bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable hybrid hydrogels enable enhanced combination chemotherapy and roused anti-tumor immunity in the synergistic treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wang Wei , Cai Zedong , Jia Zhou-Yan , Li Yu-Yao , He Wei , Li Chen , Zhang Bang-Le
Published: June 2024

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy have shown no significant outcome for unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Multi-drug combination therapy has become a consensus in clinical trials to explore how to arouse anti-tumor immunity and meanwhile overcome the poorly tumoricidal effect and the stroma barrier that greatly hinders drug penetration. To address this challenge, a comprehensive strategy is proposed to fully utilize both the ferroptotic vulnerability of PDAC to potently irritate anti-tumor immunity and the desmoplasia-associated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to wholly improve the immunosuppressive microenvironment via sustained release of drugs in an injectable hydrogel for increasing drug penetration in tumor location and averting systematic toxicity. The injectable hydrogel ED-M@CS/MC is hybridized with micelles loaded with erastin that exclusively induces ferroptosis and a FAK inhibitor defactinib for inhibiting stroma formation, and achieves sustained release of the drugs for up to 12 days. With only a single intratumoral injection, the combination treatment with erastin and defactinib produces further anti-tumor performance both in xenograft and KrasG12D-engineered primary PDAC mice and synergistically promotes the infiltration of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and the reduction of type II macrophages. The findings may provide a novel promising strategy for the clinical treatment of PDAC.
The relationship between thyroid autoantibodies and X chromosome monosomy in the chorionic tissue of patients with missed miscarriage
Authors: Zhao Lu , Liu Li , Yang Hua
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid autoantibodies (TGAb and TPOAb) and X chromosome monosomy in the chorionic tissue of patients with missed early miscarriage.

Methods

The baseline data, thyroid function, thyroid antibody and the chromosomes from the chorionic tissue of 228 patients with missed early miscarriage were examined.

Results

(1) Among the 228 patients, 121 had a normal chromosome number, and 107 had an abnormal chromosome number. The majority of them were autosomal trisomy, of which trisomy 16 (40.19%) was predominant. Sex chromosome monosomy (28.04%) was secondary. (2) Among the 228 patients, 208 patients in this study had normal thyroid function (including 134 cases of negative thyroid antibodies and 74 cases of positive thyroid antibodies alone); 6 patients had abnormal thyroid function (including 2 cases of clinical hyperthyroidism, 3 cases of subclinical hypothyroidism, 1 case of hypothyroxinemia); and 14 patients had normal TSH and elevated T4 alone.(3) After exclusion of patients with thyroid function abnormalities, there were no significant differences in baseline data between the normal chromosome group and the abnormal chromosome group (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in TGAb and TPOAb between the normal chromosome and abnormal chromosome group with 45, X karyotype, with a higher proportion of TGAb and/or TPOAb positivity in the 45, X karyotype group (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared to TGAb and/or TPOAb-positive patients, the risk of X chromosome monosomy was significantly reduced in TGAb and TPOAb-negative patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, both TGAb and TPOAb titer values in the X chromosome monosomy group were higher than those in the chromosomally normal group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a correlation between TGAb, TPOAb and X chromosome monosomy in the chorionic tissue of patients with missed early miscarriage, although the mechanism remains to be further investigated.
KIAA1429 promotes gastric cancer progression by destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner
Authors: Ren Mengting , Pan Hanghai , Zhou Xinxin , Yu Mosang , Ji Feng
Published: June 2024

Background

KIAA1429, a regulatory subunit of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex, has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, the role of KIAA1429 in gastric cancer (GC) and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of KIAA1429 in GC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The expression patterns and clinical relevance of KIAA1429 in GC were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and bioinformatic analysis. In vitro and in vivo loss- and gain-of-function assays, m6A dot blot assays, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), RNA-seq, MeRIP-qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to investigate the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of KIAA1429 in GC.

Results

Both the mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1429 were greater in GC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. High KIAA1429 expression correlated positively with poor prognosis in GC patients. KIAA1429 not only promoted GC cell proliferation, colony formation, G2/M cell cycle transition, migration, and invasion in vitro but also enhanced GC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 increased the m6A level of RASD1 mRNA and enhanced its stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner, thereby upregulating its expression. RASD1 knockdown partially rescued the KIAA1429 knockdown-induced impairment of pro‑oncogenic ability in GC cells. The expression levels of KIAA1429 and RASD1 were negatively correlated in GC tissues.

