bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The enhanced association between mutant CHMP2B and spastin is a novel pathological link between frontotemporal dementia and hereditary spastic paraplegias
Authors: Chen Yongping , Krishnan Gopinath , Parsi Sepideh , Pons Marine , Nikolaki Veroniki , Cao Lu , Xu Zuoshang , Gao Fen-Biao
Published: November 2022

Chromosome 3-linked frontotemporal dementia (FTD3) is caused by a gain-of-function mutation in CHMP2B, resulting in the production of a truncated toxic protein, CHMP2BIntron5. Loss-of-function mutations in spastin are the most common genetic cause of hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP). How these proteins might interact with each other to drive pathology remains to be explored. Here we found that spastin binds with greater affinity to CHMP2BIntron5 than to CHMP2BWT and colocalizes with CHMP2BIntron5 in p62-positive aggregates. In cultured cells expressing CHMP2BIntron5, spastin level in the cytoplasmic soluble fraction is decreased while insoluble spastin level is increased. These pathological features of spastin are validated in brain neurons of a mouse model of FTD3. Moreover, genetic knockdown of spastin enhances CHMP2BIntron5 toxicity in a Drosophila model of FTD3, indicating the functional significance of their association. Thus, our study reveals that the enhanced association between mutant CHMP2B and spastin represents a novel potential pathological link between FTD3 and HSP.
Spoofing keystroke dynamics authentication through synthetic typing pattern extracted from screen-recorded video
Authors: Siahaan Chrisando Ryan Pardomuan , Chowanda Andry
Published: November 2022

As the inter-connectivity in cyberspace continues to increase exponentially, privacy and security have become two of the most concerning issues that need to be tackled in today’s state of technology. Therefore, password-based authentication should no longer be used without an additional layer of authentication, namely two-factor authentication (2FA). One of the most promising 2FA approaches is Keystroke Dynamics, which relies on the unique typing behaviour of the users. Since its discovery, Keystroke Dynamics adoption has been continuously growing to many use cases: generally to obtain access to a platform through typing behaviour similarity, into a continuous keystroke monitoring on e-learning or e-exams platforms to detect illegitimate participants or cheaters. As the adoption of Keystroke Dynamics continues to grow, so does the threats that are lurking in. This paper proposes a novel exploitation method that utilizes computer vision to extract and learn a user’s typing pattern just from a screen-recorded video that captures their typing process. By using a screen-recorded video, an attacker could eliminate the needs to inject a keylogger into the victim’s computer, thus rendering the attack easier to perform and more difficult to detect. Furthermore, the extracted typing pattern can be used to spoof a Keystroke Dynamics authentication mechanism with an evasion rate as high as 64%, a considerably alarming rate given the impact it yields if the attacks are successful, which allows an attacker to pretend, mimic, and falsely authenticate as the victim (i.e., total account takeover). This paper also shows that from a screen-recorded video, one can produce a staggering statistical similarity in keystroke timing patterns as if they used an actual keylogger, and the extracted patterns can be potentially used to spoof the Keystroke Dynamics authentication service. To the author’s best knowledge, there is no precedence of previous research that suggests this kind of attack (i.e. using video to spoof keystroke dynamics). This research can be used as the baseline for future research in this area.
Actinobacterial and fungal strain-enriched wheat straw as an effective strategy for alleviating the effect of salinity stress on soil chemical and biochemical properties
Authors: Sadeghi Elham , Ghorbani Nasrabadi Reza , Movahedi Seyed Alireza , Etesami Hassan
Published: November 2022

Background

Soil salinization influences the physical and chemical properties of soil and disturbs soil biodiversity. Application of wheat straw in saline soils with enhance soil fertility could mitigate the effects of salinity on soil microbial properties under laboratory conditions. However, knowledge is inadequate regarding the effects of adding enriching plant residues with beneficial organisms on soil quality in saline soil. To enhance this knowledge, an incubation experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of wheat straw (0 and 1%, w/w) enriched with microbial strains (control, Streptomyces chartreusis, Pleurotus ostreatus and a mixture of P. ostreatus and S. chartreusis.) on some soil chemical and biochemical properties under salinity stress (0, 8 and 15 dS m−1).

Results

Salinity stress led to reducing soil available phosphorus (13–23%), available potassium (5–7%), total nitrogen (3–18%). Wheat straw inoculated with S. chartreusis and P. ostreatus improved microbial respiration rate (108–305%), soil microbial biomass carbon (80–110%), microbial biomass phosphorus (50–115%), catalase activity (20–140%), urease activity (25–45%), soil organic carbon (70–100%) and dissolved organic carbon (15–20%) under all salinity levels. The effect of S. chartreusis enriched wheat straw on enzymatic and microbial properties was higher than that of wheat straw inoculated with P. ostreatus under salinity stress conditions.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated that the enrichment of wheat straw with S. chartreusis and P. ostreatus act synergistically and improve soil fertility and microbial properties. It can be concluded that the combined application of wheat straw and actinobacterial and fungal strain can be an effective strategy to ameliorate soil salinity stress in agriculture.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in drug demand when a pandemic coincides with other outbreaks in a war zone country: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Saleh Ebtesam A. , Haddadin Randa N. , Saleh Bassam , Elayeh Eman
Published: November 2022

Background

Yemen's health system has severely deteriorated due to the ongoing civil war accompanied by the COVID-19 pandemic which coincided with other outbreaks of endemic infections. Many health institutions closed due to insufficient equipment and supplies. Consequently, pharmacists became the available healthcare provider on the frontlines. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of demand for prescription and nonprescription drugs during the pandemic based on the pharmacist's perspective in Yemen, a conflict zone country.

