Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PDPN) is a common complication of diabetes, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PDPN. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pain relief in patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Method We thoroughly searched specific databases, which included PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database and the Wanfang Data. All randomized controlled trials of acupuncture therapy for PDPN with pain change scales were included. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality according to the risk of bias from the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analyses were carried out to analyze the outcomes, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and funnel plot analyses were undertaken. Results This systematic review evaluated a total of 25 trials of acupuncture therapy in combination with conventional treatment, involving a total of 1,561 patients with PDPN. According to the results, among 16 trials using VAS scores with a total of 1,552 patients, 2 acupoint injection trials (MD −2.38, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.01, p < 0.00001), 12 acupuncture trials (MD −1. 31, 95% CI: −1.60 to −1.02, p < 0.00001) and 2 moxibustion trials showed that acupuncture therapy combined with conventional treatment improved pain better than conventional treatment (MD −2.50, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.24, p < 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis of the acupuncture group, the results of the 5 trials in which the location of acupuncture was only in the limbs (MD −1.27, 95% CI: −1.54 to −1.01, p < 0.00001) and the 7 trials both in limbs and torso (MD −1.38, 95% CI: −1.81 to −0.95, p < 0.00001) also demonstrated that acupuncture was effective in pain improvement. Conclusion This meta-analysis analyzed the possible efficacy of acupuncture in combination with conventional treatment for pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly when acupoints are located in the limbs. However, there are limitations to this meta-analysis and future clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings. Systematic review registration https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? ID=CRD42023449447, identifier (CRD42023449447).
Geospatial assessment of potential land suitability for oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) cultivation in the western parts of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is investing in Oil Palm cultivation to minimize palm oil imports from other countries. Our aim was to analyze the potential land suitability for oil palm tree cultivation by using geospatial technology with an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in the Jejeba watershed, Western Ethiopia. Ten parameters such as, land use land cover (LULC), land surface temperature (LST), agro-ecological zone (AEZ), slope, rainfall, soil types, soil texture, soil drainage, soil depth and road were aggregated and reclassified according to their suitability to evaluate potential land for oil palm cultivation in the study. In the presnt study, ArcGIS 10.3, ERDAS 2015, and ArcSWAT software were used. Results show that about 36.7 km2 (1.3%) was highly suitable for palm oil cultivation. Consiquentially,1780.5 km2 (64.8%) was moderately suitable for oil palm cultivation whereas, about 25.2 km2 (0.9%) of the study area was not suitable for oil palm cultivation. The southeastern part was highly suitable, whereas some eastern and northern parts of the study area were not suitable for oil palm cultivation. Therefore, government and non-governmental organizations should raise awareness among local communities to support oil palm cultivation in the study area. Further studies should be carried out, especially on the importance of soil PH, aspect, and proximity to markets should be investigated to understand the most suitable areas for Oil Palm cultivation in the western parts of Ethiopia.
Plasma oxylipin profile of postpartum dairy cows categorized into different systemic inflammatory grades in the first week after parturition

Graphical Abstract Summary Postpartum cows were classified into 1 of 4 systemic inflammation categories based on plasma haptoglobin (Hp) dynamics during the first 7 days in milk (DIM), as follows: (1) peak Hp concentration ≤3 DIM and diagnosed with metritis within 10 DIM (EarlyHp); (2) peak Hp concentration 3 < DIM ≤7 and diagnosed with metritis within 10 DIM (LateHp); (3) cows suffering from persistently elevated Hp concentrations while remaining apparently healthy during the first 21 DIM (PersistentHp); and (4) apparently healthy cows (LowHp). Plasma samples collected on DIM 1 to 5 and 7 were pooled into 3 time points (DIM 1-2, 3-4, and 5, 7) and submitted for lipidomics analysis to compare their oxylipin profile. We detected 32 oxylipins, and our results revealed differences in the oxylipin profile of cows with time-varying differences in peak plasma Hp concentrations. Figure created with BioRender.com.
Clinical Risk Predication for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Swin Transformer

