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Biomedical subjects

D W Scheifele

Publications and source records attributed to D W Scheifele.

63 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Evaluation of a rapid beta-lactamase test for detecting ampicillin-resistant strains of Hemophilus influenzae type b.

Chloramphenicol is presently the drug of choice in the initial treatment of serious infections due to Hemophilus influenzae type b. Rapid detection of ampicillin resistance in clinical isolates would facilitate early discontinuation of chloramphenicol therapy in patients infected with ampicillin-sensitive bacteria. A total of 160 strains of H. influenzae type b were tested with a one-hour acidimetric microassay for beta-lactamase activity. All ampicillin-resistant strains rapidly hydrolysed the beta-lactam ring of penicillin. When isolates were encoded and tested without knowledge of their MICs, the 40 ampicillin-resistant strains (MIC greater than or equal to 2 mug/ml) were readily distinguished from 120 sensitive strains. Rapid beta-lactamase assay is therefore a reliable detector of ampicillin resistance in H. influenzae type b.

Ampicillin↗

Animal bites causing central nervous system injury in children. A report of three cases.

Three cases of animal bites causing central nervous system injury in children are reported. Two infants suffered compound depressed skull fractures as a result of dog bites to the head. An older child suffered direct injury to the spinal cord from a tiger bite. In 2 cases, Pasteurella meningitis occurred. Pitfalls in the management of this type of problem are discussed.

Animals↗

Evaluation of ready-to-use and multi-dose influenza vaccine formats in large clinic settings.

Large immunization clinics are commonly held to deliver influenza vaccine to seniors and others. Vaccine is typically dispensed from multi-dose vials but pre-filled syringes are now available, offering time savings for vaccinators. To determine if the higher purchase price of such syringes is offset by savings in time and injection supplies, we did a controlled comparison of syringe and vial formats in two large, concurrent, community-based influenza vaccination clinics. Vaccine preparation and immunization times were carefully documented along with costs for vaccine purchase, storage and injection supplies. Servicing 1,000 clients required 27 nurse hours using syringes and 36 hours using vials but the savings for personnel ($234) and supplies ($1,190) using syringes were exceeded by higher vaccine cost ($2,090 premium) and extra storage costs ($260) for bulkier packaging. Depending upon product and packaging style, programs using vials are cheaper by $709-$926 per 100 doses delivered compared to using pre-filled syringes.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗

Assessment of parent education methods for infant immunization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a video about infant immunization could inform parents as well as human counselling (oral presentation). METHODS: Core information for parents about infant immunization was identified and packaged in an instructional video and a scripted oral presentation. Volunteer prenatal classes were randomly assigned a video or oral presentation. Participants completed pre- and post-test questionnaires covering the same 16 items. Scores were compared for each question and as a group means, using Fisher's exact test, 2-sided. RESULTS: 227 subjects participated, including 102 men and 124 women. Groups were similar in terms of gender mix, parenting experience and recent reading about immunization. Pre-test knowledge scores were similarly low between groups. Post-test scores were much higher but did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a prenatal classroom setting, video and oral presentations were equally effective in conveying key information about infant immunization.

British Columbia↗