bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANALYSING THE TREND OF BIOMARKERS WITH TB TREATMENT IN TUBERCULOSIS DISEASE SUSPECTS
Authors: Namuganga Anna Ritah , Kizza Harriet Mayanja 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe search for biomarkers of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) disease, infection, treatment progress among others is especially due to lack of suitable tests for diagnosis or differentiation of active PTB disease and mere latent TB infection. The existing methods have, among others, poor sensitivity, long turnaround time, high cost and the need for skilled personnel and infrastructure. Therefore, this study analysed 27 analytes (previously identified as promising) in TB research for their trend during TB treatment among PTB disease suspects in Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsThis study used plasma samples from 76 TB suspects enrolled as part of a bigger longitudinal African-European TB Consortium (AETBC) study funded by the EDCTP within Kampala, Uganda. 71% were males, average age was 32±10, 14% were HIV-infected. PTB was confirmed by MGIT (mycobacteria growth indicator tube) and speciated for MTB complex. Subjects were followed at month 2 and 6 of treatment. The 27 analytes: (IL-1b,1ra, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,12p70,13,15,17A, eotaxin, Basic FGF,G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFNg,IP10, MCP-1, MIP-1a,b, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-a, VEGF) were analysed using Luminex. Of the TB suspects, 38 had confirmed MTB by MGIT. The 38 TB suspects, used as controls, had X-ray results ranging from normal to consistent with TB.ResultsLevels of 14 of the analytes most notably MIP-1a, b, IP-10, RANTES, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17A and VEGF significantly reduced throughout treatment. Notably, levels of IFNg, IL-12p70, 4,6,IP10, and VEGF significantly reduced by month of treatment. Combinations of IP10, RANTES, MIP-1b and VEGF also showed promising abilities in identifying treatment success with an interesting trend appearing in suspects with non-TB chest infections and with HIV−TB co-infection.ConclusionsThe above markers have promising abilities for PTB diagnosis and identification of possible relapse or treatment failures.
FACTORS AFFECTING TB TRANSMISSION FROM ADULT TO CHILDREN WITHIN HOUSEHOLDS IN THE GAMBIA
Authors: Mendy Alieu , Tientcheu Leopold , Ayorinde Abigail , Coker Edward , Egere Uzochukwu , Kampmann Beate 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundChildhood tuberculosis (TB) has significant impact on public health worldwide and it is believed that most children acquire TB from an adult smear-positive index case within their household. To further examine this hypothesis and to investigate transmissibility of strains within the household setting, we compared strain-types in adults and their child contacts. We also examined the influence of bacillary burden and strain-type on clinical outcome of contacts.MethodsStored isolates from smear positive adult TB cases (n=136) were selected according to clinical outcomes of their household contacts (children<15 years old). Mycobacteria were isolated from both adult and – where available – children samples via culture, and typed using spoligotyping to enable strain classification.ResultsThe AFB grade of adult index cases correlated with clinical outcome of the children with microbiologically confirmed TB, clinically diagnosed probable TB, asymptomatic but TST positive, and asymptomatic, and TST negative children showed 60%, 35%, 34% and 33% highest AFB grade (3+) levels, respectively. Strain-type determination by spoligotyping showed that 93% of children had acquired Euro-American lineages, while 7% hadM. africanumlineage. Combined results for adult index cases of children with confirmed and probable TB showed 76% Mtb-Euro-American, 17%M. africanumand 7% Mtb-Indo-Oceanic. Index cases of TST positive children showed 59% Mtb-Euro-American, 32%M. africanum, 8% Mtb-Indo-Oceanic and 2% Mtb-Beijing. Those of TST negative children showed 63% Mtb-Euro-American, 26%M. africanum, 9% Mtb-Indo-Oceanic and 2% Mtb-Beijing.ConclusionsThe data so far support other published data, which show that a higher bacillary burden in the index case increases the likelihood of TB transmission to child contacts. Adult patients appear to be more likely to transmit TB if they were carrying Euro-American lineages rather than West African strains.
