bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WCK 5222 (Cefepime-Zidebactam) Antimicrobial Activity against Clinical Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacteria Collected Worldwide in 2015
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Castanheira Mariana , Huband Michael , Jones Ronald N. , Flamm Robert K. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

WCK 5222 consists of cefepime combined with zidebactam, a bicyclo-acyl hydrazide β-lactam enhancer antibiotic with a dual action involving binding to Gram-negative bacterial PBP2 and β-lactamase inhibition. We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of cefepime-zidebactam against 7,876 contemporary (2015) clinical isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
(
n
= 5,946),
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
n
= 1,291), and
Acinetobacter
spp. (
n
= 639) from the United States (
n
= 2,919), Europe (
n
= 3,004), the Asia-Pacific (
n
= 1,370), and Latin America (
n
= 583). The isolates were tested by a reference broth microdilution method for susceptibility against cefepime-zidebactam (1:1 and 2:1 ratios) and comparator agents. Cefepime-zidebactam was the most active compound tested against
Enterobacteriaceae
(MIC
50/90
, ≤0.03/0.12 μg/ml [1:1] and 0.06/0.25 μg/ml [2:1]; 99.9% of isolates were inhibited at ≤4 [1:1] and ≤8 μg/ml [2:1]). Cefepime-zidebactam was active against individual
Enterobacteriaceae
species (MIC
50/90
, ≤0.03 to 0.06/≤0.03 to 0.5 μg/ml [1:1]) and retained potent activity against carbapenem-resistant isolates (MIC
50/90
, 1/4 μg/ml; 99.3% of isolates were inhibited at ≤8 μg/ml [1:1]). Cefepime-zidebactam activity was consistent among geographic regions, and only one isolate showed MIC values of >8 μg/ml (1:1). Cefepime-zidebactam was also very active against
P. aeruginosa
with MIC
50/90
values of 1/4 μg/ml, and 99.5% of isolates were inhibited at ≤8 μg/ml (1:1). The MIC values for cefepime-zidebactam at the 1:1 ratio were generally 2-fold lower than those for cefepime-zidebactam at the 2:1 ratio (MIC
50/90
, 2/8 μg/ml) and zidebactam alone (MIC
50/90
, 4/8 μg/ml). Against
Acinetobacter
spp., cefepime-zidebactam at 1:1 and 2:1 ratios (MIC
50/90
, 16/32 μg/ml for both) was 4-fold more active than cefepime or ceftazidime. Zidebactam exhibited potent
in vitro
antimicrobial activity against some organisms. These results support the clinical development of WCK 5222 for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant isolates.
On the Development of Above-Anvil Cirrus Plumes in Extratropical Convection
Authors: Homeyer Cameron R. , McAuliffe Joel D. , Bedka Kristopher M. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Expansive cirrus clouds present above the anvils of extratropical convection have been observed in satellite and aircraft-based imagery for several decades. Despite knowledge of their occurrence, the precise mechanisms and atmospheric conditions leading to their formation and maintenance are not entirely known. Here, the formation of these cirrus “plumes” is examined using a combination of satellite imagery, four-dimensional ground-based radar observations, assimilated atmospheric states from a state-of-the-art reanalysis, and idealized numerical simulations with explicitly resolved convection. Using data from 20 recent events (2013–present), it is found that convective cores of storms with above-anvil cirrus plumes reach altitudes 1–6 km above the tropopause. Thus, it is likely that these clouds represent the injection of cloud material into the lower stratosphere. Comparison of storms with above-anvil cirrus plumes and observed tropopause-penetrating convection without plumes reveals an association with large vector differences between the motion of a storm and the environmental wind in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS), suggesting that gravity wave breaking and/or stretching of the tropopause-penetrating cloud are/is more prevalent in plume-producing storms. A weak relationship is found between plume occurrence and the stability of the lower stratosphere (or tropopause structure), and no relationship is found with the duration of stratospheric penetration or stratospheric humidity. Idealized model simulations of tropopause-penetrating convection with small and large magnitudes of storm-relative wind in the UTLS are found to reproduce the observationally established storm-relative wind relationship and show that frequent gravity wave breaking is the primary mechanism responsible for plume formation.
Sensitivity of Dryline Convection Forecasts to Upstream Forecast Errors for Two Weakly Forced MPEX Cases
Authors: Torn Ryan D. , Romine Glen S. , Galarneau Thomas J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The sensitivity of convective forecasts along the Texas dryline to upstream forecast fields at earlier lead times is evaluated for two consecutive days (27–28 May) characterized by no clear synoptic forcing for convection initiation (CI) during the 2013 Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX) by applying the ensemble-based sensitivity technique to convection-allowing WRF ensemble forecasts. For both cases, the members with stronger convection are characterized by higher water vapor just above the top of the boundary layer, which is associated with lower convective inhibition (CIN) at the time of CI. Forecast convection is sensitive to the lower-tropospheric water vapor and zonal wind at earlier lead times farther south along the dryline, such that increasing the water vapor and/or making the wind more easterly is associated with more convection. For 28 May, the water vapor along the dryline is also sensitive to the convection that occurs around 0600 UTC, which leads to cold pool–induced surface divergence that subsequently shifts the dryline north or south. Ensemble members that correctly have decreased convection in the Texas Panhandle on 28 May have more accurate forecasts of water vapor and meridional wind with respect to dropwindsondes in the sensitive region 9 h prior to CI compared to members with more extensive convection. Reducing the 0-h water vapor within the sensitive region can suppress convection in members with extensive convection; however, increasing the 0-h water vapor does not lead to more convection in members without convection.
The contributions of family care-givers at end of life: A national post-bereavement census survey of cancer carers’ hours of care and expenditures
Authors: Rowland Christine , Hanratty Barbara , Pilling Mark , van den Berg Bernard , Grande Gunn 
Published: February 2017

