bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two in vitro antifungal sensitivity tests and monitoring during therapy of Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto in Malaysian cats
Authors: Han Hock Siew , Kano Rui , Chen Charles , Noli Chiara 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundFeline sporotrichosis is common in Malaysia. Thermosensitivity and effects of azole treatment on fungal susceptibility are unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate thermotolerance and antifungal susceptibility of feline Malaysian Sporothrix isolates, compare microdilution (MD) and E‐test results, and investigate changes in susceptibility during azole therapy.MethodsSporothrix schenckii sensu stricto was isolated from 44 cats. Thermotolerance was determined via culture at 37°C for 7 days. Susceptibility to itraconazole (ITZ), ketoconazole (KTZ) and terbinafine (TRB) was assessed in 40 isolates by MD; to amphotericin B (AMB), KTZ, ITZ, fluconazole (FLC) and posaconazole (POS) by E‐test. Results were statistically compared by Pearson's Product Moment. In eight ketoconazole treated cats, susceptibility testing to itraconazole and ketoconazole was repeated every two months for six months.ResultsThermotolerance was observed in 36 of 44 (82%) isolates. Assuming that isolates growing at antifungal concentrations ≥4 mg/mL were resistant, all were resistant on E‐test to FLC and AMB, 11 (28%) to POS, 6 (15%) to ITZ and 1 (3%) to KTZ. On MD, 27 of 40 (68%) were resistant to TRB, 2 (5%) to ITZ and 3 (8%) to KTZ. There was no correlation between E‐test and MD results (KTZ r = 0.10, P = 0.54, and ITZ r = 0.11, P = 0.48). MD values for ITZ and KTZ did not exceed 4 mg/L during KTZ therapy.ConclusionThe majority of feline isolates in Malaysia are thermosensitive. Lack of correlation between E‐test and MD suggests that the E‐test is unreliable to test antifungal susceptibility for Sporothrix spp. compared to MD. KTZ was the antifungal drug with the lowest MIC. Prolonged KTZ administration may not induce changes in antifungal susceptibility.
Atypical cutaneous cryptococcosis in four cats in the USA
Authors: Myers Alexandra , Meason‐Smith Courtney , Mansell Joanne , Krockenberger Mark , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Ross Payne Harold , Rodrigues Hoffmann Aline 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundCryptococcosis is an uncommon fungal infection in humans and mammals. Occasionally, cryptococcosis manifests as cutaneous lesions, either as an extension of nasal disease or as stand alone lesions unassociated with the nose. Histologically, these lesions are typically characterized by abundant organisms with mild granulomatous dermatitis. Herein, four feline cases of atypical cutaneous cryptococcal infections are described.MethodsSkin punch biopsies from four client owned cats were submitted for histological evaluation between 2006 and 2015. Histological examination, including histochemical stains, was performed in all cases. Immunohistochemical stains and PCR were performed in three of four cases. Fungal culture was performed in two cases and transmission electron microscopy was performed in one case.ResultsGrossly, the cutaneous lesions were papular to nodular with occasional ulceration and were located predominantly on the trunk. Histological examination revealed severe granulomatous to pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic dermatitis with rare, capsule‐deficient yeasts. Immunohistochemistry, PCR and fungal culture confirmed Cryptococcus spp. to be the aetiological agent in these cases.Conclusions and clinical importanceIn cutaneous lesions, capsule‐deficient strains of Cryptococcus spp. may induce a severe inflammatory response with rare intralesional organisms that may not be readily identified on routine haematoxylin and eosin stained slides. Special stains with careful examination and ancillary tests (PCR, immunohistochemistry, fungal culture or antigen testing) should be performed when pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic dermatitis is encountered without an identifiable cause.
