bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E in atopic and healthy cats: comparison of a rapid screening immunoassay and complete‐panel analysis
Authors: Diesel Alison , DeBoer Douglas J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractFeline and canine atopic dermatitis are thought to have a similar immunopathogenesis. As with dogs, detection of allergen‐specific IgE in cat serum merely supports a diagnosis of feline atopy based on compatible history, clinical signs and elimination of other pruritic dermatoses. In this study, a rapid screening immunoassay (Allercept® E‐Screen 2nd Generation; Heska AG, Fribourg, Switzerland; ES2G) was compared with a complete‐panel serum allergen‐specific IgE assay (Allercept®; Heska AG; CP) in healthy cats with no history of skin disease and in atopic cats. The latter had no diagnosis of external parasitism, infection, food hypersensitivity or other skin disease explaining their pruritus, and expressed cutaneous reaction patterns typically associated with feline allergic skin disease (head, neck or pinnal pruritus, miliary dermatitis, self‐induced alopecia, eosinophilic granuloma complex). The proportion of cats positive on either the ES2G or the CP assays was not significantly different between the atopic and healthy cat groups. There was, however, strong agreement between the results of the ES2G and CP assay; overall, the two tests were in agreement for 43 of 49 (88%) serum samples. There was also strong agreement when individual allergen groups were evaluated (agreement noted: indoor, 41 of 49 samples; grasses/weeds, 37 of 49 samples; and trees, 41 of 49 samples). These results indicate that although neither test is diagnostic for feline atopic dermatitis, the screening assay is beneficial for predicting the results of a complete‐panel serum allergen‐specific IgE assay in cats.
Discrimination between moderate and severe disease may be used in patients with either treated or untreated allergic rhinitis
Authors: Valero A. , Ferrer M. , Baró E. , Sastre J. , Navarro A. M. , Martí‐Guadaño E. , Dávila I. , Del Cuvillo A. , Colás C. , Antépara I. , Alonso J. , Mola O. , Izquierdo I. , Mullol J. 
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Valero A, Ferrer M, Baró E, Sastre J, Navarro AM, Martí‐Guadaño E, Dávila I, del Cuvillo A, Colás C, Antépara I, Alonso J, Mola O, Izquierdo I, Mullol J. Discrimination between moderate and severe disease may be used in patients with either treated or untreated allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2010; 65: 1609–1613.AbstractBackground:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease with major socioeconomic burden and a significant impact on quality of life.Objective:  The aim of this study was to discriminate between moderate and severe AR patients whether receiving treatment or not, using a modified criterion of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) classification.Methods:  The modified ARIA severity classification (J Allergy Clin Immunol, 120, 2007, 359) categorizes AR as mild (no items affected), moderate (1–3 items affected), and severe (all four items affected). We applied these criteria to 1666 treated and 1058 untreated AR patients and compared their symptoms total four‐symptom score (T4SS) and quality of life (ESPRINT‐15), according to their clinical severity.Results:  Allergic rhinitis clinical status was significantly worse (P < 0.001) in treated than in untreated patients. For both treated and untreated patients, T4SS and ESPRINT‐15 Quality of life scores were significantly worse (P < 0.001) in severe than in moderate patients.Conclusions:  The modified ARIA severity classification is a useful clinical tool to discriminate moderate from severe AR among both treated and untreated patients.
Management of anaphylaxis in primary care: Canadian expert consensus recommendations
Authors: Waserman S. , Chad Z. , Francoeur M. J. , Small P. , Stark D. , Vander Leek T. K. , Kaplan A. , Kastner M. 
