scholarly journals An Observational Cohort Study ofClostridium difficileRibotype 027 and Recurrent Infection

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Rao ◽  
Peter D. R. Higgins ◽  
Vincent B. Young
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
The United States ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Predictors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ribotype 027 ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Wide Range

ABSTRACTRecurrentClostridium difficileinfection (rCDI) frequently complicates recovery from CDI. Accurately predicting rCDI would allow judicious allocation of limited resources, but published models have met with limited success. Thus, biomarkers predictive of recurrence have been sought. This study tested whether PCR ribotype independently predicted rCDI. Stool samples from nonpregnant inpatients ≥18 years of age with diarrhea were included from October 2010 to January 2013 after the patients tested positive forC. difficilein the clinical microbiology laboratory. Per guidelines, the rCDI was defined as a positive test forC. difficileat >2 weeks but ≤8 weeks from the index episode. For each sample, a single colony ofC. difficilewas isolated by anaerobic culture, confirmed to be toxigenic by PCR, and ribotyped. Simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression were used to model the primary outcome of rCDI, incorporating a wide range of clinical parameters. In total, 927 patients with 968 index episodes of CDI were included, with 110 (11.4%) developing rCDI. Age and use of proton pump inhibitors or concurrent antibiotics did not increase the risk of rCDI. Low serum bilirubin levels and ribotype 027 were associated with increased risk of rCDI on unadjusted analysis, with health care-associated CDI being inversely associated. In the final multivariable model, ribotype 027 was the strongest independent predictor of rCDI (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.33 to 3.56;P= 0.002). Ribotype 027 is an independent predictor of rCDI.IMPORTANCECDI is a major public health issue, with over 400,000 cases per year in the United States alone. Recurrent CDI is common, occurring in approximately one in five individuals after a primary episode. Although interventions exist that could reduce the risk of recurrence, deployment in all patients is limited by cost, invasiveness, and/or an undetermined long-term safety profile. Thus, clinicians need risk stratification tools to properly allocate treatments. Because prior research on clinical predictors has failed to yield a reliable, reproducible, and effective predictive model to assist treatment decisions, accurate biomarkers of recurrence would be of great value. This study tested whether PCR ribotype independently predicted rCDI, and the data build upon prior research in showing that ribotype 027 is associated with rCDI.

scholarly journals Altitude and risk of sudden unexpected infant death in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Johnston ◽  
Xiaohan Yan ◽  
Tatiana M. Anderson ◽  
Edwin A. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Infant Death ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sudden Infant ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Live Births ◽  
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Unexpected Infant Death

AbstractThe effect of altitude on the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been reported previously, but with conflicting findings. We aimed to examine whether the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) varies with altitude in the United States. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Cohort Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Set for births between 2005 and 2010 were examined. County of birth was used to estimate altitude. Logistic regression and Generalized Additive Model (GAM) were used, adjusting for year, mother’s race, Hispanic origin, marital status, age, education and smoking, father’s age and race, number of prenatal visits, plurality, live birth order, and infant’s sex, birthweight and gestation. There were 25,305,778 live births over the 6-year study period. The total number of deaths from SUID in this period were 23,673 (rate = 0.94/1000 live births). In the logistic regression model there was a small, but statistically significant, increased risk of SUID associated with birth at > 8000 feet compared with < 6000 feet (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.00–3.71). The GAM showed a similar increased risk over 8000 feet, but this was not statistically significant. Only 9245 (0.037%) of mothers gave birth at > 8000 feet during the study period and 10 deaths (0.042%) were attributed to SUID. The number of SUID deaths at this altitude in the United States is very small (10 deaths in 6 years).

