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Complex response of the CpxAR two-component system to {beta}-lactams on antibiotic resistance and envelop homeostasis in Enterobacteriaceae [Mechanisms of Resistance]

The Cpx stress response is widespread among Enterobacteriaceae. We have previously reported a mutation in cpxA in a multidrug resistant strain of Klebsiella aerogenes isolated from a patient treated with imipenem. This mutation yields to a single amino acid substitution (Y144N) located in the periplasmic sensor domain of CpxA. In this work, we sought to characterize this mutation in Escherichia coli by using genetic and biochemical approaches. Here, we show that cpxAY144N is an activated allele that confers resistance to β-lactams and aminoglycosides in a CpxR-dependent manner, by regulating the expression of the OmpF porin and the AcrD efflux pump, respectively. We also demonstrate the intimate interconnection between Cpx system and peptidoglycan integrity on the expression of an exogenous AmpC β-lactamase by using imipenem as a cell wall active antibiotic or inactivation of penicillin-binding proteins. Moreover, our data indicate that the Y144N substitution abrogates the interaction between CpxA and CpxP and increase phosphotransfer activity on CpxR. Because the addition of a strong AmpC inducer such as imipenem is known to causes abnormal accumulation of muropeptides (disaccharide-pentapeptide, N-acetylglucosamyl-1,6-anhydro-N-acetylmuramyl-l-alanyl-d-glutamy-meso-diaminopimelic-acid-d-alanyl-d-alanine) in the periplasmic space, we propose these molecules activate the Cpx system by displacing CpxP from the sensor domain of CpxA. Altogether, these data could explain why large perturbations to peptidoglycan caused by imipenem lead to mutational activation of the Cpx system and bacterial adaptation through multidrug resistance. These results also validate the Cpx system, in particular the interaction between CpxA and CpxP, as a promising therapeutic target.




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The Impact of Intrinsic Resistance Mechanisms on Potency of QPX7728, a New Ultra-Broad-Spectrum Beta-lactamase Inhibitor of Serine and Metallo Beta-Lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. [Mechanisms of Resis

QPX7728 is an ultra-broad-spectrum boronic acid beta-lactamase inhibitor that demonstrates inhibition of key serine and metallo beta-lactamases at a nano molar range in biochemical assays with purified enzymes. The broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of QPX7728 observed in biochemical experiments translates into enhancement of the potency of many beta-lactams against strains of target pathogens producing beta-lactamases. The impact of bacterial efflux and permeability on inhibitory potency were determined using isogenic panels of KPC-3 producing isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and OXA-23-producing strains of A. baumannii with various combinations of efflux and porin mutations. QPX7728 was minimally affected by multi-drug resistance efflux pumps in either Enterobacteriaceae, or in non-fermenters such as P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii. In P. aeruginosa, the potency of QPX7728 was further enhanced when the outer membrane is permeabilized. The potency of QPX7728 in P. aeruginosa is not affected by inactivation of the carbapenem porin OprD. While changes in OmpK36 (but not OmpK35) reduced the potency of QPX7728 (8-16-fold), QPX7728 (4 μg/ml) nevertheless completely reversed KPC-mediated meropenem resistance in strains with porin mutations, consistent with a lesser effect of these mutations on the potency of QPX7728 compared to other agents. The ultra-broad-spectrum beta-lactamase inhibition profile combined with enhancement of the activity of multiple beta-lactam antibiotics with varying sensitivity to the intrinsic resistance mechanisms of efflux and permeability indicate QPX7728 is a useful inhibitor for use with multiple beta-lactam antibiotics.




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Evaluation of the effect of contezolid (MRX-I) on the corrected QTc interval: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled crossover study in healthy Chinese volunteers [Clinical Therapeutics]

