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Whole genome and transcriptome analysis of 213 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates resistant to antipseudomonal β-lactams collected in 30 countries was performed to evaluate resistance mechanisms against these agents.Isolates were susceptibility tested by reference broth microdilution. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing were performed, and data were analysed using open-source tools. A statistical analysis of changes in the expression of5500 genes was compared to the expression of PAO1.The high-risk clones ST235 and ST111 were the most prevalent among90 sequence types (STs). Metallo-β-lactamase (MBLs) genes were detected in 40 isolates. AmpC and MexXY were the most common genes overexpressed in approximately 50% of the 173 isolates that did not carry MBLs. Isolates overexpressing pmrA and pmrB, the norspermidine production genes speD2 and speE2, and the operon arnBCADTEF-ugd were noted among strains resistant to ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam, despite the lack of polymyxin resistance often associated to increased expression of these genes. Overexpression of MuxABC-OpmB, OprG, and OprE proteins were associated with resistance to ceftolozane-tazobactam in addition to the usual genes involved in cephalosporin, monobactam, and carbapenem resistance. Statistical analysis identified discrete mutations in ArmZ, OprD, and AmpC that correlated to antipseudomonal β-lactam resistance.P. aeruginosa resistance mechanisms are complex. This analysis suggests the role of multiple genes in resistance to antipseudomonal β-lactams, including some not commonly described.

Objective: To define benchmark values for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) enabling unbiased comparisons.Background: Transplantation for PHC is used with reluctance in many centers and even contraindicated in several countries. Although benchmark values for LT are available, there is a lack of specific data on LT performed for PHC.Methods: PHC patients considered for LT after Mayo-like protocol were analyzed in 17 reference centers in 2 continents over the recent 5-year period (2014–2018). The minimum follow-up was 1 year. Benchmark patients were defined as operated at high-volume centers (≥ 50 overall LT/year) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, with a tumor diameter Results: One hundred thirty-four consecutive patients underwent LT after completion of the neoadjuvant treatment. Of those, 89.6% qualified as benchmark cases. Benchmark cutoffs were 90-day mortality ≤ 5.2%; comprehensive complication index at 1 year of ≤ 33.7; grade ≥ 3 complication rates ≤ 66.7%. These values were better than benchmark values for other indications of LT. Five-year disease-free survival was largely superior compared with a matched group of nodal negative patients undergoing curative liver resection (n = 106) (62% vs 32%, P < 0.001).Conclusion: This multicenter benchmark study demonstrates that LT offers excellent outcomes with superior oncological results in early stage PHC patients, even in candidates for surgery. This provocative observation should lead to a change in available therapeutic algorithms for PHC.

Antibiotic treatments have detrimental effects on the microbiome and lead to antibiotic resistance. To develop a phage therapy against a diverse range of clinically relevant Escherichia coli, we screened a library of 162 wild-type (WT) phages, identifying eight phages with broad coverage of E. coli, complementary binding to bacterial surface receptors, and the capability to stably carry inserted cargo. Selected phages were engineered with tail fibers and CRISPR–Cas machinery to specifically target E. coli. We show that engineered phages target bacteria in biofilms, reduce the emergence of phage-tolerant E. coli and out-compete their ancestral WT phages in coculture experiments. A combination of the four most complementary bacteriophages, called SNIPR001, is well tolerated in both mouse models and minipigs and reduces E. coli load in the mouse gut better than its constituent components separately. SNIPR001 is in clinical development to selectively kill E. coli, which may cause fatal infections in hematological cancer patients.

Higher education institutions must recognize the responsibility to support online adult learners as members of a larger global community and technological advancements have made this a reality. COVID-19 restrictions to in-person learning highlighted the need for online learning platforms that promote the benefits of teacher presence, consider the tenets of the Community of Inquiry model, and commit to the principles of andragogy. A need to explore the possibilities for fostering global citizenship among adult learners in online higher education environments has been identified as a problem space and a methodological approach will be used to connect findings from the literature with best practices for practitioners. Global citizenship is not a new concept; however, current and worldwide events have created a renewed dedication to the construct. Discussions based on the literature and established theoretical frameworks will precede practical implications for directors, course designers, and instructors. Online education will be described as ripe with opportunities for higher education institutions to foster global citizenship among adult learners. Keywords: global citizenship, online education, adult learners, higher education, Community of Inquiry, teacher presence