Supraglenoid tubercle fractures repair with transverse locking compression plates in 4 horses
Authors: Ahern B. J. , Bayliss I. P. M. , Zedler S. T. , Getman L. M. , Richardson D. W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo report on a series of 4 horses with supraglenoid tubercle fractures repaired with locking compression plates.Study DesignCase series.AnimalFour horses ranging in age from 6 weeks to 20 months and weighing from 121 to 425 kg with supraglenoid tubercle fractures of 1 day to 6 weeks in duration.MethodsSupraglenoid tubercle fractures were reduced and stabilized with transversely positioned locking compression plate(s) with and without additional tension band wiring.ResultsAll fractures reached bony union. Two postoperative surgical site infections were managed with drainage and antibiotherapy. Three of the 4 horses continued onto athletic careers including flat racing, dressage, and hunter/jumper competition. The remaining horse was lame for a prolonged period, but was sound at 4 years.ConclusionsThe application of one or two, transversely positioned LCPs should be considered for the repair of SGT fractures because of the relative ease of the technique, and its elimination of a biceps brachii tenotomy. All screws can be inserted in a lateral to medial direction without transection or drill penetration of the biceps brachii tendon.Clinical RelevanceSGT fractures of various durations can be repaired in a wide range of horses with transversely positioned LCPs, and allow return to athletic function.
Refuting the myth of non‐response to exercise training: ‘non‐responders’ do respond to higher dose of training
Authors: Montero David , Lundby Carsten 
Published: January 2017

Key points
The prevalence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) non‐response gradually declines in healthy individuals exercising 60, 120, 180, 240 or 300 min per week for 6 weeks.
Following a successive identical 6‐week training period but comprising 120 min of additional exercise per week, CRF non‐response is universally abolished.
The magnitude of CRF improvement is primarily attributed to changes in haemoglobin mass.
The potential for CRF improvement may be present and unveiled with appropriate exercise training stimuli in healthy individuals without exception.
AbstractOne in five adults following physical activity guidelines are reported to not demonstrate any improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Herein, we sought to establish whether CRF non‐response to exercise training is dose‐dependent, using a between‐ and within‐subject study design. Seventy‐eight healthy adults were divided into five groups (1–5) respectively comprising one, two, three, four and five 60 min exercise sessions per week but otherwise following an identical 6‐week endurance training (ET) programme. Non‐response was defined as any change in CRF, determined by maximal incremental exercise power output (Wmax), within the typical error of measurement (±3.96%). Participants classified as non‐responders after the ET intervention completed a successive 6‐week ET period including two additional exercise sessions per week. Maximal oxygen consumption (), haematology and muscle biopsies were assessed prior to and after each ET period. After the first ET period, Wmax increased (P < 0.05) in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5, but not 1. In groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, 69%, 40%, 29%, 0% and 0% of individuals, respectively, were non‐responders. After the second ET period, non‐response was eliminated in all individuals. The change in with exercise training independently determined Wmax response (partial correlation coefficient, rpartial ≥ 0.74, P < 0.001). In turn, total haemoglobin mass was the strongest independent determinant of (rpartial = 0.49, P < 0.001). In conclusion, individual CRF non‐response to exercise training is abolished by increasing the dose of exercise and primarily a function of haematological adaptations in oxygen‐carrying capacity.
T‐type calcium channels contribute to NMDA receptor independent synaptic plasticity in hippocampal regular‐spiking oriens‐alveus interneurons
Authors: Nicholson Elizabeth , Kullmann Dimitri M. 
Published: January 2017

Key points
Regular‐spiking interneurons in the hippocampal stratum oriens exhibit a form of long‐term potentiation of excitatory transmission that is independent of NMDA receptors but requires co‐activation of Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors.
We show that T‐type Ca2+ channels are present in such interneurons.
Blockade of T‐type currents prevents the induction of long‐term potentiation, and also interferes with long‐lasting potentiation induced either by postsynaptic trains of action potentials or by pairing postsynaptic hyperpolarization with activation of group I metabotropic receptors.
Several Ca2+ sources thus converge on the induction of NMDA receptor independent synaptic plasticity.
