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Experimental fishing is a tool within adaptive management, but greater capacity exists to use experimentation to test alternative ideas to meet the national standards of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and promote sustainable fisheries. Few programs exist to allow for experimentation in federal waters, 3-200nm offshore, which is a crucial component of adaptive fisheries management. The exempted fishing permit (EFP) program, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), promotes collaboration between scientists, managers, and industry to develop creative solutions to evolving fisheries challenges by leveraging resources across fisheries sectors. To date, no synthesis of EFP implementation and efficacy has been conducted, leaving those who manage these fisheries in the dark as to their success more generally. Although regional managers discuss EFP projects on an individual basis, an analysis of the entire program provides useful guidance to management more broadly and describes trends in success to effectively translate experimentation to management. Here we developed the first standardized database of EFPs in the U.S. to summarize regional trends in applicant types, fisheries, gear types, goals, and exempted regulations. EFP documentation from 2008-2018 was compiled across seven broadly defined fisheries in four coastal regions in the U.S. We also evaluated factors that were associated with the degree to which EFPs were informative for fisheries management; ‘informative’ being defined as either informing regulatory change within a fishery or providing supporting data to fisheries reports (e.g. stock assessments, fishery management plans). We found strong differences between regions of the U.S. with the groundfish fishery strongly represented in the western regions and a mixed assortment of fisheries for the eastern regions. Western region projects had a greater focus on new gear and methods testing to reduce bycatch, whereas eastern regions had a mixture of goals, including projects that supplemented biological or ecological knowledge or contributed to stock assessments. We found strong coastal differences in the types of primary applicants that proposed projects, with eastern projects deriving from “top-down” approaches and western from “bottom-up”. Finally, we found that management region, applicant type, fishery, and size of project were positively associated with success in EFP projects, with Alaska and West Coast regions accounting for the highest proportion of successful projects.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common indication for antibiotic treatment in nursing homes (NHs) and are often treated empirically before culture results return. A previous study of uropathogens from NH residents in Georgia revealed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin. Here, we describe the distribution and key resistance patterns of uropathogens recovered from residents of NHs in Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Methods Results of urinary cultures from NH residents performed between 2018 and 2019 were obtained from contracting microbiology laboratories. Culture results were de-identified by an honest broker. Urine culture data was standardized across laboratories and years using key collision and nearest neighbor clustering methods. Non-pathogenic isolates were excluded. The 5 most common isolates were identified and mean susceptibilities to antibiotics commonly used for empiric treatment of UTIs were examined. Data standardization and analysis were performed in Open Refine and R. Results There were 11,007 urine cultures obtained from 5,642 NH residents living in 67 NHs. A total of 4,398 potentially uropathogens were identified (avg. per NH = 66; range = 2-279). Escherichia coli (43.1%), Klebsiella spp. (14.6%), Proteus spp. (14.3%), Enterococcus spp. (9.5%), and Pseudomonas spp. (4.6%) were the most commonly identified uropathogens. Resistance rates for the majority of evaluated bug-drug combinations (9/14) exceeded 20% (Figure 1). Nitrofurantoin was the only antibiotic with a resistance rate < 20% for E. coli isolates. When resistance was assessed cumulatively across the top 5 organism, 48.5% of isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 21.3% of isolates were resistant to ceftriaxone (when excluding isolates with intrinsic resistance). Percentage of common urinary isolates resistant to most common antibiotics R denotes intrinsic resistance. Abbreviation: species pluralis = spp. Conclusion Consistent with a recent study conducted in Georgia NHs, high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics amongst uropathogens recovered from NH residents in four states were identified in the current study. These suggest a need for NH-specific UTI treatment guidelines and tools to support empiric antibiotic decision-making at the local facility level. Disclosures Robin L. Jump, MD, PhD, Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common indication for antibiotic prescriptions in nursing homes (NHs) and frequently result in fluoroquinolone (FQ) prescriptions. We performed a vignette-based survey of NH providers to better understand empiric UTI treatment decision-making. Methods Study participants were recruited nationally through professional organizations and snowball sampling from December 2021 to February 2022. Clinical vignettes depicting four UTI presentations in NH residents (1. simple cystitis, 2. pyelonephritis with cephalosporin allergy, 3. catheter-associated UTI and 4. cystitis with history of resistant organism) were developed and distributed via electronic survey. Respondents provided free-text antibiotic choice, which two physicians independently reviewed and implicitly determined if a preferred or not-preferred antibiotic was selected. A panel of three physicians adjudicated discrepancies between the primary reviewers. Analysis was performed in R. Results Of 86 respondents, 74% were physicians and 26% were advanced practitioners. Half of respondents (50%) had >10 years NH experience, 41% were geriatrics trained, and none were infectious disease trained. Figure 1 details antibiotic choices and preferred agents for each case. Overall, 70% of antibiotic choices were deemed preferred antibiotics, with the least number of preferred choices observed for case 3 depicting catheter-associated UTI (53%). FQs (43%) and nitrofurantoin (14%) were the most frequent non-preferred choices. Case 2 received the greatest proportion of FQ prescriptions (38%), but this was a preferred agent. In cases where FQs were not a preferred choice, they comprised 17% of antibiotic choices. There was no difference in FQ or preferred prescribing choices by role. Providers with >10 years NH experience, however, prescribed fewer FQs over the four cases than those with less NH experience (0.7 vs. 1.1, p=0.04). Antibiotic Choice and Preferred Agents per Case Antibiotic choices are ordered from highest to lowest cumulative frequency. Conclusion This sample of NH providers made mostly preferred empiric antibiotic choices, however, FQ use remained high, particularly in providers with less NH practice experience. Further exploration of decision-support tools for empiric antibiotic prescribing in this setting may improve antibiotic stewardship. Disclosures Robin L. Jump, MD, PhD, Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant.

