27 results on '"Ireland, Malia"'
Search Results
2. Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic--United States, 2019-2021
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Williams, Samantha L., Smith, Dallas J., Benedict, Kaitlin, Ahlers, Jamie R., Austin, Connie, Birn, Rachael, Carter, Angel M., Christophe, Natalie N., Cibulskas, Katie, Cieslak, Paul R., Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne N., Gosciminski, Michael, Ireland, Malia J., Lazenby, Katelyn V., Loftus, Tom, Lunquest, Kristy, Mathewson, Abby A., Nguyen, Alyssa D., Oltean, Hanna N., Osborn, BreAnne, Petro, Erin M., Power, Danny J., Reik, Rebecca R., Schlosser, Levi, Sedivy, Judi, Smelser, Chad B., Chiller, Tom, and Toda, Mitsuru
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United States. Department of Health and Human Services -- Analysis ,Epidemics -- Development and progression ,Bacterial pneumonia -- Development and progression ,Mycoses -- Development and progression ,Health care industry -- Analysis -- Health aspects ,Pneumonia -- Development and progression ,Public health -- Analysis -- Health aspects ,Health care industry ,Health - Abstract
Introduction Coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis are fungal infections that cause illness with primarily respiratory presentation ranging from mild symptoms to severe pulmonary or disseminated disease. The causative fungi live in [...]
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- 2024
3. Molecular Epidemiology of Blastomyces gilchristii Clusters, Minnesota, USA
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Bagal, Ujwal R., Ireland, Malia, Gross, Annastasia, Fischer, Jill, Bentz, Meghan, Berkow, Elizabeth L., Litvintseva, Anastasia P., and Chow, Nancy A.
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Minnesota -- Health aspects ,Ascomycota -- Identification and classification -- Genetic aspects -- Distribution ,Fungi, Pathogenic -- Identification and classification -- Genetic aspects -- Distribution ,Fungi -- Identification and classification -- Genetic aspects -- Distribution ,Blastomycosis -- Causes of -- Distribution ,Company distribution practices ,Health - Abstract
Three pathogenic Blastomyces species, B. dermatitidis, B. gilchristii, and B. helicus, have been identified in North America. In the United States, B. dermatitidis has been found throughout areas surrounding the [...]
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- 2022
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4. SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and Infection Among Health Care Personnel — Minnesota, March 6–July 11, 2020
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Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 HCW Monitoring Response Team, Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Response Task Force, Fell, Ashley, Beaudoin, Amanda, D’Heilly, Paige, Mumm, Erica, Cole, Cory, Tourdot, Laura, Ruhland, Abbey, Klumb, Carrie, Rounds, Josh, Bailey, Brittney, Liverseed, Gina, Peterson, Molly, Mahoehney, J.P., Ireland, Malia, Bye, Maria, Setty, Sudha, Leeds, Maureen, Taylor, Joanne, and Holzbauer, Stacy
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- 2020
5. Blastomycosis Surveillance in 5 States, United States, 1987-2018
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Benedict, Kaitlin, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, Kocharian, Anna, Ireland, Malia, Rothfeldt, Laura, Christophe, Natalie, Signs, Kimberly, and Jackson, Brendan R.
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Blastomycosis -- Analysis -- Demographic aspects ,Health - Abstract
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused primarily by inhalation of the environmental fungi Blastomyces dermatitidis and B. gilchristii. The incubation period varies from 2 to 15 weeks, and the clinical [...]
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- 2021
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6. Case Report: Locally Acquired Leptospirosis in a Minnesota Boy and His Dog
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Thielen, Beth K., primary, Holzbauer, Stacy, additional, Templen, Bethany, additional, Schafer, Ilana J., additional, Artus, Aileen, additional, Galloway, Renee, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Femrite, Tanya, additional, and Schleiss, Mark R., additional
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- 2024
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7. Blastomycosis in Minnesota, USA, 1999-2018
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Ireland, Malia, Klumb, Carrie, Smith, Kirk, and Scheftel, Joni
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Public health officials ,Blastomycosis -- Development and progression ,Epidemiology ,Antibacterial agents ,Time ,Mycoses ,Pneumonia ,Fungi ,Public health ,Diseases ,Public health movements ,Health - Abstract
Blastomycosis is a systemic disease caused by thermally dimorphic Blastomyces spp. fungi found in soil. Infection with B. dermatitidis or B. gilchristii occurs primarily by inhalation of conidia and most [...]
