Evaluation of the impact of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant on left ventricular assist device infections.

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the predictive value of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) nasal swabs for the development of MRSA infections in patients with left ventricular assist devices. In 106 patients, the MRSA nasal swab had a negative predictive value of 92.9% demonstrating a potential role in antibiotic de-escalation.

Perceptions of a virtual interview process for pharmacy residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multisite survey of residency candidates, preceptors, and residency program directors.

Purpose: To describe the perceptions of residency candidates, residency practitioners (current residents and preceptors), and residency program directors (RPDs) regarding a virtual interview process for pharmacy residency programs across multiple institutions.

Methods: In May 2021, an anonymous web-based questionnaire characterizing perceptions of the virtual interview process used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was distributed to residency candidates, residency practitioners, and RPDs across 13 institutions. Quantitative responses measured on a 5-point Likert scale were summarized with descriptive statistics, and open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic qualitative methods.

Clinical utility of negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal surveillance swabs in skin and skin structure infections.

Background: Negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal swabs have a high negative predictive value of approximately 99% in respiratory infections. There is, however, a lack of data evaluating its use beyond respiratory infections.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine the clinical utility of MRSA swabs for identifying MRSA-associated skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs) and the potential effects on antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

A Baker's Dozen of Top Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention Publications in 2020.

The number of articles related to antimicrobial stewardship published each year has increased significantly over the last decade. Keeping up with the literature, particularly the most innovative, well-designed, or applicable to one's own practice area, can be challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) network reviewed antimicrobial stewardship-related, peer-reviewed literature from 2020 that detailed actionable interventions.

Perceptions of the two-phase pharmacy residency match process.

Purpose: To evaluate residency applicant (RA) and residency program director (RPD) perceptions of Phase II of the Match process since its inception in 2016.

Methods: An online survey was issued to all Match-registered RAs and RPDs for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Match periods. Study participant demographics, participant designation (RA or RPD), the year(s) and Phase(s) of the Match participated in were measured using categorical ranges, and overall perceptions of the Match process since Phase II of the Match was implemented were captured with 5-point Likert scales.

Inpatient Antibiotic Stewardship Interventions in the Adult Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Population: A Review of the Literature.

To review the use of antibiotic stewardship interventions in the adult oncology and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) populations. A literature search of PubMed was performed from inception to October 31, 2019. The general search terms used were , and .

A Baker's Dozen of Top Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention Publications in 2018.

With an increasing number of antimicrobial stewardship-related articles published each year, attempting to stay current is challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) identified antimicrobial stewardship-related peer-reviewed literature that detailed an actionable intervention for 2018. The top 13 publications were selected using a modified Delphi technique.

Survey of residency program directors' perceptions of nontraditional pharmacy residency applicants.

Purpose: The attitudes and expectations of residency program directors (RPDs) regarding nontraditional residency applicants (NTAs) were evaluated.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study targeting RPDs of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists-accredited residency programs. A 14-question survey requesting information related to demographics, perceptions of NTAs compared with traditional applicants, advantages and disadvantages of NTAs, and advice for NTAs was administered electronically to RPDs.

Role of Early De-escalation of Antimicrobial Therapy on Risk of Clostridioides difficile Infection Following Enterobacteriaceae Bloodstream Infections.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the effect of early de-escalation of antimicrobial therapy on rates of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This retrospective cohort study evaluated impact of de-escalation from antipseudomonal β-lactam (APBL) therapy within 48 hours of Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections (BSIs) on 90-day risk of CDI.

Methods: Adult patients hospitalized for >48 hours for treatment of Enterobacteriaceae BSI at Palmetto Health hospitals in Columbia, South Carolina, from 1 January 2011 through 30 June 2015 were identified.

Neutral sphingomyelinase-2 mediates growth arrest by retinoic acid through modulation of ribosomal S6 kinase.

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induces growth arrest of many cell types. Previous studies have reported that ATRA can modulate cellular sphingolipids, but the role of sphingolipids in the ATRA response is not clear. Using MCF-7 cells as a model system, we show that ATRA stimulates an increase in ceramide levels followed by G(0)/G(1) growth arrest.