The Double Cola Company Recalls Select Cases of Its Cherry Ski Product - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

The Double Cola Company is recalling approximately 200 cases of its Cherry SKI product because they are incorrectly labeled. Only the Cherry SKI products with the new design are being recalled, which were delivered to the southern Illinois, Evansville, IN and Winchester, OH markets.

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Economic Evaluation of a Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Program in Nursing Homes - American Geriatric Society

Objective

To assess the economic effect and cost effectiveness of a targeted catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention intervention in the nursing home (NH) setting.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Community-based NHs (N=12).

Participants

NH residents with indwelling urinary catheters (N=418).

Intervention

Standard care versus infection prevention program involving barrier precautions, active surveillance, and NH staff education.

Measurements

Costs of the intervention, costs of disease, and health outcomes were used to calculate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the intervention. Data came from intervention results and the literature and outcomes were analyzed over one year.

Results

A 120-bed NH would have program costs of $20,279/year. The cost of disease treatment would be reduced by $54,316 per year, resulting in a $34,037 net cost savings. Most of this savings would come from fewer CAUTI hospitalizations ($39,180), with $15,136 in savings from CAUTI care within the NH. The intervention also yielded a gain of 0.197 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Taking into account uncertainty in all parameters suggests there is an 85% chance that the intervention is cost-saving.

Conclusions

The CAUTI prevention program is expected to benefit payers by reducing costs and improving health outcomes. Because the savings accrue to payers and not to NHs, payers such as Medicare and private insurers may want to provide incentives for NHs to implement such programs.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01062841

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Predictors and Outcomes of Revisits in Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To study predictors of emergency department (ED) revisits and the association between ED revisits and 90-day functional decline or mortality.

Design

Multicenter cohort study.

Setting

One academic and two regional Dutch hospitals.

Participants

Older adults discharged from the ED (N=1,093).

Measurements

At baseline, data on demographic characteristics, illness severity, and geriatric parameters (cognition, functional capacity) were collected. All participants were prospectively followed for an unplanned revisit within 30 days and for functional decline and mortality 90 days after the initial visit.

Results

The median age was 79 (interquartile range 74–84), and 114 participants (10.4%) had an ED revisit within 30 days of discharge. Age (hazard ratio (HR)=0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92–0.99), male sex (HR=1.61, 95% CI=1.05–2.45), polypharmacy (HR=2.06, 95% CI=1.34–3.16), and cognitive impairment (HR=1.71, 95% CI=1.02–2.88) were independent predictors of a 30-day ED revisit. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict an ED revisit was 0.65 (95% CI=0.60–0.70). In a propensity score–matched analysis, individuals with an ED revisit were at higher risk (odds ratio=1.99 95% CI=1.06–3.71) of functional decline or mortality.

Conclusion

Age, male sex, polypharmacy, and cognitive impairment were independent predictors of a 30-day ED revisit, but no useful clinical prediction model could be developed. However, an early ED revisit is a strong new predictor of adverse outcomes in older adults.

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Carnivore Meat Company Issues Voluntary Recall of “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs” Pet Food - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Carnivore Meat Company of Green Bay, WI, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount, 73 cases, of “Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs” pet food because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall includes only the product listed below.

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Progressive Laboratories, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Product - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Progressive Laboratories, Inc., located at 3131 Story Road West, Irving, Texas 75038, USA, is voluntarily recalling Testosterzone, Thyroid Resilience, Xenesta Nuvive Men’s, and Xenesta Nuvive Women’s, because it may contain an undeclared allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk could run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on FDA’s ongoing efforts to help improve effectiveness of influenza vaccines - FDA Press Releases

FDA provides update on flu vaccines during this severe flu season

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The chejuenolide biosynthetic gene cluster harboring an iterative trans-AT PKS system in Hahella chejuensis strain MB-1084 - Journal of Antibiotics

The chejuenolide biosynthetic gene cluster harboring an iterative trans-AT PKS system in Hahella chejuensis strain MB-1084

The chejuenolide biosynthetic gene cluster harboring an iterative <i>trans</i>-AT PKS system in <i>Hahella chejuensis</i> strain MB-1084, Published online: 26 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0023-x

The chejuenolide biosynthetic gene cluster harboring an iterative trans-AT PKS system in Hahella chejuensis strain MB-1084

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Lotte Int’l America Corp Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Peanut In "Kancho Choco Biscuit" - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

LOTTE Int’l America Corp. located in Los Angeles, CA is recalling its 1.48-ounce packages of "Kancho Choco Biscuit" manufactured by LOTTE Confectionery Co. Ltd. Korea because of findings of small amounts of peanut in the product and no peanut declaration.

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Frailty and Polypharmacy in Older Patients with Otolaryngologic Diseases - Geriatrics

Frailty and Polypharmacy commonly impact disease processes and treatment of patients with otolaryngologic disorders. Although well known to geriatricians, the 2 concepts often elude other physicians, including otolaryngologists. This article reviews the common manifestations likely to be encountered in otolaryngology patients, reviews frailty measures in surgical patients, and makes recommendations regarding education of nongeriatricians.

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Balance Disorders in Older Adults - Geriatrics

Balance disorders are common in the elderly and can lead to falls, with resultant severe morbidity and even mortality. Progressive loss of vestibular function begins in middle age and is affected by multiple disease processes. Polypharmacy impacts many disease processes in the elderly, with balance function being one of the most susceptible. Evaluation of the older patient with a balance disorder is critical for the well-being of these patients, as it may drive intervention. This article reviews balance disorders often encountered in older patients and makes recommendations regarding education of nonotolaryngologists.

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TruPet, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain "Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight" Pet Treats - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

TruPet, LLC of Milford, OH, is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight, 2.5oz Pet treats because the products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recall includes only the product listed below.

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Northwest Naturals Voluntarily Recalls 5lb Frozen Chicken and Salmon Pet Food Chubs Because of Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon is recalling 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon petfood chubs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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Design and Validation of a Radio-Frequency Identification-Based Device for Routinely Assessing Gait Speed in a Geriatrics Clinic - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based system to measure gait speed in a clinical setting as a first step to using unobtrusive gait speed assessment in routine clinical care.

Design

Feasibility study comparing gait speed assessed using an RFID-based system with gait speed assessed using handheld stopwatch, the criterion standard.