Background In 2017, our adult tertiary care academic hospital in the Midwest implemented an inpatient fluoroquinolone (FQ) prior authorization (PA) policy using the electronic health record (EHR) as a stewardship tool. We examined the changes in antibiotic use, the antibiogram, and antibiotic use at an affiliated hospital without PA but staffed by physicians from the PA site. Methods This quasi-experimental study used a pre-post implementation design to evaluate a PA policy at our University Hospital requiring approval of all inpatient FQ use from the antimicrobial stewardship physician or infectious disease consult teams. Time periods consisted of 2.5 year pre-implementation, 9-month wash-in (pilot on 2 wards), and 5-year post-implementation periods. Monthly antibiotic use in days of therapy per 1000 patient days (DOT/KPD) and antibiogram data, limited to first inpatient culture per patient per week from any anatomic site, were collected. Monthly FQ use from an affiliated hospital without the restriction policy staffed by physicians from the University Hospital was also collected. Changes in antibiotic use were examined using t-test, or Mann-Whitney Rank Sum, and antibiotic susceptibility rates were compared using z-test. Results Following implementation of PA, FQ use decreased by 76% (-53.2 DOT/KPD, p< 0.001) (Fig. 1). FQ use also declined from 26.4 DOT/KPD to 7.7 DOT/KPD (p< 0.001) at the affiliated hospital without PA but staffed by physicians from University Hospital. Changes in gram-negative agents use are shown in Table 1, with greatest increase noted for ceftriaxone (∼50%). The ciprofloxacin inpatient antibiogram improved significantly (Table 2); whereas, a slight decline in susceptibility was noted for ceftriaxone and cefepime. Figure 1.Fluoroquinolone use across study periods. Wash-in period included a pilot fluoroquinolone prior authorization in 2 wards. Abbreviations: Days of Therapy (DOT); patient days (PD) Table 1.Mean antibiotic days of therapy during each study period. Successive shortages for cefepime and piperacillin-tazobactam during the wash-in period, as indicated by NA. Table 2.Proportion of susceptible isolates pre- and post-implementation of Fluoroquinolone prior-authorization.Pip-tazo, piperacillin-tazobactam; %S, the percent susceptible for Pre- or Post-implementation periods; * indicates significant improvement and ¥ significant decline (p Conclusion FQ PA leads to significant and sustained decline in FQ use, indicating that suitable alternative choices exist for most hospitalized patients. Decreased FQ use was associated with increased use of cephalosporins, mainly ceftriaxone. As might be expected, changes in use were associated with subsequent changes in the antibiogram. This intervention was associated with a significant decline in FQ use at a site without the restriction policy and the EHR modifications, suggesting successful diffusion of educational and behavioral changes. Disclosures Lindsay Taylor, MD, Merck: Grant/Research Support Jessica S. Tischendorf, MD, MS, Merck: Grant/Research Support.

