Comparison of available methods to evaluate cefiderocol susceptibility in Acinetobacter spp.

Recently, considerable uncertainty has arisen concerning the appropriate susceptibility testing for cefiderocol in gram-negative bacilli, particularly in the context of its application to Acinetobacter spp. The optimal method for assessing the susceptibility levels of Acinetobacter spp. to cefiderocol remains a subject of debate due to substantial disparities observed in the values obtained through various testing procedures. This study employed four minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methodologies and the disk diffusion to assess the susceptibility of twenty-seven carbapenem resistant (CR)-Acinetobacter strains to cefiderocol. The results from our study reveal significant variations in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values obtained with the different methods and in the level of agreement in interpretation categories between the different MIC methods and the disk diffusion test. Among the MIC methods, there was relatively more consistency in reporting the interpretation categories. For European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints, the categorical agreement (CA) for MIC methods ranged between 66.7 and 81.5%. On the other hand, the essential agreement (EA) values were as low as 18.5-29.6%. The CA between MIC methods and disk diffusion was 81.5%. These results emphasize the need for a reliable, accurate, and clinically validated methodology to effectively assess the susceptibility of Acinetobacter spp. to cefiderocol. The wide variability observed in our study highlights the importance of standardizing the susceptibility testing process for cefiderocol to ensure consistent and reliable results for clinical decision-making.

Hetero-antagonism of avibactam and sulbactam with cefiderocol in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp.

The emergence of Gram-negative bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics, particularly carbapenem-resistant (CR) Acinetobacter strains, poses a significant threat globally. Despite efforts to develop new antimicrobial therapies, limited progress has been made, with only two drugs-cefiderocol and sulbactam-durlobactam-showing promise for CR-Acinetobacter infections. Cefiderocol, a siderophore cephalosporin, demonstrates promising efficacy in the treatment of Gram-negative infections. However, resistance to cefiderocol has been reported in A. baumannii. Combination therapies, such as cefiderocol with avibactam or sulbactam, show reduced MICs against cefiderocol-non-susceptible strains with in vivo efficacy, although the outcomes can be complex and species-specific. In the present work, the molecular characterization of spontaneous cefiderocol-resistant variants, a CRAB strain displaying antagonism with sulbactam and an A. lwoffii strain showing antagonism with avibactam, were studied. The results reveal intriguing insights into the underlying mechanisms, including mutations affecting efflux pumps, transcriptional regulators, and iron homeostasis genes. Moreover, gene expression analysis reveals significant alterations in outer membrane proteins, iron homeostasis, and ß-lactamases, suggesting adaptive responses to selective pressure. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and preventing adverse clinical outcomes. This study highlights the importance of preemptively assessing drug synergies to navigate the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in CR-Acinetobacter infections.

Effects of Performing Isometric Bench Press Training at Single Versus Multiple Joint Positions on Strength and Power Performance.

Isometric strength training has been reported to benefit various sport-related dynamic performances. However, it is still unknown whether performing isometric strength training at single or multiple joint angles would elicit greater benefit. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of isometric bench press performed at single (SIBP) and multiple (MIBP) joint angles on dynamic strength and overhead throwing performance. METHODS: Sixteen male softball and baseball athletes performed overhead throwing, 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) bench press, and ballistic push-up during pretest and posttest. They were then randomly assigned to either SIBP or MIBP to undergo 12 strength training sessions. During the training, isometric bench press was performed at only 90° elbow angle for SIBP but at 60°, 90°, and 120° elbow angles for MIBP. RESULTS: A significant main time effect was observed for bench press 1RM (P = .003) and relative 1RM (P < .001). Similarly, a significant main time effect was observed for ballistic push-up peak power only (P = .037). There was no significant change in overhead throwing velocity in either group. There was also no significant difference in change in all measures between groups. However, a moderate effect in favor of MIBP was observed for change in ballistic push-up peak power (P = .180, g = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the current findings, the inclusion of both SIBP and MIBP were equally beneficial to maximal strength development. However, performing MIBP had a greater effect on power development.