Setting

Outpatient geriatrics clinic at a Connecticut-based academic medical center.

Participants

Clinic attendees who could walk independently with or without an assistive device (N=50) and healthcare providers (N=9).

Measurements

Gait speed was measured in twice using 2 methods each time before participants entered an examination room. Participants walked at their usual pace while gait speed was recorded simultaneously using the RFID-based system and a handheld stopwatch operated by a trained study investigator. After 2 trials, participants completed a brief survey regarding their experience. At the end of the study period, clinic healthcare providers completed a separate survey.

Results

Test-retest reliability of the RFID-based system was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.953). The mean difference ± standard deviation in gait speed between the RFID-based system and the stopwatch was –0.003±0.035 m/s (p=.53) and did not differ significantly according to age, sex, or use of an assistive walking aid. Acceptability of the device was high, and 8 of 9 providers indicated that measuring gait speed using the RFID-based system should be a part of routine clinical care.

Conclusion

RFID technology may offer a practical means of overcoming barriers to routine measurement of gait speed in real-world outpatient clinical settings.

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Targeted Geriatric Assessment for Fast-Paced Healthcare Settings: Development, Validity, and Reliability - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To develop and examine the validity and reliability of a targeted geriatric assessment (TaGA) for busy healthcare settings.

Design

The TaGA was developed through the consensus of experts (Delphi technique), and we investigated its construct validity and reliability in a cross-sectional study.

Setting

Geriatric day hospital specializing in acute care in Brazil.

Participants

Older adults (N = 534) aged 79.5 ± 8.4, 63% female, consecutively admitted to the geriatric day hospital.

Measurements

The Frailty Index (FI), Physical Frailty Phenotype, and Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) were used to explore the TaGA's validity. External scales were used to investigate the validity of each matched TaGA domain. The interrater reliability and time to complete the instrument were tested in a 53-person subsample.

Results

In 3 rounds of opinion, experts achieved consensus that the TaGA should include 10 domains (social support, recent hospital admissions, falls, number of medications, basic activities of daily living, cognitive performance, self-rated health, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, gait speed). They arrived at sufficient agreement on specific tools to assess each domain. A single numerical score from 0 to 1 expressed the cumulative deficits across the 10 domains. The TaGA score was highly correlated with the FI (Spearman coefficient = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76–0.82) and discriminated between frail and nonfrail individuals better than the ISAR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.84 vs 0.72; P < .001). The TaGA score also had excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92, 95% CI=0.87–0.95). Mean TaGA administration time was 9.5 ± 2.2 minutes.

Conclusion

The study presents evidence supporting the TaGA's validity and reliability. This instrument may be a practical and efficient approach to screening geriatric syndromes in fast-paced healthcare settings. Future research should investigate its predictive value and effect on care.

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Confusion and Bacteriuria in Long-Term Care Facility Residents - American Geriatric Society

This letter comments on the article by Mayne et al.

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Graphical Instructions for Administration and Scoring the Mini-Cog: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To develop a novel set of graphical Mini-Cog instructions designed to aid clinicians previously untrained on the Mini-Cog in accurate administration and scoring and to determine whether use of these graphical instructions improved the speed and accuracy of deployment of this tool.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Testing was conducted in a simulated environment with a mock patient.

Participants

Registered nurses working in inpatient or outpatient settings at a large academic medical center who had no prior exposure to or training with the Mini-Cog (N=92).

Measurements

Our primary outcome was the composite proportion of nurses who made errors in administration or scoring of the Mini-Cog.

Results

None of the nurses in the graphical instruction group and 28 (61%) in the standardized instructions group (15 (33%) made administration errors, 22 (48%) made scoring errors) made errors. Nurses randomly assigned to the graphical group were able to read (median 36 vs 54 seconds, P<.001), administer (46 vs 62 seconds, P<.001), and score (15 vs 84 seconds, P<.001) the Mini-Cog more quickly than those in the standardized instructions group.

Conclusion

Graphical instructions increase the accuracy and speed of test administration in nurses without prior training in Mini-Cog administration. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and evaluate the use of this method in other healthcare professionals and settings.

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Home-Based Primary Care: Beyond Extension of the Independence at Home Demonstration - American Geriatric Society

The Independence at Home (IAH) Demonstration Year 2 results confirmed that the first-year savings were 10 times as great as those of the pioneer accountable care organizations during their initial 2 years. We update projected savings from nationwide conversion of the IAH demonstration, incorporating Year 2 results and improving attribution of IAH-qualified (IAH-Q) Medicare beneficiaries to home-based primary care (HBPC) practices. Applying IAH qualifying criteria to beneficiaries in the Medicare 5% claims file, the effect of expanding HBPC to the 2.4 million IAH-Q beneficiaries is projected using various growth rates. Total 10-year system-wide savings (accounting for IAH implementation but before excluding shared savings) range from $2.6 billion to $27.8 billion, depending on how many beneficiaries receive HBPC on conversion to a Medicare benefit, mix of clinical practice success, and growth rate of IAH practices. Net projected savings to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) after routine billing for IAH services and distribution of shared savings ranges from $1.8 billion to $10.9 billion. If aligning IAH with other advanced alternative payment models achieved at least 35% penetration of the eligible population in 10 years, CMS savings would exceed savings with the current IAH design and HBPC growth rate. If the demonstration were simply extended 2 years with a beneficiary cap of 50,000 instead of 15,000 (as currently proposed), CMS would save an additional $46 million. The recent extension of IAH, a promising person-centered CMS program for managing medically complex and frail elderly adults, offers the chance to evaluate modifications to promote more rapid HBPC growth.

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Delirium—A Framework to Improve Acute Care for Older Persons - American Geriatric Society

Abstract

This article is based on the M. Powell Lawton Award Lecture that I delivered at the 2016 Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting. I provide an overview of my journey in geriatric medicine and delirium research. I created new measures, including the Confusion Assessment Method, for identification of delirium; conceptualized a multifactorial risk model; and developed and tested intervention strategies for delirium prevention. The Hospital Elder Life Program arose from this work. In addition, like Dr. Lawton, I am working to apply my work to the policy arena. As the population ages, we face an unprecedented opportunity to realize the full benefit of aging in our society, an untapped resource. The field of aging is facing innumerable challenges in terms of continued stigma and funding shortfalls for clinical care and research. I issue a call to action to clinicians, researchers, and leaders in aging to seize this opportunity to use our know-how and expertise to transform the experience of aging for all.