AbstractNMDA receptor independent long‐term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal stratum oriens‐alveus (O/A) interneurons requires co‐activation of postsynaptic group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors. The rectification properties of such AMPA receptors contribute to the preferential induction of LTP at hyperpolarized potentials. A persistent increase in excitatory transmission can also be triggered by exogenous activation of group I mGluRs at the same time as the interneuron is hyperpolarized, or by postsynaptic trains of action potentials in the absence of presynaptic stimulation. In the present study, we identify low‐threshold transient (T‐type) channels as a further source of Ca2+ that contributes to synaptic plasticity. T‐type Ca2+ currents were detected in mouse regular‐spiking O/A interneurons. Blocking T‐type currents pharmacologically prevented LTP induced by high‐frequency stimulation of glutamatergic axons, or by application of the group I mGluR agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine, paired with postsynaptic hyperpolarization. T‐type current blockade also prevented synaptic potentiation induced by postsynaptic action potential trains. Several sources of Ca2+ thus converge on NMDA receptor independent LTP induction in O/A interneurons.
Contribution of Tropical Cyclones to Atmospheric Moisture Transport and Rainfall over East Asia
Authors: Guo Liang , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Vidale Pier Luigi , Turner Andrew G. , Demory Marie-Estelle , Cobb Alison 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
The coastal region of East Asia (EA) is one of the regions with the most frequent impacts from tropical cyclones (TCs). In this study, rainfall and moisture transports related to TCs are measured over EA, and the contribution of TCs to the regional water budget is compared with other contributors, especially the mean circulation of the EA summer monsoon (EASM). Based on ERA-Interim reanalysis (1979–2012), the trajectories of TCs are identified using an objective feature tracking method. Over 60% of TCs occur from July to October (JASO). During JASO, TC rainfall contributes 10%–30% of the monthly total rainfall over the coastal region of EA; this contribution is highest over the south/southeast coast of China in September. TCs make a larger contribution to daily extreme rainfall (above the 95th percentile): 50%–60% over the EA coast and as high as 70% over Taiwan Island. Compared with the mean EASM, TCs transport less moisture over EA. However, as the peak of the mean seasonal cycle of TCs lags two months behind that of the EASM, the moisture transported by TCs is an important source for the water budget over the EA region when the EASM withdraws. This moisture transport is largely performed by westward-moving TCs. These results improve understanding of the water cycle of EA and provide a useful test bed for evaluating and improving seasonal forecasts and coupled climate models.
Comparison of Methods to Estimate Snow Water Equivalent at the Mountain Range Scale: A Case Study of the California Sierra Nevada
Authors: Wrzesien Melissa L. , Durand Michael T. , Pavelsky Tamlin M. , Howat Ian M. , Margulis Steven A. , Huning Laurie S. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Despite the importance of snow in global water and energy budgets, estimates of global mountain snow water equivalent (SWE) are not well constrained. Two approaches for estimating total range-wide SWE over Sierra Nevada, California, are assessed: 1) global/hemispherical models and remote sensing and models available for continental United States (CONUS) plus southern Canada (CONUS+) available to the scientific community and 2) regional climate model simulations via the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model run at 3, 9, and 27 km. As no truth dataset provides total mountain range SWE, these two approaches are compared to a “reference” SWE consisting of three published, independent datasets that utilize/validate against in situ SWE measurements. Model outputs are compared with the reference datasets for three water years: 2005 (high snow accumulation), 2009 (average), and 2014 (low). There is a distinctive difference between the reference/WRF datasets and the global/CONUS+ daily estimates of SWE, with the former suggesting up to an order of magnitude more snow. Results are qualitatively similar for peak SWE and 1 April SWE for all three years. Analysis of SWE time series indicates that lower SWE for global and CONUS+ datasets is likely due to precipitation, rain/snow partitioning, and ablation parameterization differences. It is found that WRF produces reasonable (within 50%) estimates of total mountain range SWE in the Sierra Nevada, while the global and CONUS+ datasets underestimate SWE.
