bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elemental mass spectrometry to study metallo-transcriptomic changes during the in vitro degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Álvarez-Barrios Ana , Álvarez Lydia , Pereiro Rosario , González-Iglesias Héctor 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTrace elements play crucial roles in cellular biology. Their improper homeostasis may contribute to the progress of eye diseases, exacerbated during ageing. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is progressively deteriorated during age-related neurodegeneration and metal homeostasis may be compromised. In this study, elemental mass spectrometry (MS) was combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques to identify changes in trace elements during the in vitro degeneration of human RPE cells. Cells were collected at 21, 91, and 133 days and processed for RNA sequencing; Ca, Na, P, Mg, and Cu quantification by flow injection analysis and inductively coupled plasma–MS; and protein analysis by immunocytochemistry. Four-month-old RPE cultures showed depigmentation, impaired barrier function, and antioxidant protection, manifesting signs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Na and P significantly increased in the cytosol of degenerated RPE cells (from 15 ± 20 to 13495 ± 638 ng·µg−1 and from 30.6 ± 9.5 to 116.8 ± 16.8 ng·µg−1, respectively). Mg decreased in both the cytosol and insoluble fraction of cells (from 2.83 ± 0.40 to 1.58 ± 0.56 ng·µg−1 and from 247.57 ± 11.06 to 30 ± 8 ng·g−1, respectively), while P and Cu decreased in the insoluble fraction after 133 days in culture (from 9471 ± 1249 to 4555 ± 985 ng·µg−1 and from 2251 ± 79 to 1054 ± 235 ng·g−1, respectively), along with changes in metal-dependent antioxidant enzymes and Cu transporters. This RPE model reflected metal homeostatic changes, providing additional perspectives on effects of metal regulation during ageing.
Graphical Abstract
The minimally invasive transventricular endoscopic approach to third ventricular lesions in pediatric patients—all-rounder with limitations?
Authors: Teping Fritz , Oertel Joachim 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The surgical management of third ventricular lesions poses unique challenges, requiring careful consideration of various approaches and techniques. This study focuses on the transventricular transforaminal endoscopic approach and aims to provide insights into its indications, limitations, technical nuances, and potential complications in pediatric patients.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from a 13-year period on pediatric patients who were subjected to transforaminal endoscopic surgery for third ventricular lesions. The study utilized a prospectively maintained internal database, extracting demographic data, preoperative assessment, surgical details, and postoperative follow-up information. The surgical technique is presented in detail, and exemplary case reports highlight relevant surgical considerations.

Results
Out of 578 endoscopic transforaminal procedures, 24 surgeries were performed on pediatric patients with third ventricular lesions. Performed procedures consisted of cyst resection (13 cases), solid tumor resection (4 cases), and tumor biopsies with CSF pathway restoration (7 cases). The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.6 years. Postoperatively, 14 patients showed transient nausea and vomiting (58.3%); 10 patients showed pneumocephalus on postoperative MRI (41.7%). No emergency postoperative re-interventions nor perioperative mortality were observed.

Conclusion
The endoscopic transventricular transforaminal approach is a safe approach for lesion resection, CSF pathway restoration, and tumor biopsy in pediatric patients with third ventricle lesions. The author’s results support the use of this minimally invasive technique as an alternative to more extensive approaches, particularly to the interforniceal interhemispheric approach. However, surgical success is highly dependent to the individual surgeon’s experience and moreover to a suitable indication setting. Careful preoperative planning and knowledge of the approaches’ pro and cons is mandatory for successful application of this approach.
Differentiating between common PSP phenotypes using structural MRI: a machine learning study
Authors: Quattrone Andrea , Sarica Alessia , Buonocore Jolanda , Morelli Maurizio , Bianco Maria Giovanna , Calomino Camilla , Aracri Federica , De Maria Marida , Vescio Basilio , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Differentiating Progressive supranuclear palsy-Richardson’s syndrome (PSP-RS) from PSP-Parkinsonism (PSP-P) may be extremely challenging. In this study, we aimed to distinguish these two PSP phenotypes using MRI structural data.

