bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B Prevents Liver Injury in Patients With Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B Coinfection
Authors: Lui Grace C Y , Wong Ngai-Sze , Wong Rity Y K , Tse Yee-Kit , Wong Vincent W S , Leung Chi-Chiu , Chan Henry L Y , Wong Grace L H 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection increases the risk of liver injury in patients who undergo antituberculosis treatment. It is uncertain whether antiviral treatment for HBV at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis would reduce the risk of liver injury.

Methods
We performed a population-level, retrospective, cohort study that involved all patients with tuberculosis–HBV coinfection treated in public hospitals in Hong Kong over a 16-year period. Patients who received antiviral treatment at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis were considered “patients on antiviral therapy.” A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the adjusted hazard ratio of hospitalization due to drug-induced liver injury within 1 year in patients on antiviral therapy, adjusting for the propensity score.

Results
Of 3698 patients with tuberculosis–HBV coinfection, 488 (13.2%) were patients on antiviral therapy. Of the remaining 3210 patients, 446 (13.9%) started antiviral therapy within 1 year of tuberculosis diagnosis. Adjusting for the propensity score, patients on antiviral therapy had a lower risk of hospitalization due to drug-induced liver injury compared with those not on treatment (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval .26–.72). Compared with patients who started antiviral therapy within 1 year of tuberculosis diagnosis, patients on antiviral therapy also had a lower risk of hospitalization due to drug-induced liver injury and a lower risk of liver-related mortality.

Conclusions
We show that antiviral treatment for HBV given at the time of tuberculosis diagnosis reduced the risk of liver injury in tuberculosis–HBV coinfected patients.
Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome–like Clinical Presentation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus–infected Children in Malawi
Authors: El-Mallawany Nader Kim , Kamiyango William , Villiera Jimmy , Peckham-Gregory Erin C , Scheurer Michael E , McAtee Casey L , Allen Carl E , Kovarik Carrie L , Frank Dale , Eason Anthony B , Caro-Vegas Carolina , Chiao Elizabeth Y , Schutze Gordon E , Ozuah Nmazuo W , Mehta Parth S , Kazembe Peter N , Dittmer Dirk P 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
We describe 7 human immunodeficiency virus–infected Malawian children with Kaposi sarcoma who met criteria for Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) inflammatory cytokine syndrome. Each presented with persistent fevers, bulky lymphadenopathy, massive hepatosplenomegaly, and severe cytopenias. Plasma analyses were performed in 2 patients, both demonstrating extreme elevations of KSHV viral load and interleukin 6.
Blood Transcriptomic Stratification of Short-term Risk in Contacts of Tuberculosis
Authors: Roe Jennifer , Venturini Cristina , Gupta Rishi K , Gurry Celine , Chain Benjamin M , Sun Yuxin , Southern Jo , Jackson Charlotte , Lipman Marc C , Miller Robert F , Martineau Adrian R , Abubakar Ibrahim , Noursadeghi Mahdad 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
The highest risk of tuberculosis arises in the first few months after exposure. We reasoned that this risk reflects incipient disease among tuberculosis contacts. Blood transcriptional biomarkers of tuberculosis may predate clinical diagnosis, suggesting they offer improved sensitivity to detect subclinical incipient disease. Therefore, we sought to test the hypothesis that refined blood transcriptional biomarkers of active tuberculosis will improve stratification of short-term disease risk in tuberculosis contacts.

Methods
We combined analysis of previously published blood transcriptomic data with new data from a prospective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative UK cohort of 333 tuberculosis contacts. We used stability selection as an alternative computational approach to identify an optimal signature for short-term risk of active tuberculosis and evaluated its predictive value in independent cohorts.

Results
In a previously published HIV-negative South African case-control study of patients with asymptomatic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, a novel 3-gene transcriptional signature comprising BATF2, GBP5, and SCARF1 achieved a positive predictive value (PPV) of 23% for progression to active tuberculosis within 90 days. In a new UK cohort of 333 HIV-negative tuberculosis contacts with a median follow-up of 346 days, this signature achieved a PPV of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.7–84.3) and negative predictive value of 99.3% (95% CI, 97.5–99.9). By comparison, peripheral blood interferon gamma release assays in the same cohort achieved a PPV of 5.6% (95% CI, 2.1–11.8).

