bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases Caused by Protozoa and Bacteria
Authors: Hörlein H. 
Published: July 2019

The possibility of combating infectious diseases with chemotherapeutically active substances depends to a large extent on the structure of the pathogenic organism. Apart from the cure of contagious pleuro-pneumonia in horses with neosalvarsan, we have, as yet, no chemotherapeutic substance which is active in virus diseases. The position is scarcely better when we turn to bacterial infections due to cocci and bacilli. These two types of infective organisms occupy the lowest level in the scale of micro-organisms. On the other hand, the spirochætes, which also belong to the bacteria group, and, still more so, those causal organisms belonging to the protozoa, represent relatively highly differentiated species, and the more highly developed a pathogenic organism is, the more points for attack it appears to offer to the action of chemotherapeutic substances. It is, therefore, not to be wondered at that the best results with chemotherapeutically active substances have been obtained in spirochætal diseases (syphilis, relapsing fever, frambœsia, etc.), and above all, in protozoal diseases. There is scarcely a protozoal disease of man which cannot be cured nowadays by early treatment with the appropriate synthetic drug. (Sleeping sickness, malaria, amœbic dysentery, leishmaniasis.) Epizootics resembling human diseases, as for example, trypanoses, are also relatively easily dealt with by the same drugs as have been found of value in the treatment of disease in man. On the other hand, there has been a lack of success, up to the present, in the treatment of those diseases of animals which are not generally related to the tropical diseases of man. The most important of these epizootics are the piroplasmoses, which are caused by babesiæ and theileriæ and which are found, not only in tropical and subtropical regions, but also in temperate zones. In this paper the discovery of a new remedy against piroplasmosis will be reported (acaprin). Further, advice will be given of a new class of substances, which have an actual chemotherapeutic action in streptococcal infections (prontosil, prontosil S), so that one can hope to be able in the future also to attack bacterial infections due to cocci chemotherapeutically.
The Peripheral Circulation in Chronic Rheumatism
Authors: Kersley G. D. 
Published: July 2019

A series of cases of rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, gout and fibrositis have been investigated by means of the sedimentation rate, Arneth count, saline absorption test, glucose tolerance test, and direct observation of the capillaries, in order to correlate any abnormality of the peripheral circulation with the type and activity of the disease. The sedimentation rate test, in which a wide bore tube was used, was of great value as an estimation of activity in the rheumatoid arthritic cases, but a small group showed a normal reading. In the gouty subjects it was usually low but was liable to vary greatly within a short time. In the osteo-arthritic and fibrositic groups it was normal. The Arneth count did not parallel the sedimentation rate; it was usually normal in the gouty subjects but showed abnormalities in the rheumatoid arthritics and sometimes in the osteo-arthritics (a shift usually to the left, but sometimes to the right). The saline absorption test was valueless except in cases of gross circulatory disturbance. The glucose tolerance test, although producing some abnormal curves, in both the osteo-arthritic and the rheumatoid arthritic groups gave normal curves, taking an average of a large number of cases. Observation of the capillaries—notes being taken of their number, shape, &c., with a drawing eyepiece and photographs—showed a wide variation in normal individuals. This was so remarkable that the only clear-cut findings were a slight increase in tortuosity in the osteo-arthritic group—probably due to the increase in the average age of this group—and an increase in the visibility of the full-length of the capillary loop and of the basal meshwork in the rheumatoid arthritics, probably due to trophic thinning of the epidermis.
Bacteriæmia and Oral Sepsis
Authors: Elliott S. D. 
Published: July 2019