Methods
Sixty-two PSP-RS, 40 PSP-P patients and 33 control subjects were enrolled. All patients underwent brain 3 T-MRI; cortical thickness and cortical/subcortical volumes were extracted using Freesurfer on T1-weighted images. We calculated the automated MR Parkinsonism Index (MRPI) and its second version including also the third ventricle width (MRPI 2.0) and tested their classification performance. We also employed a Machine learning (ML) classification approach using two decision tree-based algorithms (eXtreme Gradient Boosting [XGBoost] and Random Forest) with different combinations of structural MRI data in differentiating between PSP phenotypes.

Results
MRPI and MRPI 2.0 had AUC of 0.88 and 0.81, respectively, in differentiating PSP-RS from PSP-P. ML models demonstrated that the combination of MRPI and volumetric/thickness data was more powerful than each feature alone. The two ML algorithms showed comparable results, and the best ML model in differentiating between PSP phenotypes used XGBoost with a combination of MRPI, cortical thickness and subcortical volumes (AUC 0.93 ± 0.04). Similar performance (AUC 0.93 ± 0.06) was also obtained in a sub-cohort of 59 early PSP patients.

Conclusion
The combined use of MRPI and volumetric/thickness data was more accurate than each MRI feature alone in differentiating between PSP-RS and PSP-P. Our study supports the use of structural MRI to improve the early differential diagnosis between common PSP phenotypes, which may be relevant for prognostic implications and patient inclusion in clinical trials.
The short- and long-term outcome after the surgical management of common bile duct stones in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Hess Gabriel F. , Sedlaczek Philipp , Zeindler Jasmin , Muenst Simone , Schmitt Andreas M. , Däster Silvio , Bolli Martin , Kollmar Otto , Soysal Savas D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The removal of common bile duct stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) shows excellent results with low complication rates and is therefore considered a gold standard. However, in case of stones non-removable by ERCP, surgical extraction is needed. The surgical approach is still controversial and clinical guidelines are missing. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of patients treated with choledochotomy or hepaticojejunostomy for common bile duct stones.

Methods
All patients who underwent choledochotomy or hepaticojejunostomy for common bile duct stones at a tertiary referral hospital over 11 years were included. The analyzed data contains basic demographics, diagnostics, surgical parameters, length of hospitalization, and morbidity and mortality.

Results
Over the study period, 4375 patients underwent cholecystectomy, and 655 received an ERCP with stone extraction, with 48 of these patients receiving subsequent surgical treatment. ERCP was attempted in 23/30 (77%) of the choledochotomy patients pre/intraoperatively and 11/18 (56%) in hepaticojejunostomy patients. The 30-day major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo > II) was 1/30 (3%) in the choledochotomy group and 2/18 (11%) in the hepaticojejunostomy group. Complications after 30 days occurred in 3/30 (10%) patients and 2/18 (11%), respectively, and no mortality occurred.

Conclusion
ERCP should still be considered the gold standard, although due to low short- and long-term morbidity rates, choledochotomy and hepaticojejunostomy represent effective surgical solutions for common bile duct stones.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oncological care in Germany: rapid review
Authors: De Santis Karina Karolina , Helmer Stefanie , Barnes Benjamin , Kraywinkel Klaus , Imhoff Maren , Müller-Eberstein Roxana , Kirstein Mathia , Quatmann Anna , Simke Julia , Stiens Lisa , Christianson Lara , Zeeb Hajo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The COVID-19 pandemic affected medical care for chronic diseases. This study aimed to systematically assess the pandemic impact on oncological care in Germany using a rapid review.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, study and preprint registries and study bibliographies were searched for studies published between 2020 and 2 November 2022. Inclusion was based on the PCC framework: population (cancer), concept (oncological care) and context (COVID-19 pandemic in Germany). Studies were selected after title/abstract and full-text screening by two authors. Extracted data were synthesized using descriptive statistics or narratively. Risk of bias was assessed and summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results
Overall, 77 records (59 peer-reviewed studies and 18 reports) with administrative, cancer registry and survey data were included. Disruptions in oncological care were reported and varied according to pandemic-related factors (e.g., pandemic stage) and other (non-pandemic) factors (e.g., care details). During higher restriction periods fewer consultations and non-urgent surgeries, and delayed diagnosis and screening were consistently reported. Heterogeneous results were reported for treatment types other than surgery (e.g., psychosocial care) and aftercare, while ongoing care remained mostly unchanged. The risk of bias was on average moderate.

