School Leader Update, January 2011

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, April 2011

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, March 2011

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, May 2011

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, June 2011

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

Cricotracheal resection for adult and pediatric subglottic stenoses: Similarities and differences

Since the mid-1970s thoracic surgeons have used cricotracheal resection (CTR) in the adult population. Similar positive results have from then on been reported by different investigators using this technique. In contrast, otolaryngologists have typically used an anterior midline approach to the larynx and trachea for their laryngotracheal reconstructions (LTRs), both in adults and children. The fear of injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), the risk of a dehiscence of the anastomosis, and the interference with normal growth of the larynx in the pediatric age group were the main reasons put forward for not using a CTR for the cure of subglottic stenosis. In this article, we describe the similarities and differences in CTRs performed for adult and pediatric cases. The high rate (>90%) of success for severe pediatric SGS using CTR compares most favorably with LTR, which is still used in most otolaryngology departments. The reasons lie in the full resection of the stenosis and the restoration of a steady cartilaginous framework of the larynx and trachea with full mucosal lining on both sides of the anastomosis. Furthermore, CTR can be associated with a Rethi procedure for the cure of combined posterior glottic and subglottic stenoses. Good results from series of two different centers suggest that CTR will become the treatment of choice for pediatric severe SGS, as is presently the case in the adult population.

Aetiology and resistance in bacteraemias among adult and paediatric haematology and cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: A knowledge of current epidemiology and resistance patterns is crucial to the choice of empirical treatment for bacteraemias in haematology and cancer patients. METHODS: A literature review on bacteraemias in cancer patients considered papers published between January 1st 2005 and July 6th 2011. Additionally, in 2011, a questionnaire on the aetiology and resistance in bacteraemias, and empirical treatment, was sent to participants of the European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL) meetings; recipients were from 80 haematology centres. RESULTS: For the literature review, data from 49 manuscripts were analysed. The questionnaire obtained responses from 39 centres in 18 countries. Compared with the published data, the questionnaire reported more recent data, and showed a reduction of the Gram-positive to Gram-negative ratio (55%:45% vs. 60%:40%), increased rates of enterococci (8% vs. 5%) and Enterobacteriaceae (30% vs. 24%), a decreased rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5% vs. 10%), and lower resistance rates for all bacteria. Nevertheless the median rates of ESBL-producers (15-24%), aminoglycoside-resistant Gram-negatives (5-14%) and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (5-14%) were substantial, and significantly higher in South-East vs. North-West Europe. CONCLUSIONS: The published epidemiological data on bacteraemias in haematology are scanty and mostly dated. Important differences in aetiology and resistance exist among centres. Updated analyses of the local epidemiology are mandatory to support appropriate empirical therapy.

Statewide Process and Comparative Outcomes Study of 2003 Iowa Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, August 2009

A statewide evaluation of the six adult and three juvenile drug courts in operation during calendar year 2003 was conducted. Completion rates, recidivism, substance abuse treatment, and supervision and placement (juveniles only) costs were examined by model (Judge and Community Panel) and by Judicial District. In addition, adult drug court participants were compared with a group of offenders who were screened and declined or were rejected by drug court in 2003 (referred) and a sample of offenders starting probation in 2003 (probationer). The adult participant and comparison groups were tracked from their entry into drug court, or the study, through December 31, 2007. This yielded an average post-program follow-up time of almost 3 years (2.9) for drug court participants. For the juvenile portion, drug court participants were compared with a group matched on several demographic and offense variables (Matched Comparison group) and juveniles referred to drug court who did not enter the program (Referred Comparison group). The juvenile participant and comparison groups were tracked from their entry into drug court, or the study, through approximately 16 quarters after program discharge with an end date of December 31, 2007.

School Leader Update, April 2012

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, April 2013

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, April 2014

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education

School Leader Update, August 2012

Monthly newsletter produced by Iowa Department of Education