bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends and Seasonal Variation in Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription Rates in the United States, 2006 to 2010
Authors: Suda Katie J. , Hicks Lauri A. , Roberts Rebecca M. , Hunkler Robert J. , Taylor Thomas H. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasing threat to the effectiveness of antibiotics. The majority of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care settings for upper respiratory tract infections. The purpose of this study was to describe seasonal trends in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions (Rx) in the United States over a 5-year period. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional observation of systemic antibiotic prescriptions in the outpatient setting from 2006 to 2010. Winter months were defined as the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Antibiotic prescribing rates were calculated (prescriptions/1,000 population) using annual U.S. Census Bureau population data. Over 1.34 billion antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed over the 5-year period. The antibiotic prescription (Rx) rate decreased from 892 Rx/1,000 population in 2006 to 867 Rx/1,000 population in 2010. Penicillins and macrolides were the primary antibiotic classes prescribed, but penicillin prescribing decreased while macrolide prescribing increased over the study period. Overall, antibiotic prescriptions were 24.5% higher in winter months than in the summer, with the largest difference (28.8%) in 2008 and the smallest (20.4%) in 2010. This seasonality was consistently drug class dependent, driven by 75% and 100% increases in penicillin and macrolide prescriptions, respectively, in the winter months. The mean outpatient antibiotic prescription rate decreased in the United States from 2006 to 2010. More antibiotic prescribing, predominately driven by the macrolide and penicillin classes, in the outpatient setting was observed in the winter months. Understanding annual variability in antibiotic use can assist with designing interventions to improve the judicious use of antibiotics.
Mechanism of Escherichia coli Resistance to Pyrrhocoricin
Authors: Narayanan Shalini , Modak Joyanta K. , Ryan Catherine S. , Garcia-Bustos Jose , Davies John K. , Roujeinikova Anna 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Due to their lack of toxicity to mammalian cells and good serum stability, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs) have been proposed as promising candidates for the treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens. It has been hypothesized that these peptides act on multiple targets within bacterial cells, and therefore the likelihood of the emergence of resistance was considered to be low. Here, we show that spontaneous
Escherichia coli
mutants resistant to pyrrhocoricin arise at a frequency of approximately 6 × 10
−7
. Multiple independently derived mutants all contained a deletion in a nonessential gene that encodes the putative peptide uptake permease SbmA. Sensitivity could be restored to the mutants by complementation with an intact copy of the
sbmA
gene. These findings question the viability of the development of insect PR-AMPs as antimicrobials.
OXA-253, a Variant of the Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Class D β
-
Lactamase OXA-143 in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Girlich Delphine , Damaceno Quésia S. , Oliveira Adriana Cristina , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

The carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase OXA-253 was identified in an
Acinetobacter baumannii
clinical isolate belonging to sequence type 113 (ST113) in Brazil. OXA-253 shares 93.8% amino acid identity with OXA-143. The
bla
OXA-253
gene is located on a ca. 20-kb plasmid. The genetic environment of the
bla
OXA-253
gene shares the highest identity with ubiquitous GR2 group plasmids usually carrying
bla
OXA-24/-40
genes.
Brachial neuritis following a corticosteroid injection
Authors: Robinson Matthew , Fulcher Mark 
Published: March 2014

