bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perioperative therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer: Pattern of use and survival outcomes
Authors: Alese Olatunji B. , Zakka Katerina , Huo Xingyue , Jiang Renjian , Shaib Walid L. , Akce Mehmet , Behera Madhusmita , Sullivan Patrick , Wu Christina , El‐Rayes Bassel F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMultimodality therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is currently considered the standard of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative therapy on surgical resection in mCRC.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was analyzed for affected patients between 2004 and 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify factors associated with patient outcomes. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used for the association between patient characteristics and survival.ResultsAbout 61,940 patients with mCRC were identified. Mean age = 63.4 years (SD ± 14). About 69% had a colon primary and 32% had only one metastatic site. Only 49% of those who underwent surgery for both primary and metastatic sites received postoperative chemotherapy (p < .001). Negative prognostic factors included no chemotherapy received (hazard ratio [HR], 2.32; 2.27–2.37; p < .001), more than three metastatic sites (HR, 2.28; 2.09–2.48; p < .001), year of diagnosis between 2004 and 2008 (HR, 1.71; 1.15–1.20; p < .001) and colon tumor location with right worse than left‐sided (HR, 1.21; 1.19–1.24; p < .001). Five‐year overall survival for resection of the primary and metastatic site (28.2%) was higher than for no surgical treatment (4.7%).ConclusionPerioperative therapy was associated with improved survival, following resection of metastatic sites or primary tumor.
Development of a Bioinspired, Self‐Adhering, and Drug‐Eluting Laryngotracheal Patch
Authors: Miar Solaleh , Dion Gregory R. , Montelongo Sergio , Ong Joo L. , Bizios Rena , Guda Teja 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisNovel laryngotracheal wound coverage devices are limited by complex anatomy, smooth surfaces, and dynamic pressure changes and airflow during breathing. We hypothesize that a bioinspired mucoadhesive patch mimicking how geckos climb smooth surfaces will permit sutureless wound coverage and also allow drug delivery.Study Designex‐vivo.MethodsPolycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were electrospun onto a substrate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) – acrylate flocks in varying densities were deposited to create a composite patch. Sample topography was assessed with laser profilometry, material stiffness with biaxial mechanical testing, and mucoadhesive testing determined cohesive material failure on porcine tracheal tissue. Degradation rate was measured over 21 days in vitro along with dexamethasone drug release profiles. Material handleability was evaluated via suture retention and in cadaveric larynges.ResultsIncreased flocking density was inversely related to cohesive failure in mucoadhesive testing, with a flocking density of PCL‐PEG‐2XFLK increasing failure strength to 6880 ± 1810 Pa compared to 3028 ± 791 in PCL‐PEG‐4XFLK density and 1182 ± 262 in PCL‐PEG‐6XFLK density. The PCL‐PEG‐2XFLK specimens had a higher failure strength than PCL alone (1404 ± 545 Pa) or PCL‐PEG (2732 ± 840). Flocking progressively reduced composite stiffness from 1347 ± 15 to 763 ± 21 N/m. Degradation increased from 12% at 7 days to 16% after 10 days and 20% after 21 days. Cumulative dexamethasone release at 0.4 mg/cm2 concentration was maintained over 21 days. Optimized PCL‐PEG‐2XFLK density flocked patches were easy to maneuver endoscopically in laryngeal evaluation.ConclusionsThis novel, sutureless, patch is a mucoadhesive platform suitable to laryngeal and tracheal anatomy with drug delivery capability.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 131:1958–1966, 2021
Does cannabis alleviate tinnitus? A review of the current literature
Authors: Narwani Vishal , Bourdillon Alexandra , Nalamada Keerthana , Manes R. Peter , Hildrew Douglas M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjective(s)Endocannabinoid pathways have been proposed to affect the underlying pathophysiology of tinnitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the scope and findings of existing literature on the relationship between cannabis and cannabinoid pathways and tinnitus.MethodsWe conducted a review of animal, clinical and survey studies investigating the relationship between the use of cannabis‐derived agents and tinnitus. Using pertinent keywords and MeSH terms on PubMed, relevant studies were identified, yielding four animal studies, two large cross‐sectional survey studies, one clinical cross‐over study, and one case report.ResultsAnimal studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor expression in the cochlear nucleus varied with tinnitus symptomatology and the use of cannabinoid agents either increased or had no effect on tinnitus‐related behavior. Survey studies yielded conflicting results between cannabis use and tinnitus in the general population. Clinical data is largely lacking, although a small cohort study showed a dose‐dependent relationship between tetrahydrocannabinol consumption and frequency of tinnitus episodes in patients receiving treatment for cancer.ConclusionWhile animal studies have revealed that cannabinoid receptors likely have a role in modulating auditory signaling, there is no compelling data either from animal or human studies for the use of cannabinoids to alleviate tinnitus. Further research is necessary to elucidate their precise role to guide development of therapeutic interventions.Level of EvidenceNA.
