bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A headspace-gas chromatography method for isopropanol determination in warfarin sodium products as a measure of drug crystallinity
Authors: Rahman Ziyaur , Akhtar Sohail , Siddiqui Akhtar , Ciavarella Anthony B. , Nguyenpho Agnes , Faustino Patrick J. , Khan Mansoor A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Coumadin® a nd s everal generic products of warfarin s odium (WS) contain the crystalline form (clathrate) in which WS and isopropanol (IPA) are associated in a 2:1 molar ratio. IPA is critical in maintaining the WS crystalline structure. Physicochemical properties of the drug and drug product may change when the crystalline drug transforms to amorphous form. A headspace-gas chromatography (HS-GC) method was developed and validated for IPA determination in the WS drug product. n-propanol (NPA) was used as internal standard and the method was validated for specificity, system suitability, linearity, accuracy, precision, range, limits of detection and quantification, and robustness. The method was specific, with good resolution between IPA and NPA peaks. Chromatographic parameters (retention time, IPA/NPA area ratio, tailing factor, theoretical plates, USP symmetry, capacity factor, selectivity and resolution) were consistent over three days of validation. The analytical method was linear from 2-200 μg mL-1 (0.1- 10 % IPA present in the drug product). LOD and LOQ were 0.1 and 2 μg mL-1, respectively. Accuracy at low (2 μg mL-1) and high (200 μg mL-1) IPA concentrations of the calibration curve was 103.3-113.3 and 98.9-102.2 % of the nominal value, resp. The validated method was precise, as indicated by the RSD value of less than 2 % at three concentration levels of the calibration curve. The method reported here was utilized to determine accurately and precisely the IPA content in in-house formulations and commercial products. In summary, IPA determination by HS-GC provides an indirect measure of WS crystallinity in the drug product. Nevertheless, it should be confirmed by another analytical method since IPA from the drug substance is not distinguishable from IPA that may be present outside the drug crystals in a dosage form when prepared by wet granulation with IPA.
HPTLC determination of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds
Authors: Król-Kogus Barbara , Lamine Khenifi Mohammed , Migas Piotr , Boudjeniba Messaoud , Krauze-Baranowska Mirosława 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
A new HPTLC-densitometric method for diosgenin determination in fenugreek seeds was established after optimization of the conditions for efficient saponin extraction and acid hydrolysis. Several procedures were tested, the best of which was a three-step Soxhlet extraction, followed by hydrolysis of the obtained methanolic extract with 2 mol L-1 H2SO4. Best diosgenin separation from other hydrolysis products was obtained on HPTLC Si60F254 plates u sing a mixture of n-heptane/ethyl acetate (7:3, V/V) and modified anisaldehyde as a spraying reagent. The method was preliminarily validated and the determined amounts of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds of Polish and African origin were found to be similar and ranged from 0.12-0.18 %.
Induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in hepatocytes by beta-naphthoflavone: Time-dependent changes in activities, protein and mRNA levels
Authors: Lněničková Kateřina , Skálová Lenka , Stuchlíková Lucie , Szotáková Barbora , Matoušková Petra 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In the present study, time-dependency of the induction effect of a selective inducer on the activity, protein and mRNA levels of cytochromes P450 1A1/2 (CYP1A1/2), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTA), in primary culture of rat hepatocytes was tested and evaluated. To show the differences in responses of tested enzymes, the common aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand agonist, beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), was used. Induction of CYP1A1/2 by BNF was detected at all time intervals and at all levels (i.e., mRNA, protein, enzyme activity). Different responses of NQO1 and GSTA upon BNF treatment were observed. Our results demonstrate that the responses of different xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes to the inducer vary in time and depend on the measured parameter. For these reasons, an induction study featuring only one-time interval treatment and/ or one parameter testing could produce misleading information.