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Statement from Stephen Ostroff M.D., Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, on National Toxicology Program draft report on Bisphenol A - FDA Press Releases

FDA provides update on Clarity-BPA

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La Pasta Inc/Heinen’s. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Product Heinen’s Potato Gnocchi UPC# 02060141062 - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

La Pasta Inc. of Silver Spring, Maryland is recalling the private label Potato Gnocchi manufactured for Heinen’s supermarkets because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

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Bella all Natural Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Diet Capsules Labeled as Bella, Due to Presence of Sibutramine - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Bella All Natural is voluntarily recalling its Diet Capsules labeled as Bella, Lot Number MFD:10.15.2017 EXP: 10.14.2019, to the consumer level.

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Hospira Issues A Voluntary Nationwide Recall For Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP, Due To The Potential Of Cracked Glass At The Rim Surface Of The Vials - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer company, is voluntarily recalling 3 lots of Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 100 mg/20 mL Vial (NDC 0409-2267-20), and one lot of Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP, Novaplus® (NDC 0409-2267-25) to the hospital/institution level. Hospira, Inc. initiated this recall due to the discovery of cracks on the rim surface of vials for these lots, which is covered by the stopper and crimp seal.

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Anesthesia in the Elderly Patient Undergoing Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery - Geriatrics

Geriatric patients undergoing surgery have a whole set of specific physiologic changes, perioperative needs, and postoperative complications. This review presents an overview of the basic concepts and the evolving challenges pertaining to the care of geriatric patients undergoing otolaryngologic procedures from the perspective of the anesthesiologist.

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Seggiano USA, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Tree Nuts - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Seggiano USA, Inc. of Cheyenne, WY is voluntarily recalling Tuscan Kale Pesto mislabeled with Artichoke & Garlic labels because the labels do not declare tree nuts (cashews). Individuals who have allergies to tree nuts run the risk of a serious life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the Tuscan Kale Pesto product. No incidents have been reported to date in connection with this issue.

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Snyder’s Lance Announces Voluntary Recall of a Limited Amount of 6.5 oz Emerald® Glazed Walnuts Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews and Pecans - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Emerald® Nuts is initiating a voluntary recall for a limited amount of its 6.5oz Glazed Walnuts product, distributed nationwide, due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts, almonds, cashews and pecans in the product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product

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Market of Choice Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Sezam Kale Salad - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Market of Choice of Eugene, Oregon is recalling Sezam Kale Salad because it may contain undeclared EGG. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

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Allergy Alert Issued by Sunneen Health Foods for Undeclared Pecan in Vegan Buffalo Chicken Bites - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Sunneen Health Foods is voluntarily recalling mislabeled Whole Foods Market Vegan Buffalo Chicken Bites sold at 13 Whole Foods Market stores in New York and New Jersey because the products contained tree nut (pecan) allergens that were not listed on the product label. The issue was discovered at the distribution center. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

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Rhinosinusitis and Allergies in Elderly Patients - Geriatrics

The sinonasal tract plays important roles in respiration, olfaction, and defense against external pathogens. Like many organ systems, the nose and sinuses undergo several changes with advancing age that can play a role in the development of disease. This article discusses the physiology of the aging sinonasal tract and reviews the common diseases affecting older patients, such as rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.

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Head and Neck Cancer in the Elderly - Geriatrics

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a disease of older adults. Recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma portends a poor prognosis, with median overall survival of less than 12 months. Within this vulnerable population, significant treatment-related toxicities and physical and psychosocial sequelae can be devastating to quality of life at the end of life. Shared decision making and early comprehensive palliative and support services are at the crux of the approach to older adults with HNC. In doing so, low-value care that fails to meet the goals of patients and their caregivers at the end-of-life may be avoided.

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FDA oversees destruction and recall of kratom products; and reiterates its concerns on risks associated with this opioid - FDA Press Releases

FDA oversees destruction and recall of kratom products; and reiterates its concerns on risks associated with this opioid

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Planctopirus hydrillae sp. nov., an antibiotic producing Planctomycete isolated from the aquatic plant Hydrilla and its whole genome shotgun sequence analysis - Journal of Antibiotics

Planctopirus hydrillae sp. nov., an antibiotic producing Planctomycete isolated from the aquatic plant Hydrilla and its whole genome shotgun sequence analysis

<i>Planctopirus hydrillae</i> sp. nov., an antibiotic producing <i>Planctomycete</i> isolated from the aquatic plant <i>Hydrilla</i> and its whole genome shotgun sequence analysis, Published online: 21 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0035-1

Planctopirus hydrillae sp. nov., an antibiotic producing Planctomycete isolated from the aquatic plant Hydrilla and its whole genome shotgun sequence analysis

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Fluvirucin B6, a new macrolactam isolated from a marine-derived actinomycete of the genus Nocardiopsis - Journal of Antibiotics

Fluvirucin B6, a new macrolactam isolated from a marine-derived actinomycete of the genus Nocardiopsis

Fluvirucin B6, a new macrolactam isolated from a marine-derived actinomycete of the genus <i>Nocardiopsis</i>, Published online: 21 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0033-3

Fluvirucin B6, a new macrolactam isolated from a marine-derived actinomycete of the genus Nocardiopsis

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The Walking Corpse Syndrome: Geriatrics and the Electronic Health Record - American Geriatric Society

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Factors Affecting Discharge to Home of Geriatric Intermediate Care Facility Residents in Japan - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home from geriatric intermediate care facilities in Japan.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We used data from the nationwide long-term care (LTC) insurance claims database (April 2012–March 2014).

Participants

Study participants were 342,758 individuals newly admitted to 3,459 geriatric intermediate care facilities during the study period.

Measurements

The primary outcome was discharge to home. We performed a multivariable competing-risk Cox regression with adjustment for resident-, facility-, and region-level characteristics. Resident level of care needs and several medical conditions were included as time-varying covariates. Death, admission to a hospital, and admission to another LTC facility were treated as competing risks.

Results

During the 2-year follow-up period, 19% of participants were discharged to home. In the multivariable competing-risk Cox regression, the following factors were significantly associated with lower likelihood of discharge to home: older age, higher level of care need, having several medical conditions, private ownership of the facility, more beds in the facility, and more LTC facility beds per 1,000 adults aged 65 and older in the region.