This report presents a case of brachial neuritis following a subacromial corticosteroid injection. The patient developed an anterior interosseous neuropathy shortly after the injection, with no other trigger being identified. This neuropathy has unfortunately not shown any sign of recovery at 2 years. The authors propose that corticosteroid injection be added to the list of possible triggering events of brachial neuritis and highlight the frequent use of oral corticosteroids in its treatment. (1) The injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid should be considered as a potential trigger for brachial neuritis. (2) Brachial neuritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with severe arm pain and weakness. (3) The nerves originating from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus are most commonly affected. (4) The anterior interosseous nerve is involved in one-third of cases.
Trends in the prevalences of congenital anomalies and age at motherhood in a southern European region: a population-based study
Authors: Cambra K , Ibañez B , Urzelai D , Portillo I , Montoya I , Esnaola S , Cirarda F B 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalences of the main groups of congenital anomalies and to assess their trend over time.DesignPopulation-based study of prevalences.SettingThe Basque Country, Spain.ParticipantsAll births and all congenital anomalies diagnosed prenatally, at birth or during the first year of age, in all hospitals of the country, from 1999 to 2008.Main outcomes measuresTotal diagnosed prevalences and prevalences at birth of all chromosomal and non-chromosomal anomalies, Down's syndrome, anomalies of the nervous system, urinary, limbs, digestive system and congenital heart defects.ResultsMean age (SD) of women at childbirth and the proportion of them over 35 years of age shifted from 32.1 (4.5) years, with 18.3% in 1999–2001, to 32.3 (4.7) years, with 23.9% in 2006–2008. Between 1999 and 2008, 991 cases of chromosomal anomalies and 3090 of non-chromosomal anomalies were diagnosed, which yields, respectively, total prevalences of 5.2‰ and of 16.2‰. Among chromosomal anomalies, Down's syndrome is the most frequent (2.9‰). With marginal statistical significance, the results point at an increasing trend in total diagnosed chromosomal anomalies, but a decreasing one in prevalences at birth. Among non-chromosomal congenital anomalies, congenital heart defects are the most frequent (5.2‰) one. Rates of all non-chromosomal, urinary and limb anomalies grew during the study period, whereas those of congenital heart defects and anomalies of the digestive system did not change significantly.ConclusionsIn the Basque Country, rates of chromosomal anomalies are higher than the overall estimated prevalence in European countries, and continue to increase slightly, which may be related to the rise in maternal age. Rates of non-chromosomal anomalies are within the European frequent range of values, and the increases observed need to be checked in the following years.
Expectations and illness perceptions as predictors of benefit recipiency among workers with common mental disorders: secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Løvvik Camilla , Shaw William , Øverland Simon , Reme Silje Endresen 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveCommon mental disorders (CMDs) are among the leading causes of sick leave, and more knowledge on factors related to work participation and return-to-work (RTW) in CMDs is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate RTW-expectations and illness perceptions as predictors of benefit recipiency in CMDs.DesignStudy participants were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial and reported CMDs as a main obstacle for work participation. Three prespecified subgroups were included: people at risk of going on sick leave, people on sick leave (>3 weeks) or people on long-term benefits. Baseline questionnaire data and registry data at baseline and 6 months were used to investigate predictors of benefit recipiency at 6-month follow-up. Benefit recipiency included sickness benefits, disability pension, work assessment allowance and unemployment benefits.ResultsIn this study, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations were strong predictors of benefit recipiency at 6 months follow-up. Illness perceptions predicted benefit recipiency in the unadjusted model, but not in the fully adjusted model. In the subgroup on sick leave, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations predicted benefit recipiency, while in the subgroup of people at risk of going on sick leave, negative RTW-expectations predicted benefit recipiency. In the subgroup on long-term benefits, only female gender predicted benefit recipiency.ConclusionsFor people with CMDs, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations predict later benefit recipiency, and expectations seem particularly important for those at risk of or on sick leave. For those at risk of sick leave, benefit recipiency at follow-up denoted a transition onto sick leave or long-term benefit, while those on sick leave had remained so or were receiving long-term benefits. Addressing RTW-expectations in occupational healthcare services or vocational rehabilitation might be beneficial in early stages or even prior to a sick leave episode.Trial registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01146730.
The COgnitive-Pulmonary Disease (COgnitive-PD) study: protocol of a longitudinal observational comparative study on neuropsychological functioning of patients with COPD
Authors: Cleutjens Fiona A H M , Wouters Emiel F M , Dijkstra Jeanette B , Spruit Martijn A , Franssen Frits M E , Vanfleteren Lowie E G W , Ponds Rudolf W H M , Janssen Daisy J A 
Published: March 2014

IntroductionIntact cognitive functioning is necessary for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to understand the value of healthy lifestyle guidelines, to make informed decisions and subsequently act on it. Nevertheless, brain abnormalities and cognitive impairment have been found in patients with COPD. To date, it remains unknown which cognitive domains are affected and what the possible consequences are of cognitive impairment. Therefore, objectives of the study described are to determine neuropsychological functioning in patients with COPD, and its influence on health status, daily functioning and pulmonary rehabilitation outcome. Furthermore, structural and functional brain abnormalities and the relationship with cognitive and daily functioning will be explored.Methods and analysisA longitudinal observational comparative study will be performed in 183 patients with COPD referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and in 90 healthy control participants. Demographic and clinical characteristics, activities of daily living and knowledge about COPD will be assessed. Baseline cognitive functioning will be compared between patients and controls using a detailed neuropsychological testing battery. An MRI substudy will be performed to compare brain abnormalities between 35 patients with COPD with cognitive impairment and 35 patients with COPD without cognitive impairment. Patients will be recruited between November 2013 and November 2015.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Maastricht and Maastricht University (NL45127.068.13/METC 13-3-035) and is registered in the Dutch trial register. All participants will provide written informed consent and can withdraw from the study at any point in time. Assessment and home visit data material will be managed anonymously. The results obtained can be used to optimise patient-oriented treatment for cognitively impaired patients with COPD. The findings will be disseminated in international peer-reviewed journals and through research conferences.
Origin of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) from swine affected by PCV2‐associated diseases in Croatia
Authors: Novosel D. , Tuboly T. , Csagola A. , Lorincz M. , Cubric‐Curik V. , Jungic A. , Curik I. , Segalés J. , Cortey M. , Lipej Z. 
Published: March 2014