Background Among those with diabetic foot ulcers, rural patients identifying as Black face at least 10% greater risk of major amputation or death compared to the US as a whole. As specialty care is associated with lower risk of major amputation, this difference could be driven by specialty care access. We hypothesize that rural patients and, particularly, rural patients identifying as Black, receive less inpatient specialty care compared to the overall cohort. Methods We built a cohort of all Medicare patients hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers (2013–2014). Rurality was measured using Rural Urban Commuting Area codes. Race was categorized using the Research Triangle Institute algorithm. Specialty care was defined as receiving inpatient care from at least 1 of 6 relevant specialties to address diabetes, infection, biomechanics or vascular disease, per National Provider Taxonomy codes: endocrinology, infectious disease, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, podiatry, and vascular surgery. We reported observed differences in specialty care, overall and stratified by rurality, identifying as Black, and ulcer severity. Pearson X2 tests were performed on observed frequencies. Results Overall, 32.2% of the cohort received inpatient specialty care. This proportion decreased to 29.6% for rural patients (X2 = 36.2, p ≤ 0.001) and 26.2% for rural patients identifying as Black (X2 = 19.5, p ≤ 0.001). Among those with osteomyelitis, 54.3% of the cohort received specialty care, while only 49.5% of rural patients, 50.8% of patients identifying as Black, and 37.6% of rural patients identifying as Black received specialty care; the disparity for rural patients identifying as Black was greater than the sum of rural and racial disparities (4.8% for rural + 3.5% for Blacks = 8.3% versus a 16.7% observed difference for rural Blacks; Figure 1). Notably, only 2.7% of patients presenting with osteomyelitis were seen by an infectious disease specialist. This proportion decreased to 2.5% for rural patients. Observed Proportions of Patients Receiving Specialty Care Stratified by Rurality, Identifying as Black, and Ulcer Severity Conclusion A smaller proportion of rural patients received specialty care, and rural patients identifying as Black were half as likely to receive specialty care than the overall cohort. Improving specialty access for these high-risk patients may reduce disparities in major amputations. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Return of infections caused by common respiratory viruses (RV) may be expected with the relaxation and/or removal of infection prevention measures instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we examined respiratory virus detection (RVD) rates in Wisconsin during the COVID-19 period, and whether ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for respiratory complaints has increased with return of typical RVs. Methods The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene’s Viral Surveillance program collects RVD data from >130 laboratories across the state for influenza (FLU), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), seasonal coronaviruses (sCOR), parainfluenza virus (PARA), enteroviruses/rhinoviruses (E/R), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Data were collected from 1/1/2015 to 4/30/2022. Antibiotic prescribing for ambulatory care patients presenting with respiratory complaints was collected from our EHR, which utilizes a required order form for all ambulatory antibiotic prescriptions. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney Rank Sum and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results In the first year after COVID-19 onset, E/R and sCOR were detected at low levels while other RVs were essentially nil. After 4/2021, when infection prevention measures (i.e. mask mandates) were significantly relaxed or removed, RVDs increased for all viruses. At present, RVDs have returned to typical rates (except of FLU, Fig. 1) and seasonality variation (except of RSV, Fig. 1). Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory complaints has increased 57% in this period (3.5 to 5.5 prescriptions/1000 encounters, Fig. 2) and continues to trend up with RV activity. Prescribing rates are strongly correlated with RVD rates, but most strongly correlated with non-FLU, non-RSV RVD rates (Spearman correlation 0.71). The dashed vertical line represents relaxation/discontinuation of public infection prevention measures (e.g. masking). The dashed vertical line represents relaxation/discontinuation of public infection prevention measures (e.g. masking). * Parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, enterovirus/rhinovirus, or seasonal coronavirus. Conclusion In general, RVs have returned to pre-pandemic rates with seasonality. Interestingly, this return was associated with the relaxation/removal of infection prevention measures in the second year post-COVID-19 onset, and does not appear to be impacted by ongoing COVID-19 waves. Antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory care continues to be highly associated with RV activity, indicating this should remain a high priority of ambulatory stewardship education and intervention. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Objectives Thoracostomy is often a required treatment in patients with thoracic trauma; however, performing a thoracostomy using traditional techniques can have complications. Ultrasound can be a beneficial tool for identifying the correct thoracostomy insertion site. We designed a randomized prospective study to assess if ultrasound guidance can improve thoracostomy site identification over traditional techniques. Methods Emergency medicine residents were randomly assigned to use palpation or ultrasound to identify a safe insertion site for thoracostomy placement. The target population comprised of hemodynamically stable trauma patients who received an extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) and a chest computed tomography (CT) exam. The resident placed a radiopaque marker on the skin of the patient where a safe intercostal space was believed to be located, either by palpation or ultrasound. Clinical ultrasound faculty reviewed the CT to confirm marker placement relative to the diaphragm. A Fischer's exact test was used to analyze the groups. Results One hundred and forty-seven patients were enrolled in the study, 75 in the ultrasound group and 72 in the landmark group. This resulted in the placement of 271 total thoracostomy site markers, 142 by ultrasound and 129 by palpation and landmarks. The ultrasound group correctly identified thoracostomy insertion sites above the diaphragm in 97.2% (138/142) of patients, while the palpation group identified a safe insertion site in 88.4% (114/129) of patients (P = .0073). Conclusion This study found that emergency medicine residents are more likely to identify a safe tube thoracostomy insertion site in trauma patients by using ultrasound, as compared to using landmarks and palpation.

