bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program: Building the Bench
Authors: Coles Christian , Ottolini Martin G 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT
The role of physicians in the U.S. Armed Forces is diverse, encompassing a wide array of skills and responsibilities to provide superior healthcare to their patients and to advance military medicine. In addition to healthcare delivery and medical education, military physicians are engaged in public health, operational medicine, and cutting-edge medical research. Thus, clinical research is a crucial component of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and supports critical thinking (knowledge, skills, and abilities) and the development of leadership skills among U.S. military physicians. The Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program (IDCRP) education mission was established in 2005 with the overall goal of supporting the development and training of the next generation of clinical researchers in infectious diseases and related public health disciplines in the Armed Forces using several strategies, including didactic learning, mentored research, and research engagement. Through involvement in the IDCRP, infectious disease fellows, residents (e.g., surgical, internal medicine, and pediatrics), and Master of Public Health (MPH) students have continued their education and gained valuable skills related to clinical research. Trainees either conduct research with IDCRP mentors or participate in IDCRP-led practicum experiences, with research projects ranging from epidemiologic studies to microbiological assessments. Consistent with the needs of the Military Health System (MHS), and in accordance with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education goals, the IDCRP provides opportunities for medical and graduate students, residents, and infectious disease fellows to conduct mentored research within the MHS, as well as gain important leadership skills in the conduct of clinical research. Overall, IDCRP continues to further infectious disease research through the support and education of the next generation of active-duty infectious disease researchers in the MHS.
Opportunities and Obstacles in the Prevention of Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections Among Military Personnel
Authors: Millar Eugene V , Schlett Carey D , Law Natasha N , Whitman Timothy J , Ellis Michael W , Tribble David R , Bennett Jason W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are an important cause of infectious disease morbidity among military populations. Due to the high direct and indirect costs associated with SSTIs, particularly with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, there remains a critical need for the development and evaluation of SSTI prevention strategies among high-risk military personnel. Herein, we review efforts of the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program (IDCRP) related to the prevention of SSTIs in the military.

Methods
The IDCRP of the Uniformed Services University has conducted clinical research protocols on SSTI epidemiology and prevention among military personnel since 2009. Observational studies have examined the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and SSTI in training and deployment settings. Two randomized controlled trials of personal hygiene strategies for SSTI prevention at Marine Corps Base Quantico (Virginia) and Fort Benning (Georgia) were performed. Lastly, two vaccine trials have been conducted by the IDCRP, including a Phase 2 S. aureus vaccine trial (currently ongoing) among military trainees.

Results
Military recruits and deployed personnel experience an intense and prolonged exposure to S. aureus, the major causative agent of SSTI. The burden of S. aureus colonization and SSTI is particularly high in military trainees. Hygiene-based trials for S. aureus decolonization among military trainees were not effective in reducing rates of SSTI. In January 2018, the IDCRP initiated a Phase 2 S. aureus vaccine trial among the US Army Infantry training population at Fort Benning.

Conclusions
In the military, a disproportionate burden of SSTIs is borne by the recruit population. Strategies relying upon routine application of agents for S. aureus decolonization have not been effective in preventing SSTIs. A novel S. aureus vaccine candidate is being currently evaluated in a military training population and may represent a new opportunity to prevent SSTIs for the military.
Rapid and ultrasensitive digital PCR (dPCR) profiling of EGFRvIII in tumor cells and tissues
Authors: Saxena Deeksha , Sheikh Saad , Kao Gary , Binder Zev A , Alonso-Basanta Michelle , O’Rourke Donald M , Nasrallah MacLean P , Dorsey Jay F 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is commonly found in glioblastoma (GBM). About 57% GBM overexpresses EGFR and are associated with tumor progression, poor prognosis, and shorter life expectancy. Molecular profiling of solid tumors usually takes several weeks and may be biased by intrinsic tumor heterogeneity.

