bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors: Spectrum of Disease in an Indian Cohort and Management Strategies
Authors: Borde Tushar Deepak , Arimappamagan Arivazhagan , Srinivas Dwarakanath , Rao K. V. L. Narasinga , Devi B. Indira , Somanna Sampath , Santosh Vani 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Background: Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent approximately 3% of primary pediatric brain tumors in the West, whereas in Asia, they constitute between 8% and 15% of pediatric brain tumors. Methods: We retrospectively studied all patients with intracranial GCT managed at our institute from January 1998 to December 2013. The clinical data and radiological data were analyzed. Results: Forty-eight patients with intracranial GCT including 36 males and 16 females formed the cohort. The proportion of GCT in our study was 0.29%. The mean age was 16.5 ± 2.5 years. Germinomas constituted 56.3% and nongerminomatous GCTs constituted 43.7% of all the tumors. The most common location was posterior third ventricle (58.3%) followed by suprasellar (22.9%). Histopathological diagnosis was obtained in almost all patients (96%). Surgical procedures included tumor decompression (71.7%), stereotactic biopsy (13%), and endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy (15%). Patient's age, location of the tumor, and histology did not influence the survival. Women with GCTs had poorer survival when compared to men. Conclusions: The present study documented a lower hospital-based incidence of GCT in Indian cohort. A multidisciplinary approach including surgical strategy based on location, appropriate radiation planning, and chemotherapy is needed for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
The Profile of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Natives of Western Himalayas: Hospital-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Sondhi Sachin , Sharma Sudhir , Kaushal S. S. , Mehta Ayushi , Banayal Vikas 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Background: Despite the disabling nature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there are no contemporary data on clinical characteristics available from rural hilly states from India. Thus, the present study aimed at reporting clinical profile in ALS patients from natives of Western Himalayas. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients of ALS were enrolled over a period of 1 year (2013–2014) in the present study. The demographic profile, clinical characteristics, and risk factors were systematically recorded, and these patients were followed for 1 year. Results: The mean age of ALS patients was 53 ± 15.88 (23–90 years). Maximum number of patients of both limb onset and bulbar onset were in the age group of 40–49 years Figure 1. Male to female ratio was 1.46. Limb-onset was seen in 23 (72%) and bulbar-onset in 9 (28%) of patients. Bulbar-onset was more common in females as compared to males. Mean duration of symptoms were 19.06 ± 24 months (range 4–120 months). None of the studied risk factor showed statistically significant association with outcome of the disease. No familial association was found. The most common site of weakness was upper limb distal weakness. Definite ALS was seen in 13 (40.6%) patients. Mean ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS) at presentation is 35.7 ± 7.9. All patients were started on riluzole. Mean ALSFRS at 9-month follow-up was 32.9 ± 7.4. After 1 year of follow up, 5 out of 32 patients died and among them, 4 were of limb onset and 1 was of bulbar onset ALS. Mean age at death in males was 66 ± 16 years and in females was 56.33 ± 24.8 years; mean survival in these patients was 25 months. Conclusion: This present study highlights following findings: (1) Male preponderance is less common in our patients as compared to earlier reports from India. Bulbar onset is more common in elderly (age >60 years) females. (2) As per previous reports from India, when compared to Western population present study supports the fact of the younger age of onset and longer duration of symptoms and slow course of disease in Indian patients.