Predictors of Pharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1727-1735
Author(s):  
Inga Claus ◽  
Paul Muhle ◽  
Judith Suttrup ◽  
Bendix Labeit ◽  
Sonja Suntrup-Krueger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Equivalent Dose ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Clinical Predictors ◽  
Pharyngeal Dysphagia ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Diagnosis of pharyngeal dysphagia in patients with Parkinson’s disease is often difficult as reliable screening methods are lacking so far and clinical examination fails to adequately assess the pharyngeal phase of swallowing. Objective: To identify clinical predictors indicating the presence of pharyngeal dysphagia in patients at risk. Methods: We examined pharyngeal dysphagia in a large cohort of patients with Parkinson’s disease (n = 200) divided in three clinical subtypes (tremor-dominant (TD), mainly bradykinetic (BK) and early postural instability and gait difficulty PIGD)) by using flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. ANOVA-multivariance analysis and following t-tests as well as binary logistic regression analysis were performed to detect group differences and to identify clinical predictors for dysphagia. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the dysphagic group: age, male gender, disease duration, stage of the disease, Levodopa equivalent dose and higher scores on the Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale III and II, item 7. The PIGD subtype was affected more frequently than the TD and BK subtype. In a logistic regression model higher age (>63.5 years p < 0.05) and Levodopa equivalent dose (>475 mg, p < 0.01) were identified to be independent predictors for the presence of pharyngeal dysphagia. Conclusion: Particularly patients with an age > 63.5 years and a daily Levodopa equivalent dose >475 mg show an increased risk for pharyngeal dysphagia. These findings may partly be influenced by presbyphagia but are likely to represent disease progression. The PIGD subtype seems to be a risk factor due to more pronounced dyscoordination of oropharyngeal muscle movements.

scholarly journals Microevolution ofStreptococcus agalactiaeST-261 from Australia Indicates Dissemination via Imported Tilapia and Ongoing Adaptation to Marine Hosts or Environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minami Kawasaki ◽  
Jerome Delamare-Deboutteville ◽  
Rachel O. Bowater ◽  
Mark J. Walker ◽  
Scott Beatson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Core Genome ◽  
Minimum Spanning Tree ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
The United States ◽  
Wild Fish ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Global Trade ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range

ABSTRACTStreptococcus agalactiae(group BStreptococcus[GBS]) causes disease in a wide range of animals. The serotype Ib lineage is highly adapted to aquatic hosts, exhibiting substantial genome reduction compared with terrestrial conspecifics. Here, we sequence genomes from 40 GBS isolates, including 25 isolates from wild fish and captive stingrays in Australia, six local veterinary or human clinical isolates, and nine isolates from farmed tilapia in Honduras, and compared them with 42 genomes from public databases. Phylogenetic analysis based on nonrecombinant core-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated that aquatic serotype Ib isolates from Queensland were distantly related to local veterinary and human clinical isolates. In contrast, Australian aquatic isolates are most closely related to a tilapia isolate from Israel, differing by only 63 core-genome SNPs. A consensus minimum spanning tree based on core-genome SNPs indicates the dissemination of sequence type 261 (ST-261) from an ancestral tilapia strain, which is congruent with several introductions of tilapia into Australia from Israel during the 1970s and 1980s. Pangenome analysis identified 1,440 genes as core, with the majority being dispensable or strain specific, with non-protein-coding intergenic regions (IGRs) divided among core and strain-specific genes. Aquatic serotype Ib strains have lost many virulence factors during adaptation, but six adhesins were well conserved across the aquatic isolates and might be critical for virulence in fish and for targets in vaccine development. The close relationship among recent ST-261 isolates from Ghana, the United States, and China with the Israeli tilapia isolate from 1988 implicates the global trade in tilapia seed for aquaculture in the widespread dissemination of serotype Ib fish-adapted GBS.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus agalactiae(GBS) is a significant pathogen of humans and animals. Some lineages have become adapted to particular hosts, and serotype Ib is highly specialized to fish. Here, we show that this lineage is likely to have been distributed widely by the global trade in tilapia for aquaculture, with probable introduction into Australia in the 1970s and subsequent dissemination in wild fish populations. We report here the variability in the polysaccharide capsule among this lineage but identify a cohort of common surface proteins that may be a focus of future vaccine development to reduce the biosecurity risk in international fish trade.