Conclusions
Disruptions in oncological care were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Such disruptions probably depended on factors that were insufficiently controlled for in statistical analyses and evidence quality was on average only moderate. Research focus on patient outcomes (e.g., longer term consequences of disruptions) and pandemic management by healthcare systems is potentially relevant for future pandemics or health emergencies.
Clinical trajectory of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms progressing to pancreatic carcinomas during long-term surveillance: a prospective series of 100 carcinoma cases
Authors: Oyama Hiroki , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Nakai Yousuke , Tanaka Mariko , Endo Go , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Ishida Kota , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Kanai Sachiko , Kurihara Kohei , Saito Tomotaka , Sato Tatsuya , Suzuki Tatsunori , Suzuki Yukari , Takaoka Shinya , Tange Shuichi , Tokito Yurie , Takahara Naminatsu , Ushiku Tetsuo , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Trajectories of serological and morphological signatures have not been documented in pancreatic carcinogenesis related to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs).

Methods
Using a prospective cohort of 3437 IPMN patients, we identified 100 IPMN patients who developed pancreatic carcinomas during long-term surveillance. We examined serial changes of blood markers (carbohydrate antigen 19-9 [CA19-9], hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], and pancreatic enzymes) and morphological features (worrisome features and high-risk stigmata) during the prediagnostic period of pancreatic carcinomas, overall and by carcinoma types (IPMN-derived vs. concomitant pancreatic carcinomas).

Results
CA19-9 elevation was observed in 39 patients and was associated with a metastatic stage. Compared to IPMN-derived carcinomas, concomitant carcinomas were more likely to represent CA19-9 elevation (60% vs. 30%, respectively; P = 0.005). HbA1c levels elevated only in 3 patients. Pancreatic enzyme elevation was observed in 18 patients with no differences in frequencies between the carcinoma types. All patients with elevated levels of blood markers had positive findings on cross-sectional imaging. High-risk stigmata or worrisome features were observed in all patients but one with concomitant carcinoma. The most common types of worrisome features were the main pancreatic duct dilatation and CA19-9 elevation in IPMN-derived and concomitant carcinomas, respectively. Compared to IPMN-derived carcinomas, concomitant carcinomas were less likely to harbor high-risk stigmata (16% vs. 86%, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The usefulness of currently available blood biomarkers was limited in early detection of pancreatic carcinomas related to IPMNs. Morphological alterations were well correlated with long-term risk of IPMN-derived carcinomas, but not with that of concomitant carcinomas.
Rotation and Vibration in Tetraquarks
Authors: Jalili Amir , Segovia J. , Pan Feng , Luo Yan-An 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA novel approach is introduced for obtaining precise solutions of the pairing Hamiltonian for tetraquarks, which utilizes an algebraic technique in infinite dimensions. The parameters involved in the transition phase are calibrated based on potential tetraquark candidates derived from phenomenology. Our investigation shows that the rotation and vibration transitional theory delivers a reasonable agreement with other works for heavy tetraquarks compared to other methods. To illustrate the concept, we compute the spectra of several tetraquarks, namely charm, bottom, bottom–charm and open charm and bottom systems, and contrast them with those of other particles.
Validation of a high-performance thin-layer chromatography method for the quantitative determination of trehalulose
Authors: Mello dos Santos Mariana , Jacobs Christina , Islam Md Khairul , Lim Lee Yong , Locher Cornelia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA novel, simple and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was developed and validated for the quantification of trehalulose in stingless bee honey. The chromatographic separation was performed using silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates and 1-butanol‒2-propanol‒aqueous boric acid solution (5 mg/mL) (30:50:10, V/V) as the mobile phase. The retardation factor (RF) for trehalulose was found to be 0.045. The method showed linearity over the concentration range of 100–800 ng per band with a coefficient of correlation (R) of 0.9996. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for trehalulose were found to be 20.04 ng per band and 60.72 ng per band, respectively and the mean per cent recovery of trehalulose was 101.8%. The method has been validated for its specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, repeatability and robustness following the International Council for Harmonisation Q2 (R1), and it has been successfully applied in the determination of trehalulose in stingless bee honey.
What is the impact of miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion on the midfacial soft tissues? A prospective three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry study
Authors: Krijt Laura L. , Kapetanović Aldin , Sijmons Wouter J.L. , Bruggink Robin , Baan Frank , Bergé Stefaan J. , Noverraz René R.M. , Xi Tong , Schols Jan G.J.H. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the midfacial soft tissue changes of the face in patients treated with miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE).

