Article
Immunology
Adam L. Hersh, Laura M. King, Daniel J. Shapiro, Lauri A. Hicks, Katherine E. Fleming-Dutra
Summary: The percentage of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in US physician offices and emergency departments decreased slightly from 30% in 2010-2011 to 28% in 2014-2015. However, there was a greater decrease in children from 32% to 19%, while unnecessary prescribing in adults remained unchanged.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Emily K. Rule, Ashley G. Boyle, Laurel E. Redding
Summary: This study investigated antimicrobial prescription patterns in equine ambulatory practice, showing that antimicrobials were prescribed in 8.5% of visits with significant differences in patterns across clinicians, months, years, and affected body systems. Factors such as emergency visits and submission of bacterial cultures were associated with an increased likelihood of antimicrobial prescription.
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. M. Fedotova, V. P. Chigrina, A. V. Shirinskaya, S. V. Fedosenko, O. S. Fedorova
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, and the misuse of antibiotics is the main contributing factor. This study aims to explore antibiotic prescribing practices and perceptions of AMR among healthcare practitioners (HCPs) in the Russian Federation.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Shukry Zawahir, Hien Thi Thu Le, Thu-Anh Nguyen, Justin Beardsley, Anh Duc Dang, Sarah Bernays, Kerri Viney, Thai Hung Cao, Dorothy Drabarek, Hoang Huy Tran, Son Tu Nguyen, Van Thi Thuy Pham, Tan Minh Luong, Hung Thi Mai Tran, Nhung Viet Nguyen, Stephen Jan, Ben J. Marais, Joel Negin, Guy B. Marks, Greg J. Fox
Summary: This study evaluated the appropriateness of antibiotic dispensing in private pharmacies in Vietnam and found that inappropriate antibiotic supply was common. Multifaceted measures are needed to achieve the global action plan for optimal use of antimicrobials.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Laura M. Hamill, Julia Bonnett, Megan F. Baxter, Melina Kreutz, Kerina J. Denny, Gerben Keijzers
Summary: Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in the emergency department can lead to poor outcomes. This study aimed to describe decision-making, confidence, and appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing in the ED. Results showed that over one-third of prescribing was guided by senior clinicians, with prescribers having high confidence regardless of seniority.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francesco Napolitano, Concetta Paola Pelullo, Monica Lamberti, Giovanna Donnarumma, Gabriella Di Giuseppe
Summary: This study evaluates antimicrobial prescribing practices in hospitals in Italy, focusing on antibiotic appropriateness. The findings show that over one third of patients received inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Factors such as being female, having a high Charlson comorbidity index score, and longer hospital stays were associated with inappropriate prescriptions.
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mike May
Summary: Researchers utilize AI and bioinformatics for finding novel antimicrobials, while governments experiment with financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Bradley J. Langford, Miranda So, Sumit Raybardhan, Valerie Leung, Jean-Paul R. Soucy, Duncan Westwood, Nick Daneman, Derek R. MacFadden
Summary: The study estimated that approximately three-quarters of patients with COVID-19 receive antibiotic treatment, which is significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection. This suggests a potential for high rates of unnecessary antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Utpal Kumar Mondal, Tahmidul Haque, Md Abdullah Al Jubayer Biswas, Syed Moinuddin Satter, Md Saiful Islam, Zahidul Alam, Mohammad Shojon, Shubroto Debnath, Mohaiminul Islam, Haroon Bin Murshid, Md Zakiul Hassan, Nusrat Homaira
Summary: This study investigated the prescribing practices of Bangladeshi physicians in treating COVID-19 patients with antibiotics. The findings revealed that the majority of physicians prescribed antibiotics to COVID-19 patients regardless of disease severity, particularly those working in COVID-19-dedicated hospitals. The study also found that most physicians believed antibiotics should be given to COVID-19 patients with underlying respiratory conditions.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mahmoud Eltholth, Gurrappanaidu Govindaraj, Banani Das, M. B. Shanabhoga, H. M. Swamy, Abin Thomas, Jennifer Cole, Bibek R. Shome, Mark A. Holmes, Dominic Moran
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing veterinarians' antibiotic prescribing behaviors and their understanding of antimicrobial resistance. The findings show that the majority of veterinarians are government employees and their antibiotic prescriptions are mainly based on tentative diagnosis due to the lack of diagnostic facilities. The study also reveals that few veterinarians are aware of the government ban on antibiotics and the national plan for antimicrobial resistance.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nina Zhu, Paul Aylin, Timothy Rawson, Mark Gilchrist, Azeem Majeed, Alison Holmes
Summary: Since the first lockdown due to COVID-19, there has been a sustained reduction in community antibiotic prescribing in London. The rate of decrease accelerated after the initial peak and continued into winter and the second peak. Despite an overall reduction in prescribing volume, some antibiotics experienced an increase in prescriptions, with prescribing aligning with national guidelines during the pandemic period.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emelda E. Chukwu, David A. Oladele, Christian A. Enwuru, Peter L. Gogwan, Dennis Abuh, Rosemary A. Audu, Folasade T. Ogunsola