Scintigraphic texture analysis for assessment of renal allograft function
Authors: Ardakani Ali Abbasian , Hekmat Sepideh , Abolghasemi Jamileh , Reiazi Reza 
Published: July 2018

PurposeEarly detection and monitoring of kidney function during the post-transplantation period is one of the most important issues for improving the accuracy of an initial diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate texture analysis (TA) in scintigraphic imaging to detect changes in kidney status after transplantation.Material and methodsScintigraphic images were used for TA from a total of 94 kidney allografts (39 rejected and 55 non-rejected). Images corresponding to the frames at the 2nd, 5th, and 20th minute of the study were used to determine the optimum time point for analysis of differences in texture features between the rejected and non-rejected allografts.ResultsLinear discriminant analysis indicated the best performance at the fifth minute frame for classification of the rejected and non-rejected allografts with receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) of 0.982, corresponding to 91.89% sensitivity, 96.49% specificity, and 94.68% accuracy. Also, TA can differentiate acute tubular necrosis from acute rejection with Az of 0.953 corresponding to 88% sensitivity, 92.31% specificity, and 90.62% accuracy at the 5th minute frame. The best correlation between texture feature and kidney function was achieved at the 20th minute frame (r = –0.396) for glomerular filtration rate.ConclusionsTA has good potential for the characterisation of kidney failure after transplantation and can improve clinical diagnosis.
Endovascular treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Hofman Mariusz , Jamróz Tomasz , Jakutowicz Izabela , Jarski Paweł , Masarczyk Wilhelm , Niedbała Marcin , Przybyłko Nikodem , Kocur Damian , Baron Jan 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionComplex intracranial aneurysms (CIA) are heterogenous group of intracranial vascular malformations. Due to its giant size, difficult location, broad neck, branches arising from the aneurysm, wall structure, calcification, presence of intraluminal thrombus or previous treatments it requires more careful approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate endovascular treatment results of CIA in our Department.Material and methodsIn order to differentiate CIA from all the aneurysms, treated endovascularly in years 2008-2014, authors proposed their own qualification criteria. Additionally, subgroup of patients with CIA with simultaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) was divided. Clinical outcomes of patients were assessed with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), while radiological outcomes were assessed with Montreal Scale. Aneurysm localization, incidence of aborted procedures, intraoperative complications were also evaluated.ResultsInternal carotid artery was the most common localization in both CIA and non-complex (nCIA) groups. Incidence of aborted procedures was significantly higher in CIA group than in nCIA (25% vs. 7%; p < 0.01). CIA group had worse Montreal scores then nCIA group (1.90 vs. 1.49; p < 0.01). Clinical outcome in GOS scale in patients with SAH and CIA was significantly worse than in SAH and nCIA (2.86 vs. 4.06; p = 0.04).ConclusionsTo conclude, proposed criteria of CIA should be taken into consideration during diagnosis and qualification to invasive treatment. Classifying aneurysm as CIA is related to greater possibility of aborting endovascular procedure due to technical difficulties.
Transcatheter retrieval of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug
Authors: Sato Yozo , Inaba Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Takaaki , Murata Shinichi , Kimbara Yuki , Senda Yoshiki 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionAn Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP), which was designed as a permanent occluding device derived from the Amplatzer Septal Occluder and Amplatzer Duct Occluder, is a useful embolic device that can be precisely deployed in medium to large vessels with high resistance to migration. However, migration of these Amplatzer devices has been reported as a relatively rare but major complication.Case reportA 59-year-old woman was referred for the treatment of advanced pancreatic body cancer; after systemic chemotherapy, distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR) was planned as curative treatment. Therefore, preoperative embolisation of the common hepatic artery (CHA) for arterial redistribution was performed. Although a 6-mm AVP II was deployed at the mid-portion of the CHA, the AVP migrated to the proper hepatic artery. Although migrated AVP retrieval using a goose neck snare was attempted, it was impossible to retrieve it into the 5-F guiding sheath. Therefore, the AVP was delivered to the splenic artery, which was planned to be resected in DP-CAR. Finally, a 10-mm AVP II was redeployed at the proximal portion of the CHA, and complete occlusion was achieved.ConclusionsWhen AVP retrieval is not possible, delivery to the other arteries having lesser influence might be an alternate technique.
