bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intradermal reactivity to two concentrations of pollen extracts in atopic dogs
Authors: Layne Elizabeth A. 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundIntradermal test (IDT) is used widely for determination of allergens to include in allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT). The optimal concentration of allergen solutions used for testing has not been established in atopic dogs. Inadequate concentrations could lead to falsely negative test results and lack of inclusion of important allergens in AIT.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare IDT reactivity to two concentrations of five pollen extracts and determine the effect on ASIT prescription.AnimalsAtopic dogs (n = 67) had IDT results including all of the allergens of interest.Methods and materialsMedical records from a veterinary teaching hospital were reviewed for all atopic dogs undergoing IDT over a three year period. In addition to the hospital's standard IDT concentration of 1,000 PNU/mL for pollen allergens, five pollen allergens of higher concentration (3,000–8,000 PNU/mL) had been added at the beginning of that period. The IDT scores for the standard test concentration of each of the five allergens were compared to the scores for the higher concentration.ResultsPositive reactions occurred much more commonly to the higher test concentration for each of the paired allergens (P < 0.05, chi‐square). The AIT formulation was different in 58% of the dogs from what it would have been without the higher concentration allergens.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe current standard IDT concentration of 1,000 PNU/mL for pollen allergens is likely too low, possibly resulting in inaccurate AIT formulations. This might explain treatment failures and the incorrect diagnosis of atopic‐like dermatitis. Further work is needed to establish optimal allergen test concentrations.
Cooperative Immune-Mediated Mechanisms of the HDAC Inhibitor Entinostat, an IL15 Superagonist, and a Cancer Vaccine Effectively Synergize as a Novel Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hicks Kristin C. , Knudson Karin M. , Lee Karin L. , Hamilton Duane H. , Hodge James W. , Figg William D. , Ordentlich Peter , Jones Frank R. , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Schlom Jeffrey , Gameiro Sofia R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Immunotherapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy in subsets of patients with solid carcinomas. Multimodal therapies using agents that can affect different arms of the immune system and/or tumor microenvironment (TME) might increase clinical responses.

Experimental Design:
We demonstrate that entinostat, a class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, enhances the antitumor efficacy of the IL15 superagonist N-803 plus vaccine in 4T1 triple-negative breast and MC38-CEA colon murine carcinoma models. A comprehensive immune and gene-expression analysis was performed in the periphery and/or TME of MC38-CEA tumor–bearing mice.

Results:
Although N-803 plus vaccine induced peripheral CD8+ T-cell activation and cytokine production, there was no reduction in tumor burden and poor tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells with minimal levels of granzyme B. For the first time, we demonstrate that the addition of entinostat to N-803 plus vaccine promoted significant tumor control, correlating with increased expression of genes associated with tumor inflammation, enhanced infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells with maximal granzyme B, T-cell responses to multiple tumor-associated antigens, increased serum IFNγ, reduction of regulatory T cells in the TME, and decreased expression of the checkpoint V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) on multiple immune subsets.

Conclusions:
Collectively, these data demonstrate that the synergistic combination of entinostat, N-803, and vaccine elicits potent antitumor activity by generating a more inflamed TME. These findings thus form the rationale for the use of this combination of agents for patients harboring poorly or noninflamed solid carcinomas.
РУКАВНА РЕЗЕКЦІЯ ШЛУНКА У ХВОРИХ НА МОРБІДНЕ ОЖИРІННЯ: ВПЛИВ НА ПОКАЗНИКИ ЛІПІДОГРАМИ
Authors: Todurov I. M. , Perekhrestenko O. V. , Kalashnikov O. O. , Kosiuchno S. V. , Plehutsa O. I. , Yakimets V. M. 
Published: October 2019