Background: Family members provide vital care at end of life, enabling patients to remain at home. Such informal care contributes significantly to the economy while supporting patients’ preferences and government policy. However, the value of care-givers’ contributions is often underestimated or overlooked in evaluations. Without information on the activities and expenditures involved in informal care-giving, it is impossible to provide an accurate assessment of carers’ contribution to end-of-life care. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions and expenditure of informal, family care-giving in end-of-life cancer care. Design: A national census survey of English cancer carers was conducted. Survey packs were mailed to 5271 people who registered the death of a relative to cancer during 1–16 May 2015. Data were collected on decedents’ health and situation, care support given, financial expenditure resulting from care, carer well-being and general background information. Results: In all, 1504 completed surveys were returned (28.5%). Over 90% of respondents reported spending time on care-giving in the last 3 months of the decedent’s life, contributing a median 69 h 30 min of care-giving each week. Those who reported details of expenditure (72.5%) spent a median £370 in the last 3 months of the decedent’s life. Conclusion: Carers contribute a great deal of time and money for day-to-day support and care of patients. This study has yielded a unique, population-level data set of end-of-life care-giving and future analyses will provide estimates of the economic value of family care-givers’ contributions.
Treatment with belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus does not impair antibody response to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Authors: Nagel J , Saxne T , Geborek P , Bengtsson A A , Jacobsen S , Svaerke Joergensen C , Nilsson J-Å , Skattum L , Jönsen A , Kapetanovic M C 
Published: February 2017

Background/purpose The objective of this study was to explore the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus and belimumab given in addition to standard of care therapy on 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) response. Methods Forty-seven systemic lupus erythematosus patients and 21 healthy controls were immunized with a single dose of 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine. Forty systemic lupus erythematosus patients were treated with traditional disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs, 11 of those received belimumab in addition, and 32 patients were treated with concomitant prednisolone. Quantification of serotype specific IgG levels to 12 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides was performed in serum taken before and four to six weeks after vaccination using multiplex fluorescent microsphere immunoassay. IgG levels against serotypes 23F and 6B were also analyzed using standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Opsonophagocytic assay was performed on serotype 23F to evaluate the functionality of the antibodies. Pre- and post-vaccination log transformed antibody levels were compared to determine the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis and different treatments on antibody response. Results Systemic lupus erythematosus patients as a group showed lower post-vaccination antibody levels and lower fold increase of antibody levels after vaccination compared to controls ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.009, respectively). Systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with belimumab in addition to standard of care therapy or with only hydroxychloroquine did not differ compared to controls, whereas the other treatment groups had significantly lower fold increase of post-vaccination antibody levels. Higher age was associated with lower post-vaccination antibody levels among systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Conclusion Belimumab given in addition to traditional disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs or prednisolone did not further impair antibody response to 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine.
Epidemiology of Organophosphate Poisoning in the Tshwane District of South Africa
Authors: Razwiedani LL , Rautenbach PGD 
Published: February 2017

Background: Organophosphate poisoning is a major public health problem in South Africa. Individuals get exposed to organophosphate in both the domestic and industrial spheres. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective, secondary data of organophosphate poisoning cases over a 3-year period, reported at the Tshwane District surveillance office. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel, and Epi Info version 7 was used for descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 207 cases were reported with ages ranging from 10 months to 59 years. Most of the cases were men (58.9%). Intentional poisoning accounted for 51% of cases. Unintentional poisoning accounted for 21.7% of cases, and 26.5% of cases had unknown circumstances of poisoning. A significant number (50.2%) of intentional poisonings were suicide related. Nonsuicidal cases accounted for 47.4% of cases, and deliberate unlawful poisoning accounted for 2.4% of cases. The mortality rate for the whole group was 3.4%. Conclusions: Improvement in data collection on organophosphate poisoning is essential to properly measure the burden of the problem. More effective regulatory controls for pesticide use are needed in South Africa.
Treatment of an internal carotid artery aneurysm with a flow diverter through a double lumen balloon catheter
Authors: Amorim José M , Rosati Santiago , Agid Ronit , Pereira Vítor Mendes , Krings Timo 
Published: February 2017