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a common malignancy, remains a major health challenge worldwide. In order to accurately assess the severity of HCC patients and guide treatment choices, the BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) staging system has become an important classification tool. However, traditional BCLC staging mainly relies on physicians’ subjective judgement and imaging characterisation, which may be subjective and inconsistent. This study categorizes the very early, early, and intermediate stages in the traditional BCLC staging system as low-risk categories, while classifying the advanced and end-stage stages as high-risk categories. On this basis, we propose a classification model based on the combination of Swin Transformer model and gradient penalty, where Swin Transformer can effectively extract the features of CT images, and gradient penalty can effectively prevent overfitting and improve the generalisation ability of the model. To evaluate our model, we conducted rigorous experiments on a public dataset. The experimental results show that our proposed model achieves superior performance in the HCC staging task compared to other classification models. In summary, the Swin Transformer-based classification model proposed in this paper provides a new and reliable way to assess the condition and treatment selection of HCC patients, which can provide decision support for physicians.
On the Calibration of a Fast S-transform With Application to AVF Inversion of Anelastic Reflectivity

The S-transform is a time-frequency decomposition technique with a wide range of applications in seismic signal analysis. However it has been under-used due to the high computational cost needed to employ it. In this paper we present a fast, nonredundant S-transform (FST). The ability of the FST to provide high fidelity estimates of reflection seismic amplitudes is tested in this paper. Where the FST cannot provide accurate estimates of amplitudes, we calibrate it by normalizing the unit impulse response of the algorithm. Strongly dispersive reflection coefficients associated with highly absorptive, hydrocarbon charged targets, have been observed in seismic data. A frequency by frequency method (AVF) for determining Q of a highly absorptive target from measurements of the dispersive reflection coefficient has been developed to invert data variations of this kind. In order to implement the AVF technique to invert for Q, it is necessary that we have a method of estimating the local spectrum of the reflection coefficient. We develop a method of implementing AVF inversion by using the calibrated FST to estimate the local spectrum of dispersive reflection coefficients. We test the effectiveness of the FST for estimating the spectrum of reflection coefficients by comparing with the analytic reflection coefficient as calculated by a fast Fourier transform. Using forward modeling to generate synthetic traces containing absorptive reflection coefficients, we observe accurate results of the AVF inversion for a range of Q values.
Vegetation composition and soil nutrients status from polyculture to monoculture

The study was conducted on status of nutrients in three major types of forests namely, broad-leaved, mixed pine and pine forests in Meghalaya, considering altitude and seasonality as variables. The findings revealed that the change in micro-environmental conditions as influenced by attitude and seasonality has marked effect on status and release of nutrients in the soil of representative forest stands at markedly difference. The ambient and soil temperature was sharply greater at high altitude (Upper Shillong) and values were decreased from broad-leaved to pine forests. The soil temperature was lower than air temperature in all cases. The soil temperature at low altitude (Umroi) during postmonsoon season was higher than pre-monsoon season; however, on the contrary, it was higher during pre-monsoon season in other cases. The light interception decreased from broad-leaved to pine forests, and greater values were recorded at high altitude. The light interception and temperature played a key role in determining relative humidity, and as a result more relative humidity was recorded at high altitude and the values were decreased from broad-leaved to pine forests. The litter thickness and litter accumulation on forest floor at high altitude was about two fold greater than representative forest at low altitude. The values were higher during post-monsoon season, except that more litter thickness was noticed during pre-monsoon season at high altitude; this could be linked with high litter production and low rate of litter decomposition. Soil moisture content was always higher in top-soil, and post-monsoon season showed greater values. Soil pH ranged from 4.6 to 5.8 in top-soil, and from 4.8 to 6.3 in sub-soil. High rate of litter decomposition leads to greater soil pH in top-soil during postmonsoon season. The organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus contents were more in top-soil, with exception that the phosphorus content was generally higher in sub-soil during postmonsoon season. The values for soil moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were markedly higher at high altitude with respect to forest types and seasonality. Normally, the nutrient poor soil has high C:N ratio, and on account of this fertility of soil decreased from polyculture to monoculture. The finding reveal that the C:N ratio was increased from broad-leaved to pine forests, and more values were observed in sub-soil. Key words: Altitude, monoculture, nutrient release, polyculture, seasonality, top-soil and sub-soil, vegetation.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery

fistula is extremely rare, with a very low chance of survival. Both the bronchial-and esophageal wall have to be eroded by the expanding aneurysm, prior to rupture of the aortic wall, resulting in simultaneous presentation of both fistulas. To the best of our knowledge this condition has only been described previously in two other cases, Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman suffered from chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. A CT-scan showed two thoracic aneurysms that rapidly progressed in a pending rupture. Open surgery was not deemed opportune, therefore endovascular repair (TEVAR) was performed. Due to a suspected mycotic nature of the aneurysms accompanied by a severely destroyed left lung, she underwent open repair three days after TEVAR. During this operation, an aorto-bronchial-ánd aorto-esophageal fistula were seen and respectively treated by a pneumo-nectomy and direct closure of the esophageal perforation, in addition to an aortic interposition graft. Although her
Diffusive Modeling of Aggradation and Degradation in Artificial Channels

