bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of necrophagous flies of forensic importance in medico-legal cases in Tamil Nadu State, India
Authors: Palavesam Azhahianambi , Selvakumar R. , Latha Bhaskaran Ravi , Soundararajan C. , Jyothimol G. , Harikrishnan T. J. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The present study is based on the necrophagous fly samples collected from 24 medico-legal cases between the year 2011 and 2018 in Tamil Nadu State, India. The fly life stages were identified based on morphological features. Pre-autopsy condition of the human corpse colonized by necrophagous flies and indoor/outdoor occurrence of the flies were recorded.

Results
Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies, Sarcophaga spp, and Musca domestica life stages were collected from the human corpses. Chrysomya megacephala was the most prevalent (70.8%) insects of forensic importance and found both in indoor and outdoor environments. Drowned and burnt human corpses were found to be only colonized by C. megacephala. Chrysomya rufifacies was found only in outdoor environments and Sarcophaga spp was found only in indoor environment. There was a fair agreement between the percentage occurrence of necrophagous flies in human corpse in the present study in Tamil Nadu State and percentage historical occurrence of necrophagous flies in human corpse in India.

Conclusions
Chrysomya megacephala was the predominant blowfly species found to colonize corpses in Tamil Nadu State, India. Chrysomya megacephala was the only blowfly species found to colonize both burnt and floating corpses and corpses located indoor and outdoor.
Antifungal activity of Streptomyces sp. CACIS-2.15CA, as a potential biocontrol agent, against some soil-borne fungi
Authors: Rios-Muñiz Diana Elizabeth , Evangelista-Martínez Zahaed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Soil biocontrol streptomycetes are considered as ecofriendly agents, which inhibit the growth of multiple fungal pathogens. In addition, the majority of species are considered non-plant pathogenic, and they are beneficial to plant growth and soil salinity because they produce broad bioactive secondary metabolites, i.e., polyenes, volatile organic compounds, fatty acids, plant growth regulators, and diversity of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Therefore, this study aimed to select, characterize, and perform the molecular identification of a streptomycete isolate by in vitro antagonistic activity against some soil-borne fungi.

Results
Twenty-five isolates obtained from the Germplasm Bank of Actinomycetes were tested in dual confrontation assay to determine their inhibitory activity against the growth of Colletotrichum musae. In addition, 22 isolates (88%) inhibited the mycelial growth of C. musae, particularly the isolate CACIS-2.15CA, which showed the highest antagonistic activity. Furthermore, an antifungal evaluation using additional fungal species was performed. The CACIS-2.15CA isolate exhibited a high inhibitory activity against Phytophthora capsici, C. musae, Botrytis cinerea, Lasiodiplodia sp., Sclerotinia sp., Fusarium oxysporum, F. oxysporum f sp. lycopersici Fusarium sp., and Aspergillus sp. at percentages ranging from 7.3 to 61.2%. The isolate was characterized by its morphology and physiology and by the presence of genetic biosynthetic clusters for non-ribosomal polyketide synthases and polyketide synthases type I and II using polymerase chain reaction assays; the selected strain harbored genes for NRPS and PKS type I clusters. Moreover, the isolate was molecularly identified as a member of Streptomyces genus based on the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Based on its morphological and physiological characteristics, the CACIS-2.15CA isolate belongs to Streptomyces genus.