Use of pessary in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions: a systematic review
Authors: Scarabelot Karoline , Pereira Franciele , Ghizzo Luana , Willing Jéssica , Virtuoso Janeisa 
Published: July 2018

PurposeTo describe and evaluate the scientific evidence on the use of pessary in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions.MethodsThis systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases searched were ScienceDirect, PubMed, PEDro, and BVS. The following descriptors were used: ‘clinical trial,’ ‘pessary,’ ‘pelvic floor,’ and the Boolean operator ‘and.’ The search was conducted between November 2016 and February 2017. The methodological quality of the selected articles was analysed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.ResultsAfter the insertion of the filters in the databases, 379 titles were selected, of which 5 articles were picked out in pairs for analysis as a whole. The 3 studies investigating the use of pessary in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse included women with prolapse stages II–III. The rings or Gellhorn pessaries were the most frequently used, and all showed benefits in decreasing urinary symptoms and improvement of prolapse.ConclusionsThe pessary is beneficial for the treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Good methodological quality was also identified in most studies included.
Who bears the cost of forest conservation?
Authors: Poudyal Mahesh , Jones Julia P.G. , Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Hockley Neal , Gibbons James M. , Mandimbiniaina Rina , Rasoamanana Alexandra , Andrianantenaina Nilsen S. , Ramamonjisoa Bruno S. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundWhile the importance of conserving ecosystems for sustainable development is widely recognized, it is increasingly evident that despite delivering global benefits, conservation often comes at local cost. Protected areas funded by multilateral lenders have explicit commitments to ensure that those negatively affected are adequately compensated. We make the first comparison of the magnitude and distribution of the local costs of a protected area with the magnitude and distribution of the compensation provided under the World Bank social safeguard policies (Performance Standard 5).MethodsIn the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (a new protected area and REDD+ pilot project in eastern Madagascar), we used choice experiments to estimate local opportunity costs (n= 453) which we annualized using a range of conservative assumptions concerning discount rates. Detailed surveys covering farm inputs and outputs as well as off-farm income (n= 102) allowed us to explore these opportunity costs as a proportion of local incomes. Intensive review of publically available documents provided estimates of the number of households that received safeguard compensation and the amount spent per household. We carried out a contingent valuation exercise with beneficiaries of this compensation two years after the micro-development projects were implemented (n= 62) to estimate their value as perceived by beneficiaries.ResultsConservation restrictions result in very significant costs to forest communities. The median net present value of the opportunity cost across households in all sites was US$2,375. When annualized, these costs represent 27–84% of total annual income for median-income households; significantly higher proportionally for poorer households. Although some households have received compensation, we conservatively estimate that more than 50% of eligible households (3,020 households) have not. Given the magnitude of compensation (based both on amount spent and valuation by recipients two years after the compensation was distributed) relative to costs, we argue that no one was fully compensated. Achieving full compensation will require an order of magnitude more than was spent but we suggest that this should be affordable given the global value of forest conservation.DiscussionBy analyzing in unprecedented depth both the local costs of conservation, and the compensation distributed under donor policies, we demonstrate that despite well-intentioned policies, some of the poorest people on the planet are still bearing the cost of forest conservation. Unless significant extra funding is provided by the global beneficiaries of conservation, donors’ social safeguarding requirements will not be met, and forest conservation in developing countries will jeopardize, rather than contribute to, sustainable development goals.
Flexible and Stretchable Smart Display: Materials, Fabrication, Device Design, and System Integration
Authors: Koo Ja Hoon , Kim Dong Chan , Shim Hyung Joon , Kim Tae‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Hyeong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent technological advances in nanomaterials have driven the development of high‐performance light‐emitting devices with flexible and stretchable form factors. Deformability in such devices is mainly achieved by replacing the rigid materials in the device components with flexible nanomaterials and their assemblies (e.g., carbon nanotubes, silver nanowires, graphene, and quantum dots) or with intrinsically soft materials and their composites (e.g., polymers and elastomers). Downscaling the dimensions of the functional materials to the nanometer range dramatically decreases their flexural rigidity, and production of polymer/elastomer composites with functional nanomaterials provides light‐emitting devices with flexibility and stretchability. Furthermore, monolithic integration of these light‐emitting devices with deformable sensors furnishes the resulting display with various smart functions such as force/capacitive touch‐based data input, personalized health monitoring, and interactive human–machine interfacing. These ultrathin, lightweight, and deformable smart optoelectronic devices have attracted widespread interest from materials scientists and device engineers. Here, a comprehensive review of recent progress concerning these flexible and stretchable smart displays is presented with a focus on materials development, fabrication techniques, and device designs. Brief overviews of an integrated system of advanced smart displays and cutting‐edge wearable sensors are also presented, and, to conclude, a discussion of the future research outlook is given.