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- 2020
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8. A Phylogeographic Description of Histoplasma capsulatum in the United States
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Bagal, Ujwal R., primary, Gade, Lalitha, additional, Benedict, Kaitlin, additional, Howell, Victoria, additional, Christophe, Natalie, additional, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, additional, Hallyburton, Sara, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, McCracken, Stephanie, additional, Metobo, Alison Keyser, additional, Signs, Kimberly, additional, Warren, Kimberly A., additional, Litvintseva, Anastasia P., additional, and Chow, Nancy A., additional
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- 2023
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9. Phylogeographic Description of Histoplasma capsulatum, United States
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Bagal, Ujwal R, primary, Gade, Lalitha, additional, Benedict, Kaitlin, additional, Howell, Victoria, additional, Christophe, Natalie, additional, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, additional, Hallyburton, Sara, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, McCracken, Stephanie, additional, Metobo, Alison Keyser, additional, Signs, Kimberly, additional, Warren, Kimberly A., additional, Litvintseva, Anastasia P, additional, and Chow, Nancy A, additional
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- 2023
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10. A Rapidly Expanding Chest Wall Mass in an Adolescent With COVID-19
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Klair, Nate, primary, Ireland, Malia, additional, and Schleiss, Mark R., additional
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- 2023
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11. Reply to Willoughby
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Holzbauer, Stacy M, primary, Schrodt, Caroline A, additional, Prabhu, Rajesh M, additional, Asch-Kendrick, Rebecca J, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Klumb, Carrie, additional, Firestone, Melanie J, additional, Liu, Gongping, additional, Harry, Katie, additional, Levine, Min Z, additional, Orciari, Lillian A, additional, Wilkins, Kimberly, additional, Ellison, James A, additional, Zhao, Hui, additional, Niezgoda, Michael, additional, Satheshkumar, Panayampalli S, additional, Petersen, Brett W, additional, Rao, Agam K, additional, Bell, W Robert, additional, Forrest, Sara, additional, Gao, Wangcai, additional, Dasheiff, Richard, additional, Russell, Kari, additional, Wiseman, Anthony, additional, Reichard, R Ross, additional, Smith, Kirk E, additional, Lynfield, Ruth, additional, Scheftel, Joni, additional, Wallace, Ryan M, additional, and Bonwitt, Jesse, additional
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- 2023
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12. A Rapidly Expanding Chest Wall Mass in an Adolescent With COVID-19.
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Klair, Nate, Ireland, Malia, and Schleiss, Mark R.
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PHYSICAL diagnosis , *ANTIFUNGAL agents , *COVID-19 , *ORAL hygiene , *RESPIRATORY infections , *DIFFERENTIAL diagnosis , *BLOOD sedimentation , *PARASITIC diseases , *ITRACONAZOLE , *EMPYEMA , *COMPUTED tomography , *ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
The article presents a case study of a 15-year-old boy with an expanding chest wall mass and a history of COVID-19 infection, revealing a rare complication known as empyema necessitans. The case underscores the potential link between COVID-19 and the exacerbation of underlying fungal infections, particularly blastomycosis, emphasizing the importance of considering fungal superinfections in patients with a history of COVID-19, especially in endemic regions.
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- 2024
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13. Enhanced Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, 14 US States, 2016
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Benedict, Kaitlin, Ireland, Malia, Weinberg, Meghan P., Gruninger, Randon J., Weigand, Jenna, Chen, Lei, Perez-Lockett, Katharine, Bledsoe, Catherine, Denny, Lynn, Cibulskas, Katie, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, Kocharian, Anna, DeBess, Emilio, Miller, Tracy K., Lepp, Alicia, Cronquist, Laura, Warren, Kimberly, Serrano, Jose Antonio, Loveland, Cody, Turabelidze, George, McCotter, Orion, and Jackson, Brendan R.
