bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical energy generation in a double-compartment microbial fuel cell using Shewanella spp. strains isolated from Odontesthes regia
Authors: Calderon Sandy L. , Avelino Pilar García , Baena-Moncada Angélica María , Paredes-Doig Ana Lucía , La Rosa-Toro Adolfo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study is focused on electrical energy generation in a double-compartment microbial fuel cell. Carbon felt impregnated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes was used as an anode, which contained gold nanoparticles and Shewanella spp. grown under aerobic conditions was used as a biocatalyst. The electrodes, used before and after biofilm growth, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The results revealed the formation of Shewanella spp. colonies on the electrode surface and electrochemical activity under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. During biofilm growth in Luria Bertani medium, a stabilized average power density of 281 mW m− 2 was recorded. Subsequently, the cell reached a maximum current density of 0.11 mA cm− 2 after 72 h of operation and a coulombic efficiency of 65% under anaerobic conditions.
A case of needle embolism in a drug abuser, a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Scheggi Valentina , Mariani Tiziano , Mazzoni Carlotta , Stefàno Pier Luigi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous habit. Clinical manifestations include recurrent pericarditis, tamponade, cardiac perforation, and infective endocarditis. We describe the case of needle embolization in a young intravenous opiate abuser.

Case presentation
We describe a rare complication of intravenous misuse in a 23-year-old patient. He presented at the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. He complained of remittent fever ensued 6 months before. Echocardiographic and radiologic images revealed pericardial effusion and a needle fragment inside the pericardium. The needle was removed through left-anterior mini-thoracotomy, after CT-guided carbon tracking.

Conclusions
The presence of a foreign body within the heart resulted from the migration of a needle fragment from a peripheral vessel. It caused fever and recurrent pericarditis. In similar cases, surgical extraction is the therapy of choice.
Endoscopic intervention in a case proven latterly to be a COVID-19
Authors: Elkholy Shaimaa , Wifi Mohamed-Naguib , Maurice Karim K. , Youssif Kerolos , Mashhour Karim , Mashhour Shady N. , Nabil Ahmed , Abdellatif Abeer Awad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the newly developed worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease with a high rate of mortality especially among elderly and multiple co-morbid personnel. Asymptomatic COVID-19-infected patients are a well-known source of transmission of infection. The risk of exposure to respiratory secretions and/or feces is hardly avoidable during the endoscopic procedure; also, the aerosol and droplets take up to an hour disperse, so they remain a risk to staff and other patients after they leave the room; therefore, strict infectious precautions should be taken by all health care workers to limit the virus spread.

Main body
We present an endoscopic trial of duodenal stent insertion in non-operable gastric carcinoma that is proven 2 days later to be a COVID-19-positive case. Fortunately, no one of the health care workers that came in contact with the case becomes infected owing to the proper infection control measures.

Conclusion
We recommended that the endoscopy examination and procedures should be strictly limited to urgent cases to minimize the risk of virus infection among health care workers.
Otology practice during COVID-19 era: a review of current practice
Authors: Dawoud Moustafa M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe novel coronavirus started as an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.The outbreak was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 12 March 2020. The virus is called SARS-CoV-2, and the virus-induced disease is called COVID-19. The infection spreads via droplets or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Airborne transmission occurs during aerosol-generating procedures on patients. Many otologic procedures are considered AGPs and therefore require precautions to protect staff and patients and minimize transmission of the disease.Main bodyOutpatient otology activity has seen changes, including virtual clinics and limitation of face-to-face consultations, to ensure safety. Powered instrumentation should be avoided during surgical procedures unless necessary or replaced with other tools, and if performed, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination is recommended for any patient with full PPE in place except for consultations done without examination. Systemic steroid administration for treating conditions such as Bell’s palsy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be discussed with both the patient and infectious diseases specialist to weigh risks against benefits. Triaging of patients and prioritization is unavoidable during the pandemic and even after due to the limitations of clinic and theater time. All emergency/urgent cases are considered potentially COVID-19 positive. For the semi-urgent and all elective cases, COVID-19 testing 48 h prior to surgery, strict quarantine awaiting test results, and repeat testing on day of surgery if rapid tests are available are the precautions suggested. Different measures should be in place to minimize staff potential exposure intraoperatively.ConclusionsOtology practice has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Various measures are in place to ensure the delivery of safe and effective service for patients and health care workers.
Gender equality in academic publishing: action from the BJPsych
Authors: Upthegrove Rachel , de Cates Angharad , Shuttleworth Alice , Tracy Derek K. , Broome Matthew R. , Lingford-Hughes Anne 
Published: November 2020

