Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, resulting in more than 480,000 premature deaths and $289 billion in direct health care expenditures and productivity losses each year. Despite progress over the past several decades, millions of adults still smoke cigarettes, the most commonly used tobacco product in the United States. To assess progress made toward the Healthy People 2020 target of reducing the proportion of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes to ≤12.0% (objective TU-1.1), CDC used data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to provide updated national estimates of cigarette smoking prevalence among adults aged ≥18 years. Additionally, for the first time, estimates of cigarette smoking prevalence were assessed among lesbian, gay, or bisexual persons (LGB) using NHIS data. The proportion of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes declined from 20.9% in 2005 to 17.8% in 2013, and the proportion of daily smokers declined from 16.9% to 13.7%. Among daily cigarette smokers, the proportion who smoked 20-29 cigarettes per day (CPD) declined from 34.9% to 29.3%, and the proportion who smoked ≥30 CPD declined from 12.7% to 7.1%. However, cigarette smoking remains particularly high among certain groups, including adults who are male, younger, multiracial or American Indian/Alaska Native, have less education, live below the federal poverty level, live in the South or Midwest, have a disability/limitation, or who are LGB. Proven population-based interventions, including tobacco price increases, comprehensive smoke-free policies in worksites and public places, high-impact anti-tobacco mass media campaigns, and easy access to smoking cessation assistance, are critical to reducing cigarette smoking and smoking-related disease and death among U.S. adults, particularly among subpopulations with the greatest burden.

/pdf/current-cigarette-smoking-among-adults-united-states-2016-43a09jm2d1.pdf

Current Cigarette Smoking Among Adults - United States, 2016.

超出生体重児に対する早期デキサメサゾン投与の有用性 : National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal research Network報告 (海外誌掲載論文の和文概要とそれに対するコメント)

Summary Background The incidence of microcephaly in Brazil in 2015 was 20 times higher than in previous years. Congenital microcephaly is associated with genetic factors and several causative agents. Epidemiological data suggest that microcephaly cases in Brazil might be associated with the introduction of Zika virus. We aimed to detect and sequence the Zika virus genome in amniotic fluid samples of two pregnant women in Brazil whose fetuses were diagnosed with microcephaly. Methods In this case study, amniotic fluid samples from two pregnant women from the state of Paraiba in Brazil whose fetuses had been diagnosed with microcephaly were obtained, on the recommendation of the Brazilian health authorities, by ultrasound-guided transabdominal amniocentesis at 28 weeks' gestation. The women had presented at 18 weeks' and 10 weeks' gestation, respectively, with clinical manifestations that could have been symptoms of Zika virus infection, including fever, myalgia, and rash. After the amniotic fluid samples were centrifuged, DNA and RNA were extracted from the purified virus particles before the viral genome was identified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and viral metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Phylogenetic reconstruction and investigation of recombination events were done by comparing the Brazilian Zika virus genome with sequences from other Zika strains and from flaviviruses that occur in similar regions in Brazil. Findings We detected the Zika virus genome in the amniotic fluid of both pregnant women. The virus was not detected in their urine or serum. Tests for dengue virus, chikungunya virus, Toxoplasma gondii , rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, HIV, Treponema pallidum , and parvovirus B19 were all negative. After sequencing of the complete genome of the Brazilian Zika virus isolated from patient 1, phylogenetic analyses showed that the virus shares 97–100% of its genomic identity with lineages isolated during an outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013, and that in both envelope and NS5 genomic regions, it clustered with sequences from North and South America, southeast Asia, and the Pacific. After assessing the possibility of recombination events between the Zika virus and other flaviviruses, we ruled out the hypothesis that the Brazilian Zika virus genome is a recombinant strain with other mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Interpretation These findings strengthen the putative association between Zika virus and cases of microcephaly in neonates in Brazil. Moreover, our results suggest that the virus can cross the placental barrier. As a result, Zika virus should be considered as a potential infectious agent for human fetuses. Pathogenesis studies that confirm the tropism of Zika virus for neuronal cells are warranted. Funding Consellho Nacional de Desenvolvimento e Pesquisa (CNPq), Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ).

