bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin of different types of cutaneous tumours in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Racnik Jozko , Svara Tanja , Zadravec Marko , Gombac Mitja , Cemazar Maja , Sersa Gregor , Tozon Natasa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundMast cell tumour, sebaceous gland adenoma, and less common squamous papilloma are skin tumours in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), and early excisional surgery is usually the treatment of choice. The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy (ECT), a new, minimally invasive non-surgical method, as first treatment option of different types of ferret skin tumours located on surgically difficult sites.Materials and methodsA 5-year-old castrated male ferret with two cutaneous masses, presenting 4 months apart and a 7-year-old spayed female ferret with two cutaneous masses, that appeared simultaneously on two locations are presented. In the first patient, both masses were diagnosed as mast cell tumours, and in the second patient, squamous papilloma and sebaceous adenoma were diagnosed. One session of ECT with bleomycin injected intratumourally was applied in all tumours.ResultsComplete response (CR) of all tumours was obtained, without recurrence during observation period of 15 months after ECT for first tumour and 11 months after ECT of the tumour located on the right hock in first patient, and 8 months after treatment for the second patient.ConclusionsIn present study, ECT with bleomycin proved to be safe and effective against different cutaneous tumours in ferrets. Due of good results, low cost and relatively easy procedure, ECT could be the treatment of choice instead of surgery for the selected skin tumours in ferrets.
Regenerative potential of secretome from dental stem cells: a systematic review of preclinical studies
Authors: Muhammad Suleiman Alhaji , Nordin Norshariza , Fakurazi Sharida 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInjury to tissues is a major clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of endogenous cells. Stem cell therapy is evolving rapidly as an alternative for tissue regeneration. However, increasing evidence suggests that the regenerative ability of stem cells is mainly mediated by paracrine actions of secretome that are generally secreted by the cells. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of dental stem cell (DSC)-conditioned medium inin vivoanimal models of various tissue defects. A total of 15 eligible studies was included by searching Pubmed, Scopus and Medline databases up to August 2017. The risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias tool. Of 15 studies, seven reported the therapeutic benefit of the conditioned medium on neurological diseases and three reported on joint/bone-related defects. Two interventions were on liver diseases, whereas the remaining three addressed myocardial infarction and reperfusion, lung injury and diabetes. Nine studies were performed using mouse models and the remaining six studies used rat models. The methodological quality of the studies was low, as most of the key elements required in reports of preclinical studies were not reported. The findings of this review suggested that conditioned medium from DSCs improved tissue regeneration and functional recovery. This current review strengthens the therapeutic benefit of cell-free product for tissue repair in animal models. A well-planned study utilizing validated outcome measures and long-term safety studies are required for possible translation to clinical trials.
Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Paracetamol at Carbamazepine Film Coated Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Teradale Amit B. , Lamani Shekappa D. , Ganesh Pattan S. , Kumara Swamy Bahaddurghatta E. , Das Swastika N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe electrochemical behavior of paracetamol (PC) was investigated at carbamazepine (CBZ) film coated carbon paste electrode in 0.2 M PBS of pH 7.4 by cyclic voltammetric technique. The modified electrode was exhibited a good electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of paracetamol, which results in a noticeable improvement of the peak currents and feasible oxidation as compared to the bare carbon paste electrode. Under optimal experimental conditions the electrochemical response to PC was linear in the concentration range from 1.0×10−4M to 3.94×10−4M with a detection limit of 0.24 μM by cyclic voltammetric technique. The sensitivity, long-term stability, reproducibility was shown by the modified electrode. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine PC in pharmaceutical samples.
