bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced susceptibility to fluconazole in a cat with histoplasmosis
Authors: Renschler Janelle S , Norsworthy Gary D , Rakian Rubie A , Rakian Audrey I , Wheat Lawrence J , Hanzlicek Andrew S 
Published: November 2017

Case summary An 11-year-old neutered male domestic longhair cat was diagnosed with histoplasmosis from fine-needle aspirates of an abdominal lymph node. Lymph node size initially decreased with fluconazole therapy (11.8 mg/kg PO q12h); however, after 13 months of continuous fluconazole therapy, lymphadenomegaly worsened and samples were collected for culture and antifungal susceptibility. The Histoplasma capsulatum isolate had a very high fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 64 µg/ml and an itraconazole MIC of 0.06 µg/ml. The owner declined a change to itraconazole and, ultimately, the cat developed neurologic signs and was euthanized. Owing to the initial response to fluconazole followed by treatment failure and high MIC value, acquired fluconazole resistance was suspected. Clinical breakpoints for fluconazole for the dimorphic fungi are not available to define true antifungal resistance. Relevance and novel information This is the first published report of reduced susceptibility to fluconazole in a cat being treated for histoplasmosis. Fluconazole failure and increases in MIC between pretreatment and long-term treatment isolates are known to occur in humans with histoplasmosis. Practitioners should be aware of this possibility when treating cats with fluconazole (particularly in cases with long-term [>1 year] fluconazole therapy or in cases with disease recrudescence).
The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal induces tissue factor decryption via ROS generation and the thioredoxin system
Authors: Ansari Shabbir A. , Pendurthi Usha R. , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan 
Published: November 2017

Key PointsHNE inhibition of the TrxR/Trx system induces p38 MAPK activation–dependent TF decryption by increasing PS levels in the outer leaflet. HNE-induced mitochondrial ROS generation also contributes to TF decryption, independent of TrxR/Trx and p38 MAPK activation.
Mild endoplasmic reticulum stress ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment via regulation of microglial polarization
Authors: Wang Yi-wei , Zhou Qin , Zhang Xiang , Qian Qing-qing , Xu Jia-wen , Ni Peng-fei , Qian Yan-ning 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Background
Neuroinflammation, which ultimately leads to neuronal loss, is considered to play a crucial role in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroinflammatory process is characterized by the activation of glial cells such as microglia. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is commonly associated with impairments in neuronal function and cognition, but its relationship and role in neurodegeneration is still controversial. Recently, it was confirmed that nonharmful levels of ER stress protected against experimental Parkinson’s disease. Here, we investigated mild ER stress-based regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-driven neuroinflammation in rats and in primary microglia.

Methods
Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats received the intracerebroventricular injection of the ER stress activator tunicamycin (TM) with or without intraperitoneal injection of the ER stress stabilizer sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) 1 h before LPS administration. The levels of neuroinflammation and memory dysfunction were assessed 24 h after treatment. In addition, the effect of mild ER stress on microglia was determined in vitro.

Results
Here, we found that low doses of TM led to mild ER stress without cell or organism lethality. We showed that mild ER stress preconditioning reduced microglia activation and neuronal death as well as improved LPS-induced memory impairment in rats. In addition, pre-exposure to nonlethal doses of TM in microglia showed significant protection against LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and M1/2b polarization. However, sodium 4-PBA, a compound that ameliorates ER stress, ablated this protective effect in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions
Based on our findings, we conclude that the mild ER stress not only limits the accumulation of misfolded proteins but also protects tissues from harmful endotoxemia insults. Therefore, ER stress preconditioning has potential therapeutic value for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Management of 1-Lung Ventilation—Variation and Trends in Clinical Practice: A Report From the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group
Authors: Colquhoun Douglas A. , Naik Bhiken I. , Durieux Marcel E. , Shanks Amy M. , Kheterpal Sachin , Bender S. Patrick , Blank Randal S. ,   on behalf of the MPOG Investigators
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:
Lung-protective ventilation (LPV) has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes in surgical patients. There are very limited data on the current use of LPV for patients undergoing 1-lung ventilation (1LV) despite evidence that 1LV may be a particularly important setting for its use. In this multicenter study, we report trends in ventilation practice for patients undergoing 1LV.

METHODS:
The Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group database was used to identify patients undergoing 1LV. We retrieved and calculated median initial and overall tidal volume (V
T) for the cohort and for high-risk subgroups (female sex, obesity [body mass index >30 kg/m2], and short stature), percentage of patients receiving positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ≥5 cm H2O, LPV during 1LV (V
T ≤ 6 mL/kg predicted body weight [PBW] and PEEP ≥5 cm H2O), and ventilator driving pressure (ΔP; plateau airway pressure − PEEP).

