bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rare case of isolated ACTH deficiency associated with a Rathke's Cleft Cyst and a review of the literature
Authors: Azam Hamza , Tuch Bernard 
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical MessageA 78‐year‐old man was referred to clinic due to a 5‐year history of weight loss, lethargy, and pathology showing hyponatremia. In the year prior, he had a hospital admission for symptomatic hyponatremia. MRI brain during that admission showed a 1–2 mm pituitary lesion of unknown significance. Testing during this presentation revealed hypocortisolism with ACTH deficiency. Progress MRI brain revealed the presence of a Rathke's Cleft Cyst (RC). Medical management with glucocorticoids resulted in symptomatic and biochemical parameter improvement. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of isolated ACTH deficiency in the setting of a RC.
Synthetic Applications of Photochemically Generated Radicals from Protic C(sp3)−H Bonds
Authors: O'Brien Tegan E. , Morris Avery O. , Villela Lucas F. , Barriault Louis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe utilization of photo‐induced processes in C−H functionalization via radical pathways has emerged as a highly promising strategy for the preparation and modification of complex organic compounds. While current methods for generating carbon‐centred radicals from C−H bonds primarily focus on hydridic C−H bonds to yield nucleophilic radical species, the reactivity and potential applications of electrophilic radicals derived from protic C−H bonds remain largely unexplored. In this review, we aim to shed light on the seminal findings regarding the activation of protic C(sp3)−H bonds while also showcasing noteworthy examples of this radical formation process. Mechanistically diverse modes of activation are discussed, unified by proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) concepts.
Double S‐Scheme Polydopamine/TiO2/Chlorophyll as Stable and Efficient Green Photoelectrocatalyst
Authors: Irodia Roberta , Mîndroiu Mihaela , Bîru Iuliana , Ioniţă Gabriela , Mihai Geanina V. , Enăchescu Marius , Orbeci Cristina , Pîrvu Cristian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInspired by natural photosynthesis, a new green catalyst with better photocatalytic properties was obtained. Nanostructured TiO2, a cheap cost natural Chlorophyll‐a as an electron promotor and a mussel‐inspired polydopamine (PD) bio adhesive were synergistically combined in the double S‐scheme hybrid photocatalysts The role of PD as a bridging molecule between the pigments of Chl and TiO2 was clearly demonstrated by improved charge transfer and recombination rate. Methylorange as a probe molecule was used to test the stability and efficiency of the new photocatalyst. This challenging approach on obtaining new green bioinspired catalysts avoiding critical raw materials is in line with the new vision on catalysts. The results of this study show the effectiveness and stability of the new photocatalyst. Based on the combined effect of PD functionalization and Chl sensitization, the NT/PD‐Chl heterostructure photocatalyst had the best photo(electro)catalytic performance for MO degradation which was shown to be 97.74 % after 180 min.
Wasserstofflogistik: flüssige organische Wasserstoffträger
Authors: Geißelbrecht Michael , Auer Franziska , Kiermaier Stephan , Wasserscheid Peter 
Published: October 2023

ZusammenfassungLiquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHCs) stellen eine vielversprechende Alternative zur Speicherung und zum Transport des grünen Energieträgers Wasserstoff dar. Gegenüber den herkömmlichen Verfahren, wie Kompression und Verflüssigung, bietet die LOHC‐Technologie Vorteile in Bezug auf Sicherheit und Verlustfreiheit bei vergleichbarer volumetrischer Energiedichte. Durch reversible chemische Bindung des Wasserstoffs in der LOHC‐Trägerflüssigkeit kann diese als flüssige Pfandflasche angesehen werden. Die Einspeicherung und Freisetzung erfolgen dabei jeweils über eine chemische Reaktion. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden verschiedene Anwendungsszenarien der LOHC‐Technologie und damit zusammenhängende, aktuelle Projekte vorgestellt. Zusammenfassend lässt sich festhalten, dass die Versorgung von Gebäuden mit Strom und Wärme über eine Verknüpfung von LOHC‐Dehydrierung und einer Festoxidbrennstoffzelle (SOFC) realisiert werden kann. Die klimaneutrale Versorgung von Gewerbeparks kann durch Einbindung eines saisonalen LOHC‐Speichers in ein bestehendes Wärmenetz verbessert werden. Die Kopplung mit einem Blockheizkraftwerk ermöglicht dabei die Nutzung aller Wärmeströme und einen hohen Speicherwirkungsgrad. Darüber hinaus kann die LOHC‐Technologie zur Realisierung eines sicheren, günstigen und emissionsfreien Bahnverkehrs auf nicht‐elektrifizierten Strecken beitragen. Im Gegensatz zur Nutzung von gasförmigem Wasserstoff als Treibstoff kann bei der Betankung von Zügen mit dem flüssigen LOHC‐Speichermedium die bestehende Infrastruktur für Diesel genutzt werden.