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) causes some of the most significant economic losses in pig production. Several multisystemic syndromes have been attributed to PCV2 infection, which are known as PCV2‐associated diseases (PCVDs). This study investigated the origin and evolution of PCV2 sequences in domestic pigs and wild boars affected by PCVDs in Croatia. Viral sequences were recovered from three wild boars diagnosed with PCV2‐systemic disease (PCV2‐SD), 63 fetuses positive for PCV2 DNA as determined by PCR, 14 domestic pigs affected with PCV2‐SD (displaying severe interstitial nephritis) and five domestic pigs with proliferative and necrotising pneumonia. Seventeen complete PCV2 genomes were recovered. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses based on median‐joining phylogenetic networks, amino acid alignments and principal coordinate analysis were performed using complete genomes, as well as complete and partial ORF sequences for ORF1 and ORF2. Two of the 17 PCV2 sequences belonged to PCV2a, 14 to PCV2b and one was unclustered. PCV2b was the predominant genotype in Croatia and has been linked to international trade as a route of introduction. Correlation between particular viral strains with PCVDs is lacking.
Data profiling revisited
Authors: Naumann Felix 
Published: March 2014

Data profiling comprises a broad range of methods to efficiently analyze a given data set. In a typical scenario, which mirrors the capabilities of commercial data profiling tools, tables of a relational database are scanned to derive metadata, such as data types and value patterns, completeness and uniqueness of columns, keys and foreign keys, and occasionally functional dependencies and association rules. Individual research projects have proposed several additional profiling tasks, such as the discovery of inclusion dependencies or conditional functional dependencies.
Data profiling deserves a fresh look for two reasons: First, the area itself is neither established nor defined in any principled way, despite significant research activity on individual parts in the past. Second, more and more data beyond the traditional relational databases are being created and beg to be profiled. The article proposes new research directions and challenges, including interactive and incremental profiling and profiling heterogeneous and non-relational data.
The Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Extract on Mouse Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Lobo Sara Nadia , Qi Yu Qing , Liu Quan Zhong 
Published: March 2014

Background. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract on mouse dermal fibroblasts. Recent studies have shown that this plant may possess great antioxidant properties, which can be very beneficial in combating oxidative stress. Methods. Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract was prepared and mouse dermal fibroblasts were obtained and cultured as per our laboratory protocols. Twelve samples of cells were cultured under the same conditions and both negative and positive controls were established. Induction of oxidative stress was carried out using ultraviolet C (UVC) light. Viable cell count was carried out, using microscopy. The analysis of the overall results was processed using SPSS version 16.0. Results. Statistical analysis showed strong positive correlation between the concentration of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and the mean duration of cell viability (rs = 1), with a high level of statistical significance (P < 0.01). Likewise, strong positive correlation existed between trials of cell viability (rs = 0.988–1), with statistical significance (P < 0.01). Conclusion. Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract prolongs viability of mouse dermal fibroblasts damaged by UVC light-induced oxidative stress. The results show the potential benefits of this extract on dermal cell aging.
Unusual Seven Coordination of Oxovanadium(V) Oximato Complex: Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure
Authors: Elsayed Shadia A. , El-Hendawy Ahmed M. , El-Mahdy Mohamed I. 
Published: March 2014

