bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Listeria monocytogenes at the human–wildlife interface: black bears (Ursus americanus) as potential vehicles for Listeria
Authors: Parsons Cameron , Niedermeyer Jeff , Gould Nicholas , Brown Phillip , Strules Jennifer , Parsons Arielle W. , Bernardo Mesa‐Cruz J. , Kelly Marcella J. , Hooker Michael J. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Olfenbuttel Colleen , DePerno Christopher , Kathariou Sophia 
Published: November 2019

SummaryListeria monocytogenes is the causative agent of the foodborne illness listeriosis, which can result in severe symptoms and death in susceptible humans and other animals. L. monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment and isolates from food and food processing, and clinical sources have been extensively characterized. However, limited information is available on L. monocytogenes from wildlife, especially from urban or suburban settings. As urban and suburban areas are expanding worldwide, humans are increasingly encroaching into wildlife habitats, enhancing the frequency of human–wildlife contacts and associated pathogen transfer events. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of L. monocytogenes in 231 wild black bear capture events between 2014 and 2017 in urban and suburban sites in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and United States, with samples derived from 183 different bears. Of the 231 captures, 105 (45%) yielded L. monocytogenes either alone or together with other Listeria. Analysis of 501 samples, primarily faeces, rectal and nasal swabs for Listeria spp., yielded 777 isolates, of which 537 (70%) were L. monocytogenes. Most L. monocytogenes isolates exhibited serotypes commonly associated with human disease: serotype 1/2a or 3a (57%), followed by the serotype 4b complex (33%). Interestingly, approximately 50% of the serotype 4b isolates had the IVb‐v1 profile, associated with emerging clones of L. monocytogenes. Thus, black bears may serve as novel vehicles for L. monocytogenes, including potentially emerging clones. Our results have significant public health implications as they suggest that the ursine host may preferentially select for L. monocytogenes of clinically relevant lineages over the diverse listerial populations in the environment. These findings also help to elucidate the ecology of L. monocytogenes and highlight the public health significance of the human–wildlife interface.
Modified clays alter diversity and respiration profile of microorganisms in long‐term hydrocarbon and metal co‐contaminated soil
Authors: Biswas Bhabananda , Juhasz Albert L. , Mahmudur Rahman Mohammad , Naidu Ravi 
Published: November 2019

SummaryClays and surfactant‐modified clays (organoclays) are becoming popular as pollutant sorbents due to their high reactivity and low‐cost availability. However, the lack of field testing and data on ecotoxicity limits their application. Considering such aspects, this study assessed the impact of clay amendments to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)/cadmium (Cd)‐contaminated soil on microbial respiration profiles (active vs. inactive cells) using redox staining and the relative abundance and diversity of bacteria and archaea. These clay products are bentonite, cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite and palmitic acid‐grafted surfactant‐modified bentonite). After 70 days, the addition of bentonite and its modified forms altered microbial community structure mainly among dominant groups (Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi) with effects varying depending on material loading to soil. Among amendments, fatty acid (palmitic acid) tailored cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite proved to be microbial growth supportive and significantly increased the number of respiration‐active microbial cells by 5% at a low dose of material (e.g. 1%). Even at high dose (5%), the similarity index using operational taxonomic units (OTUs) also indicates that this modified organoclay‐mixed soil provided only slightly different environment than control soil, and therefore, it could offer more biocompatibility than its counterpart organoclay at similar dose (e.g. cationic surfactant‐modified bentonite). This study promotes designing ‘eco‐safe’ clay‐based sorbents for environmental remediation.