Methods
The unique sequence created by the fusion of exon 1 and exon 8 in EGFRvIII was used to guide the design of primers and a Minor Groove Binder (MGB) probe. Extracted total RNA was reverse transcribed and pre-amplified by PCR, followed by detection of the EGFRvIII mutation by dPCR.

Results
The lowest limit of quantification of our EGFRvIII assay was 0.003%. The EGFRvIII variant was identified in patient-derived glioma neurosphere cell lines, xenograft mouse model, and patient-derived tumor specimens. The overall workflow can be accomplished within 24 hours. In certain samples, EGFRvIII was detected when next-generation sequencing was unable to identify the variant. This finding highlights the ability of the dPCR assay to identify EGFRvIII mutations in heterogeneous solid tumors such as GBM in a rapid fashion by profiling samples from spatially distinct areas of tumors from the same patient.

Conclusions
In this study, we developed a highly sensitive digital PCR (dPCR) platform and leveraged our assay to detect the variant III alteration of EGFR (EGFRvIII) and amplified EGFR in patient-derived glioma neurosphere cell lines, orthotopic xenograft GBM mouse models, and patient-derived tumor specimens in less than 24 hours from minute quantities of starting material.
Mechanical and biological properties of Ti–(0–25 wt%)Nb alloys for biomedical implants application
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Sun Danni , Cheng Jun , Tsoi James Kit Hon , Chen Jiang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBinary titanium–niobium (Ti–Nb) alloys have recently been attracted due to low Young’s moduli and non-toxic properties. This study explores the influence of low Nb content (0–25 wt%) on the comprehensive parameters of tensile stress–strain relationships (ultimate strength (σUTS), yield strength (σ0.2) and elastic modulus (E)), surfaces properties (Vickers microhardness, surface roughness (Ra), water contact angle (WCA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), corrosion resistance (in artificial saliva and lactic acid) and biological properties (cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase activity of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts) of Ti–xNb alloys (x = 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%), with using commercially pure grade 2 titanium (cp-Ti) as control. XRD results shown that all the Ti–xNb alloys comprised α + β Ti alloy phases, such that the β phase increased correspondingly with the increased amount of Nb in the alloy, as well as the reduction of E (69–87 GPa). Except Ti–5Nb, all other Ti–xNb alloys showed a significantly higher hardness, increased σUTS and σ0.2, and decreased WCA compared with cp-Ti. No corrosion was detected on Ti–xNb alloys and cp-Ti in artificial saliva and lactic acid solutions. The cytotoxicity of Ti–xNb alloys was comparable to that of cp-Ti in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts without interference from differentiation behaviour, but the proliferation rate of the Ti–5Nb alloy was lower than other groups. In overall, binary Ti–(10–25 wt%)Nb alloys are promising candidate for orthopaedic and dental implants due to their improved mechanical properties and comparable biological performance, while Ti–5Nb should be used with caution.
‘Room to Rhyme’: Heaney, Arts Policy and Cultural Tradition in Northern Ireland 1968–1971
Authors: Carville Conor 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Drawing on extensive research in Arts Council and government archives in Belfast and the collections of Seamus Heaney’s manuscripts, this essay reconstructs for the first time Northern Irish state cultural policy at the height of the crisis years 1968–1972. It also examines the response of a major poet to this policy, through a genetic mapping of the complex development of Heaney’s poem ‘The Last Mummer’, between 1969 and its publication in 1972. The poem refers to the mumming plays practiced at Christmas when troupes of young men, or ‘Rhymers’ would enter and perform in the houses of both communities in the North. This practice also informed ‘Room to Rhyme’, the Arts Council sponsored 1968 tour of several towns in Northern Ireland by Heaney and Michael Longley and the folk musician Davy Hammond. The make-up of the performers on the tour, the itinerary and accompanying booklet, suggest a deliberate attempt on the part of the Arts Council Northern Ireland to assert a role for itself, and for culture, in the political thaw of the time. In the years immediately after the tour, however, major confrontations between civil rights marches and police, widespread sectarian rioting and ultimately troops on the streets, resulted in even more extreme polarization in the North. As this essay shows, Heaney’s manuscripts from this period provide a valuable resource for the examination of the relationship between poetry, the public sphere and notions of cultural tradition in early 1970s Northern Ireland.
Increased monohexosylceramide levels in the serum of established rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Miltenberger-Miltenyi Gabriel , Cruz-Machado Ana Rita , Saville Jennifer , Conceição Vasco A , Calado Ângelo , Lopes Inês , Fuller Maria , Fonseca João Eurico 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To identify serum sphingolipids that could act as candidate biomarkers in RA.

