The value of a risk model for early-onset candidemia

Bloodstream infections from Candida species are associated with an increased length of stay, increased hospital costs, and higher mortality when compared with bacterial bloodstream infections. Delayed or inappropriate therapy in candidemia leads to increased mortality, thus early recognition becomes paramount. With biomarkers showing promise, blood cultures still remain the gold standard but require 24 to 72 hours for growth. The reliance on epidemiologic risk factors for the initiation of empiric antifungal therapy therefore provides the best method for early appropriate therapy. Shorr and colleagues have devised a risk score to identify patients with early-onset candidemia as defined by positive blood cultures within 2 days of admission, thus allowing for the initiation of early appropriate antifungal therapy

Ecological niche modelling: a global assessment based on bibliometric analysis

In the present study, a bibliometric analysis of the published literature on Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) topic from 1992 to 2023 was carried out using Web of Science (WoS) as a data source. Analysis of the data was carried out using bibliometrix tool in R software. Additionally, VOS Viewer software was used to provide visualization of the bibliometric analysis through network maps. The results of the study revealed that a total of 3, 595 scholarly documents in the English language were published on ENM from 1992–2023, originating from 564 sources. Furthermore, a significant increase in publications was observed over the years. A total of 13,122 authors have contributed to the field, with “Peterson AT” from the University of Kansas being the most prolific author. Journal of Biogeography emerges as the most relevant source with 290 documents published, while Ecography as the most cited source with 8,485 citations. Collaboration analysis revealed that only 109 documents were single-authored, with an average of 5.07 co-authors per document and an international co-authorship rate of 50.96%. Additionally, our analysis shows that the USA leads in Multiple Country Publications (MCP). The development of sophisticated software tools and algorithms coupled with remote sensing data has democratized ENM research, enabling scientists from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the field’s growth. However, like any other model ENMs have some limitations and thus the entire procedure used to create an ENM must be reliable, transparent, and repeatable in order for it to be used effectively in conservation, management and decision-making

How the field of infectious diseases can leverage digital strategy and social media use during a pandemic

Rapid information dissemination is critical in a world changing rapidly due to global threats. Ubiquitous internet access has created new methods of information dissemination that are rapid, far-reaching, and universally accessible. However, inaccuracies may accompany rapid information dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of primary data through various forms of peer review is crucial. In an era in which high-quality information can save lives, it is critical that infectious diseases specialists are well versed in digital strategy to effectively disseminate information to colleagues and the community and diminish voices spreading misinformation. In this study, we review how social media can be used for rapid dissemination of quality information, benefits and pitfalls of social media use, and general recommendations for developing a digital strategy as an infectious diseases specialist. We will describe how the Infectious Diseases Society of America has leveraged digital strategy and social media and how individuals can amplify these resources to disseminate information, provide clinical knowledge, community guidance, and build their own person brand. We conclude in providing guidance to infectious diseases specialists in aiming to build and preserve public trust, consider their audience and specific goals, and use social media to highlight the value of the field of infectious diseases

Implementing Telemedicine in Medical Emergency Response: Concept of Operation for a Regional Telemedicine Hub

A regional telemedicine hub, providing linkage of a telemedicine command center with an extended network of clinical experts in the setting of a natural or intentional disaster, may facilitate future disaster response and improve patient outcomes. However, the health benefits derived from the use of telemedicine in disaster response have not been quantitatively analyzed. In this paper, we present a general model of the application of telemedicine to disaster response and evaluate a concept of operations for a regional telemedicine hub, which would create distributed surge capacity using regional telemedicine networks connecting available healthcare and telemedicine infrastructures to external expertise. Specifically, we investigate (1) the scope of potential use of telemedicine in disaster response; (2) the operational characteristics of a regional telemedicine hub using a new discrete-event simulation model of an earthquake scenario; and (3) the benefit that the affected population may gain from a coordinated regional telemedicine network

Enhancing Traffic Control with AI Blockchain and Dynamic Computation Techniques

The rapid urbanization and increasing vehicular density in modern cities have led to significant challenges in traffic management and control. As urban areas continue to expand, the demand for more efficient and intelligent traffic control systems has become increasingly critical. This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing traffic management by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain technology, and Dynamic Computation Techniques. AI is utilized to analyze and predict traffic patterns, enabling real-time adjustments to traffic signals and flow management. Blockchain provides a secure, transparent, and decentralized platform for data sharing and coordination among various stakeholders, ensuring data integrity and trust. The incorporation of Dynamic Computation Techniques allows for flexible and scalable processing of complex traffic data, facilitating rapid decision-making and adaptation to changing conditions. This multidisciplinary approach not only improves traffic efficiency and reduces congestion but also paves the way for more resilient and sustainable urban transportation systems. The findings highlight the transformative potential of combining AI, Blockchain, and advanced computation methods in the field of traffic control

Early Infectious Diseases Specialty Intervention Is Associated with Shorter Hospital Stays and Lower Readmission Rates: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Intervention by infectious diseases (ID) physicians improves outcomes for inpatients in Medicare, but patients with other insurance types could fare differently. We assessed whether ID involvement leads to better outcomes among privately insured patients under age 65 hospitalized with common infections. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of administrative claims data from community hospital and post-discharge ambulatory care. Patients were privately insured individuals under 65 years old with an acute-care stay in 2014 for selected infections, classed as having early (by day 3) or late (after day 3) ID intervention, or none. Key outcomes were mortality, cost, length of the index stay; readmission rate, mortality and total cost of care over the first 30 days after discharge. Results: Patients managed with early ID involvement had shorter length of stay, lower spending, and lower mortality in the index stay than those patients managed without ID involvement. Relative to late, early ID involvement was associated with shorter length of stay and lower cost. Individuals with early ID intervention during hospitalization had fewer readmissions and lower healthcare payments after discharge. Relative to late, those with early ID intervention experienced lower readmission, lower spending, and lower mortality. Conclusions: Among privately insured patients under 65 years old, treated in a hospital, early intervention with an ID physician was associated with lower mortality rate and shorter length of stay. Patients who received early ID intervention during their hospital stay were less likely to be readmitted after discharge and had lower total healthcare spending