Conclusions

KIAA1429 plays a pro‑oncogenic role in GC by downregulating RASD1 expression through destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. KIAA1429 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Exosomes multiplex profiling, a promising strategy for early diagnosis of laryngeal cancer
Authors: Bocchetti Marco , Luce Amalia , Iannarone Clara , Pasquale Lucia Stefania , Falco Michela , Tammaro Chiara , Abate Marianna , Ferraro Maria Grazia , Addeo Raffaele , Ricciardiello Filippo , Motta Giovanni , De Stefano Luca , Caraglia Francesco , Ceccarelli Anna , Zappavigna Silvia , Scrima Marianna , Cossu Alessia Maria , Caraglia Michele , Misso Gabriella
Published: June 2024

Background

Exosomes are nanosized vesicles released from all cells into surrounding biofluids, including cancer cells, and represent a very promising direction in terms of minimally invasive approaches to early disease detection. They carry tumor-specific biological contents such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and sugars, as well as surface molecules that are able to pinpoint the cellular source. By the above criteria, exosomes may be stratified according to the presence of tissue and disease-specific signatures and, due to their stability in such biofluids as plasma and serum, they represent an indispensable source of vital clinical insights from liquid biopsies, even at the earliest stages of cancer. Therefore, our work aimed to isolate and characterize LCa patients’ derived exosomes from serum by Flow Cytometry in order to define a specific epitope signature exploitable for early diagnosis.

Methods

Circulating exosomes were collected from serum collected from 30 LCa patients and 20 healthy volunteers by the use of antibody affinity method exploiting CD63 specific surface marker. Membrane epitopes were then characterized by Flow cytometry multiplex analysis and compared between LCa Patients and Healthy donors. Clinical data were also matched to obtain statistical correlation.

Results

A distinct overexpression of CD1c, CD2, CD3, CD4, CD11c, CD14, CD20, CD44, CD56, CD105, CD146, and CD209 was identified in LCa patients compared to healthy controls, correlating positively with tumor presence. Conversely, CD24, CD31, and CD40, though not overexpressed in tumor samples, showed a significant correlation with nodal involvement in LCa patients (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This approach could allow us to set up a cost-effective and less invasive liquid biopsy protocol from a simple blood collection in order to early diagnose LCa and improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life.

Graphical Abstract
Muscle texture features on preoperative MRI for diagnosis and assessment of severity of congenital muscular torticollis
Authors: Qiu Xin , Zhu Tianfeng , Zhao Zhenhui , Cui Zhiwen , Deng Hansheng , Tang Shengping , Sechi Leonardo Antonio , Caggiari Gianfilippo , Zhao Cailei , Xiong Zhu
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To develop an objective method based on texture analysis on MRI for diagnosis of congenital muscular torticollis (CMT).

Material and methods

The T1- and T2-weighted imaging, Q-dixon, and T1-mapping MRI data of 38 children with CMT were retrospectively analyzed. The region of interest (ROI) was manually drawn at the level of the largest cross-sectional area of the SCM on the affected side. MaZda software was used to obtain the texture features of the T2WI sequences of the ROI in healthy and affected SCM. A radiomics diagnostic model based on muscle texture features was constructed using logistic regression analysis. Fatty infiltration grade was calculated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and fibrosis ratio by Masson staining. Correlation between the MRI parameters and pathological indicators was analyzed.

Results

There was positive correlation between fatty infiltration grade and mean value, standard deviation, and maximum value of the Q-dixon sequence of the affected SCM (correlation coefficients, 0.65, 0.59, and 0.58, respectively, P < 0.05).Three muscle texture features—S(2,2)SumAverg, S(3,3)SumVarnc, and T2WI extreme difference—were selected to construct the diagnostic model. The model showed significant diagnostic value for CMT (P < 0.05). The area under the curve of the multivariate conditional logistic regression model was 0.828 (95% confidence interval 0.735–0.922); the sensitivity was 0.684 and the specificity 0.868.

Conclusion

The radiomics diagnostic model constructed using T2WI muscle texture features and MRI signal values appears to have good diagnostic efficiency. Q-dixon sequence can reflect the fatty infiltration grade of CMT.
Accuracy and postoperative assessment of robot-assisted placement of pedicle screws during scoliosis surgery compared with conventional freehand technique: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Wei , Liu Xinglin , Zhao Zhiheng , Feng Zihe , Meng Xianglong
Published: June 2024

Study design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background

The complexity of human anatomical structures and the variability of vertebral body structures in patients with scoliosis pose challenges in pedicle screw placement during spinal deformity correction surgery. Through technological advancements, robots have been introduced in spinal surgery to assist with pedicle screw placement.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and CNKI databases and comparative studies assessing the accuracy and postoperative efficacy of pedicle screw placement using robotic assistance or freehand techniques in patients with scoliosis were included. The analysis evaluated the accuracy of screw placement, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications.