Medication adherence and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Horvat Nejc , Locatelli Igor , Kos Mitja , Janežič Ana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study evaluated medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Slovenian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and examined the factors associated with HRQoL. Demographic and therapy information was collected from 65 patients through interviews. The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were used to evaluate HRQoL and adherence, resp. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the association between the factors and HRQoL. The mean St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score (range 0-100, with higher scores indicating lower HRQoL) was 41.4. COPD affected patients’ daily activities more than their social and psychological functioning. Slightly more than 53 % of the patients were optimally adherent, while 12 % were non-adherent. Patients with lower HRQoL had a larger number of medications for concomitant diseases, experienced COPD exacerbation in the last year, and had less education. No statistically significant correlation was found between medication adherence and HRQoL.
Transcriptome analysis of ABCB1, ABCG2 and the BCL2/BAX ratio in refractory and relapsed canine lymphomas under treatment and rescue protocol
Authors: Sirivisoot Sirintra , Teewasutrakul Patharakrit , Rungsipipat Anudep , Tangkawattana Sirikachorn , Techangamsuwan Somporn 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The main problems that cause unresponsiveness to an anti-neoplastic drug are the overexpression of drug resistant and anti-apoptotic proteins in tumor cells. In a rescue protocol we evaluated the ability of toceranib phosphate concurrent with lomustine (CCNU) or L-asparaginase and vincristine to decrease drug resistant and apoptotic proteins in relapsed and refractory canine lymphomas. The peripheral blood samples were collected before and after the rescue treatment from fourteen dogs that were refractory to cyclophosphamide-vincristine-prednisolone (COP) or COP-doxorubicin (CHOP) treatment and had recurrent multicentric lymphoma. The mRNA expression level of ABCB1, ABCG2, Bcl2 and Bax were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The fold-change in ABCB1, ABCG2, Bcl2 and Bax mRNA levels were analyzed in correlation with the progression-free survival (PFS). After the rescue treatment, the ABCB1 and ABCG2 mRNA expression levels were 1.57- and 1.85-fold lower (p = 0.4 and p = 0.87), respectively, compared to pre-treatment. Bcl2/Bax ratio was numerically but not significantly decreased 1.02-fold (p = 0.74). The overall response rate of this protocol was 50% with a median PFS of 79 days (range 14-207 days). The low medians of relative expression levels of ABCB1, ABCG2 and Bcl2/Bax ratio group did not correlate with the clinical outcomes when compared to the high medians of relative expression levels, and likewise with the clinical stage, immunophenotype, histological grade and sub-stage. Therefore, the administration of a rescue drug with toceranib phosphate might be beneficial in refractory and relapsed canine lymphoma.
Influence of sevoflurane or propofol anaesthesia on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration. A preliminary study
Authors: Katerina Tomsič , Alenka Nemec Svete , Ana Nemec , Aleksandra Domanjko Petrič , Tomaž Vovk , Alenka Seliškar 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and anaesthesia induced with propofol and maintained with sevoflurane on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). Sixteen client-owned dogs with early stage MMVD that required periodontal treatment were included in the study. After induction with propofol, anaesthesia was maintained with propofol (group P) or sevoflurane (group PS). Blood samples for determination of vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde were collected before premedication, 5 and 60 minutes and 6 hours after induction to anaesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups in any of the oxidative stress parameters at each sampling time. Compared to basal values, vitamin E concentration decreased significantly during anaesthesia in both groups and glutathione peroxidase activity increased 60 minutes after induction to anaesthesia in PS group. Anaesthesia with propofol or with propofol and sevoflurane did not have any significant impact on oxidative stress parameters in dogs with early stage MMVD. In terms of oxidative stress, both protocols may be equally safely used in dogs with early stage MMVD.
