The incidence and impact of clostridioides difficile infection on transplant outcomes in acute leukemia and MDS after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant-a CIBMTR study.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is common after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). The determination of incidence, risk factors, and impact of CDI on alloHCT outcomes is an unmet need. The study examines all patients aged 2 years and older who received first alloHCT for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) between 2013 and 2018 at US centers and reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) data registry.

Converting to an international unit system improves harmonization of results for SARS-CoV-2 quantification: Results from multiple external quality assessments.

Background: The detection of SARS-CoV-2 vRNA in clinical samples has relied almost exclusively on RT-qPCR as the gold standard test. Published results from various external quality assessments ("ring trials") worldwide have shown that there is still a large variability in results reported for the same samples. As reference standards of SARS-CoV-2 RNA are available, we tested whether using standard curves to convert Ct values into copies/mL (cp/mL) improved harmonization.

Safety and efficacy of apixaban, dabigatran and rivaroxaban in obese and morbidly obese patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: A real-world analysis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure are combined risk factors for thromboembolic events. Obese and morbidly obese individuals have been underrepresented in clinical trials studying safety and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Objectives: Study the comparative safety and efficacy of DOACs in obese and morbidly obese patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, and concomitant congestive heart failure.

Health Outcomes of Kansas City's Vulnerable Patients Following Shutdown: An Assessment of Blood Pressure Among Sojourner Health Clinic Patients.

Background In downtown Kansas City, patients who face homelessness or unstable housing situations may have been negatively affected by the shutdown of Sojourner Health Clinic (SOJO), a free student-run clinic that provides primary care predominantly to these patients. Research shows that blood pressure (BP) increases within weeks or months of interruption of antihypertensive therapy, especially in patients with advanced age and polypharmacy. Therefore, this study will examine how patients' blood pressure changed after the closure of Sojourner Health Clinic.

Single-cell analysis of immune cell transcriptome during HIV-1 infection and therapy.

Background: Cellular immune responses are phenotypically and functionally perturbed during HIV-1 infection, with the majority of function restored upon antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite ART, residual inflammation remains that can lead to HIV-related co-morbidities and mortality, indicating that ART does not fully restore normal immune cell function. Thus, understanding the dynamics of the immune cell landscape during HIV-1 infection and ART is critical to defining cellular dysfunction that occurs during HIV-1 infection and imprints during therapy.

Prostanoid receptors in hyperfiltration-mediated glomerular injury: Novel agonists and antagonists reveal opposing roles for EP2 and EP4 receptors.

Increased fluid-flow shear stress (FFSS) contributes to hyperfiltration-induced podocyte and glomerular injury resulting in progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We reported that increased FFSS in vitro and in vivo upregulates PGE2 receptor EP2 (but not EP4 expression), COX2-PGE -EP2 axis, and EP2-linked Akt-GSK3β-β-catenin signaling pathway in podocytes. To understand and use the disparities between PGE2 receptors, specific agonists, and antagonists of EP2 and EP4 were used to assess phosphorylation of Akt, GSK3β and β-catenin in podocytes using Western blotting, glomerular filtration barrier function using in vitro albumin permeability (P ) assay, and mitigation of hyperfiltration-induced injury in unilaterally nephrectomized (UNX) mice at 1 and 6 months.

Imaging of pediatric cardiac tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper.

Cardiac tumors in children are rare and the majority are benign. The most common cardiac tumor in children is rhabdomyoma, usually associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Other benign cardiac masses include fibromas, myxomas, hemangiomas, and teratomas.

Comparing Kidney Health Outcomes in Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Importance: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) across the lifespan. While 10% to 15% of children and 3% of adults who develop ESKD have FSGS, it remains uncertain whether the natural history differs in pediatric vs adult patients, and this uncertainty contributes to the exclusion of children and adolescents in clinical trials.

Objective: To examine whether there are differences in the kidney health outcomes among children, adolescents, and adults with FSGS.

Statin Use Reduces the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver resulting in approximately 800,000 deaths annually. A growing body of research investigating statin use and HCC risk has shown conflicting results. We aim to evaluate the current evidence of statin impact on HCC risk.

Preterm sepsis is associated with acute lung injury as measured by pulmonary severity score.

Background: Sepsis related acute lung injury (ALI) is established in adults but has not been investigated in premature infants. Herein, we used pulmonary severity score (PSS) trajectories and C-reactive protein (CRP) to examine the relation between sepsis and ALI in premature infants.

Methods: This retrospective study identified 211 sepsis and 123 rule out (RO) events in 443 infants born <31 weeks and <1500 grams.

Inositol Phosphoryl Transferase, Ipt1, Is a Critical Determinant of Azole Resistance and Virulence Phenotypes in .