Toxoplasma gondiiexposure and Parkinson's disease: a case–control study
Authors: Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme , Méndez-Hernández Edna Madai , Salas-Pacheco José Manuel , Ruano-Calderón Luis Ángel , Hernández-Tinoco Jesús , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Sánchez-Anguiano Luis Francisco , Castellanos-Juárez Francisco Xavier , Sandoval-Carrillo Ada Agustina , Liesenfeld Oliver , Ramos-Nevárez Agar 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the association betweenToxoplasma gondiiinfection and Parkinson's disease and to investigate whetherT. gondiiseropositivity is associated with the general characteristics of patients with Parkinson's disease.DesignCase–control study.SettingCases and controls were enrolled in Durango City, Mexico.Participants65 patients with Parkinson's disease and 195 age- and gender-matched control subjects without Parkinson's disease.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSerum samples of participants were analysed for anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays. Prevalence ofT. gondiiDNA was determined in seropositive subjects using PCR. The association between clinical data and infection was examined by bivariate analysis.ResultsAnti-T. gondiiIgG antibodies were found in 6/65 cases (9.2%) and in 21/195 controls (10.8%) (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.18; p=0.81). The frequency of high (>150 IU/mL) antibody levels was similar among cases and controls (p=0.34). None of the anti-T. gondiiIgG positive cases and four of the anti-T. gondiiIgG positive controls had anti-T. gondiiIgM antibodies (p=0.54). The prevalence ofT. gondiiDNA was comparable in seropositive cases and controls (16.7% and 25%, respectively; p=1.0). Seroprevalence ofT. gondiiinfection was associated with a young age onset of disease (p=0.03), high Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores (p=0.04) and depression (p=0.02). Seropositivity toT. gondiiinfection was lower in patients treated with pramipexole than in patients without this treatment (p=0.01). However, none of the associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction.ConclusionsThe results do not support an association betweenT. gondiiinfection and Parkinson's disease. However,T. gondiiinfection might have an influence on certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Further research to elucidate the role ofT. gondiiexposure on Parkinson's disease is warranted.
Retrospective observational study of trends in hospital admissions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Spain (2004–2013) using administrative data
Authors: Pedraza-Serrano Fernando , López de Andrés Ana , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Jiménez-Trujillo Isabel , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Sánchez-Muñoz Gema , Puente-Maestu Luis , de Miguel-Díez Javier 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveTo assess changes in incidence, diagnostic procedures, comorbidity profiles, length of hospital stay (LOHS), economic costs and in-hospital mortality (IHM) associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).MethodsWe identified patients hospitalised with IPF in Spain from 2004 to 2013. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Database.ResultsThe study population comprised 22 214 patients. Overall crude incidence increased from 3.82 to 6.98 admissions per 100 000 inhabitants from 2004 to 2013 (p<0.05). The percentage of lung biopsies decreased significantly from 10.68% in 2004 to 9.04% in 2013 (p<0.05). The percentage of patients with a Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 was 15.14% in 2004, increasing to 26.95% in 2013 (p<0.05). IHM decreased from 14.77% in 2004 to 13.72% in 2013 (adjusted OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Mean LOHS was 11.87±11.18 days in 2004, decreasing to 10.20±11.12 days in 2013 (p<0.05). The mean cost per patient increased from €4838.51 in 2004 to €5410.90 in 2013 (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe frequency of hospital admissions for IPF increased during the study period, as did healthcare costs. However, IHM and LOHS decreased.
