bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating responses by ChatGPT to farmers’ questions on irrigated rice cultivation in Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Saito Kazuki
Published: December 2023

The limited number of agricultural extension agents (EAs) in sub-Saharan Africa limits farmers’ access to extension services. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants could potentially aid in providing answers to farmers’ questions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of an AI chatbot assistant (ChatGPT) to provide quality responses to farmers’ questions. We compiled a list of 32 questions related to irrigated rice cultivation from farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Six EAs from the state were randomly selected to answer these questions. Their answers, along with those of ChatGPT, were assessed by four evaluators in terms of quality and local relevancy. Overall, chatbot responses were rated significantly higher quality than EAs’ responses. Chatbot responses received the best score three times as often as the EAs’ (40% vs. 13%). The evaluators preferred chatbot responses to EAs in 78% of cases. The topics for which the chatbot responses received poorer scores than those by EAs included planting time, seed rate, and fertilizer application rate and timing. In conclusion, while the chatbot could offer an alternative source for providing agricultural advisory services to farmers, incorporating site-specific input rate-and-timing agronomic practices into AI assistants is critical for their direct use by farmers.
Coordinating the regulatory dance: how PIP2 modulates TRPC3 activity via TRP helix and S4-S5 linker
Authors: Clarke Amy , Skerjanz Julia , Gsell Matthias , Wiedner Patrick , Groschner Klaus , Stockner Thomas , Tiapko Oleksandra
Published: December 2023

The transient receptor potential canonical type 3 (TRPC3) channel plays a pivotal role in regulating neuronal excitability in the brain via its constitutive activity. The channel is intricately regulated by lipids and has previously been demonstrated to be positively modulated by PIP2. Using molecular dynamics simulations and patch clamp techniques, we reveal that PIP2 predominantly interacts with TRPC3 at the L3 lipid binding site, located at the intersection of pre-S1 and S1 helices. We demonstrate that PIP2 sensing involves a multistep mechanism that propagates from L3 to the pore domain via a salt bridge between the TRP helix and S4-S5 linker. Notably, we find that both stimulated and constitutive TRPC3 activity require PIP2. These structural insights into the function of TRPC3 are invaluable for understanding the role of the TRPC subfamily in health and disease in native tissue.
Potential impacts of Climate change on renewable energy in Egypt
Authors: Hassaan Mahmoud Adel , Abdrabo Mohamed Abdel Karim Aly , Husseain Hadeer Hussein Ahmed , Ghanem Azza Abdallah Abdelhamid , Abdel-Latif Hany
Published: December 2023

The need for renewable energy sources is recently necessitated by attaining sustainability and climate change mitigation. Accordingly, the use of renewable energy sources has be growing rapidly during the last two decades. Yet, the potentials of renewable energy sources are generally influenced by a number of climatic factors that either determine the source of energy such as wind speed in the case of wind power or affect the performance of system such as the reduction in solar PV power production due to temperature increase. This highlights the need for assessing climate change impacts on renewable energy sources in the future to ensure their reliability and sustainability. This paper is intended to assess impacts of climate change on wind and solar potential energy in Egypt by the year 2065 under RCP 8.5 scenario. For this purpose, a GIs-based methodology of three main steps was applied. The results revealed that solar energy potential in Egypt is expected to be a relatively less vulnerable to climate change compared to wind energy. In this respect, it was found that while wind energy potential was estimated to range ± 12%. by the year 2065 under RCP 8.5 scenario, PV modules power is expected to decrease by about 1.3% on average. Such as assessment can assist in developing more sustainable and flexible renewable energy policy in Egypt.
Molecular Characterization of the IDUA Gene: Identification of a Haplotype associated with the p.P533R Mutation in the Maghreb Population
Authors: Chkioua Latifa , Fissi Houda El , Amri Yassine , Saheli Chayma , Bouzid Fadoua , Boudabous Hela , Tbib Neji , Ferchichi Salima , Massoud Taieb , Alif Najat , Laradi Sandrine , Abdennebi Hassen Ben
Published: December 2023