Conclusions
This blood transcriptional signature provides unprecedented opportunities to target therapy among tuberculosis contacts with greatest risk of incident disease.
Tbx1 regulates extracellular matrix-cell interactions in the second heart field
Authors: Alfano Daniela , Altomonte Alessandra , Cortes Claudio , Bilio Marchesa , Kelly Robert G , Baldini Antonio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTbx1, the major candidate gene for DiGeorge or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is required for efficient incorporation of cardiac progenitors of the second heart field (SHF) into the heart. However, the mechanisms by which TBX1 regulates this process are still unclear. Here, we have used two independent models, mouse embryos and cultured cells, to define the role of TBX1 in establishing morphological and dynamic characteristics of SHF in the mouse. We found that loss of TBX1 impairs extracellular matrix (ECM)-integrin-focal adhesion (FA) signaling in both models. Mosaic analysis in embryos suggested that this function is non-cell autonomous, and, in cultured cells, loss of TBX1 impairs cell migration and FAs. Additionally, we found that ECM-mediated integrin signaling is disrupted upon loss of TBX1. Finally, we show that interfering with the ECM-integrin-FA axis between E8.5 and E9.5 in mouse embryos, corresponding to the time window within which TBX1 is required in the SHF, causes outflow tract dysmorphogenesis. Our results demonstrate that TBX1 is required to maintain the integrity of ECM-cell interactions in the SHF and that this interaction is critical for cardiac outflow tract development. More broadly, our data identifies a novel TBX1 downstream pathway as an important player in SHF tissue architecture and cardiac morphogenesis.
A truly non-occlusive stent-graft moulding balloon for thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Gottardi Roman , Mudge Teddy , Czerny Martin , Seitelberger Rainald , Williams David F , Scherman Jacques , Bezuidenhout Deon , Zilla Peter 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic pathologies has recently progressed towards more proximal pathologies, including those of the aortic arch and ascending aorta where there is a higher risk for stent-graft migration during the deployment or the moulding procedure due to the beating and ejecting heart. Typical measures to prevent dislodgement of the balloon or the stent-graft during the procedure are rapid pacing or pharmacologically induced hypotension. We present a circular and fully non-occlusive stent-graft moulding balloon that does not require any reduction of cardiac output or hypotension during inflation, moulding and deflation of the balloon.
Hyperimmune Bovine Colostral Anti-CS17 Antibodies Protect Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea in a Randomized, Doubled-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Human Infection Model
Authors: Savarino Stephen J , McKenzie Robin , Tribble David R , Porter Chad K , O’Dowd Aisling , Sincock Stephanie A , Poole Steven T , DeNearing Barbara , Woods Colleen M , Kim Hye , Grahek Shannon L , Brinkley Carl , Crabb Joseph H , Bourgeois A Louis 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundEnterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) commonly cause diarrhea in children living in developing countries and in travelers to those regions. ETEC are characterized by colonization factors (CFs) that mediate intestinal adherence. We assessed if bovine colostral IgG (bIgG) antibodies against a CF, CS17, or antibodies against CsbD, the minor tip subunit of CS17, would protect subjects against diarrhea following challenge with a CS17-expressing ETEC strain.MethodsAdult subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive oral bIgG against CS17, CsbD, or placebo. Two days prior to challenge, subjects began dosing 3 times daily with the bIgG products (or placebo). On day 3, subjects ingested 5 × 109 cfu ETEC strain LSN03-016011/A in buffer. Subjects were assessed for diarrhea for 120 hours postchallenge.ResultsA total of 36 subjects began oral prophylaxis and 35 were challenged with ETEC. While 50.0% of the placebo recipients had watery diarrhea, none of the subjects receiving anti-CS17 had diarrhea (P = .01). In contrast, diarrhea rates between placebo and anti-CsbD recipients (41.7%) were comparable (P = 1.0).ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate anti-CS17 antibodies provide significant protection against ETEC expressing CS17. More research is needed to better understand why anti-CsbD was not comparably efficacious.Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00524004
Effectiveness of birthing kits for clean childbirth: a systematic review
Authors: Lassi Zohra S , Fisher Zeshi , Andraweera Prabha , Cummins Alexandra , Roberts Claire T 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Poor infection control practices during childbirth are recognised as a critical factor leading to life-threatening maternal and newborn sepsis. Therefore, this paper assesses the effectiveness of clean birth kits (CBKs) to ensure a safe birthing environment. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, as well as Google Scholar, to identify both qualitative and quantitative studies on CBKs published in English up to November 2018. Studies were included if the pregnant women or women giving birth intended to use or used a CBK. The methodological quality of included papers was assessed. A total of 37 studies, 26 quantitative and 11 qualitative studies, were included. Quantitative studies showed a positive impact of CBKs on reducing the incidence of puerperal sepsis and neonatal tetanus. The review also identified CBK use to be associated with a reduction in perinatal, neonatal and young infant mortality. Qualitative studies suggested that a lack of awareness of the importance of CBKs and clean delivery practices, unavailability of CBKs and financial constraints to purchase CBKs were the potential barriers. CBKs appear to be a promising strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the current evidence is limited and further large-scale trials are required.
Characterization of linezolid-resistance-associated mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis through WGS
Authors: Pi Rui , Liu Qingyun , Jiang Qi , Gao Qian 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Linezolid is becoming an important antibiotic for treating MDR/XDR TB, but the mutations conferring resistance to linezolid remain inadequately characterized. Herein, we investigated the linezolid-resistance-associated mutations on a whole-genome scale through parallel selections of resistant isolates in vitro.

Methods
Ten parallel Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv cultures were subjected to spontaneous mutant selection on 7H11 agar plates containing 2.5 mg/L linezolid. The linezolid resistance of resulting colonies was confirmed by growth on a second linezolid plate. WGS was then performed to identify mutations associated with linezolid resistance.

Results
Of 181 colonies appearing on the initial linezolid plates, 154 were confirmed to be linezolid resistant. WGS showed that 88.3% (136/154) of these isolates had a T460C mutation in rplC, resulting in a C154R substitution. The other 18 isolates harboured a single mutation in the rrl gene, with G2814T and G2270T mutations accounting for 7.8% (12/154) and 3.9% (6/154), respectively.

Conclusions
No mutations in novel genes were associated with linezolid resistance in a whole-genome investigation of 154 linezolid-resistant isolates selected in vitro. These results emphasize that rrl and rplC genes should be the major targets for molecular detection of linezolid resistance.
Discordance Between Serology and Histology for Celiac Disease in a Cohort with Coexisting Liver Disorders
Authors: Cvetkovic Lena , Bernard Gabriel , Galette Nathanaelle , Hétu Pierre-Olivier , Vincent Catherine , Bouin Mickael , Therrien Amelie 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
The liver and celiac disease (CeD) share a complex relationship. While in some patients, isolated hypertransaminasemia is the only manifestation of CeD, liver diseases (LD) may also be associated with the presence of isolated tissue transglutaminase antibodies IgA (tTG IgA) without histologic evidence of CeD.

Aims
To examine the yield of tTG IgA testing (a) in the workup for chronic liver disease (CLD) or cytolysis and (b) to identify biopsy-confirmed CeD (BxCeD) among patients with concomitant LD.

Methods
Retrospective study including two cohorts. Cohort 1 represented 444 consecutive individuals without known CeD for which liver specialists requested tTG IgA. Incidence of positive tTG and BxCeD was evaluated. Cohort 2 included 212 consecutive individuals with positive tTG IgA and subsequent duodenal biopsies. The frequency and clinical characteristics of individuals without BxCeD were examined, with and without concurrent LD.

Results
The rate of first time positive tTG IgA among the tests requested by a liver specialist (cohort 1) was 2.0% (n = 9). However, 33.0% (n = 3) of these patients did not have BxCeD. Cohort 2 included 33 individuals with coexisting LD, of which 42.4% did not have BxCeD, compared with 16.2% of the patients without LD (P &lt; 0.001). The majority of the patients without BxCeD (65.1%) showed an increase &lt; 3 times upper limit of normal of tTG IgA.

Conclusions
Although there is clinical value in testing for CeD in the context of LD, there could be a high rate of positive CeD serology unaccompanied by histologic signs in patients with coexisting LD.
The Harmonic-Bass Divorce in Rock
Authors: De Clercq Trevor 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Prior authors have identified cases of independence between melody and harmony in rock, dubbed the “melodic-harmonic divorce” (e.g., Temperley 2007). This article shows that a similar type of independence often exists between harmony and bass, which I refer to as the “harmonic-bass divorce.” I categorize instances of harmonic-bass divorce using the three types of melodic-harmonic divorce introduced by Nobile (2015): hierarchy, syntax, and loop divorce. Although the concept of harmonic-bass divorce intersects with extant theoretical constructs, I argue that viewing the bass and harmony as separate layers helps explain the organization of what might otherwise appear to be arbitrary chord extensions.
Beliefs and Self-reported Practices of Health Care Professionals Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Synthesis
Authors: Erku Daniel A , Gartner Coral E , Morphett Kylie , Steadman Kathryn J 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Aims
This review explores the (1) beliefs and attitudes of health care professionals (HCPs) toward electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) including use as a smoking cessation aid and/or harm reduction, safety and regulation, and (2) the extent and content of patient–HCP communication about ENDS.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched to identify articles published since 2003. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklists were used to assess the quality of studies. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze qualitative data.

Results
A total of 45 articles (32 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 1 mixed) were included. There was wide variation regarding beliefs about the efficacy of ENDS as a cessation aid. Although the majority of HCPs believes that ENDS are safer than combustible cigarettes, they also have concern about the short and long-term safety of ENDS, uptake by adolescents, and the potential for ENDS to act as a “gateway” to smoking cigarettes. Beliefs about ENDS are influenced by media stories and experiences provided by patients. Although most HCPs do not proactively recommend ENDS, they are more likely to support ENDS use among patients with smoking related comorbidities, heavy smokers with previous unsuccessful quit attempts, or patients who express interest in trying them.

Conclusions
Overall, HCPs hold diverse views about the efficacy of ENDS and expressed wariness over their potential health effects. HCP endorsement of ENDS use seems to depend largely on patient health status, the presence of other competing risk factors and patient preferences.

Implication
Although evidence on safety and efficacy of ENDS is emerging, HCPs should be honest with their clients, stating that the long-term safety is not yet established but what is known is that they appear to be a lower risk alternative to cigarettes. Our review highlights a need for further training and support for HCPs regarding ENDS use, which would enable them to guide their clients in making evidence-based decisions.
Multifactor Assessment of Non-Antimicrobial Soap Performance
Authors: Bingham James , Cartner Todd J , Mays Suko Patricia A , Leslie Rachel A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
A non-antimicrobial soap was benchmarked against 2 reference soaps for microbial removal and skin compatibility, key factors in soap effectiveness and usage. The non-antimicrobial test soap removed more Staphylococcus aureus (P = .024) when applied to nonwetted hands and showed no difference in skin barrier function compared with the reference soaps (P = .736).
Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor in the Setting of a Ventricular Shunt: Technical Report
Authors: Yang Andrew I , Chaibainou Hanane , Wang Sumei , Hitti Frederick L , McShane Brendan J , Tilden David , Korn Matthew , Blanke Aaron , Dayan Mor , Wolf Ronald L , Baltuch Gordon H 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
A recent randomized controlled trial of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) for essential tremor (ET) demonstrated safety and efficacy. Patients with ventricular shunts may be good candidates for FUS to minimize hardware-associated infections.

OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate feasibility of FUS in this subset of patients.

METHODS
A 74-yr-old male with medically refractory ET, and a right-sided ventricular shunt for normal pressure hydrocephalus, underwent FUS to the right ventro-intermedius (VIM) nucleus. The VIM nucleus was directly targeted using deterministic tractography. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor.

RESULTS
Shunt components required 6% of the total ultrasound transducer elements to be shut off. Eight therapeutic sonications were delivered (maximum temperature, 64°), leading to a 90% improvement in hand tremor and a 100% improvement in functional disability at the 3-mo follow-up. No complications were noted.

CONCLUSION
This is the first case of FUS thalamotomy in a patient with a shunt. Direct VIM targeting and achievement of therapeutic temperatures with acoustic energy is feasible in this subset of patients.
Go for the Gold: A “Plane” and Simple Technique for Resecting Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
Authors: Stone Jonathan J , Spinner Robert J 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Intraneural dissection is a useful technique for achieving gross total resection and preserving functional fascicles for peripheral nerve tumors. Finding the correct tissue plane is the critical step for safe successful enucleation. The authors hypothesized that the yellow color of benign nerve tumors can be used to identify surgical planes.

OBJECTIVE
To describe a technique to find the correct intraneural dissection plane based on a quantified yellow appearance during resection of benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

METHODS
Intraoperative photographs were reviewed to determine the percentage of yellow that tumors appeared at different phases of surgery. A technique was developed to quantitatively measure the amount of yellow using Photoshop. Previously published journal articles containing color images of peripheral nerve tumor resections were also analyzed for yellow tumor color.

RESULTS
There were 24 patients with suitable images to permit measurement of color for 3 steps of the procedure. The average percentages of yellow for tumor exposure, tumor resection, and removed specimen were 36.5%, 59.1%, and 80.4%, respectively (P < .001). Three publications were found that contained high-quality images of at least 2 phases of the surgery with average yellow content of 47.4% and 84% (P < .01).

CONCLUSION
The simple observation that a benign nerve sheath tumor is yellow in color can be used to guide surgical resection and achieve excellent outcomes. Intraneural dissection through the pseudocapsule should be pursued layer by layer until a yellow true capsule is found. By sparing functional nervous tissue within the pseudocapsule, this technique may lead to improved neurological outcomes.
The Activity of Commercial Lobbies in the Israeli Knesset During 2015–2018: Undermining or Realising the Democratic Foundations?
Authors: Cohen Erez 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The growth of political lobbyism in democratic countries in recent years is characteristic of Israel as well. This activity makes it possible for private and business entities to influence decision-making processes and the shaping of public policy in these countries. Side by side with its contribution to important democratic principles such as representing interests and political participation, it is also strongly criticised and said to be a real danger to democracy; due to this hazard, many countries, including Israel normally regulate this activity by means of the law. In contrast, some argue that this activity reflects one of the basic tenets of democracy, which includes freedom of occupation and equal opportunities. This study examines measures of commercial lobbying in Israel during the 20th Knesset’s term, presenting the number of lobbies, number of clients and degree of centralisation in this commercial industry and weighing the research data against democratic principles in general and Israel’s values. The research findings show an increase in Israel’s lobbyist activity during the 20th Knesset’s term (2015–2018), both with regard to the number of lobbyists and with regard to the number of clients represented by them.