Burden of illness of people with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia: A multinational cross-sectional study
Authors: Nordstroem Anna-Lena , Talbot Darren , Bernasconi Corrado , Berardo Carmen Galani , Lalonde Justine 
Published: January 2017

Background: Few studies have examined the impact of persistent symptoms of schizophrenia, especially with respect to patient-reported outcomes (PROs), carer burden and health economic impact. Aims: Analyse data relating to burden and severity of illness, functional impairment and quality of life for patients with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia. Methods: A cohort of stable outpatients with persistent symptoms of schizophrenia across seven countries were assessed in a multicentre, non-interventional, cross-sectional survey and retrospective medical record review using PRO questionnaires, clinical rating scales and carer questionnaires. Results: Overall, 1,421 patients and 687 carers were enrolled. Approximately two-thirds of patients had moderate/mild schizophrenia with more severe negative symptoms predominating. Patients showed impaired personal/social functioning and unsuitability for work correlated with various patient factors, most notably symptom-related assessments. Quality-of-life assessments showed 25% to ⩾30% of patients had problems with mobility, washing or dressing. Carer burden was also considerable, with carers having to devote an average of 20.5 hours per week and notable negative impact on quality-of-life measures. Healthcare resource utilisation for in-hospital, outpatient and other care provider visits was significant. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the significant burden of schizophrenia for patients, carers and society and highlight the need for improved treatment approaches.
Racial Threat, Intergroup Contact, and School Punishment
Authors: Hughes Cresean , Warren Patricia Y. , Stewart Eric A. , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald , Mears Daniel P. 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: Drawing on the racial threat and intergroup contact literatures, we explore whether (1) a school’s racial or ethnic context increases school suspensions for Black, Hispanic, and White students; (2) intergroup contact among school board members reduces school suspensions for Black, Hispanic, and White students; and (3) a school’s racial or ethnic context effects on school suspensions are conditioned by intergroup contact among school board members. Method: Count-dependent multilevel modeling techniques on school- and district-level measures from a representative sample of Florida middle and high schools. Results: Larger racial and ethnic student populations within schools increase the likelihood of suspensions for Black and Hispanic students while decreasing suspensions for White students. Further, higher levels of intergroup contact between Black, White, and Hispanic school board members are associated with a lower likelihood of suspensions for all students. Finally, intergroup contact between Black, White, and Hispanic school board members moderates the effects of school racial and ethnic context on school suspensions. Conclusions: Important factors are associated with school punishment for Black, Hispanic, and White students. Integrated spaces play an important role in decreasing both punishment disparities and punishment severity.
On the total power factor of lift systems
Authors: So Albert , Chan Wai L , Tsang Steve KM 
Published: January 2017

The term “Total Power Factor” defined as the ratio between the active power and the apparent power (consisting of active, reactive and distortion power) of an electrical system has been used for years to describe how good an electrical supply system is utilized. To a single-phase system, it is well defined. To a balanced three-phase supply system, there is no problem in evaluating it because any voltage between two lines and any line-current could be used to find out the apparent power. To an unbalanced three-phase supply without a neutral wire, like that fed to a modern variable voltage variable frequency lift drive, an issue has arisen. This issue was raised by the first author of this article some 16 years ago. The active power can always be accurately measured by the famous “two-wattmeter method” but which line-voltage and which line-current should be chosen to estimate the apparent power becomes a big issue. The issue is now considered significant, because it was recently required in the mandatory Building Energy Code enforced in Hong Kong. In this article, various existing definitions have been studied and a couple of new definitions have been proposed. Based on cases of computer simulation, one final recommendation has been made, which is simple, straight forward, practical for use on-site and reasonable. It is hoped that this article could solve the problem raised by the first author published in year 2000 in BSER&T and practitioners may find it easy to implement this new definition. It is agreed that such a problem is mainly faced by the Building Energy Code assessors in Hong Kong. Practical application: The measurement of total power factor is a statutory requirement in Hong Kong and is a useful parameter used around the world. Based on site measurements, it is an inherent fact that the currents of the three phase lift systems are not perfectly balanced, whereas the voltages are more or less balanced. And owing to the absence of a neutral wire of the three phase supply to a lift system, it is impossible to measure such total power factor by using the conventional definition. If a neutral wire exists, it is not a problem anymore as the total power factor of each phase can be independently measured. Various definitions have been reviewed and one new definition is suggested that could solve this problem. Lift engineers could easily do the job by adopting this new definition, which is verified by simulation and site measurement.