/pdf/detection-and-sequencing-of-zika-virus-from-amniotic-fluid-3gxbjubg9y.pdf

Detection and sequencing of Zika virus from amniotic fluid of fetuses with microcephaly in Brazil: a case study

Brazil has experienced an unprecedented epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV), with ~30,000 cases reported to date. ZIKV was first detected in Brazil in May 2015, and cases of microcephaly potentially associated with ZIKV infection were identified in November 2015. We performed next-generation sequencing to generate seven Brazilian ZIKV genomes sampled from four self-limited cases, one blood donor, one fatal adult case, and one newborn with microcephaly and congenital malformations. Results of phylogenetic and molecular clock analyses show a single introduction of ZIKV into the Americas, which we estimated to have occurred between May and December 2013, more than 12 months before the detection of ZIKV in Brazil. The estimated date of origin coincides with an increase in air passengers to Brazil from ZIKV-endemic areas, as well as with reported outbreaks in the Pacific Islands. ZIKV genomes from Brazil are phylogenetically interspersed with those from other South American and Caribbean countries. Mapping mutations onto existing structural models revealed the context of viral amino acid changes present in the outbreak lineage; however, no shared amino acid changes were found among the three currently available virus genomes from microcephaly cases. Municipality-level incidence data indicate that reports of suspected microcephaly in Brazil best correlate with ZIKV incidence around week 17 of pregnancy, although this correlation does not demonstrate causation. Our genetic description and analysis of ZIKV isolates in Brazil provide a baseline for future studies of the evolution and molecular epidemiology of this emerging virus in the Americas.

/pdf/zika-virus-in-the-americas-early-epidemiological-and-genetic-4lm8dhvubw.pdf

Zika virus in the Americas: Early epidemiological and genetic findings

Summary Cryptosporidium spp are well recognised as causes of diarrhoeal disease during waterborne epidemics and in immunocompromised hosts. Studies have also drawn attention to an underestimated global burden and suggest major gaps in optimum diagnosis, treatment, and immunisation. Cryptosporidiosis is increasingly identified as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Studies in low-resource settings and high-income countries have confirmed the importance of cryptosporidium as a cause of diarrhoea and childhood malnutrition. Diagnostic tests for cryptosporidium infection are suboptimum, necessitating specialised tests that are often insensitive. Antigen-detection and PCR improve sensitivity, and multiplexed antigen detection and molecular assays are underused. Therapy has some effect in healthy hosts and no proven efficacy in patients with AIDS. Use of cryptosporidium genomes has helped to identify promising therapeutic targets, and drugs are in development, but methods to assess the efficacy in vitro and in animals are not well standardised. Partial immunity after exposure suggests the potential for successful vaccines, and several are in development; however, surrogates of protection are not well defined. Improved methods for propagation and genetic manipulation of the organism would be significant advances.

/pdf/a-review-of-the-global-burden-novel-diagnostics-therapeutics-ujw4dop0op.pdf

A review of the global burden, novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine targets for cryptosporidium

Amebiasis, due to the pathogenic parasite Entamoeba histolytica, is a leading cause of diarrhea globally. Largely an infection of impoverished communities in developing countries, amebiasis has emerged as an important infection among returning travelers, immigrants, and men who have sex with men residing in developed countries. Severe cases can be associated with high case fatality. Polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis is increasingly available but remains underutilized. Nitroimidazoles are currently recommended for treatment, but new drug development to treat parasitic agents is a high priority. Amebiasis should be considered before corticosteroid therapy to decrease complications. There is no effective vaccine, so prevention focuses on sanitation and access to clean water. Further understanding of parasite biology and pathogenesis will advance future targeted therapeutic and preventative strategies.

A Review of the Global Burden, New Diagnostics, and Current Therapeutics for Amebiasis.