Background: The mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPSI) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) leading to the accumulation of partially degraded dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate.
This 8-years this retrospective study analyzed data from42 MPSI patients.
The aim of this report was to investigate the possible origin of the p.P533R mutation in the Maghrebin population by constructing a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotype around the IDUA gene in order to propose a molecular proof of a founder effect of the MPSI allele.
Patients and Methods: All of the evaluated patients were Morocco (21 patients) and Tunisia (21 patients) with first cousins being the most frequent union. The diagnosis of MPSI patients often involves the combination of urine screening methods, enzyme analysis and DNA molecular analysis. In our study, we performed both sequencing and tetra-primer ARMS PCR assay to identify the common p.P533R mutation. Additionally, Haploview was used to determine the specific haplotype that cosegregates with the p.P533R mutation. Controls were genotyped to ensure that all the SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.
Results: In the present report we confirmed the very strong impact of consanguinity on the expression of MPSI disease. Families of mixed ancestry shared seven common SNP haplotypes, which were observed in Moroccan and Tunisian families, thus indicating that a founder effect was present in the North African population.
Conclusion: The p.P533R missense mutation was identified in each MPSI patient originated from Morocco and Tunisia. Furthermore; the two populations exhibited the same IDUA haplotypes. These results suggest that the common haplotype may extend beyond the North African mixed ancestry population.
The regional rockfall susceptibility of road based on 267 rockfall events in Tai-Hang Mountains, China
Authors: YANG xuanyu , SUN Zhijie , WU Qijin
Published: December 2023

Rockfall disasters are widely developed along highways in Tai-hang Mountains. The rockfall is difficult to predict effectively because of its sudden, which brings great threat to traffic. Therefore, it is of great significance to assess the susceptibility of rockfall areas and the hazard of rockfall. The Tai-hang Mountains highways along the high and steep rock slope were regarded as the object in this paper, 267 rockfall points had been obtained through field investigation from 2020–2022. And the susceptibility of rockfall was conducted according to the topography, geomorphology, lithology, river, and structure. On this basis, the rockfall susceptibility method based on the survey data has been put forward. The tendency of rockfall along the highway in Tai-hang Mountains was conducted by this method. The research results have reference significance for the evaluation of rockfall disasters in mountainous areas, and can provide a basis for rockfall prevention.
From teeth to brain: dental caries causally affects the cortical thickness of the banks of the superior temporal sulcus
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Wang Ziyao , Yu Yajie , Zhao Delu , Shen Zhiyuan , Wei Fulan
Published: December 2023

Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases and causes of tooth loss. Cross-sectional studies observed epidemiological associations between dental caries and brain degeneration disorders, while it is unknown whether dental caries causally affect the cerebral structures. This study tested whether genetically proxied DMFS (the number of decayed, missing, and filled tooth surfaces) causally impacts the brain cortical structure using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods: The summary-level GWAS meta-analysis data from the GLIDE consortium were used for DMFS, including 26,792 participants. ENIGMA (Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta Analysis) consortium GWAS summary data of 51,665 patients were used for brain structure. We estimated the causal effects of DMFS on the surface area (SA) and thickness (TH) of the global cortex and functional cortical regions accessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary estimate, the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), the MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analyses were used to examine the potential horizontal pleiotropy.
Results: Genetically proxied DMFS decreases the TH of the banks of the superior temporal sulcus (BANSSTS) with or without global weighted (weighted, β = -0.0277 mm, 95% CI: -0.0470 mm to -0.0085 mm, P = 0.0047; unweighted, β = -0.0311 mm, 95% CI: -0.0609 mm to -0.0012 mm, P = 0.0412). The causal associations were robust in various sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions: Dental caries causally decrease the cerebral cortical thickness of the BANKSSTS, a cerebral cortical region crucial for language-related functions, and is the most affected brain region in Alzheimer's disease. This investigation provides the first evidence that dental caries causally affects brain structure, proving the existence of teeth-brain axes, and suggesting the cortical thickness of BANKSSTS as a promising diagnostic measurement for dental caries-related brain degeneration.
How many and how much should be punished?: A panoptical approach in analyzing cooperation in Public Goods Games.
Authors: Botta Rocio , Blanco Gerardo , Schaerer Christian E.
Published: December 2023

