bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antifungal susceptibility of yeast bloodstream isolates collected during a 10‐year period in Austria
Authors: Beyer Reinhard , Spettel Kathrin , Zeller Iris , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Achleitner Dagmar , Krause Robert , Apfalter Petra , Buzina Walter , Strauss Joseph , Gregori Christa , Schüller Christoph , Willinger Birgit 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundCandida‐associated infections put a significant burden on western healthcare systems. Development of (multi‐)resistant fungi can become untreatable and threaten especially vulnerable target groups, such as the immunocompromised.ObjectivesWe assessed antifungal susceptibility and explored possible influence factors of clinical Candida isolates collected from Austrian hospitals between 2007 and 2016.MethodsThousand three hundred and sixty clinical Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) in a liquid‐handling aided continuous microdilution assay. We tested against fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, isavuconazole, anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin according to EUCAST with additional recording of growth curves. We performed rigid quality control on each assay via growth curve assessment and included two standard reference strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were quantified according to EUCAST guideline E.DEF 7.3.1, and susceptibility was evaluated using EUCAST clinical breakpoints.ResultsThe isolate collection consisted of Candida albicans (59%), C. glabrata (19%), C. parapsilosis (9%), C. tropicalis (5%) and C. krusei (3%) and few other Candida species and fungi (5%). During the observed time period, species abundance and antifungal resistance rates remained constant. Multi‐resistance was rare and we found no single isolate which was resistant to both azoles and echinocandins. Within the antifungal resistance profile of our strain collection, we observed clusters along species boundaries.ConclusionsOver the last decade, the distribution of Candida species and its level of antifungal resistance remained constant in Austria. Our data compare well with other European countries. Principal component analysis of the susceptibility profile of this collection revealed species‐specific clusters and substantial intra‐species variation, especially for C. glabrata.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of PDGFRβ expression in pericytes and glial scar formation in penetrating brain injuries in adults
Authors: Reeves C. , Pradim‐Jardim A. , Sisodiya S. M. , Thom M. , Liu J. Y. W. 
Published: January 2019

AimsUnderstanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of reactive cell types following brain injury is important for future therapeutic interventions. We have previously used penetrating cortical injuries following intracranial recordings as a brain repair model to study scar‐forming nestin‐expressing cells. We now explore the relationship between nestin‐expressing cells, PDGFRβ+ pericytes and Olig2+ glia, including their proliferation and functional maturation.MethodsIn 32 cases, ranging from 3 to 461 days post injury (dpi), immunohistochemistry for PDGFRβ, nestin, GFAP, Olig2, MCM2, Aquaporin 4 (Aq4), Glutamine Synthetase (GS) and Connexin 43 (Cx43) was quantified for cell densities, labelling index (LI) and cellular co‐expression at the injury site compared to control regions.ResultsPDGFRβ labelling highlighted both pericytes and multipolar parenchymal cells. PDGFRβ LI and PDGFRβ+/MCM2+ cells significantly increased in injury Zones at 10–13 dpi with migration of pericytes away from vessels with increased co‐localization of PDGRFβ with nestin compared to control regions (P < 0.005). Olig2+/MCM2+ cell populations peaked at 13 dpi with significantly higher cell densities at injury sites than in control regions (P < 0.01) and decreasing with dpi (P < 0.05). Cx43 LI was reduced in acute injuries but increased with dpi (P < 0.05) showing significant cellular co‐localization with nestin and GFAP (P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001) but not PDGFRβ.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that PDGFRβ+ and Olig2+ cells contribute to the proliferative fraction following penetrating brain injuries, with evidence of pericyte migration. Dynamic changes in Cx43 in glial cell types with dpi suggest functional alterations during temporal stages of brain repair.
Benefits of incorporating urinary protein/creatinine ratio measurement in a school urine screening system: The experience of restructuring the school urinary screening system in Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ashida Akira , Shoji Tatsuya , Honda Shiho , Iio Rei , Iga Chihiro , Hayashi Terumasa , Satomura Kenichi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTAimSchool urine screening has been established in several countries of Asia, including Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In Osaka prefectural schools, the urine screening system had some problematic issues including an unclear referral procedure for students with abnormal urinary findings. Therefore, the school urine screening system was reviewed and restructured in 2004. The aim of this study was to assess the improvement in school urine screening through evaluation of the restructured Osaka prefectural school urinary screening system.MethodsThe Osaka prefectural school urinary screening system was reviewed, mainly considering two points. One was the incorporation of standard urinary protein/creatinine ratio measurement instead of the traditional urine dipstick and urine sediment tests; the second point was that all students requiring further examination were referred to regional nephrologists.ResultsAfter restructuring, the number of students who were referred to a medical institute for detailed examinations decreased to 10%, although the number of students newly diagnosed with kidney disease and the types of diagnosis did not change. The positive predictive value of screening increased to about 8 times the value before the system restructuring. The reductions enabled students who required further examination to be referred to regional nephrologists and has contributed to a decreased cost for these examinations.ConclusionIncorporating urinary protein/creatinine ratio measurement into the school urinary screening system, and updating the guiding principles, including referral to nephrology specialists, has enabled the school urinary screening system in Osaka Prefecture to become more efficient and have better cost performance.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and trigeminal pain: A preclinical study
Authors: Callai Etiane Micheli Meyer , Scarabelot Vanessa Leal , Fernandes Medeiros Liciane , de Oliveira Carla , de Souza Andressa , Macedo Isabel Cristina , Cioato Stefania Giotti , Finamor Fabrício , Caumo Wolnei , Quevedo Alexandre da Silva , Torres Iraci L. S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveOur objective was to evaluate the Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effect on facial allodynia induced by chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CCI‐ION) and on the brainstem levels of TNF‐α, NGF, IL‐10, and serum LDH in rats.MethodsRats were exposed to the CCI‐ION model. Facial allodynia was assessed by von Frey filaments test at baseline, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days postsurgery and 24 hr and 7 days after the bimodal tDCS sessions for 20 min/day/8 days.ResultsChronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve induced a significant decrease in the mechanical threshold 14 days after surgery. This effect was reversed by tDCS treatment, with the mechanical threshold returning to basal levels at 24 hr after the end of the treatment and it persisted for 7 days after the end of the treatment. tDCS also decreased LDH serum levels compared to those in the control group. There was an interaction between pain and treatment with respect to brainstem levels of NGF, TNF‐α, and IL‐10.ConclusionChronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve model was effective in establishing trigeminal neuropathic pain on 14 days after surgery, and tDCS reduced allodynia and LDH serum levels and promoted alterations in NGF, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 brainstem levels. Thus, we suggest that tDCS may be a potential therapy in the trigeminal pain treatment.
