bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Typing and Resistance Analysis of Travel-Associated Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhi
Authors: Tatavarthy A. , Sanderson R. , Peak K. , Scilabro G. , Davenhill P. , Cannons A. , Amuso P. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhi is a human pathogen causing 12 to 30% mortality and requiring antibiotic therapy to control the severity of the infection. Typhoid fever in United States is often associated with foreign travel to areas of endemicity. Increasing resistance to multiple drugs, including quinolones, is associated with decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (DCS). We investigated 31 clinical strains isolated in Florida from 2007 to 2010, associated with travel to six countries, to examine the clonal distribution of the organism and apparent nalidixic acid (NAL) resistance. The strains were isolated from blood or stool of patients aged 2 to 68 years. The isolates were subtyped by ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Susceptibilities to 15 antimicrobials were determined, and the isolates were screened for integrons and gyrase A gene mutations. Both typing techniques effectively segregated the strains. Identical clones were associated with different countries, while diverse types coexisted in the same geographic location. Fifty-one percent of the strains were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and five were resistant to three or more drugs (multidrug resistant [MDR]). All 12 isolates from the Indian subcontinent were resistant to at least one drug, and 83% of those were resistant to NAL. Three of the MDR strains harbored a 750-bp integron containing the
dfr7
gene. Ninety-three percent of the resistant strains showed a DCS profile. All the NAL-resistant strains contained point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region of
gyrA
. This study affirms the global clonal distribution, concomitant genetic heterogeneity, and increased NAL resistance of
S. enterica
serovar Typhi.
Multiclonal Origin of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Isolates as Determined by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Ye Xinye , Zhang Hong , Xu Xiaogang , Wang Minggui 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

There was a high percentage of macrolide resistance in
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
clinical isolates in China. The genetic relatedness of macrolide-resistant
M. pneunomiae
strains was investigated using the multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat assay (MLVA). Among 152
M. pneunomiae
isolates, the 137 macrolide-resistant strains were clustered into 15 MLVA types, indicating that the high macrolide resistance rate in
M. pneumoniae
is a result of the dissemination of the multiple resistant clones.
Field Evaluation of a Simple Fluorescence Method for Detection of Viable Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sputum Specimens during Treatment Follow-Up
Authors: Schramm Birgit , Hewison Cathy , Bonte Laurence , Jones Warren , Camélique Olivier , Ruangweerayut Ronnatrai , Swaddiwudhipong Witaya , Bonnet Maryline 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Simple tuberculosis (TB) treatment monitoring tools are needed. We assessed the performance of fluorescein-diacetate (FDA) smear microscopy for detection of viable
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in sputum specimens (
n
= 288) of TB cases under treatment compared to culture (17.4% culture positivity). FDA sensitivity was moderate (83.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 70.3 to 92.6]), and specificity was low (66.1% [59.5 to 72.2]). The good negative predictive value (94.8% [90.1 to 97.8]) and negative likelihood ratio (0.2) suggest using this method to rule out treatment failure in settings without access to culture.
Complementation of the Function of Glycoprotein H of Human Herpesvirus 6 Variant A by Glycoprotein H of Variant B in the Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Oyaizu Hiroko , Tang Huamin , Ota Megumi , Takenaka Nobuyuki , Ozono Keiichi , Yamanishi Koichi , Mori Yasuko 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a T-cell-tropic betaherpesvirus. HHV-6 can be classified into two variants, HHV-6 variant A (HHV-6A) and HHV-6B, based on genetic, antigenic, and cell tropisms, although the homology of their entire genomic sequences is nearly 90%. The HHV-6A glycoprotein complex gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 is a viral ligand that binds to the cellular receptor human CD46. Because gH has 94.3% amino acid identity between the variants, here we examined whether gH from one variant could complement its loss in the other. Recently, we successfully reconstituted HHV-6A from its cloned genome in a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) (rHHV-6ABAC). Using this system, we constructed HHV-6ABAC DNA containing the HHV-6B gH (BgH) gene instead of the HHV-6A gH (AgH) gene in
Escherichia coli
. Recombinant HHV-6ABAC expressing BgH (rHHV-6ABAC-BgH) was successfully reconstituted. In addition, a monoclonal antibody that blocks HHV-6B but not HHV-6A infection neutralized rHHV-6ABAC-BgH but not rHHV-6ABAC. These results indicate that HHV-6B gH can complement the function of HHV-6A gH in the viral infectious cycle.
