bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomographic features of the proximal petrous facial nerve canal in recurrent Bell's palsy
Authors: Touska Philip , Dudau Cristina , Patel Janki , Montvila Antanas , Pucetaite Milda , Obholzer Rupert , Pai Irumee , Connor Steve 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective was to determine whether the narrowest dimensions of the labyrinthine facial nerve (LFN) canal on the symptomatic side in patients with unilateral recurrent Bell's palsy (BP) differ from those on the contralateral side or in asymptomatic, age‐ and gender‐matched controls on computed tomography (CT). The secondary objectives were to assess the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion and to record inter‐observer reliability of the CT measurements.MethodsThe dimensions of the LFN canal at its narrowest point perpendicular to the long axis and the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion were assessed by two radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann‐Whitney U tests (LFN canal dimensions) and the Chi‐squared test (bony covering at the geniculate ganglion). Inter‐observer reliability was evaluated using Intra‐Class Correlation (ICC) and Cohen's kappa.ResultsThe study included 21 patients with unilateral recurrent BP and 21 asymptomatic controls. There was no significant difference in the narrowest dimensions of the ipsilateral LFN canal when compared to the contralateral side or controls (P = .43‐.94). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion when compared to either group (P = .19‐.8). Good inter‐observer reliability was observed for LFN measurements (ICC = 0.75‐0.88) but not for the bony covering at the geniculate ganglion (Cohen's kappa = 0.53).ConclusionThe narrowest dimensions of the LFN canal and the extent of bony covering at the geniculate ganglion do not differ in unilateral recurrent BP, casting doubt over their etiological significance.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Photobiomodulation as an Adjunctive Treatment to Physiotherapy for Reduction of Anterior Knee Pain in Combat Soldiers: A Prospective, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Pragmatic, Sham‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Gavish Lilach , Spitzer Elad , Friedman Ilan , Lowe Joseph , Folk Nathalie , Zarbiv Yonaton , Gelman Evgeny , Vishnevski Lev , Fatale Evgeny , Herman Michael , Gofshtein Roni , Gam Arnon , Gertz S. David , Eisenkraft Arik , Barzilay Yair 
Published: June 2021

Background and ObjectivesAnterior knee pain (AKP) is the most common knee pathology in athletes and occurs in 15% of army recruits of elite units during basic training. Of these, 50% are symptomatic 6 years later. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a nonthermal red‐to‐near‐infrared irradiation used for pain reduction of a variety of etiologies. This study was designed to determine whether addition of PBM to physiotherapy (PT) for AKP in combat soldiers is superior to PT alone.Study Design/Materials and MethodsIn this prospective, double‐blind, sham‐controlled, randomized clinical trial (NCT02845869), 26 combat soldiers/policemen (male:female, 15:11; body mass index [BMI] = 24.2 ± 3.9,n = 46 knees), with AKP due to overuse/load, received 4 weeks of PT + sham (PT + Sham) or active PBM (wavelength = 660 and 850 nm, pulsing = 2.5 Hz, LED power = 50 mW/cm2[local tissue/regional lymph nodes]; 810 nm continuous beam, laser cluster 6 W/cm2[analgesia] and laser pointer 4.75 W/cm2[trigger points]) (PT + PBM). The main outcome measures were subjective pain by visual analog scale (VAS) (0 [none]–100 [intolerable]) and functional disability by Kujala score (0 [worst]–100 [best]). Evaluations were carried out at baseline, end of treatments, and 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsAll participants completed the treatment protocol without any reported adverse device effects. Post‐treatment pain was significantly reduced in the PT+PBM group, compared with baseline and sham (Δpain, VAS, mean ± SD: PT + PBM = −19 ± 23,P = 0.002; PT + Sham = −6 ± 21,P = 0.16; between groups,P = 0.032). At 3‐month follow‐up, pain reduction was similar between groups; however, the Kujala score was significantly improved only in the PBM‐treated group (ΔKujala: PT + PBM = 11 ± 10,P = 0.003; PT + Sham = 5 ± 7,P = 0.059).ConclusionsAddition of PBM to PT for AKP resulted in earlier reduction in pain and improved functionality, compared with PT alone. This noninvasive, nonpharmacologic, adjunctive therapeutic modality can be easily incorporated into team healthcare frameworks or end units and may lead to earlier return to competition or combat‐level service. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Autophagy modulates FSS‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Su Guanyue , Feng Tang , Pei Tong , Yang Fan , Sun Denglian , Yu Hongchi , Wang Xiaoli , Gao Wenbo , He Jia , Shen Yang , Liu Xiaoheng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma is a highly fatal disease and threatens human health seriously. Fluid shear stress (FSS), which is caused by the leakage of plasma from abnormally permeable tumor blood vessels and insufficient lymphatic drainage, has been identified as contributing pathologically to cancer metastasis. Autophagy and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are both reported to be involved in cancer cell migration and invasion, but little has been revealed about the interaction between autophagy and EMT under a tumor mechanical microenvironment. Here, we identified that exposure to 1.4 dyne/cm2 FSS could promote the formation of autophagosomes and significantly increase the expressions of autophagy‐related markers of beclin1 and ATG7, and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ in both of HepG2 and QGY‐7703 cells. The FSS loading also elevated the levels of mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin, Vimentin, Twist, Snail, and β‐catenin, while the epithelial markers E‐cadherin showed a decrease. Once the autophagy was blocked by 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) or knocking ATG5 down, the occurrence of FSS‐induced EMT was inhibited dramatically according to the expression and translocation of E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, and β‐catenin. Given the effect of EMT on cell migration, we observed that inhibition of autophagy could impede FSS‐induced cell migration. Collectively, this study demonstrated that autophagy played a crucial role in FSS‐induced EMT and cell migration in hepatocellular carcinoma.
An extended aggregate basis function method for composite structure with periodic array
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Du Ping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe extended aggregate basis function method (EABFM) is proposed to analyze the electromagnetic scattering by the composite structure with periodic array. The generation of the impedance matrix in the EABFM is still time consuming. The fast dipole method (FDM) and the equivalent dipole‐moment method (EDM) are applied to accelerate the fill‐in of the matrix. Several numerical examples are performed. Simulation results validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.
Fiber‐optic whispering‐gallery‐mode magnetic field sensor based on magnetic fluid infiltrated hollow core fiber
Authors: Zhang Junying , Tian Chen , Wang Ruohui , Chen Haibin , Zhang Xiongxing , Guo Zilong , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA fiber‐optic magnetic field sensor based on magnetic fluid (MF) infiltrated hollow core fiber (HCF) was proposed. The MF infiltrated HCF was used as a micro‐capillary ring resonator, in which, whispering‐gallery modes (WGMs) were exited through a closely placed tapered fiber. Through the intensity modulation introduced by external magnetic field on the resonance dip of the WGM excited in the MF infiltrated HCF, magnetic field measurement can be realized through a cost‐effective way. Experimental results demonstrated a magnetic field linear measurement range of 40–140 Oe, and a sensitivity of 0.04 dB/Oe.
Application of aromatic amide‐derived atropisomers as chiral solvating agents for discrimination of optically active mandelic acid derivatives in 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Xiaojing , Tang Tingfeng , Li Li , Xu Li‐Wen , Huang Shaohua , Zhao Yufen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNon‐biaryl atropisomers and their stereochemistry have attracted much attentions in the past years. However, application of the non‐biaryl atropisomers as chiral solvating agents is yet to be explored. In this work, four aromatic amide‐derived atropisomeric phosphine ligands (hosts) were used as chiral solvating agents to recognize various mandelic acid derivatives (guests) in 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It is found that chiral center configurations of the four hosts have different effects on the enantiorecognition to the used guests. In addition, the host and guest interaction was further investigated by determination of the host–guest complex stoichiometry using the Job's method and density functional theory calculation, respectively. Moreover, chiral analysis accuracy of these hosts was evaluated through relationship between enantiomeric excess values of 4‐chloromandelic acid provided by NMR and gravimetry, respectively.