Liver transplantation (LT) is a complex operation that most transplant surgeons learn in fellowship. Training varies as there is lack of objective data that can be used to standardize teaching. We performed a retrospective review of our adult LT database with aim of looking at fellow's experience. Using American Society of Transplant Surgery cutoff of, at least 45 LT during fellowship, data for first 45 LT were compared to LT 45-90. Fellow's cases were also clustered in sequential groups of 15 LT and analyzed to estimate the learning curve (LC). Comparison of LT 1-45 with LT 46-90 showed significantly lower total operative times (TOT) (324 vs. 344 min) and warm ischemia times (WIT) (28 vs. 31 min) in the 45-90 group. Rates of biliary complications (23.8% vs. 16.4%) and bile leaks alone (10.3% vs. 5.5%) were significantly higher for first 45 LT. Analysis of fellows experience in sequential clusters of 15 LT showed decreasing TOT, WIT, biliary complications and rates of unplanned return to the OR with progression of fellowship. This study validates the current ASTS requirement of at least 45 LT. LC generated using these data can help individualize training and optimize outcomes through identification of areas in need of improvement.

Virtual ancillary faculty are instrumental in delivering online instruction and fostering student success across higher education institutions. Program directors should create models of support using performance outcomes and verbal persuasion to foster self-efficacy in order to help instructors avoid feelings of depersonalization that can lead to burnout. The job-demands resources model has been shown to support supervisor efforts to recognize work-related demands in order to provide purposeful resources. The authors of this chapter work as program directors and share examples, rationale, and expertise through a case study approach which highlights best practices for working with virtual ancillary faculty including an in-depth examination of teacher evaluation and professional development strategies.

We have developed and characterized a novel D2R antagonist with exceptional GPCR selectivity – ML321. In functional profiling screens of 168 different GPCRs, ML321 showed little activity beyond potent inhibition of the D2R, and to a lesser extent the D3R, demonstrating excellent receptor selectivity. The D2R selectivity of ML321 may be related to the fact that, unlike other monoaminergic ligands, ML321 lacks a positively charged amine group and adopts a unique binding pose within the orthosteric binding site of the D2R. PET imaging studies in non-human primates demonstrated that ML321 penetrates the CNS and occupies the D2R in a dose-dependent manner. Behavioral paradigms in rats demonstrate that ML321 can selectively antagonize a D2R-mediated response (hypothermia) while not affecting a D3R-mediated response (yawning) using the same dose of drug, thus indicating exceptionalin vivoselectivity. We also investigated the effects of ML321 in animal models that are predictive of antipsychotic efficacy in humans. We found that ML321 attenuates both amphetamine- and phencyclidine-induced locomotor activity and restored pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in a dose-dependent manner. Surprisingly, using doses that were maximally effective in both the locomotor and PPI studies, ML321 was relatively ineffective in promoting catalepsy. Kinetic studies revealed that ML321 exhibits slow-on and fast-off receptor binding rates, similar to those observed with atypical antipsychotics with reduced extrapyramidal side effects. Taken together, these observations suggest that ML321, or a derivative thereof, may exhibit “atypical” antipsychotic activity in humans with significantly fewer side effects than observed with currently FDA-approved D2R antagonists.

Background The combination aztreonam/avibactam is currently under Phase 3 trials for the treatment of serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria including those with MBLs. Objectives To investigate the resistance mechanisms in Enterobacterales exhibiting aztreonam/avibactam MICs of ≥4 mg/L. Methods Among 8787 Enterobacterales, 17 (0.2%) isolates exhibited an aztreonam/avibactam MIC of ≥4 mg/L. Isolates were sequenced and screened for β-lactamases. Sequences of porins, penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) and expression levels of AmpC and AcrA were evaluated. Results Eleven (11/4154 isolates; 0.26%) Escherichia coli, three (3/1981; 0.15%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and three (3/628; 0.5%) Enterobacter cloacae were identified. All E. coli showed either an ‘YRIK’ or ‘YRIN’ insertion in PBP3. In general, these isolates carried blaCMY and/or blaCTX-M variants, except for one isolate from Korea that also produced NDM-5 and one isolate from Turkey that produced OXA-48. Two DHA-1-producing K. pneumoniae overexpressed acrA and had a premature stop codon in either OmpK35 or OmpK36, whereas a third K. pneumoniae carried blaPER-2 and had a premature stop codon in OmpK35. All three E. cloacae expressed AmpC at levels ≥570-fold, but sequence analysis did not reveal known amino acid alterations associated with decreased avibactam binding or increased hydrolysis of β-lactams. Minor amino acid polymorphisms within OmpC, OmpF and PBP3 were noted among the E. cloacae. Conclusions A small number of isolates (0.2%) met the inclusion criteria. E. coli showed altered PBP3 as the most relevant resistance mechanism, whereas K. pneumoniae had multiple resistance mechanisms. Further investigations are needed to clarify resistance in E. cloacae.