Objective: To characterize opportunities to postprescriptively modify antibiotic prescriptions initiated for treatment of suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) in nursing homes. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Methods: Data from the health records of residents treated for UTI between 2013 and 2014 in 5 Wisconsin nursing homes were abstracted using a structured approach. Explicit definitions were used to identify whether the prescribed antibiotic could have been stopped, shortened, or changed to a nonfluoroquinolone alternative. Antibiotic treatments appropriately modified by study nursing home providers in real time were not considered modifiable. Identification of >1 potential modification opportunity (eg, stop and shorten) per antibiotic treatment event was permitted. Results: In total, 356 eligible antibiotic treatment courses among 249 unique residents were identified. Only 59 antibiotic courses prescribed for treatment of suspected UTI (16.6%) were not amenable to any modification. Discontinuation of treatment due to lack of signs or symptoms of infection was the most frequently identified potential modification opportunity (66.2%). Although less common, substantial numbers of antibiotic treatment courses were potentially amenable to shortening (34%) or agent change (19%) modifications. If applied in concert at 72 hours after antibiotic initiation, stop and shorten modifications could eradicate up to 1,326 avoidable antibiotic days, and change modifications could remove a 32 remaining avoidable fluoroquinolone days. Conclusions: Substantial opportunity exists to enhance the quality of antibiotic prescribing for treatment of suspected UTI in nursing homes through postprescriptive review interventions. Additional studies examining how to best design and implement postprescriptive review interventions in nursing homes are needed.

Background Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) can aid in evaluation and management of patients with cardiac arrest, but image quality in this population has been questioned. Our goal was to determine how often adequate imaging can be obtained in cardiac arrest patients. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study to examine the utility of FOCUS in cardiac arrest. All patients who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) in cardiac arrest or who had cardiac arrest while in the ED over 6 months were prospectively identified. FOCUS images were obtained as part of routine clinical care. Patients with images obtained were paired with age- and gender-matched controls who underwent FOCUS for another indication during the study period. Image quality was scored by two blinded reviewers using a 0–4 scale, with a score of ≥ 2 considered adequate. Results There were 137 consecutive cardiac arrests, 121 out-of-hospital and 16 in-hospital, during the study period. FOCUS images were recorded in 126 (92%), who were included in the analysis. The average age was 58 years, and 45% were female. Ninety-seven studies (77%) were obtained during advanced cardiac life support while 29 (23%) were obtained after return of spontaneous circulation. The controls were appropriately matched. Of the cardiac arrest studies, 106 (84%) were rated adequate, compared to 116 (92%) in controls (p = 0.08). When compared to control FOCUS studies, the scores given to studies of cardiac arrest patients were lower (p = 0.001). Conclusions FOCUS can reliably be used during cardiac arrest to obtain images adequate to answer clinical questions and guide therapies.

IntroductionRural patients with diabetic foot ulcers, especially those identifying as black, face increased risk of major amputation. Specialty care can reduce this risk. However, care disparities might beget outcome disparities. We aimed to determine whether a smaller proportion of rural patients, particularly those identifying as black, receive specialty care compared with the national proportion.Research design and methodsThis 100% national retrospective cohort examined Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with diabetic foot ulcers (2013–2014). We report observed differences in specialty care, including: endocrinology, infectious disease, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, podiatry, or vascular surgery. We used logistic regression to examine possible intersectionality between rurality and race, controlling for sociodemographics, comorbidities, and ulcer severity and including an interaction term between rurality and identifying as black.ResultsOverall, 32.15% (n=124 487) of patients hospitalized with a diabetic foot ulcer received specialty care. Among rural patients (n=13 100), the proportion decreased to 29.57%. For patients identifying as black (n=21 649), the proportion was 33.08%. Among rural patients identifying as black (n=1239), 26.23% received specialty care. This was >5 absolute percentage points less than the overall cohort. The adjusted OR for receiving specialty care among rural versus urban patients identifying as black was 0.61 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.71), which was lower than that for rural versus urban patients identifying as white (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.89). This metric supported a role for intersectionality between rurality and identifying as black.ConclusionsA smaller proportion of rural patients, particularly those identifying as black, received specialty care when hospitalized with a diabetic foot ulcer compared with the overall cohort. This might contribute to known disparities in major amputations. Future studies are needed to determine causality.

The evaluation of a patient after Crotalinae envenomation requires assessment of local and systemic signs and symptoms in conjunction with laboratory data. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an em...

Objectives Ultrasound (US)-only confirmation of central venous catheter (CVC) placement has proven to be accurate and fast when compared with the current standard chest radiograph. This procedure depends on the detection of appropriately timed atrial bubbles during central line flushing, called the rapid atrial swirl sign (RASS). The most obvious barrier to increasing the use of this technique is appropriate education and training; therefore, we proposed a novel educational approach to training emergency department (ED) physicians in the confirmation of CVC location using US and then tested its effectiveness. Methods Using an online educational model, participants were taught the background and procedural steps to confirm CVC placement using US. Subsequently, they were asked to use this knowledge to place central lines in simulation and confirm them using US. They were tested with various scenarios, including correctly and incorrectly placed lines. Their accuracy was measured, and a survey was used to assess their satisfaction with the training and applicability to practice. Results A total of 47 ED physicians completed the online training module and 24 completed the simulation testing that followed. Results showed 100% accuracy in detecting appropriately timed RASS ( 2 seconds), and no RASS in simulation. All of the participants "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the didactic and simulation sessions improved their understanding of US confirmation of central line placement. Conclusions The use of US to confirm central line placement can be effectively taught to ED physicians using short didactic and simulation-based training. This is a reasonable approach to integrate this protocol into practice, and allow for more widespread use of this emerging technique.