Conclusion

Only 19% of residents were discharged to home. Our results are useful for policy-makers to promote discharge to home of older adults in geriatric intermediate care facilities.

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A Gift From Mary - American Geriatric Society

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Core Outcome Set for Trials Aimed at Improving the Appropriateness of Polypharmacy in Older People in Primary Care - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in effectiveness trials of interventions aiming to improve the appropriateness of polypharmacy in older people in primary care.

Design

Standard COS development methodology was followed, comprising identification of outcomes of studies from an update of a Cochrane systematic review and previously collected qualitative data and an online Delphi consensus exercise involving three rounds.

Participants

An international panel of 160 stakeholders comprising 120 healthcare experts and a public participant panel of 40 older people.

Measurements

Outcomes identified from studies included in the Cochrane review and secondary analysis of previously collected qualitative data were scored on a 9-point Likert scale using the GRADE scoring system anchored at 1 (not important) and 9 (critical). Consensus criteria for the COS were defined as 70% or more of participants scoring the outcome as critical and 15% or fewer scoring the outcome as not important.

Results

Twenty-nine outcomes identified from the Cochrane review and existing qualitative data were included in the Delphi exercise. The final COS comprised 16 outcomes. The 7 highest-ranked outcomes were serious adverse drug reactions, medication appropriateness, falls, medication regimen complexity, quality of life, mortality, and medication side effects.

Conclusion

A COS for interventions aiming to improve the appropriateness of polypharmacy for older people in primary care has been developed. Future work will focus on identifying appropriate tools to measure these outcomes and testing the implementation of the COS.

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Developing a Core Outcome Set for Trials to Improve Medication Use: Guidelines or Guidance? - American Geriatric Society

This editorial comments on the article by Rankin et al.

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Dementia and Risk of 30-Day Readmission in Older Adults After Discharge from Acute Care Hospitals - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To assess the association between dementia and risk of hospital readmission and to evaluate whether the effect of dementia on hospital readmission varies according to primary diagnosis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide discharge database of acute care hospitals in Japan.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older diagnosed with one of the 30 most common diagnoses and discharged from 987 hospitals between April 2014 and September 2015 (N = 1,834,378).

Measurements

The primary outcome was unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days. Poisson generalized estimating equation models were fitted to assess the risks of readmission for individuals with and without dementia, using primary diagnosis as a possible effect modifier and clinical factors as potential confounders.

Results

The overall prevalence of dementia was 14.7% and varied according to primary diagnosis, ranging from 3.0% in individuals with prostate cancer to 69.4% in those with aspiration pneumonia. Overall, individuals with dementia had a higher risk of hospital readmission (8.3%) than those without (4.1%) (adjusted risk ratio (aRR])=1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.44–1.49), although diagnostic category substantially modified the relationship between dementia and hospital readmission. For hip fracture, dementia was associated with greater risk of hospital readmission (adjusted risk 11.5% vs 7.9%; aRR=1.46; 95% CI=1.28–1.68); this risk was attenuated for cholecystitis (adjusted risk 12.8% vs 12.4%; aRR=1.03; 95% CI=0.90–1.18).

Conclusion

Risk of hospital readmission associated with dementia varied according to primary diagnosis. Healthcare providers could enforce interventions to minimize readmission by focusing on comorbid conditions in individuals with dementia and specific primary diagnoses that increase their risk of readmission.

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Rational design of syn-safencin, a novel linear antimicrobial peptide derived from the circular bacteriocin safencin AS-48 - Journal of Antibiotics

Rational design of syn-safencin, a novel linear antimicrobial peptide derived from the circular bacteriocin safencin AS-48

Rational design of syn-safencin, a novel linear antimicrobial peptide derived from the circular bacteriocin safencin AS-48, Published online: 20 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0032-4

Rational design of syn-safencin, a novel linear antimicrobial peptide derived from the circular bacteriocin safencin AS-48

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Furanoaustinol and 7-acetoxydehydroaustinol: new meroterpenoids from a marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5497 - Journal of Antibiotics

Furanoaustinol and 7-acetoxydehydroaustinol: new meroterpenoids from a marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5497

Furanoaustinol and 7-acetoxydehydroaustinol: new meroterpenoids from a marine-derived fungal strain <i>Penicillium</i> sp. SF-5497, Published online: 20 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0034-2

Furanoaustinol and 7-acetoxydehydroaustinol: new meroterpenoids from a marine-derived fungal strain Penicillium sp. SF-5497

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Dipyrimicin A and B, microbial compounds isolated from Amycolatopsis sp. K16-0194 - Journal of Antibiotics

Dipyrimicin A and B, microbial compounds isolated from Amycolatopsis sp. K16-0194

Dipyrimicin A and B, microbial compounds isolated from <i>Amycolatopsis</i> sp. K16-0194, Published online: 20 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0028-0

Dipyrimicin A and B, microbial compounds isolated from Amycolatopsis sp. K16-0194

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Cutaneous Head and Neck Malignancies in the Elderly - Geriatrics

Cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck affects a large proportion of elderly patients. The severity ranges from small, easily treatable lesions to large, invasive, potentially metastatic tumors. Surgical treatment is the primary treatment of most skin cancers; however, geriatric patients are more likely to have multiple comorbidities that increase the risk of surgery. Multiple treatment modalities exist, including surgical, radiation, and medical therapy. Recommendations and treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma are outlined and reviewed.

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FDA expands approval of Imfinzi to reduce the risk of non-small cell lung cancer progressing - FDA Press Releases

FDA approves drug to reduce the risk of stage III non-small cell lung cancer progressing

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. on the efficacy of the 2017-2018 influenza vaccine - FDA Press Releases

FDA provides update on flu vaccines during this severe flu season

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Recall Expansion Smokehouse Pet Products Inc. Recalls All Lots Of “Beefy Munchies” Sold Nationwide Because Of Possible Salmonella Contamination - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Smokehouse Pet Products, Inc. of Sun Valley, CA is recalling all sizes and package types of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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FDA expands treatment window for use of clot retrieval devices in certain stroke patients - FDA Press Releases

FDA expands treatment window for use of clot retrieval devices in certain stroke patient

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. on advancing the development of novel treatments for neurological conditions; part of broader effort on modernizing FDA’s new drug review programs - FDA Press Releases

FDA’s 5 guidance documents provide details for drug development for neurological conditions such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease

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Hearing Loss in the Elderly - Geriatrics

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss (ARHL), is the result of physiologic and pathologic changes associated with advancing age. ARHL presents typically with a high-frequency hearing loss, which contributes to greater trouble hearing consonants within words. Consonants convey the bulk of meaning within a word, and this loss of linguistic information results in complaints associated with ARHL. Hearing aids and cochlear implants significantly improve the lives of older adults with hearing loss, in particular, those with depression and dementia. Successful current research in gene therapy, pharmacotherapy, and stems cells holds the promise of being able to restore native cochlear function.