A pilot study on skin potential recordings as a measure of nociception in pain-free dogs and humans, and in dogs with persistent pain
Authors: Paola Giordano , Rachel Bennett C , Bernd Driessen 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The Pain Trace™ device can detect changes in the skin's electrical potentials claimed to be associated with pain related alterations in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. Positive voltages represent the absence of major pain, whereas negative voltages represent moderate to severe pain. Unlike in humans and horses, no baseline skin potential recordings have been reported in dogs. In study Part 1 baseline skin potentials were recorded in healthy dogs and compared to readings obtained in human volunteers. In dogs, data were recorded with electrodes placed at three separate sites: neck, axilla, and thorax. In humans, data were collected from the palms. Readings over a 90-second period were averaged and comparisons between groups were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. All voltage recordings were positive. Readings in dogs had greater variability. Recordings from the thorax were more homogeneous, this being the reason why this site was chosen for study Part 2. No significant differences in recordings were noted between pain-free dogs and humans. The main hypothesis was that shifting from positive to negative skin potential voltages serves as an indicator of canine patients sensing moderate to severe pain. Therefore, we obtained preoperative readings from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease that were experiencing associated persistent pain, and compared these data with readings from pain-free dogs (thorax). In dogs undergoing surgery, all pre-surgery voltage readings were positive and thus no consistent relationship between skin potential recordings and pain perception could be established. Further investigation is needed to confirm any relationship between skin potential and pain severity in dogs.
Maxillary cementoblastoma (true cementoma) and secondary aspergillosis in a horse
Authors: Ricardo De Miguel , Jéssica Molín , Javier Asín , María Solana , José Vázquez Francisco , Joaquín Zalaya , Henrik Jensen E. , Lluís Luján 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Cementoblastoma is a rare, benign, expansive and slow-growing, mesenchymal odontogenic tumor. An eight year-old, Purebred Spanish Horse stallion with clinical history of chronic, refractory to treatment unilateral rhinitis and radiologic evidence of a radiopaque mass at the second premolar tooth root underwent intraoral surgery for tooth and mass extraction. The owner did not want to bear the cost of the histopathologic study and the samples were left unattended in a sterile recipient without a fixative solution for six years. Grossly the mass showed a hard consistence, greyish-whitish color and an irregular surface. Histologically, the mass consisted of an abundant deposit of eosinophilic cementum-like organic matrix with frequent basophilic reversal lines and heterogeneous distribution of empty lacunae. Surrounded by this organic matrix there were numerous fungal hyphae positive for Aspergillus fumigatus immunostaining. The final diagnosis was maxillary cementoblastoma with secondary aspergillosis. High-quality information has been obtained from long-time non-fixed tissues.
The Occurrence of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery due to Complications from Crohn's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Joksimović Vladimir , Jankulovski Nikola , Antović Svetozar , Joksimović Marija , Mančeva Ljubinka 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can give rise to strictures, inflammatory masses, fistulas, abscesses, hemorrhage, and cancer. This disease commonly affects the small bowel, colon, rectum or anus. Less commonly, it affects the stomach, esophagus and mouth. Often, the disease affects multiple areas of the gastrointestinal tract. The cause of CD is not known and there is no curative treatment. The current medical and surgical treatment is effective in controlling the disease, but even with optimal treatment, recurrences and relapses are frequent.
Various risk factors specific for the patients with conditions related to the CD can influence the outcome of the surgical treatment in the postoperative period. Those risk factors can be preoperative laboratory inflammatory markers such as WBC and CRP values, phlegmona of the anterior abdominal wall and preoperative interintestinal abscess, positive resection margins.
Here we present a case of a patient who was surgically treated as an emergent case because of the complication due to Crohn's disease. At presentation, the patient had leukocytosis, elevated CRP, anemia, low levels of total proteins, and albumin.
