bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of Influenza D Virus in Cattle
Authors: Ferguson Lucas , Olivier Alicia K. , Genova Suzanne , Epperson William B. , Smith David R. , Schneider Liesel , Barton Kathleen , McCuan Katlin , Webby Richard J. , Wan Xiu-Feng 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Cattle have been proposed as the natural reservoir of a novel member of the virus family
Orthomyxoviridae
, which has been tentatively classified as influenza D virus (IDV). Although isolated from sick animals, it is unclear whether IDV causes any clinical disease in cattle. To address this aspect of Koch's postulates, three dairy calves (treatment animals) held in individual pens were inoculated intranasally with IDV strain D/bovine/Mississippi/C00046N/2014. At 1 day postinoculation, a seronegative calf (contact animal) was added to each of the treatment animal pens. The cattle in both treatment and contact groups seroconverted, and virus was detected in their respiratory tracts. Histologically, there was a significant increase in neutrophil tracking in tracheal epithelia of the treatment calves compared to control animals. While infected and contact animals demonstrated various symptoms of respiratory tract infection, they were mild, and the calves in the treatment group did not differ from the controls in terms of heart rate, respiratory rate, or rectal temperature. To mimic zoonotic transmission, two ferrets were exposed to a plastic toy fomite soaked with infected nasal discharge from the treatment calves. These ferrets did not shed the virus or seroconvert. In summary, this study demonstrates that IDV causes a mild respiratory disease upon experimental infection of cattle and can be transmitted effectively among cattle by in-pen contact, but not from cattle to ferrets through fomite exposure. These findings support the hypothesis that cattle are a natural reservoir for the virus.

IMPORTANCE
A novel influenza virus, tentatively classified as influenza D virus (IDV), was identified in swine, cattle, sheep, and goats. Among these hosts, cattle have been proposed as the natural reservoir. In this study, we show that cattle experimentally infected with IDV can shed virus and transmit it to other cattle through direct contact, but not to ferrets through fomite routes. IDV caused minor clinical signs in the infected cattle, fulfilling another of Koch's postulates for this novel agent, although other objective clinical endpoints were not different from those of control animals. Although the disease observed was mild, IDV induced neutrophil tracking and epithelial attenuation in cattle trachea, which could facilitate coinfection with other pathogens, and in doing so, predispose animals to bovine respiratory disease.
Two Outbreak Sources of Influenza A (H7N9) Viruses Have Been Established in China
Authors: Wang Dayan , Yang Lei , Zhu Wenfei , Zhang Ye , Zou Shumei , Bo Hong , Gao Rongbao , Dong Jie , Huang Weijuan , Guo Junfeng , Li Zi , Zhao Xiang , Li Xiaodan , Xin Li , Zhou Jianfang , Chen Tao , Dong Libo , Wei Hejiang , Li Xiyan , Liu Liqi , Tang Jing , Lan Yu , Yang Jing , Shu Yuelong 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Due to enzootic infections in poultry and persistent human infections in China, influenza A (H7N9) virus has remained a public health threat. The Yangtze River Delta region, which is located in eastern China, is well recognized as the original source for H7N9 outbreaks. Based on the evolutionary analysis of H7N9 viruses from all three outbreak waves since 2013, we identified the Pearl River Delta region as an additional H7N9 outbreak source. H7N9 viruses are repeatedly introduced from these two sources to the other areas, and the persistent circulation of H7N9 viruses occurs in poultry, causing continuous outbreak waves. Poultry movements may contribute to the geographic expansion of the virus. In addition, the AnH1 genotype, which was predominant during wave 1, was replaced by JS537, JS18828, and AnH1887 genotypes during waves 2 and 3. The establishment of a new source and the continuous evolution of the virus hamper the elimination of H7N9 viruses, thus posing a long-term threat of H7N9 infection in humans. Therefore, both surveillance of H7N9 viruses in humans and poultry and supervision of poultry movements should be strengthened.

