bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Tumor‐Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Zhang Duo , Tang Di , Heng Yu , Zhu Xiao‐Ke , Zhou Liang , Tao Lei , Lu Li‐ming 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been shown to be associated with the prognosis of many tumors, yet few studies have investigated their roles in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). We aim to investigate the prognostic values of tumor‐infiltrating CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/Foxp3+ T‐cells and neutrophils in LSCC patients that received total or partial laryngectomy.Study DesignRetrospective case series of LSCC patients who underwent total or partial laryngectomy from 2013 to 2014 at Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University.MethodsIn our study, 41 tumor tissues from patients with LSCC were retrospectively assessed using immunohistochemistry for CD3+/CD4+/CD8+/Foxp3+ T‐cells and CD66b+ neutrophils. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were recorded using Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsGenerally, patients with high density of TILs (CD3, CD4, CD8) showed improved OS or DFS. Specifically, high density of CD3+ TILs were associated with better OS, yet poorer OS and DFS for CD66b+ neutrophils. Patients with an Immunoscore of 0–1 experienced the worst OS and DFS, compared with Immunoscore 2–4 (P = .0111 for OS, P = .0391 for DFS). In Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for N stage and T stage, only stroma CD66b+ neutrophils densities were able to predict OS, with odds ratios of 4.819 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.149–20.206; P = .032*), and DFS 2.888 (95% CI 1.043–7.997; P = .041*).ConclusionsThe density of TILs and CD66b+ neutrophils may help predict the prognosis of patients with LSCC after surgery.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1249–E1255, 2021
Intracordal Injection of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in 100 Cases of Vocal Fold Atrophy and Scar
Authors: Hirano Shigeru , Sugiyama Yoichiro , Kaneko Mami , Mukudai Shigeyuki , Fuse Shinya , Hashimoto Keiko 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisVocal fold atrophy, scar, and sulcus reduce the vibratory function of the vocal fold mucosa, which causes severe refractory dysphonia. We have reported encouraging preliminary results using an intracordal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and showed improvement in phonatory parameters and voice. The present study summarizes our experience with 100 cases of stiffened vocal folds that were treated with bFGF injections.Study DesignRetrospective chart review with Interstitial Review Board (IRB) approval.MethodsLocal injection of bFGF was performed in 100 cases of vocal fold pathology, which included 43 cases of vocal fold atrophy, 41 cases with scar, and 16 cases with sulcus. Ten micrograms of bFGF were injected into the vocal folds under topical anesthesia 4 times in each patient. Therapeutic outcomes were examined with maximum phonation time (MPT), voice handicap index‐10 (VHI‐10), and GRBAS scale.ResultsMPT, VHI‐10, and GRBAS scores significantly improved in all pathology groups. An improvement on the VHI‐10 greater than five points was observed in 82% of atrophy cases, 78% of scar cases, and 67% of sulcus cases. Improvement on the VHI‐10 was significantly better in the atrophy group than the scar or sulcus groups. The mild/moderate cases of scar and sulcus showed better improvement than severe cases.ConclusionsThe current large case series indicates positive effects of intracordal injection of bFGF for improvement of voice with no severe adverse events. The effects appeared best for cases of atrophy, while the treatment of severe scar and sulcus requires further improvement.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2059–2064, 2021
Estimating the Effect of Early Treatment Initiation in Parkinson's Disease Using Observational Data
Authors: van den Heuvel Lieneke , Evers Luc J.W. , Meinders Marjan J. , Post Bart , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Heskes Tom M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Krijthe Jesse H. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundBoth patients and physicians may choose to delay initiation of dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) for various reasons. We used observational data to estimate the effect of earlier treatment in PD. Observational data offer a valuable source of evidence, complementary to controlled trials.MethodWe studied the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort of patients with de novo PD to estimate the effects of duration of PD treatment during the first 2 years of follow‐up, exploiting natural interindividual variation in the time to start first treatment. We estimated the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) Part III (primary outcome) and several functionally relevant outcomes at 2, 3, and 4 years after baseline. To adjust for time‐varying confounding, we used