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of acquired β-lactamase genes and susceptibility profiles of carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacterales (CNSE) clinical isolates collected in US hospitals during a 5-year period. Methods Isolates were susceptibility tested by reference broth microdilution methods. Results were interpreted using CLSI breakpoints. Isolates displaying nonsusceptible MICs for imipenem or meropenem were categorized as CNSE. CNSE isolates were screened for β-lactamase-encoding genes using whole-genome sequencing. New genes were cloned, expressed in an Escherichia coli background and susceptibility tested. Results A total of 450 (1.3%) isolates were CNSE. Klebsiella pneumoniae serine carbapenemase (KPC) production was the most common resistance mechanism among CNSE isolates: 281/450 (62.4%) carried blaKPC, including three new variants. OXA-48-like and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) encoding genes were detected among seven and 12 isolates, respectively. Among MBL genes, blaNDM-1 was the most common, but blaNDM-5, blaVIM-1 and blaIMP-27 were also identified. 169 (37.6% of the CNSE) isolates did not produce carbapenemases. Ceftazidime/avibactam was the most active agent (95.0% to 100.0% susceptible) against CNSE isolates from all carbapenemase groups except MBL-producing isolates. Ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam and imipenem/relebactam inhibited 100.0%, 97.6% and 92.3% of the non-carbapenemase CNSE isolates, respectively. Among the three new blaKPC variants, one conferred resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam and low meropenem MIC results while the other two had profiles similar to blaKPC-2 or blaKPC-3. Conclusions A decline in carbapenemase production was noticed in US hospitals in the 5-year period analysed in this study. New β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations tested had good activity against CNSE isolates.

Guidelines for surveillance colonoscopy depend on polyp histology. When patients present to a new healthcare system and report a personal history of “colon polyps,” however, information on polyp histology is frequently unavailable. To assess adenoma prevalence in patients with a history of colonic polyps of unknown histology and to compare it to patients undergoing either screening colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy for known adenomatous polyps. This cohort study evaluated colonoscopies of patients ≥ 50 years of age over a 14-year period at a single institution. The exposure of interest was colonoscopy indication, categorized into three groups: screening colonoscopy, surveillance colonoscopy for history of colonic polyp(s) of unknown histology, and surveillance colonoscopy for history of adenoma(s). The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between colonoscopy indication and adenoma detection rate. Of 31,856 colonoscopies, the adenoma prevalence was 26.1% for patients undergoing screening colonoscopy, 32.9% for patients with a history of polyps of unknown histology, and 41.9% for patients with a history of known adenomatous polyps. Relative to screening colonoscopies, there were higher odds of adenoma detection in surveillance colonoscopies for polyps of unknown histology (aOR compared to screening 1.42, 95% CI 1.30–1.55) and even higher odds among surveillance colonoscopies for a history of adenoma (aOR compared to screening 1.89, 95% CI 1.75–2.05). The adenoma prevalence on surveillance colonoscopy for patients with polyps of unknown histology was higher than that of screening colonoscopies but lower than that of surveillance colonoscopies for patients with adenomatous polyps.