Retrospective evaluation of pregnancies with ankylosing spondylitis in a tertiary center in Turkey
Authors: Unal Canan , Fadiloglu Erdem , Tanacan Atakan , Zaim Onur Can , Beksac Mehmet Sinan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate obstetrical and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsThis was a retrospective study evaluating obstetric outcomes of 52 patients with AS who were followed up at our institution between 2006 and 2019. Patients were classified as having disease greater than or less than 5 years, and according to disease‐related medical treatment during pregnancy, as drug free, single medication or multiple medication.ResultsOverall rates of preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia were 17.3%, 13.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Thirty‐three of the patients were followed up without any medication, while 19 patients used drugs during pregnancy. Seven patients used a single drug and 12 patients had multiple drugs. There was no significant difference in terms of obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. However, a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was observed in the group using medication for AS, despite a lack of statistical significance (31.5% vs 15%,P= .162). On the other hand, patients having disease more than 5 years had higher rates of Apgar scores less than <7 and admission to the NICU despite a lack of statistical significance (4% vs 7.4% and 16% vs 26%;P= .267 andP= .297, respectively).ConclusionIn conclusion, pregnancies of patients with AS must be considered as high risk due to increased rates of adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation or preeclampsia.
Betting on temperature: psychological bias in insurance purchases
Authors: Kong Dongmin , Qin Ni , Feng Zhijian , Liu Shasha 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe examine effects of psychological bias on insurance purchases. In 2014, a Chinese insurance company provided high‐temperature insurance, compensating the insured if days with temperature ≥37°C beat the deductible threshold. Although the possibility of a claim is nearly zero and perfectly predicted by the historical temperatures, individual decisions are over‐influenced by the current temperature. A 1 percent increase in hourly temperature is associated with a 3.1 percent increase in hourly sales. The bias is more pronounced with extremely high temperature periods, for young people, and for individuals with a preference for gambling and with easy access to the Internet. We present the importance of psychological bias in understanding individual decisions.
The quest for ingested peanut protein in human serum
Authors: Pahlow Mose Anja , Mortz Ejvind , Stahl Skov Per , Mortz Charlotte Gotthard , Eller Esben , Sprogøe Ulrik , Barington Torben , Bindslev‐Jensen Carsten 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is mounting evidence that systemic uptake of food allergens is key to triggering anaphylaxis. However, direct proof for this theory is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to quantify the absorption and to determine the absorption kinetics of immunoreactive peanut protein in relation to the allergic response in human.MethodsQuantitative protein assays including mass spectrometry, dot blots and Western blotting were developed to determine the level of Ara h 2 absorption in human serum. The double monoclonal sandwich ELISA was applied to quantify absorbed Ara h 2 and 6, and the basophil histamine release assay and the human passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test were utilized to study the absorption kinetics of immunologically intact peanut proteins.ResultsThe protein assays worked but were not sensitive enough to trace the minute amounts of absorbed Ara h 2 in human serum. The level of Ara h 6 in serum was found to be up to 0.2 ng/mL, but Ara h 2 could not be detected with the ELISA. Both the in vivo and the in vitro methods were successful in demonstrating that: immunoreactive peanut protein was absorbed shortly after ingestion (≤5 minutes); the peanut protein concentration peaks between 1 and 4 hours; and peanut proteins can circulate for at least 48 hours in the bloodstream.ConclusionIngested peanut protein is absorbed systemically and retains its immunoreactive capacity in human serum. However, the precise quantities and the implication for the elicitation of anaphylaxis remains to be elucidated.
