bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in Three New York City Hospitals Trended Downwards From 2006 to 2014
Authors: Park Sun O. , Liu Jianfang , Furuya E. Yoko , Larson Elaine L. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Background
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infection is a rising public health threat since its first outbreaks in New York City (NYC) in the early 2000s. We investigated annual trends of CRKP infection in hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-onset infections (COIs) treated in 3 NYC hospitals from 2006 to 2014.

Methods
We extracted K pneumoniae infection data including carbapenem susceptibility and anatomical sites, compared clinical characteristics between CRKP and carbapenem-susceptible K pneumoniae infections, and determined CRKP infection proportions in total K pneumoniae infections in HAI and COI to identify statistically significant trends from 2006 to 2014 using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.

Results
Carbapenem-resistant K pneumoniae contributed 17.3% (601 of 3477) of hospital-acquired K pneumoniae infection compared with 7.7% (149 of 1926) in COI from 2006 to 2014. Carbapenem-resistant K pneumoniae proportions in HAI and COI were positively correlated over time (r = 0.83, P &lt; .01), and there were downward annual trends of CRKP proportions from 2006 to 2014 in both HAI and COI (25.8% to 10.5% in HAI, P &lt; .001; 13.6% to 3.1% in COI, P &lt; .001). By anatomical site, significant downward annual trends were present only in urinary tract infection (P &lt; .001 for both HAI and COI) from 2006 to 2014.

Conclusions
Annual trends of CRKP proportions from 2006 to 2014 were downward in both HAI and COI, and HAI and COI were positively correlated. Efforts to reduce and prevent CRKP infections in both hospital and community settings were successful and warrant continuation.
Altered Monocyte and Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Expression Is Linked to Vascular Inflammation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Kulkarni Manjusha , Bowman Emily , Gabriel Janelle , Amburgy Taylor , Mayne Elizabeth , Zidar David A. , Maierhofer Courtney , Turner Abigail Norris , Bazan Jose A. , Koletar Susan L. , Lederman Michael M. , Sieg Scott F. , Funderburg Nicholas T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have increased risk for vascular thrombosis, potentially driven by interactions between activated leukocytes and the endothelium.MethodsMonocyte subsets (CD14+CD16−, CD14+CD16+, CD14DimCD16+) from HIV negative (HIV−) and antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV positive (HIV+) participants (N = 19 and 49) were analyzed by flow cytometry for adhesion molecule expression (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 [LFA-1], macrophage-1 antigen [Mac-1], CD11c/CD18, very late antigen [VLA]-4) and the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1); these receptors recognize ligands (intercellular adhesion molecules [ICAMs], vascular cell adhesion molecule [VCAM]-1, fractalkine) on activated endothelial cells (ECs) and promote vascular migration. Plasma markers of monocyte (soluble [s]CD14, sCD163) and EC (VCAM-1, ICAM-1,2, fractalkine) activation and systemic (tumor necrosis factor receptor [TNFR-I], TNFR-II) and vascular (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]) inflammation were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsProportions of CD16+ monocyte subsets were increased in HIV+ participants. Among all monocyte subsets, levels of LFA-1 were increased and CX3CR1 levels were decreased in HIV+ participants (P &lt; .01). Levels of sCD163, sCD14, fractalkine, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNFR-II, and Lp-PLA2 were also increased in HIV+ participants (P &lt; .05), and levels of sCD14, TNFR-I, and TNFR-II were directly related to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels in HIV+ participants. Expression of CX3CR1 on monocyte subsets was inversely related to plasma Lp-PLA2 (P &lt; .05 for all).ConclusionsIncreased proportions of CD16+ monocytes, cells with altered adhesion molecule expression, combined with elevated levels of their ligands, may promote vascular inflammation in HIV infection.
Particle physics as a way to bring different cultures to work together in science
Authors: Mikenberg G. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Science has traditionally played an important role in sharing knowledge among people. Particle physics, with its large experiments, has shown that one can not only share the knowledge among different cultures, but that one can also work together to achieve this knowledge. The present article gives a few examples where this has been possible among people that are sometimes in conflict situations.
Giant Basal Cell Carcinomas Express Neuroactive Mediators and Show a High Growth Rate: A Case–Control Study and Meta-Analysis of Etiopathogenic and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Yazdani Abyaneh Mohammad-Ali , Engel Peter , Slominski Andrzej , Ragsdale Bruce , Agag Richard , Cramer Daniel , Carlson J. Andrew 
Published: October 2016