Pathogenicity and Mucosal Transmissibility of the R5-Tropic Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus SHIV
AD8
in Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Use in Vaccine Studies
Authors: Gautam Rajeev , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Lee Wendy R. , Donau Olivia , Buckler-White Alicia , Shingai Masashi , Sadjadpour Reza , Schmidt Stephen D. , LaBranche Celia C. , Keele Brandon F. , Montefiori David , Mascola John R. , Martin Malcolm A. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

There is an urgent need to develop new pathogenic R5 simian/human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) for the evaluation of candidate anti-HIV vaccines in nonhuman primates. Here, we characterize swarm SHIV
AD8
stocks, prepared from three infected rhesus macaques with documented immunodeficiency at the time of euthanasia, for their capacity to establish durable infections in macaques following inoculation by the intravenous (i.v.) or intrarectal (i.r.) route. All three viral stocks (SHIV
AD8-CE8J
, SHIV
AD8-CK15
, and SHIV
AD8-CL98
) exhibited robust replication
in vivo
and caused marked depletion of CD4
+
T cells affecting both memory and naïve CD4
+
T lymphocyte subsets following administration by either route. Eleven of 22 macaques inoculated with the new SHIV
AD8
stocks were euthanized with clinical symptoms of immunodeficiency and evidence of opportunistic infections (
Pneumocystis
,
Candida
, and
Mycobacterium
). A single but unique founder virus, also present in the SHIV
AD8-CE8J
swarm stock, was transmitted to two animals following a single i.r. inoculation of approximately 3 50% animal infectious doses, which is close to the threshold required to establish infection in all exposed animals. Because the three new SHIV
AD8
viruses are mucosally transmissible, exhibited tier 2 sensitivity to anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies, deplete CD4
+
T lymphocytes
in vivo
, and induce AIDS in macaques, they are eminently suitable as challenge viruses in vaccine experiments.
Inhibiting Early-Stage Events in HIV-1 Replication by Small-Molecule Targeting of the HIV-1 Capsid
Authors: Kortagere Sandhya , Madani Navid , Mankowski Marie K. , Schön Arne , Zentner Isaac , Swaminathan Gokul , Princiotto Amy , Anthony Kevin , Oza Apara , Sierra Luz-Jeannette , Passic Shendra R. , Wang Xiaozhao , Jones David M. , Stavale Eric , Krebs Fred C. , Martín-García Julio , Freire Ernesto , Ptak Roger G. , Sodroski Joseph , Cocklin Simon , Smith Amos B. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein plays essential roles in both early and late stages of virl replication and has emerged as a novel drug target. We report hybrid structure-based virtual screening to identify small molecules with the potential to interact with the N-terminal domain (NTD) of HIV-1 CA and disrupt early, preintegration steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle. The small molecule 4,4′-[dibenzo[
b,d
]furan-2,8-diylbis(5-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4,2-diyl)]dibenzoic acid (CK026), which had anti-HIV-1 activity in single- and multiple-round infections but failed to inhibit viral replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), was identified. Three analogues of CK026 with reduced size and better drug-like properties were synthesized and assessed. Compound I-XW-053 (4-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzoic acid) retained all of the antiviral activity of the parental compound and inhibited the replication of a diverse panel of primary HIV-1 isolates in PBMCs, while displaying no appreciable cytotoxicity. This antiviral activity was specific to HIV-1, as I-XW-053 displayed no effect on the replication of SIV or against a panel of nonretroviruses. Direct interaction of I-XW-053 was quantified with wild-type and mutant CA protein using surface plasmon resonance and isothermal titration calorimetry. Mutation of Ile37 and Arg173, which are required for interaction with compound I-XW-053, crippled the virus at an early, preintegration step. Using quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that treatment with I-XW-053 inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcription in multiple cell types, indirectly pointing to dysfunction in the uncoating process. In summary, we have identified a CA-specific compound that targets and inhibits a novel region in the NTD-NTD interface, affects uncoating, and possesses broad-spectrum anti-HIV-1 activity.
