Notification Methods Research Articles

New validated rapid screening methods for identifying Kudoa septempunctata in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

Kudoa septempunctata is a newly identified causative agent of foodborne diseases associated with consuming raw olive flounder. Qualitative PCR and quantitative real-time PCR have been used as notification methods to identify K. septempunctata in Japan. However, these methods require expensive equipment and are time-consuming (2-3 h for screening). To address these problems, in this study, we developed new rapid and simple methods using real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and nucleic acid sequence based amplification-nucleic acid chromatography (NASBA-NAC). Using these methods, the total procedure required approximately 45 min and did not require any expensive equipment. With regard to validating these new methods in comparison with the notification methods used in Japan, we performed an inter-laboratory study of 5 laboratories using samples that included olive flounders infected with 4 different amounts of K. septempunctata. These results demonstrated that the sensitivity of NASBA-NAC was equivalent to that of qualitative PCR, and that the sensitivity of real-time LAMP was equivalent to that of quantitative real-time PCR, which indicated that these new methods were acceptable screening methods for identifying K. septempunctata.

Establishing criteria to initiate enteric outbreak investigations in British Columbia.

To establish and evaluate criteria to initiate provincial enteric outbreak investigations based on characteristics of alerts, clusters and successful outbreak investigations. We tracked all enteric disease alerts and clusters reported to the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in 2011 and 2012. Information was collected on etiology, number of cases, geographic spread, dates reported, and method of notification. Actions were classified as no further action, review/report or investigation. Outbreak investigation outcome was classified as solved/not solved. 2011 data were used to identify characteristics of alerts and clusters more likely to lead to outbreak investigations and of solved outbreaks to establish criteria. Criteria for initiating an outbreak investigation were evaluated retrospectively using 2011 data and then implemented in 2012. In 2011, 251 alerts/clusters of enteric diseases were reported. Fourteen (5.6%) led to an outbreak investigation and nine (64.3%) of the outbreaks were solved. Analyzing the data retrospectively, criteria were identified from the alerts and clusters that led to outbreak investigations and successful outbreak investigations: pathogen specificity, timely notification, a common source or event, and multi-regional outbreaks or outbreaks reported by other agencies. After applying these criteria prospectively in 2012, we took action on a smaller proportion of the 244 alerts and clusters (32.0% compared to 44.6% in 2011) and 66.7% of them were solved (compared to 64.3% in 2011). Continued evaluation will identify whether this will improve outbreak investigations and use of resources in British Columbia.

Primary care providers' experiences notifying parents of cystic fibrosis newborn screening results.

This study examines primary care provider (PCP) experiences with the initial parental disclosure of cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) results in order to identify methods to improve parent-provider communication during the CF NBS process. PCPs of infants who received positive CF NBS results participated in semistructured phone interviews. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. PCPs acknowledged the difficulty of "breaking bad news" to parents, and emphasized minimizing parental anxiety and maximizing parental understanding. PCPs used a variety of methods to notify parents, and shared varying information about the significance of the results. Variation in the method of parental notification, information discussed, and attention to parents' emotional needs may limit successful follow-up of children with positive CF NBS results. A multifaceted intervention to improve PCP knowledge, management, and communication could improve provider confidence, optimize information transfer, and minimize parental distress during the initial disclosure of CF NBS results.

Improving Sexually Transmitted Infection Results Notification via Mobile Phone Technology

PurposeTo improve adolescent notification of positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests using mobile phone technology and STI information cards. MethodsA randomized intervention among 14- to 21-year olds in a pediatric emergency department (PED). A 2 × 3 factorial design with replication was used to evaluate the effectiveness of six combinations of two factors on the proportion of STI-positive adolescents notified within 7 days of testing. Independent factors included method of notification (call, text message, or call + text message) and provision of an STI information card with or without a phone number to obtain results. Covariates for logistic regression included age, empiric STI treatment, days until first attempted notification, and documentation of confidential phone number. ResultsApproximately half of the 383 females and 201 males enrolled were ≥18 years of age. Texting only or type of card was not significantly associated with patient notification rates, and there was no significant interaction between card and notification method. For females, successful notification was significantly greater for call + text message (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–6.9), and documenting a confidential phone number was independently associated with successful notification (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–7.5). We found no significant predictors of successful notification for males. Of patients with a documented confidential phone number who received a call + text message, 94% of females and 83% of males were successfully notified. ConclusionsObtaining a confidential phone number and using call + text message improved STI notification rates among female but not male adolescents in a pediatric emergency department.