Compensating Pose Uncertainties through Appropriate Gripper Finger Cutouts
Authors: Wolniakowski Adam , Gams Andrej , Kiforenko Lilita , Kramberger Aljaž , Chrysostomou Dimitrios , Madsen Ole , Miatliuk Konstantsin , Petersen Henrik Gordon , Hagelskjær Frederik , Buch Anders Glent , Ude Aleš , Krüger Norbert 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The gripper finger design is a recurring problem in many robotic grasping platforms used in industry. The task of switching the gripper configuration to accommodate for a new batch of objects typically requires engineering expertise, and is a lengthy and costly iterative trial-and-error process. One of the open challenges is the need for the gripper to compensate for uncertainties inherent to the workcell, e.g. due to errors in calibration, inaccurate pose estimation from the vision system, or object deformation. In this paper, we present an analysis of gripper uncertainty compensating capabilities in a sample industrial object grasping scenario for a finger that was designed using an automated simulation-based geometry optimization method (Wolniakowski et al., 2013, 2015). We test the developed gripper with a set of grasps subjected to structured perturbation in a simulation environment and in the real-world setting. We provide a comparison of the data obtained by using both of these approaches. We argue that the strong correspondence observed in results validates the use of dynamic simulation for the gripper finger design and optimization.
Sciatic Nerve Regeneration in Wistar Albino Rats Evaluated by in vivo Conductivity and in vitro 1H NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Bumbu Anamaria Victoria , Fechete Radu , Perian Marcel , Bumbu Bogdan Septimiu , Brinzaniuc Klara 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and quantify functional and structural nerve regeneration after reconstruction using either direct suture or silicon graft.

Methods: Thirty-two adult Wistar Albino rats were divided in two equal groups. The left sciatic nerve was cross-sectioned and reconstructed using either direct suture (DS group) or a silicone graft (SG group). At 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks two rats were randomly chosen from each group for in vivo measurement of nerve electric conductivity and subsequently sacrificed together with other two rats from the same group for in vitro 1H NMR relaxometry measurements. The T2 distributions were assigned to 1H located in different pools corresponding to the nerve structure.

Results: In the injured nerve we observed a significant increase in the stimulation threshold and a decrease in conduction velocity when compared with the healthy nerve in both groups. Whereas the conduction velocity increased progressively from 4 to 10 weeks in the DS group, the opposite evolution was observed in the SG group. In both groups, the first two peaks corresponding to water bound to collagen and epineurium had smaller transverse relaxation times in the injured nerves, while there was no change in the peaks corresponding to perineurium and free water between healthy and injured nerves.

Conclusions: Significant differences were observed between direct suture and nerve graft reconstructions from both a functional and structural point of view. In the case of direct suture reconstruction, the nerve was functionally healed at 10 weeks after injury.
Self-Shadowing of a Spacecraft in the Computation of Surface Forces. An Example in Planetary Geodesy
Authors: Balmino G. , Marty J.C. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We describe in details the algorithms used in modelling the self-shadowing between spacecraft components, which appears when computing the surface forces as precisely as possible and especially when moving parts are involved. This becomes necessary in planetary geodesy inverse problems using more and more precise orbital information to derive fundamental parameters of geophysical interest. Examples are given with two Mars orbiters, which show significant improvement on drag and solar radiation pressure model multiplying factors, a prerequisite for improving in turn the determination of other global models.
Structural Analysis of Kufasat Using Ansys Program
Authors: Al-Maliky Firas T. , AlBermani Mohamed J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The current work focuses on vibration and modal analysis of KufaSat structure using ANSYS 16 program. Three types of Aluminum alloys (5052-H32, 6061-T6 and 7075-T6) were selected for investigation of the structure under design loads. Finite element analysis (FEA) in design static load of 51 g was performed. The natural frequencies for five modes were estimated using modal analysis. In order to ensure that KufaSat could withstand with various conditions during launch, the Margin of safety was calculated. The results of deformation and Von Mises stress for linear buckling analysis were also performed. The comparison of data was done to select the optimum material for KufaSat structures.