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Privacy ,Coccidioidomycosis -- Development and progression ,Epidemiology ,Privacy issue ,Health ,Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists - Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by inhalation of soil-dwelling Coccidioides spp. organisms. Symptomatic infection occurs in [approximately equal to] 40% of cases and usually presents as a self-limiting, influenza-like [...]
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- 2018
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14. Multistate Epidemiology of Histop asmosis, United States, 201 1-2014
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Armstrong, Paige A., Jackson, Brendan R., Haselow, Dirk, Fields, Virgie, Ireland, Malia, Austin, Connie, Signs, Kimberly, Fialkowski, Veronica, Patel, Reema, Ellis, Peggy, Iwen, Peter C., Pedati, Caitlin, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, Anderson, Jannifer, Dobbs, Thomas, Davidson, Sherri, McIntyre, Mary, Warren, Kimberly, Midla, Joanne, Luong, Nhiem, and Benedict, Kaitlin
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Mycoses -- Analysis ,Epidemiology -- Analysis ,Health - Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the soil-dwelling thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (1). Infection typically results from inhalation of aerosolized spores. Only 1% of sporadic infections are estimated to [...]
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- 2018
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15. Fatal Human Rabies Infection With Suspected Host-Mediated Failure of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Following a Recognized Zoonotic Exposure—Minnesota, 2021
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Holzbauer, Stacy M, primary, Schrodt, Caroline A, additional, Prabhu, Rajesh M, additional, Asch-Kendrick, Rebecca J, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Klumb, Carrie, additional, Firestone, Melanie J, additional, Liu, Gongping, additional, Harry, Katie, additional, Ritter, Jana M, additional, Levine, Min Z, additional, Orciari, Lillian A, additional, Wilkins, Kimberly, additional, Yager, Pamela, additional, Gigante, Crystal M, additional, Ellison, James A, additional, Zhao, Hui, additional, Niezgoda, Michael, additional, Li, Yu, additional, Levis, Robin, additional, Scott, Dorothy, additional, Satheshkumar, Panayampalli S, additional, Petersen, Brett W, additional, Rao, Agam K, additional, Bell, W Robert, additional, Bjerk, Sonja M, additional, Forrest, Sara, additional, Gao, Wangcai, additional, Dasheiff, Richard, additional, Russell, Kari, additional, Pappas, Melissa, additional, Kiefer, Jessica, additional, Bickler, Wesley, additional, Wiseman, Anthony, additional, Jurantee, Joel, additional, Reichard, R Ross, additional, Smith, Kirk E, additional, Lynfield, Ruth, additional, Scheftel, Joni, additional, Wallace, Ryan M, additional, and Bonwitt, Jesse, additional
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- 2023
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16. Exposure Outcomes in Fully Vaccinated Healthcare Personnel With Known Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Exposure—Minnesota, January–August 2021
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Ruhland, Abbey, primary, Fell, Ashley, additional, Holzbauer, Stacy M, additional, D’Heilly, Paige, additional, Curtis, Kris, additional, Wick, Holly, additional, Friedman, Bree, additional, Mumm, Erica, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Estey-Dix, Carrie, additional, Betts-Roelike, Melissa, additional, and Beaudoin, Amanda, additional
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- 2022
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17. SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and Infection Among Health Care Personnel — Minnesota, March 6–July 11, 2020
