Additional file 3: of Prospective comparison of a PCR assay and a microbiological culture technique for identification of pathogens from blood and non-blood samples in septic patients

Thirty-five septic episodes with potential time-saving effect of PCR vs. MC technique in identification of pathogen microorganisms. (PDF 116 kb

Timeline of the investigation with endpoint measurements.

<p>Time I: baseline; time II: evening of the day before exam; time 3: immediately before the anatomy exam; time IV: after exam. Auricular acupuncture (AA) was performed in the evening before the day of exam (time I) using indwelling fixed needles, which remained in situ and were removed after the exam (time IV). Exam anxiety was measured using the German version of Spielberger’s State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS-100) at times I, II and III, as was heart rate and blood pressure. Duration and quality of sleep (over the course of the preceding 1 night, 1 week and 6 months) were enquired about at time III. Immediately after the exam, at time point IV, exam performance (passed or failed) and the quality of participants’ blinding were recorded.</p

Participants’ opinion about the allocation to study condition/intervention.

<p>Participants’ opinion about the allocation to study condition/intervention.</p

Outcome measures of the investigation presented as mean (SD).

<p>Outcome measures of the investigation presented as mean (SD).</p

Exam anxiety measured using Visual Analogue Scale 100mm.

<p>Time I: baseline; time II: evening of the day before exam; time 3: immediately before the anatomy exam. <b>*</b> Holm-Bonferroni adjusted <i>P</i> = 0.018 for AA vs. placebo; ** Holm-Bonferroni adjusted <i>P</i> = 0.003 for AA vs. no intervention at time II and *** <i>P</i> < 0.003 for AA vs. no intervention at time III. Data given as mean (standard error of mean).</p

Flow of the study.

<p>First randomization (R1) was performed by drawing wrapped pieces of paper with hidden numbers ranging from 1 to 3 before the first exam. Second randomization (R2) was performed before the second anatomy exam by flipping a coin; no further randomization was necessary before the last exam in July. R: randomization; AA: auricular acupuncture; NI: no intervention.</p