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Purpose: This methodological study developed a scale that reflects the social support characteristics of nursing students who have experienced clinical practice and verified their reliability and validity. Methods: The 37 initial items of the scale were derived based on the results of a previous study that analyzed the concept of nursing students’ social support. The initial items were revised through content validity verification, and 29 preliminary items were finally selected. Data were collected from 220 students enrolled in a nursing department in Jeollabuk-do, who had clinical practice experience, and 205 surveys were used for the final analysis. The data collection period was from March 11 to April 26, 2022. An exploratory factor analysis was performed using maximum likelihood factor extraction and varimax rotation. Results: The social support scale for nursing students who have experienced clinical practice consisted of a total of three sub-factors and 17 items. The three sub-factors were ‘support from family and friends’ (eight items), ‘support from school, professors, and clinical instructors’ (seven items) and ‘support from department seniors’ (two items). The reliability of the developed scale was found to be high, with a Cronbach’s alpha of .93. As a result of verifying the criterion validity of the developed scale, the correlation between the criterion tool and the scale developed in this study was statistically significant. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that it developed a scale to measure social support for the first time among nursing students in Korea.

BACKGROUND Hospitalized patients may experience negative symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, stress, fatigue, or a combination of symptoms, particularly while in an unfamiliar environment OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to review technology-based music intervention protocol and examine the effectiveness of the intervention on anxiety and pain for hospitalized patients undergoing procedures METHODS A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases. The search keywords were selected from the main independent and dependent variables: technology-based music intervention, pain, and anxiety. A Matrix table using Excel spreadsheets was used to manage and synthesize data throughout the review process. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias version 2 RESULTS Two themes were identified as the effects of music intervention on anxiety, and on pain. Thirteen studies (over 75%) assessed that anxiety scores decreased after music intervention, and ten studies were completed and showed that pain could be decreased pre, post, and during procedures. Music intervention is a non-pharmacological complementary approach, and more than 70% of patients reported a positive effect when allowed to select the music themselves CONCLUSIONS Futures studies can include the implementation of appropriate music intervention in different settings and studying the effects of anxiety and pain on these patients by allowing them to control the type of music they listen to, the duration they choose and on the smart device they select to decrease pain and anxiety CLINICALTRIAL N/A

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) have outstanding luminescent properties that are suitable for displays that have high color purity and high absorption coefficient; so they have been evaluated for application as light emitters for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), light converters for down-conversion displays, and future near-eye augmented reality/virtual reality displays. However, PeNCs are chemically vulnerable to heat, light, and moisture, and these weaknesses must be overcome before devices that use PeNCs can be commercialized. This review examines strategies to overcome the low stability of PeNCs and thereby permit the fabrication of stable down-conversion films, and summarizes down-conversion-type display applications and future prospects. First, we examine methods to increase the chemical stability of PeNCs. Second, we review methods to encapsulate PeNC down-conversion films to increase their lifetime. Third, we summarize methods to increase the long-term compatibility of resin with PeNCs, and finally, how to secure stability using fillers added to the resin. Fourth, we then describe the method to manufacture down-conversion film and the procedure to evaluate their reliability for commercialization. Finally, we explore the prospects of a down-conversion system that exploits the properties of PeNCs and can be eventually employed to fabricate very fine patterns for high-resolution displays and for near-eye augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) devices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The estrogen receptor (ER/ESR1) is expressed in a majority of breast cancers and drugs that inhibit ER signaling are the cornerstone of breast cancer pharmacotherapy. Currently, aromatase inhibitors are the frontline endocrine interventions of choice although their durability in metastatic disease is limited by activating point mutations within the ligand-binding domain of ESR1 that permit ligand-independent activation of the receptor. It has been suggested that the most commonly occurring ESR1 mutations would likely compromise the clinical activity of selective estrogen receptor downregulators and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) when used as second-line therapies. It was unclear, however, how these mutations, which are likely coexpressed in cells with ERWT, may impact response to ER ligands in a clinically meaningful manner. To address this issue, we dissected the molecular mechanism(s) underlying ESR1-mutant pharmacology in models relevant to metastatic disease. These studies revealed that the response of ESR1 mutations to ligands was dictated primarily by the relative coexpression of ERWT in cells. Specifically, dysregulated pharmacology was only evident in cells in which the mutants were overexpressed relative to ligand-activated ERWT; a finding that highlights the role of allelism in determining ER-mutant pharmacology. Importantly, we demonstrated that the antagonist activity of the SERM, lasofoxifene, was not impacted by mutant status; a finding that has led to its clinical evaluation as a treatment for patients with advanced ER-positive breast cancer whose tumors harbor ESR1 mutations.