SummaryWomen in academic publishing and academic psychiatry face many challenges of gender inequality, including significant pay differentials, poor visibility in senior positions and a male-dominated hierarchical system. We discuss this problem and outline how the BJPsych plans to tackle these issues it in its own publishing.
Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Pituitary Blastoma
Authors: Liu Anthony P Y , Kelsey Megan M , Sabbaghian Nelly , Park Sung-Hye , Deal Cheri L , Esbenshade Adam J , Ploner Oswald , Peet Andrew , Traunecker Heidi , Ahmed Yomna H E , Zacharin Margaret , Tiulpakov Anatoly , Lapshina Anastasia M , Walter Andrew W , Dutta Pinaki , Rai Ashutosh , Korbonits Márta , de Kock Leanne , Nichols Kim E , Foulkes William D , Priest John R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Context
Pituitary blastoma is a rare, dysontogenetic hypophyseal tumor of infancy first described in 2008, strongly suggestive of DICER1 syndrome.

Objective
This work aims to describe genetic alterations, clinical courses, outcomes, and complications in all known pituitary blastoma cases.

Design and Setting
A multi-institutional case series is presented from tertiary pediatric oncology centers.

Patients
Patients included children with pituitary blastoma.

Interventions
Genetic testing, surgery, oncologic therapy, endocrine support are reported.

Outcome Measures
Outcome measures included survival, long-term morbidities, and germline and tumor DICER1 genotypes.

Results
Seventeen pituitary blastoma cases were studied (10 girls and 7 boys); median age at diagnosis was 11 months (range, 2-24 months). Cushing syndrome was the most frequent presentation (n = 10). Cushingoid stigmata were absent in 7 children (2 with increased adrenocorticotropin [ACTH]; 5 with normal/unmeasured ACTH). Ophthalmoplegia and increased intracranial pressure were also observed. Surgical procedures included gross/near-total resection (n = 7), subtotal resection (n = 9), and biopsy (n = 1). Six children received adjuvant therapy. At a median follow-up of 6.7 years, 9 patients were alive; 8 patients died of the following causes: early medical/surgical complications (n = 3), sepsis (n = 1), catheter-related complication (n = 1), aneurysmal bleeding (n = 1), second brain tumor (n = 1), and progression (n = 1). Surgery was the only intervention for 5 of 9 survivors. Extent of resection, but neither Ki67 labeling index nor adjuvant therapy, was significantly associated with survival. Chronic complications included neuroendocrine (n = 8), visual (n = 4), and neurodevelopmental (n = 3) deficits. Sixteen pituitary blastomas were attributed to DICER1 abnormalities.