Contezolid (MRX-I), a new oxazolidinone, is an antibiotic in development for treating complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) caused by resistant Gram-positive bacteria. This was a thorough QT study conducted in 52 healthy subjects who were administered oral contezolid at a therapeutic (800 mg) dose, a supratherapeutic (1600 mg) dose, placebo, and oral moxifloxacin 400 mg in 4 separate treatment periods. The pharmacokinetic profile of contezolid was also evaluated. Time-point analysis indicated that the upper bounds of the two-sided 90% confidence interval (CI) for placebo-corrected change-from-baseline QTc (QTc) were <10 ms for the contezolid therapeutic dose at each time point. The upper bound of the 90% CI for QTc were slightly more than 10 ms with the contezolid supratherapeutic dose at 3 and 4 hours postdose, and the prolongation effect on the QT/QTc interval was less than that of the positive control, moxifloxacin 400 mg. At 3 and 4 h after the moxifloxacin dose, the moxifloxacin group met the assay sensitivity criteria outlined in ICH Guidance E14 with having a lower confidence bound ≥5 ms. The results of a linear exposure-response model which were similar to that of a time point analysis demonstrated a slightly positive relationship between contezolid plasma levels and QTcF interval with a slope of 0.227 ms per mg/L (90% CI: 0.188 to 0.266). In summary, contezolid did not prolong the QT interval at a therapeutic dose and may have a slight effect on QT interval prolongation at a supratherapeutic dose.




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Efficacy of bedaquiline, alone or in combination with imipenem, against Mycobacterium abscessus in C3HeB/FeJ mice [Experimental Therapeutics]

Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections remain difficult to treat. Recent studies have recognized the power of new combinations of antibiotics such as bedaquiline and imipenem although in vitro data have questioned this combination. We report that the efficacy of the bedaquiline plus imipenem treatment relies essentially on the activity of bedaquiline in a C3HeB/FeJ mice model of infection with a rough variant of M. abscessus. The addition of imipenem contributed at clearing the infection in the spleen.




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MgrB inactivation is responsible for acquired resistance to colistin in Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii [Mechanisms of Resistance]

Multidrug resistant strains belonging to the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) group, and especially those belonging to clusters C-III, C-IV and C-VIII, have increasingly emerged as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, with colistin used as one of the last line of treatment. However, colistin-resistant ECC strains have emerged. The aim of this study was to prove that MgrB, the negative regulator of PhoP/PhoQ two-component regulatory system, is involved in colistin resistance in ECC of cluster C-VIII, formerly referred to as Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii. An in vitro mutant (Eh22-Mut) was selected from a clinical isolate of Eh22. The sequencing analysis of its mgrB gene showed the presence of one nucleotide deletion leading to the formation of a truncated protein of six instead of 47 amino acids. Wild-type mgrB gene from Eh22, as well as that of a clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae used as controls, were cloned and the corresponding recombinant plasmids were used for complementation assays. Results showed a fully restored susceptibility to colistin, and confirmed for the first time that mgrB gene expression plays a key role in acquired resistance to colistin in ECC strains.




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Imipenem population pharmacokinetics: therapeutic drug monitoring data collected in critically ill patients with or without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [Pharmacology]

Carbapenem pharmacokinetic profiles are significantly changed in critically ill patients because of the drastic variability of the patients' physiological parameters. Published population PK studies have mainly focused on specific diseases and the majority of these studies had small sample sizes. The aim of this study was to develop a population PK model of imipenem in critically ill patients that estimated the influence of various clinical and biological covariates and the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). A two-compartment population PK model with Creatinine clearance (CrCL), body weight (WT), and ECMO as fixed effects was developed using the non-linear mixed effect model (NONMEM). A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to evaluate various dosing schemes and different levels of covariates based on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic index (f%T>MIC) for the range of clinically relevant minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs). The results showed that there may be insufficient drug use in the clinical routine drug dose regimen, and 750mg Q6h could achieve a higher treatment success rate. The blood concentrations of imipenem in ECMO patients were lower than that of non-ECMO patients, therefore dosage may need to be increased. The dosage may need adjustment for patients with CrCL ≤ 70ml/min, but dose should be lowered carefully to avoid the insufficient drug exposure. Dose adjustment is not necessary for patients within the WT ranging from 50-80 kg. Due to the large variation in PK profile of imipenem in critically ill patients, TDM should be carried out to optimize drug regimens.