The new oxovanadium(V) complex, [VO(acac)(dametsc)] (1) (acac = acetylacetonate (-1), H2dametsc = diacetylmonoxime-4-ethylthiosemicarbazone), has been prepared and characterized by studying its physicochemical properties. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex (1) has been determined and showed the presence of vanadium(V) atom in a unique heptacoordination state with distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The oximato ligand in the pentagonal plane is bonded to the central vanadium atom in dihapto (η2= N,O) manner with the formation of three membered ring, while the other three coordination sites in the plane are occupied by hydrazinic imine nitrogen, thiolate sulfur, and one of the acac oxygen atoms. The axial position sites are defined by the other acac oxygen and the trans oxo-atom. The supramolecular structure of the complex is exclusively constructed by intermolecular interactions, N–H⋯O and C–H⋯O.
HO-3867, a Safe STAT3 Inhibitor, Is Selectively Cytotoxic to Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Rath Kellie S. , Naidu Shan K. , Lata Pushpa , Bid Hemant K. , Rivera Brian K. , McCann Georgia A. , Tierney Brent J. , ElNaggar Adam C. , Bravo Veronica , Leone Gustavo , Houghton Peter , Hideg Kálmán , Kuppusamy Periannan , Cohn David E. , Selvendiran Karuppaiyah 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
STAT3 is well corroborated preclinically as a cancer therapeutic target, but tractable translational strategies for its blockade by small molecule inhibitors have remained elusive. In this study, we report the development of a novel class of bifunctional STAT3 inhibitors, based on conjugation of a diarylidenyl-piperidone (DAP) backbone to an N-hydroxypyrroline (–NOH) group, which exhibits minimal toxicity against normal cells and good oral bioavailability. Molecular modeling studies of this class suggested direct interaction with the STAT3 DNA binding domain. In particular, the DAP compound HO-3867 selectively inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, transcription, and DNA binding without affecting the expression of other active STATs. HO-3867 exhibited minimal toxicity toward noncancerous cells and tissues but induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Pharmacologic analysis revealed greater bioabsorption and bioavailability of the active (cytotoxic) metabolites in cancer cells compared with normal cells. The selective cytotoxicity of HO-3867 seemed to be multifaceted, eliciting differential activation of the Akt pathway in normal versus cancer cells. RNAi attenuation experiments confirmed the requirement of STAT3 for HO-3867–mediated apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In vivo testing showed that HO-3867 could block xenograft tumor growth without toxic side effects. Furthermore, in primary human ovarian cancer cells isolated from patient ascites, HO-3867 inhibited cell migration/invasion and survival. Our results offer preclinical proof-of-concept for HO-3867 as a selective STAT3 inhibitor to treat ovarian cancer and other solid tumors where STAT3 is widely upregulated. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2316–27. ©2014 AACR.
Genetic Suppression of Inflammation Blocks the Tumor-Promoting Effects of TGF-β in Gastric Tissue
Authors: Ota Mitsuhiko , Horiguchi Masahito , Fang Victoria , Shibahara Kotaro , Kadota Kyuichi , Loomis Cynthia , Cammer Michael , Rifkin Daniel B. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The contributions of TGF-β signaling to cancer are complex but involve the inflammatory microenvironment as well as cancer cells themselves. In mice encoding a TGF-β mutant that precludes its binding to the latent TGF-β binding protein (Tgfb1−/C33S), we observed multiorgan inflammation and an elevated incidence of various types of gastrointestinal solid tumors due to impaired conversion of latent to active TGF-β1. By genetically eliminating activators of latent TGF-β1, we further lowered the amount of TGF-β, which enhanced tumor frequency and multiorgan inflammation. This model system was used to further investigate the relative contribution of TGF-β1 to lymphocyte-mediated inflammation in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. Toward this end, we generated Tgfb1−/C33S;Rag2−/− mice that lacked adaptive immune function, which eliminated tumor production. Analysis of tissue from Tgfb1−/C33S mice indicated decreased levels of P-Smad3 compared with wild-type animals, whereas tissue from Tgfb1−/C33S;Rag2−/− mice had normal P-Smad3 levels. Inhibiting the inflammatory response normalized levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 and reduced tumor cell proliferation. In addition, Tgfb1−/C33S;Rag2−/− mice exhibited reduced paracrine signaling in the epithelia, mediated by hepatocyte growth factor produced by gastric stroma. Together, our results indicate that many of the responses of the gastric tissue associated with decreased TGF-β1 may be directly or indirectly affected by inflammatory processes, which accompany loss of TGF-β1, rather than a direct effect of loss of the cytokine. Cancer Res; 74(9); 2642–51. ©2014 AACR.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Reasons for Phase III Failure and Novel Perspectives on Trial Design
Authors: Llovet Josep M. , Hernandez-Gea Virginia 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem. Most patients with HCC experience a recurrence after resection/ablation or are diagnosed at advanced stages. Sorafenib remains the only approved systemic drug for these patients. Molecular therapies targeting signaling cascades involved in hepatocarcinogenesis have been explored in phase III clinical trials. However, none of the drugs tested have shown positive results in the first-line (brivanib, sunitinib, erlotinib, and linifanib) or second-line (brivanib, everolimus) setting after sorafenib progression. Reasons for failure are heterogeneous and include lack of understanding of critical drivers of tumor progression/dissemination, liver toxicity, flaws in trial design, or marginal antitumoral potency. These trials are also challenging time to progression as a surrogate endpoint of survival. Trials ongoing testing drugs head-to-head versus sorafenib in “all comers” might have difficulties in achieving superior results in the first line. Novel trials are also designed testing drugs in biomarker-based subpopulations of patients with HCC. Most common mutations, however, are undruggable, such as p53 and CTNNB1. Two types of studies are proposed: (i) phase II pivotal proof-of-concept studies testing drugs blocking potential oncogenic addiction loops, such as the one testing MEK inhibitors in RAS+ patients or amplification of FGF19 as a target; and (ii) phase II to III studies using biomarker-based trial enrichment for defining HCC subpopulations, such as the case of enriching for MET-positive tumors. These strategies have been deemed successful in breast, melanoma, and lung cancers, and are expected to change the landscape of trial design of HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 20(8); 2072–9. ©2014 AACR.