Supplemental Figure 1: Structures of clinically relevant compounds used in this study. Supplemental Figure 2: Cells expressing both the ERWT and ERmuts have similar pharmacological responses to antiestrogens when compared to cells only expressing ERWT. Supplemental Figure 3: Albeit differences in clonal variability, there is indistinguishable differences in T47D proliferation in response to antiestrogens. Supplemental Figure 4: Downregulation of ER in MCF7B cells is unaffected by the presence of the mutant receptor. Supplemental Figure 5: Validation of ER mutation status in engineered cell lines. Supplemental Figure 6: Protein levels of transfected constructs in SKBR3 cells are consistent with MCF7 expression level. Supplemental Figure 7: ER expression in MCF7I cells is titratable with doxycycline treatment. Supplemental Figure 8: Overexpression of ERY537S or ERD538G, not ERWT, in MCF7I cells changes ligand potency. Supplemental Figure 9: Western blot validation of relative ER expression levels in SKBR3. Supplemental Figure 10: Agonist activation of relative expression levels of ERWT and ERmuts in SKBR3 cells. Supplemental Figure 11: In-Cell Western validation of ER expression levels for siRNA knockdown and cDNA overexpression in MCF7i. Supplemental Figure 12: Agonist activation of relative expression levels of ERWT and ERmuts in MCF7i cells. Supplemental Figure 13: The altered potency of fulvestrant against the ERmuts on endogenous ER target genes is only evident when expressed at a level higher than the WT receptor.

The study aims to investigate the role of the lipid mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) in bacterial keratitis in a murine model.The effect of RvD1 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and mouse macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) was assessed. C57BL/6 mouse corneas were abraded and treated with RvD1 after stimulation with P. aeruginosa, following which cytokine production level in the cornea and drainage lymph nodes was compared with that in controls. Corneal opacity and thickness were assessed using anterior segment photographs, and optical coherence tomography and corneal infiltrates were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for neutrophils.RvD1 significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HCECs, mouse macrophages, and DCs. Corneal opacity and corneal thickness were reduced, and the development of corneal infiltrates, specifically neutrophils, was also significantly inhibited by RvD1 in response to stimulation with P. aeruginosa.RvD1 inhibits P. aeruginosa-induced corneal inflammation. This finding supports a potential therapeutic approach for patients with bacterial keratitis.

Supplementary Figure from Comprehensive Analysis of Alternative Splicing in Gastric Cancer Identifies Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Subtypes Associated with Survival

Supplementary Data from Comprehensive Analysis of Alternative Splicing in Gastric Cancer Identifies Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Subtypes Associated with Survival

Supplementary Table from Comprehensive Analysis of Alternative Splicing in Gastric Cancer Identifies Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Subtypes Associated with Survival