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Structural basis of reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam and cefiderocol in Enterobacter cloacae due to AmpC R2 loop deletion [Mechanisms of Resistance]

Ceftazidime–avibactam and cefiderocol are two of the latest generation β-lactam agents that possess expanded activity against highly drug-resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. Here we show that structural changes in AmpC β-lactamases can confer reduced susceptibility to both agents. A multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae clinical strain (Ent385) was found to be resistant to ceftazidime–avibactam and cefiderocol without prior exposure to either agent. The AmpC β-lactamase of Ent385 (AmpCEnt385) contained an alanine–proline deletion at positions 294–295 (A294_P295del) in the R2 loop. AmpCEnt385 conferred reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime–avibactam and cefiderocol when cloned into Escherichia coli TOP10. Purified AmpCEnt385 showed increased hydrolysis of ceftazidime and cefiderocol compared with AmpCEnt385Rev, in which the deletion was reverted. Comparisons of crystal structures of AmpCEnt385 and AmpCP99, the canonical AmpC of E. cloacae, revealed that the two-residue deletion in AmpCEnt385 induced drastic structural changes of the H-9 and H-10 helices and the R2 loop, which accounted for the increased hydrolysis of ceftazidime and cefiderocol. The potential for a single mutation in ampC to confer reduced susceptibility to both ceftazidime–avibactam and cefiderocol requires close monitoring.

Importance Ceftazidime–avibactam and cefiderocol are newly approved β-lactam agents that possess broad spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. We show here that a two amino-acid deletion in the chromosomal AmpC β-lactamase, identified in a clinical strain of Enterobacter cloacae, confers reduced susceptibility to both agents. By crystallographic studies of free and drug-bound forms of enzyme, we demonstrate that this deletion in AmpC induces slanting of the H-9 helix that is directly connected with the R2 loop, and disappearance of the H-10 helix, is directly responsible for increased hydrolysis of ceftazidime and cefiderocol. These findings provide novel insights into how MDR Gram-negative bacteria may evolve their β-lactamases to survive selective pressure from these newly developed β-lactam agents.




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Therapeutic efficacy of a mixed formulation of conventional and PEGylated liposomes containing meglumine antimoniate, combined with allopurinol, in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum [Experimental Therapeutics]

Treatment of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum using meglumine antimoniate (MA) encapsulated in conventional liposomes (LC) in association with allopurinol has been previously reported to promote marked reduction in the parasite burden in the main infection sites. Here, a new assay in naturally infected dogs was performed using a novel liposome formulation of MA consisting of a mixture of conventional and long-circulating (PEGylated) liposomes (LCP), with expected broader distribution among affected tissues of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Experimental groups of naturally infected dogs were as follows: LCP+Allop, receiving LCP intravenously as 2 cycles of 6 doses (6.5 mg Sb/kg/dose) at 4-day intervals, plus allopurinol at 30 mg/kg/12 h p.o. during 130 days; LC+Allop, receiving LC intravenously as 2 cycles of 6 doses (6.5 mg Sb/kg/dose), plus allopurinol during 130 days; Allop, treated with allopurinol only; non-treated control. Parasite loads were evaluated by quantitative PCR in liver, spleen and bone marrow and by immunohistochemistry in the ear skin, before, just after treatment and 4 months later. LCP+Allop and LC+Allop groups, but not the Allop group, showed significant suppression of the parasites in the liver, spleen and bone marrow 4 months after treatment, compared to the pre-treatment period or the control group. Only LCP+Allop group showed significantly lower parasite burden in the skin, in comparison to the control group. On the basis of clinical staging and parasitological evaluations, LCP formulation exhibited a more favorable therapeutic profile, when compared to LC one, being therefore promising for treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis.




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Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Characterization of Omadacycline Against Haemophilus influenzae Using a One-Compartment In Vitro Infection Model [Pharmacology]

Omadacycline is a novel aminomethylcycline with activity against Gram-positive and -negative organisms, including Haemophilus influenzae, which is one of the leading causes of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). The evaluation of antimicrobial agents against H. influenzae using standard murine infection models is challenging due to the low pathogenicity of this species in mice. Therefore, 24-hour dose-ranging studies using a one-compartment in vitro infection model were undertaken with the goal of characterizing the magnitude of the ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) to the MIC (AUC/MIC ratio) associated with efficacy for a panel of five clinical H. influenzae isolates. These five isolates, which had MIC values of 1 or 2 mg/L, were exposed to omadacycline total-drug epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentration-time profiles based on those observed in healthy volunteers following intravenous omadacycline administration. Relationships between change in log10 colony forming units (CFU) from baseline at 24 hours and total-drug ELF AUC/MIC ratio for each isolate and the isolates pooled together were evaluated using Hill-type models and non-linear least squares regression. As evidenced by the high coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.88 to 0.98, total-drug ELF AUC/MIC ratio described the data well for each isolate and the isolates pooled together. The median total-drug ELF AUC/MIC ratio associated with net bacterial stasis and 1- and 2-log10 CFU/mL reductions from baseline at 24 hours was 6.91, 8.91, and 11.1, respectively. These data were useful to support the omadacycline dosing regimens selected for the treatment of patients with CABP, as well as susceptibility breakpoints for H. influenzae.