Methods

An online survey was developed, validated, and distributed among pharmacists. The questionnaire was composed of two sections: (1) demographic characteristics of the participants and (2) changes in the demand for different drug categories. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to find statistical associations.

Results

Responses (330) were received from pharmacists working in 12 out of 22 governorates in Yemen. During the pandemic, there was an increase in the demand for prescription drugs such as antibiotics, antimalarials, and sedatives (95%, 90%, and 71%, respectively) and an increase in the demand for nonprescription drugs such as vitamins (93%) and paracetamol (> 90%). Some of these drugs could have serious side effects if taken without medical advice, and others could result in severe effects if taken concomitantly. In addition, there was an increase in the demand for prescription drugs without a prescription, which was reported by 50% of the participants. No statistical difference was seen between the frontline districts and major cities in terms of requesting these drugs without a prescription. On the other hand, most participants (75.2%) did not attend any training or workshop during the last 6 months of conducting this survey.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has increased the demand for many prescription and nonprescription drugs, where the irrational use of these drugs may lead to devastating health effects. In war zone areas hit by a pandemic, policymakers and public health organizations should focus on training and educating pharmacists as important health care and medicine providers for the public.
Seismic velocity structure along the Sea of Japan with large events derived from seismic tomography for whole Japanese Islands including reflection survey data and NIED MOWLAS Hi-net and S-net data
Authors: Matsubara Makoto , Ishiyama Tatsuya , No Tetsuo , Uehira Kenji , Mochizuki Masashi , Kanazawa Toshihiko , Takahashi Narumi , Kamiya Shin’ichiro
Published: November 2022

We conducted seismic tomography for entire Japanese Islands including the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean using arrival times from reflection survey as well as the routine seismic network. We successfully imaged the shallow zone along the Sea of Japan from offshore Yamagata to the Noto Peninsula by using air gun data. An extremely low-V shallow zone is imaged between Sado Island and Noto Peninsula. We also obtained detailed seismic velocity structure beneath the Pacific Ocean at depths of 20–50 km using S-net data. The 2007 Noto Peninsula, the 2007 offshore Chuetsu, and the 2019 offshore Yamagata earthquakes occurred at the boundary between high-Vp and low-Vp zones. The west side of the hypocenter of the 2019 offshore Yamagata earthquake at depths of 10–30 km has high-V corresponding to the Mogami Trough. This high-V zone passes through Awa Island and reaches Sado Basin between Sado Island and Honshu. A major rift zone in the Tohoku Arc extending from the Akita region to the Niigata region along the coast of Sea of Japan corresponds to high-V lower crust and a shallow Moho.

Graphical Abstract
Preoperative SPECT/CT + intraoperative CT fusion enabling surgical augmented reality to target sentinel lymph node in endometrial cancer
Authors: Lecointre Lise , Verde Juan , Hubele Fabrice , Salvadori Julien , Goffin Laurent , Akladios Chérif , Gallix Benoît
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To establish a proof-of-concept study using a phantom model to allow the fusion of preoperative single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with computed tomography (CT), also known as SPECT/CT, with intraoperative CT, enabling the application of an augmented reality (AR) surgical guidance system for pelvic sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in endometrial cancer patients.

Methods

A three-dimensional (3D) pelvic phantom model printed in a gelatin-based scaffold including a radiopaque pelvis, a vascular tree mimicking the iliac vessels, two 3D-printed fillable spheres representing the target pelvic sentinel lymph nodes, and a calibration board was developed. A planar with SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy and CT were performed independently on the model. We performed all the necessary steps to achieve the fusion between SPECT/CT and CT. Then, we performed a laparoscopy of the pelvic anatomy on the phantom model to assess in real time the overlay of the recording on the anatomical structures and AR guidance system performance.

Results

We have successfully completed all the steps needed to fuse the two imaging procedures. This allowed us to apply, in real time, our surgical guidance system with the coverage rate of the visible surface by the augmented reality surface, respectively, on the left SLN 99.48% and on the right SLN 99.42%.