Alternatively spliced RNA isoforms are a hallmark of tumors, but their nature, prevalence, and clinical implications in gastric cancer have not been comprehensively characterized. We systematically profiled the splicing landscape of 83 gastric tumors and matched normal mucosa, identifying and experimentally validating eight splicing events that can classify all gastric cancers into three subtypes: epithelial-splicing (EpiS), mesenchymal-splicing (MesS), and hybrid-splicing. These subtypes were associated with distinct molecular signatures and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. Subtype-specific splicing events were enriched in motifs for splicing factors RBM24 and ESRP1, which were upregulated in MesS and EpiS tumors, respectively. A simple classifier based only on RNA levels of RBM24 and ESRP1, which can be readily implemented in the clinic, was sufficient to distinguish gastric cancer subtypes and predict patient survival in multiple independent patient cohorts. Overall, this study provides insights into alternative splicing in gastric cancer and the potential clinical utility of splicing-based patient classification.Significance:This study presents a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing in the context of patient classification, molecular mechanisms, and prognosis in gastric cancer.

Alternatively spliced RNA isoforms are a hallmark of tumors, but their nature, prevalence, and clinical implications in gastric cancer have not been comprehensively characterized. We systematically profiled the splicing landscape of 83 gastric tumors and matched normal mucosa, identifying and experimentally validating eight splicing events that can classify all gastric cancers into three subtypes: epithelial-splicing (EpiS), mesenchymal-splicing (MesS), and hybrid-splicing. These subtypes were associated with distinct molecular signatures and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers. Subtype-specific splicing events were enriched in motifs for splicing factors RBM24 and ESRP1, which were upregulated in MesS and EpiS tumors, respectively. A simple classifier based only on RNA levels of RBM24 and ESRP1, which can be readily implemented in the clinic, was sufficient to distinguish gastric cancer subtypes and predict patient survival in multiple independent patient cohorts. Overall, this study provides insights into alternative splicing in gastric cancer and the potential clinical utility of splicing-based patient classification. Significance: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing in the context of patient classification, molecular mechanisms, and prognosis in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND The demands for better-tasting alternative sweeteners have driven efforts to improve the sensory properties of rebaudioside A (Reb-A), such as glycosylation and blending with bulk sweeteners. This study attempted to (i) investigate the sensory profiles of a novel sweetener, glycosyl rebaudioside A (gReb-A), and its 1:1 mixtures with erythritol or maltitol, and (ii) compare between the sensory characteristics in an aqueous solution and lemonade. RESULTS The concentrations of the sweeteners were prepared to match the sweetness intensity of a 7% (w/v) sucrose solution using relative sweetness values determined using the two-alternative forced-choice test. Eight trained panelists identified sensory profiles of the sweeteners in an aqueous solution and lemonade using a descriptive analysis protocol. gReb-A had significantly less bitterness and lingering sweetness than Reb-A did, eliciting a sensory profile similar to that of sucrose. The mixture of gReb-A and erythritol was not sensorially differentiated from the sucrose in the aqueous solution. Blending with maltitol significantly enhanced the sweetness and suppressed the bitterness of gReb-A. gReb-A and its binary mixtures were perceived as more similar to sucrose in the lemonade than in solution. CONCLUSION This study suggests that glycosylation and blending with erythritol and maltitol gave a more sucrose-like sweetness profile in the aqueous solution and lemonade. The results of the study can be used to develop adequate sugar substitutes for acidic beverages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Accumulating data have highlighted the role of monocytes/macrophages in immune escape by generating immunologically “cold” tumors that do not respond to immunotherapy. CD244 (SLAMF4, 2B4), a member of the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family, is expressed on myeloid cells, but its precise role has not been elucidated. Using monocyte lineage-specific CD244-deficient (LysM-cre+/-CD244fl/fl;cKO) mice challenged with B16F10 melanoma, we report for the first time that CD244 negatively regulates tumor immunity by inhibiting the differentiation and functional maturation of CD11b+Ly6ChiF4/80lomonocytes into CD11b+Ly6CloF4/80himacrophages within the tumor microenvironment. CD244-deficient macrophages more effectively activated antigen-specific T cell responses compared to WT macrophages, thus delaying tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma model. Moreover, combinatorial intervention of anti-PD-L1 antibodies with CD244-KO BMDM markedly improved tumor rejection compared to the anti-PD-L1 antibody alone or in combination with WT BMDM. Consistent with the murine data, transcriptome analysis of human melanoma tissue single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset (SCP398 from single-cell portal), revealed 221 differentially expressed genes of CD244-monocytes/macrophages were associated with phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and autophagy. Additionally, cell type deconvolution analysis within melanoma patients bulk RNA-seq datasets from TCGA database, revealed presence of CD244- monocytes/macrophages significantly increased patient survival in primary and metastatic tumors. Hence, we proposed that CD244 serve as a critical immune checkpoint receptor on macrophages, and CD244-deficient macrophages may represent a novel therapeutic modality to convert immunologically “cold” tumors to “hot” tumors, which can function synergistically with checkpoint blockade therapies.

