bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mosquito diversity and dog heartworm prevalence in suburban areas
Authors: Spence Beaulieu Meredith R. , Federico Jennifer L. , Reiskind Michael H. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Urbanization is occurring rapidly on a global scale and is altering mosquito communities, creating assemblages that are characteristically less diverse. Despite high rates of urbanization and ample examples of vector-borne diseases transmitted by multiple species, the effects of urbanization-driven mosquito diversity losses on disease transmission has not been well explored. We investigated this question using the dog heartworm, a filarial parasite vectored by numerous mosquito species.

Methods
We trapped host-seeking mosquitoes in undeveloped areas and neighborhoods of different ages in Wake County, North Carolina, USA, analyzing captured mosquitoes for heartworm DNA. We compared within-mosquito heartworm infection across land-use types by Kruskal–Wallis and likelihood ratio tests. Using zip code level data acquired from dogs in a local shelter, we performed linear regressions of within-host heartworm prevalence by within-mosquito heartworm prevalence as well as by three mosquito diversity measures. We also determined the best predictor of host-level prevalence among models including within-mosquito infection, mosquito diversity and abundance, and socioeconomic status as variables.

Results
Suburban areas had lower within-mosquito heartworm prevalence and lower likelihood of heartworm-positive mosquitoes than did undeveloped field sites, although no differences were seen between suburban and undeveloped wooded sites. No relationships were noted between within-mosquito and within-host heartworm prevalence. However, mosquito diversity metrics were positively correlated with host heartworm prevalence. Model selection revealed within-host prevalence was best predicted by a positive relationship with mosquito Shannon–Wiener diversity and a negative relationship with household income.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that decreases in mosquito diversity due to urbanization alter vector-borne disease risk. With regard to dog heartworm disease, this loss of mosquito diversity is associated with decreased heartworm prevalence within both the vector and the host. Although the response is likely different for diseases transmitted by one or few species, mosquito diversity losses leading to decreased transmission could be generalizable to other pathogens with multiple vectors. This study contributes to better understanding of the effects of urbanization and the role of vector diversity in multi-vectored pathosystems.
Genetic diversity of Blastocystis in kindergarten children in southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Qi Meng , Wei Zilin , Zhang Ying , Zhang Qiyuan , Li Juanfeng , Zhang Longxian , Wang Rongjun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal parasites in humans and various animals worldwide. Few studies are available regarding the genetic characterization of Blastocystis infections in humans in China.

Methods
In the present study, 609 fecal samples were collected from two- to six-year-old kindergarten children in southern Xinjiang and were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results
The infection rate of Blastocystis was 14.3% (87/609); no significant difference was observed among counties and between sexes. Blastocystis subtypes ST1 (n = 38), ST2 (n = 8), and ST3 (n = 41) were identified by sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Genetic polymorphisms were observed at the intra-subtype level, including seven variations for ST1 (ST1A to ST1G), four for ST2 (ST2A to ST2D), and two for ST3 (ST3A and ST3B); with ST1F and ST2B being new variations.

Conclusions
ST1 and ST3 are the two common Blastocystis subtypes in the study area. More extensive studies in both humans and animals in different regions are needed to better characterize the transmission of Blastocystis.
Comparison of performance of specific (SLEQOL) and generic (SF36) health-related quality of life questionnaires and their associations with disease status of systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal study
Authors: Louthrenoo Worawit , Kasitanon Nuntana , Morand Eric , Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
The utility of generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is uncertain. We compared the performance of generic (SF36) and specific (SLEQOL) HRQoL surveys by examining their associations with the Global Rating of Change (GRC) and SLE clinical indicators.

Methods
The study included SLE patients who attended a single-center rheumatology clinic between 2013 and 2017. Patients completed both specific (SLEQOL) and generic (SF36) surveys and rated their GRC compared to the previous visit using a 7-point Likert scale on the same day of routine visits. Based on GRC scores, patients’ change in HRQoL was categorized as “no change,” “deterioration,” or “improvement.” Disease activity (SLEDAI-2K), flare, and lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) were assessed at each visit, and organ damage (SDI) was determined annually. Pairwise correlations between SLEQOL and SF36 components were examined, and associations between GRC status and SLE disease indicators were compared using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results
Three hundred thirty-seven patients with 2062 visits were included in the analysis. SLEQOL correlated significantly with SF36. Patients reported improvements in HRQoL in 58%, deterioration in 15%, and “no change” in 27% of all visits. Compared to the “no change” group, mean SF36 and SLEQOL scores were significantly lower in the deterioration group and higher in the improvement group. The magnitude of changes observed with SLEQOL and SF36 in the deterioration and improvement groups was similar. Patients in LLDAS had significantly higher mean scores in both SLEQOL and SF36. In contrast, patients with active disease, especially those with cutaneous, renal, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal activity, had significantly lower SLEQOL and SF36. Flare and organ damage were also associated with lower SLEQOL and SF36-PCS (physical component) but not with SF36-MCS (mental component).