What potential research participants want to know about research: a systematic review
Authors: Kirkby Helen Michelle , Calvert Melanie , Draper Heather , Keeley Thomas , Wilson Sue 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo establish the empirical evidence base for the information that participants want to know about medical research and to assess how this relates to current guidance from the National Research Ethics Service (NRES).Data sourcesMedline, Web of Science, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Health Management Information Consortium, Cochrane Library, thesis index's, grey literature databases, reference and cited article lists, key journals, Google Scholar and correspondence with expert authors.Study selectionOriginal research studies published between 1950 and October 2010 that asked potential participants to indicate how much or what types of information they wanted to be told about a research study or asked them to rate the importance of a specific piece of information were included.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsStudies were appraised based on the generalisability of results to the UK potential research participant population. A metadata analysis using basic thematic analysis was used to split results from papers into themes based on the sections of information that NRES recommends should be included in a participant information sheet.Results14 studies were included. Of the 20 pieces of information that NRES recommend should be included in patient information sheets for research pooled proportions could be calculated for seven themes. Results showed that potential participants wanted to be offered information about result dissemination (91% (95% CI 85% to 95%)), investigator conflicts of interest (48% (95% CI 27% to 69%)), the purpose of the study (76% (95% CI 27% to 100%)), voluntariness (39% (95% CI 2% to 100%)), how long the research would last (61% (95% CI 16% to 97%)), potential benefits (57% (95% CI 7% to 98%)) and confidentiality (44% (95% CI 10% to 82%)). The level of detail participants wanted to know was not explored comprehensively in the studies. There was no empirical evidence to support the level of information provision required by participants on the remaining seven items.ConclusionsThere is limited empirical evidence on what potential participants want to know about research. The existing empirical evidence suggests that individuals may have very different needs and a more tailored evidence-based approach may be necessary.
‘Phaco–ECP’: combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and cataract surgery to augment medical control of glaucoma
Authors: Lindfield Dan , Ritchie Robert W , Griffiths Michael FP 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesDoes phaco–ECP reduce intraocular pressure? Is phaco–ECP safe?DesignRetrospective case note review of all patients undergoing phaco–ECP between June 2008 and June 2009. All glaucoma subtypes were included.SettingSingle District General Hospital Ophthalmology Department within the UK.Participants58 participants case notes reviewed. Mean age 79.0 years (SD ±9.8).InterventionsAll patients received combined cataract surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.Outcome measuresFollow-up was 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Number of medications, visual acuity and presence of complications were also assessed.ResultsOf the 58 cases performed, 56 case notes (97%) were available for analysis. Mean age 79.0 years (SD ±9.8). Mean pre-procedural IOP was 21.54 mm Hg (95% CI 19.86 to 23.22, n=56). Mean IOP was 14.43 mm Hg (95% CI 13.65 to 15.21, n=53) at 18 months and 14.44 mm Hg (95% CI 13.63 to 15.25, n=41) at 24 months. The mean drop from baseline to 18 and 24 months was 7.1 mm Hg. Statistically significant decrease in IOP was demonstrated at all time points (p<0.001). Mean medication usage was 1.97 agents (95% CI 1.69 to 2.25) at baseline, 1.96 agents (95% CI 1.70 to 2.22) at 18 months and 2.07 agents (95% CI 1.76 to 2.38) at 24 months. No statistically significant change throughout.ConclusionsThis study confirms the safety of phaco–ECP. In this case series, the IOP-lowering effect was significant at all time points; however, the effect of cataract surgery alone was not controlled. A randomised controlled trial is required to draw efficacy conclusions. The authors proposed endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation's main role is to optimise control of low-risk glaucoma of low-risk patients at the time of cataract surgery. However, the authors do not propose that phaco–ECP is a substitute for filtration surgery in high-risk eyes or when low target pressures (<14 mm Hg) are indicated.