Reforms will help clean up China's securities market

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Insider Trading ◽  
Stock Price ◽  
The United States ◽  
Securities Market ◽  
Foreign Firms ◽  
Financial Fraud ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Political Priority

Significance China's securities market has grown dramatically, but the rules that underpin its functioning have failed to keep pace and have been poorly enforced because regulators and courts lacked resources and the issue was never a political priority. Insider trading, stock price manipulation and other fraud is relatively common. Impacts A wide range of sectors and institutions will need to adjust, including investors, listed firms, traders, law enforcers and courts. Foreign firms investing in China will benefit from better protection from financial fraud. China may send judges abroad to learn from other systems; Europe is a more likely destination than the United States.

Accuracy of Antiretroviral Prescribing in a Community Teaching Hospital: A Medication Use Evaluation

2019 ◽  
pp. 089719001985784
Author(s):  
Jacob Lines ◽  
Paul Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Medication Error ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Medication errors account for nearly 250 000 deaths in the United States annually, with approximately 60% of errors occurring during transitions of care. Previous studies demonstrated that almost 80% of participants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have experienced a medication error related to their antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: This retrospective chart review examines propensity and type of ART-related errors and further seeks to identify risk factors associated with higher error rates. Methods: Participants were identified as hospitalized adults ≥18 years old with preexisting HIV diagnosis receiving home ART from July 2015 to June 2017. Medication error categories included delays in therapy, dosing errors, scheduling conflicts, and miscellaneous errors. Logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for medication errors. Results: Mean age was 49 years, 76.5% were men, and 72.1% used hospital-supplied medication. For the primary outcome, 60.3% (41/68) of participants had at least 1 error, with 31.3% attributed to delays in therapy. Logistic regression demonstrated multiple tablet regimens (odds ratio [OR]: 3.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-9.48, P = .019) and serum creatinine (SCr) ≥1.5 mg/dL (OR: 8.87, 95% CI: 1.07-73.45, P = .043) were predictive for risk of medication errors. Regimens with significant drug–drug interactions (eg, cobicistat-containing regimens) were not significantly associated with increased risk of medication errors. Conclusions and Relevance: ART-related medication error rates remain prevalent and exceeded 60%. Independent risk factors for medication errors include use of multiple tablet regimens and SCr ≥1.5 mg/dL.

scholarly journals 717. Cumulative Incidence of Asthma/Wheezing Among Neonates/Infants/Toddlers Clinically Diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in the United States: A Retrospective Database Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S257-S258
Author(s):  
Veronique Wyffels ◽  
Maartje Smulders ◽  
Sandra Gavart ◽  
Debasish Mazumder ◽  
Rohit Tyagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
The United States ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Time Required