Background In 2008 the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors delineated consensus recommendations for training in biliary ultrasound for the “detection of biliary pathology”. Objectives While studies have looked at the accuracy of emergency provider performed clinical ultrasound (ECUS), we sought to evaluated if ECUS could be diagnostic for acute cholecystitis and thus obviate the need for follow-up imaging. Method We reviewed all ECUS performed between 2012 and 2017 that had a matching radiology performed ultrasound (RADUS) and a discharge diagnosis. 332 studies were identified. The sensitivity and specificity of both ECUS and RADUS were compared to the patient’s discharge diagnosis. The agreement between the ECUS and RADUS was assessed using an unweighted Cohen’s Kappa. The time from patient arrival to diagnosis by ECUS and RADUS was also compared. Results Using discharge diagnosis as the gold standard ECUS was 67% (56–78%) sensitive, 88% (84–92%) specific, NPV 90% (87–95%), PPV 60% (50–71%), +LR 5.6 (3.9–8.2), −LR 0.37 (0.27–0.52) for acute cholecystitis. RADUS was 76% (66–87%) sensitive, 97% (95–99%) specific, NPV 95% (092–97%), PPV 86% (76–95%), +LR 25.6 (12.8–51.4), and −LR 0.24 (0.15–0.38). ECUS was able to detect gallstones with 93% (89–96%) sensitivity and 94% (90–98%) specificity leading to a NPV 90% (85–95%), PPV of 95% (92–98%), +LR 14.5 (7.7–27.4), −LR 0.08 (0.05–0.13). The unweighted kappa between ECUS and RADUS was 0.57. The median time between obtaining ECUS vs. RADUS diagnosis was 124 min. Conclusions ECUS can be beneficial in ruling out acute cholecystitis, but lacks the test characteristics to be diagnostic for acute cholecystitis.

A 17-year-old girl with no significant medical, surgical, or family history presented to the emergency department following an episode of sudden cardiac arrest after being punched in the chest by her brother. Bystander CPR was immediately initiated, and she was found to be in ventricular fibrillation by emergency services. The patient had return of spontaneous circulation after one defibrillation event. No other significant injuries were found, and she eventually experienced a complete neurologic recovery and was discharged with no other identified cause for her arrest. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight this unusual and rare injury to increase awareness and avoid incorrect diagnosis.

With a rise in concern for animal welfare, the equine world has started using positive reinforcement (R+); as such, horses often experience a combination of negative reinforcement (R-) and R+. I compared the effects of R- to a combination of positive and negative reinforcement (R-/R+) training. Horses were trained to walk across two visually discriminable liverpools (striped, Experiment 1; colored water, Experiment 2), each associated with either R- or R-/R+, and training type alternating across six days. I measured highest training criteria reached, prevalence of undesirable behaviors, salivary cortisol (pre- and post-training), time spent by the trainer in motionless human tests (pre- and post-training), and horses' preference for the two liverpools using concurrent choice. Across both experiments, I found no significant difference in the proportions of criteria reached between training types; horses engaged in mugging for longer periods of time in R-/R+ than R-; no significant difference between training types for the pre- to post-change of cortisol; a greater proportion of horses increased time spent with R-/R+ trainer than the R- trainer; and no difference between first choice in the preference test or time horses spent in proximity to the liverpool, based on the training type with which the liverpool was associated. Overall, I found few differences between R-/R+ and R-, which could be due to horses only having 30 min total training contact with either training, or my use of relatively low intensities of R- and R+. Master of Science The equine world has started using positive reinforcement (R+), such as providing treats. Often horses experience a combination of negative reinforcement (R-) and R+, such as having rein pressure released and being given a treat. I compared effects of R- to a combination of positive and negative reinforcement (R-/R+) training. Horses were trained to walk across two visually distinct liverpools, a 1 m X 2.7 m shallow pool, (striped, Experiment 1; colored water, Experiment 2) each associated with either R- or R-/R+, and training type alternating across six days. I measured highest training level reached, occurrence of undesirable behaviors, salivary cortisol (a measure of stress), time spent by the trainer in motionless human tests, and horses' preference for the two liverpools. Across both experiments, I found no significant difference in the proportions of criteria reached between training types; horses investigated the trainer for treats for longer durations in R-/R+ than R-; no significant difference between training types for the pre- to post-change; a greater proportion of horses increased time spent with R-/R+ trainer than R- trainer; and no difference between first choice in the preference test or time horses spent in proximity to the liverpool, based on the training type with which the liverpool was associated. Overall, I found few differences between R-/R+ and R-, which could be due to horses only having 30 min total training contact with either training, or my use of relatively low intensities of R- and R+.

