Validation and implementation of a modular targeted capture assay for the detection of clinically significant molecular oncology alterations.

Objectives: The rapid discovery of clinically significant genetic variants has translated to next-generation sequencing assays becoming out-of-date by the time they are designed, validated, and implemented. UW-OncoPlex addresses this through the adoption of a modular panel capable of redesign as significant alterations are identified. We describe the validation of OncoPlex version 6 (OPXv6) for the detection of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions (indels), copy number variants (CNVs), structural variants (SVs), microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in a panel of 340 genes.

Efficacy of vancomycin extended-dosing regimens for treatment of simulated Clostridium difficile infection within an in vitro human gut model.

Objectives: Effects of two vancomycin extended-dosing regimens on microbiota populations within an in vitro gut model of simulated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) were evaluated.

Methods: Two chemostat gut models were inoculated with faecal emulsion and clindamycin instilled to induce CDI. Simulated CDI was treated with vancomycin (125 mg/L four times daily, 7 days) followed by different vancomycin dosing extensions totalling 7 g (lower dose) or 9.

Efficacy of alternative fidaxomicin dosing regimens for treatment of simulated Clostridium difficile infection in an in vitro human gut model.

Background: Fidaxomicin treatment reduces the risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) compared with vancomycin. Extending duration of fidaxomicin therapy may further reduce recurrence. We compared the efficacy of four extended fidaxomicin regimens in an in vitro model of CDI.

Recurrence of dual-strain Clostridium difficile infection in an in vitro human gut model.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is still a major challenge to healthcare facilities. The detection of multiple C. difficile strains has been reported in some patient samples during initial and recurrent CDI episodes.

Pan-European longitudinal surveillance of antibiotic resistance among prevalent Clostridium difficile ribotypes.

Clostridium difficile infection remains a major healthcare burden. Until the recent introduction of fidaxomicin, antimicrobial treatments were limited to metronidazole and vancomycin. The emergence of epidemic C.

SMT19969 as a treatment for Clostridium difficile infection: an assessment of antimicrobial activity using conventional susceptibility testing and an in vitro gut model.

Objectives: We investigated the efficacy of the novel antimicrobial agent SMT19969 in treating simulated Clostridium difficile infection using an in vitro human gut model.

Methods: Concentrations of the predominant cultivable members of the indigenous gut microfloras and C. difficile (total and spore counts) were determined by viable counting.

Efficacy of surotomycin in an in vitro gut model of Clostridium difficile infection.

Objectives: We investigated the efficacy of the cyclic lipopeptide surotomycin in treating clindamycin-induced Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) using an in vitro gut model.

Methods: Two three-stage chemostat gut models were inoculated with human faeces, spiked with C. difficile spores (∼10(7) cfu/mL, PCR ribotype 027 or 001).

Comparison of planktonic and biofilm-associated communities of Clostridium difficile and indigenous gut microbiota in a triple-stage chemostat gut model.

Background: Biofilms are characteristic of some chronic or recurrent infections and this mode of growth tends to reduce treatment efficacy. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with a high rate of recurrent symptomatic disease. The presence and behaviour of C.

Development and validation of a chemostat gut model to study both planktonic and biofilm modes of growth of Clostridium difficile and human microbiota.

The human gastrointestinal tract harbours a complex microbial community which exist in planktonic and sessile form. The degree to which composition and function of faecal and mucosal microbiota differ remains unclear. We describe the development and characterisation of an in vitro human gut model, which can be used to facilitate the formation and longitudinal analysis of mature mixed species biofilms.

In vitro activity of cadazolid against clinically relevant Clostridium difficile isolates and in an in vitro gut model of C. difficile infection.

Objectives: We investigated the in vitro activity of cadazolid against 100 Clostridium difficile isolates and its efficacy in a simulated human gut model of C. difficile infection (CDI).

Methods: MICs of cadazolid, metronidazole, vancomycin, moxifloxacin and linezolid were determined using agar incorporation for 100 C.

Successful treatment of simulated Clostridium difficile infection in a human gut model by fidaxomicin first line and after vancomycin or metronidazole failure.

Objectives: Fidaxomicin reduces the risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) compared with vancomycin. We investigated fidaxomicin primary or secondary treatment efficacy using a gut model.

Methods: Four triple-stage chemostat gut models were inoculated with faeces.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of ceftaroline against Clostridium difficile and propensity to induce C. difficile infection in an in vitro human gut model.

Objectives: To examine the effects of exposure to ceftaroline or ceftriaxone on the epidemic Clostridium difficile strain PCR ribotype 027 and the indigenous gut microflora in an in vitro human gut model. Additionally, the MICs of ceftriaxone and ceftaroline for 60 C. difficile isolates were determined.

Mixed infection by Clostridium difficile in an in vitro model of the human gut.

Objectives: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is still a major clinical challenge. Previous studies have demonstrated multiple distinct C. difficile strains in the faeces of patients with CDI; yet whether true mixed CDI occurs in vivo is unclear.

Evaluation of NVB302 versus vancomycin activity in an in vitro human gut model of Clostridium difficile infection.

Objectives: First-line treatment options for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are limited. NVB302 is a novel type B lantibiotic under evaluation for the treatment of CDI. We compared the responses to NVB302 and vancomycin when used to treat simulated CDI in an in vitro gut model.

Oritavancin does not induce Clostridium difficile germination and toxin production in hamsters or a human gut model.

Objectives: To evaluate the relative propensities of oritavancin and vancomycin to induce Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hamster and in vitro human gut models.

Methods: Hamsters received clindamycin (100 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously), oritavancin (50 mg/kg orally) or vancomycin (50 mg/kg orally). C.

Effectiveness of a short (4 day) course of oritavancin in the treatment of simulated Clostridium difficile infection using a human gut model.

Objectives: We previously demonstrated that 7 days of oritavancin instillation effectively treats Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in a human gut model. Oritavancin may be more effective than vancomycin due to apparently increased activity against spores. We compared the efficacy of shortened dosing duration (4 days) of oritavancin and vancomycin for CDI treatment using the gut model.

Co-amoxiclav induces proliferation and cytotoxin production of Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 in a human gut model.

Objectives: Co-amoxiclav is widely prescribed in hospitals. Although reports have suggested it may be linked to onset of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), data on the risk of CDI associated with specific antibiotics is difficult to obtain, due to confounding clinical factors. We have examined the propensity of co-amoxiclav to induce CDI using a human gut model.

Evaluation of linezolid for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection caused by epidemic strains using an in vitro human gut model.

Objectives: Therapeutic options in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are limited. We examined linezolid activity in vitro and potential therapeutic efficacy using a gut model of CDI.

Methods: MICs were determined by agar incorporation for 118 diverse C.

Developing and piloting a form for student assessment of faculty professionalism.

One of the impediments to teaching professionalism is unprofessional behavior amongst clinical teachers. No method of reliably assessing the professional behavior of clinical teachers has yet been reported. The aim of this project was to develop and pilot such a tool.

Readability of out-patient letters copied to patients: can patients understand what is written about them?

Unlabelled: The National Health Service Plan of 2000 proposed that patients should receive a copy of all correspondence regarding their care. There is concern that the readability of patients' letters may not be appropriate for many patients.

Materials And Methods: This study determined readability scores for sequential letters written to general practitioners and copied to patients, following ENT consultations at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

Performing hand actions assists the visual discrimination of similar hand postures.

Recent theoretical work has suggested that internal predictive signals are used for motor control and coordination. The predictive signal - proposed to be the output of a forward model - would be a sensory representation of action. Hence, these sensory representations could potentially influence other sensory processes.