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ImportanceAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease. The sigma-1 (σ1) receptor emerged as a target for intervention.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of pridopidine, a σ1-receptor agonist, in ALS.Design, Settings, and ParticipantsPridopidine was tested as a regimen of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, platform trial. The study was conducted at 54 sites in the US from January 2021 to July 2022 (final follow-up, July 14, 2022). A total of 163 participants with ALS were randomized to receive pridopidine or placebo. An additional 122 concurrently randomized participants were assigned to receive placebo in other regimens and included in the analyses.InterventionsEligible participants were randomized 3:1 to receive oral pridopidine 45 mg twice daily (n = 121) or matching oral placebo (n = 42) for a planned duration of 24 weeks.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline through week 24 in ALS disease severity, analyzed using a bayesian shared parameter model, which has components for function (Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale [ALSFRS-R]) and survival that were linked through an integrated estimate of treatment-dependent disease slowing across these 2 components. This was denoted as the disease rate ratio (DRR), with DRR less than 1 indicating a slowing in disease progression on pridopidine relative to placebo. There were 5 key secondary end points: time to 2-point or greater reduction in ALSFRS-R total score among participants with bulbar dysfunction at baseline, rate of decline in slow vital capacity among participants with bulbar dysfunction at baseline, percentage of participants with no worsening in the ALSFRS-R bulbar domain score, time to 1-point or greater change in the ALSFRS-R bulbar domain score, and time to death or permanent assisted ventilation.ResultsAmong 162 patients (mean age, 57.5 years; 35% female) who were randomized to receive the pridopidine regimen and included in the primary efficacy analysis, 136 (84%) completed the trial. In the primary analysis comparing pridopidine vs the combined placebo groups, there was no significant difference between pridopidine and placebo in the primary end point (DRR, 0.99 [95% credible interval, 0.80-1.21]; probability of DRR <1, 0.55) and no differences were seen in the components of ALSFRS-R or survival. There was no benefit of pridopidine on the secondary end points. In the safety dataset (pridopidine, n = 121; placebo, n = 163), the most common adverse events were falls (28.1% vs 29.3%, respectively) and muscular weakness (24.0% vs 31.7%, respectively).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this 24-week study, pridopidine did not impact the progression of ALS.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04297683, NCT04615923

Importance The etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease, is unknown. However, neuroinflammation and complement activation may play a role in disease progression. Objective To determine the effects of zilucoplan, an inhibitor of complement C5, in individuals with ALS. Design, Setting, and Participants Zilucoplan was tested as regimen A of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2 to 3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled perpetual platform clinical trial with sharing of trial infrastructure and placebo data across multiple regimens. Regimen A was conducted from August 17, 2020, to May 4, 2022. A total of 162 participants were randomized to receive zilucoplan (122 [75.3%]) or regimen-specific placebo (40 [24.7%]). An additional 124 concurrently randomized participants were randomized to receive placebo in other regimens. Interventions Eligible participants were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to receive zilucoplan or matching placebo within strata of edaravone and/or riluzole use for a planned duration of 24 weeks. Active drug (zilucoplan, 0.3 mg/kg) and placebo were provided for daily subcutaneous dosing. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was change in disease severity from baseline through 24 weeks as measured by the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R) total score and survival, analyzed using a bayesian shared-parameter model and reported as disease rate ratio (DRR; <1 indicating treatment benefit). The study included prespecified rules for early stopping for futility. Outcome analyses were performed in the full analysis set comparing the zilucoplan group with the total shared placebo group (n = 164). Results Among the 162 participants who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [11.3]; 99 [61.1%] male), 115 (71.0%) completed the trial. The estimated DRR common to ALSFRS-R and survival was 1.08 (95% credible interval, 0.87-1.31; posterior probability of superiority, 0.24). The trial was stopped early for futility. No unexpected treatment-related risks were identified. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of zilucoplan in ALS, treatment did not alter disease progression. The adaptive platform design of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial made it possible to test a new investigational product with efficient use of time and resources. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04297683