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of casimersen in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to exon 45 skipping: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐titration trial
Authors: Wagner Kathryn R. , Kuntz Nancy L. , Koenig Erica , East Lilly , Upadhyay Sameer , Han Baoguang , Shieh Perry B. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the DMD gene resulting in the absence of dystrophin. Casimersen is a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer designed to bypass frameshift DMD mutations and produce internally truncated, yet functional, dystrophin protein in patients amenable to exon 45 skipping. Our primary study objective was to evaluate safety and tolerability of casimersen; the secondary objective was to characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics.MethodsThis multicenter, phase 1/2 trial enrolled 12 participants (aged 7‐21 years, who had limited ambulation or were nonambulatory) and comprised a 12‐week, double‐blind dose titration, then an open‐label extension for up to 132 weeks. During dose titration, participants were randomized 2:1 to weekly casimersen infusions at escalating doses of 4, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg (≥2 weeks per dose), or placebo.ResultsParticipants received casimersen for a mean 139.6 weeks. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in all casimersen‐ and placebo‐treated participants and were mostly mild (over 91.4%) and unrelated to casimersen or its dose. There were no deaths, dose reductions, abnormalities in laboratory parameters or vital signs, or casimersen‐related serious AEs. Casimersen plasma concentration increased with dose and declined similarly for all dose levels over 24 hours postinfusion. All pharmacokinetic parameters were similar at weeks 7 and 60.DiscussionCasimersen was well tolerated in participants with DMD amenable to exon 45 skipping. Most TEAEs were mild, nonserious, and unrelated to casimersen. Plasma exposure was dose proportional with no suggestion of plasma accumulation. These results support further studies of casimersen in this population.
Development of an Effective Cryopreservation Protocol for Blue Catfish Oogonia
Authors: Abualreesh Muyassar , Myers Jaelen N. , Gurbatow Jeremy , Johnson Andrew , Xing De , Wang Jinhai , Li Shangjia , Coogan Michael , Vo Khoi , El Husseini Nour , Creamer David , Dunham Rex A. , Butts Ian A. E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Long-term storage of oogonia and germ-line stem cells provides an alternative to the limitations associated with cryopreserving eggs of important fish species. These cell types are less vulnerable to the stresses of freezing. Cryopreservation has enormous potential for aquaculture advancement, but protocols must be developed for each species and cell type since its success hinges on various input factors. Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus were selected as the test species in this study because of the need to improve fry production of Blue Catfish ♂ × Channel Catfish I. punctatus ♀ hybrids, which can be facilitated by storing oogonia in gene banks. Our objective was to develop a freezing protocol for oogonia of this species. We tested different permeating and nonpermeating cryoprotectants, concentrations of these agents, and freezing rates. We proved that all three factors influenced postthaw recovery of oogonia. Of the permeating cryoprotectants, 1.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide resulted in the most live cells with the highest viability percentages, and adding 0.2 M lactose with 10% egg yolk further improved the results. There were also specific interactions in which the effects of concentration and freezing rate varied among the cryoprotectant treatments. The most effective freezing rate was −1.0°C/min, and cell viability was reduced at −2.5°C/min and −5.0°C/min. From these results, we propose adding 1.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide with 0.2 M lactose and 10% egg yolk to cryomedia and freezing it at a rate of −1.0°C/min. By developing a cryopreservation protocol for a commonly cultured catfish, this work may guide the development of protocols for other species of interest.
Ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness are associated with postmenstrual age at full oral feedings in preterm infants: A preliminary study
Authors: Nagel Emily M. , Hickey Marie , Teigen Levi M. , Kuchnia Adam , Schifsky Holly , Holm Tara , Earthman Carrie P. , Demerath Ellen , Ramel Sara E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundA premature infant's discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is dependent on factors such as respiratory stability, adequate growth, and the ability to consume oral feeds. Once infants have achieved respiratory stability, a tool that can better predict age at discharge is desirable. Thus, we conducted a secondary data analysis to assess the association between ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness and postmenstrual age (PMA) at full oral feedings.MethodsForty‐nine (n = 49) healthy, premature infants (mean gestational age = 32 weeks) were recruited from the NICU. Anthropometric measurements and ultrasound measurements of the rectus abdominis were conducted when infants were medically stable. Fat‐free mass (FFM) was obtained using air displacement plethysmography. The relationship between ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness and PMA at full oral feedings was assessed using linear regression analysis. The relationship between FFMz‐scores and PMA at full oral feedings was also assessed for comparison.ResultsWhen adjusting for gestational age at birth, PMA at measurement, days of positive pressure respiratory support, weight, and length, ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness were independently, negatively associated with PMA at full oral feedings (β estimate: −0.71,P= .03).ConclusionPreliminary results suggest infants with greater abdominal muscle thickness may reach full oral feedings at an earlier PMA (nearly 1 week per millimeter). Thus, ultrasound measurements of abdominal muscle thickness may be helpful in assessing readiness for discharge in healthy preterm infants. Further research is needed for development and validation of a prediction equation.
Phase II Study of 5-Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin plus Dasatinib (FOLFOX-D) in First-Line Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: George Thomas J. , Ali Azka , Wang Yu , Lee Ji-Hyun , Ivey Alison M. , DeRemer David , Daily Karen C. , Allegra Carmen J. , Hughes Steven J. , Fan Z. Hugh , Cameron Miles E. , Judge Andrew R. , Trevino Jose G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Lessons Learned
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Src inhibition through dasatinib synergistically enhances the antitumor effects of oxaliplatin. In this phase II, single-arm study, FOLFOX with dasatinib in previously untreated patients with mPC only showed only modest clinical activity, with a progressive-free survival of 4 months and overall survival of 10.6 months. Continued investigation is ongoing to better understand the role of Src inhibition with concurrent 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in a subset of exceptional responders.

Background
Src tyrosine kinase activity is overexpressed in many human cancers, including metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). Dasatinib is a potent inhibitor of Src family of tyrosine kinases. This study was designed to investigate whether dasatinib can synergistically enhance antitumor effects of FOLFOX regimen (FOLFOX-D).

Methods
In this single-arm, phase II study, previously untreated patients received dasatinib 150 mg oral daily on days 1–14, oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 intravenous (IV) on day 1 every 14 days, leucovorin (LV) 400 mg/m2 IV on day 1 every 14 days, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bolus 400 mg/m2 on day 1 every 14 days, and 5-FU continuous infusion 2,400 mg/m2 on day 1 every 14 days. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with preplanned comparison to historical controls.

Results
Forty-four patients enrolled with an estimated median PFS of 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–8.5) months and overall survival (OS) of 10.6 (95% CI, 6.9–12.7) months. Overall response rate (ORR) was 22.7% (n = 10): one patient (2.3%) with complete response (CR) and nine patients (20.5%) with partial response (PR). Fifteen patients (34.1%) had stable disease (SD). Nausea was the most common adverse event (AE) seen in 35 patients (79.5%).

Conclusion
The addition of dasatinib did not appear to add incremental clinical benefit to FOLFOX in untreated patients with mPC.
It Takes Two to Tango: Patients’ and Providers’ Perspectives in Tobacco Cessation and Head/Neck Cancer
Authors: Khodadadi Alexandra B. , Carroll William , Lee Erica L. , Hansen Barbara , Scarinci Isabel C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundTobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer continues to be challenging despite evidence that cessation improves treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators to tobacco cessation among patients with head/neck cancer and health care providers and to obtain perspectives toward the development of a patient-centered tobacco cessation intervention.Materials and MethodsIn-depth qualitative interviews with 10 health care providers and 21 patients with head/neck cancer (12 inpatients and 9 outpatients) who were current or former smokers.ResultsHealth was a common motivator to quit among patients. Although most patients indicated that their health care provider asked and advised them to quit, they were unaware of cessation resources. Suggestions for a tobacco cessation program included involvement of former smokers, health care provider involvement/counseling, supporting written materials, and incorporating follow-up and family support. Health care providers identified patients’ anger/frustration associated with the disease, social/demographic issues, and poor quality of life as the three most frequent challenges in treating patients. Although all providers reported asking about tobacco use, 70% emphasized a lack of formal training in tobacco cessation and lack of time. Their suggestions for a cessation program included having a “quarterback” responsible for this component with support from the entire health care team and continuity between outpatient and inpatient services to promote cessation, prevent relapse, and highlight the importance of follow-up and social support.ConclusionThere is great interest and need, both from patients and providers, for tobacco cessation services in the oncology setting tailored for patients with head/neck cancer in the context of cancer care.Implications for PracticeAlthough the combination of pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral intervention is the standard evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence, it must be adapted to meet the needs and wants of patients and providers to be effective. This study provides an in-depth examination of such needs among patients with head and neck cancer and providers in the context of cancer care. Providers and patients emphasized the need of having a trained health care provider dedicated to providing tobacco cessation through seamless integration between outpatient and inpatient services as well as follow-up with an emphasis on family involvement throughout the process.