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Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure-Response Relationships of Baloxavir Marboxil in Patients Infected with Influenza at High Risk of Influenza Complications [Clinical Therapeutics]

Baloxavir marboxil, a prodrug of cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor, baloxavir acid, reduces the time to improvement of influenza symptoms in patients infected with type A or B influenza virus. To characterize its pharmacokinetics, a population pharmacokinetic model for baloxavir acid was developed using 11846 plasma concentration data items from 1827 subjects including 2341 plasma concentration data items from 664 patients at high risk of influenza complications. A three-compartment model with first-order elimination and first-order absorption with lag time well described the plasma concentration data. Body weight and race were found to be the most important factors influencing clearance and volume of distribution. The exposures in high-risk patients were similar to those in otherwise healthy patients, and no pharmacokinetic difference was identified regarding any risk factors for influenza complications.

Exposure-response analyses were performed regarding the time to improvement of symptoms and the reduction in the influenza virus titer in high-risk patients. The analyses suggested that body weight-based dosage, 40 mg for patients weighing < 80 kg and 80 mg for patients weighing ≥ 80 kg, can shorten the time to improvement of influenza symptoms and reduce virus titer for both type A and B influenza virus regardless of the exposure levels of the high-risk patients as well as for the otherwise healthy influenza patients.

The results of our population pharmacokinetic and exposure-response analyses in patients with risk factors of influenza complications should provide useful information on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of baloxavir marboxil and also for the optimization of dose regimens.




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Thioridazine is an efflux pump inhibitor in Mycobacterium avium complex but of limited clinical relevance [Susceptibility]

Treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is challenging partly due to high efflux pump expression. Thioridazine might block these efflux pumps. We explore thioridazine's efficacy against M. avium using minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), time-kill combination assays, ex vivo macrophage infection assays and efflux assays. Thioridazine is bactericidal against M. avium, inhibits intracellular growth at 2x MIC and blocks ethidium bromide efflux. However, its toxicity and low plasma concentrations, make it unlikely to add efficacy to MAC-PD therapy.




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Genetic Mutations Associated with Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mongolia [Epidemiology and Surveillance]

Globally, mutations in the katG gene account for the majority of isoniazid-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Buyankhishig et al analyzed a limited number of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Mongolia and found that isoniazid resistance was mainly attributable to inhA mutations. The GenoType® MTBDRplus assay was performed for isolates collected in the First National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey and the Third Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey to investigate genetic mutations associated with isoniazid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mongolia. Of the 409 isoniazid-resistant isolates detected by the GenoType® MTBDRplus assay, 127 (31.1%) were resistant to rifampicin, 294 (71.9%) had inhA mutations without katG mutations, 113 (27.6%) had katG mutations without inhA mutations, and two (0.5%) strains had mutations in both the inhA and katG genes. Of the 115 strains with any katG mutation, 114 (99.1%) had mutations in codon 315 (S315T). Of the 296 trains with any inhA mutation, 290 (98.0%) had a C–15T mutation. The proportion of isoniazid-resistant strains with katG mutations was 25.3% among new cases and 36.2% among retreatment cases (p=0.03), as well as 17.0% among rifampicin-susceptible strains and 52.8% among rifampicin-resistant strains (p<0.01). Rifampicin resistance was significantly associated with the katG mutation (adjusted odds ratio 5.36, 95% CI 3.3–8.67, p<0.001). Mutations in inhA predominated in isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis in Mongolia. However, the proportion of katG mutations in isolates from previously treated cases was higher than that among new cases, and that in cases with rifampicin resistance was higher than that in cases without rifampicin resistance.




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Emergence of Mycobacterium leprae rifampicin resistance evaluated by whole-genome sequencing after 48 years of irregular treatment [Epidemiology and Surveillance]

A case of M. leprae rifampicin resistance after irregular anti-leprosy treatments since 1971 is reported. Whole-genome sequencing from four longitudinal samples indicated relapse due to acquired rifampicin resistance and not to reinfection with another strain. A putative compensatory mutation in rpoC was also detected. Clinical improvement was achieved using an alternative therapy.