Importance Bioenergetic failure has been proposed as a driver of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). CNM-Au8 is a suspension of gold nanocrystals that catalyzes the conversion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride into NAD + , resulting in an increase of cellular adenosine triphosphate production. Objective To determine the effects of CNM-Au8 on ALS disease progression. Design, Setting, and Participants CNM-Au8 was tested as a regimen of the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, a phase 2/3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind platform trial. The study was conducted at 54 sites in the US from July 2020 to March 2022 (final follow-up, March 17, 2022). A total of 161 participants with ALS were randomized to receive CNM-Au8 (n = 120) or regimen-specific placebo (n = 41). Data from 123 concurrently randomized placebo participants in other regimens were combined for analyses. Interventions Eligible participants were randomized in a 3:3:2 ratio to receive CNM-Au8 60 mg daily (n = 61), CNM-Au8 30 mg daily (n = 59), or matching placebo (n = 41) for 24 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline through week 24 in ALS disease severity measured by a bayesian shared parameter model of function (based on the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale) and survival, which provided an estimate of the rate of disease progression measured by the disease rate ratio (DRR), with a DRR of less than 1 indicating treatment benefit. Secondary end points included a Combined Assessment of Function and Survival using a joint-rank test, rate of decline in slow vital capacity (percent predicted), and survival free of permanent assisted ventilation. Results Among 161 participants who were randomized within the CNM-Au8 regimen (mean age, 58.4 years; 61 [37.9%] female), 145 (90%) completed the trial. In the primary analysis comparing the combined CNM-Au8 dosage groups vs the combined placebo groups, the primary end point (DRR, 0.97 [95% credible interval, 0.783-1.175]; posterior probability of DRR <1, 0.65) and the 3 secondary end points suggested no benefit or harm of CNM-Au8. In the active (n = 120) vs placebo (n = 163) groups, the most common adverse events were diarrhea (23 [19%] vs 12 [7%]), nausea (17 [14.2%] vs 14 [8.6%]), fatigue (12 [10.8%] vs 30 [18.4%]), and muscular weakness (24 [20%] vs 45 [27.6%]). Conclusions and Relevance No benefit of CNM-Au8 on ALS disease progression was observed at 24 weeks. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT04297683 , NCT04414345

Abstract Background Chronic periprosthetic joint infection is commonly managed with two-stage exchange. Clinically, evaluation for persistent infection at the second stage of exchange may inform management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of periprosthetic tissue and antimicrobial-containing cement spacer sonicate fluid cultures at the second stage of two-stage exchange surgeries. Methods Periprosthetic tissue and sonicate fluid cultures of hip and knee cement spacers removed at the second stage of two-stage exchange surgeries between January 2010 and December 2020 were studied. Two or more positive tissue cultures yielding the same organism were considered positive. For sonicate culture, ≥20 CFU/10 ml of sonicate fluid was considered positive. Persistent infection was defined by the presence of at least one of the following: intraoperative purulence, sinus tract, histopathology showing acute inflammation, or clinical signs of infection. Cement spacers were removed as part of spacer exchange if persistent infection was suspected or for insertion of a new implant if infection was not suspected. Results 172 cultures were evaluated, 69% from knees and 31% from hips. Median patient age was 64 years; 53% were men. 38/172 (22%) of cement spacers were removed as part of a spacer exchange and 134/172 (78%) for insertion of a new implant. Persistent infection was present in 49/172 (28%). 