Pregnancy complications and risk of preterm birth according to maternal age: A population‐based study of delivery hospitalizations in Alberta
Authors: Scime Natalie V. , Chaput Katie H. , Faris Peter D. , Quan Hude , Tough Suzanne C. , Metcalfe Amy 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionPregnancy‐related medical complications are associated with a 2‐ to 5‐fold increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), but the nature of this etiologic relation in context with maternal factors remains poorly understood. Previous studies have generally treated maternal age as a confounder but overlooked its potential as an effect modifier, whereby the magnitude of the effect of complications on PTB could differ significantly across age groups. We investigated whether advanced maternal age (≥35 years) modified the association between pregnancy complications and PTB, and compared population‐attributable fractions of PTB from complications in women older vs younger than 35 years.Material and methodsWe analyzed population‐based, cross‐sectional data from the Alberta Discharge Abstract Database for women aged 18‐50 years with singleton live births in hospital between 2014 and 2017 (n = 152 246). Complications were preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placental disorders identified using diagnostic codes. Outcomes were spontaneous (sPTB) or iatrogenic (iPTB) PTB before 37 weeks of gestation. We estimated risk ratios and risk differences using modified Poisson and log binomial regression, respectively, adjusting for confounders (pregnancy history, comorbidities). Population‐attributable fractions estimates were calculated from risk ratios. Age modification was tested using interaction terms and Z‐tests.ResultsPrevalence of advanced maternal age was 19.2%. Pregnancy complications and s/iPTB were more common among women aged ≥35 years. Age modified the risk of PTB from preeclampsia only, with risk differences of 9.9% (95% CI 7.2%‐12.6%) in older women vs 6.1% (95% CI 4.8%‐7.4%) in younger women (P‐interaction = 0.012) for sPTB, and 29.5% (95% CI 26.0%‐33.1%) vs 20.8% (95% CI 18.9%‐22.6%, P‐interaction <0.001) for iPTB. Population‐attributable fractions of s/iPTB types for all complications were consistently 2%‐5% larger in women aged ≥35 years, and significantly larger for preeclampsia (sPTB: 5.1% vs 2.7%, P = 0.002; iPTB: 18.8% vs 14.0%, P < 0.001) and placental disorders (sPTB: 12.5% vs 8.7%, P < 0.001; iPTB: 13.2% vs 8.9%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOf the pregnancy complications studied, advanced maternal age only modified the association between PTB and preeclampsia, such that older women with preeclampsia have a higher risk for s/iPTB than younger counterparts. Pregnancy complications contribute to a sizable proportion of PTBs in Alberta, especially among women aged ≥35 years. Findings may inform clinical risk assessment and population‐level policy targeting PTB.
Paediatric haematologists’ attitudes regarding haematopoietic cell transplantation as treatment for sickle cell disease
Authors: Stallings Alicia M. , Majhail Navneet S. , Nowacki Amy S. , Onimoe Grace I. , Hanna Rabi , Piccone Connie M. 
Published: November 2019

SummaryBeginning early in childhood, patients with sickle cell disease [SCD; a group of genetic haemoglobin disorders characterized by the sickle or HbS mutation (HBB E7V)] are at risk of life‐threatening and debilitating health events. Despite the high morbidity and mortality of this disease, haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a curative therapy for SCD, remains underutilized. A variety of factors, including the limited availability of suitable donors, play a role in this trend, but do not fully explain the low frequency with which this therapy is employed. The objective of this study was to identify paediatric haematologists’ attitudes about HCT as a treatment option for SCD, and to describe the impact of these attitudes on their practices of discussing HCT with families of children affected by this disease. A nationwide survey of paediatric haematologists in the United States was conducted between February and May 2016. Two hundred and eighty‐seven surveys were included in the final analysis (response rate 20%). On average, respondents reported informing 42% of families about HCT as a treatment option (N = 248, 95% confidence interval: 38–46). Clinician attitudes about the cost and safety of HCT were associated with practices of discussing this therapy with families. These findings suggest that clinician attitudes and referral practices may play a role in the underutilization of this therapy in the SCD population.
Whites’ racial identity centrality and social dominance orientation are interactively associated with far‐right extremism
Authors: Bai Hui 
Published: November 2019

This paper presents evidence from five studies (total White N = 7,209) that White American’s racial identity centrality is related to self‐reported levels of far‐right extremism. Furthermore, evidence from two of the studies shows that social dominance orientation (SDO) is another robust predictor of far‐right extremism. Results also show that SDO can moderate the relationship between White identity and extremism such that the association is stronger for Whites with a higher level of SDO. Therefore, evidence suggests that the role of Whites’ racial identity centrality is particularly relevant, and SDO is an important variable that may moderate the association between Whites’ racial identity centrality and their far‐right extremism in the contemporary political era.
