Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Level HIV Viremia Is Associated With Microbial Translocation and Inflammation

Background:Decrease in HIV viral load (VL) is accompanied by decrease in microbial translocation (MT) and chronic inflammation, but the behavior of these markers in patients with HIV-VL <20 copies per milliliter is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether strict control of HIV-VL is associated with MT and chronic inflammation. Methods:Observational cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria: HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy and HIV-VL <200 copies per milliliter for more than 6 months. Exclusion criteria: chronic liver disease, active infection, or antibiotic consumption. Recruitment: patients who consecutively visited the outpatient clinic in November 2011. Primary endpoint: molecular MT as determined by detection in plasma of 16S ribosomal DNA. Secondary variables: lipopolysaccharide, soluble CD14, tumor necrosis factor &agr;, and interleukin 6. Primary explanatory variable: HIV-VL (COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 test, version 2.0) with a detection limit of 20 copies per milliliter. Results:Fifty-two patients were included: 65% men, median age 45 years, HIV acquired predominantly through sex (75%), 40% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage C, and median CD4 lymphocyte count 552 cells per cubic millimeter (range, 126–1640 cells/mm3). Molecular MT was observed in 46% and 18% of patients with low-level (20–200 copies/mL) and negative (<20 copies/mL) HIV-VL, respectively (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor &agr; and interleukin 6) were higher in patients with molecular MT (P < 0.01) and were not influenced for HIV-VL. Conclusions:Patients with HIV infection receiving treatment and negative HIV-VL (<20 copies/mL) present less frequently MT than patients with low-level HIV viremias (20–200 copies/mL). MT is associated with higher levels of inflammation markers, independent of HIV-VL.
Height and Weight of 7,500: Children of Three Skin Colors

Height and weight were determined in 7,500 children aged 5 to 14 years who participated in the Pediatric Multiphasic Program at Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco during 1967 to 1970. In general, the black children were somewhat taller and heavier, and those of yellow skin color markedly shorter and lighter, than the white children. Development and use of separate standards for height and weight in children of white, black, and yellow skin color are recommended.
Dissemination of Western Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus in the Potential Vector, Culex Pipiens Pallens

ABSTRACT: Two western equine encephalomyelitis virus (WEEV) strains have been isolated in China. Our previous studies have verified that the mosquito Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett (Diptera: Culicidae) infected with WEEV was capable of transmitting this arbovirus, but it was not clear how the sequential multiplication and spread of virus occurred within the mosquito. In this study, we observed the distribution of WEEV antigen in orally-infected Cx. p. pallens by immunohistochemistry in order to better understand the initial infection, dissemination, and transmission of WEEV in the potential vector. Orally-infected WEEV dissemination varied within the different tissues of Cx. p. pallens, with virus antigen consistently observed in the salivary glands, foregut, midgut epithelial cells, Malpighian tubules, hindgut, and ovarian follicles of some individuals after various days of extrinsic incubation. We suggest that Cx. p. pallens, the potential vector of WEEV, has the ability to harbor the virus through the alimentary system, and the midgut epithelial cell may be the initial site of WEEV replication after ingestion of a viremic blood meal.
Impact of Long-Term Contraceptive Promotion on Incident Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among HIV-Positive Couples in Lusaka, Zambia