Laryngeal complications of COVID‐19
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , Zhou Allen S. , Puka Elefteria , Franco Ramon A. , Carroll Thomas L. , Teng Stephanie E. , Mallur Pavan S. , Song Phillip C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and visually depict laryngeal complications in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection along with associated patient characteristics.Study designProspective patient series.SettingTertiary laryngology care centers.Subjects and methodsTwenty consecutive patients aged 18 years or older presenting with laryngological complaints following recent COVID‐19 infection were included. Patient demographics, comorbid medical conditions, COVID‐19 diagnosis dates, symptoms, intubation, and tracheostomy status, along with subsequent laryngological symptoms related to voice, airway, and swallowing were collected. Findings on laryngoscopy and stroboscopy were included, if performed.ResultsOf the 20 patients enrolled, 65% had been intubated for an average duration of 21.8 days and 69.2% requiring prone‐position mechanical ventilation. Voice‐related complaints were the most common presenting symptom, followed by those related to swallowing and breathing. All patients who underwent flexible laryngoscopy demonstrated laryngeal abnormalities, most frequently in the glottis (93.8%), and those who underwent stroboscopy had abnormalities in mucosal wave (87.5%), periodicity (75%), closure (50%), and symmetry (50%). Unilateral vocal fold immobility was the most common diagnosis (40%), along with posterior glottic (15%) and subglottic (10%) stenoses. 45% of patients underwent further procedural intervention in the operating room or office. Many findings were suggestive of intubation‐related injury.ConclusionProlonged intubation with prone‐positioning commonly employed in COVID‐19 respiratory failure can lead to significant laryngeal complications with associated difficulties in voice, airway, and swallowing. The high percentage of glottic injuries underscores the importance of stroboscopic examination. Otolaryngologists must be prepared to manage these complications in patients recovering from COVID‐19.Level of evidenceIV.
Biodegradable conducting polymeric materials for biomedical applications: a review
Authors: Jadoun Sapana , Riaz Ufana , Budhiraja Vaibhav 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe biodegradable conducting polymers have attracted considerable attention for the last two decades, as a unique class of new biomaterials for emerging both the properties of conducting polymers, that is electrical conductivity, and biocompatible polymers, that is biodegradability. These new biomaterials emerged as the best option for immense potential in biomedical applications. Here, we review the recent developments towards biodegradable conducting polymers and their applications in biomedical fields. Firstly, we introduce the biomaterials and their biocompatibility, followed by a short discussion on conducting polymers and their new hybrid biodegradable conducting polymers along with their applications in biomedical fields such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensors and antibacterial activity. At last, we sum up this review with current challenges and future perspectives.