Conclusion

Co-registration and real-time fusion between a preoperative SPECT/CT and intraoperative CT are feasible. The metric performance of our guidance system is excellent in relation to possible SPECT/CT and CT fusion. Based on our results, we are able to translate the technology to patients, and we initiated a clinical study to evaluate the accuracy of the AR guidance system for endometrial cancer surgery, with a correlation with indocyanine green (ICG)-based technique, representing the gold standard today in the intraoperative detection of SLN in endometrial cancers, despite various limitations.
Deep progressive learning achieves whole-body low-dose 18F-FDG PET imaging
Authors: Wang Taisong , Qiao Wenli , Wang Ying , Wang Jingyi , Lv Yang , Dong Yun , Qian Zheng , Xing Yan , Zhao Jinhua
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To validate a total-body PET-guided deep progressive learning reconstruction method (DPR) for low-dose 18F-FDG PET imaging.

Methods

List-mode data from the retrospective study (n = 26) were rebinned into short-duration scans and reconstructed with DPR. The standard uptake value (SUV) and tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR) in lesions and coefficient of variation (COV) in the liver in the DPR images were compared to the reference (OSEM images with full-duration data). In the prospective study, another 41 patients were injected with 1/3 of the activity based on the retrospective results. The DPR images (DPR_1/3(p)) were generated and compared with the reference (OSEM images with extended acquisition time). The SUV and COV were evaluated in three selected organs: liver, blood pool and muscle. Quantitative analyses were performed with lesion SUV and TLR, furthermore on small lesions (≤ 10 mm in diameter). Additionally, a 5-point Likert scale visual analysis was performed on the following perspectives: contrast, noise and diagnostic confidence.

Results

In the retrospective study, the DPR with one-third duration can maintain the image quality as the reference. In the prospective study, good agreement among the SUVs was observed in all selected organs. The quantitative results showed that there was no significant difference in COV between the DPR_1/3(p) group and the reference, while the visual analysis showed no significant differences in image contrast, noise and diagnostic confidence. The lesion SUVs and TLRs in the DPR_1/3(p) group were significantly enhanced compared with the reference, even for small lesions.

Conclusions

The proposed DPR method can reduce the administered activity of 18F-FDG by up to 2/3 in a real-world deployment while maintaining image quality.
The study of project cargo logistics operation: a general overview
Authors: Turbaningsih Oktaviani
Published: November 2022

The recent renewable energy infrastructure development trend and modular construction concept surge academic interest in the project logistics sector. The project logistics is the transportation processes for oversized cargo, critical and high value, that belong to infrastructures projects; that require specialised stowage, lifting and transporting loaded and discharged at different ports. This study aims to introduce project logistics to the public sector. The author uses the descriptive review to elaborate on the niche problem of project cargo transportation. The flow of project cargo operation from the fabrication yard to the final installation site is discussed in this paper. Planning of project cargo logistics requires an integrated planning approach that considers the following aspects total delivery cost management, end-to-end visibility, transport routing management, variability management, integrated international and domestic workflow, and technical safety consideration. The decision-making for fleet selection should be based on the optimum scenario evaluating the damage’s total logistics cost, delivery time, risks and consequences. This study can be a guide to accommodate multidiscipline studies that consider commercial, technical, and safety aspects of project logistics.
Bilateral facial nerve palsy: a rare post-dengue fever complication
Authors: Khim Ng Kim , Loh Wei Chao , Rashid Anna Misya’il Abdul , KhanKhan Abdul Hanif Yusof , Baharin Janudin , Ibrahim Azliza , Mat Liyana Najwa Inche , Sulaiman Wan Aliaa Wan , Hoo Fan Kee , Basri Hamidon
Published: November 2022

Background

An adolescent with recent dengue infection was presented with sudden onset of bilateral facial nerve palsy. It was a rare presentation and posed as a diagnostic challenge to all physicians.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old boy, presented with sudden onset of bilateral facial weakness. His chief complaints were noted drooping of the mouth, drooling of saliva and inability to close both eyelids. No weakness of all four limbs, ear discharges, earache or parotid gland enlargement. The only relevant significant history was recent dengue fever evident by positive dengue immunoglobulin M serology, 2 weeks prior to current presentation. During the dengue infestation, he was hospitalized for symptomatic treatment and was discharged home uneventfully. After exhausting all the available investigations and ruling out other commoner secondary causes, we finally attributed these presentations as bilateral Bell’s palsy complicated by his recent dengue infection. The mainstay of treatment was corticosteroid and rehabilitation as the usual approach towards Bell’s palsy. Our patient recovered uneventfully with no residual neurological deficit.

Conclusions

This is a rare encounter case of bilateral Bell’s palsy following dengue infection.
Translating neuroimaging changes to neuro-endophenotypes of autistic spectrum disorder: a narrative review
Authors: Sultan Sadia
Published: November 2022

Background

Autism-spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneity in etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological abnormalities may represent neural endophenotypes for autism spectrum disorders which may help identify subgroups of patients seemingly similar in clinical presentation yet different in their pathophysiological underpinnings. Furthermore, a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of disease can pave the way to effective treatments, prevention, and prognostic predictions. The aim of this review is to identify the predominant neural endophenotypes in autism-spectrum disorder. The evidence was researched at the following electronic databases: Pubmed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE.