Objectives:To evaluate the impact of family planning promotion on incident pregnancy in a combined effort to address Prongs 1 and 2 of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Design:We conducted a factorial randomized controlled trial of 2 video-based interventions. Methods:“Methods” and “Motivational” messages promoted long-term contraceptive use among 1060 couples with HIV in Lusaka, Zambia. Results:Among couples not using contraception before randomization (n = 782), the video interventions had no impact on incident pregnancy. Among baseline contraceptive users, viewing the “Methods video” which focused on the intrauterine device and contraceptive implant was associated with a significantly lower pregnancy incidence [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19 to 0.75] relative to those viewing control and/or motivational videos. The effect was strongest in concordant positive couples (HR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.58) and couples with HIV-positive women (HR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.55). Conclusions:The “Methods video” intervention was previously shown to increase uptake of long-acting contraception and to prompt a shift from daily oral contraceptives to quarterly injectables and long-acting methods such as the intrauterine device and implant. Follow-up confirms sustained intervention impact on pregnancy incidence among baseline contraceptive users, in particular couples with HIV-positive women. Further work is needed to identify effective interventions to promote long-acting contraception among couples who have not yet adopted modern methods.
27. Comparison of oral intubation using flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope with or without rigid cervical collar: A clinical study

Background: Device like fibreoptic bronchoscope is gold standard for difficult intubation situations. It can be performed by both orotracheal and nasotracheal route. But, through nasal route there are more chances of nasal bleeding and pressure necrosis while through oral route there is only one problem, which is clearing of upper airway for bronchoscope. Manoeuvres like jaw thrust and chin lift are very useful in clearing upper airway for bronchoscope. The aim of this study was to compare ease of oral intubation using flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope with or without rigid cervical collar, in terms of need of manoeuvres: Jaw thrust and Chin lift. Materials and Methods: 25 patients in age range 20-50 years, of ASA ΂ - II, and of either sex undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated into each group. There were two groups: Group A (Rigid Cervical Collar) and group B (Without Collar). Intubating condition was assessed in between these groups with need of manoeuvres like jaw thrust and chin lift. Quantitative data i.e. age, weight, thyromental distance and sternomental distance were presented as mean value and standard deviation. Intergroup comparison of quantitative data was done by t -test and probability was considered to be significant if less than P Results: There was significant ( P P Conclusion: We concluded that as far as the oral intubation with flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope is concerned, rigid cervical collar is very useful tool for making intubation easier.
Evaluation of the CritiView in pig model of abdominal aortic occlusion and graded hemorrhage

We hypothesize that in the presence of reduced oxygen delivery and extraction, blood flow will be redistributed in order to protect the most vital organs (e.g., brain and heart) by increasing their regional blood flow, while O2 delivery to the less vital organs (e.g., GI tract or urethral wall) will diminish. Evaluation of mitochondrial function in vivo could be done by monitoring the oxidation reduction state of the respiratory chain. Thus, the NADH redox state of less vital organs could serve as an indicator of overall O2 imbalance as well as an endpoint of resuscitation. We have therefore tested, in a pig model, a new medical device providing real time data on NADH redox state and tissue blood flow- TBF This device contains a modified three way Foley catheter with a fiber optic probe which connects the measurement unit to the tested tissue. Female pigs underwent graded hemorrhage (GH) or Aortic clamping (AC). The main effects of GH started when blood volume decreased by 30%. At 40% blood loss, minimal levels of TBF were correlated to the maximal NADH levels. The values of the 2 parameters returned to baseline after retransfusion of the shed blood. Aortic clamping led to significant decrease in TBF while NADH levels increased. After aortic declamping the parameters recovered to normal values. Due to the short length of the urethra in female pigs and the instable contact between the probe and the tissue, inconsistency of the responses was observed. Our preliminary results show that the CritiView may be a useful tool for the detection of body O2 imbalance.
Effects of Blood Meal Source on the Reproduction of Culex Pipiens Quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT: Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus were fed blood meals from a live chicken (LC), chicken blood in Alsever's (AC) solution, defibrinated bovine blood (DB), or bovine blood in citrate (CB) and incubated at 28° C. The effects of different blood meal sources were evaluated with respect to rates of blood feeding and reproduction (i.e., fecundity and fertility) over two gonotrophic cycles. Mosquitoes that fed on the first blood meal were subjected to a second blood meal as follows (first blood meal / second blood meal): LC/LC, LC/DB, DB/DB, CB/CB, AC/AC. Fecundity and fertility of Cx. p. quinquefasciatus were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in mosquitoes fed LC blood; however, fecundity and fertility in different treatment groups varied by gonotrophic cycle. These results contribute to our understanding of the impact of blood meal source on feeding and reproduction in Cx. p. quinquefasciatus. The potential impacts of blood meal source on virus transmission experiments are discussed.
Evaluation of Potential Environmental Contamination Sources for the Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Linked to Wound Infections in Combat Casualties