Management of difficult airway patients and the use of a difficult airway registry at a tertiary care pediatric hospital

Appropriate recognition and management of the pediatric difficult airway is essential. Two patient deaths in a 2-year period involving children with a known difficult airway led to the formation of the institution's multidisciplinary Difficult Airway Committee. Patients with a suspected difficult airway or a known difficult airway are entered into a registry of difficult airway patients. A note describing the airway and any experiences at airway manipulation is entered as part of a difficult airway note in the patient's electronic medical record as soon as the patient is recognized as having a difficult airway. A call system has been developed to mobilize expert emergency airway assistance for these patients. Multiple additional methods are employed to ensure that all hospital personnel are aware that these patients are difficult to intubate. Since inception almost 6 years ago, 164 patients (mean age 9.2 years) have been enrolled in the difficult airway registry. Eighty-seven patients (53%) had one of 28 identified syndromes or diagnoses. The most common reasons for airway obstruction were mandibular hypoplasia/micrognathia, decreased neck extension, and limited temporomandibular joint mobility. One hundred sixty-one patients (98%) in the registry were predicted by history or physical to have a difficult airway. The mortality of registry patients was 9.8% (n = 16) and was most commonly due to co-existing diseases. During the time period reviewed, there was one in-hospital death of a known difficult airway patient, in which expert airway assistance was not obtained in a timely fashion. The institution's difficult airway registry identifies patients with a suspected or known difficult airway. The presence of a difficult airway in children can usually be predicted based on history and physical examination by anesthesiologists and otolaryngologists. Providers without advanced airway skills, however, may not appreciate that an airway is difficult to intubate until multiple attempts have failed. Both redundant notification methods and a call system optimize medical care of these fragile patients.

Completeness and timeliness: Cancer registries could/should improve their performance

Cancer registries must provide complete and reliable incidence information with the shortest possible delay for use in studies such as comparability, clustering, cancer in the elderly and adequacy of cancer surveillance. Methods of varying complexity are available to registries for monitoring completeness and timeliness. We wished to know which methods are currently in use among cancer registries, and to compare the results of our findings to those of a survey carried out in 2006. MethodsIn the framework of the EUROCOURSE project, and to prepare cancer registries for participation in the ERA-net scheme, we launched a survey on the methods used to assess completeness, and also on the timeliness and methods of dissemination of results by registries. We sent the questionnaire to all general registries (GCRs) and specialised registries (SCRs) active in Europe and within the European Network of Cancer Registries (ENCR). ResultsWith a response rate of 66% among GCRs and 59% among SCRs, we obtained data for analysis from 116 registries with a population coverage of ∼280 million. The most common methods used were comparison of trends (79%) and mortality/incidence ratios (more than 60%). More complex methods were used less commonly: capture–recapture by 30%, flow method by 18% and death certificate notification (DCN) methods with the Ajiki formula by 9%.The median latency for completion of ascertainment of incidence was 18months. Additional time required for dissemination was of the order of 3–6months, depending on the method: print or electronic. One fifth (21%) did not publish results for their own registry but only as a contribution to larger national or international data repositories and publications; this introduced a further delay in the availability of data. ConclusionsCancer registries should improve the practice of measuring their completeness regularly and should move from traditional to more quantitative methods. This could also have implications in the timeliness of data publication.