Background Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 5 to 20 days of isolation for COVID-19 patients depending on symptom duration and severity regardless of genomic PCR results or vaccination history. However, in real clinical practice, more individualized approach is required. We thus developed clinical scoring system to predict viable viral shedding in a given patient by using various factors affecting viable viral shedding. Methods We prospectively enrolled adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to tertiary hospital and day care center between February 2020 and January 2022. The daily dense respiratory sampling (i.e. saliva, sputum, or nasopharyngeal swabs) during the hospital and day care center stay were obtained. Genomic RNA viral load and viral culture were performed for these samples. Clinical predictors of negative viral culture results were identified using survival analysis and multivariable analysis. Results A total of 612 samples from 121 patients of varying degrees of severity were obtained. Of these, 494 (81%) samples were saliva, 63 (10%) were nasopharyngeal swab, and the remaining 55 (9%) were sputum. Of these 612 specimens, 154 (25%) samples revealed positive viral culture results. Univariate and multivariable Cox's time varying proportional hazard model revealed that symptom onset day, viral copy number, disease severity, organ transplant recipient, gender, and vaccination status were independently associated with viral culture results. We thus developed the 5-factor model from -3 to 3 points: viral copy number (-3 to 3 points depending on copy number), disease severity (1 point to moderate to critical diseases), organ transplant recipient (2 points), gender (-1 points to male), and vaccination status (-2 points to fully vaccinated status). The predictive culture-negative rates were calculated through the symptom onset day and the score of the day the sample was collected. Table 1.Prediction scores for negative viral culture resultsTable 2.Predicted Culture-negative Rates Values in the table expressed as percentages. Conclusion Our clinical scoring system can provide objective probability of negative culture results in a given COVID-19 patient with genomic viral load, and appears to be useful to decide de-isolation policy depending on individualized factors associated with viable viral shedding beyond simple symptom-based isolation strategy by CDC. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species rarely cause vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). The clinical characteristics and radiological findings of NTM VO are not well described since the number of cases are limited. Here we present the clinical characteristics of culture positive NTM VO, compared to those of tuberculous (TB) VO. Methods We performed a retrospective, multicenter study at 5 hospitals. Patients with radiologic findings consistent with VO, and positive NTM or TB cultures on biopsy were included. Demographic characteristics and symptoms were collected, along with laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic findings. Results Nineteen patients with NTM VO and 105 patients with TB VO were included. M. intracellulare (52.6%) and M. abscessus (26.3%) were the most common NTM pathogens. The mean age of patients was significantly older in the NTM VO group (68.0 vs. 58.5 years, P = .01). Previous steroid or immunosuppressant use was more frequent in the NTM VO group (21.1% vs. 2.9%, P = .01; 15.8% vs. 2.9%, P = .046, respectively), as was a history of vertebral surgery (47.4% vs. 13.3%, P < .001). Symptoms and laboratory findings were similar between the 2 groups, although the proportion of patients with positive interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) was significantly higher in the TB VO group (14.3% vs. 86.4%, P < .001). Radiologic findings were also similar, with lumbar involvement being the most common (57.9% and 44.8%, respectively). Chronic granulomatous inflammation was more frequently seen in TB VO patients (33.3% vs. 64.0%, P = .04), while inflammation alone was more common in NTM VO. Although there was no significant difference in survival after 1 year, survival at last follow-up (median, 24 months) was significantly lower in the NTM VO group (75.0% vs. 98.8%, P = .02). Conclusion NTM VO should be considered in older patients with a history of immunosuppression or previous vertebral surgery. The pathologic findings and radiologic findings of NTM VO were similar to that of TB VO. Granulomatous inflammation and positive IGRA tests were more common in TB than NTM VO. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak reached peak levels in South Korea as the Delta variant, dominant from late August until the end of 2021, was rapidly overtaken by the Omicron variant at the start of 2022. In studies conducted near the start of the pandemic, the occurrence of bacteremia in COVID-19 patients was relatively low. We aimed to determine if there was a change in the rate of bacteremia in COVID-19 patients with the progression of the pandemic. Methods We performed a retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a referral hospital between September 2021 and March 2022. Blood culture results were recorded, along with demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes. Contamination was considered when a single blood culture was positive for coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), Corynebacterium species, or Bacillus species. Clinically relevant bacteremia was defined as bacteremia due to clinically significant pathogens between 7 days before COVID-19 diagnosis to 14 days after diagnosis. Results Among the 360 patients included in the study, 46 cases from 43 (11.9%) patients were considered to be clinically relevant bacteremia. Enterococcus faecalis (17.4%) and CoNS (17.4%) were the most common pathogens, followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (15.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.7%) and Escherichia coli (10.7%). The median number of days from COVID-19 diagnosis to identification of bacteremia was 2 days. There was no significant difference in the rate of bacteremia between the Delta (September-December 2021) and Omicron variant eras (January-March 2022) (12.2% vs. 11.7%, P = .88). In the subgroup analysis of patients who received more than 2 days of intensive care, there was no statistical difference in the rate of bacteremia (14.5% [9/62] in the Delta variant era vs. 16.9% [14/83] in the Omicron variant era; P = .70). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with clinically relevant bacteremia (48.8% vs. 19.2%, P < .001). Conclusion Many COVID-19 patients had bacteremia in the Omicron variant era, especially in the intensive care unit. Clinicians should suspect bacterial co-infection when a COVID-19 patient is clinically aggravated. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Background We compared neutralizing antibodies in healthy healthcare workers against two different coronavirus 2019 disease (Covid-19) vaccines, a messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine (BNT162b2) and a genetically modified organism (virus vector) vaccine (ChAdOx1), to obtain immunity. In our cohort, we tried to compare the level of neutralizing antibody production after a BNT162b2 vaccine booster and to analyze the level of neutralizing antibody titers for delta and omicron variant. Methods On November 23 to 25, 2021 and December 23 to 24, 2021, a total of 2,133 HCWs at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital had been vaccinated with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech). Among the 115 HCWs who participated in the preceding study, all participants had no history of Covid-19 infection or suspected symptoms at the time of registration. We collected blood samples from participants four weeks after a third dose. All blood samples were analyzed using the commercial virus neutralization test kit (Genscript Biotech Corporation, Piscataway, NJ, USA). Results Titers were measured 2 months after the initial vaccination and before the booster of the BNT162b2 vaccine (i.e. 6 months after the initial vaccination), and 4 weeks after the booster. Neutralizing antibody level measured by percentage inhibition of surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) readings at negative control (unvaccinated) and 4 weeks after booster vaccination. BNT/BNT/BNT group was defined as a booster dose with BNT162b2 (Pfizer) after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer) 3 weeks apart. ChA/ChA/BNT group was defined as a booster dose with BNT162b2 (Pfizer) after two doses of ChAdOx1 vaccine (AstraZeneca/Oxford) 12 weeks apart. Conclusion We found that the neutralizing antibody levels against omicron variant were higher among those who received a booster dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

