bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advantages of interstitial radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gai Baodong , Li Qingchun , Shao Pu , Yang Dongyan 
Published: July 2021

Objective:
The objective of the study was to identify the advantages of interstitial radioactive seed implantation for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer.

Materials and Methods:
Clinical data of 160 patients with pancreatic cancer implanted with radioactive seeds were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and tumor invasion to important blood vessels, and survival time statistics were obtained.

Results:
The mean postoperative survival time (months) was 24.80 for Stage I, 12.89 for Stage II, 13.51 for Stage III, and 7.49 for Stage IV patients, and the difference between Stage II and Stage III patients was not statistically significant. The efficacy of radioactive seed implantation therapy for pancreatic cancer was strongly associated with tumor size and number of lymph node metastases but not significantly associated with tumor invasion to blood vessels.

Conclusions:
Radioactive seed implantation obviously advantageous for the treatment of Stage III pancreatic cancer.
Comparison of canine retraction by conventional and corticotomy-facilitated methods
Authors: Raza Monis , Sharma Payal , Kumar Piush , Vaish Shubhra , Pathak Bhavana 
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this split-mouth single-centered, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the efficiency of corticotomy-facilitated orthodontics in rapid canine retraction.

METHODS:
The sample consisted of 10 patients (15–25 years old) requiring extraction of the maxillary first premolars with subsequent canine retraction. The patients’ right sides were randomly assigned to either the corticotomy (experimental) or control groups. Corticotomy cuts and perforations were performed and canine retraction was initiated bilaterally with closed-coil nickel-titanium springs that applied 150 g of force. The following variables were examined till the end of canine retraction on both sides: Rate of canine retraction, canine root resorption, and patient perception of the procedure. The rate of canine retraction was assessed every month using study models while root resorption was evaluated using CBCT. Patient`s perception was evaluated using a 100 mm VAS.

RESULT:
Mean time taken for full completion of canine retraction: 5.7 months (test) and 7.1 months (control). Mean root resorption: 0.53 ± 0.10 (control) and 0.24 mm ± 0.10 (test). Mean VAS scores: 16 ± 3.94 (24 hours) and 2 ± 2.58 (1 week) at control side and 46.50 ± 6.69 (24 hours) and 2 ± 2.58 (1 week) at test.

CONCLUSION:
There was an overall reduction in the time taken for canine retraction with corticotomy; however, an increase in the rate of canine retraction in the corticotomy-facilitated method was evident only for the first four months, compared to the conventional method. Less root resorption was observed in corticotomy-facilitated method than conventional method. Pain perception was more for corticotomy-facilitated method than conventional method at 24 hours, but similar after one week.
Evaluation of stress changes in the maxilla with fixed functional appliances—A 3D FEM study
Authors: Kendre Balaji , Kumar Anil , Shetty K Nillian , Hedge Gautham , Umale Vinay , Kulshrestha Rohit 
Published: July 2021

AIM:
To evaluate the stress changes in the maxilla during fixed functional appliance use using three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) stress analysis.

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION:
A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxilla was constructed using the images generated from the cone-beam computed tomography of a patient treated for Class II malocclusion with a fixed functional orthodontic appliance. The FEM was used to study the stress changes seen in the maxilla, which were evaluated in the form of highest von Mises stress and maximum principal stress before and after the application of fixed functional appliance.

RESULTS:
Higher areas of stress were seen in the model of the maxilla with the fixed functional appliance (140 MPa) compared to that in the resting stage (58.99 MPa).

CONCLUSIONS:
An increase in the maximum principal stress and von Mises stress in the posterior regions of the maxilla and maxillary teeth was seen. The stresses seen were double than that without the appliance. A high distalization force on the maxilla was seen with the fixed functional appliance.
Mortality and characteristics of older people dying with COVID-19 in Lombardy nursing homes, Italy
Authors: Arienti Chiara , Brambilla Lorenzo , Campagnini Silvia , Fanciullacci Chiara , Giunco Fabrizio , Mannini Andrea , Patrini Michele , Tartarone Federica , Carrozza Maria Chiara 
Published: July 2021

Background:
The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Nursing Homes (NHs) residents infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to compute the related case-fatality rate.

Materials and Methods:
The outcomes were mortality and case-fatality rate with related epidemiological characteristics (age, sex, comorbidity, and frailty).

Results:
During the COVID-19 outbreak lasted from March 1 to May 7, 2020, 330 residents died in Fondazione Don Gnocchi NHs bringing the mortality rate to 27% with a dramatic increase compared to the same period of 2019, when it was 7.5%. Naso/oropharyngeal swabs resulted positive for COVID-19 in 315 (71%) of the 441of the symptomatic/exposed residents tested. The COVID-19 population was 75% female, with a 17% overall fatality rate and sex-specific fatality rates of 19% and 13% for females and males, respectively. Fifty-six percent of deaths presented SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia, 15% cardiovascular, and 29% miscellaneous pathologies.