Evaluation of the current post‐transplantation Human Leukocyte Antigen antibody screening in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Demirok Aysenur , Ranzijn Claudia , Lardy Junior , Florquin Sandrine , Bouts Antonia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe necessity of post‐transplant monitoring for donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) is unclear. This study evaluates the clinical relevance of post‐transplantation donor‐specific HLA antibodies in pediatric renal transplant recipients, aiming at better stratification of patients at risk of graft dysfunction and better recommendations for post‐transplant monitoring. A cohort of 68 pediatric kidney recipients, involving 76 transplantations between 2004 and 2014, was studied retrospectively. All patients were screened for HLA antibodies at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation and yearly thereafter. Samples testing positive were further analyzed to detect DSA. A biopsy was performed on clinical indication. We studied the baseline characteristics of the patients with biopsy, with DSA, and with rejection. We assessed the effect of post‐transplant DSA on clinical outcome, including antibody‐mediated acute rejection and GFR decrease. In our cohort, the prevalence of DSA was 19% (13/68 transplantations). Most patients with HLA antibodies after transplantation were DSA‐positive (76%; 13/17). A clear association between DSA and subsequent rejection was found. At the end of the study period, a significantly lower GFR was found in patients with biopsy, DSA, or rejection. Based on our observations, we recommend routine post‐transplantation screening for HLA and DSA. The presence of DSA justifies a renal biopsy even in the absence of clinical signs of rejection.
Today and tomorrow: impact of climate change on aphid biology and potential consequences on their mutualism with ants
Authors: Blanchard Solène , Lognay Georges , Verheggen François , Detrain Claire 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRecent studies about mutualism consider the complexity and versatility of the relationship, in addition to highlighting the importance of the cost/benefit balance between the two protagonists. Because species interactions are highly dependent on the environment, the climate changes foreseen for the coming years are expected to have significant impacts on the evolution of mutualistic interactions. Among mutualisms, the aphid–ant interaction is well documented, partly explained by the pest status of aphids. This literature review focuses on the impact of climate change (particularly atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and temperature) on aphid biology and the potential consequences with respect to their mutualistic interactions with ants. We provide an overview of the published reports concerned with the effects of temperature and carbon dioxide on aphids, for which a positive, a negative or no effect has been highlighted. We then discuss how climatic changes can alter four major components of aphid biology that are shaping their interaction with ants: (i) aphid population growth; (ii) aphid behaviour and mobility; (iii) honeydew production and composition; and (iv) semiochemistry. Finaly, we discuss the limitations of such studies on aphid–ant mutualism, as well as the information that is still needed to predict how climate change might impact this type of relationship.
Differential Photosynthetic Response of a Green Tide Alga Ulva linza to Ultraviolet Radiation, Under Short‐ and Long‐term Ocean Acidification Regimes
Authors: Ma Jing , Wang Wen , Qu Liming , Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Zhiqin , Qiao Sen , Wu Hailong , Gao Guang , Xu Juntian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBoth ocean acidification (OA) and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can bring about changes in macroalgal physiological performance. However, macroalgal responses to UV radiation when acclimatized to OA under different time scales are rare. Here, we investigate the response of Ulva linza, a green tide alga, to UV radiation in the form of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) or PAB (PAR+UVA+UVB) radiation. Radiation exposures were assessed following long‐term (from spore to adult stage, 1 month) and short‐term (adult stage, 1 week) OA treatments. Results showed that increased CO2 decreased the damage rate (k) and repair rate (r) of thalli grown under short‐term OA conditions with PAB treatment, the ratio of r:k was not altered. Following long‐term OA conditions, r was not affected, although k was increased in thalli following PAB treatment, resulting in a reduced ratio of r:k. The relative level of UV inhibition increased and UV‐absorbing compounds decreased when algae were cultured under long‐term OA conditions. The recovery rate of thalli was enhanced when grown under long‐term OA after UV radiation treatment. These results show that blooming algae may be more sensitive to UV radiation in marine environments, but it can develop effective mechanisms to offset the negative effects, reflecting acclimation to long‐term OA conditions.
Entry decisions of multinational firms: The role of competition threats
Authors: Bao Cathy Ge 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHow do multinational corporations (MNCs) influence each other's foreign entry decisions? In this paper, I examine the interactions in MNCs' entry decisions by investigating how MNCs respond to competition threats from their multinational competitors. The analysis shows that entry threats anticipated through foreign investment news encourage MNCs to take preemptive actions by entering the same city after the news, while the actual entry of competitors and the anticipated expansion of incumbents discourage more entry. Incumbent MNCs, on the other hand, respond to entry threats by upgrading productivity. The effect of competition threats depends on each MNC's own existing activity and production network within the region. The effect of entry threats increases with the size of threats, measured by the investment value, expected employment and expected output, the influence of the news, the credibility of the news and the local market orientation of the threats. Across industries, MNCs' entry decisions are found to respond to only the actual entry—not anticipated entry—in vertically linked industries. Further, by exploring the time path, I find that MNCs' preemptive entry is only taken before FDI news expires. The main results are robust to IV analyses that explore unique information from news source and news content.
Multicentre study of physical abuse and limb fractures in young children in the East Anglia Region, UK
Authors: Mitchell Piers D , Brown Richard , Wang Tengyao , Shah Rajen D , Samworth Richard J , Deakin Sue , Edge Phillip , Hudson Ivan , Hutchinson Rachel , Stohr Kuldeep , Latimer Mark , Natarajan Rajan , Qasim Sultan , Rehm Andreas , Sanghrajka Anish , Tissingh Elizabeth , Wright Georgina M 
Published: January 2019