openPR — A computational tool for CT conversion assessment with proton radiography
Authors: Deffet Sylvain , Cohilis Marie , Souris Kevin , Salvo Koen , Depuydt Tom , Sterpin Edmond , Macq Benoit 
Published: October 2020

PurposeOne of the main sources of uncertainty in proton therapy is the conversion of the Hounsfield Units of the planning CT to (relative) proton stopping powers. Proton radiography provides range error maps but these can be affected by other sources of errors as well as the CT conversion (e.g., residual misalignment). To better understand and quantify range uncertainty, it is desirable to measure the individual contributions and particularly those associated to the CT conversion.MethodsA workflow is proposed to carry out an assessment of the CT conversion solely on the basis of proton radiographs of real tissues measured with a multilayer ionization chamber (MLIC). The workflow consists of a series of four stages: (a) CT and proton radiography acquisitions, (b) CT and proton radiography registration in postprocessing, (c) sample‐specific validation of the semi‐empirical model both used in the registration and to estimate the water equivalent path length (WEPL), and (d) WEPL error estimation. The workflow was applied to a pig head as part of the validation of the CT calibration of the proton therapy center PARTICLE at UZ Leuven, Belgium.ResultsThe CT conversion‐related uncertainty computed based on the well‐established safety margin rule of 1.2 mm + 2.4% were overestimated by 71% on the pig head. However, the range uncertainty was very much underestimated where cavities were encountered by the protons. Excluding areas with cavities, the overestimation of the uncertainty was 500%. A correlation was found between these localized errors and HUs between −1000 and −950, suggesting that the underestimation was not a consequence of an inaccurate conversion but was probably rather due to the resolution of the CT leading to material mixing at interfaces. To reduce these errors, the CT calibration curve was adapted by increasing the HU interval corresponding to the air up to −950.ConclusionThe application of the workflow as part of the validation of the CT conversion to RSPs showed an overall overestimation of the expected uncertainty. Moreover, the largest WEPL errors were found to be related to the presence of cavities which nevertheless are associated with low WEPL values. This suggests that the use of this workflow on patients or in a generalized study on different types of animal tissues could shed sufficient light on how the contributions to the CT conversion‐related uncertainty add up to potentially reduce up to several millimeters the uncertainty estimations taken into account in treatment planning. All the algorithms required to perform the workflow were implemented in the computational tool named openPR which is part of openREGGUI, an open‐source image processing platform for adaptive proton therapy.
The Use of Visceral Proteins as Nutrition Markers: An ASPEN Position Paper
Authors: Evans David C. , Corkins Mark R. , Malone Ainsley , Miller Sarah , Mogensen Kris M. , Guenter Peggi , Jensen Gordon L. ,   the ASPEN Malnutrition Committee
Published: October 2020

AbstractSerum albumin and prealbumin, well‐known visceral proteins, have traditionally been considered useful biochemical laboratory values in a nutrition assessment. However, recent literature disputes this contention. The aim of this document is to clarify that these proteins characterize inflammation rather than describe nutrition status or protein‐energy malnutrition. Both critical illness and chronic illness are characterized by inflammation and, as such, hepatic reprioritization of protein synthesis occurs, resulting in lower serum concentrations of albumin and prealbumin. In addition, the redistribution of serum proteins occurs because of an increase in capillary permeability. There is an association between inflammation and malnutrition, however, not between malnutrition and visceral‐protein levels. These proteins correlate well with patients’ risk for adverse outcomes rather than with protein‐energy malnutrition. Therefore, serum albumin and prealbumin should not serve as proxy measures of total body protein or total muscle mass and should not be used as nutrition markers. This paper has been approved by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Board of Directors.
Prenatal assessment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia at north american fetal therapy network centers: A continued plea for standardization
Authors: Perrone Erin E. , Abbasi Nimrah , Cortes Magdalena Sanz , Umar Uzma , Ryan Greg , Johnson Anthony , Ladino‐Torres Maria , Ruano Rodrigo ,   North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet)
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionPrenatal work‐up for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is important for risk stratification, standardization, counseling, and optimal therapeutic choice. To determine current practice patterns regarding prenatal CDH work‐up, including prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use, and to identify areas for standardization of such evaluation between fetal centers.MethodsA survey regarding prenatal CDH work‐up was sent to each member center of the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) (n = 36).ResultsAll responded. Sonographic measurement of lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) was determined by all, 89% (32/36) of which routinely calculate observed‐to‐expected LHR. The method for measuring LHR varied: 58% (21/36) used a “trace” method, 25% (9/36) used “longest axis,” and 17% (6/36) used an “antero‐posterior” method. Fetal MRI was routinely used in 78% (28/36) of centers, but there was significant variability in fetal lung volume measurement. Whereas all generated a total fetal lung volume, the planes, methodology and references values varied significantly. All evaluated liver position, 71% (20/28) evaluated stomach position and 54% (15/28) quantified the degree of liver herniation. More consistency in workup was seen between centers offering fetal intervention.ConclusionPrenatal CDH work‐up and management differs considerably among North American fetal diagnostic centers, highlighting a need for its standardization.