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Fell, Ashley, Beaudoin, Amanda, D’Heilly, Paige, Mumm, Erica, Cole, Cory, Tourdot, Laura, Ruhland, Abbey, Klumb, Carrie, Rounds, Josh, Bailey, Brittney, Liverseed, Gina, Peterson, Molly, Mahoehney, J.P., Ireland, Malia, Bye, Maria, Setty, Sudha, Leeds, Maureen, Taylor, Joanne, Holzbauer, Stacy, Anderson, Nicky, Austin, Rich, Ballard, Chris, Braun, Nick, Brown, Margaret, Cahoon, Rachel, Casey-Paal, Amy, Cavallo, Dominique, Christianson, Ben, Cole, Pete, Conboy, Sarah, Davis, Jessica, Dippmann, Karmen, Fernstrom, Karl, Fess, Lydia, Frohnert, Barbara, Fuller, Patti, Furan, Ruth, Germann, Paul, Giesel, Shelbi, Greene, Christopher, Hammell, Erin, Hannigan, Rachel, Hedeen, Nicole, Hentges, Mike, Hesse, David, Highsmith, Mona, Johnson, Catherine, Kalis, Susan, Kemp, Nathan, Kindt, Joan, Kinzer, Hannah, Koenigs, Gretchen, Kraynak, Alina, Lacina, Mary Beth, LaMotte, Susan, Longhenry, Amy, Malloy, Jerry, Margetta, Jamie, Mastrodemos, Olga, Melin, Davis, Menke, Laurie, Messer, Michelle, Meyer, Stephanie, Nelson, Greg, Nelson, Jessica, Noyola, James, Palmi, Elizabeth, Peacock, James, Peters, Tina, Piper, Lauren, Serfling, Angela, Steidl, Alyssa, Styles, Emily, Tibbetts, Erin, Tran, Marie, Tranter, Daniel, Waltz, Brenda, Wentkiewicz, Cynthia, Witte, Kari, Woodside, John, Bennett, Mary Ellen, Como-Sabetti, Kathy, Danila, Richard, Ehresmann, Kris, Hale, Tammy, Lovett, Leslie, Lynfield, Ruth, Martin, Karen, Smith, Kirk, and Walters, Jacy
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Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional ,Health (social science) ,Adolescent ,Epidemiology ,Health Personnel ,Minnesota ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Pneumonia, Viral ,Risk Assessment ,01 natural sciences ,Young Adult ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Health Information Management ,Occupational Exposure ,Acute care ,Pandemic ,Health care ,Humans ,Medicine ,Infection control ,Full Report ,030212 general & internal medicine ,0101 mathematics ,Young adult ,Pandemics ,Personal Protective Equipment ,Personal protective equipment ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,business.industry ,010102 general mathematics ,COVID-19 ,General Medicine ,Middle Aged ,Family medicine ,Sick leave ,Coronavirus Infections ,business ,Risk assessment - Abstract
Health care personnel (HCP) are at increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a result of their exposure to patients or community contacts with COVID-19 (1,2). Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Minnesota was reported on March 6, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has required health care facilities* to report HCP exposures to persons with confirmed COVID-19 for exposure risk assessment and to enroll HCP with higher-risk exposures into quarantine and symptom monitoring. During March 6-July 11, MDH and 1,217 partnering health care facilities assessed 21,406 HCP exposures; among these, 5,374 (25%) were classified as higher-risk§ (3). Higher-risk exposures involved direct patient care (66%) and nonpatient care interactions (e.g., with coworkers and social and household contacts) (34%). Within 14 days following a higher-risk exposure, nearly one third (31%) of HCP who were enrolled in monitoring reported COVID-19-like symptoms,¶ and more than one half (52%) of enrolled HCP with symptoms received positive SARS-CoV-2 test results. Among all HCP with higher-risk exposures, irrespective of monitoring enrollment, 7% received positive SARS-CoV-2 test results. Compared with HCP with higher-risk exposures working in acute care settings, those working in congregate living or long-term care settings more often returned to work (57%), worked while symptomatic (5%), and received a positive test result (10%) during 14-day postexposure monitoring than did HCP working outside of such settings. These data highlight the need for awareness of nonpatient care SARS-CoV-2 exposure risks and for targeted interventions to protect HCP, in addition to residents, in congregate living and long-term care settings. To minimize exposure risk among HCP, health care facilities need improved infection prevention and control, consistent personal protective equipment (PPE) availability and use, flexible sick leave, and SARS-CoV-2 testing access. All health care organizations and HCP should be aware of potential exposure risk from coworkers, household members, and social contacts.