Conclusion
Given the aforementioned characteristics, Streptomyces sp. CACIS-2.15CA can be a potential biocontrol agent against various fungal strains.
Optimal joint operation of coupled transportation and power distribution urban networks
Authors: Sadhu Kaushik , Haghshenas Kawsar , Rouhani Mohammadhadi , Aiello Marco 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and consequently their penetration level into urban society is increasing which has imperatively reinforced the need for a joint stochastic operational planning of Transportation Network (TN) and Power Distribution Network (PDN). This paper solves a stochastic multi-agent simulation-based model with the objective of minimizing the total cost of interdependent TN and PDN systems. Capturing the temporally dynamic inter-dependencies between the coupled networks, an equilibrium solution results in optimized system cost. In addition, the impact of large-scale EV integration into the PDN is assessed through the mutual coupling of both networks by solving the optimization problems, i.e., optimal EV routing using traffic assignment problem and optimal power flow using branch flow model. Previous works in the area of joint operation of TN and PDN networks fall short in considering the time-varying and dynamic nature of all effective parameters in the coupled TN and PDN system. In this paper, a Dynamic User Equilibrium (DUE) network model is proposed to capture the optimal traffic distribution in TN as well as optimal power flow in PDN. A modified IEEE 30 bus system is adapted to a low voltage power network to examine the EV charging impact on the power grid. Our case study demonstrates the enhanced operation of the joint networks incorporating heterogeneous EV characteristics such as battery State of Charge (SoC), charging requests as well as PDN network’s marginal prices. The results of our simulations show how solving our defined coupled optimization problem reduces the total cost of the defined case study by 36% compared to the baseline scenario. The results also show a 45% improvement on the maximum EV penetration level with only minimal voltage deviation (less than 0.3%).
Clinical manifestations, outcomes, and antibody profile of Brazilian adult patients with dermatomyositis: a single-center longitudinal study
Authors: Truzzi Natássia Cristina Carboni , Hoff Leonardo Santos , Borges Isabela Bruna Pires , de Souza Fernando Henrique Carlos , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Currently, only a few retrospective cohort or cross-sectional studies have described the general characteristics of Brazilian patients with classical dermatomyositis (DM). In contrast, we aimed to longitudinally assess a large sample of these patients, and several myositis autoantibodies.

Methods
This single-center longitudinal study included 91 Brazilian adults with defined DM (EULAR/ACR 2017) who underwent follow-up appointments in our tertiary center from 2012 to 2021. Myositis autoantibody analysis was performed using a commercial kit.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 47.3 ± 15.4 years, with a predominance of female (67.0%) and White (81.3%) patients. As an initial treatment, 76.9% of the patients received methylprednisolone pulse therapy, 59.3% received intravenous immunoglobulin, and 54.9% received both drugs. The median follow-up duration was 44 months (interquartile 17–67) months. There were 92 severe episodes of infection, and neoplasms were identified in 20 patients (22.0%). Hypertension was identified in 46.2% of patients, whereas diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction occurred in 19.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Nine patients died during the follow-up. At the last visit, one-third of the patients had disease activity, half had a complete clinical response, and one-fifth were in disease remission. In a univariate logistic regression, anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies (n = 13) were associated with interstitial lung disease, “mechanic’s hands”, and anti-Ro-52, and had an inverse association with “V”-neck and “shawl” signs. Anti-MDA-5 (n = 10) were associated with male gender, digital ulcers, vasculitis, arthritis, anti-Ro-52, and active disease. Anti-Ro-52 (n = 26) were associated with “mechanics’ hands”, arthritis, interstitial lung disease, anti-tRNA synthetases, and anti-MDA-5. No association was found for anti-Mi-2 (n = 10).

Conclusions
This study shows the general profile of a significant sample of Brazilian patients with DM as well as the association of some antibodies with clinical and laboratory manifestations of this myositis.
Quantitative evaluation of very early cartilage damage in experimental osteoarthritis using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Girão-Carmona Virgínia Cláudia Carneiro , Bezerra Mirna Marques , Porto Fernanda Maria Aragão Ximenes , Pinto Ana Carolina Matias Dinelly , de Melo Nunes Rodolfo , Alves Anelise Maria Costa Vasconcelos , Campello Claudio Cabral , de Melo Leite Ana Caroline Rocha , de Castro Brito Gerly Anne , da Rocha Francisco Airton Castro 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objective
To describe parametric changes observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in very early stages in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) models in mice.