Objectives Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) can be a powerful tool in the treatment of painful conditions commonly encountered in emergency medicine (EM) practice. UGRA can benefit patients while avoiding the risks of procedural sedation and opioid-based systemic analgesia. Despite these advantages, many EM trainees do not receive focused education in UGRA and there is no published curriculum specifically for EM physicians. The objective of this study was to identify the components of a UGRA curriculum for EM physicians. Methods A list of potential curriculum elements was developed through an extensive literature review. An expert panel was convened that included 13 ultrasound faculty members from 12 institutions and from a variety of practice environments and diverse geographical regions. The panel voted on curriculum elements through two rounds of a modified Delphi process. Results The panelists voted on 178 total elements, 110 background knowledge elements, and 68 individual UGRA techniques. A high level of agreement was achieved for 65 background knowledge elements from the categories: benefits to providers and patients, indications, contraindications, risks, ultrasound skills, procedural skills, sterile technique, local anesthetics, and educational resources. Ten UGRA techniques achieved consensus: interscalene brachial plexus, supraclavicular brachial plexus, radial nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve, serratus anterior plane, fascia iliaca, femoral nerve, popliteal sciatic nerve, and posterior tibial nerve blocks. Conclusions The defined curriculum represents ultrasound expert opinion on a curriculum for training practicing EM physicians. This curriculum can be used to guide the development and implementation of more robust UGRA education for both residents and independent providers.

Insect CAPA neuropeptides are homologs of mammalian neuromedin U and are known to influence ion and water balance by regulating the activity of the Malpighian ‘renal’ tubules (MTs). Several diuretic hormones are known to increase primary fluid and ion secretion by insect MTs and, in adult female mosquitoes, a calcitonin-related peptide (DH31) called mosquito natriuretic peptide, increases sodium secretion to compensate for the excess salt load acquired during blood-feeding. An endogenous mosquito anti-diuretic hormone was recently described, having potent inhibitory activity against select diuretic hormones, including DH31. Herein, we functionally deorphanized, both in vitro and in vivo, a mosquito anti-diuretic hormone receptor (AedaeADHr) with expression analysis indicating highest enrichment in the MTs where it is localized within principal cells. Characterization using a heterologous in vitro system demonstrated the receptor was highly sensitive to mosquito CAPA neuropeptides while in vivo, AedaeADHr knockdown abolished CAPA-induced anti-diuretic control of DH31-stimulated MTs. CAPA neuropeptides are produced within a pair of neurosecretory cells in each of the abdominal ganglia, whose axonal projections innervate the abdominal neurohaemal organs, where these neurohormones are released into circulation. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and protein kinase G (PKG) signaling eliminated anti-diuretic activity of CAPA, highlighting the role of the second messenger cGMP and NOS/PKG in this anti-diuretic signaling pathway.

To understand the role of case complexity in the learning curve for robotic colorectal surgery.Sixty-two patients who underwent robot-assisted colorectal surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Each case was assigned a category of complexity ranging from I to IV. Overall, groups and categories of segmental colectomy, rectopexy, and proctectomy for cancer were analyzed according to case volume. Forty-eight patients who underwent similar laparoscopic cases during the same period were also reviewed for comparison.Level I complexity cases were identified in 30% of the first 15 cases compared to 3% after the first 15 cases (P .01). Level IV complexity cases were identified in 10% of the first 15 cases and 34% after 15 cases (P = .03). Mean operative time for the overall group was 426 minutes (range 178-766, standard deviation [SD] = 152) in the first 15 cases and 373 minutes (range 190-593, SD = 109) after more than 15 cases (P = NS). Mean operative time for rectal cancer procedures decreased from 518 minutes (range 425-752, SD = 88) to 410 minutes (range 220-593, SD = 98) after 15 cases (P = .02). Mean operative time for rectopexy decreased from 361 minutes (range 276-520, SD = 85) to 258 minutes (range 215-318, SD = 34) after 15 cases (P = .03). Overall complications were reduced after 15 cases (6.3%) compared with the first 15 cases (27%) (P = .04). When comparing laparoscopic and open cases, laparoscopic cases were associated with a significant shorter operative time (P = .00001) as well as overall cost (P = .00001).Complex robotic colorectal surgery can be performed early in the experience, with reduced operative time. Overall complications are reduced after 15 robotic cases. This study shows that improvement in robotic surgery operating time and surgical outcomes occur along with application of the technology to more difficult cases, not as a function of choosing less complex cases.