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The emergence of fexA in mediating resistance to florfenicols in Campylobacter [Mechanisms of Resistance]

Florfenicol belongs to a class of phenicol antimicrobials widely used as feed additives and for the treatment of respiratory infections. In recent years, increasing resistance to florfenicol has been reported in Campylobacter spp., the leading foodborne enteric pathogen causing diarrheal diseases worldwide. Here, we reported the identification of fexA, a novel mobile florfenicol resistance gene in Campylobacter. Of the 100 Campylobacter jejuni strains isolated from poultry in Zhejiang, China, nine of them were shown to be fexA positive, and their whole genome sequences were further determined by integration of Illumina short-read and MinION long-read sequencing. The fexA gene was found in the plasmid of one strain and chromosomes of eight strains, and its location was verified by S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (S1-PFGE) and Southern blotting. Based on comparative analysis, the fexA gene was located within a region with the tet(L)-fexA-catA-tet(O) gene arrangement, demonstrated to be successfully transferrable among C. jejuni strains. Functional cloning indicated that acquisition of the single fexA gene significantly increased resistance to florfenicol, whereas its inactivation resulted in increased susceptibility to florfenicol in Campylobacter. Taken together, these results indicated that the emerging fexA resistance is horizontally transferable, which might greatly facilitate the adaptation of Campylobacter in food producing environments where florfenicols are frequently used.




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Focusing the lens on the CAMERA concepts: Early combination {beta}-lactam and vancomycin therapy in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia [Minireviews]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has grown to become a major burden on healthcare systems. The cumulation of limited therapeutic options and worsened patient outcomes with persistent MRSA bacteremia has driven research in optimizing its initial management. The guidelines published by the Infectious Disease of America currently recommend combination therapy for refractory MRSA bacteremia, but the utility of combining antibiotics from the start of therapy is under investigation. The alternative strategy of early use of a β-lactam antibiotics in combination with vancomycin upon initial MRSA bacteremia detection has shown promise. While this concept has gained international attention, providers should give this strategy serious consideration prior to implementation. The objective of this review is to examine retrospective and prospective evidence for early combination with vancomycin and β-lactam antibiotics, as well as explore potential consequences of combination therapy.




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Manogepix (APX001A) displays potent in vitro activity against human pathogenic yeast, but with an unexpected correlation to fluconazole MICs [Susceptibility]

Manogepix (APX001A) is the active moiety of the novel drug candidate fosmanogepix (APX001). We previously reported the broad-spectrum activity of manogepix but also observed a correlation between increased manogepix and fluconazole MICs. Here we extended this study and included isolates with acquired fluconazole resistance.

Isolates (n=835) were identified using CHROMagar, MALDI-TOF and, when needed, ITS-sequencing. EUCAST E.Def 7.3.1 susceptibility testing included manogepix, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin, fluconazole and voriconazole. Manogepix wildtype-upper-limit (WT-UL) values were established following EUCAST-principles for ECOFF setting allowing wildtype/non-wildtype classification. Drug-specific MIC correlations were investigated using Pearson's correlation.

Manogepix modal MICs were low (range 0.004-0.06 mg/L against 16/20 included species). Exceptions were C. krusei and C. inconspicua, and to a lesser extent C. kefyr and Pichia kluyveri. The activity was independent of Fks echinocandin hot-spot alterations (n=17). Adopting the WT-UL established for C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, 14/724 (1.9%) isolates were non-wildtype for manogepix. Twelve of these (85.7%) were also non-wildtype for fluconazole. A statistically significant correlation was observed between manogepix and fluconazole MICs for C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis (Pearson r=0.401-0.575), but not between manogepix and micafungin or amphotericin B MICs for any species except C. tropicalis (r=0.519 for manogepix versus micafungin).

Broad-spectrum activity was confirmed for manogepix against contemporary yeast. However, a 1-4 two-fold-dilution increase in manogepix MICs is observed in a subset of isolates with acquired fluconazole resistance. Further studies on the potential underlying mechanism and implication for optimal dosing are warranted.