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- 2020
18. Blastomyces dermatitidis Environmental Prevalence in Minnesota: Analysis and Modeling Using Soil Collected at Basal and Outbreak Sites
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Jackson, Katrina M., primary, Pelletier, Keith C., additional, Scheftel, Joni, additional, Kerkaert, Joshua D., additional, Robinson, Serina L., additional, McDonald, Tami, additional, Bender, Jeff B., additional, Knight, Joseph F., additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, and Nielsen, Kirsten, additional
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- 2021
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19. Enhanced Surveillance for Histoplasmosis—9 States, 2018–2019
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Benedict, Kaitlin, primary, McCracken, Stephanie, additional, Signs, Kimberly, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Amburgey, Victoria, additional, Serrano, Jose Antonio, additional, Christophe, Natalie, additional, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, additional, Hallyburton, Sara, additional, Warren, Kimberly A, additional, Keyser Metobo, Alison, additional, Odom, Racheal, additional, Groenewold, Matthew R, additional, and Jackson, Brendan R, additional
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- 2020
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20. Multistate Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis, United States, 2011–20141
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Armstrong, Paige A., primary, Jackson, Brendan R., additional, Haselow, Dirk, additional, Fields, Virgie, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Austin, Connie, additional, Signs, Kimberly, additional, Fialkowski, Veronica, additional, Patel, Reema, additional, Ellis, Peggy, additional, Iwen, Peter C., additional, Pedati, Caitlin, additional, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, additional, Anderson, Jannifer, additional, Dobbs, Thomas, additional, Davidson, Sherri, additional, McIntyre, Mary, additional, Warren, Kimberly, additional, Midla, Joanne, additional, Luong, Nhiem, additional, and Benedict, Kaitlin, additional
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- 2017
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21. The Impact of Lagging Strand Replication Mutations on the Stability of CAG Repeat Tracts in Yeast
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Ireland, Malia J., Reinke, Shanda S., and Livingston, Dennis M.
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Mutation (Biology) -- Research ,Biological sciences - Abstract
We have examined the stability of long tracts of CAG repeats in yeast mutants defective in enzymes suspected to be involved in lagging strand replication. Alleles of DNA ligase (cdc9-1 and cdc9-2) destabilize CAG tracts in the stable tract orientation, i.e., when CAG serves as the lagging strand template. In this orientation nearly two-thirds of the events recorded in the cdc9-1 mutant were tract expansions. While neither DNA ligase allele significantly increases the frequency of tract-length changes in the unstable orientation, the cdc9-1 mutant produced a significant number of expansions in tracts of this orientation. A mutation in primase (pri2-1) destabilizes tracts in both the stable and the unstable orientations. Mutations in a DNA helicase/deoxyribonuclease (dna2-1) or in two RNase H activities (rnh1[Delta] and rnh35[Delta]) do not have a significant effect on CAG repeat tract stability. We interpret our results in terms of the steps of replication that are likely to lead to expansion and to contraction of CAG repeat tracts.
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- 2000
22. Multistate Epidemiologic Description of Histoplasmosis in the United States, 2004–2015
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Armstrong, Paige, primary, Benedict, Kaitlin, additional, Haselow, D., additional, Fields, Virgie, additional, Jackson, Brendan, additional, Austin, Connie, additional, Ireland, Malia, additional, Signs, Kimberly, additional, Fialkowski, Veronica, additional, Patel, Reema, additional, Pedati, Caitlin, additional, Iwen, Peter C., additional, Dobbs, Thomas, additional, Anderson, Jannifer, additional, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, additional, Warren, Kim, additional, Davidson, Sherri, additional, McIntyre, Mary G., additional, Midla, Joanne, additional, and Luong, Nhiem, additional
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- 2016
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23. Multistate Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis, United States, 2011-2014.