Lithium Silicide Surface Enrichment: A Solution to Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Tang Wei , Yin Xuesong , Kang Sujin , Chen Zhongxin , Tian Bingbing , Teo Siew Lang , Wang Xiaowei , Chi Xiao , Loh Kian Ping , Lee Hyun‐Wook , Zheng Guangyuan Wesley 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe propensity of lithium dendrite formation during the charging process of lithium metal batteries is linked to inhomogeneity on the lithium surface layer. The high reactivity of lithium and the complex surface structure of the native layer create “hot spots” for fast dendritic growth. Here, it is demonstrated that a fundamental restructuring of the lithium surface in the form of lithium silicide (LixSi) can effectively eliminate the surface inhomogeneity on the lithium surface. In situ optical microscopic study is carried out to monitor the electrochemical deposition of lithium on the LixSi‐modified lithium electrodes and the bare lithium electrode. It is observed that a much more uniform lithium dissolution/deposition on the LixSi‐modified lithium anode can be achieved as compared to the bare lithium electrode. Full cells paring the modified lithium anode with sulfur and LiFePO4 cathodes show excellent electrochemical performances in terms of rate capability and cycle stability. Compatibility of the anode enrichment method with mass production process also offers a practical way for enabling lithium metal anode for next‐generation lithium batteries.
Prognostic value of association of OCT4 with LEF1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their impact on epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, invasion, and migration
Authors: Zhao Yue , Li Chunguang , Huang Lei , Niu Shuai , Lu Qijue , Gong Dejun , Huang Shengdong , Yuan Yang , Chen Hezhong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant disease with poor prognosis. Because of early metastasis prior to diagnosis and therapeutic resistance, ESCC has become one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death. Here, we investigated the clinicopathological significance of the association of octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) with lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) expression and the potential molecular mechanism in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration of ESCC. The expression of OCT4 and LEF1 was detected via immunohistochemistry analysis. High levels of LEF1 expression were observed in 95 ESCC specimens and were obviously associated with aberrant clinicopathological features and poor patient prognosis. Our previous study showed that OCT4 expression level is elevated in ESCC, and statistical analysis showed that the elevated expression of OCT4 and LEF1 in ESCC was significantly associated with histologic grade, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor patient prognosis. The specific inhibition of OCT4 expression via a lentivirus encoding OCT4‐shRNA (LV‐shOCT4) in Eca109 cells led to decreased levels of OCT4 and LEF1 in vitro. Additionally, we applied a rescue strategy by infecting LV‐shOCT4 Eca109 cells with a LEF1 overexpression plasmid (p‐LEF1) and detected changes in EMT, migration, and invasion. Unsurprisingly, the p‐LEF1 group exhibited greater EMT, invasion, and migration than did the LV‐shOCT4 and negative control groups. This study demonstrates for the first time the relationship between OCT4 and LEF1 expression. The combination of high expression of OCT4 and LEF1 was associated with clinicopathological features of atypical patients, and this combination might be an ideal prognostic factor in ESCC. OCT4 positively regulated LEF1 expression, and LEF1 mediated the effects of OCT4 in cancer cell EMT, invasion, and migration. The data presented here suggest that the inhibition of OCT4‐LEF1 signaling may be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of ESCC.