18/172 (10%) received antibiotics 2 weeks before culture, including 8/18 (44%) undergoing spacer exchange. For persistent infections, tissue and sonicate culture were positive in 11/49 and 5/49, respectively. In the 123 without persistent infection, no tissue or sonicate cultures were positive. When a new implant was placed, persistent infection was observed in 18/134 (13%), and tissue and sonicate cultures were positive in 4/18 and 1/18, respectively. When a new implant was placed (116) and no infection was found, all tissue and sonicate cultures were negative. After spacer exchange, persistent infection was present in 31/38 (81%), and tissue and sonicate cultures were positive in 8/31 and 3/31, respectively; in the 7 without infection, there were no positive cultures. Conclusion Sonication culture of cement spacers and periprosthetic tissue cultures have low sensitivities for persistent infection. Disclosures Matthew Abdel, MD, Stryker: Advisor/Consultant|Stryker: Royalties Nicholas Bedard, MD, Stryker: Advisor/Consultant Robin Patel, MD, a patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic, a: See above|MicuRx Pharmaceuticals and BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|PhAST, Day Zero Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Sysmex, DEEPULL DIAGNOSTICS, S.L., Netflix, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|Up-to-Date and the Infectious Diseases Board Review Course.: Honoraria

Abstract Background Wound biofilm infections impact ∼2% of the United States and at-risk individuals often have underlying morbidities such as diabetes. Antibiotics and topical approaches like debridement or silver dressings have had limited success, underscoring a need for strategies that efficiently target pathogens in wound beds. Methods We developed a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generating electrochemical bandage (e-bandage) composed of carbon fabric electrodes separated by cotton fabric with an Ag/AgCl reference electrode (RE) placed between cotton fabric layers. The e-bandage is controlled by a wearable micropotentiostat (MP); H2O2 is generated by O2 + 2H++ 2e- → H2O2. O2 is dissolved on a primary working electrode with negative polarity compared to the RE while a positively polarized secondary counter electrode generates H+ and e-. The H2O2 e-bandage/MP device has in vitro activity against mono- and dual-species bacterial and fungal biofilms. We showed that the H2O2 e-bandage decreased the burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa with difficult-to-treat resistance in a murine wound infection model. Given this, we initiated a H2O2 e-bandage safety assessment on healthy human skin. Here, testing of a non-polarized, circular (2 cm diameter) device pre-loaded with biocompatible hydrogel containing 0.9% NaCl is reported. Sterilized e-bandages assessed in a shelf-life study retained activity for two weeks. Adults with intact forearm skin were then recruited to the Clinical Research Trials Unit at the Mayo Clinic. Consented individuals had a non-polarized e-bandage covered by Tegaderm placed on their forearm. A MP enclosed in a biocompatible case was connected to the e-bandage and secured using skin tape. One day later, the device was removed and a follow-up phone call made six days later to assess for adverse effects. Results Three volunteers wearing a non-polarized H2O2 e-bandage experienced no discomfort, irritation, allergic reaction, or skin discoloration after device removal and seven days post device placement. Conclusion These preliminary studies combined with the previously performed murine bacterial biofilms work support further studies of this novel device for treating wound infections caused by antimicrobial resistant pathogens. Disclosures Robin Patel, MD, a patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic, a: See above|MicuRx Pharmaceuticals and BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|PhAST, Day Zero Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Sysmex, DEEPULL DIAGNOSTICS, S.L., Netflix, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|Up-to-Date and the Infectious Diseases Board Review Course.: Honoraria

Abstract Background Lung transplant recipients (LTRs) can experience hyperammonemia syndrome (HS) correlated with lung infection by ammonia-producing Ureaplasma species. HS in LTRs can be managed by Ureaplasma-directed antibiotic therapy; however, Ureaplasma species lack a cell wall, limiting treatment options. Precise guidelines for Ureaplasma-directed antibiotic therapy in LTRs is lacking, and antibiotic resistance may complicate treatment. Here, levofloxacin (LEV), azithromycin (AZM), and doxycycline (DOX) were tested against isolates of U. urealyticum and U. parvum with varying antibiotic resistance profiles, and efficacies compared.Fig 1.Antibiotic prophylaxis of murine infection by antibiotic resistant Ureaplasma isolates. Mice were prophylaxed with levofloxacin (LEV; 100 mg/kg SQ), azithromycin (AZM; 100 mg/kg PO), or doxycycline (DOX; 100 mg/kg IP) 12 hours prior to infection with isolates of Ureaplasma parvum or Ureaplasma urealyticum resistant to one or none of the antibiotics. 