Conclusion:
Patients’ complexity and frailty might influence SARS-CoV-2 infection case-fatality rate estimates. A COVID-19 register is needed to study COVID-19 frail patients’ epidemiology and characteristics.
Diagnostic imaging to investigate pulmonary embolism in pregnancy using CT-Pulmonary angiography versus perfusion scan
Authors: Sadeghi Somayeh , Arabi Zahra , Moradi Maryam , Raofi Elham 
Published: July 2021

Background:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the major causes of maternal mortality; however, its diagnosis based on clinical presentation is a significant challenge; therefore, imaging is required. This study aims to determine the nondiagnostic rate of PE in pregnant women who initially undergone computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or perfusion scan.

Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, all pregnant or 6-week postpartum women with clinical suspicion of PE were evaluated and underwent CTPA or perfusion scan between March 2017 and June 2019. The nondiagnostic rate of each method was defined as the outcome of this study.

Results:
One hundred and eighty-two women with a clinical suspicion of PE were included, among which the initial imaging method was CTPA in 122 (67.03%) and perfusion scan in 60 (32.97%) women. The nondiagnostic imaging for CTPA was significantly lower than the perfusion scan (9 cases (7.4%) versus 25 cases (41.7%), respectively). Logistic regression assessment revealed a statistical outcome by controlling the confounders including gestational trimester at diagnosis, hypertension, ejection fraction, and tachycardia (odds ratio 15.911, 95% confidence interval: 5.177–48.897, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Based on the current study, CTPA is superior to perfusion scans to diagnose PE among pregnant or postpartum women with normal chest X-ray suspicion for PE.
In silico model and design of novel 5α-reductase inhibitors for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Lin Qi , Lin Danhua , Zhang Ying 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To carry out in silico design of 5α-reductase inhibitors and study their potential for use in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Methods: In silico molecular docking simulation-based virtual screening of NCI Diversity Set-II containing 1880 diverse ligands was performed against human 5α-reductase for identification of potential lead molecules. The pharmacological properties and toxicity of the lead compounds were determined using software, Marvin Sketch and OSIRIS online programs, respectively.
Results: Three compounds: ZINC13099050, ZINC01569237 and ZINC17995347_2 showed potent inhibition of 5α-reductase enzyme protein and good pharmacokinetic properties without any serious toxic effects.
Conclusion: The selected lead molecules are promising inhibitors of 5α-reductase. They are recommended for further structure-based development of drugs for the treatment of BPH.
Resveratrol increases the sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells against bortezomib via Hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Riyong , Ma Ruye , Jin Zhenlin , Tang Liyuan , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yu 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.
Methods: H929 cell lines were exposed to BTZ for 8 months to establish BTZ-resistant MM cell model. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was measured using annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining while cell cycle analysis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling proteins (sonic hedgehog (SHH), smoothened (SMO), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI)) was analyzed by western blot.
Results: H929R was confirmed as a MM cell line that is resistant to BTZ. RSV enhanced the sensitivity of H929R cells against BTZ via inhibition of cell viability and colony formation, induction of cell apoptosis and regulation of expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Furthermore, RSV inhibited the expression of Hh signaling proteins (p < 0.05.
Conclusion: RSV enhances the sensitivity of MM cells to BTZ, partly via Hh signaling pathway. Thus, Hh pathway is a probable target for MM treatment, and RSV has potentials for use in the clinical management of MM.
Morphological characterization, phytochemical profile, and cytotoxic and insecticidal activities of diverse parts of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.)
Authors: Shaheer Talal , Ali Syed Tahir , Rizwani Ghazala Hafeez , Qaisar Muhammad Naeem , Abbas Khizar , Qadir Muhammad Imran , Siddique Faheem Ahmad 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To standardize Zakham-e-Hayat (Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam.) as well as determine its cytotoxic and insecticidal activity.
Methods: Different parts of the plant (flowers, young leaves, old leaves and stem) and different solvents, viz, methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane were used for the extraction. Morphological characterization (macroscopic and microscopic), phytochemical screening for primary and secondary metabolites, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) using various solvent systems, namely, methanol/chloroform (MeOH/CHCl3), n-hexane/methanol/chloroform (n-hexane/MeOH/CHCl3), methanol/chloroform/water (MeOH/CHCl3/H2O), n-hexane/chloroform (n-hexane/CHCl3), n-hexane/ethyl acetate (n-hexane/EtOAc) were carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was also performed. In addition, the extracts were evaluated for their cytotoxic and insecticidal activities.