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FDA approves new treatment for a certain type of prostate cancer using novel clinical trial endpoint - FDA Press Releases

FDA approves Erleada (apalutamide), first treatment for non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer

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FDA authorizes marketing of first blood test to aid in the evaluation of concussion in adults - FDA Press Releases

FDA authorizes marketing of first blood test to aid in the evaluation of concussion in adults; new quick testing option to help reduce need for CT scans, radiation exposure for patients

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FDA Investigates Pattern of Contamination in Certain Raw Pet Foods Made by Arrow Reliance Inc., Including Darwin’s Natural Pet Products and ZooLogics Pet Food - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

The FDA is alerting pet owners to a history of four recalls of and multiple complaints associated with Darwin’s Natural and ZooLogics pet foods, manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., dba Darwin’s Natural Pet Products, over the period from October 17, 2016 to February 10, 2018. In each instance, the company recalled these products after being alerted to positive findings of Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes in samples of their raw pet food products.

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FDA permits marketing of clinical decision support software for alerting providers of a potential stroke in patients - FDA Press Releases

FDA permits marketing of clinical decision support software for alerting providers of a potential stroke in patients

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on Administration’s request for new FDA funding to promote innovation and broaden patient access through competition - FDA Press Releases

Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on Administration’s request for new FDA funding to promote innovation and broaden patient access through competition

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Apace Packaging LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Acyclovir (Lot 19900) Due to Product Mix-up - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Apace Packaging LLC is voluntarily recalling one lot of Acyclovir Tablet, USP, 400mg, 50ct Unit Dose, NDC# 50268-061-15, Lot Number 19900, to the Retail level. These products have been recalled due to a product mix-up. A small number of blister cards containing Acyclovir Tablets, 400mg, UD Blister Cards may potentially also include Torsemide, 20mg, Tablets.

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The Burden of Chikungunya Virus Infection: The Need for Systematic and Geriatric-Specific Epidemiological Monitoring - American Geriatric Society

This letter comments on the letter by Lidvine Godaert et al.

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Effect of Chikungunya Virus Infection on Individuals and the Healthcare System - American Geriatric Society

See the Reply by Lang et al..

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The Complexity of Determining Whether a Nursing Home Transfer Is Avoidable at Time of Transfer - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To describe the relationship between nursing facility resident risk conditions and signs and symptoms at time of acute transfer and diagnosis of conditions associated with potentially avoidable acute transfers (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, dehydration, pressure sores).

Design

As part of a demonstration project to reduce potentially avoidable hospital transfers, Optimizing Patient Transfers, Impacting Medical Quality, Improving Symptoms: Transforming Institutional Care (OPTIMISTIC) project clinical staff collected data on residents who transferred to the emergency department (ED) or hospital. Cross-tabulations were used to identify associations between risk conditions or symptoms and hospital diagnoses or death. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to describe the significance of risk conditions, signs, or symptoms as predictors of potentially avoidable hospital diagnoses or death.

Setting

Indiana nursing facilities (N=19).

Participants

Long-stay nursing facility residents (N=1,174), who experienced 1,931 acute transfers from November 2014 to July 2016.

Measurements

Participant symptoms, transfers, risk factors, and hospital diagnoses.

Results

We found that 44% of acute transfers were associated with 1 of 6 potentially avoidable diagnoses. Symptoms before transfer did not discriminate well among hospital diagnoses. Symptoms mapped into multiple diagnoses and most hospital diagnoses had multiple associated symptoms. For example, more than two-thirds of acute transfers of residents with a history of CHF and COPD were for reasons other than exacerbations of those two conditions.

Conclusion

Although it is widely recognized that many transfers of nursing facility residents are potentially avoidable, determining “avoidability” at time of transfer is complex. Symptoms and risk conditions were only weakly predictive of hospital diagnoses.

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“Things Ain't Changed Much Since Momma Marched” - American Geriatric Society

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Anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of selected N-substituted cinnamamide derivatives evaluated on reference and clinical bacterial strains - Journal of Antibiotics

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of selected N-substituted cinnamamide derivatives evaluated on reference and clinical bacterial strains

Anti-<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> activities of selected <i>N</i>-substituted cinnamamide derivatives evaluated on reference and clinical bacterial strains, Published online: 13 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0027-1

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of selected N-substituted cinnamamide derivatives evaluated on reference and clinical bacterial strains

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Redbarn Pet Products Issues Voluntary Recall of Dog Chews - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

With an extreme abundance of caution, and with the care and concern of pets top of mind, Redbarn Pet Products, LLC of Long Beach, CA is voluntarily recalling a single product, Redbarn’s 7-inch Bully Stick three pack, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. No illnesses, injuries or complaints have been reported.

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Does the Association of Comorbidity with 1-Year Mortality After Hip Fracture Differ According to Gender? The Norwegian Epidemiologic Osteoporosis Studies (NOREPOS) - American Geriatric Society

Background/Objectives

Excess mortality after hip fracture is higher in men than in women. The objective was to study whether comorbidity differs in men and women with hip fracture and to what degree differences in comorbidity according to gender may explain the higher excess mortality in men.

Design

Population-based matched cohort covering the population aged 50 and older in Norway.

Setting

Specialist healthcare (individuals with hip fracture) and general population (controls).

Participants

All individuals with hip fracture aged 50 and older from 2005 to 2008 (n = 32,175) and individuals without hip fracture matched 3:1 to those with hip fracture on gender, age, and county of residence (n = 96,410).

Measurements

Comorbid diagnoses were recorded during the hospital stay. Relative and absolute excess 1-year mortality in individuals with hip fracture according to gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were investigated using Cox regression and linear regression, respectively.