Summary: This study in Nigeria found a moderate level of knowledge and attitude towards antimicrobial resistance among healthcare workers, but this did not significantly translate to practice. Further efforts are needed to improve the rational prescription of antimicrobials in Nigeria.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nikki D'Arcy, Diane Ashiru-Oredope, Omotayo Olaoye, Daniel Afriyie, Zainab Akello, Daniel Ankrah, Derrick Mawuena Asima, David C. Banda, Scott Barrett, Claire Brandish, Joseph Brayson, Peter Benedict, Cornelius C. Dodoo, Frances Garraghan, Josephyn Hoyelah, Yogini Jani, Freddy Eric Kitutu, Ismail Musoke Kizito, Appiah-Korang Labi, Mariyam Mirfenderesky, Sudaxshina Murdan, Caoimhe Murray, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, William J'Pathim Olum, Japheth Awuletey Opintan, Edwin Panford-Quainoo, Ines Pauwels, Israel Sefah, Jacqueline Sneddon, Anja St Clair Jones, Ann Versporten
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global public health issue, and the Global Point Prevalence Survey conducted in 17 hospitals across four African countries revealed that most antimicrobial prescriptions belong to the WHO 'Access' and 'Watch' categories. The study also found low prescription rates for 'Reserve' category antibiotics and emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and broader participation in improving antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Natasa Bednarcuk, Ana Golic Jelic, Svjetlana Stoisavljevic Satara, Natasa Stojakovic, Vanda Markovic Pekovic, Milos P. Stojiljkovic, Nina Popovic, Ranko Skrbic
Summary: The utilization of antibiotics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed, as well as the prescribing practices for COVID-19 patients in outpatient settings. Outpatient antibiotic utilization increased significantly during 2020 compared to 2019. A high percentage of COVID-19 outpatients were prescribed at least one antibiotic during the study period, with a monthly prescription rate of over 55%. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and doxycycline. The trend of repurposing antibiotics for COVID-19 treatment may have negative consequences in terms of antimicrobial resistance and loss of antibiotic effectiveness.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Khezar Hayat, Zia Ul Mustafa, Muhammad Nabeel Ikram, Muhammad Ijaz-Ul-Haq, Irum Noor, Muhammad Fawad Rasool, Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq, Anees Ur Rehman, Syed Shahzad Hasan, Yu Fang
Summary: This study evaluated the perception and attitude of physicians in public sector hospitals in Punjab, Pakistan towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial prescribing in patients with COVID-19. The study found that while most physicians recognized the problem of AMR in Pakistan, only a few consulted local antibiotic resistance data before prescribing antibiotics to COVID-19 patients. Physicians suggested that implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and seeking advice from infectious disease specialists could help reduce the risk of AMR in COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Rinske M. van den Heuvel, Michel Wensing, Hilde M. Geurts, Jan-Pieter Teunisse
Summary: This study used the Network in Action-Questionnaire (NiA-Q) to explore the social network of individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and found two factors: positive social support and interpersonal distress. The results showed that self- and proxy-report on the social network were mostly similar.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Rosa Klotz, Magdalena Holze, Colette Doerr-Harim, Erich Grohmann, Barbara Nied, Burkhard Lebert, Susanne Weg-Remers, Claudia Lutz, Karin Meissler, Patrick Schloss, Charlotte Ullrich, Susanne Frankenhauser, Heidi Lutter, Diedrich Buehler, Azaz Ahmed, Toto Gronlund, Andre L. Mihaljevic
Summary: This study aimed to identify and prioritize unresolved research questions related to colorectal cancer through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Through nationwide surveys and a consensus workshop, the top 10 research topics were determined to provide researchers and funding bodies with directions for patient-relevant research projects.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Konstantin Huber, Felix Gackstatter, Tim Roediger, Michael Wensing
Summary: In this study, a fast-response Atomic Layer Thermopile (ALTP) based heat flux measurement system was used to determine the wall heat-flux in the combustion chamber of a commercially available SI-gasoline combustion engine. The ALTP system provided additional process variables that supplemented conventional cylinder pressure data with highly resolved data in time and location. The newly developed sensor modules were precision calibrated and compared to other measurement techniques. The results demonstrated the benefits of ALTPs for detecting engine, combustion, and flow characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Tim Russwurm, Andreas Peter, Lukas Strauss, Sebastian Riess, Michael Wensing
Summary: Pre-chamber ignition systems enable homogeneous lean or dilute combustion and significantly improve the efficiency of spark ignition engines. The combustion in the pre-chamber propagates much faster than spark ignition, both in the direction of the transfer port and radially. The disrupted flame front of a pre-chamber jet enhances turbulence and flame propagation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Selina von Schumann, Charlotte Ullrich, Aline Weis, Michel Wensing, Nicola Litke
Summary: The number of mechanically ventilated patients is increasing worldwide, and the use of Weaning Boards can support the weaning process and enhance knowledge sharing between healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the design and implementation of future Weaning Boards, and identified key factors for successful implementation. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties in interprofessional interaction may affect the implementation of Weaning Boards.