18 hours after infection, mice were sacrificed and lungs harvested, with resulting Ureaplasma loads quantified (color changing units: CCU). Control animals (CTRL) were given no antibiotics. Significance between groups was determined via Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn’s multiple comparison tests. * p ≤0.05, **p ≤0.01, ***p ≤0.001. Methods Mice were immunosuppressed using a combination of tacrolimus (1.2 mg/kg daily), mycophenolate mofetil (40 mg/kg daily), and methylprednisolone (20 mg/kg weekly) to mimic immunosuppression given to LTRs. Prophylactic antibiotics were given 12 hours prior to infection, including either LEV (100 mg/kg subcutaneously), AZM (100 mg/kg orally), or DOX (100 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Mice were then infected with Ureaplasma isolates resistant to one or none of the antibiotics, including U. parvum IDRL-10774 (fully susceptible), U parvum IDRL-10774R (IDLR-10774 with evolved AZM resistance; serial passage in sub-MIC AZM), U. parvum IDRL-11160 (LEV resistant), and U. urealyticum ATCC-33175 (DOX resistant). Mice were euthanized 18 hours post-infection, and lung bacterial loads (color changing units; CCU/gram) quantified. Results The effect of various antibiotic treatments against mouse lung infections with the four Ureaplasma isolates is displayed in Fig 1. Infection with IDRL-10774 (fully susceptible) and IDRL-11160 (LEV resistant) was only prevented by doxycycline (p=0.09 and p=0.01, respectively). For IDRL-10774, insignificant mean reductions (possibly due to a high standard deviation in the controls) were observed for both LEV (-106.9 CCU/g) and AZM (-105.25 CCU/g). IDRL-10774R (evolved AZM resistance) showed a complete loss of susceptibility to AZM compared to unevolved IDRL-10774. ATCC-33175 (DOX resistant) was not reduced by any antibiotics tested. Conclusion DOX was the most effective antibiotic tested, preventing lung infection by all isolates, except a DOX resistant isolate. Disclosures Robin Patel, MD, a patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic, a: See above|MicuRx Pharmaceuticals and BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|PhAST, Day Zero Diagnostics, Abbott Laboratories, Sysmex, DEEPULL DIAGNOSTICS, S.L., Netflix, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|Up-to-Date and the Infectious Diseases Board Review Course.: Honoraria

89 Background: With estimates of over 150,000 incident and 50,000 fatal colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in 2024, efforts are ongoing to improve the national screening performance and engagement in the US. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have established criteria for covering new blood-based CRC screening tests if minimum CRC sensitivity and specificity thresholds are met. However, the current blood-based tests are challenged by their relative inability to detect advanced precancerous lesions (APLs). At present, the importance of APL versus CRC sensitivity on screening outcomes remains undetermined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a simulation study to compare the screening effectiveness and outcomes of a hypothetical blood-based test across a range of sensitivities for CRC and APL detection. Methods: Outcomes were simulated using the CRC-AIM microsimulation model, which has been previously calibrated and validated. Predicted outcomes were calculated for average-risk individuals screened triennially with a blood-based test between ages 45-75 years, assuming perfect adherence. Base-case screening sensitivity and specificity inputs were based on CMS minimum thresholds (74% CRC sensitivity, 90% specificity) with assumed 10% APL sensitivity. Additional scenarios considered an increase in either APL or CRC sensitivity. Outcomes of interest included life years-gained (LYG), CRC incidence, and mortality reductions. Results: Compared to the CMS minimum performance (Table), increasing APL sensitivity by 1% (from 10% to 11%) resulted in a similar increase in LYG as compared to increasing CRC sensitivity by 11% (from 74% to 85%). Additionally, increasing APL sensitivity by 1% resulted in greater reductions in CRC cases and deaths (3% decrease) as compared to increasing CRC sensitivity by 11% (0% and 1% reductions, respectively). Conclusions: Data from this study show that increased APL sensitivity is a key determinant of screening-related outcomes, such as LYG, derived from a blood-based strategy, and that similar results would require much larger increases in CRC sensitivity. With the current CMS minimum performance threshold, blood-based tests that are designed to have high APL sensitivity can outperform tests with higher CRC sensitivity and little to no APL sensitivity. Comparison of CRC screening health outcomes with CMS proposed minimum threshold blood-test versus hypothetical tests with either increased APL and CRC sensitivity. APL Sensitivity CRC Sensitivity CRC Specificity Follow-up Colonoscopies CRC Cases (% reduction) CRC Deaths (% reduction) Life-Years Gained (LYG) (% increase) 10% 74% 90% 809 50 (ref) 18 (ref) 220 (ref) 11% 74% 90% 813 48 (-3%) 17 (-3%) 226 (3%) 10% 85% 90% 809 50 (0%) 18 (-1%) 227 (3%) APL: Advanced precancerous lesions; CRC: Colorectal cancer.