Objective
To determine if the detection of physical abuse in young children with fractures is of uniform high standard in the East Anglia Region of the UK, and whether we can identify areas for improvement in our detection of high-risk groups.

Design
Multicentre retrospective 4-year study.

Setting
7 hospitals across the East Anglia Region of Britain (East Anglia Paediatric Physical Abuse and Fractures study).

Participants
Age groups and fractures indicated as being at higher risk for physical abuse (all children under 12 months of age, and fractures of humerus and femur in children under 36 months of age).

Outcome measures
Our criterion for physical abuse was the decision of a multiagency child protection case conference (CPCC).

Results
Probability of CPCC decision of physical abuse was highest in infants, ranging from 50% of fractures sustained in the first month of life (excluding obstetric injuries) to 10% at 12 months of age. Only 46%–86% of infants (under 12 months) with a fracture were assessed by a paediatrician for physical abuse after their fracture. Significant variation in the use of skeletal surveys and in CPCC decision of physical abuse was noted in children attending different hospitals.

Conclusions
It is a concern that significant variation between hospitals was found in the investigation and detection of physical abuse as confirmed by CPCC decisions. To minimise failure to detect true cases of physical abuse, we recommend that all high-risk children should be assessed by a paediatrician prior to discharge from the emergency department. Our proposed criteria for assessment (where we found probability of CPCC decision of physical abuse was at least 10%) are any child under the age of 12 months with any fracture, under 18 months of age with femur fracture and under 24 months with humeral shaft fracture (not supracondylar).
Inner macular layer thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in children and adults: a hospital-based study
Authors: Yoo Yung Ju , Hwang Jeong-Min , Yang Hee Kyung 
Published: January 2019

PurposeTo establish the normative ranges of macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL) and macular inner plexiform layer (mIPL) thickness using Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Heidelberg Engineering, Inc., Heidelberg, Germany) in both Korean children and adults, and to determine factors associated with mGCL and mIPL thickness.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational study of 573 healthy subjects (5–70 years old) who underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations in a single institution. Each inner retinal layer thickness was measured using SD-OCT and automatic segmentation software. Cross-sectional analysis was used to evaluate the effect of gender, age and ocular parameters on mGCL and mIPL thickness. Normative ranges of mGCL and mIPL thickness according to age, gender and factors associated with mGCL and mIPL thickness were measured.ResultsThe mean mGCL and mIPL thickness were 40.6±2.8 and 33.8±2.0 µm, respectively. Determinants of inner sector mGCL thickness were circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) thickness (β=1.172, p<0.001), age (β=−0.019, p=0.021) and male gender (β=1.452, p<0.001). Determinants of inner sector mIPL thickness were cpRNFL (β=0.952, p<0.001) and male gender (β=1.163, p<0.001). The inner sector mGCL and mIPL thickness increased significantly with age in children (β=0.174, p=0.009 and β=0.115, p=0.013), and then decreased in adults (β=−0.070, p<0.001 and β=−0.024, p=0.032). In the case of outer sectors, mGCL and mIPL thickness were not significantly related to age and gender.ConclusionsThis study ensured a normative range of the mGCL and mIPL thickness using Spectralis OCT. Gender, age and cpRNFL thickness significantly correlated with mGCL and mIPL thickness. This information should be considered in the interpretation of SD-OCT data.
Utility of CLOCK CHART binocular edition for self-checking the binocular visual field in patients with glaucoma
Authors: Ishibashi Marika , Matsumoto Chota , Hashimoto Shigeki , Eura Mariko , Okuyama Sachiko , Nomoto Hiroki , Tanabe Fumi , Kayazawa Tomoyasu , Numata Takuya , Kusaka Shunji 
Published: January 2019