Мета: вивчити вплив рукавної резекції шлунка на показники ліпідограми у хворих на морбідне ожиріння з передопераційною дисліпідемією.
Матеріали і методи. В основу дослідження покладено матеріали клінічного обстеження та хірургічного лікування 105 хворих на морбідне ожиріння (47 чоловіків та 58 жінок, середній вік – (41,8±12,4) року), яким було виконано рукавну резекцію шлунка.
Результати. Діагноз дисліпідемії до операції встановлено у 86 (81,9 %) хворих. Регулярне використання гіполіпідемічних препаратів у 44 (51,1 %) хворих до операції не привело до нормалізації чи суттєвого покращення показників ліпідограми. Виконання рукавної резекції шлунка забезпечило зниження середнього рівня загального холестерину в обстеженій популяції пацієнтів з (5,73±1,0) до (4,92±0,5) ммоль/л, тригліцеридів з (1,91±0,9) до (1,43±0,3) ммоль/л, регресії коефіцієнта атерогенності з 3,84±0,8 до 2,9±0,6 через 60 місяців після операції (р<0,05). Через 60 місяців після рукавної резекції шлунка дисліпідемію (у всіх – 2а типу) діагностовано у 15 (62,5 %) хворих основної групи з передопераційними порушеннями ліпідного обміну, в 9 (37,5 %) хворих показники ліпідограми нормалізувались у хворих на морбідне ожиріння, що свідчить про ефективність операційного втручання.
Висновки. Рукавна резекція шлунка є ефективною методикою корекції дисліпідемії у хворих на морбідне ожиріння. Виконання означеного втручання приводить до суттєвого та стійкого (протягом 5-річного терміну післяопераційного спостереження) зниження середнього рівня загального холестерину, тригліцеридів та коефіцієнта атерогенності.
High Bars or Behind Bars? The Effect of Graduation Requirements on Arrest Rates
Authors: Larsen Matthew F. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates the effect of high school graduation requirements on arrest rates with a specific focus on the number of required courses and the use of exit exams. Identifying variation comes from state-by-cohort changes in the laws governing high school graduation requirements from 1980 to 2010. Combining these law changes with arrest rates of young adults from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reports, I find that the use of exit exams can reduce arrest rates by approximately 7 percent. Although it is difficult to parse out the exact mechanisms, additional exploration into heterogeneity by age and offense, as well as examination of labor market outcomes, suggest that these policies may have increased learning. Given the current debate around the use of exit exams, this paper provides evidence of beneficial effects on nonacademic outcomes. This paper also provides further evidence of the influence of education policy on crime.
Short proximal components in modular revision stems carry a higher risk for stem fractures
Authors: Herold Falko , Nötzli Hubert , Eijer Henk 
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Fractures of modular hip revision stems are not uncommon. The current study examined implant-related factors on stem fracture. We hypothesised that in a modular stem the fracture risk is increased with the use of a short proximal implant component. Materials and methods: Anonymised data of all 32 patients in Switzerland with a Revitan modular hip system who had a stem fracture were obtained from the manufacturer. Implant and patient data were compared with all components implanted in Switzerland during the same time interval. Results: Between 2002 and 2017, 4834 Revitan stems were implanted, of which 32 fractured. A smaller size of the proximal stem component was significantly associated with a higher fracture risk ( p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the proportion of male patients was higher among the fracture cases, patients were younger, and they had a higher body weight ( p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The present study suggests that small proximal stem components increase the load at the modular junction due to size and lack of bony support. Surgeons should therefore avoid short proximal components so that the mid-stem junction lies as distally as possible and the risk of fracture is minimised.
Patient Perspectives on Short-Course Pharmacotherapy: Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence
Authors: Sherwin LeeAnne B , Ross Diana , Matteson-Kome Michelle , Bechtold Matthew , Deroche Chelsea , Wakefield Bonnie 
Published: October 2019