Background Escherichia coli ST131 is a major challenge for global human health. Among ST131 isolates, the H30 type is prevalent and displays multiple drug resistance to classes. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the O antigen, O25b, which is conserved in ST131-H30 clonal lineage, was developed for diagnostic and prophylactic therapy. We optimized a 96-well plate assay to test different concentrations of the mAb against E. coli clinical isolates. Methods Initial growth curves were performed against 69 ST131-O25b, 9 ST131-O25a, 32 ST131 non-O25, and 29 non-ST131 E. coli isolates in 40% active human serum (HS). Additional conditions evaluated for growth inhibition by the mAb included 3 media types, 3 HS sources, pH variations, addition of polysorbate 80 (P80), inoculum concentration, length of incubation, and varying calcium and magnesium concentrations. Once optimal parameters were established, the assay was miniaturized into a 96-well format and 12 ST131-O25b and 5 non-ST131 were tested. Fluorescence and visual reading using alamarBlue (AB), a cell metabolism indicator, were performed at 8 and 10h in addition to plating for viable colonies. Results After 10h incubation, only 36/69 (52.2%) ST131-O25b isolates exhibited visible growth in BHI plus 40% HS. A 2-part growth inhibition assay using BHI plus 50% HS and BHI with 25% HS without the addition of P80, calcium, or magnesium was considered the optimal growth condition for EC strains to test the effect of the mAb. By 10 hours, all ST131-O25b strains displayed a visual inhibition of growth between 0.3-5 mg/L of α-ST131 mAb and zero non-ST131 strains were inhibited (Figure). While reading AB on a fluorometer was more sensitive and less subjective than visual interpretation, both reading methods allow for endpoint determinations. Additionally, panels were able to go through one freeze-thaw cycle and still retain α-ST131:O25b mAb activity. Conclusion Concentration-dependent activity of a α-ST131:O25b mAb can be measured in vitro in a microtiter format; however, the growth inhibition by HS, while still providing enough complement for complement-mediated mAb killing, might be an obstacle. Additionally, assay reproducibility may be difficult without a consistent source of active HS. Figure Disclosures Jill Lindley, Bravos Biosciences (Research Grant or Support)ContraFect Corporation (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Qpex Biopharma (Research Grant or Support) Timothy B. Doyle, AbbVie (formerly Allergan) (Research Grant or Support)Bravos Biosciences (Research Grant or Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Shionogi (Research Grant or Support)Spero Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support) Brian D. VanScoy, B.S., 3-V Biosciences (Grant/Research Support)Achogen (Grant/Research Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Arixa Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Arsanis Inc. (Grant/Research Support)B. Braun Medical Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)BLC USA (Grant/Research Support)Boston Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Bravos Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support)Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Cipla, USA (Grant/Research Support)Corcept Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Cumberland Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Debiopharm International SA (Grant/Research Support)Discuva Limited (Grant/Research Support)Emerald Lake Technologies (Grant/Research Support)Enhanced Pharmacodynamics (Grant/Research Support)Entasis Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)E-Scape Bio (Grant/Research Support)Genentech (Grant/Research Support)Geom Therapeutics, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Grant/Research Support)Hoffmann-La Roche (Grant/Research Support)Horizon Orphan LLC (Grant/Research Support)ICPD Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support)Indalo Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Insmed Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics (Employee)Iterum (Grant/Research Support)KBP Biosciences USA (Grant/Research Support)Kyoto Biopharma, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Matinas (Grant/Research Support)Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Melinta Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Menarini Ricerche S.p.A. (Grant/Research Support)Merck & Co., Inc (Grant/Research Support)Mutabilis (Grant/Research Support)Nabriva Therapeutics AG (Grant/Research Support)Naeja-RGM Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Nosopharm SAS (Grant/Research Support)Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Grant/Research Support)NuCana Biomed (Grant/Research Support)Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Polyphor, Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Prothena Corporation (Grant/Research Support)PTC Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Rempex Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Roche TCRC (Grant/Research Support)Sagimet (Grant/Research Support)scPharmaceuticals Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Scynexis (Grant/Research Support)Spero Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)TauRx Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Theravance Biopharma Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)USCAST (Grant/Research Support)VenatoRx (Grant/Research Support)Vical Incorporated (Grant/Research Support)Wockhardt Bio AG (Grant/Research Support)Zavante Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Zogenix International (Grant/Research Support) Christopher M. Rubino, Pharm.D., 3-V Biosciences (Grant/Research Support)Achogen (Grant/Research Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Arixa Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Arsanis Inc. (Grant/Research Support)B. Braun Medical Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)BLC USA (Research Grant or Support)Boston Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Bravos Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Cipla, USA (Grant/Research Support)Corcept Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Cumberland Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Debiopharm International SA (Grant/Research Support)Discuva Limited (Grant/Research Support)Emerald Lake Technologies (Grant/Research Support)Enhanced Pharmacodynamics (Grant/Research Support)Entasis Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)E-Scape Bio (Grant/Research Support)Genentech (Grant/Research Support)Geom Therapeutics, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Grant/Research Support)Hoffmann-La Roche (Grant/Research Support)Horizon Orphan LLC (Grant/Research Support)ICPD Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Indalo Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Insmed Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics (Employee)Iterum (Grant/Research Support)KBP Biosciences USA (Grant/Research Support)Kyoto Biopharma, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Matinas (Grant/Research Support)Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Melinta Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Menarini Ricerche S.p.A. (Grant/Research Support)Merck & Co., Inc (Grant/Research Support)Mutabilis (Grant/Research Support)Nabriva Therapeutics AG (Grant/Research Support)Naeja-RGM Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Nosopharm SAS (Grant/Research Support)Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Grant/Research Support)NuCana Biomed (Grant/Research Support)Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Polyphor, Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Prothena Corporation (Grant/Research Support)PTC Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Rempex Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Roche TCRC (Grant/Research Support)Sagimet (Grant/Research Support)scPharmaceuticals Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Scynexis (Grant/Research Support)Spero Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)TauRx Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Theravance Biopharma Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)USCAST (Grant/Research Support)VenatoRx (Grant/Research Support)Vical Incorporated (Grant/Research Support)Wockhardt Bio AG (Grant/Research Support)Zavante Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Zogenix International (Grant/Research Support) Sujata M. Bhavnani, Pharm.D., M.S., FIDSA, 3-V Biosciences (Grant/Research Support)Achogen (Grant/Research Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Arixa Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Arsanis Inc. (Grant/Research Support)B. Braun Medical Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)BLC USA (Grant/Research Support)Boston Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Bravos Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Cipla, USA (Grant/Research Support)Corcept Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Cumberland Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Debiopharm International SA (Grant/Research Support)Discuva Limited (Grant/Research Support)Emerald Lake Technologies (Grant/Research Support)Enhanced Pharmacodynamics (Grant/Research Support)Entasis Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)E-Scape Bio (Grant/Research Support)Genentech (Grant/Research Support)Geom Therapeutics, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Grant/Research Support)Hoffmann-La Roche (Grant/Research Support)Horizon Orphan LLC (Grant/Research Support)ICPD Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Indalo Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Insmed Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics (Employee)Iterum (Grant/Research Support)KBP Biosciences USA (Grant/Research Support)Kyoto Biopharma, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Matinas (Grant/Research