marginal structural models with inverse probability of treatment weighting and the parametric g‐formula.ResultsWe included 302 patients from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort. There was a small improvement in MDS‐UPDRS Part III scores after 2 years of follow‐up for patients who started treatment earlier, and similar, but nonstatistically significant, differences in subsequent years. We found no statistically significant differences in most secondary outcomes, including the presence of motor fluctuations, nonmotor symptoms, MDS‐UPDRS Part II scores, and the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scale.ConclusionEarlier treatment initiation does not lead to worse MDS‐UPDRS motor scores and may offer small improvements. These findings, based on observational data, are in line with earlier findings from clinical trials. Observational data, when combined with appropriate causal methods, are a valuable source of additional evidence to support real‐world clinical decisions. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Configuration‐based electrical properties tomography
Authors: Iyyakkunnel Santhosh , Schäper Jessica , Bieri Oliver 
Published: October 2020

PurposeTo introduce phase‐based conductivity mapping from a configuration space analysis.MethodsThe frequency response function of balanced SSFP (bSSFP) is used to perform a configuration space analysis. It is shown that the transceive phase for conductivity mapping can be directly obtained by a simple fast Fourier transform of a series of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans. For validation, transceive phase and off‐resonance mapping with fast Fourier transform is compared with phase estimation using a recently proposed method, termed PLANET. Experiments were performed in phantoms and for in vivo brain imaging at 3 T using a quadrature head coil.ResultsFor fast Fourier transform, aliasing can lead to systematic phase errors. This bias, however, decreases rapidly with increasing sampling points. Interestingly, Monte Carlo simulations revealed a lower uncertainty for the transceive phase and the off‐resonance using fast Fourier transform as compared with PLANET. Both methods, however, essentially retrieve the same phase information from a set of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans. As a result, configuration‐based conductivity mapping was successfully performed using eight phase‐cycled bSSFP scans in the phantoms and for brain tissues. Overall, the retrieved values were in good agreement with expectations. Conductivity estimation and mapping of the field inhomogeneities can therefore be performed in conjunction with the estimation of other quantitative parameters, such as relaxation, using configuration theory.ConclusionsPhase‐based conductivity mapping can be estimated directly from a simple Fourier analysis, such as in conjunction with relaxometry, using a series of phase‐cycled bSSFP scans.
Study of common quantification methods of amide proton transfer magnetic resonance imaging for ischemic stroke detection
Authors: Foo Lee Sze , Larkin James R. , Sutherland Brad A. , Ray Kevin J. , Yap Wun‐She , Hum Yan Chai , Lai Khin Wee , Manan Hanani Abdul , Sibson Nicola R. , Tee Yee Kai 
Published: October 2020

PurposeTo assess the correlation and differences between common amide proton transfer (APT) quantification methods in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke.MethodsFive APT quantification methods, including asymmetry analysis and its variants as well as two Lorentzian model‐based methods, were applied to data acquired from six rats that underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion scanned at 9.4T. Diffusion and perfusion‐weighted images, and water relaxation time maps were also acquired to study the relationship of these conventional imaging modalities with the different APT quantification methods.ResultsThe APT ischemic area estimates had varying sizes (Jaccard index: 0.544 ≤ J ≤ 0.971) and had varying correlations in their distributions (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.104 ≤ r ≤ 0.995), revealing discrepancies in the quantified ischemic areas. The Lorentzian methods produced the highest contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs; 1.427 ≤ CNR ≤ 2.002), but generated APT ischemic areas that were comparable in size to the cerebral blood flow (CBF) deficit areas; asymmetry analysis and its variants produced APT ischemic areas that were smaller than the CBF deficit areas but larger than the apparent diffusion coefficient deficit areas, though having lower CNRs (0.561 ≤ CNR ≤ 1.083).ConclusionThere is a need to further investigate the accuracy and correlation of each quantification method with the pathophysiology using a larger scale multi‐imaging modality and multi‐time‐point clinical study. Future studies should include the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry results alongside the findings of the study to facilitate the comparison of results between different centers and also the published literature.