Chitosan‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles as an excellent biocompatible nanocarrier for silymarin delivery
Authors: Zare Mahboobeh , Sarkati Malihe Norouzi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSilymarin (SIL) contains a various flavonolignans extracted from Silybum marianum and has an anti‐cancer properties against a variety of cancers. In this study, two types of improved nanocarriers based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) including chitosan anchored onto silica coated and uncoated Fe3O4 MNPs (Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs and Cs‐f‐Fe3O4 MNPs) were successfully fabricated and characterized. Next, silymarin was loaded into the nanocarriers (SIL‐Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs and SIL‐Cs‐f‐Fe3O4 MNPs). These systems were characterized and silymarin content, antioxidant activity and intrinsic cytotoxicity were assessed. The functionalization degree of silymarin was assessed by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, finding 120 mg of SIL/g of Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs and 99 mg of SIL/g of Cs‐MNPs. The antioxidant activity of the silymarin after loading into Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs and Cs‐f‐Fe3O4 MNPs was proved by DPPH method. These compounds have high antioxidant effect and their radical scavenging activity increased with increasing these concentrations. SIL‐Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs showed higher antioxidant activity than the SIL‐Cs‐f‐Fe3O4 MNPs in same concentrations. The cytotoxicity of Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs and SIL‐Cs‐f‐SiO2@Fe3O4 MNPs against MCF‐7 was investigated by MTT assay and IC50 values were 110.03 and 73.56 μgml−1 respectively. In conclusion, SIL‐loaded MNPs can be used as drug delivery system on target in the treatment of cancer cells.
Design of thermosensitive polymer‐coated magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites with a core‐shell‐shell structure as a magnetic/temperature dual‐responsive drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Asgari Mahsa , Soleymani Meysam , Miri Taghi , Barati Aboulfazl 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA stimuli‐responsive nanocomposite with a core‐shell‐shell structure consisting of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as core, mesoporous silica as middle shell, and poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P[NIPAAm‐co‐AAc]) as an exterior shell with thermo‐responsivity properties was synthesized to be used as a magnetic/temperature responsive drug delivery system. The structure, morphology, and size of P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc)‐coated mesoporous silica embedded magnetite nanoparticles (P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc)@mSiO2@Fe3O4) were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and TEM analyses. Also, the heating ability of mesoporous silica‐coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc)@mSiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites was investigated under the exposure of an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The results indicated that the prepared nanocomposites could generate enough heat for hyperthermia applications. Moreover, the magnetic/temperature‐responsive drug release behavior of P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc)@mSiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites loaded with fluorouracil (5‐FU) was studied under the exposure of the AMF (frequency = 120 kHz, and amplitude = 22 kA m−1), as well as two different temperatures (37°C and 45°C). The results showed that only 7.8% of the drug could be released after 20 h at 37°C (below the LCST of the copolymer). In contrast, by increasing the temperature of release medium up to 45°C (above the LCST of the copolymer), the amount of released drug was increased up to 47%. Moreover, by exposing the prepared nanocomposite to a safe AMF, a burst release of drug was observed, indicating the excellent responsivity of the carrier to an external magnetic field. These results proved that the obtained nanocomposite has a great performance to be used as a magnetic/temperature‐sensitive drug carrier for advanced drug delivery applications.