Transient streptococcal bacteriæmias are a frequent sequel to dental extractions especially when the mouth is the seat of severe chronic gum infection. Bacteria may also gain admission to the blood-stream in such cases irrespective of operative procedures and probably as the result, in many instances, of minor degrees of gum injury such as is produced by biting on a loose tooth. Acute apical infections do not appear to be especially associated with blood infection of this kind, the focus of infection here apparently being effectively “walled off” by the associated inflammatory reaction.Of the two factors, infection and trauma, involved in the production of these post-operative bacteriæmias, infection appears to be the more important since, when it is marked, very slight degrees of gum injury are sufficient to produce blood-stream invasion. In the complete absence, however, of the type of trauma induced by the “rocking” of a tooth during its removal, extraction may be accomplished without producing a heavy bacterial shower in the blood.Usually these transient bacteriæmias produce no permanent ill-effect, but there is some evidence that, occurring in subjects with abnormal heart valves, they may lead to subacute infective endocarditis. Thirteen cases are reported where the valvular infection appeared to result from a post-operative dental bacteriæmia.Prevention of such bacteriæmias may be achieved by the reduction or elimination of infection and trauma. Complete elimination of the gum infection is difficult although preliminary treatment of the gum margin by some measure such as cauterization may lessen it and lead to a reduction of the post-operative bacterial shower. Similarly, by manipulating an infected tooth as little as possible during its extraction the incidence or degree of blood infection may be decreased.
Postschool Outcomes of Youths with Deafblindness in the United States: Building Further Understandings for Future Practice
Authors: Petroff Jerry G. , Pancsofar Nadya , Shaaban Engy 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: This study examines the postschool outcomes for youths with deafblindness, aged 18–30 years, in the areas of independent living, employment, and friendships. Methods: Survey data were collected on 80 youths with deafblindness across the United States. Data addressed postschool outcomes, in addition to youths’ demographics and high school experiences. Results: The findings of this study suggest that very few youths were living independently or engaged in paid employment. Conversely, it was reported that the vast majority of youths had friends, and most youths had five or more friendships. Associations between the youths’ demographics, high school experiences, and postschool outcomes show that youths with higher skills in reading and problem-solving were more apt to have been educated in inclusive secondary education settings, had access to the general education curriculum, and to have experienced positive postschool outcomes. Transition planning for these youths was not significantly associated with their postschool outcomes. Discussion: These findings are consistent with trends in previous studies regarding postschool outcomes for youths with deafblindness. Future research is needed in formal transition planning and what additional factors may need to be better understood in providing opportunities in postschool life for youths with deafblindness. Implications for practice: Findings from this study suggest better inclusion efforts are needed for students with deafblindness in terms of associated opportunities and experiences that would prepare them for paid employment and independent living, along with social engagement and friendships.
Safety and tolerability of iobitridol in cerebral angiography: a prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Heo Young Jin , Jeong Hae Woong , Kim Donghyun , Baek Jin Wook , Lee Tae Hong , Hwangbo Lee , Shin Shang Hun 
Published: July 2019

Background To date, only a few data have demonstrated the safety of iodinated contrast media for cerebral angiography. Purpose To assess contrast-related adverse events after cerebral angiography using iobitridol. Material and Methods A total of 790 patients who underwent cerebral angiography at three tertiary hospitals in the Republic of Korea between November 2017 and October 2018 were prospectively enrolled in this study. We interviewed all patients and recorded their symptoms before they left the interventional clinic after the angiography procedure and during the seven-day follow-up visit. The primary endpoints were acute (within 1 h) and delayed (1 h–7 days) adverse events associated with iobitridol injection. We also visually graded the radiographic density and image quality as secondary endpoints. Results Acute adverse events were more common than delayed adverse events. Most adverse events were either mild (96.5%) or moderate (3.45%). Among the contrast-related adverse events, feeling of warmth (59.1%) and altered taste (17.5%) were the most common acute events, whereas headache (41.9%) and allergic skin reactions (20.0%) were the most common delayed events. All cerebral angiography showed optimal density and good/excellent image quality. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that iobitridol is a safe and effective iodinated contrast medium for use in cerebral angiography.
Evaluation of Remineralizing Efficacy of Calcium Sucrose Phosphate: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies
Authors: Karad Ashok , Dhole Prashant 
Published: July 2019

Background: Despite improved oral hygiene regime and availability of preventive formulations, dental caries continues to be a global dental problem. Calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP) is a remineralizing agent with cariostatic action, which is commonly available in the form of tooth cream. Considering the paucity of evidence, this systematic literature review aims to evaluate the remineralizing efficacy of CaSP. Methodology: The review was conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar, were searched until March 15, 2018 and were assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome was to assess the remineralizing efficacy of CaSP, and the secondary outcome was to assess the potential of CaSP in arresting white spot lesion(s) on enamel. Results: Out of 2,876 articles, only 13 were qualified for inclusion. Included studies presented a low risk of bias for the following items: caries-free teeth or restoration, and adherence to manufacture’s instruction for the usage of remineralizing agent in the risk of bias scale. Ten studies reported an increase in the microhardness of enamel after CaSP application, and three studies reported the effect of CaSP on arresting white spot lesion(s). CaSP was found to be a better remineralizing agent in comparison to casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF) and other remineralizing agents in terms of increasing microhardness of enamel. In addition, CaSP application was also found to have a beneficial effect in restoring the color of white spot lesion(s) to that of normal enamel. Conclusion: CaSP tooth cream was found to be an effective remineralizing agent, compared to others, such as CPP-ACP and CPP-ACPF, in terms of increasing the mean microhardness of enamel and arresting white spot lesion(s).
What Is the Optimal Method to Perform Bone Biopsy (Method, Location, Imaging Use) for Patients With Foot and Ankle Infections?
Authors: O’Neil Joseph T. 
Published: July 2019