Femoral vein valve incompetence as a risk factor for junctional recurrence
Authors: Gianesini Sergio , Occhionorelli Savino , Menegatti Erica , Malagoni Anna Maria , Tessari Mirko , Zamboni Paolo 
Published: January 2017

Background Recurrent varicose veins occur up to 80% of procedures. The sapheno-femoral junction can be involved in more than 50% of cases. A detailed pathophysiological explanation of the phenomenon is still missing. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the role of femoral vein incompetence as risk factor for sapheno-femoral junction recurrence. Methods Three-hundred-eighty-one patients presenting an incompetent great saphenous vein system and eventually also an incompetent femoral tract (C2-6EpAsdPr) underwent a great saphenous vein high ligation with flush ligation also of the incompetent tributaries along the leg, sparing the saphenous trunk. Pre-operatively, all patients underwent a sonographic evaluation assessing the superficial and deep venous systems, including a detailed analysis of the iliac-femoral vein tract above the sapheno-femoral junction. A retrospective statistical analysis assessed the recurrence risk associated with iliac-femoral vein tract incompetence. Results In a 5.5 ± 1.9 years follow-up, great saphenous vein trunk reflux recurrence was detected in 45/381 (11.8%) cases. The reflux source was found in a reconnected sapheno-femoral stump in 11/45 cases (24.5%), in the pelvic network in 8/45 cases (17.8%), in a neovascularization process in 7/45 (15.5%) and in a newly incompetent great saphenous vein tributary in 19/45 (42.2%). At the pre-operative assessment, iliac-femoral vein tract reflux was present in 7 (26.9%) of the 26 cases who developed a sapheno-femoral junction recurrence and in 25 (7%) of the 355 patients who did not demonstrate sapheno-femoral junction recurrence (odds ratio: 4.8; confidence interval 95%: 1.8–12.6; p < .003). Discussion Despite many technical diagnostic and therapeutic refinements, varicose veins recurrence remains a frequent event. The present investigation points out the association among iliac-femoral vein tract incompetence and sapheno-femoral junction recurrences after high ligation.
Superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins of the lower limbs and thrombophilia
Authors: Lucchi Gabriella , Bilancini Salvino , Tucci Sandro , Lucchi Massimo 
Published: January 2017

Objectives Superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins of the lower limbs is rather frequent and may be underestimated. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of inherited or acquired thrombophilia in a sample of outpatients with the disease. Method An observational study was conducted on 73 consecutive superficial vein thrombosis patients tested for inherited or acquired thrombophilia. Results Sixty of 73 patients with superficial vein thrombosis completed the testing protocol, while 13 dropped out; 46 of 60 patients were found to have a thrombophilia (76.6%). The types detected were: factor V Leiden (31/60, i.e. 51.6%), prothrombin mutation (2/60, i.e. 3.3%), MTHFR mutation (23/60, i.e. 38.3%), antiphospholipid antibodies (5/60, i.e. 8.3%), protein C deficit (1/60, i.e. 1.6%), protein S deficit (1/60, i.e. 1.6%), and antithrombin deficit (0/60, i.e. 0%). Conclusions Among patients with superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins, testing demonstrated a high prevalence of thrombophilia. The most common form proved to be factor V Leiden. As thrombophilia was found to be a major cause of superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins, the authors recommend that patients with superficial vein thrombosis in non-varicose veins be investigated for thrombophilia.