Background Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) was developed to treat transsphincteric anal fistulas. The aftermath of a failed LIFT has not been well documented. Methods Retrospective chart review of LIFT procedure for transsphincteric anal fistula between March 2012 and September 2016. Results 53 patients with LIFT procedure were identified, 20 (37.7%) had persistent fistula with median followup of 4 months. Following LIFT, recurrence of fistula was transsphincteric (75%) or intersphincteric (25%) (p = NS). Persistent transsphincteric fistulas after LIFT were treated with seton (71.4%) followed by advancement flap (20%) or fistulotomy (50%). Of the recurrent intersphincteric fistulas, 50% underwent seton placement followed by fistulotomy, or advancement flap. Of the patients who underwent surgery after failed LIFT, 50% have had resolution of the fistula; 31.7% are still undergoing treatment. Conclusion Patients who underwent surgery after failed LIFT had 50% healing with placement of seton followed by fistulotomy or rectal advancement flap.

Introduction: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a well-established method of evaluatingcardiac pathology. It has many advantages over transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), including theability to image the heart during active cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This prospective simulation studyaims to evaluate the ability of emergency medicine (EM) residents to learn TEE image acquisitiontechniques and demonstrate those techniques to identify common pathologic causes of cardiac arrest. Methods: This was a prospective educational cohort study with 40 EM residents from two participatingacademic medical centers who underwent an educational model and testing protocol. All participantswere tested across six cases, including two normals, pericardial tamponade, acute myocardial infarction(MI), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and asystole presented in random order. Primary endpoints were correctidentification of the cardiac pathology, if any, and time to sonographic diagnosis. Calculated endpointsincluded sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for emergency physician (EP)-performed TEE. We calculated a kappa statistic to determine the degree of inter-rater reliability. Results: Forty EM residents completed both the educational module and testing protocol. This resultedin a total of 80 normal TEE studies and 160 pathologic TEE studies. Our calculations for the abilityto diagnose life-threatening cardiac pathology by EPs in a high-fidelity TEE simulation resulted in asensitivity of 98%, specificity of 99%, positive likelihood ratio of 78.0, and negative likelihood ratio of0.025. The average time to diagnose each objective structured clinical examination case was as follows:normal A in 35 seconds, normal B in 31 seconds, asystole in 13 seconds, tamponade in 14 seconds,acute MI in 22 seconds, and VF in 12 seconds. Inter-rater reliability between participants was extremelyhigh, resulting in a kappa coefficient across all cases of 0.95. Conclusion: EM residents can rapidly perform TEE studies in a simulated cardiac arrest environmentwith a high degree of precision and accuracy. Performance of TEE studies on human patients in cardiacarrest is the next logical step to determine if our simulation data hold true in clinical practice. [West JEmerg Med. 2017;18(5)830-834.]

Background Traditional landmark thoracostomy technique has a known complication rate up to 30%. The goal of this study is to determine whether novice providers could more accurately identify the appropriate intercostal site for thoracostomy by ultrasound guidance. Methods 33 emergency medicine residents and medical students volunteered to participate in this study during routine thoracostomy tube education. A healthy volunteer was used as the standardized patient for this study. An experienced physician sonographer used ultrasound to locate a site at mid-axillary line between ribs 4 and 5 and marked the site with invisible ink that can only be revealed with a commercially available UV LED light. Participants were asked to identify the thoracostomy site by placing an opaque marker where they would make their incision. The distance from the correct insertion site was measured in rib spaces. The participants were then given a brief hands-on training session using ultrasound to identify the diaphragm and count rib spaces. The participants were then asked to use ultrasound to identify the proper thoracostomy site and mark it with an opaque marker. The distance from the proper insertion site was measured and recorded in rib spaces. Results The participants correctly identified the pre-determined intercostal space using palpation 48% (16/33) of the time, versus the ultrasound group who identified the proper intercostal space 91% (30/33) of the time. On average, the traditional technique was placed 0.88 rib spaces away (95 CI 0.43–1.03), while the ultrasound-guided technique was placed 0.09 rib spaces away (95 CI 0.0–0.19) [P = 0.003]. Conclusions The ability to accurately locate the correct intercostal space for thoracostomy incision was improved under ultrasound guidance. Further studies are warranted to determine if this ultrasound-guided technique will decrease complications with chest tube insertion and improve patient outcomes.

Genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS) are an increasingly common result of genetic testing. VUS present dilemmas for treatment and surveillance. Family history may play a role in VUS reclassification over time. Methods: All genetic tests performed at a tertiary referral center 2006–2015 were evaluated for the presence of VUS. Patients with VUS were evaluated for demographics, clinical characteristics, family history, and gene characteristics. Results: In total, 2291 individuals were tested from 1639 families; 150 VUS were identified. Twenty-eight VUS reclassified, 21 to benign and 7 to pathogenic. Logistic regression demonstrated the number of family members with associated phenotypic disease was a significant predictor of reclassification. Conclusion: The likelihood of VUS reclassification can be predicted by increased positive family history of disease. Most VUS reclassify to benign, but one-fourth reclassify to pathogenic. The actual risk of a VUS should be assessed based on family history and routinely checked for reclassification.