IMPORTANCE
Since its occurrence in humans in eastern China in spring 2013, the avian H7N9 viruses have been demonstrating the continuing pandemic threat posed by the current influenza ecosystem in China. As the viruses are silently circulated in poultry, with potentially severe outcomes in humans, H7N9 virus activity in humans in China is very important to understand. In this study, we identified a newly emerged H7N9 outbreak source in the Pearl River Delta region. Both sources in the Yangtze River Delta region and the Pearl River Delta region have been established and found to be responsible for the H7N9 outbreaks in mainland China.
Applying appropriate-use criteria to cardiac revascularisation in India
Authors: Sood Neeraj , Ugargol Allen P , Barnes Kayleigh , Mahajan Anish 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesThe high prevalence of coronary heart disease and dramatic growth of cardiac interventions in India motivate an evaluation of the appropriateness of coronary revascularisation procedures in India. Although, appropriate-use criteria (AUC) have been used to analyse the appropriateness of cardiovascular care in the USA, they are yet to be applied to care in India. In our study, we apply AUC to cardiac care in Karnataka, India, compare our results to international applications of AUC, and suggest ways to improve the appropriateness of care in India.SettingData were collected from the Vajpayee Arogyashree Scheme, a government-sponsored health insurance scheme in Karnataka, India. These data were collected as part of the preauthorisation process for cardiac procedures.ParticipantsThe final data included a random sample of 600 patients from 28 hospitals in Karnataka, who obtained coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention between 1 October 2014 and 31 December 2014.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe obtained our primary baseline results using a random imputation simulation to fill in missing data. Our secondary outcome measure was a best case–worst case scenario where missing data were filled to give the lowest or highest number of appropriate cases.ResultsOf the cases, 86.7% (CI 0.837% to 0.892%) were deemed appropriate, 3.65% (CI 0.023% to 0.055%) were inappropriate and 9.63% (CI 0.074% to 0.123%) were uncertain.ConclusionsThe vast majority of cardiac revascularisation procedures performed on beneficiaries of a government-sponsored insurance programme in India were found to be appropriate. These results meet or exceed levels of appropriate use of cardiac care in the USA.
Optimising text messaging to improve adherence to web-based smoking cessation treatment: a randomised control trial protocol
Authors: Graham Amanda L , Jacobs Megan A , Cohn Amy M , Cha Sarah , Abroms Lorien C , Papandonatos George D , Whittaker Robyn 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionMillions of smokers use the Internet for smoking cessation assistance each year; however, most smokers engage minimally with even the best designed websites. The ubiquity of mobile devices and their effectiveness in promoting adherence in other areas of health behaviour change make them a promising tool to address adherence in Internet smoking cessation interventions. Text messaging is used by most adults, and messages can proactively encourage use of a web-based intervention. Text messaging can also be integrated with an Internet intervention to facilitate the use of core Internet intervention components.Methods and analysisWe identified four aspects of a text message intervention that may enhance its effectiveness in promoting adherence to a web-based smoking cessation programme: personalisation, integration, dynamic tailoring and message intensity. Phase I will use a two-level full factorial design to test the impact of these four experimental features on adherence to a web-based intervention. The primary outcome is a composite metric of adherence that incorporates general utilisation metrics (eg, logins, page views) and specific feature utilisation shown to predict abstinence. Participants will be N=860 adult smokers who register on an established Internet cessation programme and enrol in its text message programme. Phase II will be a two-arm randomised trial to compare the efficacy of the web-based cessation programme alone and in conjunction with the optimised text messaging intervention on 30-day point prevalence abstinence at 9 months. Phase II participants will be N=600 adult smokers who register to use an established Internet cessation programme and enrol in text messaging. Secondary analyses will explore whether adherence mediates the effect of treatment condition on outcome.Ethics and disseminationThis protocol was approved by Chesapeake IRB. We will disseminate study results through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations related to the methods and design, outcomes and exploratory analyses.Trial registration numberNCT02585206.