The clinical significance of Clostridium tertium bacteremia is still uncertain. We evaluated the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of C. tertium bacteremia and identified differences between neutropenia and non-neutropenia. All adult patients with C. tertium bacteremia in a 2700-bed tertiary center between January 2004 and November 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. The first episode of C. tertium bacteremia in each patient was included in the analysis. Among 601 patients with Clostridium species bacteremia, 62 (10%) had C. tertium bacteremia, and of these 62 patients, 39 (63%) had had recent chemotherapy, and 31 (50%) had neutropenia or hematologic malignancy. C. tertium bacteremia originated frequently from a gastrointestinal tract infection such as enterocolitis (34%), primary bacteremia (29%), and secondary peritonitis (18%), and 34% of patients had polymicrobial bacteremia. Hematologic malignancy, prior antibiotic treatment, neutropenic enterocolitis, and primary bacteremia were significantly associated with C. tertium bacteremia in neutropenic patients, whereas solid tumor, hepatobiliary disease, secondary peritonitis, polymicrobial bacteremia, and a higher frequency of eradicable infection foci were significantly associated with C. tertium bacteremia in non-neutropenic patients. There was 15% 30-day mortality. APACHE II score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.1) and secondary peritonitis (aOR, 25.9; 95% CI, 3.0-224.7) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. The prevalence of C. tertium bacteremia is low, and the characteristics of C. tertium bacteremia are significantly different between neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients. Appropriate investigation for gastrointestinal mucosal injury should be performed to improve treatment outcomes in this form of bacteremia.