An exploration of UK student physiotherapists' goal setting practices within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation
Authors: Alexanders Jenny , Chesterton Paul , Brooks Anna , Kaye Jo Ann 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and complex injury coupled with a lengthy rehabilitation. Goal setting is said to be an effective psychological tool within ACL rehabilitation due to its simplicity and is commonly used amongst sport and health professionals. To date, literature surrounding goal setting practices has only focused on qualified therapists.PurposeThe central aim of this study was to explore UK student physiotherapists' perceptions towards goal setting practices used in ACL rehabilitation and whether they feel prepared for practice.MethodSemi‐structured interviews involving 11 participants from one UK university was conducted using an inductive approach. Data analysis included thematic analysis with triangulation and a comprehensive five‐stage analysis process to enhance confirmability and credibility, whilst respecting ethical considerations.Results/DiscussionParticipants reported some understanding of goal setting and the importance of involving the patient during this process. However, participants negatively experienced goal setting practices as being mainly therapist/protocol led. The training participants received on goal setting was minimal, but further training was welcomed by all participants. The findings were consistent with previous UK and international research surrounding inadequate education and training across sport and health professionals when applying goal setting practice within ACL rehabilitation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that, initially, a review of the psychological content of sport and health professional courses is warranted to clearly identify potential knowledge gaps. There is also an opportunity whereby a global specialist interest group could be designed to share psychological practices and globally connect like‐minded sport and health professionals together.
A review of the biomechanical properties of single extracellular vesicles
Authors: LeClaire Michael , Gimzewski James , Sharma Shivani 
Published: October 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are a unique, heterogeneous class of biological nanoparticles secreted by most cells. As potential a class of novel diagnostics and therapeutics, the physio‐chemical characterization as well as the biomolecular composition of EVs are widely investigated. However, there is emerging evidence suggesting that biomechanical analysis of lipid‐bilayer membrane‐bound single EVs may provide key insights into their biological structure, biomarker functions, and potential therapeutic functions. In this review, we focus on the unique biomechanical properties of single EVs such as elasticity, stiffness, and deformability. We compare common indentation models used in atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based biomechanical analysis of EVs, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each model encompassing the heterogeneous EV sub‐populations—mainly the small EVs (or exosomes). Next, we discuss high‐throughput approaches to determine the biomechanical landscape of EVs that may overcome some of the challenges associated with the accurate determination of particle sizes and particle‐by‐particle indentations. Finally, we highlight exciting new opportunities for EV biomechanical fingerprinting emanating from machine learning capabilities. In particular, we propose multi‐parametric AFM structure‐mechanical analysis to further advance label‐free, orthogonal biophysical understanding of EVs beyond biomolecular or particle size analysis, with significant implications for research and clinical use.
Retrospective analysis of heroin detoxification with buprenorphine in a psychiatric hospital in Japan
Authors: Nagano Tatsushi , Kimoto Sohei , Aso Katsuro , Komori Takashi , Yamaguchi Yasunari , Okamura Kazuya , Yamamoto Noriya , Kishimoto Toshifumi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimWe assessed the efficacy of buprenorphine replacement taper therapy in a psychiatric hospital in Japan.MethodsBased on the medical records, a retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcomes of buprenorphine replacement taper therapy in 106 subjects with heroin dependence.ResultsWe found that replacement and taper therapy with buprenorphine could significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. In addition, the completion rate of detoxification was significantly improved and the length of hospital stay was significantly reduced relative to those who received conventional treatment without buprenorphine. However, the readmission rate increased after the introduction of detoxication therapy with buprenorphine.ConclusionThe present findings suggest not only the efficacy and safety of buprenorphine replacement and taper therapy, but also the requirement for maintenance therapy for individuals with heroin dependence.