Objective. To determine whether multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms are present in Afghanistan or Iraq soil samples, contaminate standard deployed hospital or modular operating rooms (ORs), or aerosolize during surgical procedures. Design. Active surveillance. Setting. US military hospitals in the United States, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Methods. Soil samples were collected from sites throughout Afghanistan and Iraq and analyzed for presence of MDR bacteria. Environmental sampling of selected newly established modular and deployed OR high-touch surfaces and equipment was performed to determine the presence of bacterial contamination. Gram-negative bacteria aerosolization during OR surgical procedures was determined by microbiological analysis of settle plate growth. Results. Subsurface soil sample isolates recovered in Afghanistan and Iraq included various pansusceptible members of Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio species, Pseudomonas species, Acinetobacter Iwojfii, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS). OR contamination studies in Afghanistan revealed 1 surface with a Micrococcus luteus. Newly established US-based modular ORs and the colocated fixed-facility ORs revealed no gram-negative bacterial contamination prior to the opening of the modular OR and 5 weeks later. Bacterial aerosolization during surgery in a deployed fixed hospital revealed a mean gram-negative bacteria colony count of 12.8 colony-forming units (CFU)/dm2/h (standard deviation [SD], 17.0) during surgeries and 6.5 CFU/dm2/h (SD, 7.5; P = .14) when the OR was not in use. Conclusion. This study demonstrates no significant gram-negative bacilli colonization of modular and fixed-facility ORs or dirt and no significant aerosolization of these bacilli during surgical procedures. These results lend additional support to the role of nosocomial transmission of MDR pathogens or the colonization of the patient themselves prior to injury.
Iterative Evolution of Increased Behavioral Variation Characterizes the Transition to Sociality in Spiders and Proves Advantageous

The evolution of group living is regarded as a major evolutionary transition and is commonly met with correlated shifts in ancillary characters. We tested for associations between social tendency and a myriad of abiotic variables (e.g., temperature and precipitation) and behavioral traits (e.g., boldness, activity level, and aggression) in a clade of spiders that exhibit highly variable social structures (genus Anelosimus). We found that, relative to their subsocial relatives, social species tended to exhibit reduced aggressiveness toward prey, increased fearfulness toward predators, and reduced activity levels, and they tended to occur in warm, wet habitats with low average wind velocities. Within-species variation in aggressiveness and boldness was also positively associated with sociality. We then assessed the functional consequences of within-species trait variation on reconstituted colonies of four test species (Anelosimus eximius, Anelosimus rupununi, Anelosimus guacamayos, and Anelosimus oritoyacu). We used colonies consisting of known ratios of docile versus aggressive individuals and group foraging success as a measure of colony performance. In all four test species, we found that groups composed of a mixture of docile and aggressive individuals outperformed monotypic groups. Mixed groups were more effective at subduing medium and large prey, and mixed groups collectively gained more mass during shared feeding events. Our results suggest that the iterative evolution of depressed aggressiveness and increased within-species behavioral variation in social spiders is advantageous and could be an adaptation to group living that is analogous to the formation of morphological castes within the social insects.
Temporal Trends in Sexual Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States, 2002 to 2006–2010