Analysis of Training Loads in Elite Under 18 Australian Rule Football Players
Authors: Cust Emily E. , Elsworthy Nathan , Robertson Sam 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Cust, EE, Elsworthy, N, and Robertson, S. Analysis of training loads in elite under 18 Australian rule football players. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2521–2528, 2017—Differences in training loads (TLs) between under 18 (U18) Australian rules football (AF) state academy–selected and state academy–nonselected players were investigated. Players were categorized relating to their highest representative level: state academy–selected (n = 9) and TAC cup–level players (n = 38). Data were obtained from an online training–monitoring tool implemented to collect player training and match information across a 20-week period during the regular season. Parameters modeled included AF skills, strength, and other sport training sessions. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD) and between-group comparisons (Cohen's d) were computed. A J48 decision tree modeled which TL variables could predict selection level. Pooled data showed 60% of weekly training duration consisted of AF training sessions. Similar AF TL were reported between state academy and TAC cup players (1,578 ± 1,264 arbitrary units (AU) vs. 1,368 ± 872 AU; d = 0.05). Although higher TLs were reported for state-selected players comparative with TAC cup in total training (d = 0.20), core stability (d = 0.36), flexibility (d = 0.44), on-feet conditioning (d = 0.26), and off-feet conditioning (d = 0.26). Decision tree analysis showed core stability duration and flexibility TL, the most influential parameters in classifying group selection (97.7% accuracy TAC cup level; 35.8% accuracy state academy level). Insights of U18 AF players' weekly training structures, loads, and characteristics of higher achieving players are provided. This study supports the application of training diaries and session rating of perceived exertion for TL monitoring in junior athletes.
A Design Optimization of the High Pressure Die Casting Process for the Fabrication of Bulk Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Malomo B. O. , Ogunbodede O. T. , Popoola O. T. , Oluwasegun K. M. , Ibitoye S. A. , Adekoya L. O. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This study presents a finite element method optimization strategy to enhance the solidification of molten aluminum alloy in the high pressure die casting (HPDC) process for the production of bulk metal matrix composites. A computational fluid dynamics approach based on the explicit volume fluid multiphase (EVFM) model was applied in the ANSYS FLUENT software environment to analyze the effect of pressurized melt infiltration and thermal loading on deformation, heat flux variations, and solidification profiles during solidification processing of aluminum alloy composite in a HPDC die of varying thicknesses, ranging from 3–24 mm. The associated turbulence was accounted for by the k-ε model. The solidification mechanisms were characterized for the performance of the optimal die configuration. The results indicate that the resistance to deformation was not significant for die thicknesses within the 5–15 mm range but increases sharply at a constant rate as the die thickness exceeds 15 mm. The heat transfer characteristics for the 15–21-mm die are considered as optimal for controlled melt solidification. The solidification profiles suggested that heat flux variations were most critical for the 3, 6, and 9-mm die thicknesses, while the capacity to dissipate heat at a constant rate was achieved for die thicknesses of 12, 15, and 18 mm. The thermal analysis on the optimal die configuration indicates the conditions under which the formation and growth of microconstituents would occur during the solidification process. The experimental validation suggested that the die thickness of 18–20 mm has the most significant implication for design. The mechanical properties of the hybrid composite were found to vary nonlinearly with applied pressure, while indicating an enhancement for the elastic plastic properties within the range of 70–90 MPa.
Combination of Interaural Level and Time Difference in Azimuthal Sound Localization in Owls
Authors: Kettler Lutz , Griebel Hannah , Ferger Roland , Wagner Hermann 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA function of the auditory system is to accurately determine the location of a sound source. The main cues for sound location are interaural time (ITD) and level (ILD) differences. Humans use both ITD and ILD to determine the azimuth. Thus far, the conception of sound localization in barn owls was that their facial ruff and asymmetrical ears generate a two-dimensional grid of ITD for azimuth and ILD for elevation. We show that barn owls also use ILD for azimuthal sound localization when ITDs are ambiguous. For high-frequency narrowband sounds, midbrain neurons can signal multiple locations, leading to the perception of an auditory illusion called a phantom source. Owls respond to such an illusory percept by orienting toward it instead of the true source. Acoustical measurements close to the eardrum reveal a small ILD component that changes with azimuth, suggesting that ITD and ILD information could be combined to eliminate the illusion. Our behavioral data confirm that perception was robust against ambiguities if ITD and ILD information was combined. Electrophysiological recordings of ILD sensitivity in the owl’s midbrain support the behavioral findings indicating that rival brain hemispheres drive the decision to orient to either true or phantom sources. Thus, the basis for disambiguation, and reliable detection of sound source azimuth, relies on similar cues across species as similar response to combinations of ILD and narrowband ITD has been observed in humans.