Firearm carrying and concurrent substance use behaviours in a community-based sample of emerging adults
Authors: Buschmann Robert N , Prochaska John D , Baillargeon Jacques G , Temple Jeff R 
Published: February 2017

IntroductionThis paper examines associations between high-risk gun carrying and substance use in emerging adults (ages 18–22). The coexistence of these high-risk behaviours in a general population of emerging adults can have disastrous consequences.MethodsDating it Safe is an ongoing longitudinal (2010–2016) survey of emerging adults recruited from seven high schools in five south-east Texas-area school districts (current sample n=684). Multiple logistic regression modelling was used to examine the association between past-year use of legal and illegal substances and past-year firearm carrying for a reason other than sport or hunting.Results6% of emerging adults carried firearms in the past year, with most (68%) carrying for protection. Use of cocaine, hallucinogens, methamphetamine, ecstasy and prescription medications in the past year, as well as episodic heavy drinking in the past month, was associated with increased risk of carrying a firearm (p<0.05 for all). After controlling for covariates, hallucinogens (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.00 to 7.81), ecstasy (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.32 to 10.14) and prescription medications (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.68) remained associated with firearm carrying. Episodic heavy drinking was associated with firearm carrying, but only for those who had five or more episodes/month (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.51 to 8.66).ConclusionsIn this community-based sample of emerging adults, firearm carrying, mostly for protection, was associated with a variety of past-year substance use behaviours. These findings extend previous research and suggest directions for further exploration of the clustering of high-risk behaviours in emerging adults.
PrevenTing Falls in a high-risk, vision-impaired population through specialist ORientation and Mobility services: protocol for the PlaTFORM randomised trial
Authors: Keay Lisa , Dillon Lisa , Clemson Lindy , Tiedemann Anne , Sherrington Catherine , McCluskey Peter , Ramulu Pradeep , Jan Stephen , Rogers Kris , Martin Jodi , Tinsley Frances , Jakobsen Kirsten Bonrud , Ivers Rebecca Q 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundOlder people with vision impairment have significant ongoing morbidity, including risk of falls, but are neglected in fall prevention programmes. PlaTFORM is a pragmatic evaluation of the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise fall prevention programme for older people with vision impairment or blindness (v-LiFE). Implementation and scalability issues will also be investigated.MethodsPlaTFORM is a single-blinded, randomised trial designed to evaluate the v-LiFE programme compared with usual care. Primary outcomes are fall rate over 12 months, measured using prospective monthly fall calendars, and function and participation assessed by the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (Late-Life FDI) Function component. The secondary outcome is rate of falls requiring medical care. Activity-normalised fall rate will be estimated using accelerometer-measured physical activity data. EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level questionnaire will measure quality of life and impact of falls. Health record linkage will estimate resource use associated with falls. v-LiFE cost-effectiveness will be determined compared with usual care. 500 participants (250 per group) can provide 90% power to detect a significant between-group difference in fall rates; 588 will be recruited to allow for drop-out. Falls per person-year and Late-Life FDI will be compared between groups.DiscussionPlaTFORM will determine if falls can be prevented among older people with vision loss through a home-based exercise programme. v-LiFE embeds balance and strength training within everyday activities with the aim of preventing falls. The study will also determine whether the programme can be effectively delivered by personnel who provide Orientation and Mobility training for people with vision impairment.Trial registration numberACTRN12616001186448p.
Obtaining a high-resolution geological and petrophysical model from the results of reservoir-orientated elastic wave-equation-based seismic inversion
Authors: Feng Runhai , Luthi Stefan M. , Gisolf Dries , Sharma Siddharth 
Published: February 2017

A previous geological and petrophysical model of the fluvio-deltaic Book Cliffs outcrops contained eight lithotypes, within each of which a number of lithologies were grouped. While this model was an adequate representation of the overall depositional architecture, for reservoir-geological purposes the potential reservoir and non-reservoir lithologies needed to be separated. Here, a new and more detailed geological model is presented in which more differentiation is put on the potential reservoir lithologies. This new model contains 12 lithologies with layers down to 1 m in thickness. Assuming a burial depth of 3 km and an average clay content, representative rock physical properties are assigned to lithologies based on published data.
After the model thickness has been stretched by a factor of 4 in order to represent a more realistic reservoir, a full-waveform forward seismic response is modelled. These data are used as inputs into an iterative elastic wave-equation-based inversion scheme, with the goal to retrieve the rock properties and layer geometries. The results of this conceptual study show that sandstone units in the shoreface and distributary channels, which are potential reservoirs, are successfully identified. The recovery of medium parameters has a high resolution because the non-linear relationship between rock properties and the seismic data has been exploited.