Effects of Modifying Agents on the Dyeability of Cotton Fabric using Malachite Green Dye
Authors: Bello Isah A. , Bello Olugbenga S. , Adegoke Kayode A. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Changes in thermodynamic parameters as a result of modifying agents on dye uptake of cotton fabric using malachite green (MG) dye was investigated in this study. Five modifying agents {Acetic acid (CH3COOH), hydrated Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3.10H2O), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)} were used on cotton fabric. The equilibrium exhaustions (%E) were determined before and after modification of the cotton fabric at different concentrations which were 88.24%, 80%, 77.14%, 65.10% and 30.88% for CH3COOH, NaCl, (NH4)2SO4, Na2CO3.10H2O and H2O2 respectively. The results also showed a correlation between the standard affinity(-Δμθ) of dye on cotton fabric and the equilibrium exhaustion. The values of entropy (ΔSθ) and enthalpy (ΔHθ) change revealed the feasibility (spontaneity) and exothermic nature of the reaction. The optimum parameters were attained in acidic solution (CH3COOH) at the highest temperature (70 °C) of dyeing as it showed the highest % efficiency of 88.24%. This work established that modification of cotton fabric with modifying agents is one of the best route to improve the affinity between dye and fabric as it reduces stress, amount of dyes wasted in dyeing, time required to achieve satisfactory results leading to a cost effective environmental friendly approach in the field of cotton dyeing.
Yield and Quality of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta L.
) as a Result of Microbial Fertilizers
Authors: Agic Rukie , Zdravkovska Mariјa , Popsimonova Gordana , Dimovska Daniela , Bogevska Zvezda , Davitkovska Margarita 
Published: April 2018

Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of two different types of microbial fertilizers, namely Micro-Vita I (containing several groups of Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms) and Micro-Vita II (containing Azotobacter, nitrifying microorganisms, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms and iron), on the yield and quality of beetroot (Beta vulgaris ssp. esculenta, cv Kestrel). Beetroots grown in the field without using microbial fertilizers served as the experimental control. The experiments were conducted in a field located in the village of Jurumleri, near Skopje, characterized by a well-drained and sandy soil, in 2013. The purpose of the study is to determine how different microbial fertilizers influence the production and quality of beetroot. The yields obtained were significantly higher in the beetroot grown using Micro-Vita II (69.43 t ha−1) and Micro-Vita I (58.13 t·ha−1) fertilizers, compared to the control yield (54.8 t/ha). The beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita I regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (6.86%), cellulose (13.79%) and protein (18.18%) compared to the control crops. Furthermore, the beetroot grown under the Micro-Vita II regime indicated significantly higher contents of vitamin C (14.71%), cellulose (27.59%), protein (44.62%), minerals (6.25%) and Fe (100%) compared to the control crops. According to the results obtained, the application of microbiological fertilizers is recommended for beetroot (cv. Kestrel), with regard to the beetroot quality and bioactive compounds, and can be used in organic farming.
Growth and Development of Triticum Monococcum L., Triticum Dicoccum Sch. and Triticum Spelta L. in Organic Farming Conditions
Authors: Zorovski Plamen , Popov Vladislav , Georgieva Tonya 
Published: April 2018

Summary
During the 2014-2016 period in Agroecological Center at the Agricultural University - Plovdiv, Bulgaria growth and development of three species of wheat in terms of organic farming had been tracked in order to return the species in the crop rotation, maintenance of biodiversity and receiving of cleaner and healthy products from organic farms. The three species of wheat Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Sch, and Triticum spelta L., differ between its rate of growth, development, general and productive tillering. In tillering phase the plants reached 12,3 cm of height for Triticum monococcum L., 15,7 cm for Triticum spelta L. and 19,4 cm for Triticum dicoccum Sch. Triticum monococcum L. and Triticum dicoccum Sch, reached ear formation phase 5 days earlier than Triticum spelta L. The interfacial period of stem elongation - ear formation in them, was about 21 days compared to 25 days for Triticum spelta L.. From ear formation to full maturity inter-phase periods were shorter in Triticum dicoccum Sch., which specifies the species as an early mature (6 days earlier) compared to the other two. After phenophase of stem elongation plants were growing the most intensive and in full ripeness reached a height of 94 cm in Triticum monococcum L., 81,5 cm in Triticum dicoccum Sch. and 82,5 cm in Triticum spelta L.