RESULTS:
Data from 5609 patients across 4 institutions were included in the analysis. Median V
T was calculated for each case and since the data were normally distributed, the mean is reported for the entire cohort and subgroups. Mean of median V
T during 1LV for the cohort was 6.49 ± 1.82 mL/kg PBW. V
T (mL/kg PBW) for high-risk subgroups was significantly higher; 6.86 ± 1.97 for body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, 7.05 ± 1.92 for female patients, and 7.33 ± 2.01 for short stature patients. Mean of the median V
T declined significantly over the study period (from 6.88 to 5.72; P < .001), and the proportion of patients receiving LPV increased significantly over the study period (from 9.1% to 54.6%; P < .001). These changes coincided with a significant decrease in ΔP during the study period, from 19.4 cm H2O during period 1 to 17.3 cm H2O in period 12 (P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS:
Despite a growing awareness of the importance of protective ventilation, a large proportion of patients undergoing 1LV continue to receive V
T PEEP levels outside of recommended thresholds. Moreover, V
T remains higher and LPV less common in high-risk subgroups, potentially placing them at elevated risk for iatrogenic lung injury.
Differential methylation analysis of reduced representation bisulfite sequencing experiments using edgeR
Authors: Chen Yunshun , Pal Bhupinder , Visvader Jane E. , Smyth Gordon K. 
Published: November 2017

Studies in epigenetics have shown that DNA methylation is a key factor in regulating gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation is often associated with DNA instability, which could lead to development of diseases such as cancer. DNA methylation typically occurs in CpG context. When located in a gene promoter, DNA methylation often acts to repress transcription and gene expression. The most commonly used technology of studying DNA methylation is bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq), which can be used to measure genomewide methylation levels on the single-nucleotide scale. Notably, BS-seq can also be combined with enrichment strategies, such as reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), to target CpG-rich regions in order to save per-sample costs. A typical DNA methylation analysis involves identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between different experimental conditions. Many statistical methods have been developed for finding DMRs in BS-seq data. In this workflow, we propose a novel approach of detecting DMRs using edgeR. By providing a complete analysis of RRBS profiles of epithelial populations in the mouse mammary gland, we will demonstrate that differential methylation analyses can be fit into the existing pipelines specifically designed for RNA-seq differential expression studies. In addition, the edgeR generalized linear model framework offers great flexibilities for complex experimental design, while still accounting for the biological variability. The analysis approach illustrated in this article can be applied to any BS-seq data that includes some replication, but it is especially appropriate for RRBS data with small numbers of biological replicates.
Modification, validation and implementation of a protocol for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia
Authors: Stedman T , Chew P , Truran P , Lim CB , Balasubramanian SP 
Published: November 2017

Introduction The management of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia should facilitate early discharge, and reduce risks of hypocalcaemia, readmission and treatment related hypercalcaemia. This paper describes the implementation, evaluation and revision a protocol for the optimal management of this condition. Methods Day 1 parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements in addition to calcium measurements were commenced following review of the unit’s outcomes and literature on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. Outcomes from a three-year cohort of patients undergoing thyroid surgery helped amend this protocol (revision 1) to reduce biochemical tests, stipulate the need, nature and dose of vitamin D/calcium supplements, and encourage early discharge. This was further validated over seven months to assess compliance, episodes of hyper and/or hypocalcaemia after discharge, readmissions and need for treatment changes. Further revisions were made (revision 2) and implemented. Results The temporary and long-term postoperative hypocalcaemia rates were 29.1% and 3.2% respectively. Repeat calcium measurements on the first day altered management in only 1.4% of cases. The revised protocol was adhered to in 90% of cases. One patient had hypocalcaemia (due to non-compliance) and one had hypercalcaemia. Revision 2 involved reducing the dose of calcium. Conclusions This is a good example of a unit protocol for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia being developed and modified on the basis of the literature and local experience. Day 1 PTH and calcium levels determine the need for treatment and frequency of follow-up visits, facilitate early discharge, reduce risk of over and/or undertreatment, and are good indicators of permanent hypocalcaemia.
The effect of rectal washout on local recurrence following rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Moosvi SR , Manley K , Hernon J 
Published: November 2017

