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Background: Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families. Method: Twenty-three parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Results: Family members and friends were key natural supporters. However, parents provided the bulk of support. A hesitation with asking others for support was a common barrier to building natural support networks. Parents encouraged others to connect with families with similar circumstances. Conclusions: To ensure proper care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must develop supports that meet family members' needs and identify ways to strengthen natural support networks.

Background: Natural supports are widely used by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, little research has been conducted on this topic. This study adds to the literature by examining the role of parents as natural supporters, other members of the natural support network, challenges families face as they secure natural supports, and advice parents have for other families. Method: Twenty‐three parents of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities were interviewed. Data was analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Results: Family members and friends were key natural supporters. However, parents provided the bulk of support. A hesitation with asking others for support was a common barrier to building natural support networks. Parents encouraged others to connect with families with similar circumstances. Conclusions: To ensure proper care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must develop supports that meet family members' needs and identify ways to strengthen natural support networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reinterviewed healthcare workers who had been exposed to a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS) in an intensive care unit to evaluate the effect of time on recall [...]

Background: Appendicitis is the most common cause of an acute surgical abdomen in children. Diagnosis is often challenging as few pediatric patients present with classic symptoms. Clinicians are thus dependent on imaging to reach an accurate diagnosis. Although computerized tomography (CT) has high sensitivity and specificity, it has the disadvantage of imparting ionizing radiation. Ultrasound (US) is readily available and has comparable accuracy to CT when performed by experienced sonographers. We sought to examine the impact of a system-wide process improvement plan on CT use and other metrics in pediatric patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected appendicitis.Methods: This is a retrospective study of the impact of a Pediatric Appendicitis Pathway (PAP) within a large integrated hospital system with 12 EDs including 3 designated hub EDs. Patients were placed in an initial risk category utilizing the Pediatric Appendicitis Score (PAS), and received US of the appendix at a hub ED if indicated by the PAS. Patients presenting to community EDs who required US appendix were transferred to hub EDs for imaging. Patients presenting in the 6-month pre-implementation period were compared to patients presenting in a 14-month post-implementation period on CT and US utilization, negative and missed appendectomy rates, and ED length of stay (LOS).Results: 1874 patients (401 pre-PAP and 1473 post-PAP) were included in the study. At the hub EDs the rate of CT imaging for suspected appendicitis was reduced from 31% to 17% with a resultant increase in US utilization from 83% (333/401) to 90% (1331/1473) (p < 0.001). At community general EDs (404 pre-PAP and 449 post-PAP), the rate of CT was decreased from 45% (181/404) to 32%(144/449) (p < 0.001)) There was no significant change in the negative appendectomy rate pre-PAP (1/59 = 1.7%) and post-PAP (4/168 = 2.4%) (p = 0.99) at the hub EDs. There were no missed appendicitis cases after PAP implementation compared to 1 case in the pre-PAP period. Overall LOS was similar pre and post-PAP, however LOS was longer in patients that required transfer from community general EDs to hub EDs (median 264 vs 342 min, p < 0.001).Conclusions: A PAP that stratified patients into risk groups using the PAS and encouraged the use of US as a first line imaging modality, reduced the number of CT performed in a large integrated health system without significant changes to clinical outcomes. Furthermore, transferring select patients for an US as opposed to obtaining an initial CT in community general EDs was feasible and reduced CT use in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated personal protective behaviors against West Nile virus infection. Barriers to adopting these behaviors were identified, including the perception that DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and related compounds) is a health and [...]

Background: Aquatic exercises have become a very important therapeutic option for chronic venous disease (CVD). There is evidence in the literature showing that this type of exercise is a mechanism that improves venous return and is important in vascular reeducation. These exercises also help to reduce the venous hypertension caused by CVD, improving patients' quality of life. Objectives: To analyze the effects of aquatic exercises on the quality of life of patients with CVD. Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional pilot study conducted with 16 people with CVD classified from C1 to C5. Participants were assessed at baseline using a data collection form and administration of two quality of life questionnaires, the SF-36 (Generic) and the AVVQ-Brazil (CVD-specific), and an Analog Visual Pain Scale (AVPS). They then undertook a program of 10 sessions of aquatic exercises, three times per week. The quality of life questionnaires and the AVPS were administered once more after all sessions had been conducted. Results: The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to a significance level of p < 0.05. Patients exhibited improved quality of life as measured by the SF-36 in the domains Physical functioning, Physical role limitation and Pain (p < 0.05). The patients' pain levels reduced after treatment according to the AVPS (p = 0.007). Only scores for the Pain and dysfunction domain of the AVVQ-Brazil questionnaire exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Aquatic exercises were capable of improving aspects of quality of life and of reducing pain, demonstrating that they benefit patients with CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced imaging, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is an integral component to the evaluation and management of ill and injured children in the emergency department. As with any test or intervention, the benefits and potential impacts on management must be weighed against the risks to ensure that high-value care is being delivered. There are important considerations specific to the pediatric patient related to the ordering and interpretation of advanced imaging. This policy statement provides guidelines for institutions and those who care for children to optimize the use of advanced imaging in the emergency department setting and was coauthored by experts in pediatric and general emergency medicine, pediatric radiology, and pediatric surgery. The intent is to guide decision-making where children may access care., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Advanced diagnostic imaging modalities, including ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are key components in the evaluation and management of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department. Advances in imaging technology have led to the availability of faster and more accurate tools to improve patient care. Notwithstanding these advances, it is important for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to understand the risks and limitations associated with advanced imaging in children and to limit imaging studies that are considered low value, when possible. This technical report provides a summary of imaging strategies for specific conditions where advanced imaging is commonly considered in the emergency department. As an accompaniment to the policy statement, this document provides resources and strategies to optimize advanced imaging, including clinical decision support mechanisms, teleradiology, shared decision-making, and rationale for deferred imaging for patients who will be transferred for definitive care., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Radiology, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Inc on behalf of American College of Radiology and American College of Emergency Physicians and by American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved.)

Segmental testicular infarction can mimic testicular carcinoma on sonography and can lead to unnecessary orchiectomy. This case series describes and correlates sonographic and histologic findings of 7 pathologically proven segmental testicular infarction cases. Segmental testicular infarction should be suspected on sonography when a geographic lesion with low or mixed echogenicity has absent or near-absent flow in a patient with scrotal pain. A hyperechoic rim and peripheral hyperemia correspond to interstitial hemorrhage and inflammatory changes. As an infarct evolves, it becomes more discrete and hypoechoic as ghost outlines replace seminiferous tubules. Follow-up or contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or sonography can increase diagnostic confidence in suspected cases and prevent unnecessary orchiectomy.