Abstract Background The role of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the development of asthma/wheezing (AW) has been evaluated in several studies, mostly among pre-term infants or among infants after developing severe RSV-related disease. We describe the cumulative incidence (CI) of AW among hospitalized/ambulatory neonates/infants/toddlers after RSV/bronchiolitis infection diagnosis, in a large clinical database. Methods Using deidentified Optum Integrated commercial claims and electronic medical records, we identified patients (0–&lt;3 years old) with a first clinical diagnosis of RSV/bronchiolitis infection from 01 January 2008–31 March 2016. Patients with a diagnosis of asthma/wheezing ≤30 days after first RSV/bronchiolitis diagnosis were excluded. Three cohorts were created with 1/3/5 years of follow-up time required, respectively. Patients were grouped by specific high-risk factors (HRF+/−), including pre-term births and predefined pre-existing disease. Descriptive statistics are reported, with comparisons made by logistic regression analyses. Results 9,811/4,524/1,788 patients with RSV/bronchiolitis infection and HRF− were included in the 1/3/5-years follow-up cohorts. 14.9%/28.2%/36.3% had AW events by the end of follow-up in the three cohorts. 6.5%/6.9%/5.8% were hospitalized for RSV/bronchiolitis. 3,030/1,378/552 patients with RSV/bronchiolitis infection and HRF+ were included in the 1/3/5-years follow-up cohorts. 18.1%/32.9%/37.9% had AW events by the end of follow-up in the three cohorts. 11.4%/11.1%/11.6% were hospitalized for RSV/bronchiolitis. The CI rates of AW in the 1/3/5-year HRF+/− cohorts, stratified by hospitalized for RSV/bronchiolitis Y/N, are shown in Figure 1. Logistic regression confirmed that hospitalization for RSV/bronchiolitis was associated with an increased (P &lt; 0.05) likelihood of AW, for HRF+ and HRF− patients at each follow-up year. Conclusion Thirty-eight percent of RSV/bronchiolitis infants/neonates/toddlers HRF+, and 36% among infants/neonates/toddlers HRF−, developed AW in the 5 years after first RSV/bronchiolitis diagnosis. RSV/bronchiolitis hospitalization was associated with a significantly increased risk of AW development in 1/3/5 years of follow-up; confirming previous observational study results. Disclosures V. Wyffels, Janssen: Employee, Salary. M. Smulders, SmaertAnalyst: Consultant, Consulting fee. S. Gavart, Janssen: Employee, Salary. D. Mazumder, SmartAnalyst: Consultant, Consulting fee. R. Tyagi, SmartAnalyst: Consultant, Consulting fee. N. Gupta, SmartAnalyst: Consultant, Consulting fee. R. Fleischhackl, Janssen: Employee, Salary.

scholarly journals 352. Characteristics Associated with Pre-Frailty in Older People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S186-S186
Author(s):  
Peter Mazonson ◽  
Theoren Loo ◽  
Jeff Berko ◽  
Sarah-Marie Chan ◽  
Ryan Westergaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Frailty is a concern among older people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is a paucity of research characterizing PLHIV who are at risk of becoming frail (pre-frailty). To investigate how HIV impacts older PLHIV in the United States, a new study called Aging with Dignity, Health, Optimism and Community (ADHOC) was launched at ten sites to collect self-reported data. This analysis uses data from ADHOC to identify factors associated with pre-frailty. Methods Pre-frailty was assessed using the Frailty Index for Elders (FIFE), where a score of zero indicated no frailty, 1–3 indicated pre-frailty, and 4–10 indicated frailty. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 262 PLHIV (age 50+) to determine the association between pre-frailty and self-reported sociodemographic, health, and clinical indicators using bivariate analyses. Factors associated with pre-frailty were then included in a logistic regression analysis using backward selection. Results The average age of ADHOC participants was 59 years. Eighty-two percent were male, 66% were gay or lesbian, and 56% were white. Forty-seven percent were classified with pre-frailty, 26% with frailty, and 27% with no frailty. In bivariate analyses, pre-frailty was associated with depression, low cognitive function, depression, multiple comorbidities, low income, low social support and unemployment (Table 1). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, pre-frailty was associated with having low cognitive function (Odds Ratio [OR] 8.56, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 3.24–22.63), 4 or more comorbid conditions (OR 4.00, 95% CI: 2.23–7.06), and an income less than $50,000 (OR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.56–4.68) (Table 2). Conclusion This study shows that commonly collected clinical and sociodemographic metrics can help identify PLWH who are more likely to have pre-frailty. Early recognition of factors associated with pre-frailty among PLHIV may help to prevent progression to frailty. Understanding markers of increased risk for pre-frailty may help clinicians and health systems better target multi-modal interventions to prevent negative health outcomes associated with frailty. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Exceeding Pitch Count Recommendations In Youth Baseball Increases The Elbow Injuries

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0012
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Matsuura ◽  
Toshiyuki Iwame ◽  
Koichi Sairyo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Elbow Pain ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Youth Baseball ◽  
Elbow Injuries