From the harmonies that govern the behavior of an ant colony to the synchronized flight of a fleet of birds, nature eloquently demonstrates the transformative power of cooperation. It is not merely an idea but a tangible force that drives the pulse of lifeguides survival, and orchestrates the mighty symphony of evolution. Cooperation is, therefore, not a choice but a requirement— a fundamental tenet of our existence — underpinning the evolution of societies and the prevailing of nature over vast odds. Far from mere instruments of coercion, control, and punishment mechanisms are crucial safeguards in our society, nurturing cooperation and upholding justice. They discourage individuals from exploiting social frameworks and sustaining cooperation norms. In the context of a surveillance strategy designed to foster cooperation, a panoptical approach refers to a system in which control is always possible. This method creates a state of constant and deliberate visibility, which ensures that power operates automatically. It minimizes the punishment costs by making the ubiquitous impression of being watched and held accountable, encouraging cooperative conduct.
In a previous paper, we presented a punishment mechanism under panoptic surveillance in which the number of penalized individuals is reduced to an adjustable fraction of the population of free riders from which the sanctioned are randomly selected. The findings imply that by adjusting "how many" free riders are punished, potential sanctions alone can increase population-wide cooperation.
This article builds on that strategy by examining the influence of "how many" free riders are punished and analyzes the impactof "how much" the punitive sanction is severe on encouraging cooperation. We employ a compulsory public goods game model with replicator dynamics to investigate this issue. The findings suggest that long-term sustainable cooperation can be achievedby fine-tuning the compromise between retaliation severity and punishment certainty (the number of sanctioned wrongdoers),i.e., the delicate nuance of mercy and justice.
Oviposition damage and immature stages of Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in fruits of Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae)
Authors: Rojas Jose M. , Cardona-Iral Deisy , Botero-Gómez Diana Vanessa , Jaramillo Jose Miguel , Pérez-Grajales Yuli Alejandra , Osorio-Gómez Mariana , Giraldo-Sánchez Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2023

The big avocado seed weevil Heilipus lauri Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most limiting pests for avocado exports in Latin America due to its quarantine nature. However, many aspects of its behavior and its relationship with the crop are still unknown. The infestation of an avocado backyard orchard at the Catholic University of the East in Antioquia, Colombia, and the removal of plant material allowed the collection of 66 infected fruits to collect biological data on the pest. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between the number of perforations, the larvae found in the seeds and the morphological variables of the fruit. The results of this work suggest that a high proportion of the fruits drilled in the field have the presence of larvae of the pest, and that the weight of the fruits may influence the number of perforations carried out by the females. The instars did not show any relationship with the morphological variables of the fruits, nor with the number of perforations, which means that it is possible to find larvae of different instars regardless of the size of the fruit. These results suggest that drilling allows early detection of the pest and estimation of population densities of the immature stages in the field.
Effect of oxyfluorination of activated carbon on the adsorption of tetracycline from aqueous solutions
Authors: Min Chung Gi , Lim Chaehun , Ha Seongmin , Myeong Seongjae , Lee Young-Seak
Published: December 2023

Oxyfluorination treatment was used to enhance the capacity for adsorption of tetracycline (TC) from aqueous systems by activated carbon (AC). The AC was oxyfluorinated at room temperature for 5 min in a batch reactor, and the ratio of O2 and F2 gas was used as a variable. The oxyfluorination treatment increased the oxygen functional group content on the AC by up to 23.0%. The specific surface area of the oxyfluorinated AC was decreased by up to 31.7%, and the micropore volume was decreased by up to 30.6% due to strong etching by fluorine radicals. AC-O7F3 with a 23.0 at% oxygen group content showed the best TC adsorption performance because the increased number of oxygen functional groups enabled hydrogen bonding. However, the AC-O5F5 sample treated with a high fluorine partial pressure showed poor TC adsorption, which was attributed to the collapse of the pore structure and a decrease in the specific surface area due to perfluorination. Meanwhile, the TC adsorption process showed pseudosecond-order kinetics and a good fit with the Langmuir model.
A novel clinical phenotype was identified in a case of THOC6 mutant fetus
Authors: Fan Jiaqi , Sun Hairui , Jiang Huan , Zhang Siyao , Hao Xiaoyan , Xia Hongmei , He Yihua
Published: December 2023