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Armstrong, Paige A., Jackson, Brendan R., Haselow, Dirk, Fields, Virgie, Ireland, Malia, Austin, Connie, Signs, Kimberly, Fialkowski, Veronica, Patel, Reema, Ellis, Peggy, Iwen, Peter C., Pedati, Caitlin, Gibbons-Burgener, Suzanne, Anderson, Jannifer, Dobbs, Thomas, Davidson, Sherri, McIntyre, Mary, Warren, Kimberly, Midla, Joanne, and Luong, Nhiem
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HISTOPLASMOSIS ,SYSTEMIC mycoses ,ENDEMIC diseases ,PUBLIC health surveillance ,EPIDEMIOLOGY - Abstract
Histoplasmosis is one of the most common mycoses endemic to the United States, but it was reportable in only 10 states during 2016, when a national case definition was approved. To better characterize the epidemiologic features of histoplasmosis, we analyzed deidentified surveillance data for 2011-2014 from the following 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. We examined epidemiologic and laboratory features and calculated state-specific annual and county-specific mean annual incidence rates. A total of 3,409 cases were reported. Median patient age was 49 (interquartile range 33-61) years, 2,079 (61%) patients were male, 1,273 (57%) patients were hospitalized, and 76 (7%) patients died. Incidence rates varied markedly between and within states. The high hospitalization rate suggests that histoplasmosis surveillance underestimates the true number of cases. Improved surveillance standardization and surveillance by additional states would provide more comprehensive knowledge of histoplasmosis in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2018
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24. Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2023.
- Author
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Daly, Russell F., Mathewson, Abigail A., Pride, Kerry R., Ireland, Malia J., and Bailey, Sarah J.
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ANIMAL diseases , *PARASITIC diseases , *AGRICULTURAL exhibitions , *COMMUNICABLE diseases , *INFECTIOUS disease transmission , *ZOONOSES - Abstract
Opportunities for the publicto interact with animals in publ icsettings such as petting zoos, fairs, and farm visits can be valuable learning and entertainment experiences. However, zoonotic disease transmission from healthy animals on exhibit and their environments, as well as injuries and other health problems, may result from these interactions if steps are not taken to minimize risks. The 2023 Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings provides background about these potential risks and updates recommendations for reducing those risks. Enteric zoonotic disease risks from animal contact in public settings include Shiga toxin - producing Escherichia co/i infections, cryptosporidiosis, and campylobacteriosis. These infections occur when pathogens are accidentally ingested by individuals following direct contact with animals or contaminated objects. Zoonotic influenza infections can occur in a similar manner or through aerosols generated from infected animals. Other infectious diseases, parasitic infections, bites, and other injuries are also possible hazards in these settings. Inadequate handwashing and facility design flaws are frequent contributors to these risks, especially on farms or temporary exhibits not specifically designed for public use. Venues should provide sufficient handwashing stations and establish clearly defined animal contact areas. Operators should educate visitors about potential disease and injury risks, steps necessary to minimize exposure, and the importance of handwashing after the visit. Additionally, operators and visitors alike should realize that certain individuals are at heightened risk for zoonotic infections. Signs, handouts, and other educational materials are publicly available in a toolkit that accompanies the compendium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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25. Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic - United States, 2019-2021.
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Williams SL, Smith DJ, Benedict K, Ahlers JR, Austin C, Birn R, Carter AM, Christophe NN, Cibulskas K, Cieslak PR, Gibbons-Burgener SN, Gosciminski M, Ireland MJ, Lazenby KV, Loftus T, Lunquest K, Mathewson AA, Nguyen AD, Oltean HN, Osborn B, Petro EM, Power DJ, Reik RR, Schlosser L, Sedivy J, Smelser CB, Chiller T, and Toda M
- Subjects
- Humans, United States epidemiology, Pandemics, Blastomycosis epidemiology, Histoplasmosis diagnosis, Histoplasmosis epidemiology, Histoplasmosis microbiology, Coccidioidomycosis diagnosis, Coccidioidomycosis epidemiology, COVID-19 epidemiology, Respiratory Tract Infections epidemiology
- Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis are lower respiratory tract fungal infections whose signs and symptoms can resemble those of other respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia caused by bacterial or viral etiologies; this overlap in clinical presentation might lead to missed or delayed diagnoses. The causative fungi live in the environment, often in soil or plant matter. To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of cases of coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC analyzed case surveillance data for 2019-2021. During this period, a total of 59,655 coccidioidomycosis cases, 3,595 histoplasmosis cases, and 719 blastomycosis cases were reported to CDC. In 2020, fewer cases of each disease occurred in spring compared with other seasons, and most cases occurred in fall; national seasonality is not typically observed, and cases were seasonally distributed more evenly in 2019 and 2021. Fewer cases coinciding with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with an unusually high blastomycosis case fatality rate in 2021 (17% compared with more typical rates of 8%-10%), suggest that the pandemic might have affected patients' health care-seeking behavior, public health reporting practices, or clinical management of these diseases. Increased awareness and education are needed to encourage health care providers to consider fungal diseases and to identify pneumonia of fungal etiology. Standardized diagnostic guidance and informational resources for fungal testing could be incorporated into broader respiratory disease awareness and preparedness efforts to improve early diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
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- 2024
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26. Case Report: Locally Acquired Leptospirosis in a Minnesota Boy and His Dog.