Adoptive Transfer of Invariant NKT Cells as Immunotherapy for Advanced Melanoma: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Exley Mark A. , Friedlander Phillip , Alatrakchi Nadia , Vriend Lianne , Yue Simon , Sasada Tetsuro , Zeng Wanyong , Mizukami Yo , Clark Justice , Nemer David , LeClair Kenneth , Canning Christine , Daley Heather , Dranoff Glenn , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Hodi F. Stephen , Ritz Jerome , Balk Steven P. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPurpose: Invariant NKT cells (iNKT) are innate-like CD1d-restricted T cells with immunoregulatory activity in diseases including cancer. iNKT from advanced cancer patients can have reversible defects including IFNγ production, and iNKT IFNγ production may stratify for survival. Previous clinical trials using iNKT cell activating ligand α-galactosylceramide have shown clinical responses. Therefore, a phase I clinical trial was performed of autologous in vitro expanded iNKT cells in stage IIIB–IV melanoma.Experimental Design: Residual iNKT cells [&lt;0.05% of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)] were purified from autologous leukapheresis product using an antibody against the iNKT cell receptor linked to magnetic microbeads. iNKT cells were then expanded with CD3 mAb and IL2 in vitro to obtain up to approximately 109 cells.Results: Expanded iNKT cells produced IFNγ, but limited or undetectable IL4 or IL10. Three iNKT infusions each were completed on 9 patients, and produced only grade 1–2 toxicities. The 4th patient onward received systemic GM-CSF with their second and third infusions. Increased numbers of iNKT cells were seen in PBMCs after some infusions, particularly when GM-CSF was also given. IFNγ responses to α-galactosylceramide were increased in PBMCs from some patients after infusions, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to Candida increased in 5 of 8 evaluated patients. Three patients have died, three were progression-free at 53, 60, and 65 months, three received further treatment and were alive at 61, 81, and 85 months. There was no clear correlation between outcome and immune parameters.Conclusions: Autologous in vitro expanded iNKT cells are a feasible and safe therapy, producing Th1-like responses with antitumor potential. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3510–9. ©2017 AACR.
AG-221, a First-in-Class Therapy Targeting Acute Myeloid Leukemia Harboring Oncogenic IDH2 Mutations
Authors: Yen Katharine , Travins Jeremy , Wang Fang , David Muriel D. , Artin Erin , Straley Kimberly , Padyana Anil , Gross Stefan , DeLaBarre Byron , Tobin Erica , Chen Yue , Nagaraja Raj , Choe Sung , Jin Lei , Konteatis Zenon , Cianchetta Giovanni , Saunders Jeffrey O. , Salituro Francesco G. , Quivoron Cyril , Opolon Paule , Bawa Olivia , Saada Véronique , Paci Angelo , Broutin Sophie , Bernard Olivier A. , de Botton Stéphane , Marteyn Benoît S. , Pilichowska Monika , Xu YingXia , Fang Cheng , Jiang Fan , Wei Wentao , Jin Shengfang , Silverman Lee , Liu Wei , Yang Hua , Dang Lenny , Dorsch Marion , Penard-Lacronique Virginie , Biller Scott A. , Su Shin-San Michael 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Somatic gain-of-function mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH) 1 and 2 are found in multiple hematologic and solid tumors, leading to accumulation of the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). 2HG competitively inhibits α-ketoglutarate–dependent dioxygenases, including histone demethylases and methylcytosine dioxygenases of the TET family, causing epigenetic dysregulation and a block in cellular differentiation. In vitro studies have provided proof of concept for mutant IDH inhibition as a therapeutic approach. We report the discovery and characterization of AG-221, an orally available, selective, potent inhibitor of the mutant IDH2 enzyme. AG-221 suppressed 2HG production and induced cellular differentiation in primary human IDH2 mutation–positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells ex vivo and in xenograft mouse models. AG-221 also provided a statistically significant survival benefit in an aggressive IDH2R140Q-mutant AML xenograft mouse model. These findings supported initiation of the ongoing clinical trials of AG-221 in patients with IDH2 mutation–positive advanced hematologic malignancies.