Electrolyte migration through electrochemical membranes: Potential source of error in batch electrochemical cells
Authors: Ganzoury Mohamed A. , Wu Yichen , de Lannoy Charles‐François 
Published: October 2023

AbstractElectrochemical membranes (ECMs) and porous electrodes have gained much attention in a broad range of applications including water and wastewater treatment, energy production and storage, and carbon dioxide capture. Lab scale batch experiments (electrochemical stirred cells) are the baseline for developing ECMs and porous electrodes. We observed electrochemical dissolution of metal fasteners (alligator clips), used to hold porous conductive and non‐conductive membranes in batch electrochemical cells, despite being kept outside the electrolyte. The electrolyte migrated through the porous membranes by the action of capillary forces, forming a closed electrochemical circuit with the metal fasteners. This unexpected leaching can lead to misleading results for electrochemical experiments on porous electrodes and ECMs. In this study, we compared (1) porous membranes versus non‐porous electrodes, (2) hydrophilic versus hydrophobic membranes, and (3) conductive versus non‐conductive membranes in their ability to cause capillary wetting‐induced corrosion of metal fasteners. We proposed a simple solution for the problem: separating the metal fasteners from the porous membrane electrode with a non‐porous conductive graphite foil, which keeps the electrochemical circuit open. We have validated this solution and propose it as a standard method for experiments using porous electrodes and electrically conductive membranes.
Impact of heart failure and preoperative platelet count on the postoperative short‐term outcome in infective endocarditis patients
Authors: Wang Junjie , Huang Suiqing , Hou Jian , Feng Kangni , Wu Huawei , Liu Quan , Zhou Zhuoming , Li Huayang , Luo Li , Shang Liqun , Chen Guangxian , Wu Zhongkai 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure (HF) and platelet count are often considered risk factors for mortality in patients with infective endocarditis (IE); however, their effects on various complications have not been elucidated.HypothesisWe speculated that HF and platelet count have significant impact on the short‐term outcomes of IE.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study analyzed data from 320 IE patients who underwent surgery. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for adverse outcomes. The effect of the platelet count on the prognosis of patients with HF was determined by subgroup analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis.ResultsThe study population was divided into the HF group (n = 102) and the non‐HF group (n = 218). The median age of the total population was 44.5 years (31–56 years), of which 227 (70.94%) patients were male. The incidence rates of 1‐year all‐cause mortality, cardiac outcomes, and composite outcomes were respectively almost sixfold, fourfold, and threefold higher in the HF group than in the non‐HF group (all p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, HF was an independent risk factor for 1‐year all‐cause mortality, cardiac outcomes, cerebral outcomes, and composite outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed that the patients with both HF and thrombocytopenia demonstrated the worst composite outcomes than the patients of the other groups (log‐rank p < 0.001). In the HF group, the platelet count was significantly associated with mortality and composite outcomes.ConclusionsHF and preoperative platelet count are significantly associated with 1‐year all‐cause mortality and adverse outcomes postoperatively in IE patients. Patients with HF and thrombocytopenia have the worst short‐term prognosis.
