Science News for December 16, 2018

Researchers develop global checklist for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs

Researchers at CDDEP developed a global checklist for hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance. The seven-core component checklist was tested in 12 hospitals across nine countries, highlighting common barriers to implementation.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateDec 16, 2018

Stop that clot! Quantitative assessment of the blood coagulation cascade

Researchers developed a new dielectric blood coagulometry (DBCM) method to assess Factor Xa (FXa) activity in patients treated with FXa inhibitors. The study showed that DBCM detected FXa inhibitor-specific changes in a manner similar to more complicated methods, offering a promising easy-to-use clinical treatment option.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 16, 2018