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Performance of the Modified Boston and Philadelphia Criteria for Invasive Bacterial Infections

BACKGROUND:

The ability of the decades-old Boston and Philadelphia criteria to accurately identify infants at low risk for serious bacterial infections has not been recently reevaluated.

METHODS:

We assembled a multicenter cohort of infants 29 to 60 days of age who had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures obtained. We report the performance of the modified Boston criteria (peripheral white blood cell count [WBC] ≥20 000 cells per mm3, CSF WBC ≥10 cells per mm3, and urinalysis with >10 WBC per high-power field or positive urine dip result) and modified Philadelphia criteria (peripheral WBC ≥15 000 cells per mm3, CSF WBC ≥8 cells per mm3, positive CSF Gram-stain result, and urinalysis with >10 WBC per high-power field or positive urine dip result) for the identification of invasive bacterial infections (IBIs). We defined IBI as bacterial meningitis (growth of pathogenic bacteria from CSF culture) or bacteremia (growth from blood culture).

RESULTS:

We applied the modified Boston criteria to 8344 infants and the modified Philadelphia criteria to 8131 infants. The modified Boston criteria identified 133 of the 212 infants with IBI (sensitivity 62.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 55.9% to 69.3%] and specificity 59.2% [95% CI 58.1% to 60.2%]), and the modified Philadelphia criteria identified 157 of the 219 infants with IBI (sensitivity 71.7% [95% CI 65.2% to 77.6%] and specificity 46.1% [95% CI 45.0% to 47.2%]). The modified Boston and Philadelphia criteria misclassified 17 of 53 (32.1%) and 13 of 56 (23.3%) infants with bacterial meningitis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The modified Boston and Philadelphia criteria misclassified a substantial number of infants 29 to 60 days old with IBI, including those with bacterial meningitis.




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Antibiotic Use and Outcomes in Children in the Emergency Department With Suspected Pneumonia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Antibiotic therapy is often prescribed for suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children despite a lack of knowledge of causative pathogen. Our objective in this study was to investigate the association between antibiotic prescription and treatment failure in children with suspected CAP who are discharged from the hospital emergency department (ED).

METHODS:

We performed a prospective cohort study of children (ages 3 months–18 years) who were discharged from the ED with suspected CAP. The primary exposure was antibiotic receipt or prescription. The primary outcome was treatment failure (ie, hospitalization after being discharged from the ED, return visit with antibiotic initiation or change, or antibiotic change within 7–15 days from the ED visit). The secondary outcomes included parent-reported quality-of-life measures. Propensity score matching was used to limit potential bias attributable to treatment selection between children who did and did not receive an antibiotic prescription.

RESULTS:

Of 337 eligible children, 294 were matched on the basis of propensity score. There was no statistical difference in treatment failure between children who received antibiotics and those who did not (odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.45–2.2). There was no difference in the proportion of children with return visits with hospitalization (3.4% with antibiotics versus 3.4% without), initiation and/or change of antibiotics (4.8% vs 6.1%), or parent-reported quality-of-life measures.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among children with suspected CAP, the outcomes were not statistically different between those who did and did not receive an antibiotic prescription.




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Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




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Yaeger selected as the Eberly College Cooperative Education Student of the Year

Emilee Yaeger, an undergraduate student in the Science BS/MBA accelerated joint degree program, has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Eberly College of Science Cooperative Education Student of the Year Award. The award recognizes the student’s academic achievements and contributions to the participating employer, the University, the community, and the field of cooperative education.




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Faculty member earns doctorate, selected as Fulbright specialist

Beth E. Michalec, lecturer of corporate communication at Penn State Lehigh Valley, earned a doctorate in rhetoric from Duquesne University. Michalec was selected as a Fulbright specialist in June 2019 by the U.S. Department of State.




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E-cigarette Product Characteristics and Subsequent Frequency of Cigarette Smoking

Jessica L. Barrington-Trimis
May 1, 2020; 145:e20191652-e20191652
ARTICLES




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Antibiotic Use and Outcomes in Children in the Emergency Department With Suspected Pneumonia

Matthew J. Lipshaw
Apr 1, 2020; 145:e20193138-e20193138
ARTICLES




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COVID-19 in Children: Initial Characterization of the Pediatric Disease

Andrea T. Cruz
Apr 8, 2020; 0:peds.2020-0834v2-e20200834
COMMENTARY




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Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




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Virtual services keeping Hazleton students, campus connected during crisis

Penn State Hazleton’s Student Services and Engagement team is continuing to forge personal connections with students while operating under the restrictions in the virtual environment created by the COVID-19 crisis.