Background:
Giant basal cell carcinomas (GBCCs), (BCC ≥ 5 cm), are often painless, destructive tumors resulting from poorly understood patient neglect.

Objectives:
To elucidate etiopathogenic factors distinguishing GBCC from basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and identify predictors for disease-specific death (DSD).

Methods:
Case–control study examining clinicopathologic and neuroactive factors (β-endorphin, met-enkephalin, serotonin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and neurofilament expression) in GBCC and BCC. Systematic literature review to determine DSD predictors.

Results:
Thirteen GBCCs (11 patients) were compared with 26 BCCs (25 patients). GBCC significantly differed in size, disease duration, and outcomes; patients were significantly more likely to live alone, lack concern, and have alcoholism. GBCC significantly exhibited infiltrative/morpheic phenotypes, perineural invasion, ulceration, and faster growth. All neuromediators were similarly expressed. Adenoid phenotype was significantly more common in GBCC. Adenoid tumors expressed significantly more β-endorphin (60% vs. 18%, P = 0.01) and serotonin (30% vs. 4%, P = 0.02). In meta-analysis (n ≤ 311: median age 68 years, disease duration 90 months, tumor diameter 8 cm, 18.4% disease-specific mortality), independent DSD predictors included tumor diameter (cm) (hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, P = 0.003), bone invasion (HR: 4.19, P = 0.015), brain invasion (HR: 8.23, P = 0.001), and distant metastases (HR: 14.48, P = 0.000).

Conclusions:
GBCC etiopathogenesis is multifactorial (ie, tumor biology, psychosocial factors). BCC production of paracrine neuromediators deserves further study.
Use of dietary assessment tools in randomized trials evaluating diet-based interventions in pregnancy: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Al Wattar Bassel H. , Mylrea-Lowndes Bronacha , Morgan Catrin , Moore Amanda P. , Thangaratinam Shakila 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Accurate assessment of dietary intake in interventional trials is the key to evaluate changes in dietary behaviour and compliance. We evaluated the use of dietary assessment tools in randomized trials on diet-based interventions in pregnancy by a systematic review.

Recent findings
We updated our previous search (until January 2012) on trials of diet and lifestyle interventions in pregnancy using Medline and EMBASE up to December 2015. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection and data extraction. We assessed the characteristics of dietary assessment tools, the timing and frequency of use and any validation undertaken.
Two-thirds (39/58, 67%) of the included studies used some form of tools to assess dietary intake. Multiple days’ food diaries were the most commonly used (23/39, 59%). Three studies (3/39, 8%) validated the used tools in a pregnant population. Three studies (3/39, 8%) prespecified the criteria for adherence to the intervention. The use of dietary assessment tools was not associated with study quality, year of publication, journal impact factor, type of journal and the study sample size.

Summary
Although self-reporting dietary assessment tools are widely used in interventional dietary trials in pregnancy, the quality and applicability of existing tools are low.
Twin pregnancy complicated by selective growth restriction
Authors: Townsend Rosemary , Khalil Asma 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) in twin pregnancies presents a complex management problem for the fetal medicine specialist. This review summarizes what is currently known about sIUGR pathophysiology, particularly in monochorionic pregnancies and looks at the results of early trials of fetal intervention in high-risk sIUGR pregnancies.

