Does release of antimicrobial agents from impregnated external ventricular drainage catheters affect the diagnosis of ventriculitis?

OBJECT Recently concern has arisen over the effect of released antimicrobial agents from antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheters on the reliability of CSF culture for diagnosis of ventriculitis. The authors designed a laboratory study to investigate this possibility, and to determine whether there was also a risk of loss of bacterial viability when CSF samples were delayed in transport to the laboratory. METHODS Three types of commercially available antibiotic-impregnated EVD catheters were perfused with a suspension of bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) over 21 days. Samples were analyzed for bacterial viability and for concentrations of antibiotics released from the catheters. The authors also investigated the effect on bacterial viability in samples stored at 18°C and 4°C to simulate delay in CSF samples reaching the laboratory for analysis. RESULTS Bacterial viability was significantly reduced in all 3 catheter types when sampled on Day 1, but this effect was not observed in later samples. The results were reflected in stored samples, with significant loss of viability in Day 1 samples but with little further loss of viable bacteria in samples obtained after this time point. All samples stored for 18 hours showed significant loss of viable bacteria. CONCLUSIONS While there were differences between the catheters, only samples taken on Day 1 showed a significant reduction in the numbers of viable bacteria after passing through the catheters. This reduction coincided with higher concentrations of antimicrobial agents in the first few hours after perfusion began. Similarly, bacterial viability declined significantly after storage of Day 1 samples, but only slightly in samples obtained thereafter. The results indicate that drugs released from these antimicrobial catheters are unlikely to affect the diagnosis of ventriculitis, as sampling for this purpose is not usually conducted in the first 24 hours of EVD

Cyberbullying in Individuals: Implications for Psychological Health

The aim of this research article and survey is to acknowledge the modern term of bullying, and develop better understanding of it by accessing all facts and causes of this problem. The effects of cyberbullying are directly proportional to effects of face to face bullying. Cyberbullying is negativity and aggressive behaviors that is often generated in a person's mind, it's traumatically effecting the psyches of adolescents and adults too. It also negatively effects the development of children, their academic performance, physical and mental health. Cyberbullying is a worldwide problem and many countries are experiencing its consequences. Cyberbullying has various impacts, and causes on one's health, so many services are provided by service providers such as physicians, nurses, parents and social workers. The objective is to educate parents, society and adults about symptoms of cyberbullying in victim as well as prevention and controlling over this problem. This paper includes consequences of cyberbullying on both victim's and bully's psyches. A survey has been conducted and its results are also included in this paper which shows the awareness rates, online bullying percentages and also other related factors that arises from cyberbullying

An antimicrobial impregnated urinary catheter that reduces mineral encrustation and prevents colonisation by multi-drug resistant organisms for up to 12 weeks

Two major complications of indwelling urinary catheterisation include infection and mineral encrustation of the catheter. Our antimicrobial urinary catheter (AUC) impregnated with rifampicin, triclosan, and sparfloxacin has demonstrated long-term protective activity against major uropathogens. This study aimed to firstly assess the ability of the AUC to resist mineral encrustation in the presence and absence of bacteria. Secondly, it aimed to investigate the AUC’s anti-biofilm activity against multi-drug resistant organisms. There was no difference in surface roughness between AUC and control segments. In a static and a perfusion model, phosphate deposition was significantly reduced on AUCs challenged with P. mirabilis. Furthermore, none of the AUCs blocked during the 28 day test period, unlike controls. The AUC prevented colonisation by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing E. coli, and carbapenemase-producing E. coli for 12 consecutive weekly challenges. All three drugs impregnated into the catheter continued to exert protective activity throughout 12 weeks of constant perfusion. The drugs appear to migrate into the crystalline biofilm to continually protect against bacteria not it direct contact with the catheter surface. In conclusion, the AUC reduces mineral encrustation and may increase time to blockage in the presence of P. mirabilis, and does not predispose to mineral deposition under other conditions. It also offers 12 weeks of protection against multi-drug resistant bacteria

Factors Affecting Intention to Use of Small-scale Renewable Energy Technologies in District Sialkot, Pakistan

Due to existing energy shortage; there is need to adopt renewable energy technologies. Low awareness and acceptance are major barriers to development of renewable energy technologies. The present study was conducted to explore factors affecting intention to use of small-scale renewable energy technologies in Pakistan at household level. This present study was conducted in Sialkot District. and non-probability sampling technique was used to select the respondents. There were 160 respondents participated in this study. The theoretical model in this research was developed based on Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and Innovation Diffusion Theory by Rogers and Theory of Planned Behavior. Major findings of this study highlighted that socio-economic factors, facilitating conditions perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, knowledge, persuasion, and subjective norms are significant determinants of intention to use small-scale renewable energy technologies. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders should use strategies to create awareness and sensitized the people about benefits of adopting small-scale renewable energy technologies and setting up awareness centers at local and national level for encouraging people to adopt small scale renewable energy technologies

Determinants of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change by Farmers in District Sargodha, Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most affected countries vulnerable to climate change. Additionally, being a predominantly agricultural economy, farming community is more at risk and climate change is predicted to decrease crop yields in Pakistan as a result of higher temperature, variability in rainfall and floods. Understanding the perception and adoption strategies to climate is important to preparing farming community for climate change impact. The present study was aimed to explore determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change by farmers. The data were collected through interview schedule. Logit regression model was used to explore the factors influencing the decision of farmer adaptation strategies to climate change. The study explored that education, farming experience, annual farm income, access to television, access to extension services, access to climate change information and membership in community based organization are main factors influencing the decision of farmers to climate change adoption. The study recommends that Government must ensure extension service, climate information and credit schemes to farmers to alter the production strategies in response to climate change

Factors Affecting Intention to Use of Small-scale Renewable Energy Technologies in District Sialkot, Pakistan

Due to existing energy shortage; there is need to adopt renewable energy technologies. Low awareness and acceptance are major barriers to development of renewable energy technologies. The present study was conducted to explore factors affecting intention to use of small-scale renewable energy technologies in Pakistan at household level. This present study was conducted in Sialkot District. and non-probability sampling technique was used to select the respondents. There were 160 respondents participated in this study. The theoretical model in this research was developed based on Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, and Innovation Diffusion Theory by Rogers and Theory of Planned Behavior. Major findings of this study highlighted that socio-economic factors, facilitating conditions perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, knowledge, persuasion, and subjective norms are significant determinants of intention to use small-scale renewable energy technologies. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders should use strategies to create awareness and sensitized the people about benefits of adopting small-scale renewable energy technologies and setting up awareness centers at local and national level for encouraging people to adopt small scale renewable energy technologies