Validation Study of a Commercial Aflatoxin Detection Kit according to the Notification Method in Japan

A commercial aflatoxin detection ELISA kit, "RIDASCREEN(®) FAST Aflatoxin", was validated with corn samples naturally contaminated with aflatoxin and non-contaminated reference corn samples according to the Japanese Notification Method ShokuAnHatsu 0816-7. The trueness, intra-laboratory repeatability, intermediate precision, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 91%, 10%, 6.4%, 0.6μg/kg and 2μg/kg, respectively, and the performance of the kit was recognized as complying with all criteria in the Supplement Table of the Notification. These data suggest that this kit is useful as a simplified device to screen out negative corn samples contaminated with less than 4μg/kg.

Sexually transmitted disease partner notification among African-American, adolescent women.

Objective. To better understand preferences and practices regarding partner notification of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among female, African-American adolescents. Methods. Participants completed a questionnaire and STI testing at baseline. Those diagnosed with Chlamydia or gonorrhea were recruited for a follow-up study, involving another questionnaire and repeat STI testing after three months. Results. At baseline, most participants (85.1%) preferred to tell their partner about an STI diagnosis themselves instead of having a health care provider inform him, and 71.0% preferred to bring their partner for clinic treatment instead of giving him pills or a prescription. Two-thirds of participants were classified as having high self-efficacy for partner notification of a positive STI diagnosis. In the multivariable analysis, older participants and those with fewer lifetime sexual partners were more likely to have high self-efficacy. Ninety-three participants (26.6%) had Chlamydia or gonorrhea and, of this subset, 55 participated in the follow-up study. Most adolescents in the follow-up study (76.4%) notified their partner about their infection. Conclusion. Although participants were willing to use most methods of partner notification, most preferred to tell partners themselves and few preferred expedited partner therapy. Traditional methods for partner notification and treatment may not be adequate for all adolescents in this population.

RESEARCH IN EMERGENCY CARE–THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!

Objectives & BackgroundMany emergency medicine clinical trials have struggled to recruit to ‘time and target’ with investigators having to make a large additional effort or extend the time for recruitment....

Discriminating Non-Congestion Losses by Exploiting Adaptive Initial/Maximum Backoff Window for IEEE 802.16 BWA Systems

In IEEE 802.16 BWA systems, the mandatory method of contention resolution is based on Truncated Binary Exponential Backoff (TBEB), with the initial backoff-window and the maximum backoff-window controlled by the BS. The values for these window parameters are announced by the BS in the Uplink Channel Descriptor (UCD) message. However, the specification has not mentioned the way to choose the optimal values for the said backoff parameters. In this paper, the optimal values for the parameters in terms of the number of active Best-Effort (BE) connections when Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) based contention mechanism is used, are derived. With simulation, it is shown that tuning the parameters adaptively improves the upper-layer throughput. By exploiting the adaptive window parameters, this paper proposes a scheme to discriminate wireless-losses from congestion-losses. It is also shown that when the proposed method is employed in an Explicit Loss Notification method, named, TCP-WLAware, enhances the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)'s throughput.

O22.3 Texting Improves Notification of Sexually Transmitted Infection Results After Emergency Department Visits

BackgroundFailure to communicate sexually transmitted infection (STI) results to emergency department (ED) patients is a barrier to appropriate STI treatment. We aimed to improve the proportion of female adolescent ED...

P3.379 Comparison in 2004 and 2011 on the Efficacy of Partner Notification For Chlamydia Trachomatis Among Young Adults in Youth Health Centres in Uppsala County, Sweden

The study was conducted in 2004 and repeated in 2011 to compare the contact-tracing success rate of the partner notification services routinely provided by the community-based youth health centres in...

Death in the Field: Teaching Paramedics to Deliver Effective Death Notifications Using the Educational Intervention “GRIEV_ING”