Background/aimsCar accidents caused by drivers unaware of their visual field (VF) defects under binocular vision have become an issue. We developed a simple self-check chart (CLOCK CHART binocular edition (CCBE)) to help patients with glaucoma recognise their abnormalities in the binocular VF and evaluated its usefulness.MethodsThe chart has four targets displayed at 10°, 15°, 20° and 25° eccentricities. The examinee gradually rotates the chart 360° clockwise. At every 30°, the examinee confirms the fixation and indicates if all four targets can be seen. This study enrolled 88 eyes of 44 patients with glaucoma (mean age, 64.4±13.1 years) and 64 eyes of 32 visually normal individuals (mean age, 32.0±8.4 years). Except the CCBE test, static VF testing using the Humphrey field analyser (HFA) Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm-Standard 30-2 and binocular Esterman programmes was also performed for the subjects with glaucoma.ResultsVF abnormality was defined as two or more contiguous points with a sensitivity of <10 dB within the central 30°. The CCBE test had sensitivities of 85% and 82% with respect to the HFA and Esterman results, respectively. We also used the British VF standards for Group 1 (car/motorcycle) drivers, and a sensitivity of 88% was obtained for the CCBE. The chart had a specificity of 100% for the visually normal subjects.ConclusionThe CCBE test enables drivers with glaucoma to notice their VF abnormalities under binocular condition. The application of this simple self-check method appears promising for occasions such as driver licensing.
Dual-target, real-time PCR for the diagnosis of intraocularToxoplasma gondiiinfections
Authors: Gomez Carlos A , Sahoo Malaya K , Kahn Ghazala Yasmeen , Zhong Lina , Montoya José G , Pinsky Benjamin A , Doan Thuy 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundToxoplasma gondiiis the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. Two multicopy targets (B1 and Rep529) are commonly used inT. gondiiPCR assays, but studies evaluating these targets in ocular fluid samples are limited. Herein, we determine the analytical characteristics of a single-reaction, internally controlled, dual-target, real-timeT. gondiiPCR and evaluate the clinical performance of this assay in intraocular fluid samples obtained at a reference ophthalmologic centre in the USA.MethodsLower limits of detection for the B1 and Rep529 components of the dual-target assay were determined using serial dilutions of culturedT. gondiistrain Z185. The dual-target assay was then used to test 148 archived intraocular samples (132 vitreous,16 aqueous humour) collected at the Francis I. Proctor Foundation between January 2010 and December 2015 for testing by a nested, conventional PCR targeting the B1 gene.ResultsThe 95% lower limits of detection for the dual-target assay was determined to be 1.05 tachyzoites/mL for B1 and 0.83 tachyzoites/mL for Rep529. Using archived clinical intraocular specimens, the dual-target assay demonstrated 97.2% positive per cent agreement (n=35/36; 95% CI 83.7% to 99.9%) and 99.1% negative per cent agreement (n=111/112; 95% CI 94.4% to 100%) compared with the nested, conventional B1 PCR.ConclusionThis single-reaction, internally controlled, dual-target (B1, Rep529) real-time PCR for the detection ofT. gondiiDNA in intraocular specimens demonstrated excellent agreement with nested, conventional, B1 PCR. The dual-target design may ensureT. gondiidetection when variation is present in one of two target regions.