Background: Medication nonadherence is a public health issue that contributes to poor health outcomes and health-care costs. Factors influencing long-term medication adherence are known; however, little is known about short-course medication adherence. Objective: This study examined patient perspectives on adherence and factors that influence adherence to short-course pharmacotherapy in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Method: Twenty-seven participants were interviewed to identify their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to thrice-daily, 14-day rifaximin. Results: Participants were primarily female (89%), aged 18 to 65 years. Sixty-eight percent of interviewees were identified as “low-adherers,” meaning the percentage of days with correct daily dosing of rifaximin was <80%. The final coding framework identified social/economic-related (family support and medication expense), system-related (relationship with provider and medication knowledge), condition-related (symptom severity), therapy-related (inconvenient dosing), and patient-related (forgetfulness and busyness of daily life) factors that influenced adherence. Conclusion: The resulting patient perspectives highlight a diverse set of factors that influence short-course adherence and the need for tailored interventions that address these various factors resulting in enhanced patient outcomes.
Symbiotic bacteria motivate the foraging decision and promote fecundity and survival of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Akami Mazarin , Ren Xue-Ming , Qi Xuewei , Mansour Abdelaziz , Gao Bingli , Cao Shuai , Niu Chang-Ying 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The gut bacteria of tephritid fruit flies play prominent roles in nutrition, reproduction, maintenance and ecological adaptations of the host. Here, we adopted an approach based on direct observation of symbiotic or axenic flies feeding on dishes seeded with drops of full diet (containing all amino acids) or full diet supplemented with bacteria at similar concentrations to explore the effects of intestinal bacteria on foraging decision and fitness of Bactrocera dorsalis.

Results
The results show that intestinal probiotics elicit beneficial foraging decision and enhance the female reproduction fitness and survival of B. dorsalis (symbiotic and axenic), yet preferences for probiotic diets were significantly higher in axenic flies to which they responded faster compared to full diet. Moreover, females fed diet supplemented with Pantoea dispersa and Enterobacter cloacae laid more eggs but had shorter lifespan while female fed Enterococcus faecalis and Klebsiella oxytoca enriched diets lived longer but had lower fecundity compared to the positive control. Conversely, flies fed sugar diet (negative control) were not able to produce eggs, but lived longer than those from the positive control.

Conclusions
These results suggest that intestinal bacteria can drive the foraging decision in a way which promotes the reproduction and survival of B. dorsalis. Our data highlight the potentials of gut bacterial isolates to control the foraging behavior of the fly and empower the sterile insect technique (SIT) program through the mass rearing.
Disaster preparedness among Thai elderly emergency department patients: a survey of patients’ perspective
Authors: Sri-on Jiraporn , Vanichkulbodee Alissara , Sinsuwan Natchapon , Rojsaengroeng Rapeeporn , Kamsom Anucha , Liu Shan Woo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In disaster situations, the elderly are considered to be a particularly vulnerable population. Preparedness is the key to reduce post-disaster damage. There is limited research in middle-income countries on how well elderly emergency department (ED) patients are prepared for disaster situations. The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes and behavior of elderly ED patients toward disaster preparedness.

Methods
This study was a cross-sectional face-to-face survey at one urban teaching hospital in Bangkok, Thailand between August 1st and September 30th, 2016. Patients aged 60 and older who presented to the ED were included to this study. We excluded patients who had severe dementia [defined as Short Portable Mental State Questionnaires (SPMSQ) > 8], were unable to speak Thai, had severe trauma and/or needed immediate resuscitation. The survey instruction was adapted from previous disaster surveys. This study was approved by the Vajira Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Results
A total of 243 patients were enrolled. Most of them were female [154 patients (63.4%)]. The median age was 72 [Interquartile range (IQR) 66–81] years and the most common underlying diseases were hypertension [148 patients (60.9%)] and diabetes [108 patients (44.4%)]. The majority of patients [172 patients (72.4%)] reported that they had had some teaching about disaster knowledge from a healthcare provider and had experienced a disaster [138 patients (56.8%)]. While 175/197 (81.8%) patients who had underlying diseases reported that they had a medication supply for disaster situations, only 61 (25.1%) patients had an emergency toolbox for disasters. Most patients (159, 65.4%) did not know the emergency telephone number, and 133 (54.7%) patients reported transportation limitations.

Conclusions
While most Thai elderly ED patients reported having a medication supply for disaster situations, many lacked comprehensive plans for a disaster situation. Work needs to be done to improve the quality of preparedness in disaster situations among elderly patients. Future research should focus on preparedness knowledge regarding evacuation, and shelter/residence for older patients.
Molecular characteristics and virulence gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Hainan, China
Authors: Li Xuehan , Huang Tao , Xu Kai , Li Chenglin , Li Yirong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
There have been no reports regarding the molecular characteristics, virulence features, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) from Hainan, the southernmost province of China.