The unsteady flow and solid transport simulation problem in artificial channels is solved using a three-equation model, coupled with a local erosion law. The three equations are the water mass and momentum balance equations, as well as the total solid load balance equation. It is shown that even during severe hydrological events inertial terms can be neglected in the momentum equation without any substantial change in the solution sought. Empirical equilibrium formulas were used to estimate the solid load as a function of the flow variables. Local erosion, due to the scour generated at the jump between two channels connected at different bottom elevations, was estimated adapting a literature formulation. The double order approximation time and space marching scheme, previously proposed for the solution of the unsteady flow problem in the fixed-bed case, is applied to the solution of the new system. The model was validated with both literature and new laboratory experimental data. No parameter calibration was used to fit the computed results to the experimental ones.
Comparison of external dose estimates using different retrospective dosimetry methods in the settlements located near Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract For correct assessment of health risks after low-dose irradiation, calculation of radiation exposure estimates is crucial. To verify the calculated absorbed doses, instrumental methods of retrospective dosimetry are used. We compared calculated and instrumental-based estimates of external absorbed doses in the residents of Dolon, Mostik and Cheremushki villages, Kazakhstan, affected by the first nuclear weapon test performed at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) on August 29, 1949. The ‘instrumental’ doses were retrospectively estimated using the Luminescence Retrospective Dosimetry (LRD) and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methods. Correlation between the calculated individual cumulative external absorbed whole-body doses based on typical input data and ESR-based individual doses in the same people was strong (r = 0.782). It was even stronger between the calculated doses based on individual questionnaires’ input data and the ESR-based doses (r = 0.940). Application of the LRD method is useful for validation of the calculated settlement-average cumulated external absorbed dose to air. Reconstruction of external exposure can be supplemented with the data from later measurements of soil contamination with long-lived radionuclides, such as, 137Cs. Our results show the reliability of the calculational method used for the retrospective assessment of individual external doses.
General practitioners’ role in safeguarding patients with dementia in their use of dietary supplements. A qualitative study

Abstract Objective The use of dietary supplements (DS) may cause harm through direct and indirect effects. Patients with dementia may be particularly vulnerable. This study aims to explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences with DS use by these patients, the GPs perceived responsibilities, obstacles in taking on this responsibility, their attitudes toward DS, and suggestions for improvements to safeguard the use of DS in this patient group. Design Qualitative individual interview study conducted February - December 2019. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Setting Primary healthcare clinics in Norway. Subjects Fourteen Norwegian GPs. Findings None of the informants were dismissive of patients using DS. They were aware of the possible direct risks and had observed them in patients. Most GPs showed little awareness of potential indirect risks to patients with dementia who use DS. They acknowledged the need for caretaking of these patients. Although there were differences in practice styles, most of the GPs wished to help their patients safeguarding DS use but found it difficult due to the lack of quality assurance of product information. Furthermore, there were no effective ways for the GPs to document DS use in the patients’ records. Several suggestions for improvement were given by the GPs, such as increased attention from GPs, inclusion of DS in the prescription software, and stricter regulatory systems for DS from the authorities. Conclusion The GPs had initially little awareness of this safety risk, but there were differences in practice style and attitudes towards DS. The GPs did not perceive themselves as main responsible for safe use of DS in patient with dementia. The most important reason to disclaim responsibility was lack of information about the products. One suggestion for improvement was better integration of DS in patients’ medical record.
Magnetic flux leakage defect size estimation method based on physics-informed neural network