Recommendation: A bone biopsy should generally be performed in a percutaneous fashion, particularly in cases where surgical debridement is not considered necessary. If surgical debridement is considered necessary, then an open biopsy can be performed as part of the debridement. Percutaneous biopsy should be performed under sterile conditions by an interventional radiologist or other physician trained in image-guided techniques. The location of the biopsy will depend upon the clinical and radiographic evaluations, with a goal of maximizing the yield of the biopsy while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding and/or overlying soft tissue structures. Level of Evidence: Consensus. Delegate Vote: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)
Airway Stenosis Related to Foreign Body Aspiration: An Under-recognized Long term Complication
Authors: Mehta Ravindra M , Rashmi Nadakuditi , Bajaj Pooja , Krishnan Shyam , Srinivasan Lakshmipriya 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Sequelae of chronic foreign body aspiration include occlusive granulation tissue formation, which can cause delayed fixed airway stenosis. The aim of this study is to highlight this complication, which should be diagnosed early and treated proactively. Methods: We present a case series of areca nut aspiration, an organic foreign body commonly chewed in Southeast Asia, complicated by delayed airway stenosis and examine the peculiar nature of areca nut that predisposes to this complication. Results: Long-term sequelae of areca nut aspiration are granulation tissue formation, potentially complicated by airway stenosis due to the mechanical and chemical irritant nature of areca nut. Discussion: Organic impacted foreign bodies such as areca nut can cause delayed complications of airway stenosis. Both the sharp edges of the areca nut and chemical irritation caused by alkaloids released by the nut in constant contact with the airway mucosa can predispose to this long-term complication. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions such as balloon bronchoplasty can help restore airway patency and prevent lung damage.
Using debate to educate young people in schools about antibiotic use and resistance: A before and after evaluation using a questionnaire survey
Authors: Young Vicki L , Berry Mark , Verlander Neville Q , Ridgway Andy , McNulty Cliodna AM 
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The use of debating as an educational tool is increasing in popularity. Students who take part in debates can develop a range of skills such as confidence and communication as well as gaining a greater understanding of the topic discussed. Within this study we have evaluated an antibiotic-resistant debate kit, assessing the ability of the debate lesson to improve student knowledge and awareness around antibiotics. Methods: The debate lesson was delivered in seven schools across South West England to 235 students aged 13-16 years. Change in student knowledge was measured using before and after knowledge questionnaires. Student and teacher feedback and suggestions for improvements for the lesson were also collected through questionnaires and interviews. Results: Quantitative questionnaires found a significant improvement in knowledge for most areas covered in the debate, particularly around the use of antibiotics to treat colds and bacteria developing resistance. Teachers felt their students engaged well with the debate session and made suggestions for minor modifications that could improve the lesson. Conclusions: The results suggest that the e-Bug antibiotic resistant debate kit is able to improve knowledge in young people around antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, the lesson was enjoyed by students and therefore this resource should be promoted more widely to teachers and schools.
Development of Young's modulus of natural illitic clay during the heating and cooling stages of firing
Authors: Húlan Tomáš , Štubňa Igor , Shishkin Andrei , Ozolins Jurijs , Csáki Štefan , Bačík Peter , Fridrichová Jana 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIllitic clay from the locality of Liepa, Latvia, was investigated using dynamic thermomechanical analysis during the heating and cooling stages of firing. Differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, thermodilatometry, X-ray diffraction and porosimetry were also performed to shed light on the processes influencing the elastic properties of clay. The increase in the Young's modulus (YM) at low temperatures was linked to the release of physically bound water. Above 850°C, the bulk density and YM both increased as a consequence of sintering. The YM was more sensitive to the progress of sintering compared to dimension changes. The YM values continued to increase during cooling until the glass-transition temperature was reached. At this temperature, the first microcracks caused by the differences in thermal expansion coefficients of the present phases were expected to appear. The YM showed a sharp V-shaped minimum at the β → α transition of quartz, which was a result of alternation of the mechanical radial stresses around the quartz grains. When the transition of quartz was completed, the YM continued to decrease because microcracks were still being created at the boundaries between the different phases. The decrease of the YM during cooling from the glass-transition temperature down to room temperature was ~50% for all of the firing temperatures and isothermal periods applied.
Signal-to-noise ratio assessment of muscle diffusion tensor imaging using single image set and validation by the difference image method
Authors: Wang Zhiyue J. , Yamamura Jin , Keller Sarah 
Published: July 2019

Objective:
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) assessment is essential for accurate quantification of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics and usually requires the use of a difference image method using duplicate images. We aimed to estimate the SNR of DTI of thigh muscles using a single image set without duplicate images.