Methods
Two hundred twenty-seven S. aureus isolates, consisting of 76 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 151 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), were collected in 2013–2014 and 2018–2019 in Hainan, and investigated for their molecular characteristics, virulence genes, antibiotic resistance profiles and main antibiotic resistance genes.

Results
Forty sequence types (STs) including three new STs (ST5489, ST5492 and ST5493), and 79 Staphylococcal protein A (spa) types were identified based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and spa typing, respectively. ST398 (14.1%, 32/227) was found to be the most prevalent, and the prevalence of ST398-MSSA increased significantly from 2013 to 2014 (5.5%, 5/91) to 2018–2019 (18.4%, 25/136). Seventy-six MRSA isolates were subject to staphylococcus chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing. SCCmec-IVa was the predominant SCCmec type, and specifically, ST45-SCCmec IVa, an infrequent type in mainland China, was predominant in S. aureus from Hainan. The antibiotic resistance profiles and antibiotic resistance genes of S. aureus show distinctive features in Hainan. The resistant rates of the MRSA isolates to a variety of antibiotics were significantly higher than those of the MSSA isolates. The predominant erythromycin and tetracycline resistance genes were ermC (90.1%, 100/111) and tetK (91.8%, 78/85), respectively. Eleven virulence genes, including the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) and eta, were determined, and the frequency of eta and pvl were found to be 57.3 and 47.6%. Such high prevalence has never been seen in mainland China before.

Conclusion
S. aureus isolates in Hainan have unique molecular characteristics, virulence gene and antibiotic resistance profiles, and main antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with the special geographical location of Hainan and local trends in antibiotic use.
Pathologic tonsillar findings similar to IgA nephropathy and the role of tonsillectomy in a patient with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Enya Takuji , Miyazawa Tomoki , Miyazaki Kohei , Oshima Rina , Morimoto Yuichi , Okada Mitsuru , Takemura Tsukasa , Sugimoto Keisuke 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: The pathological findings of tonsils in IgA nephropathy include the expansion of T-cell nodules around lymphoid follicles and abnormal reticulation of the crypt epithelium in contrast to chronic tonsillitis. Recently, several studies have reported that regulatory T cells play an important role in the maintenance of self-tolerance, an abnormality that is involved in the onset of nephrotic syndrome (NS). We encountered a patient of 28-year-old male with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and chronic tonsillitis whose tonsils demonstrated pathological findings similar to those of IgA nephropathy.

Case presentation
A patient had developed NS at the age of 5 years, and was pathologically diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD), for which he received various immunosuppressive agents as treatment for recurrence. Because tonsillitis often triggers the recurrence of NS, a tonsillectomy was performed for chronic tonsillitis at the age of 25 years. Immunohistochemical staining of his tonsils showed the expansion of CD4 positive lymphocytes around the lymphoid follicles and abnormal reticulation of the crypt epithelium. The number of peripheral blood CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells increased, and the frequency of relapses decreased after tonsillectomy.

Conclusion
A similar self-tolerance abnormality exists in NS and IgA nephropathy; therefore, tonsillectomy might become a novel therapeutic approach for FRNS to redress the unbalanced self-tolerance and to remove the tonsillar focal infection. Further studies are necessary to verify the clinical efficiency of tonsillectomy for FRNS with recurrent episodes triggered by tonsillitis.
Potential gains in reproductive-aged life expectancy if maternal mortality were eradicated from the Kintampo districts of Central Ghana
Authors: Abubakari Sulemana Watara , Bawah Ayaga Agula , Nettey Ernest Obed , Apraku Edward Anane , Zandoh Charles , Amenga-Etego Seeba , Asante Kwaku Poku , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Badasu Delali Margaret 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Almost 99% of pregnancy or childbirth-related complications globally is estimated to occur in developing regions. Yet, little is known about the demographic impact of maternal causes of death (COD) in low-and middle-income countries. Assuming that critical interventions were implemented such that maternal mortality is eradicated as a major cause of death, how would it translate to improved longevity for reproductive-aged women in the Kintampo districts of Ghana?