ELMOD1 Stimulates ARF6-GTP Hydrolysis to Stabilize Apical Structures in Developing Vestibular Hair Cells
Authors: Krey Jocelyn F. , Dumont Rachel A. , Wilmarth Philip A. , David Larry L. , Johnson Kenneth R. , Barr-Gillespie Peter G. 
Published: December 2017

Sensory hair cells require control of physical properties of their apical plasma membranes for normal development and function. Members of the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) small GTPase family regulate membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal assembly in many cells. We identified ELMO domain-containing protein 1 (ELMOD1), a guanine nucleoside triphosphatase activating protein (GAP) for ARF6, as the most highly enriched ARF regulator in hair cells. To characterize ELMOD1 control of trafficking, we analyzed mice of both sexes from a strain lacking functional ELMOD1 [roundabout (rda)]. Inrda/rdamice, cuticular plates of utricle hair cells initially formed normally, then degenerated after postnatal day 5; large numbers of vesicles invaded the compromised cuticular plate. Hair bundles initially developed normally, but the cell's apical membrane lifted away from the cuticular plate, and stereocilia elongated and fused. Membrane trafficking in type I hair cells, measured by FM1-43 dye labeling, was altered inrda/rdamice. Consistent with the proposed GAP role for ELMOD1, the ARF6 GTP/GDP ratio was significantly elevated inrda/rdautricles compared with controls, and the level of ARF6-GTP was correlated with the severity of therda/rdaphenotype. These results suggest that conversion of ARF6 to its GDP-bound form is necessary for final stabilization of the hair bundle.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAssembly of the mechanically sensitive hair bundle of sensory hair cells requires growth and reorganization of apical actin and membrane structures. Hair bundles and apical membranes in mice with mutations in theElmod1gene degenerate after formation, suggesting that the ELMOD1 protein stabilizes these structures. We show that ELMOD1 is a GTPase-activating protein in hair cells for the small GTP-binding protein ARF6, known to participate in actin assembly and membrane trafficking. We propose that conversion of ARF6 into the GDP-bound form in the apical domain of hair cells is essential for stabilizing apical actin structures like the hair bundle and ensuring that the apical membrane forms appropriately around the stereocilia.
Interleukin-18 serum level is elevated in type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Zaharieva Emanuela , Kamenov Zdravko , Velikova Tsvetelina , Tsakova Adelina , El-Darawish Yosif , Okamura Haruki 
Published: December 2017

Background
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an inflammatory cytokine found to be elevated in obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a part of the chronic low-grade inflammatory process in these states. The aim of the study was to evaluate the interleukin level in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes of the adults (LADA) in comparison to that in T2D subjects.

Materials and methods
IL-18 was analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 76 participants with T2D and 24 with LADA and 14 control subjects. Evaluation was also carried out in body mass index (BMI)- and glycemic control-matched diabetic patients.

Results
The serum concentration of IL-18 was higher in patients with T2D (389.04 ± 203.44 pg/mL) and LADA (327.04 ± 144.48 pg/mL) than that in control subjects (219.88 ± 91.03 pg/mL), P < 0.05. However, it was not significantly different between both diabetic groups (P = 0.255) despite higher IL-6 (4.78 ± 5.84 vs 1.79 ± 0.96 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (2.60 ± 1.70 vs 1.29 ± 1.20 mg/L, P = 0.002) level in T2D patients. The results were persistent in BMI-matched subjects with diabetes (IL-18 = 403.48 ± 226.32 vs 329.30 ± 146.30 pg/mL, respectively for T2D and LADA, P = 0.391). The correlations in T2D group concerning HDL cholesterol (r = −0.377, P = 0.001), postprandial glucose (r = 0.244, P = 0.043), IL-6 (r = 0.398, P < 0.001) and hs-CRP (r = 0.427, P = 0.001) were not confirmed in LADA and control subjects.