Less is more: a project to reduce the number of PIMs (potentially inappropriate medications) on an elderly care ward
Authors: Aung Tin Htun , Judith Beck Adèle , Siese Thomas , Berrisford Richard 
Published: March 2016

Potentially inappropriate prescribing in healthcare of the elderly (HCE) is associated with avoidable adverse drug events (ADEs).1,2 A recent set of prescribing criteria has been designed and validated, called “Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions” (STOPP), to rationalise prescribing in hospitalised patients on HCE wards.1,3 The aim of this quality improvement project was to identify how many potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) were prescribed on these wards, and remove them. This was executed by implementing a ward round checklist, which incorporated STOPP criteria, for the twice weekly, consultant led ward rounds.This quality improvement project was carried out over four months. In a pilot study, we identified eight inappropriate medical prescriptions among 148 medications (5.4% ) prescribed on one ward. After applying a checklist for a structured ward round, we reviewed the medications prescribed on that ward, and found 10 PIMs out of 192 (5.2% ). Utilising the increasingly recognised “plan, do, study, act” (PDSA) cycle,4 we implemented departmental teaching and meetings with other members of the multidisciplinary team, which raised awareness of PIMs among junior doctors, as well as involving our pharmacists in drug chart screening. During this process we continued with a further six cycles on a bi-weekly basis, and saw a gradual decrease in PIM to 1.5%.In conclusion, a structured ward round, facilitated by a checklist that included review of drug charts based on STOPP criteria, demonstrated a considerable reduction of PIMs. It would be interesting to apply this quality improvement project to non-HCE wards, including general surgical wards or adult psychiatry wards, as a means of not only reducing the effects of ADEs, but also the expenditure associated with unnecessary drug prescriptions, and the costs associated with additional care arising from associated ADEs.
Two progressive pathways of microinvasive carcinoma: low-grade luminal pathway and high-grade HER2 pathway based on high tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Morita Michi , Yamaguchi Rin , Tanaka Maki , Tse Gary M , Yamaguchi Miki , Otsuka Hiroko , Kanomata Naoki , Minami Shigeki , Eguchi Susumu , Yano Hirohisa 
Published: March 2016

AimsWhile cancer immunity is involved in tumour progression from the very early stage, no detailed study has been reported on the relationship between ‘early-stage’ breast cancer and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). We focused on microinvasive carcinoma to investigate the relationship between histological tumour factors and immunity in ‘early’ breast cancer.MethodsOf 2593 resected breast carcinomas, 46 microinvasive carcinomas (1.8%) were included. The relationships between tumour characteristics (invasive form, grade, comedo, subtype) and immunological characteristics (TIL, healing) were examined. The invasive form was divided into ‘cluster-like’ (ie, invasive foci consisted of a small number of cancer cells) and ‘non-cluster-like’ (ie, nested and classifiable into particular histological type).ResultsAmong all cases, 34.8% were grade 1. ER+HER2−, ER+HER2+, ER−HER2+ and ER−HER2− accounted for 58.7%, 8.7%, 28.3% and 4.3%, respectively. Compared with ER+HER2−, ER−HER2+ cases had a significantly stronger association with grade 3 (92.3% vs 0%), comedo (100% vs 55.6%), high TIL (100% vs 29.3%), high CD8+ TIL (92.3% vs 33.3%) and healing (76.9% vs 14.8%) (p<0.001). Compared with ‘non-cluster-like’, ‘cluster-like’ carcinoma showed significantly higher rates of HER2 positivity (69.2% vs 24.2%), high TIL (92.3% vs 42.4%) and high CD8+ TIL (76.9% vs 39.4%) (p<0.01).ConclusionsOur study revealed that microinvasive carcinoma has two progressive pathways; ‘low-grade luminal pathway’ and ‘high-grade HER2 pathway’. HER2-positive cases showed the following unique characteristics: ‘high-grade; comedo, high TIL and CD8+ TIL; healing; cluster-like invasion’. These results suggest that the cluster-like invasion might occur because of tumour immunity that leads to disruption of the duct and formation of microinvasive carcinoma in HER2-positive cases.