Star‐Like Glycosaminoglycans with Superior Bioactivity Assemble with Proteins into Microfibers
Authors: Novoa‐Carballal Ramon , Carretero Agatha , Pacheco Raul , Reis Rui L. , Pashkuleva Iva 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHere it is shown that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) with high molecular weight can be grafted via their reducing end on hyperbranched synthetic cores by oxime condensation without the need of any previous functionalisation of the polysaccharide. The versatility of this reaction is demonstrated by the use of hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate and heparin with up to 60 sugar units. The isothermal calorimetry analysis demonstrated that the generated star‐like glycopolymers have superior bioactivity. Moreover, when mixed with positively charged proteins (e.g., fibroblast growth factor‐2, FGF‐2) they form microfiber structures instead of the spherical nanocomplexes described for linear GAGs. The results suggest that the described star‐like GAG are closer mimics of the proteoglycans at the structural and functional level and therefore have huge potential in the development of tissue engineering platforms and therapeutics by modulating the activity and presentation of various proteins such as growth factors.
On‐Chip Screening of a Glycomimetic Library with C‐Type Lectins Reveals Structural Features Responsible for Preferential Binding of Dectin‐2 over DC‐SIGN/R and Langerin
Authors: Medve Laura , Achilli Silvia , Serna Sonia , Zuccotto Fabio , Varga Norbert , Thépaut Michel , Civera Monica , Vivès Corinne , Fieschi Franck , Reichardt Niels , Bernardi Anna 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA library of mannose‐ and fucose‐based glycomimetics was synthesized and screened in a microarray format against a set of C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) that included DC‐SIGN, DC‐SIGNR, langerin, and dectin‐2. Glycomimetic ligands able to interact with dectin‐2 were identified for the first time. Comparative analysis of binding profiles allowed their selectivity against other CLRs to be probed.
Oxidizing gas sensor with low concentration using complex impedance
Authors: Saeki Katsutoshi , Horiguchi Taku 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn recent years, because of increased carbon dioxide emissions problem, the air pollution has been attracting attention. For example, the exhaust fumes produce nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide. Therefore, these gases should be detected and measured. In this paper, we propose a novel moisture‐insensitive sensor consisting of a comb‐shaped electrode on a Si substrate. We also suggest a new measurement method, using complex impedances, for distinguishing between NO2 and SO2 at low concentrations. It is shown that propose oxidizing‐gas sensor, fabricated on a Si substrate, is moisture‐insensitive for humidity of 40% to 80%. Furthermore, we determine that it is possible to measure mixed gases in the range of 0.1–0.9 ppm for nitrogen dioxide and 0.6‐1.4 ppm for sulfur dioxide owing to the difference in the complex‐impedance change pattern.
Understanding mutuality: Unpacking relational processes in youth mentoring relationships
Authors: Lester Ashlee M. , Goodloe Courtney L. , Johnson Haley E. , Deutsch Nancy L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEvidence suggests that a close interpersonal bond is important for the success of youth–adult mentoring relationships. Mutuality has been suggested to be important for developing a close interpersonal bond (Rhodes, 2002, 2005), but mutuality remains an abstract construct, difficult to understand and cultivate. Using thematic analysis of mentor and mentee (n = 42) interviews, we investigate how mentoring pairs reflect on mutuality. Results suggest that mutuality is understood as a combination of 2 dimensions: shared relational excitement and experiential empathy. Shared relational excitement is felt when there is a genuine desire by both the mentor and the mentee to invest in the relationship. Experiential empathy is the process through which mentors connect with, advise, and normalize the experiences of their mentees by sharing their own relevant experiences. This work has implications for mentor training, program development, and future research on youth–adult relationships.
Approximate controllability of semilinear measure driven systems
Authors: Cao Yueju , Sun Jitao 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates approximate controllability of semilinear measure driven equations in Hilbert spaces. By using the semigroup theory and Schauder fixed point theorem, sufficient conditions for approximate controllability of measure driven equations are established. The obtained results are a generalization and continuation of the recent results on this issue. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the application of the obtained results.