Introduction. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are rarely trained in death notification despite frequently terminating resuscitation in the field. As research continues to validate guidelines for the termination of resuscitation (TOR) and reputable organizations such as NAEMSP lend support to such protocols, death notification in the field will continue to increase. We sought to test the hypothesis that a learning module, GRIEV_ING, which teaches a structured method for death notification, will improve the confidence, competency, and communication skills of EMS personnel in death notification. Methods. The GRIEV_ING didactic session consisted of a 90-minute education session composed of a didactic lecture, small group breakout session, and role-plays. This was both preceded and followed by a 15-minute case role-play using trained standardized survivors. To assess performance we used a pre–post design with 3 quantitative measures: confidence, competency, and, communication. Paramedics from the local EMS agency participated in the education as a part of continuing education. Pre–post differences were measured using a paired t-test and McNemar's test. Results. Thirty EMS personnel consented and participated. Confidence and competency demonstrated statistically significant improvements: confidence (percent change in scores = 11.4%, p < 0.0001) and competency (percent change in scores = 13.9%, p = 0.0001). Communication skill scores were relatively unchanged in pre–post test analysis (percent change in scores = 0.4, p = 0.9). Conclusion. This study demonstrated that educating paramedics to use a structured communication model based on the GRIEV_ING mnemonic improved confidence and competence of EMS personnel delivering death notification. Key words: death; education; emergency medical services; emergency medical technician

Strategies for Radiology Reporting and Communication. Part 1: Challenges and Heightened Expectations

Strategies for Radiology Reporting and Communication. Part 1: Challenges and Heightened Expectations

Sa1930 Culture Test of Helicobacter pylori Using Gastric Juice Samples

had a follow up visit with gastroenterology following the diagnosis. 140 (78%) patients were treated for H.pylori infection. Forty-eight patients had confirmation of eradication; with biopsy (62%) being the most common test for confirmation. There were 15(23%) patients with bleeding ulcer who were not treated for H.pylori infection. Only 4 (3%) patients required retreatment for the infection. There is a statistically significant relationship between the method of patient notification and whether or not they were treated (p ,0.001). The highest rate of treatment occurred when patients were treated as inpatients or contacted by phone, PCP or via a follow-up GI visit (96.3%, 96.67%, 100% and 95.45%, respectively). Patients were less likely to be treated when they were contacted by mail (61.76%). Patients with follow up gastroenterology visit are significantly more likely to be treated (p=0.006). Conclusions: Patient notification by mail reduces the probability of treatment for H. pylori infection. Attending a gastroenterology follow up visit significantly increases the likelihood of treatment. Better communication, coordination of care and follow up will improve the rate of H.pylori eradication. Further studies should be undertaken to help standardize the care of patients with H.pylori infection.

Performance Enhancement of Network Transmission by Change of Delay Parameter to Increase Throughput

Congestion is a major problem which really degrades network performance. Its effect on the delay is quite high which decrease the throughput in considerable amount. In this paper we have proposed a new congestion scheme which will enhance performance of network transmission by considering delay and throughput as main components. For this we are using Adaptive Explicit Congestion Notification method which allows us to control the network transmission from source to a receiver in a hierarchical manner by alterations in the receiving sending capacity. To achieve predictable average delays with adaptive explicit congestion notification would require constant tuning of the parameters to adjust to current traffic conditions. The sending and receiving ends are tuned according to its capacity and current network traffic condition once ECN (Explicit congestion notification) notification packet comes into action. The aim of this paper is to solve the parameter tuning problem of the AECN by dynamically setting up the network parameters to overcome delay in network transmission and hence to increase throughput .We will be comparing the performance of the ECN enabled system with the AECN enabled system. For this we are going to use JAVA , JNETPCAP and WINPCAP API’s by which we can create TCP packets, alter the fields of headers, send and receive packets etc.

Acceptance of referral for partners by clients testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus

