Real-time detection of response regulator phosphorylation dynamics in live bacteria.

Bacteria utilize two-component system (TCS) signal transduction pathways to sense and adapt to changing environments. In a typical TCS, a stimulus induces a sensor histidine kinase (SHK) to phosphorylate a response regulator (RR), which then dimerizes and activates a transcriptional response. Here, we demonstrate that oligomerization-dependent depolarization of excitation light by fused mNeonGreen fluorescent protein probes enables real-time monitoring of RR dimerization dynamics in live bacteria.

Increased Incidence of Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome Among Users of Tetracycline Antibiotics.

Background: To determine whether the use of a tetracycline-class antibiotic is associated with an increased risk of developing pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS).

Methods: We identified patients in the University of Utah Health system who were prescribed a tetracycline-class antibiotic and determined what percentage of those individuals were subsequently diagnosed with PTCS secondary to tetracycline use. We compared this calculation to the number of patients with PTCS unrelated to tetracycline use.

Understanding the Prevalence of Prediabetes and Diabetes in Patients With Cancer in Clinical Practice: A Real-World Cohort Study.

Background: This study aimed to understand the prevalence of prediabetes (preDM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with cancer overall and by tumor site, cancer treatment, and time point in the cancer continuum.

Methods: This cohort study was conducted at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Patients with a first primary invasive cancer enrolled in the Total Cancer Care protocol between July 2016 and July 2018 were eligible.

Evaluation of a D-Dimer Protocol for Detection of Venous Thromboembolism.

Background: The use of venous duplex ultrasonography (VDU) for confirmation of deep venous thrombosis in neurosurgical patients is costly and requires experienced personnel. We evaluated a protocol using D-dimer levels to screen for venous thromboembolism (VTE), defined as deep venous thrombosis and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism.

Methods: We used a retrospective bioinformatics analysis to identify neurosurgical inpatients who had undergone a protocol assessing the serum D-dimer levels and had undergone a VDU study to evaluate for the presence of VTE from March 2008 through July 2017.

Outcomes Associated With Stage 2 Pressure Injuries Among Surgical Critical Care Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a serious problem among critical care patients. Although most hospital-acquired pressure injuries are stage 2 (partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis), no studies have examined outcomes of stage 2 pressure injuries among critical care patients.

Objectives: To examine outcomes of stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries among critical care patients and identify factors associated with nonhealing stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries.

Outcomes Associated With Stage 1 Pressure Injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Approximately half of hospital-acquired pressure injuries identified among critical care patients are stage 1. Although stage 1 injuries are common, outcomes associated with them among critical care patients have not been examined.

Objectives: To examine the outcomes of stage 1 pressure injuries among critical care patients and to identify factors associated with worsening of pressure injuries.

Predicting Pressure Injury in Critical Care Patients: A Machine-Learning Model.

Background: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a serious problem among critical care patients. Some can be prevented by using measures such as specialty beds, which are not feasible for every patient because of costs. However, decisions about which patient would benefit most from a specialty bed are difficult because results of existing tools to determine risk for pressure injury indicate that most critical care patients are at high risk.

In vivo performance of a visible wavelength optical sensor for monitoring intestinal perfusion and oxygenation.

Traumatic injury resulting in hemorrhage is a prevalent cause of death worldwide. The current standard of care for trauma patients is to restore hemostasis by controlling bleeding and administering intravenous volume resuscitation. Adequate resuscitation to restore tissue blood flow and oxygenation is critical within the first hours following admission to assess severity and avoid complications.

Comparison of Empiric Antibiotics for Acute Osteomyelitis in Children.

Objectives: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are commonly used for the empiric treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and often target methicillin-resistant (MRSA) with medication-associated risk and unknown treatment benefit. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes among patients with osteomyelitis who did and did not receive initial antibiotics used to target MRSA.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 974 hospitalized children 2 to 18 years old using the Pediatric Health Information System database, augmented with clinical data.

In-silico and in-vitro investigation of a photonic monitor for intestinal perfusion and oxygenation.

The quantification of visceral organ oxygenation after trauma-related systemic hypovolemia and shock is critical to enable effective resuscitation. In this work, a photoplethysmography-based (PPG) sensor was specifically designed for probing the perfusion and oxygenation condition of intestinal tissue with the ultimate goal to monitor patients post trauma to guide resuscitation. Through Monte Carlo modeling, suitable optofluidic phantoms were determined, the wavelength and separation distance for the sensor was optimized, and sensor performance for the quantification of tissue perfusion and oxygenation was tested on the in-vitro phantom.

Midrange Braden Subscale Scores Are Associated With Increased Risk for Pressure Injury Development Among Critical Care Patients.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between pressure injury development and the Braden Scale for Pressure Sore Risk subscale scores in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) population and to ascertain whether the risk represented by the subscale scores is different between older and younger patients.

Design: Retrospective review of electronic medical records.

Subjects And Setting: The sample comprised patients admitted to the ICU at an academic medical center in the Western United States (Utah) and Level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2008 and May 1, 2013.

Effectiveness of Fundoplication or Gastrojejunal Feeding in Children With Neurologic Impairment.

Background And Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), aspiration, and secondary complications lead to morbidity and mortality in children with neurologic impairment (NI), dysphagia, and gastrostomy feeding. Fundoplication and gastrojejunal (GJ) feeding can reduce risk. We compared GJ to fundoplication using first-year postprocedure reflux-related hospitalization (RRH) rates.