Conclusion
The IL-18 serum level was higher in T2D and LADA than that in control subjects, but did not differ between both diabetic groups, even when they were BMI matched. Correlations with lipid, glycemic and inflammatory parameters were present in T2D only.
Investigation of humic acids concentration in different seasons in a raw water canal, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Tungsudjawong K. , Leungprasert S. , Peansawang P. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
This study presents an overview of the changes in humic acids, which are disinfection by-product precursors in a raw water canal, Bangkok, Thailand, during different seasons. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy was employed to characterize and quantify spatial and seasonal variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) along a raw water canal of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority (MWA) Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 276 raw water samples were collected from 23 stations during the winter, summer and rainy season. Results indicate that hydrophobic fractions made up the majority of DOM and this water source also had high specific UV absorbance (SUVA). Seasonal variation of DOM was found to be more pronounced than geographical variation along the canal. The presence of humic substances was the highest in the rainy season due to rainfall and surface runoff, while soluble microbial by-product-like substances were found only in summer. The results provide an insight into the prediction of humic acids in source water, which benefits the MWA in being aware of seasonal variation in water quality.
Resection of primary motor cortex tumors: feasibility and surgical outcomes
Authors: Magill Stephen T. , Han Seunggu J. , Li Jing , Berger Mitchel S. 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVEBrain tumors involving the primary motor cortex are often deemed unresectable due to the potential neurological consequences that result from injury to this region. Nevertheless, we have challenged this dogma for many years and used asleep, as well as awake, intraoperative stimulation mapping to maximize extent of resection. It remains unclear whether these tumors can be resected with acceptable morbidity, whether performing the surgery with the patient awake or asleep impacts extent of resection, and how stimulation mapping influences outcomes.METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed on the senior author’s cohort to identify patients treated between 1998 and 2016 who underwent resection of tumors that were located within the primary motor cortex. Clinical notes, operative reports, and radiographic images were reviewed to identify intraoperative stimulation mapping findings and functional outcomes following tumor resection. Extent of resection was quantified volumetrically. Characteristics of patients were analyzed to identify factors associated with postoperative motor deficits.RESULTSForty-nine patients underwent 53 resections of tumors located primarily within the motor cortex. Stimulation mapping was performed in all cases. Positive cortical sites for motor response were identified in 91% of cases, and subcortical sites in 74%. Awake craniotomy was performed in 65% of cases, while 35% were done under general anesthesia. The mean extent of resection was 91%. There was no statistically significant difference in extent of resection in cases done awake compared with those done under general anesthesia. New or worsened postoperative motor deficits occurred in 32 patients (60%), and 20 patients (38%) had a permanent deficit. Of the permanent deficits, 14 were mild, 4 were moderate, and 2 were severe (3.8% of cases). Decreased intraoperative motor response and diffusion restriction on postoperative MRI were associated with permanent deficit. Awake motor mapping surgery was associated with increased diffusion signal on postoperative MRI.CONCLUSIONSResection of tumors from the primary motor cortex is associated with an increased risk of motor deficit, but most of these deficits are transient or mild and have little functional impact. Excellent extent of resection can be achieved with intraoperative stimulation mapping, suggesting that these tumors are indeed amenable to resection and should not be labeled unresectable. Injury to small perforating or en passage blood vessels was the most common cause of infarction that led to moderate or severe deficits. Awake motor mapping was not superior to mapping done under general anesthesia with regard to long-term functional outcome.
Does the obesity paradox predict functional outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage?