Purpose of reviewThe global significance of cryptosporidiosis is widespread and far-reaching. In this review, we present recent data about strain diversity and the burden of disease, along with developments in therapeutic and preventive strategies.Recent findingsCryptosporidium is an emerging pathog

/pdf/burden-of-disease-from-cryptosporidiosis-2rapx8p028.pdf

Burden of disease from cryptosporidiosis.

Zika Virus Infection.

Background The pathogenesis of severe asthma in childhood remains poorly understood. Objective We sought to construct the immunologic landscape in the airways of children with severe asthma. Methods Comprehensive analysis of multiple cell types and mediators was performed by using flow cytometry and a multiplex assay with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens (n = 68) from 52 highly characterized allergic and nonallergic children (0.5-17 years) with severe treatment-refractory asthma. Multiple relationships were tested by using linear mixed-effects modeling. Results Memory CCR5 + T H 1 cells were enriched in BAL fluid versus blood, and pathogenic respiratory viruses and bacteria were readily detected. IFN-γ + IL-17 + and IFN-γ − IL-17 + subsets constituted secondary T H types, and BAL fluid CD8 + T cells were almost exclusively IFN-γ + . The T H 17-associated mediators IL-23 and macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CCL20 were highly expressed. Despite low T H 2 numbers, T H 2 cytokines were detected, and T H 2 skewing correlated with total IgE levels. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells and basophils were scarce in BAL fluid. Levels of IL-5, IL-33, and IL-28A/IFN-λ2 were increased in multisensitized children and correlated with IgE levels to dust mite, ryegrass, and fungi but not cat, ragweed, or food sources. Additionally, levels of IL-5, but no other cytokine, increased with age and correlated with eosinophil numbers in BAL fluid and blood. Both plasmacytoid and IgE + FceRI + myeloid dendritic cells were present in BAL fluid. Conclusions The lower airways of children with severe asthma display a dominant T H 1 signature and atypical cytokine profiles that link to allergic status. Our findings deviate from established paradigms and warrant further assessment of the pathogenicity of T H 1 cells in patients with severe asthma.

TH1 signatures are present in the lower airways of children with severe asthma, regardless of allergic status

Background 
Amebic colitis, caused by intestinal infection with the parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, is a common cause of diarrhea worldwide. Fulminant amebic colitis is the most devastating complication of this infection, associated with both high mortality and morbidity. We conducted a review of the English literature to describe cases of fulminant amebic colitis associated with exposure to corticosteroid medications in order to identify the risk factors for poor outcome and determine difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.


Methodology and Principal Findings 
Articles reporting severe and fulminant forms of amebic colitis between 1991 and 2016 were collected. 525 records were screened to identify 24 cases for qualitative analysis associated with corticosteroid use. Cases arose from areas of high endemicity or travel to such areas. Most cases (14 of 24, 58%) were given corticosteroids for initially misdiagnosed colitis, mainly inflammatory bowel, resulting in rapid progression of disease. Nearly half of all cases underwent surgical intervention, and 25% of cases died, despite all patients eventually receiving treatment with metronidazole. The odds of death did not differ significantly by prior misdiagnosis, co-morbidities, bowel perforation or need for surgery.


Conclusions and Significance 
Infection with E. histolytica should be considered prior to the administration of corticosteroids, in particular for patients residing in endemic areas or those with appropriate travel history, especially prior to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. The development of preventative and treatment interventions are needed to improve outcomes of fulminant disease.

/pdf/fulminant-amebic-colitis-after-corticosteroid-therapy-a-4htwprjeic.pdf

Debbie-Ann Shirley

Papers

A Review of the Global Burden, New Diagnostics, and Current Therapeutics for Amebiasis.

Burden of disease from cryptosporidiosis.

Zika Virus Infection.

TH1 signatures are present in the lower airways of children with severe asthma, regardless of allergic status

Fulminant Amebic Colitis after Corticosteroid Therapy: A Systematic Review.