Results

Seven studies comprising 584 patients were included in the meta-analysis, with 282 patients (48.3%) in the robot-assisted group and 320 (51.7%) in the freehand group. Robot-assisted placement showed significantly better clinically acceptable screw placement results compared with freehand placement (odds ratio [OR]: 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–3.91, P < 0.0001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in achieving “perfect” screw placement between the two groups (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.95–2.46, P = 0.08). The robot-assisted group had longer operation durations (mean deviation [MD]: 43.64, 95% CI: 22.25–64.74, P < 0.0001) but shorter postoperative hospital stays (MD: − 1.12, 95% CI: − 2.15 to − 0.08, P = 0.03) than the freehand group. There were no significant differences in overall complication rates or intraoperative blood loss between the two groups. There was no significant difference in Cobb Angle between the two groups before and after operation.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted pedicle screw placement offers higher accuracy and shorter hospital stay than freehand placement in scoliosis surgery; although the robotics approach is associated with longer operative durations, similar complication rates and intraoperative blood loss.
Update to: Assessing the efficacy of male Wolbachia-infected mosquito deployments to reduce dengue incidence in Singapore
Authors: Lim Jue Tao , Mailepessov Diyar , Chong Chee-Seng , Chang Chia-Chen , Dickens Borame , Lai Yee Ling , Deng Lu , Lee Caleb , Tan Li Yun , Chain Grace , Ho Soon Hoe , Zulkifli Muhammad Faizal , Liew Jonathan , Vasquez Kathryn , Lee Vernon , Wong Judith Chui Ching , Sim Shuzhen , Tan Cheong Huat , Ng Lee Ching
Published: June 2024

Background

This trial is a parallel, two-arm, non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial that is under way in Singapore, with the aim of measuring the efficacy of male Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti deployments in reducing dengue incidence in an endemic setting with all four dengue serotypes in circulation. The trial commenced in July 2022 and is expected to conclude in September 2024. The original study protocol was published in December 2022. Here, we describe amendments that have been made to the study protocol since commencement of the trial.

Methods

The key protocol amendments are (1) addition of an explicit definition of Wolbachia exposure for residents residing in intervention sites based on the duration of Wolbachia exposure at point of testing, (2) incorporation of a high-dimensional set of anthropogenic and environmental characteristics in the analysis plan to adjust for baseline risk factors of dengue transmission, and (3) addition of alternative statistical analyses for endpoints to control for post hoc imbalance in cluster-based environmental and anthropogenic characteristics.

Discussion

The findings from this study will provide the first experimental evidence for the efficacy of releasing male-Wolbachia infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue incidence in a cluster-randomised controlled trial. The trial will conclude in 2024 and results will be reported shortly thereafter.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05505682. Registered on 16 August 2022. Retrospectively registered. Last updated 11 November 2023.
Predictive modelling of critical variables for improving HVOF coating using gamma regression models
Authors: Rannetbauer Wolfgang , Hubmer Simon , Hambrock Carina , Ramlau Ronny
Published: June 2024

Thermal spray coating is a critical process in many industries, involving the application of coatings to surfaces to enhance their functionality. This paper proposes a framework for modelling and predicting critical target variables in thermal spray coating processes, based on the application of statistical design of experiments (DoE) and the modelling of the data using generalized linear models (GLMs) with a particular emphasis on gamma regression. Experimental data obtained from thermal spray coating trials are used to validate the presented approach, demonstrating that it is able to accurately model and predict critical target variables. As such, the framework has significant potential for the optimization of thermal spray coating processes, and can contribute to the development of more efficient and effective coating technologies in various industries.
Modelling policy scenarios: refocussing the model-policy logic for the case of German passenger transport
Authors: Thema Johannes
Published: June 2024

Background

National energy and climate scenarios are typically simulated or optimised using sectoral or energy system models, which include a large number of model settings and scenario assumptions. However, their realisation is contingent upon framework conditions and policy settings, which are often included in accompanying narrative scenarios. This paper therefore proposes refocussing the model-policy logic towards directly modelling policy effects. Applying this approach to the case of German passenger transport, I focus on demand-side policies and use open-source databases and models to develop a module for the translation of policies into model parameters.

Results

Separate model runs were used to test a ceteris paribus policy reference scenario for 2035, the marginal impacts of modelled single policy effects, and a joint policy package scenario. Relative to the reference, demand-side policies show significant impacts: an annual reduction of 355 bn person-kilometres (30%) and a reduction of car-owning households from 95 to 90% in rural areas and from 76 to 64% in urban areas. The resulting mode shift decreases car-driven kilometres by 400 bn and increases public transport by 45 bn per year. This may reduce GHG emissions by an additional 30 Mt (or 33%) relative to the reference in 2035.