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are associated with delusional-like experiences: a replication study based on a National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Saha Sukanta , Scott James , Varghese Daniel , McGrath John 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesThere is growing evidence that delusional-like experiences (DLE) are associated with common mental disorders. In particular, a National Mental Health Survey conducted in Australia during 2007 reported an association between DLE and both anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the previous study did not examine this association with respect to subtypes of anxiety disorder nor with severity of MDD. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between DLE and both anxiety disorder and MDD in more detail based on an independent population sample.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSubjects were drawn from the Australian Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 1997 using a stratified multistage area sampling of persons living in private dwellings in all States and Territories of Australia.ParticipantsApproximately 13 600 private dwellings were initially selected with one person aged 18 years or older from each dwelling invited to participate. In total, 10 641 individuals participated in the survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify individuals with DLE and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM IV) lifetime diagnoses of anxiety disorders and MDD. The influence of various anxiety disorders and MDD on DLE was assessed with logistic regression.ResultsHaving a lifetime diagnosis of either any anxiety disorder or MDD was significantly associated with the endorsement of DLE. The association was found for each of the main anxiety disorders when examined separately. There was a dose–response relationship between increasing severity of MDD and higher odds of DLE endorsement.ConclusionsDLE are associated with a wide range of anxiety disorders and are more prevalent in those with MDD. Understanding the relationship between DLE, anxiety disorders and depression may provide insights into shared pathways that underpin both psychotic disorders and common mental disorders.
Focused sonographic examination of the heart, lungs and deep veins in an unselected population of acute admitted patients with respiratory symptoms: a protocol for a prospective, blinded, randomised controlled trial: Figure 1
Authors: Laursen Christian Borbjerg , Sloth Erik , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Christensen René dePont , Lambrechtsen Jess , Madsen Poul Henning , Henriksen Daniel Pilsgaard , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: May 2012

IntroductionPatients admitted to hospital with acute respiratory symptoms remain a diagnostic challenge for the emergency physician. The use of focused sonography may improve the initial diagnostics, as most of the diseases, commonly seen and misdiagnosed in patients with acute respiratory symptoms, can be diagnosed with sonography. The protocol describes a prospective, blinded, randomised controlled trial that aims to assess the diagnostic impact of a pragmatic implementation of focused sonography of the heart, lungs and deep veins as a diagnostic modality in acute admitted patients with respiratory symptoms.Methods and analysisThe primary outcome of the study is the number of patients with a correct presumptive diagnosis within 4 h of admission to the emergency department. The patient is randomised to either an intervention or a control group. In the intervention group, the usual initial diagnostic work up is supplemented by focused sonographic examination of the heart, lungs and deep veins of the legs. In the control group, usual diagnostic work up is performed. The χ2test, alternatively the Fischer exact test will be used, to establish whether there is a difference in the distribution of the total number of patients with a correct/incorrect ‘4 h’ presumptive diagnosis in the control group and in the intervention group.Ethics and disseminationThis clinical trial is performed according to the Declaration of Helsinki and has been approved by the Regional Scientific Ethical Committee for Southern Denmark and the Danish Data Protection Agency. The results of the trial will be published according to the CONSORT statement with the extension for pragmatic trials. The results of the trial will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal regardless of the outcome.Trial registration numberThis study is registered athttp://clinicaltrials.gov, registration numberNCT01486394.