Results: The methanol fraction of the young leaves had 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 28.46 µg/mL while the ethyl acetate fraction of young and old leaves showed significant cytotoxicity at LD50 of 0.13 µg/mL and 142.68 µg/mL respectively. On the other hand, n-hexane fraction was inactive. The methanol fraction of the flower revealed the presence of carbohydrates, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the presence of carbohydrates and amino acids, while the n-hexane fraction showed the presence of carbohydrates as primary metabolites. Furthermore, alkaloids, flavonoid, saponins and resins were present in the methanol fraction, flavonoid and alkaloids in the ethyl acetate fraction, and alkaloids and resins in the n-hexane fraction as secondary metabolites.
Conclusion: Methanol and n-hexane fractions of Bryophyllum pinnatum have some safe bioactive compounds which may exhibit potential health benefits.
Knowledge of mothers about use of fissure sealant therapy and professional fluoride therapy among children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zakirulla M. , Mustafa Malaz M. , Ravi K.S. , Alwabel Yomna S. , Aldayel Manal A. , Alshareef Wafa’a S. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate mothers’ knowledge of the use of fissure sealant (FS) and topical fluoride (TF) therapy among children aged between 7 to 12 years in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 350) were selected based on simple random sampling method from the mothers’ of children aged from 7 to 12 years old, attending outpatient pediatric dental clinics in College of Dentistry King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Results: The age group of mothers included are as follows: 31.7 % in 20 - 30 years age group, 53.1 % in 31 - 40 years age range, and 15.1 % in 41 - 50 years. On FS therapy benefits in the prevention of caries in children, 22 % responded that it was beneficial. When participants were asked regarding FS wearing out easily after application on the tooth, 8 % agreed while 13.4 % disagreed. A majority of mothers (40.9 %) agreed that TF therapy prevents caries, while 47.7 % stated that they brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. The mothers that disagreed that fluoride gel is recommended only for children, not for adults were 32.9 %. When the mothers were asked about the benefit of fluoride if its cost is taken into consideration, 46.6 % disagreed that fluoride gel was worth its cost, while 22.3 % took the opposite view.
Conclusion: Positive knowledge of FS and TF therapy have been observed among mothers. However, mothers demonstrated greater positive knowledge of TF therapy than FS therapy.
Anticancer effect of the fruit and seed extracts of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) on human cancer cell lines
Authors: Güneş Hatice , Alper Mehlika , Çelikoğlu Nevin 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate anticancer effects of Momordica charantia L. (M. charantia) fruit and seed extracts on some cancer cell lines.
Methods: Human cancer cell lines, including lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7), chronic myeloid leukemia (K562) and T cell leukemia (Jurkat) were incubated with the extracts (0 - 0.8 mg/mL) for 72 h. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- dipenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. A549 and MCF-7 cells were treated with the ethanol fruit extract (FE) for 24 h and stained with propidium iodide (PI) for the analysis of cell cycle arrest using flow cytometry. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining along with flow cytometry analysis and caspase-3 assays were carried out to determine the apoptosis of the cells treated with FE extract for 24 h. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion of the cells exposed to FE extract for 1 h was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell invasion assay was applied to detect cell migration after treatment with FE extract for 48 h.
Results: Ethanol fruit extract (FE) resulted in 90, 92, 85 and 87 % cytotoxicity against K562, A549, MCF-7 and Jurkat cell lines, respectively. However, ethanol seed extract of seed (SE) was less effective (≤42 %) on cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Acetone fruit extract (FA) caused 82, 75 and 59 % cytotoxicity on MCF-7, Jurkat and K562 cells, respectively, whereas 20 % cytotoxicity was observed on A549 cells. Dose analyses of FE extract indicated that K562 cells had the lowest IC50 value (0.082 mg/mL). In addition, FE extract treatment caused accumulation of A549 and MCF-7 cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, apoptotic cell death was observed in A549 or MCF-7 cells treated with the FE extract. While the treatment of A549 cells with LPS for 24 h resulted in 19-fold increase in VEGF secretion, combination of FE with LPS caused 9.6-fold decrease in VEGF secretion, indicating the antiangiogenic activity of FE extract. Furthermore, FE extract treatment led to a significant decrease in the invasive properties of A549 and PC-3 cells when compared to untreated cells.
Conclusion: Among the M. charantia extracts, FE extract displayed the highest anticancer potency against cancer cell lines, indicating that M. charantia FE extract may be a potential source for development of anticancer compounds in future.
Development and characterization of k-carrageenan platforms as periodontal intra-pocket films