Support)Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Melinta Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Menarini Ricerche S.p.A. (Grant/Research Support)Merck & Co., Inc (Grant/Research Support)Mutabilis (Grant/Research Support)Nabriva Therapeutics AG (Grant/Research Support)Naeja-RGM Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Nosopharm SAS (Grant/Research Support)Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Grant/Research Support)NuCana Biomed (Grant/Research Support)Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Polyphor, Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Prothena Corporation (Grant/Research Support)PTC Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Rempex Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Roche TCRC (Grant/Research Support)Sagimet (Grant/Research Support)scPharmaceuticals Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Scynexis (Grant/Research Support)Spero Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)TauRx Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Theravance Biopharma Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)USCAST (Grant/Research Support)VenatoRx (Grant/Research Support)Vical Incorporated (Grant/Research Support)Wockhardt Bio AG (Grant/Research Support)Zavante Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Zogenix International (Grant/Research Support) Paul G. Ambrose, Pharm.D., FIDSA, 3-V Biosciences (Grant/Research Support)Achogen (Grant/Research Support)Amplyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Arixa Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Arsanis Inc. (Grant/Research Support)B. Braun Medical Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Basilea Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)BLC USA (Grant/Research Support)Boston Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Bravos Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Cidara Therapeutics Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Cipla, USA (Grant/Research Support)Corcept Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Cumberland Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Debiopharm International SA (Grant/Research Support)Discuva Limited (Research Grant or Support)Emerald Lake Technologies (Grant/Research Support)Enhanced Pharmacodynamics (Grant/Research Support)Entasis Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)E-Scape Bio (Grant/Research Support)Genentech (Grant/Research Support)Geom Therapeutics, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Grant/Research Support)Hoffmann-La Roche (Grant/Research Support)Horizon Orphan LLC (Grant/Research Support)ICPD Biosciences, LLC (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, member/owner)Indalo Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Insmed Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics (Employee)Iterum (Grant/Research Support)KBP Biosciences USA (Grant/Research Support)Kyoto Biopharma, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Matinas (Grant/Research Support)Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Melinta Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Menarini Ricerche S.p.A. (Grant/Research Support)Merck & Co., Inc (Grant/Research Support)Mutabilis (Grant/Research Support)Nabriva Therapeutics AG (Grant/Research Support)Naeja-RGM Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Nosopharm SAS (Grant/Research Support)Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Grant/Research Support)NuCana Biomed (Grant/Research Support)Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Polyphor, Ltd. (Grant/Research Support)Prothena Corporation (Grant/Research Support)PTC Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Rempex Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Roche TCRC (Grant/Research Support)Sagimet (Grant/Research Support)scPharmaceuticals Inc. (Grant/Research Support)Scynexis (Grant/Research Support)Spero Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)TauRx Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (Grant/Research Support)Theravance Biopharma Pharmaceutica (Grant/Research Support)USCAST (Grant/Research Support)VenatoRx (Grant/Research Support)Vical Incorporated (Grant/Research Support)Wockhardt Bio AG (Grant/Research Support)Zavante Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)Zogenix International (Grant/Research Support) Mariana Castanheira, PhD, AbbVie (formerly Allergan) (Research Grant or Support)Bravos Biosciences (Research Grant or Support)Cidara Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Cipla Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support)Cipla USA Inc. (Research Grant or Support)GlaxoSmithKline (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Melinta Therapeutics, LLC (Research Grant or Support)Pfizer, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Qpex Biopharma (Research Grant or Support)Shionogi (Research Grant or Support)Spero Therapeutics (Research Grant or Support) Mariana Castanheira, PhD, Affinity Biosensors (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Allergan (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Amicrobe, Inc (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Amplyx Pharma (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Artugen Therapeutics USA, Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Astellas (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Basilea (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; BIDMC (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; bioMerieux Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; BioVersys Ag (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Bugworks (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Cidara (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Cipla (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Contrafect (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Cormedix (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Crestone, Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Curza (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; CXC7 (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Entasis (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Fedora Pharmaceutical (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Fimbrion Therapeutics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Fox Chase (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; GlaxoSmithKline (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Guardian Therapeutics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Hardy Diagnostics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; IHMA (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Janssen Research & Development (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Johnson & Johnson (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Kaleido Biosceinces (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; KBP Biosciences (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Luminex (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Matrivax (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Mayo Clinic (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Medpace (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Melinta (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Menarini (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Merck (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Meridian Bioscience Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Micromyx (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; MicuRx (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; N8 Medical (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Nabriva (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; National Institutes of Health (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; National University of Singapore (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; North Bristol NHS Trust (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Novome Biotechnologies (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Paratek (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Pfizer (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Prokaryotics Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; QPEX Biopharma (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Rhode Island Hospital (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; RIHML (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Roche (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Roivant (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Salvat (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Scynexis (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; SeLux Diagnostics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Shionogi (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Specific Diagnostics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Spero (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; SuperTrans Medical LT (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; T2 Biosystems (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; The University of Queensland (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Thermo Fisher Scientific (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Tufts Medical Center (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Universite de Sherbrooke (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; University of Iowa (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; University of Wisconsin (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; UNT System College of Pharmacy (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; URMC (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; UT Southwestern (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; VenatoRx (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Viosera Therapeutics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support; Wayne State University (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant or Support