Introduction Local recurrence after surgery for rectal cancer is associated with significant morbidity and debilitating symptoms. Intraoperative rectal washout has been linked to a reduction in local recurrence but there is no conclusive evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether performing rectal washout had any effect on the incidence of local recurrence in patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal cancer in the context of the current surgical management. Methods A total of 395 consecutive patients who underwent anterior resection with or without rectal washout for rectal cancer between January 2003 and July 2009 at a high volume single institution were analysed retrospectively. A standardised process for performing washout was used and all patients had standardised surgery in the form of total mesorectal excision. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy was used on a selected basis. Patients were followed up for five years and local recurrence rates were compared in the two groups. Results Of the 395 patients, 297 had rectal washout and 98 did not. Both groups were well matched with regard to various important clinical, operative and histopathological characteristics. Overall, the local recurrence rate was 5.3%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of local recurrence between the washout group (5.7%) and the no washout group (4.1%). Conclusions Among our cohort of patients, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of local recurrence after anterior resection with or without rectal washout. This suggests that other factors are more significant in the development of local recurrence.
The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on severity of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic necrosis
Authors: Baxter KA , Pucher PH , Berry DP , Elberm H , Abu-Hilal M , Marangoni G , Hamady ZZR 
Published: November 2017

Introduction Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency presentation and can be disabling. There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with AP, and it places a considerable burden on the healthcare system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to have a protective effect in some elective contexts. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs on the course of AP and the severity of the disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out of 324 patients admitted as an emergency with a diagnosis of AP to two UK hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups: those already taking NSAIDs for other co-morbidities and those not taking NSAIDs. Variables compared included: admission to a high dependency or intensive care unit; pancreatic necrosis; pseudocyst development; need for surgery; serum inflammatory markers; modified early warning scores on days 1, 3 and 5; length of stay; and mortality. Results Patients not taking NSAIDs were more likely to have a C-reactive protein level of ≥150mg/l (p=0.007). Patients in the NSAID group experienced less pancreatic necrosis (p=0.019) and lower rates of pseudocyst formation (p=0.010). Other variables showed no difference between the two groups, specifically length of stay and mortality. Conclusions Routine NSAID use may exert a protective effect on the development of AP, its severity, and complications. Therapeutic use of NSAIDs in acute presentations with pancreatitis should be further evaluated.
Decoding spatial attention with EEG and virtual acoustic space
Authors: Dong Yue , Raif Kaan E. , Determan Sarah C. , Gai Yan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDecoding spatial attention based on brain signals has wide applications in brain–computer interface (BCI). Previous BCI systems mostly relied on visual patterns or auditory stimulation (e.g., loudspeakers) to evoke synchronous brain signals. There would be difficulties to cover a large range of spatial locations with such a stimulation protocol. The present study explored the possibility of using virtual acoustic space and a visual‐auditory matching paradigm to overcome this issue. The technique has the flexibility of generating sound stimulation from virtually any spatial location. Brain signals of eight human subjects were obtained with a 32‐channel Electroencephalogram (EEG). Two amplitude‐modulated noise or speech sentences carrying distinct spatial information were presented concurrently. Each sound source was tagged with a unique modulation phase so that the phase of the recorded EEG signals indicated the sound being attended to. The phase‐tagged sound was further filtered with head‐related transfer functions to create the sense of virtual space. Subjects were required to pay attention to the sound source that best matched the location of a visual target. For all the subjects, the phase of a single sound could be accurately reflected over the majority of electrodes based on EEG responses of 90 s or less. The electrodes providing significant decoding performance on auditory attention were fewer and may require longer EEG responses. The reliability and efficiency of decoding with a single electrode varied with subjects. Overall, the virtual acoustic space protocol has the potential of being used in practical BCI systems.
Validation of whole room indirect calorimeters: refinement of current methodologies
Authors: Rising Russell , Foerster Thomas , Arad Avigdor D. , Albu Jeanine , Pi‐Sunyer Xavier 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWhole room indirect calorimeter (WRIC) validation techniques consist of propane combustion (PC) or infusion of mixed carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) by a precision blender (PB). To determine the best method, PC of 6, 10, 22‐h and PB infusions of 6, 10, and 14‐h, were conducted. The 14‐h infusion consisted of two metabolic settings. Energy expenditure (EE; kJ), ventilation (V; liters/min) of oxygen (VO2), VCO2, and respiratory quotient (VCO2/VO2) obtained from the WRIC were extrapolated to the respective test durations and compared to similarly calculated values. Moreover, accurate equations (AE) were derived to correct infusions for additional N2. As a final evaluation of a PC validated WRIC, weight maintenance (WM), energy balance (EB), respiratory quotient (RQ), and food quotients (FQ) were determined in 22 subjects who had repeat 24‐h EE measurements. Statistical analyses (P < 0.05) were conducted (SPSS, version 23). Significant differences in RQ existed between PC and stoichiometry after 6‐h. Errors for the rest of the PC tests ranged from −1.5 ± 2.4 (VCO2) to 2.8 ± 4.6% (EE). When compared with the WRIC, all uncorrected metabolic parameters for six and 10‐h PB infusions were significantly different with errors from −12.8 ± 1.6 (VO2) to 6.0 ± 2.8% (RQ). The AE reduced the magnitude of errors to −12.4 ± 1.5 (RQ) to 2.2 ± 3.0% (RQ). The PB infusion with two settings showed similar performance. No differences in WM, EB, RQ, or FQ existed in the subjects. In conclusion, 10‐h PC tests are sufficient for validating WRICs.
Existence of Extremal Functions for Higher-Order Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg Inequalities
Authors: Dong Mengxia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Though there has been an extensive study on first-order Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg inequalities, not much is known for the existence of extremal functions for higher-order ones. The higher-order derivative of the Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg inequality established by Lin [14] states