Effects of intensive blood‐pressure treatment on myocardial work in elderly hypertensive patients: A subcenter study of the STEP randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feng Xiaoxuan , Yan Mengqi , Tang Linghui , Zhou Dan , Wu Shiping , Cai Jun , Feng Yingqing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits and safety of intensive blood pressure treatment in elderly hypertensive patients have been proved in the STEP trial. However, relevant mechanisms for intensive treatment are lacking.HypothesisWe aimed to explore whether intensive blood pressure treatment is associated with left ventricular systolic function changes as evaluated by myocardial work (MW) parameters in elderly hypertensive patients compared to the standard.MethodsPatients were randomized to the intensive group (n = 66, median age 66 years, 42.4% male) with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) goal of 110 to <130 mmHg or the standard treatment group (n = 50, median age 63.5 years, 30% male) with an SBP goal of 130–<150 mmHg in this subcenter study of the STEP trial. There was no pre‐randomization echocardiographic collected. Echocardiographic exam was produced at 1‐year (phase 1) and 3‐year (phase 2) post‐randomization.ResultsIn phase 1, SBP was already significantly lower in the intensive treatment group than in the standard treatment group (126.5 vs. 132.1 mmHg, p < .05). During a median follow‐up of 40 months, in phase 2, the intensive group still had a lower SBP than the standard treatment group (125.0 vs. 135.3 mmHg, p < .05). Both global work index (GWI) and global constructive work (GCW) decreased significantly in phase in the intensive treatment group but not in the standard group (p < .05). Global wasted work (GWW) increased and global work efficiency (GWE) declined in both groups from phase 1 to phase 2 while no significant difference between the treatment effects. Similarly, left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) decreased in the two groups. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed the intensive treatment appeared to be an independent predictor of the ΔGWI (β = −110.92; 95% CI, −197.78 to −30.07, p = .008) and ΔGCW (β = −135.11; 95% CI, −220.33 to −49.88, p = .002).ConclusionsIn elderly hypertensive patients, lower SBP was associated with decreased GWI and GCW and intensive BP treatment did not improve global MW efficiency.
Protein‐Porphyrin Complex Photosensitizers for Anticancer and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapies
Authors: Yamada Taiga , Komatsu Teruyuki 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiently induces apoptosis through visible‐light irradiation of photosensitizers (PSs) within tumors and microbial cells. Porphyrin analogues serve as widely utilized photosensitizing agents with their therapeutic abilities being governed by molecular structures and central metal ions. However, these macrocyclic compounds tend to agglutinate and form stacks in aqueous environments, resulting in a loss of photochemical activity. To overcome this limitation, encapsulation within liposomes and polymer micelles enables the dispersion of porphyrins as monomolecular entities in aqueous solutions, preventing undesirable deactivation. Recently, the use of reconstituted hemoproteins containing various metal‐porphyrins and protein cages incorporating porphyrins has garnered significant interest as a new generation of biocompatible PSs. In this concept paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent developments and trends of protein‐porphyrin complex PSs for applications in anticancer and antimicrobial PDTs.
Reliability, validity, and change thresholds of the NCCN/FACT Bladder Symptom Index (NFBlSI‐18) in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Peipert John D. , Chang Jane , Li Si , di Pietro Alessandra , Cislo Paul , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Cella David 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe NCCN/FACT Bladder Symptom Index‐18 (NFBlSI‐18) is a bladder cancer–specific instrument. We aimed to psychometrically evaluate the reliability and validity of NFBlSI‐18 and estimate change thresholds for total, disease‐related symptoms‐physical (DRS‐P), DRS‐emotional (DRS‐E), and function/well‐being (F/WB) scales in patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC).MethodsJAVELIN Bladder 100 trial data were analyzed. Anchors to evaluate validity included: 5‐level EuroQoL‐5D utility index (EQ‐5D‐5L UI), visual analog scale (VAS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and number of symptoms. Responsiveness to change was tested by anchoring to time to tumor progression (TTP), best overall response (BOR), and differences in means between ECOG categories to estimate meaningful between‐group differences. Meaningful within‐group change thresholds were estimated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, anchoring to change in EQ‐5D‐5L UI. Significant within‐individual patient change thresholds were estimated with reliable and likely change indexes.ResultsCorrelations with EQ‐5D‐5L UI and VAS ranged from 0.53 to 0.73. Standardized effect sizes were >0.20. Compared with patients with TTP of ≥6 months, patients with TTP of >0–2 and 3–5 months had larger declines; results for BOR were similar. Thresholds (points) for meaningful between‐group differences were: total, 6–11; DRS‐P, 3–6; and DRS‐E and F/WB, 1. Thresholds (points) for meaningful within‐group worsening were: total, 4; and DRS‐P, 3, and for significant individual change they were: total, 3–9; DRS‐P, 2–6; DRS‐E, 1–3; and F/WB, 2–4.ConclusionsNFBlSI‐18 exhibited evidence of reliability, validity, and responsiveness to assess quality of life in studies of la/mUC, and change thresholds are established for future studies.Plain Language Summary

The NCCN/FACT Bladder Symptom Index‐18 (NFBlSI‐18) is a questionnaire used to assess quality of life for people with advanced bladder cancer.