Authors: Tarawneh Ola , Al-Ass Ameen Rasheed , Hamed Rania , Sunoqrot Suhair , Hasan Lina , Al-Sheikh Iyad , Al-Qirim Rania , Alhusban Ala A. , Naser Wisam 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To prepare emulsion-based Intrapocket polymeric films for the treatment of periodontitis.
Method: Films were fabricated by dehydration of an emulsion containing k-carrageenan (KC) in aqueous phase and Compritol® 888 ATO (Compritol® ) or Dimodan® UJ (DU® ) or different ratios of both. The resulting films were characterized by mechanical texture analyser to determine Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of the films was evaluated by dynamic mechanical and thermal analyser while surface morphology was evaluated using scanning electron microscope. In-vitro drug release was conducted in pre-warmed phosphate buffer. Bacterial adherence was assessed after 24 h.
Results: Young’s modulus was highest for KC films to which no lipid was added (5.33 ± 0.38 GPa) and decreased following lipid incorporation. Tg was highest in KC films (106.25 ± 4.53 ° C) but decreased upon addition of lipids. The surface of KC was smooth but roughness increased with increasing Compritol® load. Drug release from KC films was complete (99.80 ± 8.43 %) after 2 h; however, upon adding lipid, the release was extended 8 h and was affected by lipid type and ratio. Microbiologic assay demonstrated noticeable reduction in viable count compared to control and was affected by lipid type and ratio. The film formulated from a combination of DU® and Compritol® in a ratio of 80:20 was strong, flexible and reduced microbial adherence. Moreover, it showed a smooth surface and extended release for over 8 h.
Conclusion: Intra-pocket films were prepared by drying emulsion-based films. Resulted films were strong, flexible, prolonged drug release over 8 h and could lower bacterial growth. The prepared film may offer efficient treatment in periodontitis patients.
Effect of hyaluronic acid: Mechanistic investigations via topological and functional analysis of its protein interaction network
Authors: Xi Ji , Ting Yu Li , Xue Li , Dan Luo 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To predict molecular targets and the mechanism of action of hyaluronic acid against various disease conditions.
Methods: The present study was designed and conducted based on the principle of network pharmacology, protein-protein interaction (PPI) database, and biological process analysis. At a high confidence score, a protein network comprising seventeen human protein targets was achieved from STITCH (Search Tool for Interaction of Chemicals).
Results: Cytoscape-based protein-protein interaction network (PPIN) with 342 nodes was developed and analyzed to ascertain the molecular basis of hyaluronic acid actions. It revealed that hyaluronic acid was mainly involved in various physiological processes including extracellular matrix (ECM) disassembly, collagen catabolic process, mucopolysaccharide metabolic process, and circadian regulation of gene expression.
Conclusion: The retrieved pathways are known to be involved in causing several pathologies such as leukemia, psoriasis, tick-borne encephalitis, etc. These pathways are influenced by hyaluronic acid. However, further explanations are required to elucidate whether these targets of hyaluronic acid have a therapeutic or toxicological role.
Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies on topically delivered technetium-99m-labeled 5-FU nanogel formulation for management of pre-cancerous skin lesions
Authors: Rajagopalan R. , Jain Sanjay K. , Kaul Ankur , Trivedi Piyush 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To prepare technetium-99m (99mTc)-labelled nanogel loaded with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) containing synthesized gallic acid-stearylamine (GA-SA) conjugate in order to reduce its systemic toxicity and provide site-specific delivery to skin lesions.
Methods: Lipid nanocarrier-based 1 % (w/w) 5-FU nanogel containing GA-SA conjugate was successfully formulated. Parameters that included pH, viscosity and entrapment efficiency were measured. Furthermore, 1 % (w/w) 5-FU nanogel and 1 % (w/w) 5-FU commercial formulations were radiolabelled with 99mTc. The radiolabelled 99mTc-5-FU nanogel and commercial formulations were subjected to successive preclinical assessments with respect to radiochemical stability, biodistribution, and gamma scintigraphy in BALB/c mice, and pharmacokinetic studies in New Zealand albino rabbits.
Results: The entrapment efficiency of 5-FU in the nanogel preparation was 82.12 ± 1.2 %. The 5-FU nanogel formulation exhibited excellent radiolabelling efficiency (> 93 %) and high stability. Skin/blood localization ratios of 274.93 and 167.89 were obtained for topical radiolabelled drug-loaded 5-FU nanogel formulation and 5-FU commercial formulation, respectively, after 1 h of administration. Gamma scintigraphy and biodistribution studies showed that topically administered 99mTc-5-FU nanogel was distributed mostly in skin, when compared to marketed 5-FU formulation. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed low maximum activity in the blood (Cmax = 34.20 µg/mL), with low intensity (AUC) for topically administered 99mTc-5-FU nanogel formulation.
Conclusion: 5-FU nanogel enhances specific delivery of 5-FU at targeted sites and decreases its toxicity in tissues distant from the site of application. The results suggest that nanogel loaded with 5-FU containing synthesized GA-SA conjugate is a novel effective approach for the treatment of skin lesions.