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Waserman S, Chad Z, Francoeur MJ, Small P, Stark D, Vander Leek TK, Kaplan A, Kastner M. Management of anaphylaxis in primary care: Canadian expert consensus recommendations. Allergy 2010; 65: 1082–1092.AbstractBackground:  Anaphylaxis is often managed inadequately. We used findings from a systematic review of gaps in anaphylaxis management to develop evidence‐based recommendations for gaps rated as clinically important by a panel of Canadian allergy experts.Methods:  The nominal group technique (NGT) consensus methodology was used to develop evidence‐based recommendations for the management of anaphylaxis in primary care. Physician‐specific gaps from our systematic review were prioritized by consensus meeting participants in two rounds, which involved the rating, discussion, and re‐rating of gaps. Using current anaphylaxis guidelines, recommendations were then developed for each category of gaps that were identified by the panel as clinically important.Results:  Thirty unique physician gaps from the systematic review were categorized according to gaps of knowledge and anaphylaxis practice behaviors. The panel rated diagnosis of anaphylaxis, and when and how to use epinephrine auto‐injectors as clinically important knowledge gaps; and rated infrequent or delayed epinephrine administration, low rate of auto‐injector prescription, and infrequent or no referrals to allergy specialists after a reaction as important practice behavior gaps. Evidence from four guidelines was used to support the consensus recommendation statements for three resulting categories of gap themes: anaphylaxis management, epinephrine use, and follow‐up care.Conclusion:  We used an NGT consensus methodology to develop an educational resource for primary care physicians and allergists to better understand how to manage patients with anaphylaxis. Next steps include testing our findings against observed data in primary care settings and to develop other strategies or tools to overcome gaps in anaphylaxis management.
Allergen cross reactions: a problem greater than ever thought?
Authors: Pfiffner P. , Truffer R. , Matsson P. , Rasi C. , Mari A. , Stadler B. M. 
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Pfiffner P, Truffer R, Matsson P, Rasi C, Mari A, Stadler BM. Allergen cross reactions: a problem greater than ever thought? Allergy 2010; 65: 1536–1544.AbstractBackground:  Cross reactions are an often observed phenomenon in patients with allergy. Sensitization against some allergens may cause reactions against other seemingly unrelated allergens. Today, cross reactions are being investigated on a per‐case basis, analyzing blood serum specific IgE (sIgE) levels and clinical features of patients suffering from cross reactions. In this study, we evaluated the level of sIgE compared to patients’ total IgE assuming epitope specificity is a consequence of sequence similarity.Methods:  Our objective was to evaluate our recently published model of molecular sequence similarities underlying cross reactivity using serum‐derived data from IgE determinations of standard laboratory tests.We calculated the probabilities of protein cross reactivity based on conserved sequence motifs and compared these in silico predictions to a database consisting of 5362 sera with sIgE determinations.Results:  Cumulating sIgE values of a patient resulted in a median of 25–30% total IgE. Comparing motif cross reactivity predictions to sIgE levels showed that on average three times fewer motifs than extracts were recognized in a given serum (correlation coefficient: 0.967). Extracts belonging to the same motif group co‐reacted in a high percentage of sera (up to 80% for some motifs).Conclusions:  Cumulated sIgE levels are exaggerated because of a high level of observed cross reactions. Thus, not only bioinformatic prediction of allergenic motifs, but also serological routine testing of allergic patients implies that the immune system may recognize only a small number of allergenic structures.
The Influence of Maternal Quality on Brood Sex Allocation in the Small Carpenter Bee, Ceratina calcarata
Authors: Rehan Sandra M. , Richards Miriam H. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn the twig‐nesting carpenter bee, Ceratina calcarata, body size is an important component of maternal quality, smaller mothers producing significantly fewer and smaller offspring than larger mothers. As mothers precisely control the sex and size of each offspring, smaller mothers might compensate by preferentially allocating their investment towards sons. We investigated whether variation in maternal quality leads to variation in sex allocation patterns. At the population level, the numerical sex ratio was 57% male‐biased (1.31 M/F), but the investment between the sexes was balanced (1.02 M/F), because females are 38% larger than males (1.28 F/M). Maternal body size explained both sex allocation pattern and size variation among offspring: larger mothers invested more in individual progeny and produced more female offspring than smaller mothers. Maternal investment in offspring of both sexes decreased throughout the season, probably as a result of increasing maternal wear and age. The exception to this pattern was the curious production of dwarf females in the first two brood cell positions. We suggest that the sex ratio distribution reflects the maternal body size distribution and a constraint on small mothers to produce small broods. This leads to male‐biased allocation by small females, to which large mothers respond by biasing their allocation towards daughters.