Methods
The study used longitudinal health and demographic surveillance data from the Kintampo districts to assess the effect of hypothetically eradicating maternal COD on reproductive-aged life expectancy by applying multiple decrement and associated single decrement life table techniques.

Results
According to the results, on the average, women would have lived an additional 4.4 years in their reproductive age if maternal mortality were eradicated as a cause of death, rising from an average of 28.7 years lived during the 2005-2014 period to 33.1 years assuming that maternal mortality was eradicated. The age patterns of maternal-related mortality and all-cause mortality depict that the maternal-related mortality is different from the all-cause mortality for women of reproductive age.

Conclusion
This observation suggests that other COD are competing with maternal mortality among the WRA in the study area and during the study period.
Epidemiological profile of meningitis in Iran before pentavalent vaccine introduction
Authors: Berangi Zeinab , Karami Manoochehr , Mohammadi Younes , Nazarzadeh Milad , Zahraei Seyed Mohsen , Javidrad Hamidreza , Heidari Saber 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundNo reliable and comprehensive study has been published on the incidence and epidemiological profile of meningitis in Iran from 2008 to 2014, before pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and pentavalent vaccine (DTPw-Hep B-Hib (PRP-T) vaccine (pentavac) (adsorbed)) introduction. The present study aimed to portray the epidemiological profile of meningitis in Iran from 2008 to 2014.MethodsData on meningitis cases aged from 1 day to 110 years were extracted from national notifiable diseases surveillance system from March 2008 to December 2014 in Iran. A total number of 48,006 cases of suspected meningitis were identified and 1468 cases of which met the criteria for diagnosis-confirmed meningitis. Of 1468 cases, 1352 patients were included in the study.ResultsThe great number of cases reported from urban areas. Moreover, males were more predominant than females (58.51% vs. 33.81%) in total. The estimated annual incidence rate of meningitis varied from 0.28/100000 in 2008 to 0.09/100000 in 2014. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzaeandNeisseria meningitidiswere the most leading pathogens causing bacterial meningitis, accounted for 266(23.44%), 145(12.78%), 95(8.37%) of cases, respectively. Each of the three bacterial species showed a descending trend. The majority of infected subjects are children under five years.ConclusionsUnlike the decreasing trend of meningitis and high percentage of cultures with negative results, according to World Health Organization recommendation PCV introduction into routine immunization is evident. Implementing an enhanced surveillance system to provide high quality data on epidemiological profile of meningitis in Iran is necessary.
Making decisions about antipsychotics: a qualitative study of patient experience and the development of a decision aid
Authors: Kaar S. J. , Gobjila C. , Butler E. , Henderson C. , Howes O. D. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Shared decision making is a widely accepted standard of patient-centred care that leads to improved clinical outcomes, yet it is commonly underutilised in the field of mental health. Furthermore, little is known regarding patient decision making around antipsychotic medication, which is often poorly adhered to. We aim to explore psychiatric patients’ experiences of antipsychotic medication decision making in order to develop a patient decision aid to promote shared decision making.

Methods
Focus groups were conducted with patients with chronic psychotic illnesses (n = 20) who had previously made a decision about taking or changing antipsychotic medication. Transcripts were coded and analysed for thematic content and continued until thematic saturation. These themes subsequently informed the development of a decision aid with the help of expert guidance. Further patient input was sought using the think aloud method (n = 3).

Results
Twenty-three patients participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed that ‘adverse effects’ was the most common theme identified by patients surrounding antipsychotic medication decision-making followed by ‘mode and time of administration’, ‘symptom control’ and ‘autonomy’. The final decision aid is included to provoke further discussion and development of such aids.

Conclusions
Patients commonly report negative experiences of antipsychotic medication, in particular side-effects, which remain critical to future decision making around antipsychotic medication. Clinical encounters that increase patient knowledge and maximise autonomy in order to prevent early negative experiences with antipsychotic medication are likely to be beneficial.