Genome-wide Association Analysis Across 16,956 Patients Identifies a Novel Genetic Association Between BMP6, NIPAL1, CNGA1 and Spondylosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A case-control genome-wide association study (GWAS) on spondylosis. OBJECTIVE: Leveraging Geisinger's MyCode initiative's multimodal dataset, we aimed to identify genetic associations with degenerative spine disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Degenerative spine conditions are a leading cause of global disability; however, the genetic underpinnings of these conditions remain under-investigated. Previous studies using candidate-gene approach suggest a genetic risk for degenerative spine conditions, but large-scale GWASs are lacking. METHODS: We identified 4434 patients with a diagnosis of spondylosis using ICD diagnosis codes with genotype data available. We identified a population-based control of 12,522 patients who did not have any diagnosis for osteoarthritis. A linear-mix, additive genetic model was employed to perform the genetic association tests adjusting for age, sex, and genetic principal components to account for the population structure and relatedness. Gene-based association tests were performed and heritability and genetic correlations with other traits were investigated. RESULTS: We identified a genome-wide significant locus at rs12190551 (odds ratio = 1.034, 95% confidence interval 1.022-1.046, P = 8.5 × 10-9, minor allele frequency = 36.9%) located in the intron of BMP6. Additionally, NIPAL1 and CNGA1 achieved Bonferroni significance in the gene-based association tests. The estimated heritability was 7.19%. Furthermore, significant genetic correlations with pain, depression, lumbar spine bone mineral density, and osteoarthritis were identified. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the use of a massive database of genotypes combined with electronic health record data to identify a novel and significant association spondylosis. We also identified significant genetic correlations with pain, depression, bone mineral density, and osteoarthritis, suggesting shared genetic etiology and molecular pathways with these phenotypes.Level of Evidence: N/A.

Establishing a Long-Term Model for Analysis and Improvement of Underfilled Blood Culture Volumes.

Objectives: Underfilling of blood culture bottles decreases the sensitivity of the culture. We attempt to increase average blood culture fill volumes (ABCFVs) through an educational program. Methods: Partnerships were established with four hospital units (surgical intensive care unit [SICU], medical intensive care unit [MICU], medical intermediate care unit [MIMCU], and hematology and oncology unit [HEME/ONC]). ABCFVs were continuously tracked and communicated to each unit monthly. Educational sessions were provided to each unit. Results: ABCFVs for the SICU, MICU, MIMCU, and HEME/ONC were 4.8, 5.0, 5.0, and 6.3 mL/bottle, respectively. After the final education session, the SICU, MICU, MIMCU, and HEME/ONC were able to maintain an ABCFV of 6.8, 8.1, 7.9, and 8.2 mL/bottle, respectively. Conclusions: Partnering with a specific unit and providing monthly volume reports with educational sessions has a direct positive correlation on increasing ABCFVs. Increasing ABCFVs has the potential to decrease false-negative blood cultures, time to detection of positive blood cultures, and time to appropriate and specific antimicrobial therapy, as well as improve patient outcomes in high-acuity patient care units.