Body fat mobilization during lactation in high-producing sows fed varied omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios
Authors: Eastwood Laura , Leterme Pascal , Beaulieu A. Denise 
Published: March 2016

The effects of reducing dietary omega (n)-6 to n-3 fatty acid (FA) ratios on body fat mobilization in lactating sows (n = 100) were investigated. Treatments consisted of a control (tallow, low polyunsaturated FA, 8:1 n-6:n-3 ratio), 3 diets with plant oil based ratios (9:1P, 5:1P, and 1:1P), and a 5:1 fish oil diet (5:1F). An epinephrine [1.6 μg kg−1body weight (BW)] challenge was used to measure adipose tissue lipolytic activity (glycerol, NEFA, and leptin) on d 5 of lactation from a subset of sows (9:1P and 1:1P groups) fitted with jugular catheters. Lactation feed intake was greatest for control and 5:1P-fed sows (8.3 kg d−1), lowest for 1:1P-fed sows (7.4 kg d−1), and intermediate for 9:1P- and 5:1F-fed sows (7.7 kg d−1; P = 0.047). Piglet average daily gain (ADG) and estimated milk output were unaffected by diet (P > 0.10). The 1:1P-fed sows had (P < 0.10) greater backfat thickness, increased circulating leptin, and reduced feed intake, which are correlated (P < 0.10) with increased circulating glycerol and NEFA. Sows fed a plant oil based 1:1 n-6:n-3 FA ratio appeared to be in a state of negative energy balance; however, as no effects were observed on piglet ADG, these sows were able to provide the same level of nutrients to their offspring as the 9:1P fed sows.
Prevention of Relapse in Reflux Esophagitis: A Placebo Controlled Study of Ranitidine 150 mg BID and 300 mg BID
Authors: Hegarty John H , Halvorsen Lars , Hazenberg Bouke P , Nowak Andrzej , Smith Colin L , Thomson Alan B , Vantrappen G , Mckenna Ceri J , Mills Jane G 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE:To compare the efficacy and safety of long term use of ranitidine 150 mg bid, 300 mg bid and placebo in prevention of endoscopic and symptomatic relapse of reflux esophagitis in an international, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A total of 279 patients at least 18 years old from hospital out-patient departments with healed esophagitis (grade 0) with no or mild symptoms entered the study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive ranitidine 150 mg, 300 mg or placebo twice daily for 48 weeks. Patients returned for symptom assessments at eight-week intervals and for re-endoscopy every 16 weeks.RESULTS:Both ranitidine regimens were significantly more effective than placebo in preventing endoscopic and symptomatic relapse of reflux esophagitis (P=0.003 for ranitidine 150 mg bid; P<0.001 for ranitidine 300 mg bid). No statistically significant differences were observed in relapse rates between the two ranitidine regimens. The percentage of patients with endoscopic relapse (grade 2) after 48 weeks were 60%, 37% and 27% for placebo, ranitidine 150 mg bid and ranitidine 300 mg bid, respectively (P=0.002 for ranitidine 150 mg bid versus placebo; P<0.001 for ranitidine 300 mg bid versus placebo). Ranitidine was well tolerated.CONCLUSIONS:Ranitidine 150 mg bid and 300 mg bid are safe and effective treatments in the prevention of reflux esophagitis relapse.
A Canadian Physician Survey of Dyspepsia Management
Authors: Chiba Naoki , Bernard Lisa , O’Brien Bernie J , Goeree Ron , Hunt Richard H 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To determine the management of patients with new onset dyspepsia by Canadian family physicians.METHODS: A survey was mailed to 195 family physicians in August 1995 to identify how they manage dyspepsia in patients according to four scenarios: based on presenting symptoms alone; assumingHelicobacter pylori-positive; known to beH pylori-negative; and endoscopically confirmed nonulcer dyspepsia.RESULTS: A total of 170 of 195 physicians (87.2%) completed the survey. Physicians reported that 7.3% of their practice is devoted to dyspepsia and 23% of these dyspeptic patients present for the first time. Ninety-three per cent of family physicians find a symptom classification of ulcer-, reflux- and dysmotility-like dyspepsia helpful. The majority of patients are advised to make lifestyle changes and are treated with antacids or empiric drug therapy. A H2receptor antagonist was the drug of choice for ulcer and reflux-like dyspepsia, while prokinetics were often used for reflux and dysmotility-like dyspepsia. After failure of initial treatment, patients were given another course of empiric treatment, commonly with cisapride or omeprazole. Family physicians estimated that the mean time to obtain a gastrointestinal consult was five weeks, and 70% indicated that this time to consult adversely influenced their decision to refer. If this time was reduced to less than two weeks, responding physicians would consider referring all eligible patients. On average, two to 2.5 courses of empiric therapy were given before referral. IfH pyloristatus was known, fewer empiric treatments (mean 1.8) were given before gastroenterological referral compared with the other scenarios. If the patient had nonulcer dyspepsia, 30% of family physicians provided reassurance only and did not prescribe empiric drug treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Most newly dyspeptic patients in Canada are treated with empiric therapy according to symptom classification and referred for endoscopy after an average two to 2.5 treatment courses.