People with advanced bladder cancer who took part in the JAVELIN Bladder 100 study completed the NFBlSI‐18 when they joined the study and after each treatment with avelumab maintenance or best supportive care.
This study showed that NFBlSI‐18 is suitable for capturing bladder cancer symptoms and is able to detect important changes in a person’s quality of life over time.
This study also provides thresholds for changes in NFBlSI‐18 scores, which will be useful for future studies.
Estrogenic regulation of claudin 5 and tight junction protein 1 gene expression in zebrafish: A role on blood–brain barrier?
Authors: Pellegrini Elisabeth , Fernezelian Danielle , Malleret Cassandra , Gueguen Marie‐Madeleine , Patche‐Firmin Jessica , Rastegar Sepand , Meilhac Olivier , Diotel Nicolas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a physical interface between the blood and the brain parenchyma, playing key roles in brain homeostasis. In mammals, the BBB is established thanks to tight junctions between cerebral endothelial cells, involving claudin, occludin, and zonula occludens proteins. Estrogens have been documented to modulate BBB permeability. Interestingly, in the brain of zebrafish, the estrogen‐synthesizing activity is strong due to the high expression of Aromatase B protein, encoded by the cyp19a1b gene, in radial glial cells (neural stem cells). Given the roles of estrogens in BBB function, we investigated their impact on the expression of genes involved in BBB tight junctions. We treated zebrafish embryos and adult males with 17β‐estradiol and observed an increased cerebral expression of tight junction and claudin 5 genes in adult males only. In females, treatment with the nuclear estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI182,780) had no impact. Interestingly, telencephalic injuries performed in males decreased tight junction gene expression that was partially reversed with 17β‐estradiol. This was further confirmed by extravasation experiments of Evans blue showing that estrogenic treatment limits BBB leakage. We also highlighted the intimate links between endothelial cells and neural stem cells, suggesting that cholesterol and peripheral steroids could be taken up by endothelial cells and used as precursors for estrogen synthesis by neural stem cells. Together, our results show that zebrafish provides an alternative model to further investigate the role of steroids on the expression of genes involved in BBB integrity, both in constitutive and regenerative physiological conditions. The link we described between capillaries endothelial cells and steroidogenic neural cells encourages the use of this model in understanding the mechanisms by which peripheral steroids get into neural tissue and modulate neurogenic activity.
Extracranial metastasis of brain glioblastoma outside CNS: Pathogenesis revisited
Authors: Kurdi Maher , Baeesa Saleh , Okal Fahad , Bamaga Ahmed K. , Faizo Eyad , Fathaddin Amany A. , Alkhotani Alaa , Karami Mohammed M. , Bahakeem Basem 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe most prevalent malignant tumor of the CNS in adults is glioblastoma. Despite undergoing surgery and chemoradiotherapy, the prognosis remains unfavorable, with a median survival period ranging between 15 and 20 months. The incidence of glioblastoma metastasis outside CNS is uncommon with only 0.4%–2% reported rate, compared to other tumors that exhibit a 10% incidence rate of metastasis to the brain. On average, it takes about 11 months from the time of initial diagnosis for the tumor to spread beyond CNS. Consequently, the prognosis for metastatic glioblastoma is grim, with a 6‐month survival rate following diagnosis.FindingsThe rarity of extracranial metastasis is attributed to the blood–brain barrier and lack of a lymphatic drainage system, although rare cases of hematogenous spread and direct implantation have been reported. The possible mechanisms remain unclear and require further investigation. Risk factors have been widely described, including previous craniotomy or biopsies, ventricular shunting, young age, radiation therapy, prolonged survival time, and tumor recurrence. Due to the lack of understanding about extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma pathogenesis, no effective treatment exists to date. Aggressive chemotherapies are not recommended for metastatic glioblastoma as their side effects may worsen the patient prognosis.ConclusionThe optimal treatment for extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma requires further investigation with a wide inclusion of patients. This review discusses the possible causes, factors, and underlying mechanisms of glioblastoma metastasis to different organs.