Abstract:Little is known about national trends in sexual behavior among MSM in the US. Data from the 2002 and 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth were used to compare sexual behaviors of sexually active MSM. Mean number of recent male partners significantly decreased from 2.9 in 2002 to 2.1 in 2006–2010 (P = 0.027), particularly among young MSM. Other sexual risk behaviors did not change or decrease over time. Our findings that sexual risk decreased as HIV and syphilis increased among MSM suggest that factors in addition to individual-level sexual risk should also be examined in relation to recent disease increases.
Sand Fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) Distribution in the Endemic and Non-Endemic Foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northwestern Iran

ABSTRACT: An entomological study was conducted from June to September, 2010 in rural regions of Azarbayjan-e-sharqi, Azarbayjan-eqarbi, and Ardabil provinces in northwestern Iran to determine sand fly fauna, diversity, and distribution in different habitats and altitudes using both sticky papers and light traps. Geographical distribution of sand flies and the similarity of populations in different locations were analyzed ecologically based on the Shannon-Wiener Index and Jacard Coefficient, respectively. A total of 3,982 specimens was collected and sixteen species recorded. They belonged to the genera Phlebotomus [subgenus Phlebotomus (P. papatasi), Paraphlebotomus (P. sergenti, P. mongolensis, P. caucasicus, P. jacusieli), Larroussius (P. major s.l., P. tobbi, P. perfiliewi transcaucasicus, P. kandelakii) and Adlerius (P. halepensis, P. brevis, P. longiductus, P. balcanicus)], and Sergentomyia [subgenus Sergentomyia (S. sintoni, S.dentata and S. theodori)]. P. papatasi was the predominant species in all the locations except Bileh Savar, Macu, and Meshkin Shahr, followed by P. perfiliewi transcaucasicus and P. kandelakii. The latter species were caught from different habitats and altitudes with higher frequency than other species of the subgenus Larroussius. The lowest abundance belonged to P. jacusieli. The predominant species of subgenus Adlerius was P. halepensis. Data analysis showed that Meshkin Shahr and Bileh Savar had high and low diversities of sand fly distribution, respectively. Meshkin Shahr and Sarab districts had the highest similarity. Both are located in the foothills of Sabalan Mountain, with high diversity and richness.
Dissecting the Contributions of Plasticity and Local Adaptation to the Phenology of a Butterfly and Its Host Plants

Phenology affects the abiotic and biotic conditions that an organism encounters and, consequently, its fitness. For populations of high-latitude species, spring phenology often occurs earlier in warmer years and regions. Here we apply a novel approach, a comparison of slope of phenology on temperature over space versus over time, to identify the relative roles of plasticity and local adaptation in generating spatial phenological variation in three interacting species, a butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines, and its two host plants, Cardamine pratensis and Alliaria petiolata. All three species overlap in the time window over which mean temperatures best predict variation in phenology, and we find little evidence that a day length requirement causes the sensitive time window to be delayed as latitude increases. The focal species all show pronounced temperature-mediated phenological plasticity of similar magnitude. While we find no evidence for local adaptation in the flowering times of the plants, geographic variation in the phenology of the butterfly is consistent with countergradient local adaptation. The butterfly’s phenology appears to be better predicted by temperature than it is by the flowering times of either host plant, and we find no evidence that coevolution has generated geographic variation in adaptive phenological plasticity.
Intentions to Use Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Current Phase 2B Preventive HIV-1 Vaccine Efficacy Trial Participants

Abstract:In November 2010, the iPrEx study reported that preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine reduced HIV infections by 44% among men who have sex with men and subsequent trials corroborated efficacy among heterosexual men and women. During regularly scheduled follow-up visits from January to March 2011, participants in an ongoing phase 2b vaccine efficacy trial completed an anonymous Web survey about PrEP. Among 376 respondents, 17% reported they were very likely to use PrEP in the next year. Nonwhite participants were more likely to use PrEP. Among those with some level of interest, intent to use PrEP was greatest if the drug were available through the clinical trial or health insurance. Most (91%) believed taking PrEP would not change their willingness to stay in the vaccine trial and few thought it would affect recruitment. As key stakeholders, currently enrolled trial participants can offer vital input about emerging prevention technologies that may affect the design of future HIV vaccine and nonvaccine prevention trials.
Device-Associated Infections among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients: Incidence and Associated Pathogens Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network, 2006–2008