Experimental and computational investigation of polylactic acid/silver‐NP nanocomposite with antimicrobial activity prepared by plasma in liquid
Authors: Sirotkin Nikolay A. , Gurina Darya L. , Khlyustova Anna V. , Costerin Dmitry Yu. , Naumova Irina K. , Titov Valeriy A. , Agafonov Alexander V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, an underwater impulse discharge initiated in an aqueous suspension of a polylactide acid between silver rods is applied to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and create a polymer nanocomposite. The spectral and energy characteristics of the discharge are obtained. The composites are characterized by methods of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Investigation of the formation of the composite of polylactic acid (PLA) with AgNP has been performed using the molecular dynamics method. The PLA/AgNPs composite films were effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, and thus may find future application in the food packaging area.
Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Trypsin‐Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposites for Fast and Efficient Protein Digestion
Authors: Lin Juan , Zhong Chao , Lu Qiaomei , Lin Zian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFast and high‐efficiency protein digestion is essential for high‐throughput proteome analysis. Herein, a new kind of trypsin‐inorganic hybrid nanocomposites were room‐temperature synthesized based on self‐assembly stragety, where trypsin and nickel phosphate (Ni3(PO4)2) was used as organic and inorganic ligands, respectively. The general applicability of the synthetic method was also confirmed by using a series of other metal phosphates including Mg2+, Ba2+, Zn2+, and Co2+. The as‐prepared trypsin‐inorganic hybrid nanocomposites with flower‐like morphology showed higher enzymatic acticity (206 % enhancement) and faster catalytic kinetics than the free trypsin. Taking the merits togethers as mentioned above, the hybrid nanocomposites could be employed as an immmobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) for fast and high‐efficiency protein digestion. The peptide mass fingerprint analysis of the model proteins demonstrated that the coverage rate of the sequences treated by IMER could bear comparsion with that of the free one, but the digestion time was shorten from 12 h to 1 min. In addition, the IMER showed a good applicability for complex human serum sample, showing a promising potential in proteomics research.
A New Approach to Design High Spin Organic Systems: Aromatic Stabilization with Exo‐cyclic π Electrons Plays Crucial Role
Authors: Das Soumik , Homray Manoswita , Misra Anirban 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRadicals are important because of their diverse applications. Here we have modelled three systems, BC6F2H5, B2C6F4H4 and B2C5F4NH4. Each of them contain −CF2 unit (s) with one pz electron on carbon atom exo‐cyclic to the six membered ring. First two systems have 6π electrons and the last one contains 7π electrons in total. Stability of these systems are computationally investigated through Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA), Molecular Dynamics Simulation, HOMO‐LUMO energy gap and minimum frequency analysis. Aromaticity is quantified through Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift (NICS), Aromatic Stabilization Energy (ASE), Adaptive Natural Density Partitioning (AdNDP) and Multi‐Centre Bond Order (MCBO). Isolated −CF2 unit can be considered as monoradical entity. From this computational study we observe that the pz electron on exo‐cyclic carbon atom participates in aromatic conjugation which in turn imparts stability to the designed systems. We found that exo‐cyclic conjugation is strong enough to force BC6F2H5 and B2C6F4H4 to be closed shell singlet. On the other hand, B2C5F4NH4 is in doublet state where formation of aromatic sextet of electrons stabilizes the system, and the extra spin is delocalized over the whole ring and thus forming a stable radical.
Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Na(2‐x)LixFeP2O7 (x=0, 0.6) Hybrid Cathodes
Authors: Abraham Jeffin James , Tariq Hanan , Shakoor Rana Abdul , Kahraman Ramazan , Al‐Qaradawi Siham 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study reports hybrid cathodes formation by cation substitution in which Li+ substitution has been considered for Na+ in the structure of Na(2‐x)LixFeP2O7 (x=0, 0.6) to form Na1.4Li0.6FeP2O7 cathodes. Na(2‐x)LixFeP2O7 (x=0, 0.6) cathodes were synthesized using the solid‐state synthesis technique and characterized by various methods. The structural analysis (XRD, FE‐SEM) indicates that the submicron‐sized, phase pure, and crystalline materials having irregular morphology have been developed. Moreover, Li+ substitution does not alter the triclinic parent structure of Na2FeP2O7. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that Li+ substitution into Na2FeP2O7 improves its thermal stability up to 550 °C with only ∼5 % weight loss. The electrochemical performance of Na2FeP2O7 and Na1.4Li0.6FeP2O7 in both lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) half‐cells is investigated using different electrochemical techniques. It is noticed that Na1.4Li0.6FeP2O7 is electrochemically active both in lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) cells with promising cyclability. However, compared with Na2FeP2O7, Na1.4Li0.6FeP2O7 suffers from inferior electrochemical performance, which might be associated with the lattice distortion of Na2FeP2O7 due to Li+ substitution having a lower ionic radius than the Na+. Considering Na2FeP2O7 as a baseline material, a new hybrid Na1.4Li0.6FeP2O7 cathode has been developed, which can be used to synthesize other new cathode materials with improved performance.
In Situ Growth of 3D NiFe LDH‐POM Micro‐Flowers on Nickel Foam for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Li Congling , Zhang Zhijie , Liu Rui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRational design and preparation of efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalyst is an eternal yet challenging goal for sustainable energy conversion processes, such as water splitting. Herein, 3D NiFe layered double hydroxide‐polyoxometalate (LDH‐POM; polyoxometalate, i.e., K8[SiW11O39]·13H2O) with micro‐flower morphology is in situ grown on Ni foam via a facile one‐step hydrothermal method, which can be used as a high‐efficient bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting. The as‐prepared catalyst achieves overall water splitting current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotentials (oxygen evolution reaction (OER): ≈200 mV; hydrogen evolution reaction (HER): ≈156 mV) in 0.1 m KOH over a period of 20 h operation. Experimental investigation and density functional theory calculation indicate that, compared to pristine NiFe LDH, W6+ in NiFe LDH‐POM can effectively minimize the adsorption energy barriers of *OH and therefore improve the kinetics of OER. This result may provide a promising strategy to synthesize 3D LDH micro‐flowers by employing POM as a structure–direction agent for catalysis and energy applications.
Zirconia Hybrid Nanoshells for Nutrient and Toxin Detection
Authors: Rana Md Sohel , Xu Lin , Cai Jingyi , Vedarethinam Vadanasundari , Tang Yuanjia , Guo Qiang , Huang Hongtao , Shen Nan , Di Wen , Ding Huihua , Huang Lin , Qian Kun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMonitoring milk quality is of fundamental importance in food industry, because of the nutritional value and resulting position of milk in daily diet. The detection of small nutrients and toxins in milk is challenging, considering high sample complexity and low analyte abundance. In addition, the slow analysis and tedious sample preparation hinder the large‐scale application of conventional detection techniques. Herein, zirconia hybrid nanoshells are constructed to enhance the performance of laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS). Zirconia nanoshells with the optimized structures and compositions are used as matrices in LDI MS and achieve direct analysis of small molecules from 5 nL of native milk in ≈1 min, without any purification or separation. Accurate quantitation of small nutrient is achieved by introducing isotope into the zirconia nanoshell‐assisted LDI MS as the internal standard, offering good consistency to biochemical analysis (BCA) with R2 = 0.94. Further, trace toxin is enriched and identified with limit‐of‐detection (LOD) down to 4 pm, outperforming the current analytical methods. This work sheds light on the personalized design of material‐based tool for real‐case bioanalysis and opens up new opportunities for the simple, fast, and cost‐effective detection of various small molecules in a broad field.