bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics of group B Streptococcus isolates from infants in southern mainland China
Authors: Li Juan , Ji Wenjing , Gao Kankan , Zhou Haijian , Zhang Lihua , Mu Xiaoping , Yuan Chunlei , Guan Xiaoshan , Deng Qiulian , Zhang Lian , Zhong Huamin , Gao Xiurong , Gao Fei , Long Yan , Chang Chien-Yi , McIver David J. , Liu Haiying 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Invasive group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease in Chinese infants has gradually gained attention in recent years, but the molecular epidemiology of the pathogen is still not well known.

Methods
This multicenter study retrospectively investigated distribution of capsular serotypes, sequence types (STs), and hypervirulent GBS adhesin gene (hvgA) in clinical GBS isolates that caused invasive disease in infants aged < 3 months of age in southern mainland China between January 2013 and June 2016. Genes for antibiotic resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin were also examined.

Results
From a total of 93 GBS isolates taken from 34 early-onset disease (EOD, 0–6 days after birth) and 59 late-onset disease (LOD, 7–89 days after birth) cases, four serotypes were identified: serotypes III (79.6%), Ib (12.9%), Ia (4.3%), and V (3.2%). Serotype III accounted for 73.5% of EOD and 83.1% of LOD and was responsible for 75.5% of cases involving meningitis. Fifteen STs were found, with the majority being ST17 (61.3%), ST12 (7.5%), ST19 (7.5%), and others (23.7%). 96.8% of STs belonged to only five clonal complexes (CCs): CC17 (64.5%), CC10 (12.9%), CC19 (9.7%), CC23 (6.5%), and CC1 (3.2%). The hvgA gene was detected in 66.7% of GBS isolates and 95% of CC17 isolates, all of which were serotype III except one serotype Ib/CC17 isolate. A large proportion of GBS isolates were found to be resistant to tetracycline (93.5%), clindamycin (65.5%), and erythromycin (60.2%). Genes of tetO (74.7%) and tetM (46.0%) were found in tetracycline resistant isolates, linB (24.6%) in clindamycin resistant isolates, and ermB (87.5%) and mefA (3.6%) in erythromycin resistant isolates.

Conclusion
Our results reveal higher prevalence of serotype III, ST17, CC17, hvgA expressing, and antibiotic resistant GBS isolates than previously reported in southern mainland China.
This study provides guidance for appropriate measures of prevention and control to be taken in the future.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from specimens of pulmonary tuberculosis suspects, Northern Tunisia: 2002–2016
Authors: Gharbi Reem , Mhenni Besma , Ben Fraj Saloua , Mardassi Helmi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundReports on the worldwide ascending trend of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolation rates and their effective role in respiratory tract infections are compelling. However, as yet, there are no such data relating to Tunisia.MethodsHere we carried out a retrospective review of mycobacterial cultures originating from Northern Tunisia, which have been processed in the laboratory of mycobacteria of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, during the time period 2002–2016. All pulmonary NTM (PNTM) isolates available for culture were characterized phenotypically and their taxonomic status was further established based on polymorphisms inrpoB, 16S rRNA,hsp65,andsodADNA gene sequences.ResultsOf the 10,466 specimens collected from HIV-negative Tunisian patients with presumptive clinical pulmonary TB, 60 (0.6%) yielded PNTM isolates. An overall annual PNTM isolation prevalence of 0.2/100,000 was estimated. As far as could be ascertained, this isolation rate accounts amongst the lowest reported hitherto throughout the world. Among the 30 NTM isolates that were available for culture, 27 (90.0%) have been identified to the species level. The most commonly encountered species wasMycobacterium kansasii(23.3%) subtype 1. Strikingly, allM. kansasiicases were male patients originating from Bizerte, an industrialized region particularly known for iron industry. The remaining NTM species wereM. fortuitum(16.6%), M. novocastrense(16.6%), M. chelonae(10.0%),M. gordonae(6.6%),M. gadium(6.6%),M. peregrinum(3.3%),M. porcinum(3.3%), andM. flavescens(3.3%). There were no bacteria of theM. aviumcomplex, the most frequently isolated NTM globally, and the main driver of the rise of NTM-lung diseases.ConclusionsThis study uncovered an exceptional low prevalence of PNTM isolation among HIV-negative TB suspects in Northern Tunisia, suggesting a very low burden of NTM pulmonary disease. However, the frequent isolation ofM. kansasiisubtype 1, the most pathogenic subtype, particularly from the industrialized region of Bizerte, strongly suggests its effective involvement in a typical pulmonary disease.
A cluster-randomised controlled trial comparing school and community-based deworming for soil transmitted helminth control in school-age children: the CoDe-STH trial protocol
Authors: Clarke Naomi E. , Ng-Nguyen Dinh , Traub Rebecca J. , Clements Archie C. A. , Halton Kate , Anderson Roy M. , Gray Darren J. , Coffeng Luc E. , Kaldor John M. , Vaz Nery Susana 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Current guidelines and targets for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control focus on school-based deworming for school-age children, given the high risk of associated morbidity in this age group. However, expanding deworming to all age groups may achieve improved STH control among both the community in general and school-age children, by reducing their risk of reinfection. This trial aims to compare school-based targeted deworming with community-wide mass deworming in terms of impact on STH infections among school-age children.

Methods
The CoDe-STH (Community Deworming against STH) trial is a cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT) in 64 primary schools in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. The control arm will receive one round of school-based targeted deworming with albendazole, while in the intervention arm, community-wide mass deworming with albendazole will be implemented alongside school-based deworming. Prevalence of STH infections will be measured in school-age children at baseline and 12 months following deworming. The primary outcome is hookworm prevalence in school-age children at 12 months, by quantitative PCR. Analysis will be intention-to-treat, with outcomes compared between study arms using generalised linear and non-linear mixed models. Additionally, cost-effectiveness of mass and targeted deworming will be calculated and compared, and focus group discussions and interviews will be used to assess acceptability and feasibility of deworming approaches. Individual based stochastic models will be used to predict the impact of mass and targeted deworming strategies beyond the RCT timeframe to assess the likelihood of parasite population ‘bounce-back’ if deworming is ceased due to low STH prevalence.

Discussion
The first large-scale trial comparing mass and targeted deworming for STH control in South East Asia will provide key information for policy makers regarding the optimal design of STH control programs.

Trial registration
ACTRN12619000309189.
Screening HIV-positive men who have sex with men for hepatitis C re-infection risk: is a single question on condom-use enough? A sensitivity analysis
Authors:   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), Künzler-Heule Patrizia , Engberg Sandra , Battegay Manuel , Schmidt Axel J. , Fierz Katharina , Nguyen Huyen , Kocher Agnes , Nöstlinger Christiana , Hampel Benjamin , Stöckle Marcel , Béguelin Charles , Delaloye Julie , Schmid Patrick , Flepp Markus , Rougement Mathieu , Braun Dominique Laurent , Fehr Jan , Nicca Dunja 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common in men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV. The Swiss HCVree Trial targeted a micro-elimination by using a treat and counsel strategy. Self-reported condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners was used as the selection criterion for participation in a counselling intervention designed to prevent HCV re-infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of this criterion to identify men who engaged in other sexual risk behaviours associated with HCV re-infection.

Methods
Men who disclosed their sexual and drug- use behaviours during the prior 6 months, at study baseline, were included in the current study. Using a descriptive comparative study design, we explored self-reported sexual and drug-use risk behaviours, compared the odds of reporting each behaviour in men who reported and denied condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners during the prior year and calculated the sensitivity/specificity (95% CI) of the screening question in relation to the other at-risk behaviours.

Results
Seventy-two (61%) of the 118 men meeting eligibity criteria reported condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners during the prior year. Many also engaged in other potential HCV transmission risk behaviours, e.g., 52 (44%) had used drugs. In participants disclosing drug use, 44 (37%) reported sexualised drug use and 17 (14%) injected drugs. Unadjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for two well-known risk behaviours were 2.02 (0.80, 5.62) for fisting and 5.66 (1.49, 37.12) for injecting drug use. The odds ratio for sexualised drug use - a potential mediator for increased sexual risk taking - was 5.90 (2.44, 16.05). Condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners showed varying sensitivity in relation to the other risk behaviours examined (66.7–88.2%).

Conclusions
Although condomless anal intercourse with non-steady partners was fairly sensitive in detecting other HCV relevant risk behaviours, using it as the only screening criterion could lead to missing a proportion of HIV-positive men at risk for HCV re-infection due to other behaviours. This work also points to the importance of providing access to behavioral interventions addressing other sexual and drug use practices as part of HCV treatment.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial Number: NCT02785666, 30.05.2016.
Bacterial resistance trends among intraoperative bone culture of chronic osteomyelitis in an affiliated hospital of South China for twelve years
Authors: Zhang Xianghong , Lu Qiong , Liu Tang , Li Zhihong , Cai Weiliang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to gather temporal trends on bacteria epidemiology and resistance of intraoperative bone culture from chronic ostemyelitis at an affiliated hospital in South China.

Method
Records of patients with chronic osteomyelitis from 2003 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The medical data were extracted using a unified protocol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out by means of a unified protocol using the Kirby-Bauer method, results were analyzed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute definitions.

Result
Four hundred eighteen cases met our inclusion criteria. For pathogen distribution, the top five strains were Staphylococcus aureus (27.9%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.1%); Enterobacter cloacae (9.5%); Acinetobacter baumanii (9.0%) and Escherichia coli (7.8%). Bacterial culture positive rate was decreased significantly among different year-groups. Mutiple bacterial infection rate was 28.1%. One strain of Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to linezolid and vancomycin. Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa stains to Cefazolin, Cefuroxime, Cefotaxime, and Cefoxitin were 100% nearly. Resistance of Acinetobacter baumanii stains against Cefazolin, Cefuroxime were 100%. Ciprofloxacin resistance among Escherichia coli isolates increased from 25 to 44.4%. On the contrary, resistance of Enterobacter cloacae stains to Cefotaxime and Ceftazidime were decreased from 83.3 to 36.4%.

Conclusions
From 2003 to 2014, positive rate of intraoperative bone culture of chronic osteomyelitis was decreased; the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus was decreased gradually, and our results indicate the importance of bacterial surveilance studies about chronic osteomyelitis.
Development of a novel radioligand for imaging 18-kD translocator protein (TSPO) in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wu Chun-Yi , Chen Yang-Yi , Lin Jia-Jia , Li Jui-Ping , Chen Jen-Kun , Hsieh Te-Chun , Kao Chia-Hung 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The inflammation reaction in the brain may stimulate damage repair or possibly lead to secondary brain injury. It is often associated with activated microglia, which would overexpress 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO). In this study, we successfully developed a new TSPO radioligand, [18F]-2-(4-fluoro-2-(p-tolyloxy)phenyl)-1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-3(4H)-one ([18F]FTPQ), and evaluate its potential to noninvasively detect brain changes in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Procedures
The precursor (8) for [18F]FTPQ preparation was synthesized via six steps. Radiofluorination was carried out in the presence of a copper catalyst, and the crude product was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to give the desired [18F]FTPQ. The rat model of PD was established by the injection of 6-OHDA into the right hemisphere of male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. MicroPET/CT imaging and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to characterize the biological properties of [18F]FTPQ.

Results
The overall chemical yield for the precursor (8) was around 14% after multi-step synthesis. The radiofluorination efficiency of [18F]FTPQ was 60 ± 5%. After HPLC purification, the radiochemical purity was higher than 98%. The overall radiochemical yield was approximately 19%. The microPET/CT images demonstrated apparent striatum accumulation in the brains of PD rats at the first 30 min after intravenous injection of [18F]FTPQ. Besides, longitudinal imaging found the uptake of [18F]FTPQ in the brain may reflect the severity of PD. The radioactivity accumulated in the ipsilateral hemisphere of PD rats at 1, 2, and 3 weeks after 6-OHDA administration was 1.84 ± 0.26, 3.43 ± 0.45, and 5.58 ± 0.72%ID/mL, respectively. IHC revealed that an accumulation of microglia/macrophages and astrocytes in the 6-OHDA-injected hemisphere.

Conclusions
In this study, we have successfully synthesized [18F]FTPQ with acceptable radiochemical yield and demonstrated the feasibility of [18F]FTPQ as a TSPO radioligand for the noninvasive monitoring the disease progression of PD.
Barriers to formal health care seeking during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period: a qualitative study in Siaya County in rural Kenya
Authors: Ochieng Caroline A. , Odhiambo Aloyce S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is broad agreement that antenatal care (ANC) interventions, skilled attendance at birth and management of complications arising after delivery are key strategies that can tackle the high burden of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, utilisation rate of these services has remained low despite a government policy on free maternal care. The present study sought to understand what factors are leading to the low healthcare seeking during pregnancy, child birth and postnatal period in Siaya County in Kenya.MethodsSix Focus Group Discussions were conducted with 50 women attending ANC in 6 public primary healthcare facilities. Participants were drawn from a sample of 200 women who were eligible participants in a Conditional Cash Transfer project aimed at increasing utilization of healthcare services during pregnancy and postnatal period. Interviews were conducted at the health facilities, recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsMultiple factors beyond the commonly reported distance to health facility and lack of transportation and finances explained the low utilization of services. Emergent themes included a lack of understanding of the role of ANC beyond the treatment of regular ailments. Women with no complicated pregnancies therefore missed or went in late for the visits. A missed health visit contributed to future missed visits, not just for ANC but also for facility delivery and postnatal care. The underlying cause of this relationship was a fear of reprimand from the health staff and denial of care. The negative attitude of the health workers explained the pervasive fear expressed by the participants, as well as being on its own a reason for not making the visits. The effect was not just on the woman with the negative experience, but spiraled and affected the decision of other women and their social networks.ConclusionsThe complexity of the barriers to healthcare visits implies that narrow focused solutions are unlikely to succeed. Instead, there should broad-based solutions that focus on the entire continuum of maternal care with a special focus on ANC. There is an urgent need to shift the negative attitude of healthcare workers towards their clients.
Immunohistochemical validation of COL3A1, GPR158 and PITHD1 as prognostic biomarkers in early-stage ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Engqvist Hanna , Parris Toshima Z. , Kovács Anikó , Nemes Szilárd , Werner Rönnerman Elisabeth , De Lara Shahin , Biermann Jana , Sundfeldt Karin , Karlsson Per , Helou Khalil 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Ovarian cancer is the main cause of gynecological cancer-associated death. However, 5-year survival rates differ dramatically between the five main ovarian carcinoma histotypes. Therefore, we need to have a better understanding of the mechanisms that promote histotype-specific ovarian carcinogenesis and identify novel prognostic biomarkers.

Methods
Here, we evaluated the prognostic role of 29 genes for early-stage (I and II) ovarian carcinomas (n = 206) using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results
We provide evidence of aberrant protein expression patterns for Collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1), G protein-coupled receptor 158 (GPR158) and PITH domain containing 1 (PITHD1). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that COL3A1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in the four major histotypes of epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients (P value = 0.026, HR = 2.99 (95% CI 1.089–8.19)). Furthermore, GPR158 and PITHD1 were shown to be histotype-specific prognostic biomarkers, with elevated GPR158 expression patterns in mucinous ovarian carcinoma patients with unfavorable overall survival (P value = 0.00043, HR = 6.13 (95% CI 1.98–18.98)), and an association with lower PITHD1 protein expression and unfavorable overall and disease-specific survival in clear-cell ovarian carcinoma patients (P value = 0.012, HR = 0.22 (95% CI 0.058–0.80); P value = 0.003, HR = 0.17 (95% CI 0.043–0.64)).

Conclusions
The novel biomarkers identified here may improve prognostication at the time of diagnosis and may assist in the development of future individualized therapeutic strategies for ovarian carcinoma patients.
Preoperative albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio predicts severe postoperative complications in elderly gastric cancer subjects after radical laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: You Xuexue , Zhou Qun , Song Jie , Gan Linguang , Chen Junping , Shen Huachun 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
A high prevalence of postoperative complications is closely associated with a worse short- and long-term outcome. This current study aimed to investigate potential risk factors including albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR) for severe postoperative complications (SPCs) in surgical gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Methods
Elderly patients (≥65 years) with primary GC who underwent elective radical laparoscopic gastrectomy under general anesthesia were included. According to the Clavien–Dindo classification system, the severity of complications was assessed from Grade I to V and SPCs were defined as C-D Grade ≥ IIIa. The clinicopathological features, operative-associated characteristics, postoperative recovery and laboratory tests were compared between patients with or without SPCs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using Youden’s Index was established for determining the predictive value and cut-off threshold of AFR for SPCs. Binary univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors influencing SPCs.

Results
A total of 365 elderly GC patients were finally included in the analysis, of which 52 (52/365, 14.2%) patients had developed SPCs within postoperative 30 days. Preoperative AFR level predicted SPCs in surgical GC patients with an AUC of 0.841, a sensitivity of 76.36% and a specificity of 80.77%, respectively (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that a lower AFR level (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.09–3.36, P = 0.017) and an older age (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06–3.04, P = 0.023) were two independent predictive factors for SPCs in surgical GC patients.

Conclusions
Preoperative AFR level is a useful predictor for SPCs in elderly GC subjects after radical laparoscopic gastrectomy.
The relationship between breastfeeding and reported respiratory and gastrointestinal infection rates in young children
Authors:   for the TEDDY Study Group, Frank Nicole M. , Lynch Kristian F. , Uusitalo Ulla , Yang Jimin , Lönnrot Maria , Virtanen Suvi M. , Hyöty Heikki , Norris Jill M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundAlthough breastfeeding is touted as providing many health benefits to infants, some aspects of this relationship remain poorly understood.MethodsThe Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) is a prospective longitudinal study that follows children from birth through childhood, and collects data on illness events, breastfeeding duration, and time to introduction of formula or foods at 3 month intervals up until 4 years of age and at 6 months intervals thereafter. Exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding is examined in relation to the 3-month odds of a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection for 6861 children between the ages of 3–18 months, and 5666 children up to the age of 4 years. Analysis was performed using logistic regression models with generalized estimating equation methodology. All models were adjusted for potential confounding variables.ResultsAt 3–6 months of age, breastfeeding was found to be inversely associated with the odds of respiratory infections with fever (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70–0.95), otitis media (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.62–0.94), and infective gastroenteritis (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.46–0.70), although the inverse association with respiratory illnesses was observed only for girls during the winter months. Between 6 and 18 months of age, breastfeeding within any 3 month period continued to be inversely associated with the odds of ear infection and infective gastroenteritis, and additionally with the odds of conjunctivitis, and laryngitis and tracheitis, over the same 3 month period within this age range. However, breastfeeding in this group was associated with increased reports of common cold. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was inversely associated with the odds of otitis media up to 48 months of age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.95–0.99) after breastfeeding had stopped.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that breastfeeding can be protective against multiple respiratory and gastrointestinal acute illnesses in some children up to at least 6 months of age, with duration of exclusive breastfeeding being somewhat protective of otitis media even after breastfeeding has stopped.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT00279318.Date of registration: January 17, 2006 (proactively registered).First Posted: January 19, 2006.