Authors: Dangayach Neha S. , Grewal Harpreet Singh , De Marchis Gian Marco , Sefcik Roberta K. , Bruce Rachel , Chhatlani Aarti , Connolly E. Sander , Falo M. Cristina , Agarwal Sachin , Claassen Jan , Schmidt J. Michael , Mayer Stephan A. 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVEBeing overweight or mildly obese has been associated with a decreased risk of death or hospitalization in patients with cardiovascular disease. Similarly, overweight patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) have improved survival up to 1 year after admission. These counterintuitive observations are examples of the “obesity paradox.” Does the obesity paradox exist in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)? In this study the authors examined whether there was an association between obesity and functional outcome in patients with ICH.METHODSThe authors analyzed 202 patients admitted to the neurological ICU (NICU) who were prospectively enrolled in the Columbia University ICH Outcomes Project between September 2009 and December 2012. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) and not overweight (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The primary outcome was defined as survival with favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–3) versus death or severe disability (mRS score 4–6) at 3 months.RESULTSThe mean age of the patients in the study was 61 years. The mean BMI was 28 ± 6 kg/m2. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 10 ± 4 and the mean ICH score was 1.9 ± 1.3. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 41%. Among patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m2, 24% (17/70) had a good outcome, compared with 39% (52/132) among those with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.03). After adjusting for ICH score, sex, do-not-resuscitate code status, and history of hypertension, being overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was associated with twice the odds of having a good outcome compared with patients with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (adjusted odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03–4.06, p = 0.04).CONCLUSIONSIn patients with ICH admitted to the NICU, being overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was associated with favorable outcome after adjustment for established predictors. The reason for this finding requires further study.
Metastases of spinal myxopapillary ependymoma: unique characteristics and clinical management
Authors: Kraetzig Theresa , McLaughlin Lily , Bilsky Mark H. , Laufer Ilya 
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVEMyxopapillary ependymoma is a benign WHO Grade I tumor most commonly located in the conus–cauda equina region of the spine. Although this tumor is defined by an overall excellent survival, dissemination throughout the whole neuraxis occurs frequently. The current study evaluated the clinical characteristics and significance of myxopapillary ependymoma metastases.METHODSPatients who underwent surgery from 2005 to 2015 for treatment of spinal myxopapillary ependymoma were included in the study. Charts were reviewed for primary tumor symptoms and initial treatment, local recurrence, response to salvage therapy, and presence and behavior of distant metastases.RESULTSNineteen patients with spinal myxopapillary ependymoma were included in the study (52.6% female). The median age at first diagnosis was 32 years old (range 9–58 years old), and 26.3% were ≤ 18 years old. The median follow-up of all included patients was 48 months (range 6–456 months). Of the primary tumors, 84.2% were located in the lower thoracic or upper lumbar spine, spanning 1–3 levels in 94.7%. All patients underwent surgery for initial treatment: in 78.9% a gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved, with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in 20%. Of the 21.2% who underwent a subtotal resection (STR), 75% underwent postoperative RT. Tumor progression was noted in 26.3% of patients after a median 36-month follow-up (range 12–240 months). In 57.9% of patients, distant metastases were found, of which 36.4% were present at initial diagnosis. Further metastases occurred within a median of 20 months (range 2–360 months). Following a diagnosis of metastatic tumor, 72.7% did not show progression and no symptoms were observed during a median follow-up of 36 months (range 6–216 months). Metastases occurred in all parts of the neuroaxis, but were principally localized in the thoracic and sacral spine in 38.9% and 33.3%, respectively; the brain was involved in 11.1%. In 54.5%, more than 1 level was affected. Overall survival was 100% with an excellent clinical and neurological outcome in 78.9% of cases.CONCLUSIONSMetastatic dissemination within the CNS can be observed in many patients with myxopapillary ependymoma. GTR of the primary tumor should be the primary treatment goal, and additional RT is recommended after STR. For distant metastases of myxopapillary ependymoma without clinical manifestation, close clinical and MRI follow-up represents a sufficient strategy because most of the metastases remain asymptomatic and do not show progression over time. Additional resection or irradiation as salvage therapy would be recommended if metastases become symptomatic.