Over half of BRAF mutant melanoma patients with response to targeted therapy recur within 15 months. Resistance is postulated to arise from certain clonal populations that enter a slow cycling persister state, evade treatment with relative dormancy, and repopulate the tumor when reactivated. Via longitudinal profiling we define expression states of clonal populations and track their evolutionary progression. BRAF mutant patient derived melanoma xenografts were treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors through maximum tumor size reduction and re-growth. Spatial transcriptomics (ST) was performed at 5 timepoints across 94 days of treatment, tracking clonal populations with intact tissue structure. Deep learning on H&E-stained images automatically detected histological features that co-localize with expression levels. A novel computational pipeline performed clustering, differential expression and pathway enrichment analysis, copy number variation detection, and pseudotemporal ordering, allowing spatial recreation of clonal phylogenies and cell fate trajectory inference during the treatment course. Three clonal categories were defined; Sensitive: predominant in treatment-naïve samples, Persister: remaining clusters in maximally shrunken specimens, Resistant: re-emergent, fast-proliferating. Analysis of clonal composition identified GAPDH and CCND1 as highly expressed in sensitive clones, suppressed in persisters, and reactivated in resistant clones; TYRP1, DCT, MITF, and NGFR showed an opposite pattern. Persister clones evolved from oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis and MAPK regulation. Spatial analysis showed increased glycolysis:oxidative phosphorylation ratio in centrally located sensitive clusters, with more balanced peripheral expression. Resistant clones showed upregulated DUSP6 expression and enrichment in Orexin signaling and MAPK regulation. Imaging- and expression-based clones were highly concordant. Spatial profiling during melanoma treatment identified transient persister and emergent resistant clones, defining expression profiles and phenotypic features. Altered ratio of oxidative to glycolytic metabolic pathways was a hallmark of clonal evolution in both space and time. Specific MAPK pathway re-entry points were identified as candidate resistance mechanisms, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Deep learning features derived from histological images showed good correlation with ST profiles, providing a promising method for clonal tracking via images alone. This longitudinal experiment mimics a tumor’s clinical course, inducing persistence and resistance via treatment that parallels that seen by patients. Combining ST and imaging techniques, we provide insight into clonal dynamics with novel spatiotemporal resolution, defining an evolutionary roadmap to acquired treatment resistance. Citation Format: Jill Carol Rubinstein, Sergii Domanskyi, Todd B. Sheridan, Brian J. Sanderson, SungHee Park, Jessica Kaster, Haiyin Li, Olga Anczukow, Meenhard Herlyn, Jeffrey H. Chuang. Spatiotemporal profiling defines persister and resistance signatures in targeted treatment of melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1164.