Conclusions

Transport demand policies can significantly mitigate GHG, calling for a stronger policy focus beyond the much-studied shift to electric vehicles. While further research and model development are needed, the feasibility of policy scenario modelling increases its utility for policy-making.
Longitudinal associations of depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers assisting patients with end-stage cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: the moderator role of emotional exhaustion
Authors: Sardella Alberto , Musetti Alessandro , Franceschini Christian , Quattropani Maria C. , Lenzo Vittorio
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to analyze the moderating role of emotional exhaustion in the relationships between longitudinal associations of depression, anxiety, and stress among healthcare workers assisting end-of-life cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A longitudinal study involving a final sample of 122 healthcare workers (61.5% females, mean age = 39.09 ± 11.04 years) was conducted. These participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Results: Results of correlation analysis showed that emotional exhaustion was correlated with both T1 and T2 measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. Results of the moderation analysis indicated that emotional exhaustion moderated the relationships between consecutive measures of depression and anxiety. Each of the moderation models explained about half of the variance for depression and anxiety. When considering stress, results did not show a moderating role for emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions

Overall, the results of this study highlight that emotional exhaustion moderated depression and anxiety over time. Psychological interventions to promote psychological mental health among healthcare workers assisting patients with end-stage cancer should carefully consider these findings.
Accuracy of patient-specific I-131 dosimetry using hybrid whole-body planar-SPECT/CT I-123 and I-131 imaging
Authors: Morphis Michaella , van Staden Johan A. , du Raan Hanlie , Ljungberg Michael , Sjögreen Gleisner Katarina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of patient-specific absorbed dose calculations for tumours and organs at risk in radiopharmaceutical therapy planning, utilizing hybrid planar-SPECT/CT imaging.

Methods

Three Monte Carlo (MC) simulated digital patient phantoms were created, with time-activity data for mIBG labelled to I-123 (LEHR and ME collimators) and I-131 (HE collimator). The study assessed the accuracy of the mean absorbed doses for I-131-mIBG therapy treatment planning. Multiple planar whole-body (WB) images were simulated (between 1 to 72 h post-injection (p.i)). The geometric-mean image of the anterior and posterior WB images was calculated, with scatter and attenuation corrections applied. Time-activity curves were created for regions of interest over the liver and two tumours (diameters: 3.0 cm and 5.0 cm) in the WB images. A corresponding SPECT study was simulated at 24 h p.i and reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm, incorporating scatter, attenuation, collimator-detector response, septal scatter and penetration corrections. MC voxel-based absorbed dose rate calculations used two image sets, (i) the activity distribution represented by the SPECT images and (ii) the activity distribution from the SPECT images distributed uniformly within the volume of interest. Mean absorbed doses were calculated considering photon and charged particle emissions, and beta emissions only. True absorbed doses were calculated by MC voxel-based dosimetry of the known activity distributions for reference.

Results

Considering photon and charged particle emissions, mean absorbed dose accuracies across all three radionuclide-collimator combinations of 3.8 ± 5.5% and 0.1 ± 0.9% (liver), 5.2 ± 10.0% and 4.3 ± 1.7% (3.0 cm tumour) and 15.0 ± 5.8% and 2.6 ± 0.6% (5.0 cm tumour) were obtained for image set (i) and (ii) respectively. Considering charged particle emissions, accuracies of 2.7 ± 4.1% and 5.7 ± 0.7% (liver), 3.2 ± 10.2% and 9.1 ± 1.7% (3.0 cm tumour) and 13.6 ± 5.7% and 7.0 ± 0.6% (5.0 cm tumour) were obtained for image set (i) and (ii) respectively.

Conclusion

The hybrid WB planar-SPECT/CT method proved accurate for I-131-mIBG dosimetry, suggesting its potential for personalized treatment planning.
Salvage surgery following tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Masao , Funaki Soichiro , Nagata Hideki , Furukawa Mitsugi , Morii Eiichi , Shintani Yasushi
Published: June 2024