Results

Enlarged brain, especially frontotemporal cortices have been consistently reported by structural neuroimaging, whereas functional neuroimaging has revealed frontotemporal dysconnectivity.

Conclusions

Regrettably, many of these findings have not been consistent. Therefore, translating these findings into neural endophenotype is by far an attempt in its budding stage. The structural and functional neuroimaging changes may represent neural endophenotypes unique to autism-spectrum disorder. Despite inconsistent results, a clinically meaningful finding may require combined efforts of autism-spectrum-disorder researchers focused on different aspects of basic, genetic, neuroimaging, and clinical research.
COVID-19 was not associated or trigger disease activity in spondylarthritis patients: ReumaCoV-Brasil cross-sectional data
Authors: Marques Claudia Diniz Lopes , Ribeiro Sandra Lúcia Euzébio , Albuquerque Cleandro P. , de Sousa Studart Samia Araujo , Ranzolin Aline , de Andrade Nicole Pamplona Bueno , Dantas Andrea T. , Mota Guilherme D. , Resende Gustavo G. , Marinho Adriana O. , Angelieri Danielle , Andrade Danieli , Ribeiro Francinne M. , Omura Felipe , Silva Nilzio A. , Rocha Junior Laurindo , Brito Danielle E. , Fernandino Diana C. , Yazbek Michel A. , Souza Mariana P. G. , Ximenes Antonio Carlos , Martins Ana Silvia S. , Castro Glaucio Ricardo W. , Oliveira Lívia C. , Freitas Ana Beatriz S. B. , Kakehasi Adriana M. , Gomides Ana Paula M. , Reis Neto Edgard Torres , Pileggi Gecilmara S. , Ferreira Gilda A. , Mota Licia Maria H. , Xavier Ricardo M. , de Medeiros Pinheiro Marcelo ,   the ReumaCoV-Brasil Registry
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the disease activity before and after COVID-19 and risk factors associated with outcomes, including hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) and death in patients with spondylarthritis (SpA).

Methods

ReumaCoV Brazil is a multicenter prospective cohort of immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRD) patients with COVID-19 (case group), compared to a control group of IMRD patients without COVID-19. SpA patients enrolled were grouped as axial SpA (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and enteropathic arthritis, according to usual classification criteria.

Results

353 SpA patients were included, of whom 229 (64.9%) were axSpA, 118 (33.4%) PsA and 6 enteropathic arthritis (1.7%). No significant difference was observed in disease activity before the study inclusion comparing cases and controls, as well no worsening of disease activity after COVID-19. The risk factors associated with hospitalization were age over 60 years (OR = 3.71; 95% CI 1.62–8.47, p = 0.001); one or more comorbidities (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.02–5.08, p = 0.001) and leflunomide treatment (OR = 4.46; 95% CI 1.33–24.9, p = 0.008). Not having comorbidities (OR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02–0.50, p = 0.001) played a protective role for hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, leflunomide treatment (OR = 8.69; CI = 95% 1.41–53.64; p = 0.023) was associated with hospitalization; teleconsultation (OR = 0.14; CI = 95% 0.03–0.71; p = 0.01) and no comorbidities (OR = 0.14; CI = 95% 0.02–0.76; p = 0.02) remained at final model as protective factor.

Conclusions

Our results showed no association between pre-COVID disease activity or that SARS-CoV-2 infection could trigger disease activity in patients with SpA. Teleconsultation and no comorbidities were associated with a lower hospitalization risk. Leflunomide remained significantly associated with higher risk of hospitalization after multiple adjustments.
Quantitative evaluation of iodine and fat using dual-energy CT for assessments of the tumor aggressiveness in lung cancer
Authors: Doai Mariko , Tsuchiya Naoko , Nishino Yuka , Tonami Hisao , Usuda Katsuo , Uramoto Hidetaka , Matoba Munetaka , Nagata Hiroji
Published: November 2022

Background

The three-material decomposition method (3MD) of dual-energy applications can quantify iodine and fat contents of the tumor. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of quantifying iodine and fat contents in the tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, and pleural invasion to predict tumor aggressiveness in lung cancer (LC) using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). We prospectively analyzed the cases of 32 patients with lung tumors who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced DECT. Image data were processed with a 3MD using imaging software. Iodine and fat within the mass were quantified. In the 24 patients with cancerous lung tumors, we performed correlation analysis of iodine and fat contents with histological grade (grades 1–4), lymphovascular invasion and pleural invasion.

Results

The iodine concentration (mg/mL) and fat-volume-fraction (%) showed no significant differences among histological grades (p = 0.514 and p = 0.405, respectively) (Jonckheere–Terpstra test). Likewise, pleural invasion was not associated with either the iodine concentration or the fat-volume-fraction (p = 0.673 and p = 0.251, respectively) (Mann–Whitney test). Lymphovascular invasion, however, was significantly associated with the fat-volume-fraction (39.3 $$\pm$$
±
23.4% vs. 62.3 $$\pm$$
±
29.5%, p = 0.007), but not with the iodine concentration (p = 0.137). The receiver operating characteristics curve of the fat-volume-fraction between the presence and absence of lymphovascular invasion revealed an area under the curve of 0.861 at the cut-off value of 37.8%, with a sensitivity of 1.000 and specificity of 0.722.