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is a magnetic method of non-destructive testing for in-pipe defect detection and sizing. Despite the fact that recent developments in machine learning have revolutionized disciplines like MFL defect size estimation, the most current methods for quantifying pipeline defects are primarily data-driven, which may violate the underlying physical knowledge. This paper proposes a physics-informed neural network-based method for MFL defect size estimation. The training process of neural network is guided by the MFL data and the physical constraints that is mathematically represented by the magnetic dipole model. We use synthetic MFL data produced by a virtual MFL testing of pipeline defects to validate the proposed method through a comparison to purely data-driven neural networks and support vector machines. The findings imply that the physics-informed strategy can both improve predictive accuracy and mitigate physical violations in MFL testing, providing us with a better knowledge of how neural networks perform in defect size estimation. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications (Part 2)’.
High-cycle fatigue life prediction of L-PBF AlSi10Mg alloys: a domain knowledge-guided symbolic regression approach

The large scatter in high-cycle fatigue (HCF) life poses significant challenges to safe and reliable in-service assessment of additively manufactured metal components. Previous investigations have indicated that inherent manufacturing defects are a critical factor affecting the fatigue performance of the components, and the HCF life is significantly influenced by the geometric parameters of the critical defects inducing crack nucleation. Therefore, it is highly important to elucidate the correlation of the HCF life with the geometric parameters of critical defects. This study proposes a new fatigue life prediction model for laser additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloys by including the combined effects of loading stress and defect geometries (size, location and morphology) in terms of domain knowledge-guided symbolic regression (SR). Domain knowledge is extracted from the semi-empirical Murakami, Z-parameter and X-parameter fatigue life models to establish the variable subtrees. The results show that compared with these semi-empirical models, the domain knowledge integration-based SR model has higher prediction accuracy and generalization ability. Moreover, compared with traditional ‘black box’ machine learning models, SR excels at balancing prediction accuracy and model interpretability, which provides useful insights into the relationship between fatigue life and defect geometries. This article is part of the theme issue 'Physics-informed machine learning and its structural integrity applications (Part 2)'.
Comprehensive Diabetes Assessment Instrument for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Aims: There is a paucity of efficient processes for collecting information in a primary care setting to connect patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes to valuable resources. The objective of this research project was to develop a Comprehensive Diabetes Assessment (CDA) instrument which could be used to assess patients’ barriers to best outcomes. Methods: We reviewed published literature and online compilations for validated tools assessing threats to optimal diabetes self-management. We conducted focus groups with patients, clinicians, and service providers who provided feedback on the tools’ appropriateness and feasibility. We aggregated the favored tools and did cognitive testing with patients to assess understanding and affective response to the instrument. Results: Five focus groups involved varied stakeholders in Baltimore, MD and Honolulu, HI. We presented 2 tools assessing knowledge barriers, 3 tools assessing psychological barriers, 4 tools assessing literacy, and 1 numeracy. The final instrument included 6 multi-part items and takes 3 minutes to complete. Cognitive interviewing with 8 patients in Baltimore and 8 in Hawaii confirmed that the instrument is understandable, quick to complete, and is acceptable to patients. Conclusions: Because of the complexity of self-management of diabetes, we suggest that this CDA instrument, plus a social needs assessment, should be administered at least annually and at times of clinical deterioration. We anticipate the instrument will be proven valuable in connecting patients to services from which they will benefit.
Association Between Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

Background: The relationship between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains controversial. Objective: This nationwide population-based cohort study investigated the association between MHT and PD development. Methods: Data from the National Health Insurance System of South Korea from 2007 to 2020 were used. The MHT group included women who underwent MHT for the first time between 2011–2014, while the non-MHT group included women who visited a healthcare provider for menopause during the same period but never received hormonal therapy. We used propensity score matching (1 : 1) to adjust for potential confounders, and Cox regression models to assess the association between MHT and PD. Results: We selected 303,260 female participants (n = 151,630 per MHT and non-MHT groups). The median age of the participants was 50 (48–54) years, and the follow-up period lasted 7.9 (6.9–8.9) years. Cox regression analysis revealed an increased risk of PD with MHT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.377, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.184–1.602), particularly with tibolone (HR 1.554, 95% CI 1.297–1.861) and estrogen alone (HR 1.465, 95% CI 1.054–2.036). Tibolone and estrogen alone were linked to PD within three years; however, no association was observed after three years. In contrast, the use of combined estrogen-progesterone was linked to a higher risk of PD, which increased with the duration of MHT (HR 1.885, 95% CI 1.218–2.918 for over five years). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the MHT is closely associated with the risk of PD in a regimen- and duration-specific manner.