Mineralocorticoid axis activity and cardiac remodeling in patients with ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome.

Background: Arterial hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy and remodeling are independent cardiovascular risk factors in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Changes in the renin-angiotensin system and in the mineralocorticoid axis activity could be involved as potential mechanisms in their pathogenesis, in addition to cortisol excess.

Methods: In this ancillary study of our previous study prospectively investigating patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (NCT02202902), 11 patients without any interfering medication were cross-sectionally compared to 20 control subjects matched for age, sex and body mass index.

On peptide bond formation from protonated glycine dimers in the gas phase: computational insight into the role of protonation.

Peptide bond formation from the pure protonated glycine dimer, H(Gly), and from the mixed protonated glycine-diglycine dimer, HGly(Gly), was recently found experimentally to occur in gas-phase experiments in the absence of any catalyst and especially under anhydrous conditions [, 2023, , 775]. In this contribution we further examine the conditions of such unimolecular reactions by means of density-functional theory calculations at the DFT/M06 2X/6-311G++(2df,p) level, focusing in particular on the role played by the protonation site. Two pathways, stepwise and concerted, are identified for the pure protonated dimer, and six pathways are examined for the mixed dimer.

Short INDELs and SNPs as markers of evolutionary processes in hybrid zones.

Polymorphic short insertions and deletions (INDELs ≤ 50 bp) are abundant, although less common than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Evidence from model organisms shows INDELs to be more strongly influenced by purifying selection than SNPs. Partly for this reason, INDELs are rarely used as markers for demographic processes or to detect divergent selection.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Systemic Antibiotic Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Considering the importance of patient-centered care, we aimed to evaluate the impact of systemic antibiotics on oral health-related quality of life during nonsurgical periodontal treatment. This controlled trial addresses a gap in understanding how systemic antibiotics influence patient-reported outcomes, focusing on Stage III periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-one adults participated in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, with participants divided into two groups: the test group, which received antibiotics, and the control group.

Enhanced detection of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) using a reduced graphene oxide field-effect transistor aptasensor.

Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by the progressive deterioration of neuronal function and structure, pose significant global public health and economic challenges. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a key regulator of neuroplasticity and neuronal survival, has emerged as a critical biomarker for various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays, face limitations in terms of sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Molecular Order Induced Charge Transfer in a C-Topological Insulator Moiré Heterostructure.

We synthesized and spectroscopically investigated monolayer (ML) C on the topological insulator (TI) BiTe. This C/BiTe heterostructure is characterized by an excellent translational order in a novel (4 × 4) C superstructure on a (9 × 9) cell of BiTe. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) of C/BiTe reveals that ML C accepts electrons from the TI at room temperature, but no charge transfer occurs at low temperatures.

Interventions implemented through sporting organisations for promoting healthy behaviour or improving health outcomes.

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Much of this burden can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours and reducing chronic disease risk factors. Settings-based approaches to address chronic disease risk factors are recommended globally.

Managing depression in the elderly: real-world clinical considerations and perspectives.

This study aims to elucidate current trends in clinical practice for managing depression in elderly patients, focusing on the utilization of pharmacotherapeutics and integrated care models to improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive survey was conducted among physicians from various European countries to gather insights into prescribing habits, treatment patterns, and the impact of comorbidities on therapeutic choices, with a focus on trazodone. The participants included psychiatrists, general practitioners, and neurologists actively involved in elderly depression care.

Usability, efficacy, and safety of candidate tocilizumab biosimilar CT-P47 self-administration via auto-injector and pre-filled syringe in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a single-arm, open-label, phase 3 study.

Background: CT-P47 is a candidate tocilizumab biosimilar that is currently in clinical development. We assessed the usability of CT-P47 self-administration via auto-injector (AI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Research Design And Methods: This was a 12-week, single-arm, open-label, multiple-dose, Phase 3 study.

First insights into the ectoparasitic helminth fauna of freshwater fish on an Adriatic island.

Surface flow of freshwater on Adriatic islands is rare due to the extreme permeability of the karst terrain. Hence, most helminthological studies of freshwater fishes in the Adriatic drainage have focused on mainland freshwater systems, while data from islands are scarce. We collected minnow, (Schinz, 1840), specimens in the Suha Ričina stream on Krk Island and screened them for helminth ectoparasites.

The influence of government-issued lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic on traumatic brain injuries in Tyrol, Austria.

Introduction: In February 2020, COVID-19 infections started to spread in Austria. This was followed by governmental actions and constraints such as lockdowns, quarantine protocols, and a ban on outdoor sports. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of these measures on the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the state of Tyrol.

Liquid-liquid phase separation driven by charge heterogeneity.