Conclusion

The quantitative evaluation of fat within a tumor using DECT may predict lymphovascular invasion in LC.
A stepwise multi-disciplinary algorithm for diagnosis of fibrosing lung diseases contributing MDCT, MRI, and PET/CT: a study on 250 patients using significance and validation analyses
Authors: Samir Ahmed , Khalifa Mohamed Hossameldin , Baess Ayman Ibrahim , Sweed Rania Ahmed , Abougabal Ahmed Mohamed , Galeel Aya Abdel
Published: November 2022

Background

The new guidelines limited the use of lung biopsy in the evaluation of lung fibrosis because of its hazards. The differential diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is challenging because of overlapping multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) morphologic features between interstitial and non-interstitial fibrosing lung diseases. Scar carcinoma is a serious complication that needs to be excluded in certain conditions. Aim of the work: To achieve a multi-disciplinary algorithm for the diagnosis of fibrosing lung diseases to limit the need for lung biopsy by combining the clinico-laboratory and radiological roles.

Results

This study included two major steps. The first step (prevalence/significance analysis of the contributing parameters for the diagnosis of fibrosing lung diseases) was retrospectively conducted on 150 patients pathologically proved with fibrosing lung disease during the period between January/2016 and April/2018. Based on a P-value < 0.001, honeycombing bronchiectasis was significant to IPF. Basal traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis was relevant to fibrosing non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). "Head cheese" CT-sign, history of allergen exposure, blood eosinophilia, and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocytosis were relevant to chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Upper peripheral lung fibrosis was significant to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE). Cavitations, tree-in-bud, and calcific nodules were relevant to TB, while the "platy-thorax" CT-sign was relevant to PPFE. The upper peribronchovascular fibrosis was relevant to sarcoidosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF); additionally, calcific changes were relevant to PMF. Bright T2-signal, diffusion weighted-image (DWI) restriction in magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI), and high standardized uptake value (SUV) in positron emission tomography (PET-CT) were significant to scar carcinoma. Eventually, an algorithm was created. The second step (validation analysis) prospectively targeted 100 patients initially diagnosed with lung fibrosis during the period from June/2018 to June/2022. It revealed 83.3–100% sensitivity, 96.3–100% specificity, 85.7–100% PPV, 96.4–100% NPV, and 96–100% accuracy, with balanced accuracy = 0.91–1. Four consulting radiologists and two consulting pulmonologists participated in this study.

Conclusions

A valid stepwise multi-disciplinary algorithm was proposed for the diagnosis of interstitial and non-interstitial fibrosing lung diseases to limit the need and hazards of lung biopsy. It contributed significant clinico-laboratory data, MDCT features, T2-WI and DWI-MRI findings as well as PET/CT results.
Spontaneous pneumothorax in metastatic osteosarcoma: a case series
Authors: Nellimootil Mathew Varghese , Joseph Thomas Jeo , Gupta Richa , Nair Avinash Anil , James Prince , Irodi Aparna
Published: November 2022

Background

Malignancy-associated secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (MSSP) has an incidence of 1% with a risk for recurrence of 9.4% reported in association with sarcomas, histiocytoma, malignant thymoma, and cancers of the breast and thyroid.

Case presentation

We report a series of four patients who presented to us with MSSP associated with pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma, all four being young males with metastasis to the lungs. All four patients were non-smokers and had no family history of malignancy. Less than 2% of all spontaneous pneumothoraxes present with bilateral pneumothorax, and our series reports the same in three patients. The occurrence of pneumothorax in two of the patients was in the week following chemotherapy. As there was evidence of pulmonary metastasis in these patients along with the clinical presentation of pneumothorax following chemotherapy, tumor necrosis was considered the likely etiology of spontaneous pneumothorax in these patients. All four patients required intercostal chest drain insertion, and the ICD tubes had to be retained for a prolonged duration due to either persistent air leak or secondary infection. ICD tube insertion further compromised the poor mobility of patients with lower limb lesions due to increased pain and was detrimental to the emotional morale of the patient and caregivers. The 2-year survival in such patients with pneumothorax is less than 10%.