A cost-Utility Analysis Comparing Omeprazole with Ranitidine in the Maintenance Therapy of Peptic Esophageal Stricture
Authors: Stal Jeffrey M , Gregor James C , Preiksaitis Harold G , Reynolds Richard PE 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that patients receiving omeprazole for prophylaxis against peptic esophageal stricture recurrence have less dysphagia and require fewer repeat dilations than patients receiving ranitidine.OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incremental utility gain and associated incremental cost of omeprazole compared with those of ranitidine for the maintenance therapy of patients with peptic stricture who required esophageal dilation.METHODS: Decision analysis using SMLTREE software was used to compare the incremental cost-utility of omeprazole 20 mg once daily with that of ranitidine 150 mg bid for one year. Variables were estimated from the literature, hospital data, and utility analyses involving patients with peptic stricture and health professionals. The primary outcome measure was cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained.RESULTS: The incremental cost of omeprazole compared with that of ranitidine was $556 per patient treated. The incremental utility gain of omeprazole was 0.0112 QALYs. Overall, the incremental cost:utility ratio of omeprazole in the maintenance therapy of patients with peptic stricture was $49,600 per QALY gained. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the estimates with the greatest impact on the cost:utility ratio were disutility associated with dysphagia and dilation, the probability of requiring redilation and the cost of medications.CONCLUSIONS: Omeprazole 20 mg once daily is associated with greater utility and higher cost than ranitidine 150 mg bid when used as prophylaxis against stricture recurrence. Omeprazole may be considered clinically and economically sufficient enough to warrant widespread use in this setting.
The Influence of Puff Characteristics, Nicotine Dependence, and Rate of Nicotine Metabolism on Daily Nicotine Exposure in African American Smokers
Authors: Ross Kathryn C. , Dempsey Delia A. , St. Helen Gideon , Delucchi Kevin , Benowitz Neal L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground: African American (AA) smokers experience greater tobacco-related disease burden than Whites, despite smoking fewer cigarettes per day (CPD). Understanding factors that influence daily nicotine intake in AA smokers is an important step toward decreasing tobacco-related health disparities. One factor of interest is smoking topography, or the study of puffing behavior. Aims: (i) to create a model using puff characteristics, nicotine dependence, and nicotine metabolism to predict daily nicotine exposure, and (ii) to compare puff characteristics and nicotine intake from two cigarettes smoked at different times to ensure the reliability of the puff characteristics included in our model.Methods: Sixty AA smokers smoked their preferred brand of cigarette at two time points through a topography device. Plasma nicotine, expired CO, and changes in subjective measures were measured before and after each cigarette. Total nicotine equivalents (TNE) was measured from 24-hour urine collected during ad libitum smoking.Results: In a model predicting daily nicotine exposure, total puff volume, CPD, sex, and menthol status were significant predictors (R2 = 0.44, P &lt; 0.001). Total puff volume was significantly greater and inter-puff intervals were significantly shorter after ad lib smoking compared with the first cigarette of the day, but puffing behaviors for both cigarettes were highly correlated (r range = 0.69–0.89, P &lt; 0.001) within-subjects.Conclusion: This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that puff characteristics of individual cigarettes are predictive of daily nicotine intake.Impact: These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between smoking behavior and nicotine intake in AA smokers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 936–43. ©2016 AACR.