Conclusions
Pituitary blastoma is a locally destructive tumor associated with high mortality. Surgical resection alone provides long-term disease control for some patients. Quality survival is possible with long-term neuroendocrine management.
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis in Cushing Syndrome Before and After Curative Surgery
Authors: Shekhar Skand , McGlotten Raven , Auh Sunyoung , Rother Kristina I , Nieman Lynnette K 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe do not fully understand how hypercortisolism causes central hypothyroidism or what factors influence recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. We evaluated thyroid function during and after cure of Cushing syndrome (CS).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with CS seen from 2005 to 2018 (cohort 1, c1, n = 68) or 1985 to 1994 (cohort 2, c2, n = 55) at a clinical research center. Urine (UFC) and diurnal serum cortisol (F: ~8 am and ~midnight [pm]), morning 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) (c1) or hourly TSH from 1500 to 1900 h (day) and 2400 to 04000 h (night) (c2), were measured before and after curative surgery.ResultsWhile hypercortisolemic, 53% of c1 had central hypothyroidism (low/low normal FT4 + unelevated TSH). Of those followed long term, 31% and 44% had initially subnormal FT4 and T3, respectively, which normalized 6 to 12 months after cure. Hypogonadism was more frequent in hypothyroid (69%) compared to euthyroid (13%) patients. Duration of symptoms, morning and midnight F, adrenocorticotropin, and UFC were inversely related to TSH, FT4, and/or T3 levels (r = –0.24 to –0.52, P &lt; .001 to 0.02). In c2, the nocturnal surge of TSH (mIU/L) was subnormal before (day 1.00 ± 0.04 vs night 1.08 ± 0.05, P = .3) and normal at a mean of 8 months after cure (day 1.30 ± 0.14 vs night 2.17 ± 0.27, P = .01). UFC greater than or equal to 1000 μg/day was an independent adverse prognostic marker of time to thyroid hormone recovery.ConclusionsAbnormal thyroid function, likely mediated by subnormal nocturnal TSH, is prevalent in Cushing syndrome and is reversible after cure.
Testicular Testosterone and Estradiol Concentrations and Aromatase Expression in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Shiraishi Koji , Oka Shintaro , Matsuyama Hideyasu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractContextSpermatogenesis is strictly regulated by the intratesticular hormonal milieu, in which testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) play pivotal roles. However, the optimal expression of aromatase and intratesticular T (ITT) and E2 (ITE2) levels are unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate ITT/ITE2 and aromatase expression in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and to elucidate the roles of aromatase in spermatogenesis, as determined based on sperm retrieval by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE).Design and SettingA retrospective study at a reproductive center using serum, testicular specimens, and intratesticular fluid.PatientsSeventy-six men with NOA, including 4 men who received 3 months of anastrozole administration prior to micro-TESE, and 18 men with obstructive azoospermia.InterventionsTesticular aromatase expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intratesticular T and ITE2 levels were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsAromatase was mainly located in Leydig cells, and the levels of its transcript and protein expression levels were increased in men with NOA. No correlation was observed between serum T/E2 and ITT/ITE2 levels, whereas significant associations were observed between decreased ITT and increased ITE2, aromatase expression, and sperm retrieval. Treatment with anastrozole increased the ITT/ITE2 ratio and decreased aromatase expression.ConclusionsA close association between the expression of aromatase in Leydig cells and ITT/ITE2 was shown. Leydig cell aromatase is a factor that is independently correlated with spermatogenesis, and aromatase inhibitors may open a therapeutic window by increasing ITT/ITE2 in selected patients.
Improved Urinary Cortisol Metabolome in Addison Disease: A Prospective Trial of Dual-Release Hydrocortisone
Authors: Espiard Stéphanie , McQueen Johanna , Sherlock Mark , Ragnarsson Oskar , Bergthorsdottir Ragnhildur , Burman Pia , Dahlqvist Per , Ekman Bertil , Engström Britt Edén , Skrtic Stanko , Wahlberg Jeanette , Stewart Paul M , Johannsson Gudmundur 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Context
Oral once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) replacement therapy has demonstrated an improved metabolic profile compared to conventional 3-times-daily (TID-HC) therapy among patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. This effect might be related to a more physiological cortisol profile, but also to a modified pattern of cortisol metabolism.

Objective
This work aimed to study cortisol metabolism during DR-HC and TID-HC.

Design
A randomized, 12-week, crossover study was conducted.

