Training in neonatal neurocritical care: a proposal for a hybrid model of competence by design and time-based methods

BACKGROUND

Neonatal neurocritical care (NNCC) is a rapidly advancing field with limited fellowship training available in locally developed, non-accredited programs. A standardized survey aimed to understand the training backgrounds of individuals practicing NNCC, the structure of existing clinical NNCC services/training programs, and suggested clinical competencies for new graduates.

METHODS

We developed an anonymous survey electronically sent to members of societies related to NNCC. Using the survey results as a guide, we discuss a competence by design (CBD) curriculum as a complementary approach to traditional time-based training.

RESULTS

There were 82 responses to the survey from 30 countries; 95% of respondents were physicians. Thirty-one (42%) institutions reported having an NNCC service, 24 (29%) individuals reported formal NNCC training, 81% reported "significant variability" across NNCC training programs, and 88% were both in favor of standardizing training programs and pursuing formal accreditation for NNCC in the next 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey results demonstrate international interest in standardizing NNCC training and development of an accreditation or certification process. We propose consideration of a CBD-type curriculum as a training approach to focus on the development of specific NNCC competencies, rather than assuming the acquisition of these competencies based on time as a surrogate.

IMPACT

Continued growth and development in the field of NNCC has led to increasing need for training programs suited to meet the diverse needs of trainees from varied backgrounds. We present the results of an international survey that assessed the structure of existing training programs and the priority areas in which graduates must demonstrate competence, highlighting the combination of CBD and time-based training as one approach to address these recommendations. The survey results support interest in translating published training competencies, existing expertise, and infrastructure across centers into a standardized curriculum for NNCC including certification opportunities.

Fuel oil effect on the population growth, species diversity and chlorophyll (a) content of freshwater microalgae

Fresh water algae were subjected to different concentrations (0.03, 0.07, 0.12, 0.25 and 0.5 g x l(-1)) of aqueous extract of reference fuel oil (EPA, USA, API Oil No. 2, 38% aromatic, 1274). Significant decrease in Chlorophyll. (a) was observed as the concentration of fuel oil was increased. The EC50 value of fuel oil after 7 days was 0.29 g x l(-1). Total algal counts and growth rate decreased in response to the studied fuel oil. High diversity values in diatoms were observed in all treated aqueous cultures. High concentrations of fuel oil significantly decreased carbohydrate and protein contents of algal cells.

Colorimetric Determination of Phenylamide Pesticides in Natural Waters

Phenylamide pesticides include a great variety of compounds such as TV-phenylcarbamates, phenylureas, and anilides. A simple, rapid, and sensitive colorimetric method for their determination in natural waters has been proposed. Phenylamides are rapidly hydrolyzed in acid medium at elevated temperature (150–155°C), yielding the corresponding anilines. The latter compounds are diazotized and coupled with 1-naphthol to yield intensely colored azo dyes. Both phenylamides and aniline derivatives can be determinedined a sample in the presence of each other. The method is sensitive to 0.02 m g/L; coefficients of variation range between 6.0 and 0.2, according to the amount of phenylamide pesticide being measured.

Thin Layer Chromatographic Detection of Carbamate and Phenylurea Pesticide Residues in Natural Waters

Detection, separation, and identification of N-phenyl, N-methylcarbamates and related ureas in natural waters could be achieved on acidic silica plates. Six solvent systems and selective chromogenic agents have been found suitable according to compounds in question. Residues of chlorinated or organophosphorus pesticides did not interfere with this TLC procedure.