Background

No standard therapy for non-small lung cancer patients that have acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy has been established. Some can be effectively treated by salvage surgery, though indications for that procedure remain unclear. Reported here is the clinical course of a patient who experienced early post-operative distant metastases.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old woman without symptoms was referred to another hospital for abnormal chest radiography findings and diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the left lower lobe (cT2aN3M1b, stage IVB; TNM staging 7th edition). Gene mutation analysis revealed positive for epidermal growth factor receptor exon 19 deletion. Afatinib treatment was started, resulting in partial response, though regrowth of the main tumor was noted 1.5 years later. Bronchoscopic re-biopsy findings revealed a T790M point mutation and afatinib was switched to osimertinib. At 1.5 years following the start of osimertinib administration, the primary tumor was found to have regrown again and stereotactic radiation therapy was administered. Findings at 3.5 years after osimertinib administration indicated that all lymph nodes and distant metastases, excluding the primary tumor, were well controlled, and the patient was referred to our hospital for salvage surgery. Osimertinib was discontinued, and a left lower lobectomy with a left lingular segmentectomy and pleural biopsy were performed. The patient was discharged following an uneventful postoperative course. Three days after discharge, glossodynia developed and examination findings revealed tongue metastasis. The symptoms improved following re-administration of osimertinib, though right adrenal gland metastasis appeared 8 months after surgery. Radiation therapy was performed for tongue and right adrenal gland metastases, and the patient was alive 1 year after salvage surgery without out-of-control lesion appearing after the radiation therapy under the administration of osimertinib.

Conclusion

The present patient experienced multiple instances of systemic recurrence after undergoing salvage surgery. Experience with this case indicates that systemic therapy is essential for patients with distant metastatic lung cancer even following salvage surgery for the primary tumor.
Portfolio management under capital market frictions: a grey clustering approach
Authors: Ţilică Elena Valentina , Dragotă Victor , Delcea Camelia , Tătaru Răzvan Ioan
Published: June 2024

International portfolio management is influenced by the existence of “frictions”, factors or events that interfere with trade, which are linked in financial literature to market-specific factors, such as available information, restrictions, investor protection, or market liquidity. Given the wide variety of factors that can be included in these categories, scientific studies typically focus on a reduced number of indicators at a time in order to offer an in depth analysis of their impact. We offer a consolidated view of the perspectives observed in financial literature by proposing a novel index for market frictions that includes all these four components and rank fifteen post-communist East European capital markets based on their index values. We then constructed various scenarios by assuming different levels of importance for the criteria used in index construction. By employing grey clustering analysis, we cluster these capital markets into three categories—strongly recommended, recommended with some reserve, and not recommended—based on the importance given by the decision maker to these factors. The results show that some of the studied markets are in the same cluster, irrespective of the chosen scenario. The only market always included in the “strongly recommended” category is Hungary, indicating that it is a good investment option for international participants. Bulgaria and Slovakia are always regarded as “recommended with reserve” markets, whereas the Republic of Moldova is part of the “not recommended” category. The other markets show a degree of variability that can be explained by different investor perspectives. This study contributes to the existing literature by combining the advantages of grey clustering and portfolio analysis. Investors can use this approach during the decision-making process related to their investments.
Transcriptome and differential expression analysis revealed the pathogenic-related genes in Magnaporthe oryzae during leaf and panicle infection
Authors: Du Yan , Liang Dong , Qi Zhongqiang , Yu Junjie , Zhang Rongsheng , Song Tianqiao , Yu Mina , Cao Huijuan , Pan Xiayan , Wang Shuchen , Qiao Junqing , Liu Youzhou , Liu Yongfeng
Published: June 2024

Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most destructive pathogens that threaten rice production around the world. Previous studies mainly focus on pathogenic mechanism of M. oryzae during infection on rice at leaf stage. However, the pathogenic mechanism of M. oryzae infection on panicle tissue is not well understood. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to study gene expression patterns of M. oryzae during infection at leaf stage and at panicle stage, respectively. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of M. oryzae in the infected leaf and panicle tissues were analyzed. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed that M. oryzae genes involved in the biological processes were different at leaf and panicle stages. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of DEGs indicates that genes related to individual and important pathways may function at different infection stages. In particular, CAZymes carbohydrate esterases (CEs), carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), and glycoside hydrolases (GHs) may play important roles during M. oryzae infection on rice leaves, while glycosyltransferases (GTs) and GHs may play important roles during infection at rice panicle stage. Further analysis of effectors (BAS3, BAS113, BAS162, MoCDIP4, and MoHEG13) and their homologous genes suggest that they are involved in host defense suppression. Our findings provide insights into understanding the infection mechanisms of M. oryzae for rice leaf blast and panicle blast disease.
Hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective activity of Phellinus fastuosus on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats, respectively
Authors: Sonawane Hiralal , Shelke Deepak , Arya Sagar , Ghole Vikram , Behra Bhaskar , Gaikwad Subhash
Published: June 2024

Background

Phellinus fastuosus is a wood-eating medicinal fungus from Western Ghats of India. Therefore, we investigated hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects of P. fastuosus aqueous extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats, respectively.