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Unexpected Increased Mortality After Implementation of a Commercially Sold Computerized Physician Order Entry System

Yong Y. Han
Dec 1, 2005; 116:1506-1512
ARTICLES




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Febrile Infants at Low Risk for Serious Bacterial Infection--An Appraisal of the Rochester Criteria and Implications for Management

Julie A. Jaskiewicz
Sep 1, 1994; 94:390-396
COMMENTARY




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Secondary Sexual Characteristics and Menses in Young Girls Seen in Office Practice: A Study from the Pediatric Research in Office Settings Network

Marcia E. Herman-Giddens
Apr 1, 1997; 99:505-512
ARTICLES




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Behrend students inducted into business honor society

Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business inducted 30 students into the Beta Gamma Sigma international business honor society on April 17. The students are enrolled in the college’s residential programs and in Penn State World Campus majors that are offered by the Black School.




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Wrongfully convicted death-row inmate shares story at Penn State Fayette

Juan Roberto Meléndez-Colón was exonerated, in 2002, after nearly 18 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. He visited Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus to share his story on March 5.




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Mann elected to National Academy of Sciences

Michael Mann, distinguished professor of atmospheric sciences and director of Penn State's Earth System Science Center at Penn State, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, recognizing distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Membership in the NAS is one of the highest honors given to a scientist or engineer in the United States.




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Librarian at Penn State Harrisburg elected to third term leading national group

Bernadette Lear, Penn State University Libraries behavioral sciences and education librarian and coordinator of library instruction at the Penn State Harrisburg Library, has been elected vice chair/chair elect of the Library History Round Table, a membership group of the American Library Association.




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Penn State Law librarian elected 2021 chair of national law library organization

Rebecca Mattson, head of faculty and research services for the H. Laddie Montague Jr. Law Library, Penn State University Libraries, and professor of legal research at Penn State Law at University Park, has been elected vice chair/chair elect of the Research Instruction and Patron Services Special Interest Section of the American Association of Law Libraries.




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Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




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Students' Mobile Device Use and Frustrations Reflected in Survey

Students report that schools' filters, firewalls, and blockage of social media sites are obstacles to their use of educational technology.




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Lewis Macdonald MSP elected as temporary Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament in response to coronavirus pandemic

Lewis Macdonald MSP has been elected as a temporary Deputy Presiding Officer (DPO) of the Scottish Parliament. The election was held as part of the Parliament's response to the coronavirus pandemic.




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New Covid-19 Committee expected to be created by Parliament

• A new Committee will be created to scrutinise the response to the Covid-19 outbreak, subject to Parliamentary approval.




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Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




cte

Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




cte

Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




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Wintrust Financial Corporation Announces Precautionary Decision to Help Achieve Community Health Objectives By Temporarily Closing Selected Branches

To view more press releases, please visit http://ir.wintrust.com/news.aspx?iid=1024452.




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Unexpected love and respect

Rosario, Argentina :: Church members from a vulnerable community learn about human trafficking and experience care and respect.




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Report: Chinese Spies Infected Apple, Amazon Using Tiny Chips

Bloomberg says People's Liberation Army operatives added tiny, nefarious microchips to server motherboards made by Super Micro and used by Apple and Amazon, among others. All three companies pushed back hard on the story.




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The Circle: The Best Show You're Probably Already Addicted to

On Netflix's social-media-based reality show, contestants live in the same building but in separate apartments, communicating via an Alexa-like voice assistant and chat system.




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Plasma medicine research highlights antibacterial effects and potential uses

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Engineering, College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Medicine say direct LTP treatment and plasma-activated media are effective treatments against bacteria found in liquid cultures and have devised a way to create plasma directly in liquids.




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Weather Risk Management Club stays connected, examines pandemic impacts remotely

The Weather Risk Management Club has continued meeting via Zoom during the remote learning period, carrying on their work examining the impacts of severe weather events on the economy.




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Netherlands selected to host Futsal EURO 2022

Amsterdam and Groningen will stage the expanded 16-team finals from 19 January to 6 February 2022.




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COVID-19 in Children: Initial Characterization of the Pediatric Disease




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Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Children and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19