Conclusion
SLEQOL and SF36 similarly describe HRQoL in SLE. Both instruments demonstrated strong associations with GRC-based deterioration or improvement as well as SLE disease status. LLDAS was associated with improved HRQoL.
Hydatid cyst of the foot: a case report
Authors: Ewnte Biniam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Hydatid cyst is rarely located in soft tissues. This case of a hydatid cyst over the plantar surface of our patient’s foot is one of the rarest presentations.

Case presentation
This is a case report of a 22-year-old Somali who presented with a lump over the plantar surface of his foot of 1-year duration. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made intraoperatively from the typical appearance of a hydatid cyst. The cyst was completely excised. No local recurrence has been detected to date.

Conclusions
The rare location and uncommon incidence made the initial diagnosis of hydatid cyst of the foot difficult. Detection of the typical germinal membrane can guide the diagnosis of hydatid cyst in rare locations that are found incidentally.
Risk modifiers of acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with non-pulmonary sepsis: a retrospective analysis of the FORECAST study
Authors:   on behalf of JAAM FORECAST group, Iriyama Hiroki , Abe Toshikazu , Kushimoto Shigeki , Fujishima Seitaro , Ogura Hiroshi , Shiraishi Atsushi , Saitoh Daizoh , Mayumi Toshihiko , Naito Toshio , Komori Akira , Hifumi Toru , Shiino Yasukazu , Nakada Taka-aki , Tarui Takehiko , Otomo Yasuhiro , Okamoto Kohji , Umemura Yutaka , Kotani Joji , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Sasaki Junichi , Shiraishi Shin-ichiro , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Tsuruta Ryosuke , Hagiwara Akiyoshi , Yamakawa Kazuma , Masuno Tomohiko , Takeyama Naoshi , Yamashita Norio , Ikeda Hiroto , Ueyama Masashi , Fujimi Satoshi , Gando Satoshi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Predisposing conditions and risk modifiers instead of causes and risk factors have recently been used as alternatives to identify patients at a risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, data regarding risk modifiers among patients with non-pulmonary sepsis is rare.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of the multicenter, prospective, Focused Outcomes Research in Emergency Care in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Sepsis and Trauma (FORECAST) cohort study that was conducted in 59 intensive care units (ICUs) in Japan during January 2016–March 2017. Adult patients with severe sepsis caused by non-pulmonary infection were included, and the primary outcome was having ARDS, defined as meeting the Berlin definition on the first or fourth day of screening. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify risk modifiers associated with ARDS, and odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. The following explanatory variables were then assessed: age, sex, admission source, body mass index, smoking status, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, steroid use, statin use, infection site, septic shock, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score.

Results
After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 594 patients with non-pulmonary sepsis were enrolled, among whom 85 (14.3%) had ARDS. Septic shock was diagnosed in 80% of patients with ARDS and 66% of those without ARDS (p = 0.01). APACHE II scores were higher in patients with ARDS [26 (22–33)] than in those without ARDS [21 (16–28), p < 0.01]. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the following were independently associated with ARDS: ICU admission source [OR, 1.89 (1.06–3.40) for emergency department compared with hospital wards], smoking status [OR, 0.18 (0.06–0.59) for current smoking compared with never smoked], infection site [OR, 2.39 (1.04–5.40) for soft tissue infection compared with abdominal infection], and APACHE II score [OR, 1.08 (1.05–1.12) for higher compared with lower score].

Conclusions
Soft tissue infection, ICU admission from an emergency department, and a higher APACHE II score appear to be the risk modifiers of ARDS in patients with non-pulmonary sepsis.
Eosinophil granuloma due to parasite treated by laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery: a case report
Authors: Tsuji Toshikatsu , Inaki Noriyuki 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Gastric eosinophilic granuloma caused by parasitic infection is rare. It is often suspected to be a malignant disease and it is difficult to diagnose. We successfully diagnosed and removed a gastric eosinophilic granuloma using laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS).