Very few antimicrobial agents remain active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae in some geographic regions. We evaluated the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftolozane-tazobactam, and comparator agents against 6,210 P. aeruginosa and 6,041 K. pneumoniae isolates consecutively collected from 85 U.S. medical centers across 37 states in 2016-2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by reference broth microdilution method. K. pneumoniae isolates found to have elevated MICs for broad-spectrum cephalosporins were submitted to whole-genome sequencing analysis to detect resistance genes. Ceftazidime-avibactam (97.1% susceptible [S]) and ceftolozane-tazobactam (97.0%S) were the most active compounds against P. aeruginosa and retained activity against meropenem-nonsusceptible (88.5-89.0%S), piperacillin-tazobactam-nonsusceptible (86.6-87.0%S), and other resistant subsets of isolates. The most active agents against K. pneumoniae per CLSI criteria were ceftazidime-avibactam (>99.9%S), amikacin (98.4%S), and meropenem (97.1%S). Ceftolozane-tazobactam was active against 95.3% of K. pneumoniae but showed limited activity against extended-spectrum β-lactamase and carbapenemase producers (82.9% and 0.0%S, respectively).

In the Republic of Ireland (ROI), BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing has been traditionally undertaken in eligible individuals, after pre-test counselling by a Clinical Geneticist/Genetic Counsellor. Clinical Genetics services in ROI are poorly resourced, with routine waiting times for appointments at the time of this pilot often extending beyond a year. The consequent prolonged waiting times are unacceptable where therapeutic decision-making depends on the patient's BRCA status. "Mainstreaming" BRCA1/BRCA2 testing through routine oncology/surgical clinics has been implemented successfully in other centres in the UK and internationally. We aimed to pilot this pathway in three Irish tertiary centres. A service evaluation project was undertaken over a 6-month period between January and July 2017. Eligible patients, fulfilling pathology and age-based inclusion criteria defined by TGL clinical, were identified, and offered constitutional BRCA1/BRCA2 testing after pre-test counselling by treating clinicians. Tests were undertaken by TGL Clinical. Results were returned to clinicians by secure email. Onward referrals of patients with uncertain/pathogenic results, or suspicious family histories, to Clinical Genetics were made by the treating team. Surveys assessing patient and clinician satisfaction were sent to participating clinicians and a sample of participating patients. Data was collected with respect to diagnostic yield, turnaround time, onward referral rates, and patient and clinician feedback. A total of 101 patients underwent diagnostic germline BRCA1/BRCA2 tests through this pathway. Pathogenic variants were identified in 12 patients (12%). All patients in whom variants were identified were appropriately referred to Clinical Genetics. At least 12 additional patients with uninformative BRCA1/BRCA2 tests were also referred for formal assessment by Clinical Geneticist or Genetic Counsellor. Issues were noted in terms of time pressures and communication of results to patients. Results from a representative sample of participants completing the satisfaction survey indicated that the pathway was acceptable to patients and clinicians. Mainstreaming of constitutional BRCA1/BRCA2 testing guided by age- and pathology-based criteria is potentially feasible for patients with breast cancer as well as patients with ovarian cancer in Ireland.