Methods
We performed lipidomic analyses in the serum of 82 participants: 19 established RA patients, 18 untreated early RA patients, 13 untreated early arthritis patients not fulfilling the classification criteria for RA, 12 established SpA patients and 20 controls. We compared the lipid levels from the different patient groups with the control group through multiple-regression analyses controlling for age at diagnosis, gender and medication (cDMARDs and corticoids).

Results
Established RA patients had significantly increased levels of sphingosine, monohexosylceramide and ceramide compared with controls, when controlling for age and gender. Monohexosylceramide levels remained significantly increased when additionally controlling for medication. On the contrary, SpA patients had significantly decreased levels of ceramide, in both analyses.

Conclusion
We observed a detectable increase in the levels of certain sphingolipids in the serum of established RA patients when compared with controls, in line with previous observations in the synovial fluid. Such findings provide further evidence that sphingolipids may play a key role in the pathophysiology of RA.
Circadian disruption by shifting the light‐dark cycle negatively affects bone health in mice
Authors: Schilperoort Maaike , Bravenboer Nathalie , Lim Joann , Mletzko Kathrin , Busse Björn , van Ruijven Leo , Kroon Jan , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Kooijman Sander , Winter Elizabeth M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe past decade, it has become evident that circadian rhythms within metabolically active tissues are very important for physical health. However, although shift work has also been associated with an increased risk of fractures, circadian rhythmicity has not yet been extensively studied in bone. Here, we investigated which genes are rhythmically expressed in bone, and whether circadian disruption by shifts in light‐dark cycle affects bone turnover and structure in mice. Our results demonstrate diurnal expression patterns of clock genes (Rev‐erbα, Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Cry1, Clock), as well as genes involved in osteoclastogenesis, osteoclast proliferation and function (Rankl, Opg, Ctsk), and osteocyte function (c‐Fos) in bone. Weekly alternating light‐dark cycles disrupted rhythmic clock gene expression in bone and caused a reduction in plasma levels of procollagen type 1 amino‐terminal propeptide (P1NP) and tartrate‐resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), suggestive of a reduced bone turnover. These effects coincided with an altered trabecular bone structure and increased cortical mineralization after 15 weeks of light‐dark cycles, which may negatively affect bone strength in the long term. Collectively, these results show that a physiological circadian rhythm is important to maintain bone health, which stresses the importance of further investigating the association between shift work and skeletal disorders.
Regulation of allergic inflammation by dendritic cells
Authors: Chow Timothy G. , Gill Michelle A. 
Published: November 2019

Purpose of review
Dendritic cells are critical in directing inflammatory versus tolerogenic responses. As the burden of allergic disease rises worldwide, increased understanding of mechanisms underlying these diseases is needed. This review highlights research demonstrating how dendritic cells influence allergic disease development, providing important mechanistic insights into current clinical management strategies as well as potential areas of focus for future development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Recent findings
Recent studies continue to elucidate dendritic cell-associated pathways which can either promote or prevent allergic inflammation. Mechanisms involved include various aspects of dendritic cell activity, from antigen sampling and dendritic cell migration to complex dendritic cell interactions with other immune cells, infectious agents and allergens. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and how dendritic cells promote tolerance provides insight into potential strategies to therapeutically target dendritic cells in the management of allergic disease.

