bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive, Model-Based Review of Vaccine and Repeat Infection Trials for Filariasis
Authors: Morris C. Paul , Evans Holly , Larsen Sasha E. , Mitre Edward 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYFilarial worms cause highly morbid diseases such as elephantiasis and river blindness. Since the 1940s, researchers have conducted vaccine trials in 27 different animal models of filariasis. Although no vaccine trial in a permissive model of filariasis has provided sterilizing immunity, great strides have been made toward developing vaccines that could block transmission, decrease pathological sequelae, or decrease susceptibility to infection. In this review, we have organized, to the best of our ability, all published filaria vaccine trials and reviewed them in the context of the animal models used. Additionally, we provide information on the life cycle, disease phenotype, concomitant immunity, and natural immunity during primary and secondary infections for 24 different filaria models.
Recent Advances in Our Understanding of the Environmental, Epidemiological, Immunological, and Clinical Dimensions of Coccidioidomycosis
Authors: Nguyen Chinh , Barker Bridget Marie , Hoover Susan , Nix David E. , Ampel Neil M. , Frelinger Jeffrey A. , Orbach Marc J. , Galgiani John N. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY

Coccidioidomycosis is the endemic mycosis caused by the fungal pathogens
Coccidioides immitis
and
C. posadasii
. This review is a summary of the recent advances that have been made in the understanding of this pathogen, including its mycology, genetics, and niche in the environment. Updates on the epidemiology of the organism emphasize that it is a continuing, significant problem in areas of endemicity. For a variety of reasons, the number of reported coccidioidal infections has increased dramatically over the past decade. While continual improvements in the fields of organ transplantation and management of autoimmune disorders and patients with HIV have led to dilemmas with concurrent infection with coccidioidomycosis, they have also led to advances in the understanding of the human immune response to infection. There have been some advances in therapeutics with the increased use of newer azoles. Lastly, there is an overview of the ongoing search for a preventative vaccine.
Non-M Variants of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Mourez Thomas , Simon François , Plantier Jean-Christophe 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThe AIDS pandemic that started in the early 1980s is due to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) group M (HIV-M), but apart from this major group, many divergent variants have been described (HIV-1 groups N, O, and P and HIV-2). The four HIV-1 groups arose from independent cross-species transmission of the simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) SIVcpz, infecting chimpanzees, and SIVgor, infecting gorillas. This, together with human adaptation, accounts for their genomic, phylogenetic, and virological specificities. Nevertheless, the natural course of non-M HIV infection seems similar to that of HIV-M. The virological monitoring of infected patients is now possible with commercial kits, but their therapeutic management remains complex. All non-M variants were principally described for patients linked to Cameroon, where HIV-O accounts for 1% of all HIV infections; only 15 cases of HIV-N infection and 2 HIV-P infections have been reported. Despite improvements in our knowledge, many fascinating questions remain concerning the origin, genetic evolution, and slow spread of these variants. Other variants may already exist or may arise in the future, calling for close surveillance. This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of the current knowledge on these pathogens, including the historical background of their discovery; the latest advances in the comprehension of their origin and spread; and clinical, therapeutic, and laboratory aspects that may be useful for the management and the treatment of patients infected with these divergent viruses.
Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile Infection: an Ongoing Conundrum for Clinicians and for Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Carey-Ann Burnham D. , Carroll Karen C. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARY

Clostridium difficile
is a formidable nosocomial and community-acquired pathogen, causing clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic colonization to self-limiting diarrhea to toxic megacolon and fulminant colitis. Since the early 2000s, the incidence of
C. difficile
disease has increased dramatically, and this is thought to be due to the emergence of new strain types. For many years, the mainstay of
C. difficile
disease diagnosis was enzyme immunoassays for detection of the
C. difficile
toxin(s), although it is now generally accepted that these assays lack sensitivity. A number of molecular assays are commercially available for the detection of
C. difficile
. This review covers the history and biology of
C. difficile
and provides an in-depth discussion of the laboratory methods used for the diagnosis of
C. difficile
infection (CDI). In addition, strain typing methods for
C. difficile
and the evolving epidemiology of colonization and infection with this organism are discussed. Finally, considerations for diagnosing
C. difficile
disease in special patient populations, such as children, oncology patients, transplant patients, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease, are described. As detection of
C. difficile
in clinical specimens does not always equate with disease, the diagnosis of
C. difficile
infection continues to be a challenge for both laboratories and clinicians.
Pasteurella multocida: from Zoonosis to Cellular Microbiology
Authors: Wilson Brenda A. , Ho Mengfei 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYIn a world where most emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature and our contacts with both domestic and wild animals abound, there is growing awareness of the potential for human acquisition of animal diseases. Like otherPasteurellaceae,Pasteurellaspecies are highly prevalent among animal populations, where they are often found as part of the normal microbiota of the oral, nasopharyngeal, and upper respiratory tracts. ManyPasteurellaspecies are opportunistic pathogens that can cause endemic disease and are associated increasingly with epizootic outbreaks. Zoonotic transmission to humans usually occurs through animal bites or contact with nasal secretions, withP. multocidabeing the most prevalent isolate observed in human infections. Here we review recent comparative genomics and molecular pathogenesis studies that have advanced our understanding of the multiple virulence mechanisms employed byPasteurellaspecies to establish acute and chronic infections. We also summarize efforts being explored to enhance our ability to rapidly and accurately identify and distinguish among clinical isolates and to control pasteurellosis by improved development of new vaccines and treatment regimens.
Antianaerobic Antimicrobials: Spectrum and Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Brook Itzhak , Wexler Hannah M. , Goldstein Ellie J. C. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYSusceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria recovered from selected cases can influence the choice of antimicrobial therapy. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has standardized many laboratory procedures, including anaerobic susceptibility testing (AST), and has published documents for AST. The standardization of testing methods by the CLSI allows comparisons of resistance trends among various laboratories. Susceptibility testing should be performed on organisms recovered from sterile body sites, those that are isolated in pure culture, or those that are clinically important and have variable or unique susceptibility patterns. Organisms that should be considered for individual isolate testing include highly virulent pathogens for which susceptibility cannot be predicted, such asBacteroides,Prevotella,Fusobacterium, andClostridiumspp.;Bilophila wadsworthia; andSutterella wadsworthensis. This review describes the current methods for AST in research and reference laboratories. These methods include the use of agar dilution, broth microdilution, Etest, and the spiral gradient endpoint system. The antimicrobials potentially effective against anaerobic bacteria include beta-lactams, combinations of beta-lactams and beta-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. The spectrum of efficacy, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and resistance patterns against these agents are described.
Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Superantigen Exotoxins
Authors: Spaulding Adam R. , Salgado-Pabón Wilmara , Kohler Petra L. , Horswill Alexander R. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Schlievert Patrick M. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThis review begins with a discussion of the large family ofStaphylococcus aureusand beta-hemolytic streptococcal pyrogenic toxin T lymphocyte superantigens from structural and immunobiological perspectives. With this as background, the review then discusses the major known and possible human disease associations with superantigens, including associations with toxic shock syndromes, atopic dermatitis, pneumonia, infective endocarditis, and autoimmune sequelae to streptococcal illnesses. Finally, the review addresses current and possible novel strategies to prevent superantigen production and passive and active immunization strategies.
Low positivity rate after systematic screening forTrichomonas vaginalisin three patient cohorts from general practitioners, STI clinic and a national population-based chlamydia screening study
Authors: Geelen Tanja H , Hoebe Christian J P A , Dirks Anne , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H T M , van Bergen Jan E A M , Wolffs Petra F G 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe goal of this multi-cohort study is to investigate the positivity rate ofTrichomonas vaginalis(TV) among three distinct Dutch patient populations and its relation withChlamydia trachomatis(CT) positivity. Few studies have been performed in Europe where TV positivity rate seems to be low. Additionally, the majority of earlier studies have focused on high risk or specific populations.MethodsA random selection of men and women from a national population-based chlamydia screening, attendees of a sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic and a non-selected population from general practitioners (GPs) were systematically screened for TV and CT using PCR. The associations among TV and CT co-infection, age and gender were studied.ResultsA total of 2079 individuals were studied. A TV positivity rate of 1.5% was observed in the medium risk GP cohort followed by 0.7% in the low risk population-based cohort and 0.6% in the high risk STI clinic. TV was found in 0.7% of CT positives and a similar 1.1% among CT negatives. All TV positive individuals in this study were women.ConclusionsThe positivity rate of TV was low (<2%) and comparable in all three populations studied. We found no association between TV and CT infection.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE PROXIMAL PHALANX: AN OPTION EVEN FOR UNSTABLE FRACTURE PATTERNS
Authors: Held Michael , Jordaan Pieter , Laubscher Maritz , Singer Martin , Solomons Michael 
Published: July 2013