Result

As compared to the diabetic control group, a 400 mg/kg dose had significant hypoglycemic effects, including a reduction in blood glucose (24.44%) and gain in body weight. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity reduced by 31.81% and 32.84%, respectively, were also noted, along with decreases in triglycerides (24.32%) and cholesterol (25.89%) levels. The albumin, bilirubin and creatinine levels were also significantly reduced after administration of P. fastuosus extract in diabetic rats. Administration of P. fastuosus extract showed a substantial decrease in the activity of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in addition a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats. The cumulative effect of CCl4 increased the erythrocyte membrane peroxidation, whereas P. fastuosus extract reduced the cholesterol and increased phospholipid, thus preventing the alteration of membrane fluidity as compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats. FTIR and HR-LC-MS-based metabolic profiling revealed the presence of various functional groups and bioactive metabolites.

Conclusion

The extract showed the hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects due to the presence of various bioactive metabolites. Exploration of therapeutic potential of P. fastuosus using bioassay-guided fractionation is needed.
A hybrid encryption approach for efficient and secure data transmission in IoT devices
Authors: Zhang Limin , Wang Li
Published: June 2024

Security is a crucial concern in the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Due to IoT devices' constrained processing and storage resources, providing reliable security solutions is challenging. Encryption is one of the most commonly used techniques to secure user data against unauthorized access. Therefore, it is essential to develop encryption solutions that have minimal impact on the performance of IoT devices. This study introduces a hybrid encryption approach that combines symmetric blowfish encryption with asymmetric elliptic curves. Blowfish encryption is used to encrypt large volumes of data, which could otherwise affect the execution time.

In contrast, elliptic curve cryptography is utilized to ensure the security of the private key, which has a small size and does not increase the execution time significantly. The suggested approach provides advantages of both asymmetric and symmetric encryption methods, leading to an improvement in throughput and a reduction in execution time. The proposed approach was evaluated, yielding promising results in comparison to other cryptographic algorithms. The results show the optimization of more than 15% in the execution time and the efficiency increase by the proposed solution. This improvement represents security with the least impact on processing resources.
Queer of Color Critique and the Decriminalization of Sex Work
Authors: Rodríguez Juana María
Published: June 2024

This contribution to Q2 is a discussion of the urgency of addressing the ongoing criminalization of sex work in the current historical moment. The article links the myriad issues related to the stigmatization and criminalization of sex work to the theoretical origins of queer of color critique and considers the implications for rights to bodily autonomy.
Benign Natural Progression of Small Cavernous Carotid Aneurysms Suggests Limited Clinical Utility of Serial Longitudinal Follow-up
Authors: Jha Rohan , Zhao Maryann , Ghannam Jack Y. , Blitz Sarah , Chalif Joshua I. , Altshuler Marcelle , Du Rose
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Aneurysms in the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) often present in an indolent fashion with limited morbidity. However, their growth progression and possible rupture over time remains poorly defined, thereby limiting optimization of serial follow-up. Thus, we aim to describe the progression of cavernous ICA aneurysms over time, as well as the patient and aneurysm characteristics associated with possible growth and rupture status.

METHODS:

We identified a consecutive cohort of 157 patients from 2007 to 2021 with cavernous ICA aneurysms. Patient demographic data, possible risk factors, presenting symptoms, radiographic features of aneurysms, size progression, rupture status, and concomitant noncavernous aneurysm rupture data were manually extracted.

RESULTS:

One hundred and fifty-seven patients (mean age at diagnosis 57.2 ± 15.6 years; 85.4% females) with 174 cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) were followed for an average of 7.1 ± 4.8 years. 76.4% of aneurysms were identified incidentally, with predominantly ocular palsies as the presenting symptoms in remaining primary cases. Most aneurysms were small, and of the 168 aneurysms that were followed, 98.2% did not demonstrate appreciable growth. Of the aneurysms that grew, it took an average of 6.0 years to grow 1.6 ± 0.2 mm. Demographic data, hypertension, and smoking status were not associated with aneurysm growth. Most radiographic features also were not associated with growth, except long-axis diameter, which had an odds ratio of 1.4 (CI: 1.2, 1.8) on multivariable analysis. Presenting clinical symptoms were not associated with growth. No CCAs ruptured during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Cavernous ICA aneurysms in our series demonstrate no rupture and limited growth over years of clinical follow-up. No radiographic or patient risk factors were associated with growth except initial aneurysm size. Hence, small CCAs may not require close follow-up over time.
Shortened Cerebral Circulation Time Predicts Resistance to Obliteration in High-Flow Brain Arteriovenous Malformations After Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Loo Jing Kai , Hu Yong-Sin , Kao Wei-Lun , Yang Huai-Che , Lee Cheng-Chia , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Luo Chao-Bao , Guo Wan-Yuo , Liu Kang-Du , Chung Wen-Yuh , Lin Chung-Jung
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Treatment selection for brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) is complicated by BAVM size, location, and hemodynamics. Quantitative digital subtraction angiography is used to quantify the hemodynamic impact of BAVMs on cerebral circulation. This study investigated the association between cerebral circulation time and the complete obliteration (CO) rate of BAVMs after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