Materials and methods
3D facial images and intra-oral scans (IOS) were obtained before expansion (T0), immediately after completion of expansion (T1), and 1 year after expansion (T2). The 3D images were superimposed and two 3D distance maps were generated to measure the midfacial soft tissue changes: immediate effects between timepoints T0 and T1 and overall effects between T0 and T2. Changes of the alar width were also measured and dental expansion was measured as the interpremolar width (IPW) on IOS.

Results
Twenty-nine patients (22 women, 7 men, mean age 25.9 years) were enrolled. The soft tissue in the regions of the nose, left of philtrum, right of philtrum, and upper lip tubercle demonstrated a statistically significant anterior movement of 0.30 mm, 0.93 mm, 0.74 mm, and 0.81 mm, respectively (p < 0.01) immediately after expansion (T0–T1). These changes persisted as an overall effect (T0–T2). The alar width initially increased by 1.59 mm, and then decreased by 0.08 mm after 1 year, but this effect was not significant. The IPW increased by 4.58 mm and remained stable 1 year later. There was no significant correlation between the increase in IPW and alar width (r = 0.35, p = 0.06).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that MARPE results in significant but small changes of the soft tissue in the peri-oral and nasal regions. However, the clinical importance of these findings is limited.

Clinical relevance
MARPE is an effective treatment modality to expand the maxilla, incurring only minimal and clinically insignificant changes to the midfacial soft tissues.
Revenue implications of choosing discrete bid levels in a Japanese–English auction
Authors: Gonçalves Ricardo , Ray Indrajit 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe consider the set-up of a Japanese–English auction with exogenously fixed discrete bid levels for a specific game (the wallet game with two bidders, following Gonçalves and Ray in Econ Lett 159:177–179, 2017). We show that in this auction, partition equilibria exist that may be separating or pooling. We illustrate separating and pooling equilibria in games with two and three discrete bid levels and compare the revenues of the seller from these equilibria to find the optimal bid levels for these cases.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) as markers of active lupus nephritis
Authors: Ibrahim Walaa Hosny Mohammed , Sabry Alaa AbdelAziz , Abdelmoneim Ahmed Raafat , Marzouk Hamdy Fouad Ali , AbdelFattah Rasha Mahmoud 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background and objectives
Despite much research about lupus nephritis, none of the urinary biomarkers has been proven to be truly reflecting lupus nephritis activity, response to treatment, or prognosis. We aimed to study urinary biomarkers in lupus nephritis and test their relation to kidney damage.

Patients and methods
Forty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were divided into two graoups: (1) lupus nephritis group with biopsy-proven proliferative lupus nephritis (classes III and IV) and who did not receive immunosuppressive drugs within the preceding 3 months except for glucocorticoids and (2) lupus non-nephritis group with SLE patients without any renal manifestation. We assessed disease activity by the SLE disease activity index. uNGAL, uKim-1, uNGAL to urinary creatinine excretion (mg/dl), and uKim-1 to urinary creatinine excretion were measured in random spot urine samples at the time of renal biopsy and 6 months after the induction therapy.