Methods
Mice (5/group) had their knees subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), ACLT plus meniscectomy (MNCT) or sham surgery, sacrificed after 3, 7 or 14 days, had the articular cartilage evaluated under optical microscopy using Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) parameters as well as cartilage thickness, roughness, and a damage index using SEM.

Results
Alterations of the cartilage under optical microscopy were not significantly relevant among groups. SEM analysis revealed reduction of femoral and tibial cartilage thickness in ACLT and MNCT groups at 7 and 14 days, with increased cartilage roughness in MNCT group as early as 3 days postsurgery, being sustained up to 14 days. Articular damage index was significantly higher at 14 days post surgery in ACLT and MNCT vs control groups.

Conclusion
This is the first demonstration of very early quantitative changes in the cartilage of mice subjected to posttraumatic experimental OA using SEM, revealing increased roughness and thickness as early as 3 days post surgery. These changes may be used as early surrogates for later joint damage in experimental OA.
A young soldier with Susac syndrome: a case report
Authors: Ahmed Sabeeh , Khan Taimoor A. , Liaqat Talha , Ijaz Umer , Sarfaraz Haroon 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Susac syndrome is a rare disease with multisystem manifestations. While the exact pathogenesis is not known, it has been proposed to be an autoimmune endotheliopathy affecting the microvasculature of the brain, retina, and inner ear. The disease is characterized by a triad of encephalopathy, vision loss, and hearing loss. However, patients may not have the triad at initial presentation and present with only a single finding.

Case presentation
A 25-year-old male resident of Panu Akil presented to Combined Military Hospital Lahore with complaints of dizziness and vertigo associated with severe migraine like headaches. He experienced sudden painless loss of vision in his right eye and was admitted to the medical intensive care unit. On examination, he had right-beating nystagmus and diplopia along with scintillating scotoma. After his admission, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done which showed numerous enhancing bilateral white matter internal capsule micro-infarcts indicating typical “string of pearls” sign and a snowball lesion on the corpus callosum. His fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) did not exhibit any branched retinal artery occlusions (BRAO). Fundoscopy showed the presence of drusen spots. His pure tone audiometry was unremarkable. Based on the highly characteristic findings present on the MRI, a diagnosis of Susac syndrome was made. He was started on injection methylprednisolone 1 gm IV in 500 ml normal saline over 1 h once a day for 5 days and then once a week for 8 weeks. He was also started on tablet mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg once daily for 7 days. Patient showed marked clinical improvement afterwards.

Conclusions
Susac syndrome is a rare multisystem illness with an often insidious presentation. Patients can be misdiagnosed due to the nonspecific nature of the early complaints present in the disease. High index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and adequate management. Although no specific guidelines exist, management consists mainly of immunosuppressants.
A rare localization of small-cell carcinoma in head and neck area: case report
Authors: Ni Lorna Ting Kang , Liang Michael Wong Sze , Gendeh Hardip Singh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Small-cell carcinoma (SMCC) of hypopharynx is an extreme rare entity in the head and neck region. It is commonly arising from pulmonary in origin. We report a rare case of small-cell carcinoma of hypopharynx that caused upper airway obstruction in an elderly gentleman.

Case presentation
A 67-year-old man is presented to otorhinolaryngology clinic with a 4-month history of worsening shortness of breath and stridor. He was heavy tobacco smoker for 60 pack-years. Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed a large mass at the right pyriform fossa extending superiorly and obstructing the laryngeal inlet. He underwent tracheostomy, examination under general anesthesia with tissue biopsy. Histology from tissue biopsy revealed small-cell carcinoma. The positron emission tomography-CT showed exophytic mass from right pyriform sinus with regional and lung pleural metastasis as well. There was the absence of formal staging system for SMCC due to its limited and rare incidence. He was treated with combination of carboplatin and etoposide, similar to the regime for cell carcinoma of lung. The tumor regressed loco-regionally, and his pleural metastasis had shrunk to sub-centimeter in size.