Retinal haemorrhage in abusive head trauma
Authors: Morad Yair , Wygnansky‐Jaffe Tamara , Levin Alex V 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPaediatric abusive head injury may have grave consequences, especially when characterized by repetitive acceleration–deceleration forces (shaken baby syndrome). Death occurs in approximately 30% and permanent neurologic damage in up to 80% of the victims. Retinal haemorrhages are a cardinal sign seen in approximately 85% of cases. In most cases haemorrhages are preretinal, intraretinal and subretinal, too numerous to count, and involving the entire retinal surface extending to the ora serrata. Traumatic macular retinoschisis is a lesion with important diagnostic significance. Vitreoretinal traction appears to be the mechanism of haemorrhage and schisis formation along with a possible role of orbital tissue trauma from repetitive acceleration–deceleration forces. Ophthalmologists must carefully document ocular findings. Appropriate autopsy examination should include ocular and orbital tissue removal. Although there is a wide differential diagnosis for retinal haemorrhages, clinical appearance, when considered in the context of systemic and laboratory findings, usually leads to the correct diagnosis.
Abiotic effects predominate under prolonged livestock‐induced disturbance
Authors: ELDRIDGE DAVID J. , VAL JAMES , JAMES ALEX I. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDespite the widespread recognition that disturbance by livestock affects multiple indices of landscape health, few studies have examined their effects on both biotic and abiotic processes. We examined the effects of livestock disturbance on soil, vascular plants and reptiles across a disturbance gradient in a semi‐arid Australian woodland. Our gradient ranged from long‐ungrazed water remote sites, through intermediately grazed recovering sites, to currently grazed sites close to water. Our aim was to examine the nature of the effects of grazing‐induced disturbance on biotic and abiotic processes along the gradient. We detected small biotic effects, but no abiotic effects, at low levels of disturbance (intermediate sites). We could not detect a consistent biotic effect on plants or reptiles along the gradient, except between the extreme disturbances. In contrast, we recorded substantial reductions in abiotic structure and function at the most disturbed sites. Structural changes included reductions in the cover of shrub hummocks and increases in bare soil, and reductions in cryptogamic soil crusts. Structural changes were associated with declines in function (soil stability and nutrient indices). Our data are consistent with the notion that abiotic effects predominate at high levels of disturbance in rangelands. Given the extent of abiotic modification at currently grazed sites, the cover of abiotic elements such as hummocks and soil surfaces would seem a better indicator of the long‐term effect of grazing‐induced disturbance than biotic components. The extent of disturbance at currently grazed sites across large areas of rangeland suggests that autogenic recovery will be protracted.
Advanced age is a significant determinant of poor prognosis in patients treated with surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy for endometrial cancer
Authors: Okuma Kae , Yamashita Hideomi , Kawana Kei , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Keiichi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAim:  A review was conducted in which the effect of age on survival was assessed in a population of endometrial cancer patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy in our institution.Methods:  From 1988 to 2008, 111 endometrial cancer patients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and adjuvant whole pelvic radiation therapy (RT). After surgery, for patients with low or intermediate risk without lymph node metastasis, no postoperative adjuvant therapy was performed. For patients with high risk or positive cytology from the abdominal cavity, postoperative radiation therapy was performed. A total dose of 50–50.4 Gy of RT was delivered sequentially. Forty‐four patients (44%) were given chemotherapy consisting of epirubicin/cisplatin/carboplatin or paclitaxel/carboplatin. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant prognostic clinicopathological factors.Results:  With a median follow‐up time of 59.2 months, the 5‐year overall survival was 74% for those 60 years or older versus 90% for those younger than 60 years (P = 0.044). For disease‐free survival, it was 65% for those 60 years or older, versus 85% for those younger than 60 years (P = 0.013). On multivariate analysis, poor disease‐free survival was associated with age ≥ 60 years (P = 0.035).Conclusions:  Older patients (age ≥ 60 years) with endometrial cancer had significantly lower overall survival and disease‐free survival following postoperative RT independent of other prognostic factors and/or treatment technique.