Allosteric modulation of adenosine A1 and cannabinoid 1 receptor signaling by G‐peptides
Authors: Touma Anja M. , Malik Rabia U. , Gupte Tejas , Sivaramakrishnan Sivaraj 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWhile allosteric modulation of GPCR signaling has gained prominence to address the need for receptor specificity, efforts have mainly focused on allosteric sites adjacent to the orthosteric ligand‐binding pocket and lipophilic molecules that target transmembrane helices. In this study, we examined the allosteric influence of native peptides derived from the C‐terminus of the Gα subunit (G‐peptides) on signaling from two Gi‐coupled receptors, adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). We expressed A1R and CB1 fusions with G‐peptides derived from Gαs, Gαi, and Gαq in HEK 293 cells using systematic protein affinity strength modulation (SPASM) and monitored the impact on downstream signaling in the cell compared to a construct lacking G‐peptides. We used agonists N6‐Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and 5’‐N‐Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) for A1R and 2‐Arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) and WIN 55,212‐2 mesylate (WN) for CB1. G‐peptides derived from Gαi and Gαq enhance agonist‐dependent cAMP inhibition, demonstrating their effect as positive allosteric modulators of Gi‐coupled signaling. In contrast, both G‐peptides suppress agonist‐dependent IP1 levels suggesting that they differentially function as negative allosteric modulators of Gq‐coupled signaling. Taken together with our previous studies on Gs‐coupled receptors, this study provides an extended model for the allosteric effects of G‐peptides on GPCR signaling, and highlights their potential as probe molecules to enhance receptor specificity.
Blending collagen, methylcellulose, and whey protein in films as a greener alternative for food packaging: Physicochemical and biodegradable properties
Authors: da Silva Filipini Gabriel , Romani Viviane Patrícia , Guimarães Martins Vilásia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlternative materials to replace the synthetic plastics are being developed using agro‐based sources, but despite their promising results, these materials still need to have their performance improved to be used in packaging. Blending different molecules can combine the properties of each polymer resulting in the overall performance improvement of the material. In the present study, collagen, whey protein, and methylcellulose were investigated in the development of individual films and blends. They were produced by the casting technique and evaluated for their packaging‐related characteristics (including mechanical, barrier, and color properties), microstructure, thermal properties, and biodegradability in soil. Methylcellulose films presented excellent technological properties, such as total solubility in water, high tensile strength (15.78 MPa), transparency (30.4%), and good barrier to water vapor (0.43 g·mm/h·m2·kPa). In the blends with collagen and whey protein, it was responsible by the increase in tensile strength, barrier, and thermal properties. Collagen films presented the highest elongation at break (101.4%), while whey protein films showed lower solubility in water (28.3%). All the samples tested were completely biodegraded in 10 days in soil. Potential applications for the materials developed include soluble sachets for powdered foods due to the high solubility of some samples, as well as oil containers and capsules for instant coffee machines.