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Thielen BK, Holzbauer S, Templen B, Schafer IJ, Artus A, Galloway R, Ireland M, Femrite T, and Schleiss MR
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- Male, Animals, Dogs, Humans, Child, Minnesota, Leptospirosis diagnosis, Leptospirosis drug therapy, Leptospira, Dog Diseases diagnosis
- Abstract
Leptospirosis affects numerous animal species, including domestic dogs, but documented transmission to humans is rare. Here, we describe epidemiologically linked cases in a 12-year-old Minnesota boy and his pet dog. While human leptospirosis is often thought of as a disease of tropical locations, this case report describes a rare documented example of local transmission in the northern United States, a region historically not perceived to be at high risk of Leptospira species transmission to humans. This case highlights an unusual presentation, with facial nerve palsy, underappreciated epidemiological risks, and diagnostic challenges of this reemerging infection.
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- 2023
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27. Analysis and modeling of Blastomyces dermatitidis environmental prevalence in Minnesota using soil collected to compare basal and outbreak levels.
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Jackson KM, Pelletier KC, Scheftel J, Kerkaert JD, Robinson SL, McDonald T, Bender JB, Knight JF, Ireland M, and Nielsen K
- Abstract
Outbreaks of blastomycosis, caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis , occur in endemic areas of the United States and Canada but the geographic range of blastomycosis is expanding. Previous studies inferred the location of B. dermatitidis through epidemiologic data associated with outbreaks because culture of B. dermatitidis from the environment is often unsuccessful. In this study, we used a culture-independent, PCR-based method to identify B. dermatitidis DNA in environmental samples using the BAD1 promoter region. We tested 250 environmental samples collected in Minnesota, either associated with blastomycosis outbreaks or environmental samples collected from high- and low-endemic regions to determine basal prevalence of B. dermatitidis in the environment. We identified a fifth BAD1 promoter haplotype of B. dermatitidis prevalent in Minnesota. Ecological niche analysis identified latitude, longitude, elevation, and site classification as environmental parameters associated with the presence of B. dermatitidis Using this analysis, a Random Forest model predicted B. dermatitidis presence in basal environmental samples with 75% accuracy. These data support use of culture-independent, PCR-based environmental sampling to track spread into new regions and to characterize the unknown B. dermatitidis environmental niche. Importance Upon inhalation of spores from the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis from the environment, humans and animals can develop the disease blastomycosis. Based on disease epidemiology, B. dermatitidis is known to be endemic in the United States and Canada around the Great Lakes and in the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys but is starting to emerge in other areas. B. dermatitidis is extremely difficult to culture from the environment so little is known about the environmental reservoirs for this pathogen. We used a culture-independent PCR-based assay to identify the presence of B. dermatitidis DNA in soil samples from Minnesota. By combining molecular data with ecological niche modeling, we were able to predict the presence of B. dermatitidis in environmental samples with 75% accuracy and to define characteristics of the B. dermatitidis environmental niche. Importantly, we showed the effectiveness of using a PCR-based assay to identify B. dermatitidis in environmental samples., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Microbiology.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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