Methods:
DTI of one thigh were acquired on a 3 T scanner from 15 healthy adults, and scans with number of signal averages (NSA) = 4 and 8 were repeatedly acquired. SNR were evaluated for six thigh muscles. For SNR calculation from a single image set, diffusion-weighted images with similar diffusion encoding directions were grouped into pairs. The difference image of each pair was high-pass filtered in k-space to yield noise images. Noise images were also calculated with a difference method using two image sets as a reference. Subjects were divided into two groups for filter optimization and validation, respectively. The coefficient of repeatability (CR) of the SNR obtained from the two methods was also evaluated separately.

Results:
Bland–Altman analysis comparing the single image set method and the reference showed 95% limits of agreement of −9.2 to 9.2% for the optimization group and −12.5 to 12.6% for the validation group. The SNR measurement had a CR of 21.1% using the reference method, and 13.8% using the single image set method.

Conclusion:
The single image method can be used for DTI SNR assessment and offers better repeatability.

Advances in knowledge:
SNR of skeletal muscle DTI can be assessed for any data set without duplicate images.
Improving the Transition of Intravenous to Enteral Antibiotics in Pediatric Patients with Pneumonia or Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Girdwood Sonya C Tang , Sellas Maria N , Courter Joshua D , Liberio Brianna , Tchou Michael J , Herrmann Lisa E , Dewan Maya L , Statile Angela M , Unaka Ndidi I 
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUNDDespite national recommendations for early transition to enteral antimicrobials, practice variability has existed at our hospital.OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to increase the proportion of enterally administered antibiotic doses for Pediatric Hospital Medicine patients aged >60 days admitted for uncomplicated community‐acquired pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections from 44% to 75% in eight months.METHODSThis quality improvement study was conducted at a large, urban, academic children's hospital. The study population included Hospital Medicine patients aged >60 days with diagnoses of pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections. Interventions included education on intravenous and enteral antibiotic charge differentials, documentation of transition plan, structured discussions of transition criteria, and real‐time identification of failures with feedback. Our process measure was the total number of enteral antibiotic doses divided by all antibiotic doses in patients receiving enteral medications on the same day. An annotated statistical process control chart tracked the impact of interventions on the administration route of antibiotic doses over time. Additional outcome measures included antimicrobial costs per patient encounter using average wholesale prices and length of stay.RESULTSThe percentage of enterally administered antibiotic doses increased from 44% to 80% within eight months. Antimicrobial costs per patient encounter and the associated standard deviation of costs for our target diagnoses decreased by 70% and 84%, respectively. Average length of stay did not change.CONCLUSIONSStandardized communication about criteria for transition from intravenous to enteral antibiotics can lead to earlier transitions for patients with pneumonia or skin and soft tissue infections, subsequently reducing costs and prescribing variability.
Understanding the Social Learning Effect in Contagious Switching Behavior
Authors: Hu Mandy Mantian , Yang Sha , Xu Daniel Yi 
Published: July 2019

We study the contagious switching behavior related to a consumer’s choice of wireless carriers, that is, that a consumer is more likely to switch wireless carriers if more of their contacts from the same carrier have switched. Contagious switching (or a positive network effect) can be driven by information-based social learning, as well as other mechanisms related to network size. Although previous marketing literature has documented the social-learning effect, most of the applications studied involve products in which consumers usually do not enjoy any direct benefits from a large network other than from information-based social learning. We explore the importance of the social-learning effect relative to other mechanisms that may also lead to the network effect. We propose a dynamic structural model with interpersonal interactions. To model the social-learning effect, a consumer uses feedback from his or her contacts who have switched from a focal carrier to update his or her quality expectations of alternative carriers. Our model further accounts for two unique aspects of consumer strategic learning: (i) the individual’s perception on the signal of alternative carriers from contacts who switch is systematically different according to whether the signal comes from a loyal contact; and (ii) that the perceived noisiness of the signal on alternative carriers from a contact who has switched depends on the strength of the relationship between the individual and the contact. The remaining network effect not captured through social learning is modeled as a function of the size of the network. We solve the model with a two-step dynamic programming algorithm, with the assumption that a consumer is forward-looking and decides whether to stay with the same service carrier in each period by maximizing the total utility received from that day onward. We apply the proposed model to the data set of a mobile network operator in a European country. We find that churning/switching behavior is contagious in the network context and that one-third of general network effects can be attributed to social learning. We also detect strategic learning by consumers from their contacts in two ways: the experience signal on alternative carriers from a more loyal contact who has switched from the focal carrier is perceived to be more positive than that from a less loyal contact; and the social-learning effect is stronger from an individual’s closest contacts. The simulation analysis demonstrates the value of our model in helping a company prioritize its customer relationship management effort. This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.