Studying Executive Function Skills in Young Children in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: Progress and Directions
Authors: Obradović Jelena , Willoughby Michael T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAs a culturally universal set of cognitive skills that promote goal‐directed behaviors, executive functions (EFs) support milestones of early childhood development, such as learning and forming social relationships. A growing base of evidence shows commonality around the world in EFs’ validity, biological basis, and family predictors. But we need more research to understand more fully how to promote the development of EF skills in young children from low‐ and middle‐income countries. In this article, we highlight recent studies on EFs in those countries and propose directions for research on measurement, contextual influences, and interventions. The global health community needs an index of how early life experiences affect child development beyond measures of physical growth, and the global education community needs an instrument to screen children for school readiness beyond measures of preacademic skills. Assessments of EF can address these needs. Research on emergent EFs in low‐ and middle‐income countries can also support the design and evaluation of multisector programs and policies.
Chimeric specific antigen epitope‐carrying dendritic cells induce interleukin‐17(+) regulatory T cells to suppress food allergy
Authors: Xu Ling‐Zhi , Xie Rui‐Di , Xie Hai , Ju Ji‐Yu , Fu Xiao‐Yan , Di Da‐Lin , Peng Mei‐Yu , Gao Wei , Zhang Yuan‐Yi , Yu Dian , Liu Jiang‐Qi , Yang Gui , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Liu Zhi-Gang , Yang Ping-Chang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe on‐purpose‐modulated dendritic cells (DCs) have shown charming effects on restoring immune regulatory functions in subjects with immune diseases.ObjectiveThis study aims to construct DCs carrying chimerical antigen (Ag) peptides (CAP‐DCs) to induce interleukin (IL)‐17+ inducible Tregs (iTregs) to alleviate food allergy (FA) in a murine model.MethodsIn this study, we constructed CAP‐DCs. The CAP is a fusion protein, consisting of a segment of recombinant scFv of anti‐DEC205 antibody and an ovalbumin (OVA) epitope (IC). A murine OVA‐FA model was developed to test the effects of CAP‐DCs on suppressing the allergic response in the intestine.ResultsThe CAP‐DCs are characterized as that a complex of scFv‐IC is presented on the surface of the cells, moderately express CD80 and CD86 as well as IL‐6, IL‐23, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β and CCR9. After being passively transferred with CAP‐DCs or injection of scFv‐IC, Ag‐specific IL‐17+ Foxp3+ iTregs were induced in the intestinal lamina propria of FA mice. The iTregs showed immune suppressive effects on Ag‐specific Th2 response. FA mice were adoptively transferred with the CAP‐DCs or scFv‐IC injection, which resulted in a significant decrease in the number of Ag‐specific Th2 cells and suppression of FA response in an Ag‐specific manner.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCAP‐DCs can ameliorate FA response by inducing Ag‐specific IL‐17+ Foxp3+ iTregs and suppressing Ag‐specific Th2 response. To generate CAP‐DCs has the translational potential in the treatment of FA.
A meta‐analysis of bariatric surgery‐related outcomes in accredited versus unaccredited hospitals in the United States
Authors: Baidwan Navneet K. , Bachiashvili Vasil , Mehta Tapan 
Published: November 2019

SummaryThe American Society for Bariatric Surgery established a set of standards for bariatric surgery Centers of Excellence accreditation programme in 2003. While several research efforts have shown that post‐bariatric surgery outcomes were poorer in unaccredited as compared to accredited hospitals, others have questioned the same. This research effort sought to use random effects meta‐analysis to quantitatively summarize the existing research efforts analysing this association, which were published between January 2000 and October 2018. Out of the total 559 articles, 13 that quantitatively analysed the effect of accreditation on post‐operative mortality‐ and morbidity‐related outcomes were included in the analysis. Overall, the weighted pooled estimates showed that compared to accredited, in the unaccredited hospitals, the odds of mortality were twice as high (odds ratio: 1.83; confidence interval: 1.49, 2.25), and those for morbidity were 1.23 times higher (1.11, 1.36). Estimates varied by the data source used, and the effect estimate used (odds or risk ratios). Overall, the odds of poor post‐operative outcomes were higher among unaccredited hospitals as compared to accredited. However, there were analytic differences and other limitations among the existing efforts. Future research efforts conducting independent analyses on these data sources, keeping the methodology consistent are needed.
MicroRNA‐21 affects mechanical force–induced midpalatal suture remodelling
Authors: Li Mengying , Zhang Zijie , Gu Xiuge , Jin Ye , Feng Cheng , Yang Shuangyan , Wei Fulan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesmiR‐21 can promote osteoblast differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells. However, the effect of miR‐21 on bone remodelling in the midpalatal suture is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of miR‐21 on the midpalatal suture bone remodelling by expanding the palatal sutures.Materials and methodsmiR‐21 deficient (miR‐21−/−) and wild‐type (WT) mice were used to establish animal models by expanding the palatal sutures. Micro‐CT, haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, fluorescence labelling and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the function of miR‐21 in midpalatal suture bone remodelling. Besides, bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) derived from both miR‐21−/− and WT mice were cultured. The MTT, CCK8, EdU analysis, transwell and wound healing test were used to assess the effects of miR‐21 on the characteristics of cells.ResultsThe expression of ALP was suppressed in miR‐21‐/‐ mice after expansion except 28 days. The expression of Ocn in WT mice was much higher than that of miR‐21‐/‐ mice. Besides, with mechanical force, miR‐21 deficiency downregulated the expression of Opg, upregulated the expression of Rankl, and induced more osteoclasts as TRAP staining showed. After injecting agomir‐21 to miR‐21‐/‐ mice, the expression of Alp, Ocn and Opg/Rankl were rescued. In vitro, the experiments suggested that miR‐21 deficiency reduced proliferation and migration ability of BMSCs.ConclusionsThe results showed that miR‐21 deficiency reduced the rate of bone formation and prolonged the process of bone formation. miR‐21 regulated the bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis by affecting the cell abilities of proliferation and migration.
Preoperative intervention with long‐acting bronchodilators for the reduction of postoperative pulmonary complications in untreated patients with obstructive lung disease
Authors: Mikami Yu , Jo Taisuke , Matsuzaki Hirotaka , Ishimori Taro , Saito Minako , Sakamoto Yukiyo , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Takai Daiya , Yatomi Yutaka , Nagase Takahide 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundObstructive lung disease (OLD) is a risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) and is incidentally discovered during preoperative evaluation. The key treatments for OLD are inhaled long‐acting bronchodilators (LAB). However, the advantage of preoperative bronchodilator treatment for patients with OLD remains unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of preoperative LAB treatment in patients with untreated OLD on postoperative outcomes.MethodsIn this propensity‐matched cohort study, we included patients who were referred to the pulmonologists for untreated OLD. The patients were either treated with LAB or left untreated. The primary outcome was the incidence of prolonged oxygen therapy (>3 days) in the postoperative period. We evaluated patients’ characteristics with and without the use of LAB using propensity score (PS) matching weight. Subsequently, the outcomes in the two groups were compared.ResultsWe analysed 614 patients; 132 patients were part of the LAB group and 482 were included in the control group. In the crude analysis, the incidence of prolonged oxygen therapy was higher in the LAB group than in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.35; P = 0.04). However, after PS matching weight, no statistically significant differences in prolonged oxygen therapy (OR = 1.15), incidence of prolonged intensive care unit stay, endotracheal re‐intubation postoperatively and in‐hospital death between the groups were identified.ConclusionThere is a limited benefit of preoperative treatment with inhaled LAB for the reduction of PPC in patients with untreated OLD.