(a) Procedure Indications Difficult intravenous (IV) access: Risk factors for difficult IV access include: Dialysis patient Sickle cell patient Diabetic patient Chemotherapy patient Dehydration Obesity Edema IV drug abuse History of difficult access Multiple previous attempts without successful IV placement (b) Procedure Complications Infection, phlebitis, hematoma Extraluminal placement Dislodgement and infiltration (c) Transducer Selection Linear array (d) Equipment IV needle with angiocatheter: Long catheters are preferred if available. Figure 18.1—Long and short IV catheters. Ultrasound gel: Sterile surgical lubricant is recommended for deep vein access or when drawing blood cultures. Antiseptic swab: Chlorhexidine is recommended for deep vein access. Tourniquet Luer lock adapter Saline flush Adhesive dressing Gloves (e) Patient Position and Anatomical Landmarks The patient should be supine with their arm extended and externally rotated: Figure 18.2—Patient position for PIV placement Blood vessels appear anechoic: Veins are thin walled and compressible. Arteries have thicker walls, typically pulsate, and are not compressible. Figure 18.3—Ultrasound of the artery and vein. The brachial vein runs adjacent to the brachial artery and median nerve within the upper medial arm. The basilic vein runs medial to the brachial vessels. Figure 18.4—Brachial and basilic vein positions. (f) Preparation Universal precautions should be utilized at all times. Apply tourniquet. Identify the vessel with ultrasound: Success rate increases when the vein is less than 1.5 cm from the skin surface [1]. Clean transducer with antiseptic cloth. Hold transducer with nondominant hand and place over the vessel: Be careful not to apply pressure with the transducer as this will displace the vessel deeper within the arm and can compress the vein. Figure 18.5—Transducer placement. Adjust depth so that the vessel is in the center of the screen. Increase gain so that needle will show up bright on the screen. Figure 18.6—Ideal image for ultrasound-guided peripheral IV placement. (g) Technique Two approaches (in-plane or out-of-plane): Figure 18.7a—In-plane Figure 18.7b—Out-of-plane Out-of-plane: The vein will be imaged using a transverse or cross-sectional view. The transducer marker should point in the same direction on the patient as on the ultrasound monitor. Identify the vein in cross section: Make sure the vessel is compressible before attempting access. Insert the needle just distal to the transducer and enter the skin at a 15–30° angle: Figure 18.8—Needle position relative to transducer Needle tip will be visualized in the subcutaneous tissue as a small bright white dot: Figure 18.9—Needle tip As the needle is advanced closer to the vessel, the transducer should slide with the advancement to keep the needle tip visualized at all times. Once the needle tip enters the vessel, drop the angle of the needle, and advance at least 2 mm to ensure the needle and the catheter are within the vessel lumen: Figure 18.10—Needle in the vessel. Remember: catheter tip sits back slightly from needle bevel so at the initial flash, it may not be far enough into the vessel to advance the catheter. Stabilize the needle and slowly advance the catheter until it is completely within the vessel lumen. Video 18.1—Out-of-plane peripheral IV placement. In-plane: The vein will be imaged using a longitudinal view of the vessel. Place the transducer over the vessel with the marker pointed toward the needle: This can also be done with the marker pointed away from the needle. In this view, the vein will appear as an anechoic tube. Insert the needle just distal to the leading edge of the transducer and enter the skin at a 15–30° angle: Figure 18.11—Transducer and needle placement in long axis If the needle is directly under the transducer beam, it will reflect the entire needle, and you can visualize it along its course into the vessel: Figure 18.12—Long axis of needle toward the vein Once the needle tip enters the vessel, drop the angle, and advance 2 mm to ensure the needle and the catheter are within the vessel lumen: Figure 18.13—Needle in the vessel, long axis. Remember: catheter tip sits back slightly from needle bevel so at the initial flash, it may not be far enough into the vessel to advance the catheter. Stabilize the needle and slowly advance the catheter until it is completely within the vessel lumen. Video 18.2—In-plane peripheral IV placement. Completing the procedure: Remove the tourniquet. Flush the luer lock and tubing with saline to remove air bubbles, attach it to the catheter, and secure it in place with Tegaderm adhesive. Flush the catheter once inside the vessel: The IV should flush easily. If there is resistance or pain with the flush, the catheter is likely outside the lumen of the vessel and needs to be removed. (h) Key Points Ultrasound improves efficiency of IV access when blind landmark attempts have failed and decreases the number of needle sticks [2]. Tissue movement can help localize the approximate location of the needle tip prior to actually visualizing the needle tip [2].