In this study, we have specifically blocked a key step of sphingolipid (SL) biosynthesis in by disruption of the orthologs of ScIpt1 and ScSkn1. Based on their close homology with counterparts, the proteins are predicted to catalyze the addition of a phosphorylinositol group onto mannosyl inositolphosphoryl ceramide (MIPC) to form mannosyl diinositolphosphoryl ceramide (M(IP)C), which accounts for the majority of complex SL structures in membranes. High throughput lipidome analysis confirmed the accumulation of MIPC structures in and cells, albeit to lesser extent in the latter.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 in Pediatric and Early Adolescent and Young Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Cohort Study.

Adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at a high risk of adverse outcomes after COVID-19. Although children have had better outcomes after COVID-19 compared to adults, data on risk factors and outcomes of COVID-19 among pediatric HSCT recipients are lacking. We describe outcomes of HSCT recipients who were ≤21 years of age at COVID-19 diagnosis and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between March 27, 2020, and May 7, 2021.

Feasibility of and experience using a portable MRI scanner in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: A portable, low-field MRI system is now Food and Drug Administration cleared and has been shown to be safe and useful in adult intensive care unit settings. No neonatal studies have been performed. The objective is to assess our preliminary experience and assess feasibility of using the portable MRI system at the bedside in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a quaternary children's hospital.

A step-by-step guide for mentors to facilitate team building and communication in virtual teams.

As collaborative work in medical education has increasingly moved online, team mentors have had to adapt their practices into the virtual environment. Fostering connection, communication and productivity on virtual teams requires specific skills and deliberate practice that differ from in-person teamwork. Drawing from best practices in business, education and medicine and also from our own experience as a virtual team, we present a guide for mentors to create and sustain successful virtual teams.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hip fracture volume, disposition, and readmission rates.

Our study aimed to assess the effects COVID had on the incidence of hip fractures. Hip fracture cases (from March 1 to September 1) were compared in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Data were analyzed for surgical volume, discharge location, and readmission rates.

Interdisciplinary dental management of patient with oligodontia and maxillary hypoplasia: a case report.

Background: The craniofacial developmental abnormality can significantly complicate the oral rehabilitation of patients with oligodontia. This case report describes an interdisciplinary approach that took 7 years to successfully treat a young patient with non-syndromic oligodontia and midface deficiency.

Case Presentation: A 14-year-old patient with complex oral and maxillofacial conditions and diagnosis of oligodontia presented to our clinic.

Presence of Increased Mast Cells in Infants and Children with Volume and Variety Limited Intake.

Background: Reports indicate patients with feeding difficulties demonstrate signs of inflammation on biopsies, notably eosinophilia, but it is unknown whether mast cell density contributes to variety or volume limitation symptoms. The aim of our study was to evaluate eosinophil and mast cell density of EGD biopsies in pediatric patients with symptoms of decreased volume or variety of ingested foods.

Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of EMRs for all new feeding clinic patients between 0 and 17 years of age.

Unmasking of CgYor1-Dependent Azole Resistance Mediated by Target of Rapamycin (TOR) and Calcineurin Signaling in Candida glabrata.

In this study, 18 predicted membrane-localized ABC transporters of Candida glabrata were deleted individually to create a minilibrary of knockouts (KO). The transporter KOs were analyzed for their susceptibility toward antimycotic drugs. Although Cg has previously been reported to be upregulated in various azole-resistant clinical isolates of C.

Determinants of medication adherence in childhood nephrotic syndrome and associations of adherence with clinical outcomes.

Background: Pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome take medications long-term with significant toxicity and complex regimens, yet data on medication adherence are limited.

Methods: In a multicenter observational study of patients with nephrotic syndrome, NEPTUNE (NCT01209000), we surveyed caregivers of patients <19 years old and adolescent patients on medication adherence during longitudinal follow-up beginning in June 2015. Data extraction was in October 2020.

Investigating the landscape of intracellular [Ca] in live cells by rapid photoactivated cross-linking of calmodulin-protein interactions.

The Ca sensor protein calmodulin interacts in a Ca-dependent manner with a large number of proteins that among them encompass a diverse assortment of functions and subcellular localizations. A method for monitoring calmodulin-protein interactions as they occur throughout a living cell would thus uniquely enable investigations of the intracellular landscape of [Ca] and its relationship to cell function. We have developed such a method based on capture of calmodulin-protein interactions by rapid photoactivated cross-linking (t ∼7s) in cells stably expressing a tandem affinity tagged calmodulin that have been metabolically labeled with a photoreactive methionine analog.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), viral load and clinical outcomes; lessons learned one year into the pandemic: A systematic review.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is diagnosed real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and reported as a binary assessment of the test being positive or negative. High SARS-CoV-2 viral load is an independent predictor of disease severity and mortality. Quantitative RT-PCR may be useful in predicting the clinical course and prognosis of patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).