The transition to college is a critical determinant of student success in higher education. Increasingly, students’ parents play a key role in supporting their sons and daughters as they adjust to ...

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare childhood malignancy with hepatic resection (HR) or liver transplantation (LT) providing the best chance of cure. In this study, we analyze the National Cancer Database lacks (NCDB) to compare outcomes following HR and LT for HB. Review of the US experience with surgical (HR and LT) management of pediatric (

Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is associated with greater survival compared with non-surgical treatment, and a meaningful possibility of cure. However, the majority of patients are not eligible for resection and may require other non-surgical interventions, such as liver-directed therapies, to be converted to surgical eligibility. Given the number of available therapies, a general framework is needed that outlines the specific roles of chemotherapy, surgery, and locoregional treatments [including selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Y-90 microspheres]. Using a data-driven, modified Delphi process, an expert panel of surgical oncologists, transplant surgeons, and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons convened to create a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment algorithm that includes appropriate treatment options for patients stratified by their eligibility for surgical treatment. The group coined a novel, more inclusive phrase for targeted locoregional tumor treatment (a blanket term for resection, ablation, and other emerging locoregional treatments): local parenchymal tumor destruction therapy. The expert panel proposed new nomenclature for 3 distinct disease categories of liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer that is consistent with other tumor types: (I) surgically treatable (resectable); (II) surgically untreatable (borderline resectable); (III) advanced surgically untreatable (unresectable) disease. Patients may present at any point in the algorithm and move between categories depending on their response to therapy. The broad intent of therapy is to transition patients toward individualized treatments where possible, given the survival advantage that resection offers in the context of a comprehensive treatment plan. This article reviews what is known about the role of SIRT with Y-90 as neoadjuvant, definitive, or palliative therapy in these different clinical situations and provides insight into when treatment with SIRT with Y-90 may be appropriate and useful, organized into distinct treatment algorithm steps.