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of the conservative management of proximal phalangeal fractures in a dorsal plaster slab. Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients with extra-articular proximal phalangeal fractures were included in this prospective study. Fourteen patients (62%) presented with fractures considered unstable. The fractures were reduced and the position was held with a dorsal plaster slab for three weeks. The patients were followed up for an average of seven weeks (range 2 to 45) after the injury. Range of motion of the finger and radiological evidence of union, non-union or malunion was documented after removal of the plaster. Results: Ninety-one percent of fractures maintained an acceptable reduction. All cases measured less than 15° of angulation. On average 1,1 mm of shortening was measured. In two (9%) cases the reduction was not accepted on follow up assessment and the fractures were managed surgically. Conclusion: Most extra-articular proximal phalanx fractures can be managed conservatively with acceptable results.
BILATERAL THUMB METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT FUSIONS FOR SEVERE HYPEREXTENSION DEFORMITIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT RECONSTRUCTIONS
Authors: Tsang Cynthia , Hunter Alistair R. , Sorene Elliot D. 
Published: July 2013

Background: Hyperextension of the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and adduction of the first web space of the hand are features of advanced stages of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthrosis. Restoration of mechanical efficiency in such patients requires stabilization of both the CMC and MCP joints. This study describes a patient with bilateral secondary hyperextension of the MCP joint greater than 50° who displayed good functional outcome following staged bilateral MCP joint arthrodesis with simultaneous CMC joint reconstruction. Case Report: Excision of trapezium, formation of a Weilby sling utilising flexor carpi radialis, and insertion of a Swanson's prosthesis forms the basis of CMC joint reconstruction. Fusion of the MCP joint involved placement of longitudinal K-wires and tension band wiring. The patient underwent an initial right-sided procedure in 2008 and subsequently elected for the same procedure on the contralateral side 26 months later. Good functional improvement was achieved with a pre and postoperative DASH score of 49 and 8 respectively. Follow-up and radiological imaging at 34 months from her initial surgery confirmed good positions of the prostheses and solid MCP joint fusions. The patient developed postoperative interphalangeal joint pain, which responded to steroid injection. Discussion: There is currently limited evidence available addressing the management of severe hyperextension deformity greater than 50° of the MCP joint in the presence of CMC joint arthrosis. Staged bilateral fusion of the MCP joint and simultaneous CMC joint reconstruction in this case illustrates good, reproducible functional results and patient satisfaction with reduced postoperative return to function.
Decisional Outcomes of Maternal Disclosure of BRCA1/2 Genetic Test Results to Children
Authors: Tercyak Kenneth P. , Mays Darren , DeMarco Tiffani A. , Peshkin Beth N. , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis B. , Schneider Katherine A. , Garber Judy E. , Patenaude Andrea Farkas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Background: Although BRCA1/2 genetic testing is discouraged in minors, mothers may disclose their own results to their children. Factors affecting patients' disclosure decisions and patient outcomes of disclosure are largely unknown.
Methods: Mothers (N = 221) of children aged 8 to 21 years enrolled in this prospective study of family communication about cancer genetic testing. Patients underwent BRCA1/2 genetic counseling and testing, and completed standardized behavioral assessments before and 1-month following receipt of their results.