Algorithms on low energy spectra of the Hubbard model pertinent to molecular nanomagnets
Authors: Antkowiak M. , Kucharski Ł. , Lemański R. , Kamieniarz G. 
Published: October 2023

SummaryComputer supported design of materials with tailored properties is an important part of computational science so that developments of new effective algorithms is a key issue. Molecular magnetism deals with complex objects described by the quantum physics and their simulations come up against the computational constraints. In this work, we consider a numerical version of a recently developed hybrid approach that combines the ab initio DFT method with the exact diagonalization of the microscopic Hubbard model (HM). The latter avoids the prior perturbative framework but increases computing resources needed for solving the eigenvalue problem of the matrix representation of HM. We demonstrate that in the case of the ring‐shape molecular nanomagnets the computational demands can be curbed due to efficient numerical matrix construction algorithms provided. These algorithms pertain both to the calculation of the single nonzero matrix elements and to their localization in the final sparse matrix that is subsequently diagonalized. Their implementation executed on a simple six‐core‐computer system and the Mathematica environment leads to a significant gain in the computing time for the exemplary chromium‐based molecule denoted Cr, running the code sequentially. We claim, referring to the numerical diagonalization of the spin Hamiltonian matrices, that the parallelization flaws related to the high‐level programming approach can be all removed, porting the code to the appropriate HPC environment. A prospective implementation of the code, based on some dedicated and optimized mathematical libraries, will ultimately open a window for further applications of the Hubbard model in molecular magnetism.
Analysis of pesticide residues in potato varieties using modified quechers multi‐residue method combined with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Oyoo‐Ilukol Judith , Abong George Ooko , Okoth Michael Wandayi , Nyongesa Moses Wabomba 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRegular monitoring of pesticide residues in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) is important to ensure a low risk of pesticide toxicity to consumers. An efficient, modified quick easy cheap effective rugged safe‐dispersive‐solid‐phase extraction (QuEChERS‐ d‐SPE) was optimized and validated for quantification of pesticide residues (metalaxyl, chlorpyrifos, λ‐cyhalothrin, and cypermethrin) in popular Kenyan potato varieties “Shangi,” “Tigoni,” and “Dutch Robyjn,” grown under controlled field conditions using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS). An evaluation of the effect of five spraying frequencies (unsprayed, 5, 7, 10, and 14‐day intervals) of metalaxyl‐based fungicides on residue levels in harvested potatoes was simultaneously done. Metalaxyl residue levels in the varieties were determined for each spraying regime. Method validation showed good linearity (r2) of 0.988–0.999, detection limit (0.37–0.61 µg/L), quantification limit (1.20–1.84 µg/L) while recovery (71%–94%), and precision (relative standard deviation of 2.3%–24.1%) were used to determine the accuracy of the method. Pyrethroids (cypermethrin and λ‐cyhalothrin) and organophosphates (metalaxyl and chlorpyrifos) were detected in the potato samples. Residue levels of the compounds were not significantly different (p = 0.05) between varieties except for chlorpyrifos. Cypermethrin was the residue compound detected at the highest mean level with 17.4 µg/L, followed by metalaxyl, chlorpyrifos, and λ‐cyhalothrin, at 2.88, 1.05, and 0.15 µg/L, respectively. Residue levels at different spraying frequencies varied statistically between varieties (p = 0.05). Dutch Robyjn sprayed at seven days’ intervals had the highest residue level of 9.49 ± 0.26 µg/L. QuEChERS‐d‐SPE with GC‐MS/MS has shown suitability for routine pesticide residue monitoring in potatoes. The potatoes grown under the controlled experimental conditions did not present any concern for human health, as the pesticide residues detected were below Codex maximum residue levels of 500 µg/L.