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The role of dialect in mother tongue retention of Slovene Canadians: a case study
Authors: Šabec Nada , Koletnik Mihaela 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article addresses the issue of mother tongue retention in the Slovene Canadian community of Vancouver. A brief social and historical profile of the community is followed by a description of the general linguistic situation, based on the data collected through questionnaires and participant observation. The results show substantial intergenerational variation in terms of the immigrants’ language use and language attitudes and point in the direction of a relatively rapid shift from Slovene to English, but not to the weakening of their sense of ethnic identity.
The focus then shifts to the linguistic aspects of Slovene-English language contact themselves. In addition to interference phenomena in the immigrants’ language such as borrowing from English and Slovene-English code switching, special attention is paid to the presence of dialect or standard features in their mother tongue. Lexis in particular is interesting as it shows traces of other languages. Next, we try to identify the most significant factors which affect the immigrants’ choice between Slovene and English in various contexts as well as their use of either dialect or standard in Slovene.
Motor-concept variation in the German verbs ‘anfassen’, ‘angreifen’, ‘anlangen’. Differences between Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Ahlers Timo , Fink Juliane 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The semantics of German ‘touch’ verbs include corresponding motor concepts. These seem to result from experiences and learning from subjective bodily actions and interactions with the environment during language acquisition (cf. Bailey 1997). When we learn a new action word, we often do so embedded in a particular motor context (cf. Bailey et al. 1997; Bergen et al. 2004). In this pilot study, we investigate how the motor concepts of German hand-related ‘touch’-verb variants ([an]fassen, [an]greifen, [an]langen, cf. VWB: 38–39, 40, 42) – which are often considered to be true synonyms – are applied by speakers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The empirical study draws on research into cognitive semantics (Pulvermüller 2005; Steels & Belpaeme 2005; Barsalou 2008; Evans 2009) and motor cognition (Bailey et al. 1997; Marocco et al. 2010) and aims at adding a variationist linguistic component to the existing research (cf. Fink in prep.). By use of a stimulus response experiment with 25 native speakers from the three countries, we will show a) that the three verb variants differ in terms of motor concepts and therefore are no true synonyms and b) that the motor concepts for each verb differ between speakers of German in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Language ideologies, intervarietal conflict and their repercussions on language and society: the case of the Hispanic dialect complex
Authors: Chela-Flores Godsuno 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a phase of language divinisation is posited as the deeply-rooted origin of the standard language/variety ideology, which devalues the nonstandard dialects thus causing a permanent sociolinguistic conflict. Present linguistic standardisation is seen as the form divinisation has taken in the course of the history of humankind and it is justified by the search of stability and functionality for organised speech communities, which is not objectionable as such for some aspects of social life. The sociolinguistic conflict emerges because the first stage of the process requires the selection of usually one variety (or more than one in some cases) out of the dialectal complex of any natural language, generally responding to class-related interests allied to power and prestige. It is evidently, an ideological issue. Our approach to this problem is based on data from the Spanish-speaking world, analysed mainly on a minimal unitary phonetological approach (MUPA) in search of different dialectal dimensions and parameters. MUPA is justified and possible because of the great cohesiveness of Spanish varieties. When attention is paid to this extensive linguistic dominion, one finds that the notion of the inevitability of the weakening of regional varieties has to be revised.