‘They patiently heard what we had to say…this felt different to me’: the palliative care needs and care experiences of advanced cancer patients and their families in Bangladesh
Authors: Dehghan Rogieh , Ramakrishnan Jairam , Uddin-Ahmed Nezzan , Harding Richard 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundIn 2008, 70% of cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the needs and experiences of patients and families who received palliative care in Bangladesh, and those of the providing clinicians, in order to inform fledgling service development.MethodsPatients, family members and specialist palliative care physicians (n=20) participated in a cross-sectional semistructured qualitative study. Following peer review of coding units, relational codes were established and a resulting frame constructed.ResultsThe data fit well within the existing domains of palliative care, as respondents described the family-wide distress and impact of the disease, psychological, physical and social problems. However, the contextual experience of cancer in this setting revealed particular challenges, as respondents described anger, helplessness and mistrust towards existing (non-palliative) healthcare. Poor patient–doctor communication and unmet need for information contributed greatly to these poor experiences. By contrast, experience of palliative care was explained in radically different terms, with a clear shift in the nature of the interaction and resulting care, to bring effective communication and relief from suffering.ConclusionTo alleviate the distress to cancer patients and their families, it is essential for oncologists to receive adequate training in palliative care, especially in communication, holistic assessment and information giving. To meet the massive challenge in a country like Bangladesh, palliative care should be mainstreamed into the existing healthcare system for a feasible and sustainable public health approach.
Injecting social technology into advance care planning
Authors: Kraft J 
Published: May 2012

Communication and conversation among an individual, loved ones and a health care provider are essential to effective advance care planning (ACP). The most common approach to ACP currently anchors to rigid paper forms. However, Web-based educational and assistance tools are being developed to help an individual successfully engage in ACP.Web-based social technology (eg, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+) currently enables groups of people to communicate efficiently with members and transfer, store, maintain and update various forms of information (eg, text, audio, pictures, video). Consequently, new social technology is now being developed for ACP to leverage these innovative communication tools.Social technology for ACP works by connecting together networks of individuals to easily share and access text, audio and video wishes. People generally have difficulty initiating ACP conversations, and social technology can have a normalising effect that stimulates ACP conversations by creating a common place to engage in ACP. Once a conversation is initiated, ACP social technology provides dynamic Web-based tools for recording, sharing and maintaining wishes over a lifetime. In emergencies, health professionals can immediately gain access to wishes made available by the patient.Current foreseen limitations will diminish over time. The elderly will become increasingly computer and Internet savvy, and younger generations are becoming more aware of ACP. If multiple ACP social technology platforms become widely used, cross-communication among various platforms is possible.As the world's population ages and exponential growth of technology continues, innovations like social technology can help people more effectively engage in ACP communication.
Integrating palliative care and end of life care concepts for surgical ICU patients and staff
Authors: Browning Melissa , Wright Benson , Kleinpell Ruth 
Published: May 2012

Integrating palliative care and end of life care principles can be challenging in a surgical ICU setting as traditional goals of care for surgical patients are focused on promoting recovery. Because of this, the staff in the SICU formed a palliative care committee and a series of initiatives were implemented to promote education and awareness of palliative care and end of life care issues, as well as identify triggers for palliative care consultations, as a part of the post surgical care for patients with complex conditions. These interventions included establishing a palliative care journal club which was held monthly and reviewed topics ranging from the family or surgeon perspective of end of life care or how to approach surgeons to discuss palliative care, participation in Schwartz Grand Rounds that promoted a discussion on complicated length of stays for transplant patients, and development of a weekly family support group.Pre-intervention surveys were completed on nursing staff attitudes and knowledge of palliative and end of life care. Results showed that 77% of nurses did not have palliative care education and 57% said no or didn't know if palliative care was compatible with aggressive care. Post-implementation surveys will be conducted in spring 2012. This presentation will further describe the initiatives that proved beneficial in engaging ICU nurses in discussion and learning of palliative care and end of life care concepts. Strategies that were used to promote education for clinical nurses and the results of post implementation benefit assessments will be highlighted.