Background:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals who do not disclose their HIV status to their partners are more likely to present late for HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) care than those who have disclosed their HIV status to their partners. A major area of challenge with regards to HIV counseling for clients is disclosure of their HIV status to their partners. The main methods of partner notification are patient referral, provider referral, contract referral, and outreach assistance. The emphasis on a plausible and comprehensive partner referral strategy for widespread positive case detection in resource-limited countries needs to be thought out and developed.Methods:A qualitative study was conducted among newly HIV-positive clients to identify partners for notification and acceptance of referral by their partners. Health service providers working in HIV testing and counseling clinics were also provided with semistructured questionnaires in order to assess their view towards partner notification strategies for clients testing positive for HIV.Results:Fifteen newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients were counseled to provide referral slips to their partners. All clients agreed and took the referral card. However, only eight were willing and actually provided the card to their partners. Five of the eight partners of clients who tested HIV-positive and who were provided with referral cards responded to the referral and were tested for HIV. Three were positive and two were negative. Nine of 11 counselors did not agree to requesting partner locator information from HIV-positive clients for contractual referral and/or outreach assistance. The findings from the study were categorized by nine themes. A comprehensive and integrated approach of partner notification and a referral framework with active counselor involvement was developed.Conclusion:Partner notification and referral can be improved by an integrated and comprehensive framework, with active involvement of HIV counselors in the disclosure process.

The Lifetime and Point Prevalences of Neck, Upper Back and Low Back Pain of the People Living in the Central Malatya with the Influencing Factors.

To determine the lifetime and point prevalence of neck, upper back and low back pain of people living in central Malatya with influencing factors. This research study is a cross-sectional interview survey. Thirty health house spots tied to the health clinics in the city center were chosen as thirty sets with the method of sampling and 600 people by taking 20 people from each set were included in the research. The data were collected between the 1st of June and the 1st of September. The association between pain prevalence and socio-demographic, health and behavior related characteristics were evaluated. Chi-square and backward stepwise logistic regression tests were used in the analyses. Of the participants, 56.2% were women, 46.8% were men, and the mean age was 38.5±0.5 years. The lifetime neck, upper back and low back prevalence were 79.3%, 59.5% and 86.3%, respectively. The point prevalence of neck, upper back and low back were 12.0%, 3.0% and 18.3%, in that order. Gender, age, and psychological problems were determined to be the main predictors of life time pain prevalence. For point pain prevalences, the main predictors were gender, psychological problems and body mass index. Both lifetime and point pain prevalence showed that musculoskeletal disorders symptoms were common in the central Malatya region. In-service training of health personnel on the subject, assessment, notification, and prevention methods should be developed.

Political Contexts Surrounding Title X, the National Family Planning Program, Over the Past Four Decades: Oral Histories with Key Stakeholders in Florida

Title X, enacted in 1970, remains the only policy devoted solely to providing voluntary and confidential family planning and related preventative services to all those in need. Despite Title X's significant public health achievements, this policy continues to receive scrutiny and faces political, financial, and social challenges. This study explores key stakeholders' perceptions regarding the political contexts that have surrounded Title X over its historical maturation. Six oral histories were conducted with key stakeholders in Florida using a semi structured interview guide developed from Title X's legislative history, McPhail's Feminist Policy Analysis Framework, and the literature. Oral histories were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding in NVivo 8. Participants identified and discussed the following political topics and controversies that they perceived have directly or indirectly affected Title X: abortion, adolescents, parental notification, school-based clinics, abstinence-only education, political administrations, and family planning methods. Participants' recollections regarding the political contexts that have surrounded Title X over the past 4 decades provided a broad yet rich description of the barriers that exist with fulfilling this policy. Such opposition hinders Title X's ability to support women's right to reproductive health. Practitioners play a key role in advocating for family planning services and should understand the political issues hindering reproductive health policies and the need to translate family planning services as a basic human right.

Parallel Programming Methods Based on the Multi-Core DSP TMS320C6670

While the frame rate is higher and the image size is larger, sequence images processing is harder. Good real-time can be ensured by the multi-core DSP in the embedded image processing system. TMS320C6670 which is the multi-core DSP designed by TI corporation is selected as study object. Based on hardware characteristics analyzed, the Data Flow model is adopted as the multi-core processing model. Two data processing subtasks assigning methods are analyzed by comparing their advantages and disadvantages on the system idle time and memory requirements. The data processing subtask assigning flow is design for a serial sequence images processing example. An inter-core data transfer flow design idea is put forward. Using methods and occasion of two kinds of data buffer establishing techniques is studied and defined. An inter-core notification flow design idea is put forward. Using methods and occasion of three notification methods based on the interrupt controller and the Semaphore2 module is studied and defined.