Results: Most patients (62.4%) disclosed BRCA1/2 test results to their child. Patients were more likely to disclose if they received negative or uninformative versus positive results [OR = 3.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–8.71; P = .03], their child was 13 years of age or more versus younger (OR = 5.43; 95% CI, 2.18–13.53; P &lt; .001), and as the ratio of patients' perceived benefits of disclosure outweighed potential risks (OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.63–3.54; P &lt; .001). Postdecision satisfaction about disclosure was lowest among nondisclosing patients (P &lt; .001) and those reporting greater decisional conflict (P &lt; .001).
Conclusions: Patients commonly discuss their BRCA1/2 results with their teenage and young adult children, especially if the information is perceived as beneficial. Satisfaction with disclosure decision making remains lowest among nondisclosing and conflicted patients. Family communication decision support adjuncts to genetic counseling are needed to help ameliorate these effects.
Impact: This study describes the prevalence of family communication about maternal BRCA1/2 genetic testing with minor children, and decisions and outcomes of disclosure. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(7); 1260–6. ©2013 AACR.
A 26-Gene Hypoxia Signature Predicts Benefit from Hypoxia-Modifying Therapy in Laryngeal Cancer but Not Bladder Cancer
Authors: Eustace Amanda , Mani Navin , Span Paul N. , Irlam Joely J. , Taylor Janet , Betts Guy N.J. , Denley Helen , Miller Crispin J. , Homer Jarrod J. , Rojas Ana M. , Hoskin Peter J. , Buffa Francesca M. , Harris Adrian L. , Kaanders Johannes H.A.M. , West Catharine M.L. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Tumor hypoxia is associated with a poor prognosis, hypoxia modification improves outcome, and hypoxic status predicts benefit from treatment. Yet, there is no universal measure of clinical hypoxia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 26-gene hypoxia signature predicted benefit from hypoxia-modifying treatment in both cancer types.
Experimental Design: Samples were available from 157 T2–T4 laryngeal cancer and 185 T1–T4a bladder cancer patients enrolled on the accelerated radiotherapy with carbogen and nicotinamide (ARCON) and bladder carbogen nicotinamide (BCON) phase III randomized trials of radiotherapy alone or with carbogen and nicotinamide (CON) respectively. Customized TaqMan low density arrays (TLDA) were used to assess expression of the 26-gene signature using quantitative real-time PCR. The median expression of the 26 genes was used to derive a hypoxia score (HS). Patients were categorized as TLDA-HS low (≤median) or TLDA-HS high (&gt;median). The primary outcome measures were regional control (RC; ARCON) and overall survival (BCON).
Results: Laryngeal tumors categorized as TLDA-HS high showed greater benefit from ARCON than TLDA-HS low tumors. Five-year RC was 81% (radiotherapy alone) versus 100% (CON) for TLDA-HS high (P = 0.009). For TLDA-HS low, 5-year RC was 91% (radiotherapy alone) versus 90% (CON; P = 0.90). TLDA-HS did not predict benefit from CON in bladder cancer.
Conclusion: The 26-gene hypoxia signature predicts benefit from hypoxia-modifying treatment in laryngeal cancer. These findings will be evaluated in a prospective clinical trial. Clin Cancer Res; 19(17); 4879–88. ©2013 AACR.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1–Deficiency Results in Altered Blood–Brain Barrier Breakdown After Experimental Stroke
Authors: Strecker Jan-Kolja , Minnerup Jens , Schütte-Nütgen Katharina , Gess Burkhard , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger , Schilling Matthias 
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—
Stroke-induced blood–brain barrier (BBB)-disruption can contribute to further progression of cerebral damage. There is rising evidence for a strong involvement of chemokines in postischemic BBB-breakdown. In a previous study, we showed that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)–deficiency results in a markedly reduced inflammatory reaction with decreased levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after experimental stroke. With MCP-1 as one of the key players in stroke-induced inflammation, in this study, we investigated the influence of MCP-1 on poststroke BBB-disruption as well as transcription/translation of BBB-related genes/proteins after cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