88 Background: There are an estimated 60 million individuals in the US who are not up-to-date with average-risk colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, as screening rates and adherence have remained stubbornly below the national target of 80%. Efforts are ongoing to improve CRC screening performance and participation, including the development of new blood-based tests. Despite high expectations for these tests, performance remains lower than other guideline-recommended strategies, particularly with respect to advanced precancerous lesion (APL) sensitivity. We conducted a simulation study of estimated clinical and economical outcomes for CRC screening with a blood-based test (at perfect adherence) compared to the multi-target stool-DNA (mt-sDNA) test (at published adherence rates). Methods: Utilizing CRC-AIM, a calibrated and validated microsimulation model, CRC screening outcomes were calculated for 1 million average-risk individuals screened between ages 45-75 years with triennial blood-based versus mt-sDNA testing. CRC and APL sensitivity and specificity inputs were derived from two large clinical validation studies for these screening modalities: ECLIPSE (NCT04136002) and DeeP-C (NCT01397747), respectively. To demonstrate the maximum benefits and burdens of blood-based screening, adherence to initial screening and follow-up colonoscopy after a positive blood test was modeled at 100%, while real-world adherence estimates of 65.6% were used for the mt-sDNA test. Outcomes of interest included life years-gained (LYG) and CRC cases missed by the blood-based test compared to the stool-based test, additional treatment costs imposed by theblood-based test, and additional CRC-related deaths per 1 million screened. Results: Compared to triennial screening with mt-sDNA at real-world adherence, blood-based screening at perfect adherence resulted in a higher number of incident (n=18,464) and fatal (n=6,483) CRC cases that would been avoided with the mt-sDNA test. Over a lifetime, screening with blood-based tests required 1,276,310 more tests (21% more) and 52,942 additional follow-up colonoscopies (7% more) compared to mt-sDNA screening. This increased testing burden did not generate additional benefits and instead reduced life-years gained by 67,645 per 1 million screened, resulting in an additional $1.6 billion in treatment costs compared to the mt-sDNA strategy. Conclusions: Data from this CRC-AIM modeling study show that even with perfect adherence, blood-based screening yields inferior clinical and economic benefits compared to mt-sDNA screening, due to suboptimal APL detection with the former test.

Abstract Background Adult onset medulloblastoma (aMB) is a rare tumor with limited available evidence. We present a large multi-institutional retrospective cohort of aMB patients treated in the modern era, with an emphasis on understanding the role of chemotherapy at initial diagnosis. Methods We included 267 consecutive patients with aMB treated at 7 different institutions from 2000-present, controlling for chemotherapy regimen and cycles received. Results Treatment factors were highly intercorrelated with one another and with treating institution. Concurrent chemotherapy was not associated with overall survival (OS). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with OS on univariable analyses (HR = 0.55, P = .029) and on multivariable analysis when adjusting for risk status (HR 0.55, P = .026) but not when also adjusting for treating institution. Proton craniospinal irradiation was associated with improved survival on univariable (HR = 0.50, P = .019) and multivariable analysis adjusting for risk status (HR = 0.51, P = .024) but not when treating institution was also considered. On subgroup analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in M0 (HR = 0.55, P = .043) but not M1 disease, in patients with subtotal resection (HR = 0.43, P = .048) but not those with GTR. Similarly, progression-free survival was improved with chemotherapy in patients with M0 (HR = 0.57, P = .032) but not M1 disease, and in patients with subtotal (HR = 0.50, P = .054) but not gross total resection. Conclusions There was no benefit of concurrent chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival and this effect was driven by select subgroups, specifically those with M0 disease and those with residual tumor. We could not confirm that these associations are independent of the treating institution.