Eosinophilic meningitis is defined as the presence of more than 10 eosinophils per μl in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or eosinophils accounting for more than 10% of CSF leukocytes in patients with acute meningitis. Parasites are the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide, but there is limited research on patients in Korea. Patients diagnosed with eosinophilic meningitis between January 2004 and June 2018 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea were retrospectively reviewed. The etiology and clinical characteristics of each patient were identified. Of the 22 patients included in the study, 11 (50%) had parasitic causes, of whom 8 (36%) were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis and 3 (14%) as Toxocara meningitis. Four (18%) patients were diagnosed with fungal meningitis, and underlying immunodeficiency was found in 2 of these patients. The etiology of another 4 (18%) patients was suspected to be tuberculosis, which is endemic in Korea. Viral and bacterial meningitis were relatively rare causes of eosinophilic meningitis, accounting for 2 (9%) and 1 (5%) patients, respectively. One patient with neurocysticercosis and 1 patient with fungal meningitis died, and 5 (23%) had neurologic sequelae. Parasite infections, especially neurocysticercosis and toxocariasis, were the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in Korean patients. Fungal meningitis, while relatively rare, is often aggressive and must be considered when searching for the cause of eosinophilic meningitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 5-10 days of isolation for patients with COVID-19, depending on symptom duration and severity. However, in clinical practice, an individualized approach is required. We thus developed a clinical scoring system to predict viable viral shedding.We prospectively enrolled adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a hospital or community isolation facility between February 2020 and January 2022. Daily dense respiratory samples were obtained, and genomic RNA viral load assessment and viral culture were performed. Clinical predictors of negative viral culture results were identified using survival analysis and multivariable analysis.Among 612 samples from 121 patients including 11 immunocompromised patients (5 organ transplant recipients, 5 with hematologic malignancy, and 1 receiving immunosuppressive agents) with varying severity, 154 (25%) revealed positive viral culture results. Multivariable analysis identified symptom onset day, viral copy number, disease severity, organ transplant recipient, and vaccination status as independent predictors of culture-negative rate. We developed a 4-factor predictive model based on viral copy number (-3 to 3 points), disease severity (1 point for moderate to critical disease), organ transplant recipient (2 points), and vaccination status (-2 points for fully vaccinated). Predicted culture-negative rates were calculated through the symptom onset day and the score of the day the sample was collected.Our clinical scoring system can provide the objective probability of a culture-negative state in a patient with COVID-19 and is potentially useful for implementing personalized de-isolation policies beyond the simple symptom-based isolation strategy.

Rebaudioside A is a promising natural alternative sweetener but they produce increased bitterness, astringency, and unpleasant aftertastes. Glycosylation and blending with different sweeteners are known to improve the sensory characteristics of rebaudioside A. The present study was conducted to identify the relative sweetness and sensory profile of glycosyl rebaudioside A (g-reb A). The relative sweetness of g-reb A compared to 5% sucrose was determined using the two-alternative forced choice method. The sensory profiles of g-reb A and its mixtures with allulose and maltitol (1:1 ratio) were compared to those of rebaudioside A, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside M, sucralose, allulose, maltitol, and sucrose using descriptive analysis conducted by eight trained panelists. The relative sweetness of g-reb A was 155, which was lower than that of rebaudioside A. In addition, the bitter taste and aftertaste, astringency, and sweet onset of g-reb A were decreased compared to those of rebaudioside A.