Results

Despite lower age (mean 78.7 vs 81.7), men had higher comorbidity than women. Compared with controls, women (hazard ratio (HR) = 6.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 6.2–6.9) and men (HR = 7.8, 95% CI = 7.3–8.3) with a CCI of 2 or greater were more likely to die. Women with a CCI of 2 or greater had an estimated 1-year risk of dying of 44%, and controls had an 11% risk; men with a CCI of 2 or greater had an estimated risk of dying of 53%, and controls had a 12% risk. Men were twice as likely as women to die within 1 year (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.9–2.1). When adjusting for comorbidity, the difference was only slightly smaller (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.7–1.8).

Conclusion

Men had greater comorbidity than women, but this did not explain the difference according to gender in excess mortality after hip fracture. Men who fracture a hip are an especially vulnerable subpopulation, even when there is no apparent comorbidity, and warrant special attention in follow-up and care.

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36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) Versus Gait Speed As Predictor of Preclinical Mobility Disability in Older Women: The Women's Health Initiative - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To compare the value of clinically measured gait speed with that of the self-reported Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Survey Physical Function Index (SF-36 PF) in predicting future preclinical mobility disability (PCMD) in older women.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Forty clinical centers in the United States.

Participants

Women aged 65 to 79 enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trials with gait speed and SF-36 assessed at baseline (1993–1998) and follow-up Years 1, 3, and 6 (N = 3,587).

Measurements

Women were categorized as nondecliners or decliners based on changes (from baseline to Year 1) in gait speed and SF-36 PF scores. Logistic regression models were used to estimate incident PCMD (gait speed <1.0 m/s) at Years 3 and 6. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to compare the predictive value of SF-36 PF with that of measured gait speed.

Results

Slower baseline gait speed and lower SF-36 PF scores were associated with higher adjusted odds of PCMD at Years 3 and 6 (all P < .001). For gait speed, decliners were 2.59 times as likely to have developed PCMD as nondecliners by Year 3 and 2.35 times as likely by Year 6. Likewise, for SF-36, decliners were 1.42 times as likely to have developed PCMD by Year 3 and 1.49 times as likely by Year 6. Baseline gait speed (AUC = 0.713) was nonsignificantly better than SF-36 (AUC = 0.705) at predicting PCMD over 6 years (P = .21); including measures at a second time point significantly improved model discrimination for predicting PCMD (all P < .001).

Conclusion

Gait speed identified PCMD risk in older women better than the SF-36 PF did, although the results may be limited given that gait speed served as a predictor and to define the PCMD outcome. Nonetheless, monitoring trajectories of change in mobility are better predictors of future mobility disability than single measures.

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Quality of Hospice Care at Home Versus in an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To describe differences in perceived quality of hospice care for individuals living at home or in a nursing home (NH) or assisted living facility (ALF) through analysis of after-death surveys of family members.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using hospice medical record data and Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) survey data.

Setting

Large, national hospice provider.

Participants

Individuals who died while receiving routine hospice care and family caregivers who completed after-death quality-of-care surveys.

Measurements

Survey results for 7,510 individuals were analyzed using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to assess relationship between location of care and overall service quality.

Results

The overall survey response rate was 27%; 34.5% of families of individuals in ALFs in hospice, 27.4% of those at home, and 22.9% of those in NHs returned the survey (P < .001). Differences in return rate according to primary diagnosis were significant, although differences were not large. Most (84.3%) respondents reported that hospice referral had occurred at the right time, and 63.4% rated service quality as excellent. Hospice care in the NH was less likely to be perceived as excellent.

Conclusion

There were significant differences in characteristics of individuals whose family members did and did not return surveys, which has implications for use of after-death surveys to evaluate hospice quality. Lower perceived quality of hospice care in NHs may be related to general dissatisfaction with receiving care in this setting. Survey results have the potential to set priorities for quality improvement, choice of provider, and potentially reimbursement. Underlying causes of differences of perceived quality in different settings of care should be examined.

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Frailty Versus Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries Initiative Fall Risk Score: Ability to Predict Future Falls - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To compare the ability of frailty status to predict fall risk with that of community fall risk screening tools.

Design

Analysis of cross-sectional and longitudinal data from NHATS.

Setting

National Health and Aging Trend Study (NHATS) 2011-2015.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older (N = 7,392).

Measurements

Fall risk was defined according to the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) initiative. Frailty was defined as exhaustion, weight loss, low activity, slow gait speed, and weak grip strength. Robust was defined as meeting 0 criteria, prefrailty as 1 or 2 criteria, and frailty as 3 or more criteria. Falls were self-reported and ascertained using NHATS subsequent rounds (2012–2015). We compared the ability of frailty to predict future falls with that of STEADI score, adjusting for age, race, sex, education, comorbidities, hearing and vision impairment, and disability.

Results

Of the 7,392 participants (58.5% female), there 3,545 (48.0%) were classified as being at low risk of falling, 2,966 (40.1%) as being at moderate risk, and 881 (11.9%) as being at high risk. The adjusted risk of falling over the 4 subsequent years was 2.5 times as great for the moderate-risk group (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.16–2.89) and almost 4 times as great (HR = 3.79, 95% CI = 2.76–5.21) for the high-risk group as for the low-risk group. Risk of falling was greater for those who were prefrail (HR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.16–1.55) and frail (HR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.94–1.54) than for those who were robust.

Conclusion

STEADI score is a strong predictor of future falls. Addition of frailty status does not improve the ability of the STEADI measure to predict future falls.

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Managing High-Cost Healthcare Users: The International Search for Effective Evidence-Supported Strategies - American Geriatric Society

High-cost healthcare users (HCUs) are a small proportion of the population who use a disproportionate amount of healthcare resources. Although the phenomenon occurs across the entire age spectrum, older adults represent the majority of HCUs. HCUs have drawn increasing attention internationally from clinicians, health policy-makers, and government administrators. Many experts have suggested that the short- and long-term sustainability of the healthcare system is threatened unless current approaches to the care and healthcare costs of this population are modified. Complex case management and care coordination models are being implemented internationally to address HCUs despite a lack of strong evidence to support their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes or savings in costs of care. We review what is known about HCUs and the available evidence for the effectiveness of interventions designed to manage their high and costly healthcare use.

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Chronic Physical Conditions, Multimorbidity, and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Low- and Middle-Income Countries - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To assess the association between chronic physical conditions and multimorbidity and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

Nationally representative, cross-sectional, community-based study.

Setting

Six countries that participated in the World Health Organization Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health.

Participants

Individuals aged 50 and older (N=32,715; mean age 62.1 ± 15.6; 51.7% female).

Measurements

The definition of MCI was based on the recommendations of the National Institute on Ageing and Alzheimer's Association. Ten chronic conditions were assessed (angina pectoris, arthritis, asthma, cataract, chronic lung disease, diabetes mellitus, edentulism, hearing problems, hypertension, stroke). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions), and MCI.

Results

The prevalence of multimorbidity was 49.8% (95% confidence interval (CI)=48.1–51.5%) and of MCI was 15.3% (95% CI=14.4–16.3%). After adjustment for potential confounders, edentulism (odds ratio (OR)=1.24), arthritis (OR=1.24), chronic lung disease (OR=1.29), cataract (OR=1.33), stroke (OR=1.94), hearing problems (OR=2.27), and multimorbidity (OR=1.40) were significantly associated with MCI. There was a gradual increase in the likelihood of MCI (1 condition: OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.03–1.42; ≥4 conditions: OR=2.07, 95% CI=1.70–2.52).

Conclusion

These results highlight the need to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking chronic conditions and MCI and whether prevention or treatment of chronic conditions or multimorbidity can reduce the onset of cognitive decline and subsequent dementia, especially in LMICs.

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Weis Markets Issues Recall for its Pre-Made Penne Pasta with Asiago Sauce and Grilled Chicken Single Serving Meal Due to Undeclared Milk Allergen - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Weis Markets today announced it had issued a recall for its pre-made Penne Pasta with Asiago Sauce and Grilled Chicken single serving meal for failing to list a milk allergen on its label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The product is safe for consumption by those who do not have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk.

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Author Index for Volume 70 - Journal of Antibiotics

Author Index for Volume 70

Author Index for Volume 70, Published online: 27 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0031-5

Author Index for Volume 70

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Substance Index for Volume 70 - Journal of Antibiotics

Substance Index for Volume 70

Substance Index for Volume 70, Published online: 27 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0018-7

Substance Index for Volume 70

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Weis Markets Issues Recall for Weis Quality Dried Beef Party Rye Dip Sold In 11 Stores - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Weis Markets today announced it had issued a recall for its store-made Weis Quality Dried Beef Party Rye dip for failing to list egg and milk allergens on its label. This product was sold in eleven Weis Markets’ stores including most of its Binghamton NY area stores excluding its Vestal location. The dip was also sold in its two Williamsport PA stores located on River Avenue and Lycoming Creek Road and its Hazleton PA store. This recall is being issued as a precaution. Customers may return the product for a full refund.

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Raws For Paws Recalls Turkey Pet Food Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Raws for Paws of Minneapolis, MN is recalling approximately 4,000 pounds of its 5 lb. and 1 lb. chubs of Ground Turkey Pet Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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Meijer Recalls Select Meijer Greek and Low Fat Yogurt Products - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Meijer is announcing a voluntary recall of select Meijer branded Greek and Low-fat yogurt as a precautionary measure due to the potential risk of a small glass particles. Meijer became aware of the issue when a customer returned a yogurt cup containing two small pieces of glass. Upon investigation at the retailer’s manufacturing facility, there may have been a possible risk of contamination.

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Smokehouse Pet Products Inc Recalls Limited Lots of “Beefy Munchies” Sold Regionally Because of Possible Salmonella Contamination - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Smokehouse Pet Products, Inc. of Sun Valley, CA is recalling 4-oz bags of dog treats labeled as “Beefy Munchies,” because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on groundbreaking approval and interagency approach to bring stable supply of critical medical imaging isotope to the U.S. - FDA Press Releases

FDA announces on groundbreaking approval and interagency approach to bring stable supply of critical medical imaging isotope to the U.S.

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FDA and NRC pave way for the first domestic supply of the most commonly used medical isotope in diagnostic imaging - FDA Press Releases

FDA and NRC today took important steps to ensure a stable and secure supply of a critical radioactive imaging product used to detect potentially life-threatening diseases

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In vitro activity of minocycline combined with aminoglycosides against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae - Journal of Antibiotics

In vitro activity of minocycline combined with aminoglycosides against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae

In vitro activity of minocycline combined with aminoglycosides against <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> carbapenemase-producing <i>K. pneumoniae</i>, Published online: 07 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0024-9

In vitro activity of minocycline combined with aminoglycosides against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae

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New phenolic bisabolane sesquiterpenoid derivatives with cytotoxicity from Aspergillus tennesseensis - Journal of Antibiotics

New phenolic bisabolane sesquiterpenoid derivatives with cytotoxicity from Aspergillus tennesseensis

New phenolic bisabolane sesquiterpenoid derivatives with cytotoxicity from <i>Aspergillus tennesseensis</i>, Published online: 07 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0025-3

New phenolic bisabolane sesquiterpenoid derivatives with cytotoxicity from Aspergillus tennesseensis

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Lumbopelvic Pain and Threats to Walking Ability in Well-Functioning Older Adults: Findings from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging - American Geriatric Society

Objectives

To examine the potential contribution of severity of lumbopelvic pain (LPP) in well-functioning older adults to poorer walking efficiency, lack of endurance, slower gait speed, and decline in these mobility parameters over 1 to 5 years.

Design

Longitudinal analysis of Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging data.

Setting

National Institute on Aging, Clinical Research Unit, Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants

Well-functioning men and women aged 60 to 89 (N=878).

Measurements

An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to ascertain reported presence and severity of back and hip pain in the preceding 12 months and reported walking ability, including ease of walking a mile. Certified examiners assessed usual gait speed, the energetic cost of walking (oxygen consumption, mL per kg/m), and time taken to walk 400 m as quickly as possible. Covariates included sex, age, age-squared, race, height, weight, exercise, and smoking.

Results

Overall, 31.4% had mild LPP, and 15.7% had moderate to severe LPP. In adjusted analyses, reported walking ability (p<.001), endurance walk performance (p=.007), and energetic cost of walking (p=.049) were worse with increasing LPP severity. Usual gait speed did not vary according to LPP (p=.31). Longitudinally, over an average 2.3 years, persons with new or sustained LPP had worse follow-up level, greater mean decline, and higher likelihood of meaningful decline in reported walking ability than persons free of LPP or whose LPP resolved. Walking performance did not differ according to LPP follow-up status.