Intervention and Participants
DC-HC and same daily dose of TID-HC were administered to patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (n = 50) vs healthy individuals (n = 124) as controls.

Main Outcome Measures
Urinary corticosteroid metabolites were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry at 24-hour urinary collections.

Results
Total cortisol metabolites decreased during DR-HC compared to TID-HC (P &lt; .001) and reached control values (P = .089). During DR-HC, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) activity measured by tetrahydrocortisol + 5α-tetrahydrocortisol/tetrahydrocortisone ratio was reduced compared to TID-HC (P &lt; .05), but remained increased vs controls (P &lt; .001). 11β-HSD2 activity measured by urinary free cortisone/free cortisol ratio was decreased with TID-HC vs controls (P &lt; .01) but normalized with DR-HC (P = .358). 5α- and 5β-reduced metabolites were decreased with DR-HC compared to TID-HC. Tetrahydrocortisol/5α-tetrahydrocortisol ratio was increased during both treatments, suggesting increased 5β-reductase activity.

Conclusions
The urinary cortisol metabolome shows striking abnormalities in patients receiving conventional TID-HC replacement therapy, with increased 11β-HSD1 activity that may account for the unfavorable metabolic phenotype in primary adrenal insufficiency. Its change toward normalization with DR-HC may mediate beneficial metabolic effects. The urinary cortisol metabolome may serve as a tool to assess optimal cortisol replacement therapy.
Neurologic Complications in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Lee Eudocia Q. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Neurologic complications in patients with cancer can significantly impact morbidity and mortality. Although these complications can be seen in patients without cancer as well, the purpose of this review is to highlight how the presentation, etiology, and management of delirium, seizures, cerebrovascular disease, and central nervous system infections may be different in patients with cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS
Some of the newer anticancer therapies are associated with neurologic complications. Delirium and seizures have been described in patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and other immune effector cell therapies. Angiogenesis inhibitors can increase the risk of bleeding and clotting, including intracranial hemorrhage and stroke. The risk of opportunistic fungal infections, including aspergillosis, is elevated with the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib.

SUMMARY
Providers should familiarize themselves with neurologic complications in patients with cancer because early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes. The differential diagnosis should be broad, including conventional causes as seen in patients who do not have cancer, with special consideration of etiologies specific to patients with cancer.
Paraneoplastic Disorders of the Nervous System
Authors: Flanagan Eoin P. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews paraneoplastic neurologic disorders and includes an overview of the diagnostic approach, the role of autoantibody testing, the pathophysiology of these disorders, and treatment approaches. This article also provides an overview of the emerging clinical scenarios in which paraneoplastic and autoimmune neurologic disorders may occur.

RECENT FINDINGS
The number of autoantibodies associated with paraneoplastic neurologic disorders has rapidly expanded over the past 2 decades. These discoveries have improved our ability to diagnose patients with these disorders and have provided insight into their pathogenesis. It is now recognized that these antibodies can be broadly divided into two major categories based on the location of the target antigen: intracellular and cell surface/synaptic. Antibodies to intracellular antigens are almost always accompanied by cancer, respond less well to immunotherapy, and have an unfavorable outcome. In contrast, antibodies to cell surface or synaptic targets are less often accompanied by cancer, generally respond well to immunotherapy, and have a good prognosis. Paraneoplastic and autoimmune neurologic disorders are now being recognized in novel settings, including their occurrence as an immune-related adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for cancer.