Beaulieu-Boycott-Innes Syndrome (BBIS) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder genetic disorder caused by mutations in the THOC6 gene. The clinical characteristics caused by mutations in this gene and the range of variants have not yet been extensively described due to the dearth of pertinent clinical studies. Using prenatal cardiac ultrasonography, we discovered a fetus with a congenital double outlet right ventricle of the heart. The fetus as well as its parents were then subjected to a thorough genetic analysis, including whole exome sequencing, to ascertain the underlying genetic etiology. Two compound heterozygous variations for the THOC6 gene (NM_024339.5), neither of which has been reported, (exon12: c.826C>T:p.Q276* and exon3:c.178G>T:p.E60*), were identified by exome sequencing in the pre-documented individuals, and both of them received inheritances from their parents. Both of these factors affect the protein's function by changing the matching codon to a stop codon. We present a case of prenatal fetal THOC6 mutation, extending the mutation spectrum and clinical characteristics of the THOC6 gene, suggesting that the double outlet of the right ventricle of the heart may be a clinical feature caused by the mutation of the gene, and highlighting the importance of prenatal whole-exome sequencing technology in elucidating prenatal diagnosis and prognosis.
Predictors of Cocaine Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Palazón-Llecha Alba , Caparrós Beatriz , Trujols Joan , Duran-Sindreu Santiago , Batlle Francesca , Madre Mercè , Mallorquí-Bagué Núria
Published: December 2023

Background: Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a complex condition in which multiple variables can alter the course of the addiction. Treatment retention rates with current treatment approaches are low. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore predictors of treatment retention and abstinence in CUD.
Methods: This systematic review was performed according the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched three databases—PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science—for randomized clinical trials published in English and Spanish from database inception through April 1, 2023. We selected all studies that met the inclusion criteria (adults aged ≥18, outpatient treatment, CUD as main addiction, and no severe mental illness) to obtain data for a narrative synthesis. After data extraction was completed, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB-2).
Results: A total of 566 studies were screened, and, of those, 32 were included in the synthesis. Younger age, more years of cocaine use, and craving levels were significant predictors of relapse and treatment dropout. Fewer withdrawal symptoms, greater baseline abstinence, greater treatment engagement, and more self-efficacy were all predictors of longer duration of abstinence. The role of impulsivity as a predictor of CUD is unclear due to conflicting data, although the evidence generally suggests that higher impulsivity scores can predict more severe addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and earlier discontinuation of treatment.
Conclusion: The treatment of CUD is complex due to the numerous interconnected variables that can influence treatment outcomes. Consequently, it is important to identify and evaluate the factors that predict abstinence and treatment retention in order to select the most appropriate treatment approach. Finally, this study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Instituto Carlos III (ISCIII) (FIS PI20/00929) and FEDER funds and Fundació Privada Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Pla d’acció social 2020).
Systematic Review registration: This systematic review is registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021271847).
Effect of Body Mass Index and Blood Lipid on peak Growth Hormone Response in Children with Short Stature
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Yuan Gaopin , Chen Tingli
Published: December 2023

Aim: Short stature is a common developmental problem in children. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a common type, and its diagnosis depends on growth hormone stimulation tests. However, there are few studies on the effects of body mass index (BMI) and blood lipid on the peak GH in a growth hormone stimulating test.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 128 children with short stature between October 2018 and October 2022, analyzed the influence of BMI and blood lipid on the peak results of drug stimulation test in children with short stature.
Results: The results showed that peak GH was negatively correlated with BMI and waist circumference. IGF-1 was positively correlated with peak GH. TC, TG, HDLC and LDLC were negatively correlated with peak GH in children with short stature when LH>0.3IU/L, while IGF-BP3 was positively correlated with peak GH in children when LH<0.83IU/L. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that waist circumference, BMI, IGF-1, TC and TG were the influencing factors of peak GH. The growth hormone deficiency (GHD) incidence significantly increased with the elevated BMI SDS. Our study indicated that waist circumference, BMI, IGF-1, TC, and TG are the influencing factors of GH peak, and the correlation of various indicators differs with the different pubertal stages in the clonidine-insulin combined provocation test.
Conclusion: Thus, the influence of waist circumference, BMI, IGF-1, TC, TG and pubertal status should be fully considered when interpretating the provocative test results.
Graft to Vein Fistula with Partial Thrombosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hu Bo , Liao Zhen-Nan , Li Guo-Liang , Wan Zi-Ming
Published: December 2023