METHODS:

We analyzed the data of 143 patients who underwent SRS for BAVMs between January 2011 and December 2019 in our institute. Their pre-SRS magnetic resonance imaging and angiography images were analyzed to acquire BAVM characteristics and quantitative digital subtraction angiography parameters. Modified cerebral circulation time (mCCT) was defined as the time difference between the bolus arrival time of the ipsilateral cavernous internal carotid artery and that of the parietal vein, as determined from the lateral view of images obtained using digital subtraction angiography. Cox regression with hazard ratios and Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the parameters and BAVM CO after SRS.

RESULTS:

Of the 143 patients, 101 (70.6%) achieved BAVM CO. According to the multivariate analyses, an increased mCCT (hazard ratio: 1.24, P = .041) was the independent factor associated with BAVM CO after adjustment for age, sex, hemorrhagic presentation, a BAVM volume of >5 cm3, and a margin dose of >18 Gy. Individuals with an mCCT of ≤2.32 s had a lower 36-month probability of BAVM CO than did those with an mCCT of >2.32 s (44.1% ± 6.8% vs 63.3% ± 5.6%, P = .034).

CONCLUSION:

The hemodynamic impact of high-flow BAVM demonstrated by a shortened mCCT is associated with a lower BAVM CO rate after SRS.
Seizures as the only presentation of Pulmonary Embolism in the absence of Respiratory Symptoms
Authors: Farooq Omair , Maqsood Amna , Ahmad Muhammad , Sohail Muhammad Ibrahim , Rashid Maryam
Published: June 2024

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening emergency. Seizure as the clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism is extremely rare. In this case report a 47-year-old female had an episode of seizure after undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to myometrial uterine fibroids. The patient had no past history of seizure or cardiovascular disease. Based on raised D-Dimers and echocardiography a provisional diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made, which was confirmed on CT angiogram that showed bilateral saddle pulmonary embolism. Clinicians need to be aware that Pulmonary embolism is a possibility as the differential diagnosis for unexplained, new-onset of seizure activity.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9426
How to cite this: Farooq O, Maqsood A, Ahmad M, Sohail MI, Rashid M. Seizures as the only presentation of Pulmonary Embolism in the absence of Respiratory Symptoms. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9426
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.
Comparative Long-Term Effectiveness Of OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) And Anti CGRP In Migraine Prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gaviria Elizabeth , Eltayeb Hamid Awab Hamid
Published: June 2024

Background Every year, 15% of the global population suffers from migraines, making it a substantial social burden with a significant negative impact on quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy, safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and additional dimensions of two prominent chronic migraine (CM) prophylactics: OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Methods Using specific keywords related to onabotulinumtoxinA and anti-CGRP treatments for migraines, we conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed and the Cochrane Library, spanning from 2015 to 2024. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Our analysis included 13 publications that revealed notable decreases in migraine frequency and severity with both treatment modalities. While CGRP mAbs demonstrated significant reductions in migraine days with minimal adverse effects, BoNT-A emerged as a superior option due to its cost-efficiency and higher patient satisfaction. Both treatments exhibited mild short-term side effects; however, CGRP mAbs were occasionally associated with extended periods of constipation. The simplicity of adherence, with either monthly self-administered injections of CGRP mAbs or quarterly physician-administered BoNT-A injections, further distinguished these treatments. BoNT-A, in particular, was recognized for enhancing overall quality of life and performance metrics. Conclusions BoNT-A stands out as a low-cost intervention effective across various migraine categories, including chronic, episodic, unilateral, and vestibular types, significantly alleviating pain severity and reducing migraine episode frequency. The findings underscore that both CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A are comparably effective for CM prophylaxis. However, BoNT-A is especially beneficial for patients ineligible for CGRP mAb therapy or those requiring localized treatment with minimal systemic exposure risk. For patients resistant or refractory to BoNT-A, combining it with CGRP mAbs may maximize therapeutic benefits due to their distinct modes of action. The efficacy, safety, and cost-benefit analyses of these medications may help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions based on the study's findings.
Apuntes sobre la regulación de los ODR en materia de consumo.
Authors: Suárez Xavier Paulo Ramon
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo analiza críticamente el uso extendido de los denominados Online Dispute Resolution (ODR, por sus siglas en inglés) en el ámbito procesal, para la resolución de conflictos, especialmente en materia de consumo. Explora cómo estos métodos, si bien promocionados como eficientes y accesibles, pueden socavar principios fundamentales de que rigen el proceso, como la igualdad, la legalidad y el desinterés objetivo, así como otros principios típicos de los medios autocompositivos de resolución de conflictos, como la voluntariedad. Desde la perspectiva procesal y de los derechos humanos, se cuestiona el impacto de los ODR en la igualdad de acceso a la justicia y la protección de los derechos individuales. Además, se examinan los riesgos asociados con la privatización de la resolución de disputas y la falta de supervisión y regulación adecuadas en este ámbito. Este artículo busca generar reflexión sobre las implicaciones éticas y sociales de los ODR y promover un debate sobre el equilibrio entre la eficiencia y la equidad en la resolución de conflictos en la era digital.
Księgi miejskie z obszaru Królestwa Polskiego (do roku 1600): Katalog
Authors: Noga Zdzisław , Drzewiecki Bartosz
Published: June 2024