Case presentation
A 35-year-old woman visited our hospital because of epigastric pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 15 mm submucosal tumor (SMT) with changes in the folds, such as enlargement and convergence, located in the greater curvature of the lower gastric body. Computed tomography (CT) showed a dense, nonenhanced area of 15 mm at the same site. SMT was suspected, but undifferentiated cancer could not be excluded. We performed laparoscopic partial gastrectomy using LECS for resection biopsy.
Histopathological examination showed an SMT 8 × 8 × 5 mm in size with an unclear boundary and necrosed insects at the core of the tumor. There was marked eosinophilic infiltration around the area. The diagnosis was gastric granuloma caused by parasitic infection.

Conclusions
It is difficult to differentiate gastric eosinophilic granuloma caused by parasitic infection from malignant disease. In this case, LECS is considered a minimally invasive and useful procedure.
Yellow fever control: current epidemiology and vaccination strategies
Authors: Chen Lin H. , Wilson Mary E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractYellow fever (YF) outbreaks continue, have expanded into new areas and threaten large populations in South America and Africa. Predicting where epidemics might occur must take into account local mosquito populations and specific YF virus strain, as well as ecoclimatic conditions, sociopolitical and demographic factors including population size, density, and mobility, and vaccine coverage. Populations of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from different regions vary in susceptibility to and capacity to transmit YF virus. YF virus cannot be eliminated today because the virus circulates in animal reservoirs, but human disease could be eliminated with wide use of the vaccine. WHO EYE (Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics) is a welcome plan to control YF, with strategies to be carried out from 2017 to 2026: to expand use of YF vaccine, to prevent international spread, and to contain outbreaks rapidly. YF vaccination is the mainstay in controlling YF outbreaks, but global supply is insufficient. Therefore, dose-sparing strategies have been proposed including fractional dosing and intradermal administration. Fractional dosing has been effectively used in outbreak control but currently does not satisfy International Health Regulations; special documentation is needed for international travel. Vector control is another facet in preventing YF outbreaks, and novel methods are being considered and proposed.
What wild dogs want: habitat selection differs across life stages and orders of selection in a wide-ranging carnivore
Authors: O’Neill Helen M. K. , Durant Sarah M. , Woodroffe Rosie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Habitat loss is a key threat to the survival of many species. Habitat selection studies provide key information for conservation initiatives by identifying important habitat and anthropogenic characteristics influencing the distribution of threatened species in changing landscapes. However, assumptions about the homogeneity of individual choices on habitat, regardless of life stage, are likely to result in inaccurate assessment of conservation priorities. This study addresses a knowledge gap in how animals at different life stages diverge in how they select habitat and anthropogenic features, using a free-ranging population of African wild dogs living in a human-dominated landscape in Kenya as a case study. Using GPS collar data to develop resource selection function and step selection function models, this study investigated differences between second order (selection of home range across a landscape) and third order (selection of habitat within the home range) habitat selection across four life history stages when resource requirements may vary: resident-non-denning, resident-heavily-pregnant, resident-denning and dispersing.

Results
Wild dogs showed strong second order selection for areas with low human population densities and areas close to rivers and roads. More rugged areas were also generally selected, as were areas with lower percentage tree cover. The strength of selection for habitat variables varied significantly between life stages; for example, dispersal groups were more tolerant of higher human population densities, whereas denning and pregnant packs were least tolerant of such areas.

Conclusions
Habitat selection patterns varied between individuals at different life stages and at different orders of selection. These analyses showed that denning packs and dispersal groups, the two pivotal life stages which drive wild dog population dynamics, exhibited different habitat selection to resident-non-breeding packs. Dispersal groups were relatively tolerant of higher human population densities whereas denning packs preferred rugged, remote areas. Evaluating different orders of selection was important as the above trends may not be detectable at all levels of selection for all habitat characteristics. Our analyses demonstrate that when life stage information is included in analyses across different orders of selection, it improves our understanding of how animals use their landscapes, thus providing important insights to aid conservation planning.
Patient perspectives on the pathway to psoriatic arthritis diagnosis: results from a web-based survey of patients in the United States
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , Nowell W. Benjamin , Applegate Eddie , Gavigan Kelly , Venkatachalam Shilpa , de la Cruz Marie , Flood Emuella , Schwartz Ethan J. , Romero Beverly , Hur Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
There are limited real-world data on the diagnostic experiences of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), including medical care sought and potential barriers to diagnosis. We aim to describe patient experiences related to receiving a PsA diagnosis.

Methods
Ours was a mixed-method, 2-phase study. Phase 1 comprised concept elicitation and cognitive interviews with clinical experts and adults diagnosed with PsA to develop a cross sectional, web-based survey. US adults with a self-reported PsA diagnosis were recruited through a patient support community (CreakyJoints), an online patient research registry (ArthritisPower), and social media outreach. In Phase 2, the online survey collected data on sociodemographics, clinical symptoms, disease burden, and diagnosis history of survey respondents with PsA.