Conclusion

LPP was common in well-functioning older adults and was associated with greater energetic cost of walking and poorer perceived and observed walking endurance. The longitudinal effect of LPP is unclear, but worsening perception of walking ability and its contribution to future mobility loss warrants further attention.

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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on the agency’s scientific evidence on the presence of opioid compounds in kratom, underscoring its potential for abuse - FDA Press Releases

FDA statement on scientific evidence on the presence of opioid compounds in kratom, underscoring its potential for abuse

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Rationale and design of an inhibitor of RecA protein as an inhibitor of Acinetobacter baumannii - Journal of Antibiotics

Rationale and design of an inhibitor of RecA protein as an inhibitor of Acinetobacter baumannii

Rationale and design of an inhibitor of RecA protein as an inhibitor of <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, Published online: 06 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-018-0026-2

Rationale and design of an inhibitor of RecA protein as an inhibitor of Acinetobacter baumannii

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Rifaximin decreases virulence of Crohn’s disease-associated Escherichia coli and epithelial inflammatory responses - Journal of Antibiotics

Rifaximin decreases virulence of Crohn’s disease-associated Escherichia coli and epithelial inflammatory responses

Rifaximin decreases virulence of Crohn’s disease-associated <i>Escherichia coli</i> and epithelial inflammatory responses, Published online: 06 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0022-y

Rifaximin decreases virulence of Crohn’s disease-associated Escherichia coli and epithelial inflammatory responses

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Kinanthraquinone, a new anthraquinone carboxamide isolated from Streptomyces reveromyceticus SN-593-44 - Journal of Antibiotics

Kinanthraquinone, a new anthraquinone carboxamide isolated from Streptomyces reveromyceticus SN-593-44

Kinanthraquinone, a new anthraquinone carboxamide isolated from <i>Streptomyces reveromyceticus</i> SN-593-44, Published online: 06 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0020-0

Kinanthraquinone, a new anthraquinone carboxamide isolated from Streptomyces reveromyceticus SN-593-44

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Kanan Enterprises Conducts Voluntary Recall of Southern Grove Unsalted Almond Due to Undeclared Wheat and Soy - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Kanan Enterprises announces the voluntary recall of Southern Grove Unsalted Almond 14 oz., Best By SEP 25 2018 KN due to the presence of wheat and soy that are not listed as ingredients. People who have an allergy to wheat or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No adverse reactions have been reported associated with this recall.

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Kanamycin and its derivative, arbekacin: significance and impact - Journal of Antibiotics

Kanamycin and its derivative, arbekacin: significance and impact

Kanamycin and its derivative, arbekacin: significance and impact, Published online: 05 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0017-8

Kanamycin and its derivative, arbekacin: significance and impact

from The Journal of Antibiotics - Issue - nature.com science feeds http://ift.tt/2EHsKHE
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A new macrolactam derivative from the marine actinomycete HF-11225 - Journal of Antibiotics

A new macrolactam derivative from the marine actinomycete HF-11225

A new macrolactam derivative from the marine actinomycete HF-11225, Published online: 05 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0021-z

A new macrolactam derivative from the marine actinomycete HF-11225

from The Journal of Antibiotics - Issue - nature.com science feeds http://ift.tt/2E1P2D2
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Two new secondary metabolites from a fungus of the genus Robillarda - Journal of Antibiotics

Two new secondary metabolites from a fungus of the genus Robillarda

Two new secondary metabolites from a fungus of the genus <i>Robillarda</i>, Published online: 05 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0015-x

Two new secondary metabolites from a fungus of the genus Robillarda

from The Journal of Antibiotics - Issue - nature.com science feeds http://ift.tt/2EgpQvT
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Statement from Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health on the recent National Toxicology Program draft report on radiofrequency energy exposure - FDA Press Releases

One part of the Food and Drug Administration’s mission is to ensure the safety of electronic products that emit radiation, like televisions and cell phones. These types of products are part of Americans’ daily life and we take our duty to protect consumers with the utmost gravity. With cell phones, we have relied extensively on a myriad scientific evidence developed over many years to help inform our regulatory thinking. Although the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the standard for radiofrequency energy exposure limits from cell phones, the FCC relies on the FDA and other health agencies for scientific expertise and input regarding those standards.

from Food and Drug Administration--Press Releases http://ift.tt/2GGi9gQ
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JFC International Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Crustacean Shellfish (Shrimp, Crab) in Daisho Kimchi Hot Pot Soup Base - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

JFC International Inc. of Los Angeles, CA is voluntarily recalling a Kimchi Hot Pot Soup Base because it was found to contain undeclared Crustacean Shellfish (Shrimp, Crab). Individuals who have allergies to crustacean shellfish (shrimp, crab) runs the risk of a serious life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. One incident has been reported to date in connection with this issue.

from Food and Drug Administration--Recalls/Safety Alerts http://ift.tt/2GEZS3z
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Kareway Products, Inc Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Gericare Eye Wash due to Complaints Received on Potential Product Contamination which Compromises Sterility - FDA Safety Alerts & Drug Recalls

Compton, California, Kareway Products, Inc is voluntarily recalling 60,000 lots of Gericare Eye Wash, Sterile Eye Irrigation Solution, 4 fluid ounces to the hospital, retail or consumer level. The product has been found to have potential microbial contamination which compromises sterility.

from Food and Drug Administration--Recalls/Safety Alerts http://ift.tt/2DTvJjg
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Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on ongoing efforts to mitigate impact of saline shortages during this flu season - FDA Press Releases

FDA provides update on ongoing efforts to mitigate impact of saline shortages and monitor other critical products during flu season

from Food and Drug Administration--Press Releases http://ift.tt/2rZoEIr
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Bafilomycin C1 exert antifungal effect through disturbing sterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans - Journal of Antibiotics

Bafilomycin C1 exert antifungal effect through disturbing sterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans

Bafilomycin C1 exert antifungal effect through disturbing sterol biosynthesis in <i>Candida albicans</i>, Published online: 01 February 2018; doi:10.1038/s41429-017-0009-8

Bafilomycin C1 exert antifungal effect through disturbing sterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans

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Consequences of Long-Term Oral Bisphosphonate Treatment - American Geriatric Society

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