Splenic metastasis from cervical cancer: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Di Donato Violante , Palaia Innocenza , Perniola Giorgia , Polidori Nicoletta , Burratti Moira , Besharat Aris , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCervical cancer isolated splenic recurrence is a rare event. We report a case of splenic cervical cancer metastasis treated with salvage surgery 30 months after supralevator anterior pelvic exenteration. In this patient the plasmatic level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen increased in the absence of any evidence of disease at the instrumental examination 24 months after surgery. Surgery had a high impact on quality of life.
Single nedaplatin treatment as salvage chemotherapy for platinum/taxane‐resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancers
Authors: Goto Tomoko , Takano Masashi , Ohishi Rie , Iwasa Norihiro , Shimizu Motohiro , Hasegawa Kosei , Nagao Shoji , Fujiwara Keiichi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate toxicity, response and progression‐free survival of single nedaplatin chemotherapy in women with platinum/taxane‐resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer.Methods:  Seventeen patients with platinum/taxane‐resistant/refractory epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer who were treated with a single nedaplatin regimen at 90 mg/m2 administration on day 1 of a 28‐day cycle in our institution between 2005 and 2007 were retrospectively investigated.Results:  Ten of 17 patients (59%) had measurable disease. Seven patients were evaluated according to cancer antigen (CA) 125 levels. The overall response was 24% (complete response, 2 patients; partial response, 2 patients). Two of these 4 patients had measurable disease. Stable disease and progressive disease was noted in 6 (35%) and 7 (41%) patients. Median progression‐free survival was 8 months (range 3–11) in patients who responded to therapy and 4 months (range 2–6) in patients with stable disease. Mean platinum‐free interval due to treatment without using platinum analogues after developing platinum‐resistant/refractory disease was 11 months (range 8–12) in patients who responded to nedaplatin regimen and 3 months (range 1–11) in patients who did not (P < 0.01), whereas mean treatment‐free interval was 3 months (range 1–5) in responders and 1 month (range 1–3) in non‐responders, which did not show a significant difference. Grade 4 hematological toxicity was observed in 2 of 17 patients (12%). No grade 3 or 4 non‐hematological toxicity occurred. All toxicities were managed on an outpatient basis.Conclusions:  Single nedaplatin treatment for platinum/taxane‐resistant/refractory ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer patients is the candidate of salvage chemotherapy with comparable effectiveness and less toxicity to other approved regimens.
Optimizing the detection of subclinical inguinal hernias in men undergoing open radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Marien Tracy , Taouli Bachir , Telegrafi Shpetim , Babb James , Lepor Herbert 
Published: June 2010

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and up‐standing ultrasonography (USUS) for the detection of inguinal hernias (IHs) before open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) and to assess factors associated with the presence of IHs in these men.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 1 July 2007 to 1 February 2009, 164 men underwent preoperative evaluation for ORRP by one surgeon. Of these men 113 (69%) were evaluated for IHs by physical examination (PE), USUS and MRI. In all 226 groins were examined. Any IH diagnosed by any method was considered a true positive. The sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and concordance were calculated for the three diagnostic methods. Possible predictive factors of IHs were evaluated.RESULTSOf the 226 groins evaluated, 72 (32%) IHs were diagnosed. USUS had the greatest sensitivity (69.4%) and the highest NPV (87.5%). MRI had fair agreement with PE and USUS, while USUS and PE had moderate agreement with each other. No factor was associated with an increased likelihood of preoperative diagnosis of IH.CONCLUSIONSThis study was limited by the lack of a reference standard to diagnose IH. USUS was the most sensitive method for the detection of IH. We recommend that all men undergoing ORRP should be evaluated for IHs by PE and at least one imaging method and that IHs be repaired at the time of ORRP, obviating the need for a second surgical procedure.