Summary
Recent discoveries illustrate crucial roles of dendritic cells as regulators of inflammatory versus tolerant cascades. Building on lessons from oncologic strategies for harnessing dendritic cells to promote antitumor responses, several novel pathways could also be targeted to promote dendritic cell-mediated tolerogenesis in the context of allergy. Additional studies are needed to further define the roles and potential effects of dendritic cells in these potential strategies to reduce allergic inflammation.
Antifungal use in the surgical ICU patient
Authors: Póvoa Pedro , Coelho Luís , Nora David , Martin-Loeches Ignacio 
Published: November 2019

Purpose of review
The successful treatment of surgical fungal infections depends of a timely and adequate source control alongside with the use of prompt systemic antifungals. The main challenge of antifungal use in critically ill surgical patients is to find a balance between rational versus indiscriminate use in order to accomplish an antifungal stewardship program.

Recent findings
Surgical fungal infections represent an important burden in the daily clinical activity in many ICUs. The efficacy of the available antifungal drugs has not been adequately assessed in randomized controlled trials with surgical fungal infections in ICU patients. Most clinical experience is limited to case reports or uncontrolled case series. Due to the lack of adequate scientific evidence to assess the role of the different antifungals in surgical ICU patients, it is usually suggested to follow the recommendations for invasive candidiasis and candidemia.

Summary
Antifungal use in the surgical patients admitted to an ICU is a complex matter and there are several elements to consider like the presence of septic shock and multiorgan failure, local epidemiology and antifungal resistance, among others. The proper use of antifungals alongside early recognition and prompt source control, are critical factors for improved outcomes.
Validation of a Head-mounted Virtual Reality Visual Field Screening Device
Authors: Mees Lukas , Upadhyaya Swati , Kumar Pavan , Kotawala Sandal , Haran Shankar , Rajasekar Shruthi , Friedman David S. , Venkatesh Rengaraj 
Published: November 2019

Précis:
The C3 fields analyzer (CFA) is a moderately reliable perimeter preferred by patients to standard perimetry. While it does not approximate the gold standard, it was sensitive and specific for clinically defined glaucoma (area under the receiving operator characteristic curve=0.77 to 0.86).

Purpose:
Testing the visual field is a vital sign for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. The current gold standard, the Humphrey visual field analyzer (HFA), is large, expensive and can be uncomfortable for some patients. The current study investigated the CFA, a virtual reality head-mounted visual field testing device, as a possible subjective field test for glaucoma screening and eventually glaucoma monitoring.

Patients and Methods:
The CFA presented stimuli in the same 54 positions as the HFA 24-2 SITA Standard test using a suprathreshold algorithm approximating an 18 dB deficit. A total of 157 patients (both controls and glaucoma patients) at the Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, India, were tested with both devices.

Results:
The number of stimuli missed on the CFA correlated with HFA mean deviation (r=0.62, P<0.001), and with pattern standard deviation (r=0.36, P<0.001). The area under the receiving operator characteristic curve was 0.77±0.06 for mild glaucoma (HFA mean deviation ≥−6 dB) and 0.86±0.04 for moderate-advanced glaucoma (HFA mean deviation <−6 dB). Patients with an 18 dB or worse deficit at a point in the visual field on the HFA failed to see the CFA stimulus at the same position 38% of the time.

Conclusions:
While the CFA did not reliably identify deficits that matched the HFA, it was moderately effective at identifying glaucoma subjects. Further refinements to the device will be required to improve point by point testing performance and screening performance.
Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life Predictors in People Living With HIV With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Zuñiga Julie Ann , Jang Dong Eun , Walker Gregory , Ohueri Chelsi West , A. García Alexandra 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Diabetes is one of the most common comorbid conditions in people living with HIV (PLWH). Diabetes may affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for PLWH because they experience more symptoms, are prescribed more medications, and are required to do self-care activities. The purpose of our study was to compare predictors of the HRQoL for PLWH with and without diabetes. The study was a secondary analysis of data from the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort using multiple regression. Significant differences were found between PLWH with and without diabetes. The significant predictors of HRQoL for PLWH-alone were depression, anxiety, medication adherence, physical activity, smoking, and age. For PLWH with diabetes, the only significant predictors of HRQoL were anxiety and depression.
Occupational Differences in C-Reactive Protein Among Working-Age Adults in South Korea
Authors: Kim Yongjoo , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Tsuno Kanami , Li Xiaoyu , Lee Sunmin , Jang Soong-nang , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: November 2019

Objective:
To examine the association between occupational class and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in Korean workers.