Significance: Mutations in IDH1/2 are identified in approximately 20% of patients with AML and contribute to leukemia via a block in hematopoietic cell differentiation. We have shown that the targeted inhibitor AG-221 suppresses the mutant IDH2 enzyme in multiple preclinical models and induces differentiation of malignant blasts, supporting its clinical development. Cancer Discov; 7(5); 478–93. ©2017 AACR.
See related commentary by Thomas and Majeti, p. 459.
See related article by Shih et al., p. 494.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 443
H-Ras Isoform Mediates Protection Against Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Part Through Activation of AKT
Authors: Matsuda Takahisa , Jeong Jae Im , Ikeda Shohei , Yamamoto Takanobu , Gao Shumin , Babu Gopal J. , Zhai Peiyong , Del Re Dominic P. 
Published: February 2017

Background—
In general, Ras proteins are thought to promote cardiac hypertrophy, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart failure. However, the contribution of different Ras isoforms has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to define the role of H- and K-Ras in modulating stress-induced myocardial hypertrophy and failure.

Methods and Results—

We used H- and K-Ras gene knockout mice and subjected them to pressure overload to induce cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. We observed a worsened cardiac phenotype in
Hras
−/−
mice, while outcomes were improved in
Kras
+/−
mice. We also used a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte culture system to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations. Our findings demonstrate that H-Ras, but not K-Ras, promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy both in vivo and in vitro. This response was mediated in part through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway. Adeno-associated virus–mediated increase in AKT activation improved the cardiac function in pressure overloaded
Hras
null hearts in vivo. These findings further support engagement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling axis by H-Ras.

Conclusions—
Taken together, these findings indicate that H- and K-Ras have divergent effects on cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in response to pressure overload stress.
The Sources of Sequential Modulations of Control Processes in Arithmetic Strategies: A Magnetoencephalography Study
Authors: Hinault Thomas , Badier Jean-Michel , Baillet Sylvain , Lemaire Patrick 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In a wide variety of cognitive domains, performance is determined by the selection and execution of cognitive strategies to solve problems. We used magnetoencephalography to identify the brain regions involved and specify the time course of dynamic modulations of executive control processes during strategy execution. Participants performed a computational estimation task in which they were instructed to execute a poorer or better strategy to estimate results of two-digit multiplication problems. When participants were asked to execute the poorer strategy, two distinct sets of brain activations were identified, depending on whether the poorer strategy (engaging the left inferior frontal junction) or the better strategy (engaging ACC) had been executed on the immediately preceding items. Our findings also revealed the time course of activations in regions involved in sequential modulations of cognitive control processes during arithmetic strategy execution. These findings point at processes of proactive preparation on items after poorer strategy items and dynamics of reactive adjustments after better strategy items.
Observing Others Speak or Sing Activates Spt and Neighboring Parietal Cortex
Authors: Corbo Daniele , Orban Guy A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
To obtain further evidence that action observation can serve as a proxy for action execution and planning in posterior parietal cortex, we scanned participants while they were (1) observing two classes of action: vocal communication and oral manipulation, which share the same effector but differ in nature, and (2) rehearsing and listening to nonsense sentences to localize area Spt, thought to be involved in audio-motor transformation during speech. Using this localizer, we found that Spt is specifically activated by vocal communication, indicating that Spt is not only involved in planning speech but also in observing vocal communication actions. In addition, we observed that Spt is distinct from the parietal region most specialized for observing vocal communication, revealed by an interaction contrast and located in PFm. The latter region, unlike Spt, processes the visual and auditory signals related to other's vocal communication independently. Our findings are consistent with the view that several small regions in the temporoparietal cortex near the ventral part of the supramarginal/angular gyrus border are involved in the planning of vocal communication actions and are also concerned with observation of these actions, though involvements in those two aspects are unequal.