Results
The LN group before treatment showed higher levels of uNGAL and uKIM-1 (P-value < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that uNGAL at level of > 59 has a 95 % sensitivity, a 100 % specificity, and an AUC = 0.996 in the ability to diagnose LN. While the uKIM-1 ROC showed that at level of > 1.6, it has an 85 % sensitivity, an 80 % specificity, and an AUC = 0.919. uNGAL and uKIM levels were significantly lower after treatment (P-value < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between urinary markers before and after treatment with other clinical, inflammatory, and serological markers of lupus nephritis.

Conclusion
uNGAL, uKIM, uNGAL/Creat ratio, and uKIM/Creat ratio can be used as a predictor and a marker of disease activity for lupus nephritis.

Key Points• Renal biopsy is the current standard for diagnosis of lupus nephritis and none of the urinary biomarkers has been fully concluded to have a diagnostic power to reflect the activity or the response to treatment.• However, based on the finding of the current study, uNGAL, uKIM, uNGAL/Creat ratio, and uKIM/Creat ratio showed significant diagnostic performance and were powerful indices of renal involvement in systemic lupus patients and as markers of disease activity.
The utilization of bio-ethanol for production of 1-butanol catalysed by Mg–Al mixed metal oxides enhanced by Cu or Co
Authors: Frolich Karel , Malina Jan , Hájek Martin , Mück Jáchym , Kocík Jaroslav 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Guerbet reaction is a possible way for transformation of ethanol to 1-butanol (important for many kinds of industries), which consists of four steps: dehydrogenation, aldol condensation, dehydration, and hydrogenation. Due to the elimination of possible side-reactions, the selective catalysis is required to favour production of 1-butanol at temperature below 350 °C. The main aim of this work was the ethanol transformation via heterogeneous catalysis using active Mg–Al mixed oxides with copper or cobalt carried out in the microflow reactor in the reaction temperature interval 280–350 °C. The novelty lies in the statistical analysis of results from characterization of catalyst structure and surface with catalysis results providing more sophisticated perspective on the ethanol valorization. The series of Mg–Al catalysts containing copper showed an overall higher conversion of ethanol and selectivity to butanol compared to the series containing cobalt. Major difference of catalytic activity was at low reaction temperatures and at a lower copper content in the Mg–Al matrix, which is significant from the point of view of environmentally clean processes. A multi-step mechanism of the Guerbet reaction involving an aldol condensation was verified for both tested catalysts series and reaction conditions.
Graphic abstract
Strong, lightweight, thermally stable, and hydrophobic sustainable structural composites produced from coal-based waste and polymer-derived SiOC ceramics
Authors: Eterigho-Ikelegbe Orevaoghene , Ricohermoso Emmanuel , Harrar Hamza , Riedel Ralf , Bada Samson 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecycling coal-based waste (CBW) into composites suitable as a building material might be a necessary response to combat its risk to the environment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the microstructure and performance of coal composites produced from CBW and polysiloxane polymer (SPR-212). Four types of CBW that differ in physicochemical properties were examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that the higher the intensity of the C=C bonds in the CBW, the higher the pyrolysis mass loss and shrinkage experienced by the composites during pyrolysis. The continuous operating temperature of the composites is up to 600 °C. However, at temperatures above 600 °C, composites containing carbon content greater than 36% manifested dramatic degradation. Pyrolysis mass loss in the range of 5.28 to 29.62% was obtained for all the composites. The density range of the composites is between 1.5 and 1.9 g per cubic centimetre. The water absorption of all the composites is within the range of 0 to 25% and is comparable to many building materials. Notably, the composites containing total carbon less than 10% registered a water contact angle greater than 90°, indicating the low wettability of their surface. Furthermore, composites that embodied the highest total carbon (63%) displayed the worst structural property. The findings of this study lay the foundation for further development of high-quality structural coal composites from CBW and the SPR-212 preceramic polymer through optimisation of the processing conditions.
Graphical abstract