Urinary incontinence in persons with Prader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Von Gontard Alexander , Didden Robert , Sinnema Margje , Curfs Leopold 
Published: June 2010

Study Type – Symptom prevalence (non‐consecutive cohort) Level of Evidence 3bOBJECTIVETo assess and identify the frequency and type of urinary incontinence (UI), as well as associated symptoms in persons with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS is characterized by mental retardation, short stature, obesity and hypogonadism. The behavioural phenotype includes eating problems, temper outbursts, affective disorders, stereotypies and speech abnormalities. UI is common in children with mental retardation in general, but has not been reported systematically in children with PWS so far.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe Dutch version of the ‘Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/Urinary Incontinence’ was completed by 118 parents of children with PWS. This questionnaire includes items referring to day‐ and night‐time wetting, toilet habits, observable voiding behaviours and reactions, urinary tract infections, stool habits and behavioural symptoms.RESULTSThe rate of nocturnal enuresis in persons with PWS was 13.6% (16) at a mean age of 15.1 years. 3.8% (5) had additional daytime urinary incontinence, and 3.3% (4) had faecal incontinence. Lower urinary tract symptoms were commonly indicative of overactive bladder, dysfunctional voiding and postponement. Also, the rate of internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems was high.CONCLUSIONUrinary incontinence is more common in persons with PWS than in typically developing children, adolescents and adults. As lower urinary tract symptoms are common, detailed assessment and specific treatment of UI should be part of the care of all persons with PWS.
Relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and serum levels of sex hormones in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Favilla Vincenzo , Cimino Sebastiano , Castelli Tommaso , Madonia Massimo , Barbagallo Ignazio , Morgia Giuseppe 
Published: June 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVESTo investigate a possible association between the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the serum levels of sex hormones in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that underwent surgery for severe benign prostatic obstruction.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 127 selected men with symptomatic BPH attending our urology clinic were recruited. The clinical conditions of BPH were assessed by digital rectal examination, serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) determination, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) value at uroflussimetry. Before surgery, we measured the serum concentrations of total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT), oestradiol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone. We excluded men with endocrine diseases, those with prostate disease who were receiving antiandrogen therapy and those with psychological diseases. The relationships between the IPSS score and serum sex hormone levels were determined.RESULTSThe final study population consisted of 122 men (mean age of 70.66 years), as five were excluded (three due to incomplete evaluation and two who were diagnosed with prostate cancer). On statistical analysis, the total IPSS was significantly associated with age (r= 0.405, P < 0.001) and TT (r= 0.298, P= 0.020) but not with FT or the serum levels of the other sex hormones. The serum levels of testosterone and IPSS did not correlate with prostate volume and Qmax. PSA level and age correlated with prostate volume (r= 0.394, P < 0.001; r = 0.374, P < 0.001, respectively). We distinguished two subgroups of patients: the first group of 40 men with an IPSS of <19 and the second group of 82 with an IPSS of >19, and we evaluated the median levels of TT in each group. There was an increased risk of LUTS in men with a greater serum concentration of TT (P= 0.042), although the mean TT level was in the normal range.CONCLUSIONSIn the present study, the severity of LUTS was associated with age and serum levels of TT but only age correlated with the measures of BPH, especially prostate volume. The potential effects of testosterone on LUTS may well be indirect. Additional large studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.