Recent findings
sIUGR in monochorionic pregnancies is due to unequal placental sharing, but the clinical outcome is determined by the characteristics of the placental vascular anastomoses. Classification of monochorionic sIUGR by umbilical artery Doppler allows interventions to be targeted at high-risk subgroups. The overall survival after diagnosis of early-onset Type II/III sIUGR is similar after the management with cord occlusion and selective laser photocoagulation of connecting vessels.

Summary
Fetal interventions have been shown to be feasible and of potential benefit in early-onset sIUGR in a monochorionic twin pregnancy. Cord occlusion or selective laser photocoagulation of connecting vessels may be offered as an alternative to expectant management or preterm delivery in early-onset severe cases after careful discussion with the parents. Randomized controlled trial evidence is required to make a definitive judgment and to determine the impact of fetal intervention on the neurological outcomes.
Blood products and procoagulants in traumatic bleeding: use and evidence
Authors: Wong Henna , Curry Nicola , Stanworth Simon J. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Death from uncontrolled haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of trauma-related mortality and is potentially preventable. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) have focused attention on the role of blood products and procoagulants in mitigating the sequelae of TIC and how these therapies can be improved.

Recent findings
A host of preclinical and clinical studies have evaluated blood product availability and efficacy in trauma. Recently published randomized controlled trials have investigated the ratio of platelet:plasma:red cell transfusion and the role of early cryoprecipitate in trauma. Demand for readily available plasma has led to changes particularly in the use of thawed group A plasma. Furthermore, ex-vivo and early clinical work has demonstrated variations in the haemostatic activity of different plasma, platelet and whole blood products. A number of multicentre trials are in progress aiming to answer key questions regarding tranexamic acid, procoagulant factor and fibrinogen concentrates and their effect on trauma outcomes.

Summary
There are promising results from ex-vivo studies in manufacturing and storage of blood products to optimize haemostatic activity and availability, particularly with alternative plasma and platelet products and whole blood. There is an urgent need for these products needs to be tested prospectively.
The multitasking neutrophils and their involvement in angiogenesis
Authors: Seignez Cédric , Phillipson Mia 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
This review describes the mechanisms by which neutrophils contribute to angiogenesis in hypoxic tissues during different conditions and diseases (e.g., menstrual cycle, wound healing, ischemic diseases, cancers), with particular focus on the recently described proangiogenic neutrophil subpopulation.

Recent findings
The importance of neutrophils in initiation of angiogenesis has been described during the past decade, and is believed to occur through release of the well-known proangiogenic factors Bv8, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and matrix metalloproteinase 9. However, additional proangiogenic actions of neutrophils have been outlined this year, mediated through for example pyruvate kinase M2, 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, although their distinct mechanisms of action remain partly unknown. Neutrophils can also limit angiogenesis by secreting for example neutrophil elastase and α-defensins, which generate angiostatic molecules and proteolytically inactivate proangiogenic factors, respectively. These opposing neutrophil actions can be the consequence of on-site education or recruitment of distinct subpopulations from circulation. Indeed, a circulating proangiogenic neutrophil subpopulation was recently described in mice and men, which was rapidly recruited to hypoxic tissues by vascular endothelial growth factor A.

Summary
These recent findings have highlighted the diversity of actions performed by neutrophils in the angiogenic process and identified new opportunities to regulate angiogenesis.
Mechanism of granuloma formation in sarcoidosis
Authors: Sakthivel Priya , Bruder Dunja 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
The formation of noncaseating granuloma is a hallmark of pulmonary sarcoidosis. This review summarizes recent progress made to explain the cellular dynamics within the granuloma structure that may considerably differ between the two clinically distinct variants, that is, acute and chronic sarcoidosis.

Recent findings
Compelling evidence exists that in acute but not chronic sarcoidosis CD4+ T lymphocytes specifically recognizing the auto-antigen vimentin on human leukocyte antigen-DR3 molecules accumulate in sarcoid granuloma. These so-called TH17.1 cells produce high amounts of the TH17-related cytokines interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-22 in addition to interferon-γ. Moreover, regulatory T cells from patients with acute sarcoidosis are ICOShigh, providing a mechanistic link to the comparably high concentration of IL-10 exclusively found in the airways of these patients. Next to obvious differences in T effector cell and Treg subsets, alveolar macrophages harbor a functional mitochondrial system in acute sarcoidosis patients, while this system is impaired in patients with chronic disease.