Celiac disease (CD) is associated with many immune-mediated conditions, but a definitive epidemiological association between CD and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been established. We quantified the risk of JIA and RA among patients with CD using a population-based cohort.We identified patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven CD between 2004 and 2017 using data from a national histopathology cohort in Sweden. Each patient was matched by age, sex, calendar year, and geographic region to reference individuals in the general population. We calculated the incidence and estimated the relative risk, through Cox proportional hazards models, of JIA in individuals with CD aged18 and of RA in individuals with CD aged ≥18.We identified 24,014 individuals with CD who were matched to 117,397 reference individuals from the general population. Among individuals aged18, the incidence rate of JIA was 5.9 per 10,000 person-years in patients with CD and 2.2 per 10,000 person-years in the general population (n events = 40 and 73, respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 2.68, 95% confidence interval 1.82-3.95) over a follow-up of 7.0 years. Among individuals aged ≥ 18, the incidence of RA was 8.4 per 10,000 person-years in CD and 5.1 per 10,000 person-years in matched comparators (n events = 110 and 322, respectively; HR 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.36-2.12) over a follow-up of 8.8 years.Among children with CD, JIA develops nearly 3 times as often as it does in the general population, and among adults with CD, RA occurs nearly 2 times as often. Clinicians caring for patients with CD with joint symptoms should have a low threshold to evaluate for JIA or RA.

Ablative radiation therapy for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (BR/LA-PDAC) may limit concurrent chemotherapy dosing and usually is only safely deliverable to tumors distant from gastrointestinal organs. Magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy may safely permit radiation and chemotherapy dose escalation.We conducted a single-arm phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of ablative hypofractionated radiation with full-dose gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in patients with BR/LA-PDAC. Patients were treated with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (1000/125 mg/mThirty patients enrolled (March 2015-February 2019), with 26 evaluable patients (2 progressed before radiation, 1 was determined ineligible for radiation during planning, 1 withdrew consent). One DLT was observed. The DLT rate was 14.1% (3.3%-24.9%) with a maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (1000/100 mg/mFull-dose gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel with ablative magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy dosing is safe in patients with BR/LA-PDAC, with promising LPFS and DMFS.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) are currently first- and second-line therapeutic options, respectively, for the relief of biliary obstruction. In recent years, however, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has become an established alternative therapy for biliary obstruction. There are multiple different techniques for EUS-BD, which can be distinguished based on the access point within the biliary tree (intrahepatic versus extrahepatic) and the location of stent placement (transenteric versus transpapillary). The clinical and technical success rates of biliary drainage for EUS-BD are similar to both ERCP and PTBD, and complication rates are favorable for EUS-BD relative to PTBD. As EUS-BD becomes more widely practiced and endoscopic tools continue to advance, the outcomes will likely improve, and the breadth of indications for EUS-BD will continue to expand.

Adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an increased risk of a variety of cancers, notably gastrointestinal cancers. In CF higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved long-term outcomes, yet in the general population high BMI is associated with increased cancer risk. We aimed to delineate associations between BMI and other factors with cancer risk in adults with CF.This was a retrospective cohort study using CF Foundation Patient Registry data from 1992 to 2015. Data were collected on age, sex, CFTR mutation class, pancreatic insufficiency, and annualized data on BMI and FEV1. The primary analysis was the association between BMI and cancer, with secondary analyses focused on BMI trajectory. Multivariable logistic regression was performed, with analyses stratified by history of transplant.Of 26,199 adults with CF, 446 (1.7%) had cancer diagnosed by histology at a mean age of 40.0 years (SD 12.2), with a higher proportion of transplanted patients developing cancer (137 (3.8%) v 309(1.4%), p 0.001). Among non-transplanted patients, there was no association between BMI and cancer (p for trend = 0.43). Pancreatic insufficiency (p 0.01) and higher FEV1 (p 0.01) were associated with increased cancer risk. In transplanted patients, higher BMI was associated with reduced risk of cancer (p for trend = 0.04). Older age was associated with increased risk in both groups (p 0.001). BMI trajectories were not associated with cancer risk in either group.Higher BMI is associated with a reduced risk of cancer in transplanted adults with CF. Pancreatic insufficiency is a risk factor for cancer in non-transplanted CF patients.