SUMMARY
This article discusses when to suspect a paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome, the diagnostic utility and pitfalls of neural autoantibody testing, how to best detect the underlying tumor, and the treatment approach that involves combinations of antineoplastic treatments, immunosuppressants, and supportive/symptomatic treatments.
Chromium-Catalyzed Ligand-Free Amidation of Esters with Anilines
Authors: Chen Changpeng , Ling Liang , Luo Meiming , Zeng Xiaoming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Amides are important structural motifs in pharmaceutical and agrochemical chemistry because of the intriguing biological active properties. We report here the amidation of commercially available esters with anilines that was promoted by low-cost and air-stable chromium(III) pre-catalyst combined with magnesium, providing access to amides. This reaction occurs without the use of external ligands in a simple operation. Mechanistic studies indicate that a reactive aminated Cr species responsible for the amidation can be considered, which may be formed by reaction of low-valent Cr with aniline followed by reduction with hydrogen evolution.
Influence of the exomass on the detection of simulated root fracture in cone-beam ct – an ex-vivo study
Authors: Candemil Amanda Pelegrin , Mangione Francesca , Vasconcelos Karla Farias , Oenning Anne Caroline , Jacobs Reinhilde , Freitas Deborah Queiroz , Haiter-Neto Francisco , Salmon Benjamin , Oliveira Matheus Lima 
Published: November 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of exomass-related metal artefacts on the detection of simulated vertical root fracture (VRF) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Twenty teeth were endodontically instrumented and VRF was induced in half of them. All teeth were individually placed in an empty socket of a human mandible. Metallic materials were differently arranged in the exomass [zone outside of the field of view (FOV) but between the X-ray source and the receptor] and/or endomass (zone inside of the FOV), and CBCT scans were obtained. Four radiologists evaluated the presence of VRF using a 5-point scale. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were compared using ANOVA. Also, the tooth of interest was replaced with a tube filled with a radiopaque solution and all CBCT scans were repeated to analyse the data objectively. Mean grey and noise values were obtained from the tube and compared using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: Mean grey values were significantly lower and noise was significantly higher when metallic materials were present in the endomass or both the exomass and endomass. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were not influenced by the artefacts from the metallic materials irrespective of the arrangement condition. Conclusions: Exomass-related metal artefacts did not influence the diagnosis of simulated VRF in CBCT.
BIOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF REDUCTION OF Y-VIRUS REINFECTION DURING REPRODUCTION OF SEED POTATO WITH A LOW DEGREE OF INFECTION
Authors: Zamalieva Faniya 
Published: November 2020

The studies were carried out with the aim of biological substantiation of a decrease in Y-virus reinfection during the reproduction of seed potatoes with a low degree of infection. The experiments were carried out in 2001-2006 in Laishevskiy district of the Republic of Tatarstan. In 2001-2003 and 2002-2004 the total vector activity of aphids for three years was 393 and 310 equivalent units, respectively, the degree of infestation at the final stage reached 45.8 and 20.8%. In 2003-2005 and 2004-2006 the total vector activity of aphids for three years was higher than in previous cycles by 2.0 ... 2.5 times (785 and 610 equivalent units, respectively), but the degree of infestation at the final stage was only 4.1% and 1, 7%. For the first time, a calculation formula was obtained and the distances between diseased potato plants were specified, depending on the degree of contamination of the seed material. With a planting density of 55 thousand
plants/ha, the formula takes the following form: , where у is the distance between infected plants, meter;
х is the degree of infection with the virus (х > 0), %. The relationship between the degree of planting infestation and the distance between diseased plants is inversely proportional, graphically it is a hyperbole. The dynamics of changes in the distance between infected plants was traced with a decrease in infection from 100% to close to zero values. It was revealed that the 1% level of infection is critical. With an increase in infestation from 1 to 100%, the distance between diseased plants decreases from 4.26 to 0.42 m, which is a small distance for winged aphids to overcome. A decrease in infestation from 1% to close to zero value may lead to an increase in the distance between diseased plants from 4.26 m to theoretically infinite. Seed material, with close to zero infection, is safe to reproduce for a long time without the risk of rapid reinfection, due to the significant distance for vectors between sources of infection and a decrease in the participation of most aphids in the transmission of viruses. The results obtained formed the basis for the potato seed-growing system and the technology for protecting seed potatoes from reinfection with the Y-virus in the conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan