Visceral non-presence

The local slaughterhouse’s coronavirus cluster was the first large outbreak we heard about in Champaign County. The sprawling pork processing plant sits in the midst of cornfields some 17 miles north of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Until early May, workers there processed 35 million pounds of pork a month. The company reported its first case on 25 April. Health inspectors arrived two days later to find the plant 90 percent out of compliance in its infection control practices. By 15 May, after testing 200 of the 627 workers for COVID-19, 83 got positive results. Management admitted it was ‘complex’ to track employees being tested and to follow up with those who had to be quarantined. That’s when they contacted the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. They then announced confidently to the local press: We’ve got it under control. We have the scientists now.

Download Full-text

Otologic Complications of Radiation Therapy

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/019459987908700314 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 87 (3) ◽

pp. 359-363 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

John V. O'Neill ◽

Arthur H. Katz ◽

Emanuel M. Skolnik

Keyword(s):

Radiation Therapy ◽

External Auditory Canal ◽

Radiation Dosage ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

University Of Illinois ◽

Nasopharyngeal Tumors ◽

The University ◽

Serous Otitis Media

Radiation therapy has proved to be a valuable modality in the management of patients with nasopharyngeal tumors. Routine follow-up of patients in the tumor clinic of the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary appeared to indicate an increasing incidence of otologic pathology. For this reason, a retrospective study focusing on the otologic findings in patients whose radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal tumors included the external auditory canal, middle ear space, or eustachian tube was performed. The results of this study are discussed in relationship to total radiation dosage, time of survival after therapy, and pretreatment otologic status. The complications covered a spectrum from intermittent serous otitis media to osteoradionecrosis of the external auditory canal. Possible contributing factors are discussed, and preventive measures are suggested.

Download Full-text

Follow-up Observations on 24-Hour Pharmacotherapy Services in the Emergency Department

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/106002809202600403 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 476-480 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Nada S. Berry ◽

Jon E. Folstad ◽

Jerry L. Bauman ◽

Jerrold B. Leikin

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Consultation Service ◽

University Of Illinois ◽

Clinical Pharmacists ◽

Drug Concentrations ◽

Frequency Of Use ◽

The University ◽

Consultation Services ◽

The Impact

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of 24-hour clinical pharmacy (CP) services in the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: A review of the “on-call report forms” and written consultations provided by CP between July 1985 and December 1987. SETTING: The University of Illinois Hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient-related versus non—patient-related cases; solicitor, type of and time per consultation; drug concentration determinations by CP; and comparison with other ED consultation services. RESULTS: Of 3787 consultations 3650 (96 percent) were patient-related, 137 (4 percent) were non—patient-related. Consultations were solicited from another individual in 2774 cases (73 percent); they were initiated by the clinical pharmacists in 831 cases (22 percent). Of the patient-related consultations, 1215 (33.3 percent) involved pulmonary disease, 796 (21.8 percent) toxicology, 635 (17.4 percent) seizures, 411 (11.3 percent) cardiac cases, 268 (7.3 percent) pharmacokinetics, and 325 (8.9 percent) miscellaneous. Consultations were solicited by physicians (1806, 65 percent), nurses (652, 23.5 percent), cardiac arrest page (237, 8.5 percent), patients (45, 2 percent), or pharmacists (34, 1 percent). They averaged 100 minutes each. Of 2197 drug concentrations, 1939 (88 percent) were completed by the clinical pharmacist. Concentrations were obtained for theophylline (1055, 54.4 percent), phenytoin (511, 26.4 percent), phenobarbital (324, 16.7 percent), and acetaminophen (49, 2.5 percent). Compared with other consultation services, CP ranked first in regard to frequency of use. CONCLUSIONS: The CP consultation service in the ED was as well used as most physician consultation services and tended to involve specific therapeutic areas that have implications for the training of emergency department clinical pharmacists.

Download Full-text

Development, implementation, and evaluation of a Community Engagement Advisory Board: Strategies for maximizing success

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ◽

10.1017/cts.2018.13 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 8-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alicia K. Matthews ◽

Susan Newman ◽

Emily E. Anderson ◽

Amparo Castillo ◽

Marilyn Willis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Community Engagement ◽

Online Survey ◽

Response Rate ◽

Advisory Board ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Consultation Service ◽

University Of Illinois ◽

Evaluation Strategies ◽

The University

IntroductionThe purpose of this paper is to describe the formation, operation, and evaluation of a Community Engagement Advisory Board (CEAB) that serves as a resource of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s (UIC) Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS).MethodsCurrent CEAB roles and functions, operating procedures for research consultations and program evaluation strategies were described. Investigators receiving a consultation from 2009 to 2017 (n=91, response rate 78%) were surveyed via an online survey immediately after the consultation and at 12-month follow-up.ResultsOverall, CEAB members were viewed as having sufficient information (92%) and expertise (79%) to provide consultation. Satisfaction levels with the specific consultation received and the overall consultation service were high. The majority of investigators indicated that they would come back to the CEAB for a future consultation, if needed, and would recommend a consultation to others (93% and 96%, respectively). At 12-months, 87% of respondents indicated they had implemented at least some of the recommendations received and 93% said that the consultation influenced their subsequent research.ConclusionsData from recent annual evaluations highlight the benefits of CEAB for consulting investigators. Our model can be used to inform the development of future CEAB boards.

Download Full-text

Exclusive endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach: a new perspective for internal auditory canal vestibular schwannoma treatment

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2015.11.jns15952 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 126 (1) ◽

pp. 98-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Daniele Marchioni ◽

Matteo Alicandri-Ciufelli ◽

Alessia Rubini ◽

Babara Masotto ◽

Giacomo Pavesi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Skull Base ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Internal Auditory Canal ◽

Case Series ◽

University Hospital ◽

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage ◽

Complication Rates ◽

First Case ◽

The University

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the first case series in which an exclusive endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach (EETTA) was used to treat small vestibular schwannomas (VSs) and meningiomas of the internal auditory canal (IAC). METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of patients who had undergone surgery using an EETTA to the IAC at 2 university tertiary care referral centers during the period from November 2011 to January 2015. RESULTS Ten patients underwent surgery via an EETTA for the treatment of VS in the IAC at the University Hospital of Modena or the University Hospital of Verona. The patients had Koos Grade I or II tumors and American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Class D hearing status preoperatively. Gross-total resection was achieved in all patients. No major complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or hemorrhage were reported. In 7 of 10 (70%) patients, facial nerve function was normal immediately after surgery (Rough Grading System [RGS] Grade I). Two patients presented with a transitory facial palsy immediately after surgery (RGS Grade II–III) but experienced complete recovery during the follow-up period. The mean follow-up was 10 months. CONCLUSIONS The EETTA proved to be successful for the removal of VS or meningioma involving the cochlea, fundus, and IAC, with possible lower complication rates and less invasive procedures than those for traditional microscopic approaches. The potential for the extensive and routine use of this approach in lateral and posterior skull base surgery will depend on the development of technology and surgical refinements and on the diffusion of skull base endoscopic skills among the otolaryngological and neurosurgical communities.

Download Full-text

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia Associated with Candidatus Mycoplasma Haematoparvum in a Splenectomized Dog in Italy

Acta veterinaria ◽

10.2478/acve-2020-0020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 277-284

Author(s):

Zobba Rosanna ◽

Corda Andrea ◽

Ballocco Isabella ◽

Sotgiu Francesca ◽

Alberti Alberto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hemolytic Anemia ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Symptomatic Infection ◽

Laboratory Findings ◽

First Case ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Blood Smears ◽

The University

AbstractThis report describes a case of canine hemotropic mycoplasmasosis by Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in a dog. A five-year-old splenectomized dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Sassari with clinical symptoms and laboratory findings compatible with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Epicellular bacteria were detected in the erythrocytes by microscopic examination of blood smears. PCR and sequencing were positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum. Treatment with doxycycline, prednisolone and blood transfusion was administered. Several studies have described the molecular prevalence of M. hemocanis and Candidatus M. haematoparvum, however there are few clinical reports, especially those describing Candidatus M. haematoparvum infection in dogs, for which only two cases have been reported. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of a symptomatic infection caused by Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in Italy. Hemoplasmosis should be considered as a potential cause of hemolytic anemia in dogs. Following treatment with doxycycline and prednisolone, the clinical signs improved without resolution of infection. This condition was the same at the three-year follow-up.

Download Full-text

Angiographic features of “brain sag”

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2011.4.jns101168 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 115 (3) ◽

pp. 586-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ali Alaraj ◽

Troy Munson ◽

Sebastian R. Herrera ◽

Victor Aletich ◽

Fady T. Charbel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Cerebral Arteries ◽

University Of Illinois ◽

Ruptured Aneurysms ◽

Lumbar Drain ◽

Blood Patch ◽

The University ◽

The Brain ◽

Angiographic Findings

Object Cerebrospinal fluid hypotension, or “brain sag,” is a recently described phenomenon most commonly seen following craniotomy for the clipping of ruptured aneurysms along with preoperative lumbar drain placement. The clinical features and CT findings have been previously described. Clinical presentation can be similar to and often mistaken for cerebral vasospasm. In this study, the authors report on the angiographic findings in patients with brain sag. Methods Five cases of brain sag were diagnosed (range 1–4 days) after the surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms at the University of Illinois at Chicago. All patients met the clinical and CT criteria for brain sag. Admission cerebral angiograms and subsequent angiograms during symptoms of brain sag were obtained in all patients. In 3 patients, angiography was performed after the resolution of symptoms. Results In all 5 patients, the level of the basilar artery apex was displaced inferiorly with respect to the posterior clinoid processes during brain sag. This displacement was significant enough to create a noticeable kink in the basilar artery (“cobra sign”) in 3 patients. Other angiographic findings included foreshortening or kinking of the intracranial vertebral artery. In all patients, the posterior cerebral arteries were displaced medially and inferiorly. Three patients were treated for simultaneous severe radiological vasospasm. In 4 patients, the brain sag was recognized, and the patients' conditions improved when they were placed flat or in the Trendelenburg position, at times combined with an epidural blood patch. Patients with follow-up angiography studies after the symptoms had resolved displayed a reversal of the angiographic features. Conclusions Brain sag appears to be associated with characteristic angiographic features. Recognizing these features may help to diagnose brain sag as the cause of neurological deterioration in this patient population.

Download Full-text

Clostridioides difficile: Best Practice Alerts & Education to Reduce Unnecessary Testing

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.697 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s170-s170

Author(s):

Cynthia Murillo ◽

Rachel Marrs ◽

Allison Bartlett ◽

Emily Landon ◽

Jessica Ridgway

Keyword(s):

Infection Control ◽

Multiplex Pcr ◽

False Positive ◽

Best Practice ◽

Educational Materials ◽

Clostridioides Difficile ◽

Positive Results ◽

Unnecessary Testing ◽

Pcr Test

Background: Unnecessary testing for Clostridioides difficile can lead facilities to overreport laboratory-identified (LabID) events. Because false-positive LabID tests could dilute infection control resources, we developed best practice alerts (BPAs) in the electronic health record, educational materials as well as a follow-up system to help reduce unnecessary testing and, therefore, reduce false-positive results. Methods: Three BPAs were initiated in late August, 2018. Alerts fired when clinicians tried to order repeat C. difficile testing after a positive result, testing within 24 hours of laxative administration and to order a multiplex PCR panel for GI pathogens >48 hours after admission. The GI multiplex PCR test consists of 21 targets, including C. difficile, but it allows for testing solid stool. All alerts gave suggestions for how to proceed (ie, not test for cure from previous positive, wait until laxatives wear off, or call for approval before GI panel) but could be bypassed by clinicians. Educational emails and signage were distributed to all house staff and clinicians in all clinical areas at the start of the program. For each bypassed BPA, infection control physicians contacted the ordering clinician by email or phone to explain why testing was not advised. Results: Between September 5, 2018, and April 23, 2019, 1,217 BPAs were issued: 634 in first half and 583 in the second half. Of these, 268 (22%) were bypassed by clinicians (Fig. 1). There was no significant decrease in bypassing BPAs. In the first half of the intervention, 22% of BPAs were bypassed (141 of 634). In the second 4 months, 22% of BPAS were still bypassed (127 of 583; P = .85). Of the 40 ordering services, 8 had no bypassed BPAs in the first half and 9 had no bypassed BPAs in the second half. Conclusions: Educating providers and following up after bypassed BPAs did not decrease the number of bypassed BPAs. Although fewer BPAs were issued in the second half of the intervention, more analysis is needed to understand whether this decrease is significant. In this study, 268 unnecessary C. difficile tests were ordered over 8 months.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Download Full-text

Five Decades of Research Experience in Speech Anatomy and Physiology

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/persp1.sig5.4 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (5) ◽

pp. 4-12

Author(s):

David P. Kuehn

Keyword(s):

Ohio State University ◽

State University ◽

Research Experience ◽

University Of Iowa ◽

University Of Illinois ◽

Anatomy And Physiology ◽

The Ohio State University ◽

Speech Science ◽

The University ◽

East Carolina University

This report highlights some of the major developments in the area of speech anatomy and physiology drawing from the author's own research experience during his years at the University of Iowa and the University of Illinois. He has benefited greatly from mentors including Professors James Curtis, Kenneth Moll, and Hughlett Morris at the University of Iowa and Professor Paul Lauterbur at the University of Illinois. Many colleagues have contributed to the author's work, especially Professors Jerald Moon at the University of Iowa, Bradley Sutton at the University of Illinois, Jamie Perry at East Carolina University, and Youkyung Bae at the Ohio State University. The strength of these researchers and their students bodes well for future advances in knowledge in this important area of speech science.

Download Full-text