Background Double lumen balloon catheters (DLBCs) are currently used in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, especially when involving balloon or stent-assisted coiling. The existing DLBCs allow the delivery of self-expandable stents but do not offer the possibility to deploy flow-diverters. Despite the increasing use and success of flow-diverters, there have been numerous reports of procedural complications such as early in-stent thrombosis or delayed distal embolization. It seems that these complications can be avoided by correct stent positioning and adequate wall apposition, achieved either by manoeuvres with the microguidewire and/or microcatheter or by performing balloon angioplasty following an exchange guidewire manoeuvre. Objective Report the use of a new DLBC able to deliver a flow-diverter. Methods A 41-year-old woman presented to our hospital with binocular horizontal diplopia for two weeks and reduced visual acuity. A left internal carotid artery aneurysm involving the cavernous and ophthalmic segments was found, with a maximum height of 19 mm and a broad 8 mm neck. It presented extra- and intra-dural components and the parent vessel was significantly narrowed. A decision was made to perform endovascular treatment of the aneurysm with placement of a flow diverter through a DLBC. Results Patency and adequate expansion of the flow diverter with evident intra-aneurysmal contrast stasis was observed in the final angiogram. No peri-procedural complications were observed. Conclusion This is a technical note demonstrating the feasibility of a new device to deploy a flow diverter, aiming to improve wall apposition and stent configuration without the need of additional devices or exchange manoeuvres.
Geographic dissemination of endovascular stroke thrombectomy in Catalonia within the 2011–2015 period
Authors: Abilleira Sònia , Tebé Cristian , de la Ossa Natalia Pérez , Ribó Marc , Cardona Pere , Urra Xabier , Giralt-Steinhauer Eva , Cánovas David , Camps-Renom Pol , Gallofré Miquel ,   for the Cat-SCR Consortium
Published: February 2017

Introduction Endovascular thrombectomy was recently established as a new standard of care in acute ischemic stroke patients with large artery occlusions. Using small area health statistics, we sought to assess dissemination of endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia throughout the period 2011–2015. Patients and methods We used registry data to identify all endovascular thrombectomies for acute ischemic stroke performed in Catalonia within the study period. The SONIIA registry is a government-mandated, population-based and externally audited data base that includes all reperfusion therapies for acute ischemic stroke. We linked endovascular thrombectomy cases identified in the registry with the Central Registry of the Catalan Public Health Insurance to obtain the primary care service area of residence for each treated patient, age and sex. We calculated age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates over time according to different territorial segmentation patterns (metropolitan/provincial rings and primary care service areas). Results Region-wide age-sex standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates increased significantly from 3.9 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 3.4–4.4) in 2011 to 6.8 × 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 6.2–7.6) in 2015. Such increase occurred in inner and outer metropolitan rings as well as provinces although highest endovascular thrombectomy rates were persistently seen in the inner metropolitan area. Changes in endovascular thrombectomy access across primary care service areas over time were more subtle, but there was a rather generalized increase of standardized endovascular thrombectomy rates. Discussion This study demonstrates temporal and territorial dissemination of access to endovascular thrombectomy in Catalonia over a 5-year period although variation remains at the completion of the study. Conclusion Mapping of endovascular thrombectomy is essential to assess equity and propose actions for access dissemination.
An introduction to hydrocephalus: types, treatments and management
Authors: Thompson Simon D 
Published: February 2017