Conclusions

Our series highlights the need for respiratory evaluation and follow-up both clinically and radiologically in cases of osteosarcoma, especially in the immediate post-chemotherapy period.
ACUVRA: Anion-Exchange Chromatography UV-Ratio Analysis—A QC-Friendly Method for Monitoring Adeno-Associated Virus Empty Capsid Content To Support Process Development and GMP Release Testing
Authors: Frenkel Ruth , Tribby Dana , Boumajny Boris , Larson Nicholas , Sampson Matthew , Barney Christopher , Bergelson Svetlana , Sosic Zoran , Yeung Bernice
Published: November 2022

The genome content of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors is critical to the safety and potency of AAV-based gene therapy products. Empty capsids are considered a product-related impurity and a critical quality attribute (CQA) of the drug product, thus requiring characterization throughout the production process to demonstrate they are controlled to acceptable levels in the final drug product. Anion exchange chromatography has been used to achieve separation between empty and full capsids, but requires method development and gradient optimization for different serotypes and formulations. Here, we describe an alternative approach to quantitation that does not rely on achieving separation between empty and full capsids, but instead uses the well-established relationship between absorbance at UV A260/A280 and relation to DNA/protein content, in combination with anion-exchange chromatography to allow one to calculate the relative proportion of empty and full capsids in AAV samples from a single peak. We call this approach ACUVRA: Anion-exchange Chromatography UV-Ratio Analysis, and show the applicability of the method through a case study with recombinant AAV2 (rAAV2) process intermediates and drug substance. Method qualification and GMP validation in a quality control (QC) laboratory results show that ACUVRA is a fit-for-purpose method for process development support and characterization, while also being a QC-friendly option for GMP release testing at all stages of clinical development.
The Development and Evaluation of Phase Transition Microemulsion for Ocular Delivery of Acetazolamide for Glaucoma Treatment
Authors: Abd El Wahab Lubna M. , Essa Ebtessam A. , El Maghraby Gamal M. , Arafa Mona F.
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to develop microemulsion (ME) formulation with possible phase transition into liquid crystals upon ocular application to enhance acetazolamide bioavailability. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed using olive oil or castor oil (oily phase), Tween 80 (surfactant), and sodium carbonate solution (aqueous phase). Microemulsion and liquid crystal (LC) formulations were selected from the constructed phase diagrams and were evaluated for rheological properties and in vitro drug release. The efficacy of the developed formulations in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed in vivo. In vitro release study showed slower release rate from LC and ME compared with drug solution with the release from LC being the slowest. Ocular application of acetazolamide ME formulations or aqueous solution resulted in significant reduction in IOP from baseline. The recorded Tmax values indicated faster onset of action for acetazolamide aqueous solution (1 h) compared with ME systems (3 h). However, the duration of action was prolonged and the reduction in IOP continued for up to 10 h in case of MEs, while that of aqueous solution was only for 4–5 h. The study suggested ME formulations for ocular delivery of acetazolamide with enhanced efficacy and prolonged duration of action.
Radiomics in bone pathology of the jaws
Authors: Santos Glaucia Nize Martins , da Silva Helbert Eustáquio Cardoso , Ossege Filipe Eduard Leite , Figueiredo Paulo Tadeu de Souza , Melo Nilce de Santos , Stefani Cristine Miron , Leite André Ferreira
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To define which are and how the radiomics features of jawbone pathologies are extracted for diagnosis, predicting prognosis and therapeutic response.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using eight databases and gray literature. Two independent observers rated these articles according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. 23 papers were included to assess the radiomics features related to jawbone pathologies. Included studies were evaluated by using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results:

Agnostic features were mined from periapical, dental panoramic radiographs, cone beam CT, CT and MRI images of six different jawbone alterations. The most frequent features mined were texture-, shape- and intensity-based features. Only 13 studies described the machine learning step, and the best results were obtained with Support Vector Machine and random forest classifier. For osteoporosis diagnosis and classification, filtering, shape-based and Tamura texture features showed the best performance. For temporomandibular joint pathology, gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), gray level run length matrix (GLRLM), Gray Level Size Zone Matrix (GLSZM), first-order statistics analysis and shape-based analysis showed the best results. Considering odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts and tumors, contourlet and SPHARM features, first-order statistical features, GLRLM, GLCM had better indexes. For odontogenic cysts and granulomas, first-order statistical analysis showed better classification results.

Conclusions:

GLCM was the most frequent feature, followed by first-order statistics, and GLRLM features. No study reported predicting response, prognosis or therapeutic response, but instead diseases diagnosis or classification. Although the lack of standardization in the radiomics workflow of the included studies, texture analysis showed potential to contribute to radiologists’ reports, decreasing the subjectivity and leading to personalized healthcare.
Anticancer effect of Illicium verum (star anise fruit) against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line
Authors: Pahore Asra Khan , Khan Shagufta , Karim Nasim
Published: November 2022

Objective: To investigate the anticancer effect of Illicium verum against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.

Methods: An experimental study was conducted in Multidisciplinary and Tissue Culture Laboratory, Aga Khan University in collaboration with Pharmacology Department of Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan from January 2021 to June 2021. MCF-7 cells of Luminal-A breast cancer were seeded in 96-well plate and treated with I.verum methanol extract. After incubation, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) dye was used for cell viability and cell proliferation assays to determine the number of dead and viable cells, and the absorbance was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate reader. In cell viability assay, different doses of I. verum methanol extract were used to treat the MCF-7 (0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 25, and 50µg/ml) cells. For apoptosis analysis, the cells were processed with 4´, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole fluorescent nuclear dye (DAPI) and were examined for fluorescence intensity and apoptotic cells. For cell proliferation assay and apoptosis the IC50 dose of 5.5µg/ml I. verum methanol extract was used.