Long-Term Outcome of Multidisciplinary Versus Standard Gastroenterologist Care for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common and costly to the healthcare system. In the Multidisciplinary Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders study, we demonstrated that multidisciplinary care resulted in superior clinical and cost outcomes, when compared with standard gastroenterologist-only care at end of treatment. In this study we evaluate the longer-term outcomes. METHODS: In a single-center, pragmatic trial patients with Rome IV criteria-defined functional gastrointestinal disorders were randomized 1:2 to a gastroenterologist-only standard care vs a multidisciplinary clinic comprising gastroenterologists, dietitians, gut hypnotherapists, psychiatrists, and biofeedback physiotherapists. Outcomes in this study were assessed 12 months after the end of treatment. Global symptom improvement was assessed by using a 5-point Likert scale. Symptoms, specific disorder status, psychological state, quality of life, and cost were additional outcomes. A modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of 188 randomized patients, 143 (46 standard care, 97 multidisciplinary) formed the longer-term modified intention-to-treat analysis. Sixty-two percent of multidisciplinary clinic patients saw allied clinicians. Sixty-five percent (30/46) standard care versus 76% (74/97) multidisciplinary clinic patients achieved global symptom improvement 12 months after end of treatment (P = .17), whereas 20% (9/46) versus 37% (36/97) rated their symptoms as "5/5 much better" (P = .04). A ≥50-point reduction in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System occurred in 38% versus 66% (P = .02), respectively, for irritable bowel syndrome patients. Anxiety and depression were greater in the standard care than multidisciplinary clinic (12 vs 10, P = .19), and quality of life was lower in standard care than the multidisciplinary clinic (0.75 vs 0.77, P =·.03). An incremental cost-effectivness ratio found that for every additional 3555AUD spent in the multidisciplinary clinic, a further quality-adjusted life year was gained. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve months after the completion of treatment, integrated multidisciplinary clinical care achieved a greater proportion of patients with improvement of symptoms, psychological state, quality of life, and cost, compared with gastroenterologist-only care. CLINICAL TRIALS: gov: number NCT03078634.