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions or complications. Common treatment options have not changed in decades. However, recent technological advances and improvement in infection rates and outcomes have caused clinicians to rethink attitudes and understanding towards hydrocephalus and patient management. This article is the introduction to a series in which different types of hydrocephalus will be discussed, including various treatment options and recent technological advances that are improving outcomes and diagnostic techniques.
Organization of International Medical Congresses as Possibility for Extending Croatian Tourist Offer
Authors: Pekez-Pavliško Tanja , Vrdoljak Nina , Aleksić Anja 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Organization of international medical congresses is a perfect example of multidisciplinary cooperation with professional medical associations and Medical schools on one side and professional congress organizers on the other. Medical congresses are perhaps most frequent congresses in the world. Organization of medical congresses can be achieved in a number of ways: Organizers can be local professional associations or Medical schools, international professional associations and international professional congress organizers. To be nominated for organization of a congress, successful cooperation of medical professionals is needed, especially doctors and professional congress organizers. Success largely depends on knowledge of the availability of conference halls, available accommodations in the vicinity of the congress halls, ease of access to the congress destination, expectancies of possible candidates who will attend in connection to the congress destination, lobbying for nomination for organization of a congress. This article will analyze availability of conference halls in Croatia, accommodation capacities, transport possibilities. For the needs of this article, pilot questionnaire was constructed about demands of possible participants and their preferable destinations to be visited. Statistical analysis of Medical congresses in Europe is also shown according to geographical spreading. Concluding the article, we show that better education of medical staff about the possibilities of professional congress organizing are very important, as well as sharing of the experiences from big congresses among the medical professional in the field of medical congress organization. With multidisciplinary approach of all participants in organization of the congress (Ministry of Tourism, Croatian Tourist Association, Croatian Associations of professionals in congress tourism, hotels, medical professionals) Croatia could be much better recognized as destination for organizing medical congresses.
Identifying Combination of Friction Stir Welding Parameters to Maximize Strength of Lap Joints of AA2014-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Rajendrana C. , Srinivasan K. , Balasubramanian V. , Balaji H. , Selvaraj P. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
AA2014 aluminum alloy (Al-Cu alloy) has been widely utilized in fabrication of lightweight structures like aircraft structures, demanding high strength to weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. The fusion welding of these alloys will lead to solidification problems such as hot cracking. Friction stir welding is a new solid state welding process, in which the material being welded does not melt and recast. Lot of research works have been carried out by many researchers to optimize process parameters and establish empirical relationships to predict tensile strength of friction stir welded butt joints of aluminum alloys. However, very few investigations have been carried out on friction stir welded lap joints of aluminum alloys. Hence, in this investigation, an attempt has been made to optimize friction stir lap welding (FSLW) parameters to attain maximum tensile strength using statistical tools such as design of experiment (DoE), analysis of variance (ANOVA), response graph and contour plots. By this method, it is found that maximum tensile shear fracture load of 12.76 kN can be achieved if a joint is made using tool rotational speed of 900 rpm, welding speed of 110 mm/min, tool shoulder diameter of 12 mm and tool tilt angle of 1.5°.
Case Study of Standard Multi-Storey Residential Building Owners and Tenants’ Perception of Building Technical Conditions and Renovation Issues
Authors: Šnīdere Laimdota , Geipele Ineta , Stāmure Iveta 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The majority of residents in Latvia live in standard multi-storey residential buildings, which were constructed between 1950 and 1992. At present, these buildings are obsolete; besides, in the course of construction process the durability and reliability levels were planned to be insufficient. In Riga, residents of standard multi-storey residential buildings do not support building renovation and are passive, despite the availability of the EU and government support as well as co-financing of building renovation projects. The majority of the respondents assume that the apartment is the most significant asset of the family. Moreover, 34 % - 69 % of the participants have renovated their apartment and save resources within their apartment boundaries. Only some respondents evaluate the technical condition of communal property, but most respondents do not have information concerning resource supply and energy accounting as well as are not interested in resource saving possibilities within the building in general, and do not understand the importance of technical maintenance of the building.
Harmonization protocols for TSH immunoassays: a multicenter study in Italy
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Ripoli Andrea , Fortunato Antonio , Alfano Antonio , Carrozza Cinzia , Correale Mario , Dittadi Ruggero , Gessoni Gianluca , Migliardi Marco , Rizzardi Sara , Prontera Concetta , Masotti Silvia , Zucchelli Giancarlo , Guiotto Cristina , Iacovazzi Palma Aurelia , Iervasi Giorgio 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground:Systematic difference between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassays may produce misleading interpretation when samples of the same patients are measured with different methods. The study aims were to evaluate whether systematic differences are present among TSH immunoassays, and whether it is possible to obtain a better harmonization among TSH methods using results obtained in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.Methods:Seven Italian clinical laboratories measured TSH in 745 serum samples of healthy subjects and patients with thyroid disorders. These samples were also re-measured by two reference laboratories of the study with the six TSH immunoassays most popular in Italy after 2 months of storage at −80 °C. Moreover, these data were compared to 53,823 TSH measurements, obtained by laboratories participant to 2012–2015 EQA annual cycles in 72 quality control samples (TSH concentrations from about 0.1 mIU/L to 18.0 mIU/L). TSH concentrations were recalibrated using a mathematical approach based on the principal component analysis (PCA).Results:Systematic differences were found between the most popular commercially available TSH immunoassays. TSH concentrations measured by the clinical laboratories were very closely correlated to those measured with the same method by reference laboratories after 2 months of storage at −80 °C. After recalibration using the PCA approach the variation of TSH values significantly decreased from a median pre-calibration value of 13.53% (10.79%–16.53%) to 9.63% (6.90%–13.21%) after recalibration.Conclusions:Our data suggest that EQA schemes are useful to improve harmonization among TSH immunoassays and also to produce some mathematical formulas, which can be used by clinicians to better compare TSH values measured with different methods.