was science-fiction conjecture only a few decades ago — not only do viruses jump from animals to humans, but they do so all the time. Along the way Wolfe has discovered several new viruses, and is poised to discover many more. His research may open the door before the next pandemic may happen.” Watch this awesome presentation at TED 2009. A related presentation was given by Joe DiRisi at TED 2006 in which he described a DNA Microarray test (Virochip) that can not only detect all viruses in one test but also has the capability (and technology) to detect relatively unknown viruses. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F03%2F31%2Fpreventing... Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2311096 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:04:36 +0100 2311096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2305902&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F28%2Finfection-control-horizon-scanning%2F Volume 1 Issue 1 of the North West Primary Care Group’s Infection Control Horizon Scanning Newsletter is published today.  If you want to recieve future issues in your mail box you can Subscribe to Infection Control Horizon Scanning by Email. You can also By TwitterButtons.com Posted in Current Awareness, Infection Control, Staying Up-to-Date Tagged: Current Awareness, Good Practice, Horizon Scanning, Infection Control (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2305902 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:13:49 +0100 2305902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2270141&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2F150-years-of-the-annual-report-of-the-chief-medical-officer-on-the-state-of-public-health-2008%2F calls for a new focus on ‘passive drinking’, and that it should be taken seriously. It also draws attention to the quality of advice and support given to men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Additionally, it highlights the extent of chronic pain, antimicrobial resistance and the use of simulation to prepare doctors for the real world. In doing so it draws attention to major health challenges requiring immediate action, and details progress made in key areas identified in previous annual reports. Posted in Alcohol, Grey Literature, Information Technology, Medical Education, NHS, Prostate Cancer, Public Health, Surgery Tagged: Alcohol, Grey Literature, Infection Control, Information Technology, Prostate Cancer, Public Health, Surgery (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2270141 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:13:25 +0100 2270141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2262791&cid=t_96116_177_f&fid=38134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbabybound.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F11%2Fmark-must-have-caught-the-wwii%2F I got to bring Marky home today.  Turns out he had GANGRENE!  Who gets gangrene in 2009?!?  Wow when they say everything old is new again, they really do mean everything don’t they? Mark is very lucky.  We caught it in time and he doesn’t have to have surgery, lose a hand, or die.  In fact, he is expected to have a full recovery.  If we had waited just one more day to go in however, this conversation would be having a very different tone to it.  One that included words like f., amputation, f., disability, f., he’s going to die, f. and f..  O and f..  Oops, I forgot f.. I get to spend the next few weeks pretending that I am a nurse.  And for once, its not the kind in the cute little miniskirt and sexy red heels.  His wound has to be dressed twice a day and I hav... B a b y B o u n d blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2262791 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:29:30 +0100 2262791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232795&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2FVv-_Fk11IRU%2F Awesome mumps catch-up vaccination commercial. Instead of pharmaceutical advertisements on television, we need more ads like this. Via Kevin, MD addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F28%2Fmumps-vaccination-commercial%2F'; addthis_title = 'Mumps+vaccination+commercial'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232795 Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:20:44 +0100 2232795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2206695&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F23%2Fthe-archer-inquiry-the-independent-public-inquiry-report-on-nhs-supplied-contaminated-blood-and-blood-products%2F The Archer Inquiry the Independent Public Inquiry Report On NHS Supplied Contaminated Blood and Blood Products makes 8 key recommendations following the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis to the Haemophiliac community as a result of contaminated blood products. 1.a) A Committee should be established by Statute to advise Government on the management  of haemophilia in the United Kingdom. It should have overarching responsibility for: i) the selection, procurement and delivery of the best therapies currently available and recommended by NICE; ii) readily available access to any necessary treatment relating to the condition itself or any condition arising from consequent therapy; iii) all provisions necessary to address the financial and other needs of haemophilia patients. (b) Emphasises ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2206695 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:12:54 +0100 2206695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2190674&cid=t_96116_105_f&fid=35048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMedicineAndMan%2F%7E3%2F540346649%2F This video explains how the salmonella outbreak related to peanuts was identified and how the affected products are being identified and recalled. Updated information regarding the outbreak can be found at the CDC website. Updated peanut butter and related product recall list from FDA. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fmedicineandman.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F02%2F15%2Fsalmonella-outbreak-related-to-peanut-butter%2F'; addthis_title = 'Salmonella+Outbreak+related+to+peanut+butter'; addthis_pub = ''; (Source: Medicine and Man) Medicine and Man blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2190674 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:04:32 +0100 2190674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182512&cid=t_96116_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fone-and-only-campaign.html Just today I learned of the newly launched "One and Only Campaign", the mission of which is to create zero tolerance for poor infection control practices in health care facilities.Apparently, thousands of infections are caused by the inexcusable reuse of syringes by health care providers across the country, and many of these infections do indeed lead to unnecessary illness and death. In fact, in February of 2008, over 40,000 patients were exposed to potentially deadly bloodborne diseases at an endoscopy center in Las Vegas, Nevada due to the reuse of syringes that should have only been used for one patient and then properly disposed of.According to the One and Only Campaign website, "the goal of the One & Only Campaign is to improve safe injection practices across healthcare settings. ... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182512 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:10:00 +0100 2182512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144464&cid=t_96116_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Ffda-issues-recall-on-dental-implants%2F The FDA has recalled some Stryker Custom Cranial Implant Kits due to uncertainty regarding the sterility of the products. A voluntary recall was initiated by Stryker in October of 2008, and the official FDA recall, Class 1, came this week. Proper sterilization testing was not completed on kits distributed between November 2007 and October 2008. Patients who receive improperly sterilized implants could experience infection such as meningitis, intracranial abscess… …wound infection, sepsis, long-term neurological deterioration, and other severe medical conditions. Stryker suggests patients with these implants be monitored by a physician for six months following the initial surgery. See the ADA website for more on this topic. (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144464 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:20:36 +0100 2144464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2609137&cid=t_96116_46_f&fid=38791&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Febolablog%2F2009%2F01%2F12%2F7%2F Last night we admitted two new patients suspected with Ebola: the daughter (3 years of age) of a woman who died in Kampungu at the start of the epidemic and her aunt who was taking care of her. They are both doing quite well, it would seem, and the disinfection of their house was easier to arrange since the members of the household must have performed the same “ritual” when the mother died at the end of December. Of course, the father is very shocked, given the death of his wife and now the isolation of his daughter. It is not an easy situation to deal with. But he remains very calm, asks all the questions he has and respects our work. The same cannot unfortunately be said for everyone. Many think that the disease we call Ebola does not exist, that it is no more than witchcraft... MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2609137 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:26:27 +0100 2609137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110545&cid=t_96116_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F16%2Fclostridium-difficile-infection-how-to-deal-with-the-problem%2F outlines newer evidence and approaches to delivering good infection control and environmental hygiene and updates the 1994 DH/PHLS guidance (Clostridium difficile infection: Prevention and management). Posted in Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Infection Control, NHS   Tagged: Clostridium Difficile, Evidence Based Practice, Grey Literature, Guidance, Infection Control    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110545 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:45:48 +0100 2110545