Standard gastroenterologist versus multidisciplinary treatment for functional gastrointestinal disorders (MANTRA): an open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common and costly to the health-care system. Most specialist care is provided by a gastroenterologist, but only a minority of patients have improvement in symptoms. Although they have proven to be effective, psychological, behavioural, and dietary therapies are not provided routinely. We aimed to compare the outcome of gastroenterologist-only standard care with multidisciplinary care. METHODS: In an open-label, single-centre, pragmatic trial, consecutive new referrals of eligible patients aged 18-80 years with Rome IV criteria-defined functional gastrointestinal disorders were randomly assigned (1:2) to receive gastroenterologist-only standard care or multidisciplinary clinic care. The multidisciplinary clinic included gastroenterologists, dietitians, gut-focused hypnotherapists, psychiatrists, and behavioural (biofeedback) physiotherapists. Randomisation was stratified by Rome IV disorder and whether referred from gastroenterology or colorectal clinic. Outcomes were assessed at clinic discharge or 9 months after the initial visit. The primary outcome was a score of 4 (slightly better) or 5 (much better) on a 5-point Likert scale assessing global symptom improvement. Modified intention-to-treat analysis included all patients who attended at least one clinic visit and who had answered the primary outcome question. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03078634. FINDINGS: Between March 16, 2017, and May 10, 2018, 1632 patients referred to the hospital gastrointestinal clinics were screened, of whom 442 were eligible for a screening telephone call and 188 were randomly assigned to receive either standard care (n=65) or multidisciplinary care (n=123). 144 patients formed the modified intention-to-treat analysis (n=46 in the standard-care group and n=98 in the multidisciplinary-care group), 90 (63%) of whom were women. 61 (62%) of 98 patients in the multidisciplinary-care group patients saw allied clinicians. 26 (57%) patients in the standard-care group and 82 (84%) patients in the multidisciplinary-care group had global symptom improvement (risk ratio 1·50 [95% CI 1·13-1·93]; p=0·00045). 29 (63%) patients in the standard-care group and 81 (83%) patients in the multidisciplinary-care group had adequate relief of symptoms in the past 7 days (p=0·010). Patients in the multidisciplinary-care group were more likely to experience a 50% or higher reduction in all Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index symptom clusters than were patients in the standard-care group. Of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a 50-point or higher reduction in IBS-SSS occurred in 10 (38%) of 26 patients in the standard care group compared with 39 (66%) of 59 patients in the multidisciplinary-care group (p=0·017). Of the patients with functional dyspepsia, a 50% reduction in the Nepean Dyspepsia Index was noted in three (11%) of 11 patients in the standard-care group and in 13 (46%) of 28 in the multidisciplinary-care group (p=0·47). After treatment, the median HADS scores were higher in the standard-care group than in the multidisciplinary-care group (13 [8-20] vs 10 [6-16]; p=0·096) and the median EQ-5D-5L quality of life visual analogue scale was lower in the standard-care group compared with the multidisciplinary-care group (70 [IQR 50-80] vs 75 [65-85]; p=0·0087). The eight SF-36 scales did not differ between the groups at discharge. After treatment, median Somatic Symptom Scale-8 score was higher in the standard-care group than in the multidisciplinary-care group (10 [IQR 7-7] vs 9 [5-13]; p=0·082). Cost per successful outcome was higher in the standard-care group than the multidisciplinary-care group. INTERPRETATION: Integrated multidisciplinary clinical care appears to be superior to gastroenterologist-only care in relation to symptoms, specific functional disorders, psychological state, quality of life, and cost of care for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Consideration should be given to providing multidisciplinary care for patients with a functional gastrointestinal disorder. FUNDING: None.

Perinatal mental health: Fathers - the (mostly) forgotten parent.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of parental mental health as a determinant of infant and child outcomes is increasingly acknowledged. Yet, there is limited information regarding paternal mental health during the perinatal period. The aim of this review is to summarize existing clinical research regarding paternal mental health in the perinatal period in various contexts, and its possible impact on infant development. METHOD: An electronic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Key texts were used to cross-check for any further articles of interest. RESULTS: Men are at increased risk of mental health problems during the transition to fatherhood, as well as during the perinatal period. Paternal mental health during the perinatal period has been shown to impact on their child's emotional and behavioral development. However, research addressing the needs of fathers with mental illness and the impact of their illness on their infant and family has been limited. CONCLUSIONS: A paradigm shift is required, from a focus on women following childbirth and women with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, to a broader family perspective with the focus firmly on parent-infant relationships. This paradigm shift needs to involve greater research into the fathering role and paternal mental illness during the perinatal period, including further studies into risk factors, impact on the family system, and the most appropriate form of intervention and service provision.

Processing of voided urine for prostate cancer RNA biomarker analysis.

BACKGROUND: Voided urine samples have been shown to contain cells released from prostate tumors. Could good quality RNA from cells in urine be obtained from every donor for multimarker analysis? In addition, could urine donation be as simple as possible, a practical consideration for a lab test, without involving a prostate massage (as indicated for PCA3 testing), which precludes frequent collection; needing it done at a specific time of day (e.g., first or second urine); and requiring prompt processing of samples in clinics with limited molecular biology capability? METHODS: Collected urine samples were pelleted, and the RNA isolated was processed for cDNA synthesis and in vitro transcription to generate amplified sense aRNA. The resultant aRNA was rigorously analyzed for possible introduced changes. DMSO was used as a cell preservative for frozen storage of urine samples. RESULTS: Good quality aRNA was obtained for over 100 samples collected at two different institutions. The process of RNA amplification removed co-isolated DNA in some samples, which did not affect RNA amplification. Amplification did not amplify genes that were absent and produce other expression alterations. The sense aRNA could be used to generate urinary transcriptomes specific to individual patients. No chaotropic agents for RNA preservation were added to the urine samples so that the supernatant could be used for analysis of secreted protein biomarkers. The time of donation was not important since patients were seen during the entire day. DMSO was an effective cell preservative for freezing urine. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary RNA can be readily isolated and amplified for prostate cancer biomarker analysis. Individual patients had unique set of transcripts derived from their tumor.