Summary
We provide a comprehensive update on the cellular components and their functional implications in sarcoid granuloma formation, with special emphasis on the specific characteristics of granuloma in acute versus chronic sarcoidosis. Moreover, the specific antigens thought to be involved in both forms of the disease are discussed.
Treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Wang Yini , Wang Zhao 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a condition of uncontrolled immune activation with a high mortality rate. The recommended therapeutic guideline for HLH was published by the Histiocyte Society in 1994 and revised in 2004, which greatly improved the survival in patients with HLH. However, HLH is still a refractory disease for which the search for novel treatments continues. This article overviewed recent advances in treatment of HLH.

Recent findings
Current practices in treatment extend from chemo-immunotherapy to some new cytokine-targeting biologicals, which are more effective to eliminate pathologically activated T cells and resist exaggerated cytokine storm. Preliminary results showed that some novel approaches to refractory HLH would potentially improve outcome of the fatal disease. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after HLH remission represents the final solution for replacing defective cytotoxic T cells and even treating some underlying disease processes to prevent disease recurrence.

Summary
A uniform protocol and algorithm for the treatment would not be appropriate for each patient given the heterogeneity of the underlying conditions. Further improvements in therapy require prospective trials to develop reasonable strategies for HLH patients in different subtypes, based on the underlying trigger, disease severity, as well as genetic background.
Community-acquired pneumonia in the post 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era
Authors: Shaughnessy Erin E. , Stalets Erika L. , Shah Samir S. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
This review covers the outpatient management of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), discussing the changing microbiology of CAP since the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2010, and providing an overview of national guideline recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Recent findings
Rates of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal antibiotic resistance have plummeted since widespread 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunization. Viruses remain the most common cause of CAP in young children; children over age 5 years have increased rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. A recent national guideline offers recommendations for office-based diagnostic evaluation and treatment of pediatric CAP.

Summary
This review offers a discussion of the above findings with practical recommendations for the office-based practitioner in the evaluation and treatment of an infant (>3 months) or child with suspected CAP.
Syphilis, hepatitis C and HIV in Eastern Europe
Authors: Bailey Heather , Turkova Anna , Thorne Claire 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) has experienced large-scale epidemics of syphilis, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV over the past few decades. Here, we review recent evidence on the epidemiology of and the response to these intersecting epidemics.

Recent findings
The HIV epidemic in EECA continues to expand, with new infections increasing by more than 50% between 2010 and 2015. HCV is now in the top 10 causes of death in EECA, with Russia accounting for more than half of the global burden of HCV infections, but access to direct-acting antivirals remains a major obstacle for control of the epidemic. Although syphilis incidence is generally declining, high prevalence is reported in key populations, particularly sex workers and people who inject drugs. Recent epidemiological studies have highlighted very high prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HCV in prison populations, alongside poor access to prevention and treatment.

Summary
Multiple factors are contributing to the ongoing and overlapping HIV, HCV and syphilis epidemics in EECA, including low coverage with antiretroviral therapy and insufficient scale of prevention services. Further research is required to estimate the burden of infections and identify effective prevention and treatment strategies in hard-to-reach key populations, particularly men who have sex with men.
Targeting the host immune system: PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies and breast cancer
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah , Rugo Hope S. 
Published: October 2016

Purpose of review
This article describes the role of the PD-1 axis and reviews current data and future directions inhibiting PD-1 and PD-L1 in breast cancer.