Methods:
We used a nationally representative sample of Koreans (n = 2591) aged 19 to 65 years from the 2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The concentration of hsCRP (mg/L) was assessed by a high sensitivity immunoturbidimetric assay. Current occupation was categorized as: white-collar (managers/professionals), pink-collar (clerks/service/sales), blue-collar (craft/equipment/machine-assembling, agricultural/forestry/fishery, and elementary-level labor), or unemployed. Cross-sectional linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic/work-related/health conditions and behaviors.

Results:
Compared with blue-collar workers, white-collar workers showed significantly higher levels of hsCRP (β = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.30) after adjusting for all covariates, whereby the pattern was more pronounced among professionals. However, the association was not significant for unemployed and pink-collar workers.

Conclusions:
Findings suggest that Korean white-collar workers, particularly professionals, have elevated levels of inflammation.
Pregnancy Does Not Increase the Risk of Bell's Palsy: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Hong Sung Kwang , Park Su-Kyoung , Kim Hyung-Jong , Chang Jiwon 
Published: November 2019

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of Bell's palsy between women during pregnancy or postpartum periods and non-pregnant/non-postpartum women (controls).

Methods:
Using the national cohort from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, pregnant/postpartum participants (63,264) and control participants (126,528) were matched in a 1:2 ratio based on age, income, region of residence, and medical history. The incidence of Bell's palsy in both groups was measured from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum.

Results:
Among the 63,264 pregnant/postpartum participants, 20 were diagnosed with or treated for Bell's palsy during pregnancy, and 38 during postpartum periods. The annual incidence of Bell's palsy per 100,000 women during pregnancy was 43.4 in the patient group and 80.2 in the control group (p < 0.05), and that during postpartum periods was 60.1 the patient group and 50.6 in the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:
The annual incidence of Bell's palsy was not increased in pregnant women relative to that in the control.
Intratympanic Treatment in Menière's Disease, Efficacy of Aminoglycosides Versus Corticosteroids in Comparison Studies
Authors: Yaz Furkan , Ziylan Fuat , Smeeing Diederik P. J. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. 
Published: November 2019

Objective:
To compare the functional outcomes and complications of intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) versus intratympanic corticosteroids (ITC) in Menière's disease.

Data Sources:
An electronic search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases on February 3, 2019. Articles written in English, Dutch, German, French, or Turkish language were included.

Study Selection:
Study inclusion criteria were: 1) patients diagnosed with definite Menière's disease according to the criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2) treated with ITG or ITC in a comparison study, and 3) reported subjective and objective outcomes concerning Menière's disease.

Data Extraction:
The quality of eligible studies was assessed according to an adjusted version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The extracted data were study characteristics (study design, publication year, and number of relevant patients), patient's characteristics (sex and age), disease characteristics (uni or bilateral and duration of Menière's disease), treatment protocol, and different therapeutic outcomes (vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness, and hearing loss).

Data Synthesis:
A total of eight articles were included for data extraction and analysis. For subjective outcomes, ITG was slightly favored compared to intratympanic corticosteroids. This was significant only in three studies (p < 0.05). For objective outcomes and complications, no significant differences were seen.

Conclusions:
The result of this systematic review shows some benefit of ITG over ITC for subjective outcomes and no difference regarding objective outcomes or complication rate. However, this superiority of ITG is rather weak. Both interventions can be effectively and safely used in controlling Menière's disease in acute situations.