The book is the result of a grant by the National Programme for the Development of the Humanities the Jagiellonian Era and its Legacy in the First Republic until 1795. Economic and Social Issues, History of Cities. The data posted here is also available online at: https://ksiegimiejskie.pth.net.pl/. The territorial scope of this summary is the lands of the Kingdom of Poland before the Union of Lublin (1569), including Red Ruthenia, Podolia, Podlasie and Mazovia, but excluding Prussia, which was omitted both because of its different political system and the specific nature of the cities there. The chronological range, on the other hand, is 1300–1600. Most of the inventoried archival material is the classic series of council, jury or aldermanic books, often combined (usually aldermanic and jury). Occasionally, both pure transcripts and minutes have been preserved (e.g. in Kraków, Poznań, Przemyśl). In smaller centres, a single book was usually kept for all authorities, which was titled differently (e.g. a combined office book). They contain entries of the official actions of all municipal authorities, usually in the chronological order. A significant group is made up of financial and accounting books, mainly for the larger cities. Also preserved are several customs books and a city law admission book, as well as statements of will and inventories (as a separate series of council books). In addition, 120 books of craftsmen’s guilds and brotherhoods are included, The full listing of copybooks has been dispensed with, as it is not possible to determine in every case whether a copybook was created before 1600 and continued thereafter, Only selected examples of these are included in the Annex.
Leading and managing a multidisciplinary team in health and social care: a critical and personal reflection
Authors: Akinlotan Oladapo
Published: June 2024

This article presents a synthesis of the leadership and management knowledge and experience gained while participating in project work in health and social care. The first part presents a critical evaluation of leadership and management across health and social care services, with a focus on a multidisciplinary team in a ward setting. The second part presents a critical reflection on a personal leadership and management experience during the project using an appropriate model of reflection, a synthesis of lessons learnt and application to future practice as a registered nurse. A range of theories and frameworks related to leadership, management and team working are critically evaluated and a critical understanding of both political and economic perspectives within today's healthcare system is presented.
Specific electromyography characteristics can distinguish longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis from congestive myelopathy due to spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Jiao , Lin Ye , Xu Shiyang , Lu Minghui , Huang Dehui , Guan Weiping
Published: June 2024

Aims/Background Although electromyography has been extensively used in the diagnosis of neurological diseases, there is no comprehensive understanding of the electromyography manifestations of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. Given the widespread use of electromyography in the diagnosis of neurological conditions, it is worthwhile to holistically analyse the electromyography findings of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula to differentiate it from neurological diseases that share similar clinical manifestations. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether electromyography can distinguish spinal dural arteriovenous fistula from longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.

Methods We holistically reviewed files of all patients who were diagnosed with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis at The First Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. We compared the symptomology, epidemiology, and imaging results of patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, placing emphasis on their electromyography manifestations. Student’s t test was used to analyse normally distributed data, while Chi-square test was used to compare classification statistics.

Results Lesions of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula shown on images tend to appear at lower lumbar and sacral segments, whereas lesions of the cervical and upper thoracic segments are more characteristic of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula patients and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis patients overlap in terms of clinical manifestations. After comparison, the two groups of patients had different demographics (age, sex), onset mode, predisposing factors before onset, and electromyographic features. The electromyographic features of patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula were associated with neurogenic damage (p < 0.001).

Conclusions In patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula, electromyography can help clinicians to identify early disease, avoid patient treatment delay, and eliminate unnecessary treatment.