Recent findings
Four phase I monotherapy expansion trials in patients with metastatic breast cancer have demonstrated low but durable single agent responses to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, ranging from 4.8 to 19%. Higher response rates are seen in triple negative breast cancer, compared with hormone receptor positive disease. Variability in requirements for tumor PD-L1 expression, and variations in testing complicate cross trial comparisons. A fifth phase Ib trial reported a 38% response rate in metastatic triple negative breast cancer treated with the combination of a PD-L1 inhibitor and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy. Treatment is generally well tolerated, with low rates of immune toxicity including hypothyroidism, pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, and hypophysitis, occurring even months after the end of therapy.

Summary
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has recently been shown to have clinical efficacy in the treatment of breast cancer. The most compelling data are in the triple negative subtype, with responses documented in hormone receptor positive disease as well. Numerous trials are evaluating various combination strategies and biomarkers in early and late stage disease to enhance immunogenicity and response.
A Pilot Study of Randomized, Head-to-Head of Metformin Versus Topiramate in Obese People With Schizophrenia
Authors: Peng Po-Jui , Ho Pei-Shen , Tsai Chia-Kuang , Huang San-Yuan , Liang Chih-Sung 
Published: October 2016

Objectives
A number of research studies support the weight loss effects of metformin and topiramate for obese people with schizophrenia. However, only a few studies have addressed the sustainability of the body weight reduction after discontinuation of these drugs. Moreover, head-to-head studies are still lacking. The study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of metformin and topiramate in weight reduction and weight maintenance after discontinuation of these drugs in obese people with schizophrenia.

Methods
Twenty-two obese inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited and randomized into the metformin group (n = 11; daily dose, 1000 mg) and the topiramate group (n = 11; daily dose, 100 mg). A head-to-head, fixed-dose, and single-blinded design was used. Ten obese patients with schizophrenia of similar sex as that of the treated group were included as the control group.

Results
After a 4-month treatment, the metformin group showed a body weight reduction of 3.8 kg, and the topiramate group showed a reduction of 2.7 kg. However, the reduction could be sustained only in the metformin group at 3 and 9 months after metformin discontinuation. Interestingly, 3 months after treatment discontinuation, leptin levels showed a reduction in both metformin (baseline, 25.3 ± 14.7, week 7: 5.7 ± 3.7 ng/mL) and topiramate (baseline: 28.4 ± 16.1, week 7: 9.2 ± 15.5 ng/mL) groups.

Conclusions
The trend of weight changes supports the superiority of metformin at 1000 mg/d over topiramate at 100 mg/d in weight reduction and weight maintenance.
Systematic Design and Comparison of Expanded Carrier Screening Panels
Authors: Beauchamp Kyle A. , Muzzey Dale , Wong Kenny K. , Hogan Gregory J. , Karimi Kambiz , Candille Sophie I. , Mehta Nikita , Mar-Heyming Rebecca , Kaseniit K. Eerik , Kang H. Peter , Evans Eric A. , Goldberg James D. , Lazarin Gabriel A. , Haque Imran S. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPurposeThe recent growth in pan-ethnic expanded carrier screening (ECS) has raised questions about how such panels might be designed and evaluated systematically. Design principles for ECS panels might improve clinical detection of at-risk couples and facilitate objective discussions of panel choice.MethodsGuided by medical-society statements, we propose a method for the design of ECS panels that aims to maximize the aggregate and per-disease sensitivity and specificity across a range of Mendelian disorders considered serious by a systematic classification scheme. We evaluated this method retrospectively using results from 474,644 de-identified carrier screens. We then constructed several idealized panels to highlight strengths and limitations of different ECS methodologies.ResultsBased on modeled fetal risks for “severe” and “profound” diseases, a commercially available ECS panel (Counsyl) is expected to detect 183 affected conceptuses per 100,000 US births. A screen’s sensitivity is greatly impacted by two factors: (1) the methodology used (e.g., full-exon sequencing finds more affected conceptuses than targeted genotyping), and (2) the detection rate of the screen for diseases with high prevalence and complex molecular genetics (e.g., fragile X syndrome).ConclusionThe described approaches allow principled, quantitative evaluation of which diseases and methodologies are appropriate for pan-ethnic expanded carrier screening.