RESEARCH IN NURSING & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Olga Amberger, Angelina Mueller, Dorothea Lemke, Hardy Mueller, David Schwappach, Peter Wendt, Michel Wensing, Maria-Sophie Brueckle, Beate S. Mueller
Summary: A nationwide survey conducted in Germany from 2019 to 2021 showed that the majority of respondents considered medical treatment to involve risks to patient safety, but this proportion decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-efficacy and knowledge regarding patient safety increased during the pandemic. About one third of respondents suspected they had experienced errors in their treatment, and the reported errors remained steady.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Lukas Strauss, Sebastian Riess, Michael Wensing
Summary: To fully utilize the potential of regenerative fuels, it is important to understand the differences between conventional fuels and regenerative fuels. This study compares OME3-5 and 1-Octanol with diesel-like Dodecane in terms of their mixture formation under specific conditions. The results show that the fuels have different physio-chemical behaviors and cannot be easily used as drop-in replacements without significant adaptations.
FRONTIERS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING-SWITZERLAND
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Bastian Lehnert, Lukas Weiss, Edouard Berrocal, Michael Wensing
Summary: In this work, the high-speed Diffuse Back Illumination Extinction Imaging (DBI-EI) technique is used to obtain quantitative information on the projected liquid volume (PLV) in a highly transient GDI process. By using a LED-Panel as the light source and a constant volume chamber, measurements are conducted under real-world engine conditions. A simulation-based method is presented to correct the OD for scattering effects, allowing the use of DBI-EI in all spray regions and obtaining three-dimensional data of the liquid volume fraction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michel Wensing, Catharina Roth, Katja Krug
EXPERT REVIEW OF PHARMACOECONOMICS & OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gregor Feldmeier, Christin Loeffler, Attila Altiner, Anja Wollny, Katharina Garbe, Dorothea Kronsteiner, Martina Koeppen, Joachim Szecsenyi, Mirko Leyh, Arwed Voss, Martina Kamradt, Regina Poss-Doering, Michel Wensing, Petra Kaufmann-Kolle
Summary: The CHANGE-3 study aimed to reduce antibiotic prescribing for non-complicated acute respiratory tract infections to a reasonable level. The results showed a general trend towards restrained antibiotic use in German primary care, but higher prescribing in routine care with only a public campaign.
Editorial Material
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michel Wensing, Paul Wilson
Summary: Implementation researchers often work as research partners in practice improvement projects, clinical trials, or other applied health studies. These projects can make supportive, descriptive, or explanatory contributions to implementation science. This commentary reflects on the potential contributions of such projects to implementation science.
IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Valeska Fehrer, Regina Poss-Doering, Aline Weis, Michel Wensing, Joachim Szecsenyi, Nicola Litke
Summary: The German healthcare system contributes 5.2% of the national greenhouse gases emissions, making it crucial to implement mitigation actions to reduce its carbon footprint. However, there is a lack of approaches to achieve this in German primary care. This study aimed to identify environmental impact-reducing strategies in German primary care practices.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anika Mitzkat, Johanna Mink, Christine Arnold, Cornelia Mahler, Andre L. Mihaljevic, Andreas Moeltner, Birgit Trierweiler-Hauke, Charlotte Ullrich, Michel Wensing, Jan Kiesewetter
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate individual competencies and team performance shown in ward rounds by medical and nursing undergraduates. The results showed significant changes in individual competencies and positive trends in team performance during the study period.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Johanna Forstner, Jasmin Mangold, Nicola Litke, Aline Weis, Joachim Szecsenyi, Michel Wensing, Charlotte Ullrich
Summary: The study aimed to explore the role of Care Assistants in General Practice (VERAH) in primary care practices. The analysis of data revealed that VERAHs are involved in software-supported case management and their tasks contribute to strengthening their role.
Article
Respiratory System
Sabrina Keller, Johanna Forstner, Aline Weis, Elena Biehler, Franziska Trudzinski, Julia Michels, Benjamin Neetz, Felix Herth, Armin Schneider, Alessandro Ghiani, Joachim Szecsenyi, Michel Wensing, Regina Poss-Doering
Summary: The PRiVENT project aims to improve the care of invasively ventilated patients and reduce the number of long-term ventilated patients. The study found that interprofessional collaboration between ICU and weaning centers can improve the care of invasively ventilated patients, and strategies to involve nurses should be discussed and developed.