Conclusions
To date, there is very limited data available on head and neck small cell carcinomas to guide treatment recommendations as well as staging system. Paucity of clinical data and outcome about this rare malignancy makes this report a valuable piece of experience to be shared together with existing literature.
Diagnosis difficulty of histiocytosis in the thyroid region of a child: a rare case report with literature review of differential diagnoses
Authors: Benhoummad O. , Cherrabi K. , Imdary M. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Isolated histiocytosis of thyroid region is very rare; clinical history, exam, and radiological aspects are non-specific, and etiological reasoning is quite difficult considering the tremendous number of differential diagnoses.

Case presentation
This is the case of a 6-year-old girl who came to the emergency room with an acute presentation bulging of the anterior and left lateral regions of the neck. The palpation of the mass showed tenderness; there was no sign of inflammation, nor was there any fistula to the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
The patient was stable. She did not have any signs of compression. The initial blood showed anemia and inflammatory syndrome. She underwent cervical ultrasound exam that showed a mass at the expense of the left thyroid lobe; the mass extends through the sub-hyoid muscles to the lateral cervical region.
A CT scan with and without contrast injection was performed. It showed a heterogenous mass, which seemed centered in the anterior compartment, and from which it extended to the left lateral compartment, as well as the posterior compartment, invading the prevertebral muscles and englobing the carotid and the internal jugular vein.
The patient underwent surgical biopsy. A basal cervical incision was made, dissection with the myo-cutaneous plane. Per-operative observation established that the mass breeched the infrahyoid muscles, as well as the sternocleidomastoid muscle. A biopsy was performed without opening the middle line.
The pathological exam showed an eosinophilic granulomatosis, associated with Stembergoid cells. The immune-histochemical exam concluded that the lesion is histiocytosis. The patient underwent a cervicothoracic and pelvic CT scan to rule out systemic forms. The diagnosis of isolated histiocytosis of thyroid region was confirmed.
The patient underwent hemithyroidectomy, associated with careful dissection of extension of the mass to lateral compartment of the neck. Postoperative exam showed no abnormalities. No dysphonia and no hypocalcemia were observed.
The 8-month follow-up showed satisfactory results, no cervical swelling, and no signs of inflammation or compression. Postoperative naso-fibroscopy was normal.

Conclusions
The most important takeaway message of this work is that methodical approach of neck masses allows to rule out the most aggressive lesions frequently encountered, which allows clinicians to establish thorough diagnosis and management without further delay.
WNK1 is a chloride-stimulated scaffold that regulates mTORC2 activity and ion transport
Authors: Saha Bidisha , Leite-Dellova Deise C. A. , Demko John , Sørensen Mads Vaarby , Takagi Enzo , Gleason Catherine E. , Shabbir Waheed , Pearce David 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is a kinase complex that targets predominantly Akt family proteins, SGK1 and protein kinase C (PKC), and has well-characterized roles in mediating hormone and growth factor effects on a wide array of cellular processes. Recent evidence suggests that mTORC2 is also directly stimulated in renal tubule cells by increased extracellular K+ concentration, leading to activation of the Na+ channel, ENaC, and increasing the electrical driving force for K+ secretion. We identify here a signaling mechanism for this local effect of K+. We show that an increase in extracellular [K+] leads to a rise in intracellular chloride (Cl−), which stimulates a previously unknown scaffolding activity of the protein ‘with no lysine-1’ (WNK1) kinase. WNK1 interacts selectively with SGK1 and recruits it to mTORC2, resulting in enhanced SGK1 phosphorylation and SGK1-dependent activation of ENaC. This scaffolding effect of WNK1 is independent of its own kinase activity and does not cause a generalized stimulation of mTORC2 kinase activity. These findings establish a novel WNK1-dependent regulatory mechanism that harnesses mTORC2 kinase activity selectively toward SGK1 to control epithelial ion transport and electrolyte homeostasis.
Comparison of changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and intraocular pressure between glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients after phacoemulsification
Authors: Maryam Shahid  , Dr. Zubair Saleem  , Malik Tayyaba Gul , Dr. Muhammad Farqaleet  
Published: November 2022