Results
Of the 203 respondents included, 172 (84.7%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 51.6 (10.8) years. The time between seeking medical attention and receiving a diagnosis was < 6 months for 69 respondents, 6 months to 4 years for 68 respondents, and ≥ 5 years for 66 respondents. Most respondents sought care from general practitioners (79.8%) and rheumatologists (66.5%). Common initial symptoms that led respondents to seek medical attention were joint pain (70.0%) and stiffness (53.7%). Among the initial symptoms that led respondents to seek care, joint pain, swollen joints, and sausage-like fingers or toes (indicating dactylitis) were more common among respondents with shorter time to diagnosis, whereas stiffness, fatigue, enthesitis (indicated by foot problems, tendon and ligament pain), and back pain were more common among respondents with longer time to diagnosis. Common misdiagnoses were psychosomatic issues (26.6%) and osteoarthritis (21.7%). Respondents with shorter times to diagnosis had lower frequencies of misdiagnosis.

Conclusions
Respondents with PsA reported delays in diagnosis and misdiagnoses on their journey to a PsA diagnosis. Symptom differences, such as enthesitis and stiffness, were noted among respondents with shorter vs longer time to diagnosis. Increased understanding of diagnostic barriers may lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate management to improve outcomes.
Testing Real-World Application of Appropriateness Criteria of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) In Two Egyptian Hospitals
Authors: Abdeltawab Adham , Mansour Hazem , Rayan Mona 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe American College of Cardiology pioneered appropriateness criteria for single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging in 2005 to account for evidence-based clinical relevance of stress perfusion imaging.Our aim was to assess and compare appropriateness use criteria in in Kobry al Kobba military hospital and Ain Shams University hospitals.MethodsAll patients were subjected to thorough history taking, calculation of pretest probability and Framingham risk score, determination of appropriateness use criteria and stress-rest Tc 99m imaging to detect the presence of ischemia and one day Tc 99m imaging to detect viability.ResultsThe study included 442 patients with mean age of 56.5 years, with male predominance (77%), 38% were diabetics and 58% had hypertension.Seventy-eight percent of patients had appropriate tests, uncertain tests in 12% and 10% inappropriate studies. 47% of appropriate tests show positive results of SPECT.ConclusionWe concluded that appropriateness criteria are effective in identifying appropriateness of SPECT in a diverse patient population.
Individualized Asparaginase Dosing in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Kloos Robin Q.H. , Pieters Rob , Jumelet Florine M.V. , de Groot-Kruseman Hester A. , van den Bos Cor , van der Sluis Inge M. 
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE In the DCOG ALL-11 protocol, polyethylene glycol–conjugated Escherichia coli asparaginase (PEGasparaginase) and Erwinia asparaginase treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia are individualized with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The efficacy of TDM and its effect on asparaginase-associated toxicity are reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS After induction with 3 fixed intravenous doses of 1,500 IU/m2 PEGasparaginase, medium-risk patients (n = 243) received 14 individualized doses that targeted trough levels of 100-250 IU/L, standard-risk patients (n = 108) received 1 individualized dose, and high-risk patients (n = 18) received 2-5 fixed administrations (1,500 IU/m2). After a neutralizing hypersensitivity reaction, patients were started with 20,000 IU/m2 Erwinia asparaginase 3 times per week, and l-asparagine was measured to monitor asparaginase efficacy. Several asparaginase-associated toxicities were studied. RESULTS The final median PEGasparaginase dose was lowered to 450 IU/m2. Overall, 97% of all trough levels of nonallergic patients were > 100 IU/L. Asparagine was < 0.5 μM in 96% and 67% of the PEGasparaginase and Erwinia asparaginase levels > 100 IU/L, respectively. Ten percent developed a neutralizing hypersensitivity reaction to PEGasparaginase, of which 40% were silent inactivations. The cumulative incidence of grade 3-4 pancreatitis, central neurotoxicity, and thromboses was 12%, 4%, and 6%, respectively, and not associated with asparaginase activity levels. During medium-risk intensification, 50% had increased ALT and 3% hyperbilirubinemia (both grade 3/4 and correlated with asparaginase activity levels), and 37% had grade 3/4 hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia occurred less in intensification compared with ALL-10 (37% v 47%), which is similar to ALL-11 but with higher asparaginase levels during intensification. CONCLUSION TDM of asparaginase results in a significant reduction of the PEGasparaginase dose with adequate asparaginase activity levels and sufficient asparagine depletion. In addition, with TDM, silent inactivation and allergic-like reactions were identified. However, the effect of reduced asparaginase activity levels on toxicity is limited.