A general theory for the characterization of submeso‐scale motions and turbulence in the atmospheric surface layer
Authors: Urbancic Gabin H. , Suomi Irene , Vihma Timo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOscillations in wind speed and temperature are commonly observed in the atmospheric surface layer due to the ubiquitous presence of submeso‐scale motions (SSMs). These motions are of particular importance during stable and low‐wind conditions as their amplitudes are large compared with the background turbulence. We characterize both SSMs and turbulence by utilizing a universal feature of the Eulerian autocorrelation function (EAF) called the negative lobe. The negative lobe is the first negative minimum in the EAF and occurs when an oscillation is present in the signal. A novel analytic formulation of the EAF allows for the representation of both turbulence and SSMs over all atmospheric conditions. This is accomplished by taking into account the separation of scales between turbulence and SSMs. In addition to SSMs during stable conditions and for weak winds, large‐amplitude oscillations are also observed during moderate to high winds. These oscillations are caused by large‐scale turbulent structures known as longitudinal streaks and are correctly represented by the new theory. Due to the general applicability of the new theory, it is possible to develop a new and improved understanding of SSMs and turbulence.
Real‐time versus thermal desorption selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry for quantification of breath volatiles
Authors: Slingers Gitte , Vanden Eede Martin , Lindekens Jill , Spruyt Maarten , Goelen Eddy , Raes Marc , Koppen Gudrun 
Published: October 2020

RationaleSelected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) is versatile, rapidly provides result output and determines a wide range of volatiles, making it suitable for biomedical applications. When direct sampling into the SIFT‐MS instrument is impractical, combining thermal desorption (TD) and SIFT‐MS might offer a solution as it allows sample storage on sorbent tubes for later analysis. This work compares off‐line TD SIFT‐MS and real‐time SIFT‐MS for the quantification of selected breath volatiles.MethodsTen healthy non‐smoking individuals provided 60 breath samples per method. For off‐line analysis, breath was collected onto sorbent tubes via a breath sampler provided with filtered inspiratory air. After TD, samples were re‐collected in Tedlar bags which were then connected to the SIFT‐MS instrument. For real‐time analysis, breath was sampled directly into the instrument. In both cases the analytical method included a total of 155 product ions, and 14 selected volatiles were quantified. The agreement between the methods was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots.ResultsOverall, correlations between real‐time and off‐line analysis were moderate to very strong (r = 0.43–0.92) depending on the volatile of interest, except for 2,3‐butanedione and styrene. The difference between real‐time and off‐line measured breath concentrations (average bias) ranged between −14.57 and 20.48 ppbv. For acetone and isoprene, it was 251.53 and 31.9 ppbv, respectively.ConclusionsReal‐time SIFT‐MS and off‐line TD SIFT‐MS for quantification of selected breath volatiles did not show optimal agreement. Analyzing a multitude of analytes in breath via direct exhalation into a SIFT‐MS instrument for real‐time analysis is challenging. On the other hand, off‐line analysis using a breath collection device also has its issues such as possible sample losses due to selective absorption depending on the sorbent used or during desorption and transfer to the instrument. Despite these drawbacks, both methods were moderately well correlated.
CD73 expression is critical to therapeutic effects of human endometrial regenerative cells in inhibition of cardiac allograft rejection in mice
Authors: Hu Yonghao , Kong Dejun , Qin Yafei , Yu Dingding , Jin Wang , Li Xiang , Zhao Yiming , Wang Hongda , Li Guangming , Hao Jingpeng , Zhang Baoren , Pang Zhaoyan , Wang Hao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The newly found mesenchymal-like endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) have been proved to induce immune tolerance in cardiac allograft transplantation. However, the therapeutic mechanism is not clear. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) expression on ERCs is critical to cardiac allograft protection. C57BL/6 mouse recipients receiving BALB/c mouse cardiac allografts were treated with unmodified ERCs or anti-CD73 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) pretreated ERCs, respectively. It has been found that CD73 expression was critical to ERC-induced attenuation of graft pathology. The blockage of CD73 expression on ERCs was related to the percentage decline of tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs), macrophages type 2 (M2), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). As compared with anti-CD73 mAb pretreated ERCs group, CD73 expressing ERCs significantly increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 but decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α. In addition, CD73 expressing ERCs showed tissue protective function via the regulation of adenosine receptor expression which was related to the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the allografts. Furthermore, significant increase of A2B receptors in the cardiac allograft was also associated with CD73 expressing ERC-induced prolongation of cardiac allograft survival.