A Comprehensive Membrane Interactome Mapping of Sho1p Reveals Fps1p as a Novel Key Player in the Regulation of the HOG Pathway in S. cerevisiae.

Sho1p, an integral membrane protein, plays a vital role in the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Activated under conditions of high osmotic stress, it interacts with other HOG pathway proteins to mediate cell signaling events, ensuring that yeast cells can adapt and remain viable. In an attempt to further understand how the function of Sho1p is regulated through its protein-protein interactions (PPIs), we identified 49 unique Sho1p PPIs through the use of membrane yeast two-hybrid (MYTH), an assay specifically suited to identify PPIs of full-length integral membrane proteins in their native membrane environment. Secondary validation by literature search, or two complementary PPI assays, confirmed 80% of these interactions, resulting in a high-quality Sho1p interactome. This set of putative PPIs included both previously characterized interactors, along with a large subset of interactors that have not been previously identified as binding to Sho1p. The SH3 domain of Sho1p was found to be important for binding to many of these interactors. One particular novel interactor of interest is the glycerol transporter Fps1p, which was shown to require the SH3 domain of Sho1p for binding via its N-terminal soluble regulatory domain. Furthermore, we found that Fps1p is involved in the positive regulation of Sho1p function and plays a role in the phosphorylation of the downstream kinase Hog1p. This study represents the largest membrane interactome analysis of Sho1p to date and complements past studies on the HOG pathway by increasing our understanding of Sho1p regulation.

Glutamine reduces postprandial glycemia and augments the glucagon-like peptide-1 response in type 2 diabetes patients.

Impaired glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) secretion or response may contribute to ineffective insulin release in type 2 diabetes. The conditionally essential amino acid glutamine stimulates GLP-1 secretion in vitro and in vivo. In a randomized, crossover study, we evaluated the effect of oral glutamine, with or without sitagliptin (SIT), on postprandial glycemia and GLP-1 concentration in 15 type 2 diabetes patients (glycated hemoglobin 6.5 ± 0.6%). Participants ingested a low-fat meal (5% fat) after receiving either water (control), 30 g l-glutamine (Gln-30), 15 g L-glutamine (Gln-15), 100 mg SIT, or 100 mg SIT and 15 g L-glutamine (SIT+Gln-15). Studies were conducted 1-2 wk apart. Blood was collected at baseline and postprandially for 180 min for measurement of circulating glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and total and active GLP-1. Gln-30 and SIT+Gln-15 reduced the early (t = 0-60 min) postprandial glycemic response compared with control. All Gln treatments enhanced the postprandial insulin response from t = 60-180 min but had no effect on the C-peptide response compared with control. The postprandial glucagon concentration was increased by Gln-30 and Gln-15 compared with control, but the insulin:glucagon ratio was not affected by any treatment. In contrast to Gln-30, which tended to increase the total GLP-1 AUC, SIT tended to decrease the total GLP-1 AUC relative to control (both P = 0.03). Gln-30 and SIT increased the active GLP-1 AUC compared with control (P = 0.008 and P = 0.01, respectively). In summary, Gln-30 decreased the early postprandial glucose response, enhanced late postprandial insulinemia, and augmented postprandial active GLP-1 responses compared with control. These findings suggest that glutamine may be a novel agent for stimulating GLP-1 concentration and limiting postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes.