Clinical utility of plasma microbial cell-free DNA sequencing in determining microbiologic etiology of infectious syndromes in solid organ transplant recipients.

Background: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is increasingly being used for microbial detection in various infectious syndromes. However, data regarding the use of mNGS in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) are lacking.

Objectives: To describe and analyze real-world clinical impact of mNGS using plasma microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) in SOTR.

Medical school ranking and provider outpatient Medicare Part D claims for antibiotics among older patients in the USA.

Background: Our study aimed to assess whether there was a relationship between graduating from higher-ranked medical schools and the rate of prescribing antibiotics among Medicare Part D providers in the USA.

Methods: The study obtained data from the Medicare Part D Prescribers (FY2013-2021) and the Doctor and Clinicians National repositories. A regression model was fitted to assess the relationship between provider medical school ranking and the rate of antibiotic days supplied per 100 beneficiaries at the provider level.

Comparing the effects of two initial specimen diversion techniques on blood culture contamination rates and clinical outcomes-a multicenter study.

Although the initial specimen diversion device (ISDD) has been shown to reduce blood culture contamination (BCC) rates, its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This multicenter study showed that ISDD significantly decreased BCC. However, there was no reduction in length of stay, days of therapy, or central line-associated bloodstream infections.

The impact of the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel on empiric antibiotic prescriptions in patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis.

The BioFire® FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis (FA/ME) panel provides rapid testing for common cerebrospinal fluid pathogens. We compared empiric antibiotic utilization between patients with suspected community-acquired meningitis with and without an FA/ME panel ordered. No significant differences in antibiotic use were found.

Effectiveness of the injectable hyaluronic acid-based microparticles loaded with cannabidiol on rat sciatic nerve injury model.

We have developed an innovative peripheral nerve tissue repair approach by designing biomimetic microparticles loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) using horseradish peroxidase-mediated crosslinking within a microfluidic device. This method utilizes a water-in-oil emulsion system where a mixture of phenol-substituted hyaluronic acid (HAPh), CBD, and laccase is channeled into oil flow, forming hydrogel microparticles. The physical properties, such as their swelling rate, mechanical strength, and the sustained release of CBD, emphasize their potential in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.