Results: The MCF-7 cells showed a significant reduction (p-value <0.01) in cell viability in the presence of all tested doses of I. verum methanol extract, except for the dose of 0.25µg/ml. The IC50 dose 5.5µg/ml of same extract also showed a significant reduction (p-value <0.01) in cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions: Illicium verum methanol extract possesses very potent anticancer action against MCF-7 cells through cytotoxicity, reduction, and inhibition of cancer cells and by inducing apoptosis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6580

How to cite this: Pahore AK, Khan S, Karim N. Anticancer effect of Illicium verum (star anise fruit) against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6580

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
What gives a stroke publication impact? Assessing traditional and alternative metrics of scientific impact for papers published in the journal Stroke
Authors: Wong Li Siang , Drozdowska Bogna A , Doherty Daniel , Quinn Terence J
Published: November 2022

Background: The ‘impact’ of a scientific paper is a measure of influence in its field. In recent years, traditional, citation-based measures of impact have been complemented by Altmetrics, which quantify outputs including social media footprint. As authors and research institutions seek to increase their visibility both within and beyond the academic community, it is important to identify and compare the determinants of traditional and alternative metrics. We explored this using Stroke – a leading journal in its field.

Methods: We described the impact of original research papers published in Stroke (2015-2016) using citation count and Altmetric Attention Score (Altmetrics). Using these two metrics as our outcomes, we assessed univariable and multivariable associations with 21 plausibly relevant publication features. We set the significance threshold at p<0.01.

Results: Across 911 papers published in Stroke, there was an average citation count of 21.60 (±17.40) and Altmetric score of 17.99 (±47.37). The two impact measures were weakly correlated (r=0.15, p<0.001). Citations were independently associated with five publication features at a significance level of p<0.01: Time Since Publication (beta=0.87), Number of Authors (beta=0.22), Publication Type (beta=6.76), Number of Previous Publications (beta=0.01) and Editorial (beta=9.45). For Altmetrics, we observed a trend for independent associations with: Time Since Publication (beta=-0.25, p=0.02), Number of References (beta=0.32, p=0.02) and Country of Affiliation (beta=8.59, p=0.01). Our models explained 21% and 3% of variance in citations and Altmetrics, respectively.

Conclusion: Papers published in Stroke have impact. Certain aspects of content and format may contribute to impact, but these differ for traditional measures and Altmetrics, and explain only a very modest proportion of variance in the latter. Citation counts and Altmetrics seem to represent different constructs and, therefore, should be used in conjunction to allow a more comprehensive assessment of publication impact.
Artificial intelligence in the digital twins: State of the art, challenges, and future research topics
Authors: Lv Zhihan , Xie Shuxuan
Published: November 2022

Advanced computer technologies such as big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital twins, and edge computing have been applied in various fields as digitalization has progressed. To study the status of the application of digital twins in the combination with AI, this paper classifies the applications and prospects of AI in digital twins by studying the research results of the current published literature. We discuss the application status of digital twins in the four areas of aerospace, intelligent manufacturing in production workshops, unmanned vehicles, and smart city transportation, and we review the current challenges and  topics that need to be looked forward to in the future. It was found that the integration of digital twins and AI has significant effects in aerospace flight detection simulation, failure warning, aircraft assembly, and even unmanned flight. In the virtual simulation test of automobile autonomous driving, it can save 80% of the time and cost, and the same road conditions reduce the parameter scale of the actual vehicle dynamics model and greatly improve the test accuracy. In the intelligent manufacturing of production workshops, the establishment of a virtual workplace environment can provide timely fault warning, extend the service life of the equipment, and ensure the overall workshop operational safety. In smart city traffic, the real road environment is simulated, and traffic accidents are restored, so that the traffic situation is clear and efficient, and urban traffic management can be carried out quickly and accurately. Finally, we looked forward to the future of digital twins and AI, hoping to provide a reference for future research in related fields.
Autophagy of the somatic stalk cells likely nurses the propagating spores of Dictyostelid social amoebas
Authors: Du Qingyou , Schaap Pauline
Published: November 2022

Background:  Autophagy (self-feeding) assists survival of starving cells by partial self-digestion, while dormancy as cysts, spores or seeds enables long-term survival. Starving Dictyostelium amoebas construct multicellular fruiting bodies with spores and stalk cells, with many Dictyostelia still able to encyst individually like their single-celled ancestors. While autophagy mostly occurs in the somatic stalk cells, autophagy gene knock-outs in Dictyostelium discoideum ( D. discoideum) formed no spores and lacked cAMP induction of prespore gene expression.