Objective: To compare the changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in patients with glaucoma versus without glaucoma.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, done at Lahore General Hospital, from January 2021 to December 2021. Patients with senile cataract were divided into two groups. One group included 40 patients, with ≥40 years of age and diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma compared with a second group of 40 age-matched controls without glaucoma, undergoing phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL). Goldman Applanation Tonometer (GAT) and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) were used to record IOP and RNFL thickness, before surgery, at one week and one month after surgery. The results were compared with baseline readings and also between the two groups.
Results: A total of 80 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 60.3±7.9 years with male to female ratio of 1:1. Mean change in RNFL thickness in glaucomatous eyes group and non-glaucomatous Eyes group from pre-operative baseline was 11.33±4.30µm and 4.08±2.59µm respectively after one month (p-value<0.001). Difference of mean change in RNFL thickness from baseline was statistically significant between both groups (p< 0.001). Difference of mean change in IOP from baseline at four weeks was statistically significant in the individual groups but between both groups was statistically insignificant (p= 0.234)
Conclusion: Phacoemulsification results in increase in RNFL thickness and decrease in IOP, which are good prognostic factors in control of glaucoma. However, a mean change of IOP of 1mmHg in glaucoma patient does not affect management of glaucoma.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6531
How to cite this: Shahid M, Saleem Z, Malik TG, Farqaleet M. Comparison of changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and intraocular pressure between glaucoma and non-glaucoma patients after phacoemulsification. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6531
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.
The PRECISE-DYAD protocol: linking maternal and infant health trajectories in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Craik Rachel , Volvert Marie-Laure , Koech Angela , Jah Hawanatu , Pickerill Kelly , Abubakar Amina , D’Alessandro Umberto , Barratt Benjamin , Blencowe Hannah , Bone Jeffrey N , Chandna Jaya , Gladstone Melissa J. , Khalil Asma , Li Larry , Magee Laura A , Makacha Liberty , Mistry Hiten D , Moore Sophie E. , Roca Anna , Salisbury Tatiana T , Temmerman Marleen , Toudup Danielle , Vidler Marianne , von Dadelszen Peter ,   and The PRECISE-DYAD Network
Published: November 2022

Background: PRECISE-DYAD is an observational cohort study of mother-child dyads running in urban and rural communities in The Gambia and Kenya. The cohort is being followed for two years and includes uncomplicated pregnancies and those that suffered pregnancy hypertension, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and/or stillbirth. Methods: The PRECISE-DYAD study will follow up ~4200 women and their children recruited into the original PRECISE study. The study will add to the detailed pregnancy information and samples in PRECISE, collecting additional biological samples and clinical information on both the maternal and child health. Women will be asked about both their and their child’s health, their diets as well as undertaking a basic cardiology assessment. Using a case-control approach, some mothers will be asked about their mental health, their experiences of care during labour in the healthcare facility. In a sub-group, data on financial expenditure during antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal periods will also be collected. Child development will be assessed using a range of tools, including neurodevelopment assessments, and evaluating their home environment and quality of life. In the event developmental milestones are not met, additional assessments to assess vision and their risk of autism spectrum disorders will be conducted. Finally, a personal environmental exposure model for the full cohort will be created based on air and water quality data, combined with geographical, demographic, and behavioural variables. Conclusions: The PRECISE-DYAD study will provide a greater epidemiological and mechanistic understanding of health and disease pathways in two sub-Saharan African countries, following healthy and complicated pregnancies. We are seeking additional funding to maintain this cohort and to gain an understanding of the effects of pregnancies outcome on longer-term health trajectories in mothers and their children.