Sixteen wild-type and 16 MCP-1
−/−
mice were subjected to 30 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. By injecting high molecular-tracer, we compared the degree of BBB-disruption after middle cerebral artery occlusion. Real-time polymerase chain reactions and Western blot technique were used to compare tight-junction gene expression, protein secretion, and BBB-leakage.

Results—

Here, we report that MCP-1–deficiency results in a reduced BBB-leakage and a diminished expression of BBB-related genes occludin, zonula occludens-1, and zonula occludens-2. Real-time polymerase chain reactions and Western blot analysis revealed elevated claudin-5–levels in MCP-1
−/−
animals. MCP-1–deficiency resulted in reduced infarct sizes and an increased vascular accumulation of fluorescein-isothiocyanate-albumin.

Conclusions—
The results of the study provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms of BBB-opening and may help to better understand the mechanisms of infarct development after cerebral ischemia.
Satisfaction With Palliative Care After Stroke
Authors: Blacquiere Dylan , Bhimji Khadija , Meggison Hilary , Sinclair John , Sharma Michael 
Published: July 2013

Background and Purpose—
The determinants of satisfaction for families of acute stroke patients receiving palliative care have not been extensively studied. We surveyed families to determine how they perceived palliative care after stroke.

Methods—
Families of patients palliated after ischemic stroke, intracerebral, or subarachnoid hemorrhage were approached. Four weeks after the patient’s death, families were administered the After–Death Bereaved Family Member Interview to determine satisfaction with the care provided.

Results—
Fifteen families participated. Families were most satisfied with participation in decision making and least satisfied with attention to emotional needs. In stroke-specific domains, families had less satisfaction with artificial feeding, hydration, and communication. Overall satisfaction was high (9.04 out of 10).

Conclusions—
Families of patients receiving palliative care at our institution showed generally high satisfaction with palliation after stroke; specific domains were identified for improvement. Further study in larger populations is required.
Mechanochemical ablation in patients with chronic venous disease: A prospective multicenter report
Authors: Bishawi M , Bernstein R , Boter M , Draughn D , Gould CF , Hamilton C , Koziarski J 
Published: July 2013

Background There are several endovenous methods to ablate the saphenous vein, all of which require tumescent anesthesia. This report was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a tumescent-free technique using mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). Methods This was a prospective observational multicenter report on the efficacy of MOCA in selected patients with lower extremity chronic venous disease. Demographic information, clinical and procedural data were collected on a customized database. The distribution and extent of venous reflux and the closure rate of the treated veins were assessed with duplex ultrasound. Pain was evaluated during the procedure and postoperatively using an analog scale. The presence and severity of complications were recorded. Patient improvement was assessed by clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) class and venous clinical severity score (VCSS). Results There were 126 patients that were included at baseline, 81% females, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 14 years. The average BMI was 30.5 ± 6. The mean diameter of the great saphenous vein in the upper thigh was 7.3 mm and the mean treatment length was 38 cm. Adjunctive treatment of the varicosities was performed in 11% of patients during the procedure. Closure rates were 100% at one week, 98% at three months, and 94% at six months. Post-procedure complications included hematoma 1%, ecchymosis 9%, and thrombophlebitis 10%. There were no cases of venous thromboembolism. There was significant improvement in VCSS ( p < 0.001) for all time intervals. Conclusion MOCA of the saphenous veins has the advantage of endovenous ablation without tumescent anesthesia, making it an almost pain-free procedure. High occlusion rates with significant clinical improvement can be achieved with this method at short term.