Despite the intrinsic charge heterogeneity of proteins plays a crucial role in the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of a broad variety of protein systems, our understanding of the effects of their electrostatic anisotropy is still in its early stages. We approach this issue by means of a coarse-grained model based on a robust mean-field description that extends the DLVO theory to non-uniformly charged particles. We numerically investigate the effect of surface charge patchiness and net particle charge on varying these features independently and with the use of a few parameters only.

Continuous Infusion of Propofol or Dexmedetomidine should not be the First Choice to Prevent Postoperative Delirium after Hip Fracture.

Finsterer J, Marques JG. Continuous Infusion of Propofol or Dexmedetomidine should not be the First Choice to Prevent Postoperative Delirium after Hip Fracture. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(1):86-87.

Risk Factors for Mortality after Out-of-hospital Resuscitation are More Diverse than Assumed.

Finsterer J, Scorza CA, Scorza FA, Fiorini AC. Risk Factors for Mortality after Out-of-hospital Resuscitation are More Diverse than Assumed. Indian J Crit Care Med 2025;29(1):92-93.

Biomimetic, Interface-Free Stiffness-Gradient PDMS-Co-Polyimide-Based Soft Materials for Stretchable Electronics and Soft Robotics.

Soft materials play a pivotal role in the efficacy of stretchable electronics and soft robotics, and the interface between the soft devices and rigid counterparts is especially crucial to the overall performance. Herein, we develop polyimide-polydimethylsiloxane (PI-PDMS) copolymers that, in various ratios, combine on a molecular level to give a series of chemically similar materials with an extremely wide Young's modulus range starting from soft 2 MPa and transitioning to rigid polymers with up to 1500 MPa. Of particular significance is the copolymers' capacity to prepare seamless stiffness gradients, as evidenced by strain distribution analyses of gradient materials, due to them being unified on a molecular level.

New insights on the shell-crusher shark Agassiz, 1838 (Elasmobranchii, Ptychodontidae) based on the first known articulated dentition from the Upper Cretaceous of Croatia.

Unlabelled: A new lower tooth plate of from the Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Dalmatian region (southern Croatia) is documented here for the first time. The specimen represents the first articulated dentition of a ptychodontid shark that has been discovered from the Balkan Peninsula and the most complete ever found for the un-cuspidate species up to now. The reconstruction of the entire lower dentition of based on this exceptionally well-preserved dentition shows a wider crushing plate than previously hypothesised with bulgy teeth limited to the central area.

Bilateral foot drop as presenting feature of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1.

•FSHD1 may present with bilateral foot drop in adulthood.•Clinical examination, EMG and muscle MRI may additionally guide genetic testing.•Targeted genetic testing is crucial in atypical cases, particularly in light of new therapies.

A new fluorescent oxaliplatin(iv) complex with EGFR-inhibiting properties for the treatment of drug-resistant cancer cells.

Platinum chemotherapy is part of every second anticancer treatment regimen. However, its application is limited by severe side effects and drug resistance. The combination of platinum-based chemotherapeutics with EGFR inhibitors has shown remarkable synergism in clinical treatment.

Locus coeruleus signal intensity and emotion regulation in agitation in Alzheimer's disease.

Hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation is seen in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus from the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease onwards and has been associated with symptoms of agitation. It is hypothesized that compensatory locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system overactivity and impaired emotion regulation could underlie agitation propensity, but to our knowledge this has not previously been investigated. A better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of agitation would help the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Dental Ultrasonography for Visualizing Osteoimmune Conditions and Assessing Jaw Bone Density: A Narrative Review.

Despite the widespread use of ultrasonography (US) in medical diagnostics, there is no similar US device available for visualizing jawbone density. This study is a narrative review of the possible applications of US in dentistry. This review is divided as follows: (a) Pulse-echo ultrasonography: the applications offer new perspectives for periodontal and peri-implant assessment.

Early Change in C-Reactive Protein and Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Background: Patients with cancer treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have a substantial risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The association between ICI-induced inflammation and hypercoagulability is unclear, and no biomarkers currently exist to stratify VTE risk.

Objectives: The authors sought to determine the association between the early changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) after ICI initiation and the risk of VTE.

Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

Posaconazole for Prevention of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A European Multicentre Case-Control Study (POSACOVID).

Background: This study investigated the impact of posaconazole (POSA) prophylaxis in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure receiving systemic corticosteroids on the risk for the development of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA).

Methods: The primary aim of this prospective, multicentre, case-control study was to assess whether application of POSA prophylaxis in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients reduces the risk for CAPA development. All consecutive patients from centre 1 (cases) who received POSA prophylaxis as standard-of-care were matched to one subject from centre 2 and centre 3 who did not receive any antifungal prophylaxis, using propensity score matching for the following variables: (i) age, (ii) sex, (iii) treatment with tocilizumab and (iv) time at risk.