Objectives: With the incidence of Little League elbow increasing, pitch limit recommendations for preventing throwing injuries have been developed in the United States and Japan. In 1995, the Japanese Society of Clinical Sports Medicine announced limits of 50 pitches per day and 200 pitches per week to prevent throwing injuries in younger than 12 years old. However the relationship between pitch limit recommendation and elbow injuries among pitchers has not been adequately studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between pitch counts and elbow injuries in youth pitchers. Methods: A total of 149 pitchers without prior elbow pain were observed prospectively for 1 season to study injury incidence in relation to specific risk factors. Average age was 10.1 years (range, 7-11 years). One year later, all pitchers were examined by questionnaire. Subjects were asked whether they had experienced any episodes of elbow pain during the season. The questionnaire was also used to gather data on pitch counts per day and per week, age, number of training days per week, and number of games per year. We investigated the following risk factors for elbow injury: pitch counts, age, position, number of training days per week, and number of games per year. Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models and presented as odds ratio (OR) and profile likelihood 95% confidence interval (CI) values. The likelihood-ratio test was also performed. A two-tailed P value of less than .05 was considered significant. All analysis was done in the SAS software package (version 8.2). Results: Of the 149 subjects, 66 (44.3%) reported episodes of pain in the throwing elbow during the season. 1. Analysis for pitch count per day Univariate analysis showed that elbow pain was significantly associated with more than 50 pitches per day. Multivariate analysis showed that more than 50 pitches per day (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.22-4.94), and more than 70 games per year (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.24-5.02) were risk factors significantly associated with elbow pain. Age and number of training days per week were not significantly associated with elbow pain. 1. Analysis for pitch count per week Univariate analysis showed that elbow pain was significantly associated with more than 200 pitches per week. Multivariate analysis showed that more than 200 pitches per week (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.03-4.10), and more than 70 games per year (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.22-4.87) were risk factors significantly associated with elbow pain. Age was not significantly associated with elbow pain. Conclusion: A total of 44.3% of youth baseball pitchers had elbow pain during the season. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that elbow pain was associated with more than 50 pitches per day, more than 200 pitches per week, and more than 70 games per year. Previous studies have revealed the risk factor with the strongest association to injury is pitcher. Our data suggest that compliance with pitch limit recommendations including limits of 50 pitches per day and 200 pitches per week may be protective against elbow injuries. Those who played more than 70 games per year had a notably increased risk of injury. With increasing demand on youth pitchers to play more, there is less time for repair of bony and soft tissues in the elbow. In conclusion, among youth pitchers, limits of 50 pitches per day, 200 pitches per week, and limits of 70 games per year may protect elbow injuries.

US armed UAV precedent will hinder global rules-making

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Policy Reform ◽  
The United States ◽  
Barack Obama ◽  
International Norms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intelligence Sharing ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Wide Range

Subject Post-Obama armed UAV policy. Significance As President Barack Obama prepares to leave office in January 2017, his administration has called for the United States to lead development of a set of international norms to govern the use of armed UAVs ('unmanned aerial vehicles' or 'drones'). The international proliferation and military use of armed UAVs by nations outside the circle of trusted US allies have highlighted the urgency of formulating clearly articulated international rules to govern an otherwise vaguely defined arena of international behaviour dominated by US precedent. Impacts Congressional aversion to supporting ground interventions abroad will enable the next president further to delay UAV policy reform. A wide range of countries frustrated with restrictions from Washington may turn to China as a key supplier of armed UAVs. Failed US efforts to reform the covert drone programme may complicate intelligence-sharing with European allies.

EU and United States diverge on gene-edited crops

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
The United States ◽  
Trade Restrictions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Crops ◽  
European Court ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Global Agriculture

Subject Regulation of gene-edited organisms. Significance The European Court of Justice (ECJ) last month ruled that new processes for altering the genetic structure of organisms should be subject to existing EU legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The move calls into question whether European researchers and businesses will be able to participate in the global race to exploit the rapidly evolving technology of gene editing. Impacts Innovation in gene editing will usher in a wide range of new crops in the United States and emerging economies over the next decade. This will further enhance the position of GM products in global agriculture (particularly for staples such as soybean, cotton and maize). The EU is unlikely to apply trade restrictions upon such products.

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