Objective. To describe rates and pathogen distribution of device-associated infections (DAIs) in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and compare differences in infection rates by hospital type (children's vs general hospitals). Patients and Setting. Neonates in NICUs participating in the National Healthcare Safety Network from 2006 through 2008. Methods. We analyzed central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), umbilical catheter–associated bloodstream infections (UCABs), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among 304 NICUs. Differences in pooled mean incidence rates were examined using Poisson regression; nonparametric tests for comparing medians and rate distributions were used. Results. Pooled mean incidence rates by birth weight category (750 g or less, 751–1,000 g, 1,001–1,500 g, 1,501–2,500 g, and more than 2,500 g, respectively) were 3.94, 3.09, 2.25, 1.90, and 1.60 for CLABSI; 4.52, 2.77, 1.70, 0.91, and 0.92 for UCAB; and 2.36, 2.08, 1.28, 0.86, and 0.72 for VAP. When rates of infection between hospital types were compared, only pooled mean VAP rates were significantly lower in children's hospitals than in general hospitals among neonates weighing 1,000 g or less; no significant differences in medians or rate distributions were noted. Pathogen frequencies were coagulase-negative staphylococci (28%), Staphylococcus aureus (19%), and Candida species (13%) for bloodstream infections and Pseudomonas species (16%), S. aureus (15%), and Klebsiella species (14%) for VAP. Of 673 S. aureus isolates with susceptibility results, 33% were methicillin resistant. Conclusions. Neonates weighing 750 g or less had the highest DAI incidence. With the exception of VAP, pooled mean NICU incidence rates did not differ between children's and general hospitals. Pathogens associated with these infections can pose treatment challenges; continued efforts at prevention need to be applied to all NICU settings.
Mosquito Communities with Trap Height and Urban-Rural Gradient in Adelaide, South Australia: Implications for Disease Vector Surveillance

ABSTRACT: Understanding the factors influencing mosquito distribution is important for effective surveillance and control of nuisance and disease vector mosquitoes. The goal of this study was to determine how trap height and distance to the city center influenced the abundance and species of mosquitoes collected in Adelaide, South Australia. Mosquito communities were sampled at two heights (<2m and ∼10m) along an urban-rural gradient. A total of 5,133 mosquitoes was identified over 176 trap nights. Aedes notoscriptus, Ae. vigilax, and Culex molestus were all more abundant in lower traps while Cx. quinquefasciatus (an ornithophilic species) was found to be more abundant in high traps. Distance to city center correlated strongly with the abundance of Ae. vigilax, Ae. camptorhynchus, Cx. globocoxitus, and Cx. molestus, all of which were most common at the sites farthest from the city and closest to the saltmarsh. Overall, the important disease vectors in South Australia (Ae. vigilax, Ae. camptorhynchus, Ae. notoscriptus, and Cx. annulirostris) were more abundant in low traps farthest from the city and closest to the saltmarsh. The current mosquito surveillance practice of setting traps within two meters of the ground is effective for sampling populations of the important disease vector species in South Australia.
Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci with Reduced Susceptibility to Daptomycin

A retrospective case–case control study was conducted, including 60 cases with daptomycin-nonsusceptible vancomycin-resistant enterococci (DNS-VRE) matched to cases with daptomycin-susceptible VRE and to uninfected controls (1:1:3 ratio). Immunosuppression, presence of comorbid conditions, and prior exposure to antimicrobials were independent predictors of DNS-VRE, although prior daptomycin exposure occurred rarely. In summary, a case–case control study identified independent risk factors for the isolation of DNS-VRE: immunosuppression, multiple comorbid conditions, and prior exposures to cephalosporines and metronidazole.