Showing papers by "Carrie L. Byington published in 2017"

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in the United States

Abstract: * Abbreviations: AC/HS — : differential agglutination (test) AF — : amniotic fluid CI — : confidence interval CNS — : central nervous system CSF — : cerebrospinal fluid CT — : congenital toxoplasmosis ELISA — : enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay EMSCOT — : European Multicenter Study of Congenital Toxoplasmosis EUROTOXO — : European Toxoprevention Study FDA — : US Food and Drug Administration GRADE — : Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation HR — : hazard ratio Ig — : immunoglobulin ISAGA — : immunosorbent agglutination assay MTCT — : mother-to-child transmission NCCCT — : National Collaborative Chicago-Based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study NPV — : negative predictive value OR — : odds ratio PAMF-TSL — : Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory PCR — : polymerase chain reaction PPV — : positive predictive value P/S — : pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine RCT — : randomized controlled trial SNHL — : sensorineural hearing loss SNSD — : serious neurologic sequelae or death SYROCOT — : Systematic Review on Congenital Toxoplasmosis Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a parasitic disease that can cause significant fetal and neonatal harm. Coordinated efforts by pregnant women, researchers, physicians, and health policy makers regarding potential primary and secondary preventive measures for CT and their implementation may lead to a lower incidence of CT as well as lower morbidity and mortality rates associated with CT. In the United States, the age-adjusted seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among women of childbearing age (15–44 years) has declined over time (15%, 11%, and 9% in 1988–1994, 1999–2004, and 2009–2010, respectively; among US-born women only, the seroprevalence rates during these time periods were 13%, 8%, and 6%, respectively). Thus, approximately 91% of women of childbearing age in the United States are susceptible to Toxoplasma infection. Should these women become infected during pregnancy and remain undiagnosed and untreated, they could deliver an infant with CT. However, the incidence of acute primary infection is likely very low in the current era and is probably much lower than the 1.1 in 1000 pregnant women originally reported in 1960s. There are 3 ways CT can occur. First, CT can develop through transmission of T gondii to the fetus from a previously seronegative, immunocompetent mother who acquired acute primary infection during pregnancy or within 3 months before …

Identifying Gaps in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Epidemiology in the United States Prior to the Introduction of Vaccines

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes lower respiratory tract illness frequently. No effective antivirals or vaccines for RSV are approved for use in the United States; however, there are at least 50 vaccines and monoclonal antibody products in development, with those targeting older adults and pregnant women (to protect young infants) in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Unanswered questions regarding RSV epidemiology need to be identified and addressed prior to RSV vaccine introduction to guide the measurement of impact and future recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a technical consultation to gather input from external subject matter experts on their individual perspectives regarding evidence gaps in current RSV epidemiology in the United States, potential studies and surveillance platforms needed to fill these gaps, and prioritizing efforts. Participants articulated their individual views, and CDC staff synthesized individuals' input into this report.

Developing sustainable research careers for KL2 scholars: The importance of an inclusive environment and mentorship.

Abstract: Introduction The National Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium 2.0 has developed common metrics as a collaborative project for all participating sites. Metrics address several important aspects and functions of the consortium, including workforce development. The first workforce development metrics to be proposed for all CTSA hubs include the proportion of CTSA-supported trainees and scholars with sustainable careers in translational research and the diversity and inclusiveness of programs. Methods and results The University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), a CTSA hub, has been actively engaged in mentoring translational scientists for the last decade. We have developed programs, processes, and institutional policies that support translational scientists, which have resulted in 100% of our KL2 scholars remaining engaged in translational science and in increasing the inclusion of individuals under-represented in medicine in our research enterprise. In this paper, we share details of our program and what we believe are evidence-based best practices for developing sustainable translational research careers for all aspiring junior faculty members. Conclusions The University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science has been integral in catalyzing interactions across the campus to reverse the negative trends seen nationally in sustaining clinician scientists. Our programs and processes can serve as a model for other institutions seeking to develop translational scientists.