Methods: To investigate whether autophagy also prevents encystation, we knocked-out autophagy genes atg5 and atg7 in the dictyostelid Polysphondylium pallidum, which forms both spores and cysts. We measured spore and cyst differentiation and viability in the knock-out as well as stalk and spore gene expression and its regulation by cAMP. We tested a hypothesis that spores require materials derived from autophagy in stalk cells. Sporulation requires secreted cAMP acting on receptors and intracellular cAMP acting on PKA. We compared the morphology and viability of spores developed in fruiting bodies with spores induced from single cells by stimulation with cAMP and 8Br-cAMP, a membrane-permeant PKA agonist.

Results: Loss of autophagy in P. pallidum reduced but did not prevent encystation. Stalk cells still differentiated but stalks were disorganised. However, no spores were formed at all  and cAMP-induced prespore gene expression was lost. D. discoideum spores induced in vitro by cAMP and 8Br-cAMP were smaller and rounder than spores formed multicellularly and while they were not lysed by detergent they germinated not (strain Ax2) or poorly (strain NC4), unlike spores formed in fruiting bodies.

Conclusions: The stringent requirement of sporulation on both multicellularity and autophagy, which occurs mostly in stalk cells, suggests that stalk cells nurse the spores through autophagy. This highlights autophagy as a major cause for somatic cell evolution in early multicellularity.
Increasing Interest in Inclusive Education in the Context of Action Plan for the Development and Enhancement of Special Education during the Fourteenth Five-Year Period in China: An Analysis of Baidu Index Data
Authors: Long Hongmei , Wang Meijie , Tan Qinyi , Chen Pan , Teng Luyan
Published: November 2022

Objective: Current evidence shows that public interest in inclusive education has been rising since the implementation of Action Plan for the development and enhancement of special education during the Fourteenth Five-Year period in China. The aim of this study was to quantify recent trends in public interest and related online search behavior for inclusive education in the context of this Action Plan.

Methods: Baidu Index, a database of search engines with massive information, was employed. By searching for the keyword inclusive education, and using content analysis to understand the data information related to inclusive education. This study also extracted the search trend data of Chinese netizens on the related terms "Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities " and "Regulation on the Education of Persons with Disabilities" from January 1, 2022 to October 27, 2022. Finally, it compares the search trend of public search interests of inclusive education with related terms.

Results: The public's interest in "inclusive education" and the related terms "Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities " and "Regulation on the Education of Persons with Disabilities" has been on the rise since the implementation of the Action Plan. The search trend reached its peak in February and May 2022, the valley in January 2022, and the search volume in other time periods tended to be stable.

Conclusion: Baidu Index can understand the public's interest in inclusive education. The study shows that the rising search trend of inclusive education is closely related to the implementation of the Action Plan. The search volume of the "Law on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities " and "Regulation on the Education of Persons with Disabilities" is basically the same as that of "inclusive education", but the average search volume daily of "inclusive education" is slightly higher than that of "Regulation on the Education of Persons with Disabilities".
Swan neck deformity: a review of its causes and treatment options
Authors: Ha Cheungsoo , Lim Chae Kwang , Lee Jun-Ku , Han Soo-Hong , Park Jong Woong
Published: November 2022

Swan neck deformity is characterized by hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint and limited extension of the distal interphalangeal joint, showing the shape of a swan’s neck. The deformity can occur either acutely or chronically. A common acute cause of this deformity is trauma, and a common chronic cause is a secondary deformity due to rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of swan neck deformity tends to depend on the knowledge and experience of the physician because the number of cases that hand surgeons can experience is limited, and there are no clear guidelines on treatment options. This review introduces the known causes of swan neck deformity and its treatment options. For swan neck deformity, the cause of the deformity, the elapsed time, the stage of the deformity, the biomechanical relationship between adjacent joints, and the functional limitations and needs of the patients must be considered when determining the treatment method. Based on these considerations, an appropriate choice should be made between nonsurgical and surgical treatment. The patients should receive a full explanation before treatment that an optimal outcome is not always guaranteed. The treatment process requires full understanding and cooperation from the patient.
Is vitamin D supplementation of potential benefit for community-living people with Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Karaoglan Mehmet , Voegeli David
Published: November 2022

Background:

Vitamin D is associated not only with effects on calcium and bone metabolisms but also with many chronic diseases. Low vitamin D levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease have been widely reported in the literature.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to critically review the potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with Alzheimer's disease living in the community.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for papers published 2011–2018.

Results:

Seven papers were selected, consisting of one clinical trial, five cohort studies and one systematic review. Studies showed an association only between vitamin D deficiency and lower attention in older people. None of the reviewed studies provided evidence of a positive impact of vitamin D supplementation on cognitive function in older people with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion:

There was no evidence that vitamin D supplementation has a direct benefit for Alzheimer's disease. The review synthesised the existing body of knowledge and concluded that optimum levels of vitamin D (neither too low nor too high) do appear to have positive effects on patient outcomes and quality of life. It is still unclear why vitamin D intake is inadequate as people age. Further research is needed to clarify vitamin-D-related aspects of Alzheimer's disease.