Hemodialysis (HD) remains the chosen treatment for patients with kidney failure. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) remains the preferred access over arteriovenous graft (AVG), but AVG is used as crucial alternative access for patients who cannot have an AVF created. AVG complications include infection, aneurysm, thrombosis, steal syndrome, and graft to vein fistula (GVF). GVF can reduce the blood flow to the AVG, leading to frequent thrombosis. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis for two years, whose AVG has a functional iatrogenic fistula occasionally created by cannulation. Partial thrombosis was found in the venous limb of the AVG under sonogram analysis. We finally chose to leave GVF as an alternative HD access without further intervention after careful examination. This new vascular access, formed from GVF and the arterial limb of AVG, maintains patency for more than one year without significant complications. It may change the practice pattern of GVF in the future.
Unraveling the Causal Links and Novel Molecular Classification of Crohn’s Disease in Breast Cancer: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization and Transcriptome Analysis with Prognostic Modeling
Authors: Yu Xin , Yu Yushuai , Huang Xiewei , Jiang ZiRong , Wang Qing , Yu Xiaoqin , Song Chuangui
Published: December 2023

Background
Crohn’s disease (CD), a prominent manifestation of chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, and breast cancer (BC), seemingly disparate in the medical domain, exhibit a shared characteristic. This convergence arises from their involvement in chronic inflammation and immune responses, an aspect that has progressively captivated the attention of investigators but remain controversy.
Methods
We used two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) and transcriptomics to explore the relationship between CD and BC. MR assessed causality of CD on different BC subtypes and reverse causality of BC on CD. We identified CD-related differentially expressed genes and their prognostic impact on BC, and developed a new molecular BC classification based on these key genes.
Results
MR revealed a causal link between CD and increased BC risk, especially in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) patients, but not in ER-negative (ER-) cases. BC showed no causal effect on CD. Transcriptomics pinpointed genes like B4GALNT2 and FGF19 that affected BC prognosis in CD patients. A nomogram based on these genes predicted BC outcomes with high accuracy. BC patients were reclassified into three prognostically distinct subtypes using these genes.
Conclusions
CD is a risk factor for ER + BC but not for ER- BC. BC does not causally affect CD. Our prognostic model and new BC molecular classifications offer insights for personalized treatment strategies.
Using partial resistance and a disease alert system to reduce the number of sprays to control onion downy mildew
Authors: Araújo Edivânio Rodrigues , Resende Renata
Published: December 2023

Downy mildew is a production limiting factor for Brazil's main onion producing region. In the present study we adopted two management strategies (resistant cultivar and disease alert system) with the aim of reducing the number of systemic fungicide sprays, maintaining satisfactory yield levels. By carrying out fungicide sprays only when the alert system indicated a severe risk and using the cultivar “SCS379 Robusta”, it was possible to reduce the number of sprays from 11 (calendar) to 5 (alert system), maintaining statistically similar yields (32.58 ton./ha – calendar; and 30.76 ton/ha – alert system). Furthermore, considering only the value of the fungicide, the production cost was BRL 0.069/Kg – calendar, and BRL 0.033/Kg – alert system. Integrated management, using different control strategies, appears to be a viable alternative to mitigate the damage caused by onion downy mildew.
Heads up for concussion, what do emergency physicians know? A scoping review
Authors: Adam Gowdy , Neil Heron
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Concussion is a common condition, with sources estimating between 1.2% and 6.6% of all ED presentations are related to head injury, and concussion has significant healthcare costs. In April 2023, the UK Government published guidelines for diagnosis and management of concussions in grassroots sport, recommending anyone that has sustained a suspected concussion has a same day review by an appropriate healthcare professional. It is therefore essential that emergency medicine physicians have the required knowledge and use current clinical practice guidelines in managing suspected concussions presenting to their departments. This scoping review aims to review the current literature regarding concussion knowledge, diagnosis and management amongst emergency physicians.
Material and Methods
This scoping review was conducted using the six-step process laid out by Arksey and O’Malley and included 17 papers from 2012 to February 2023, identified by searching 5 online databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar) in February 2023 alongside a hand search of references. Search terms relevant to concussion, emergency medicine and medical education were used.
Results
14 of the 17 papers originated from North America, all studies utilised either an online survey or chart review methodology. 3 papers included an educational intervention. 12 studies looked at all grades of EMPs. 14 of the studies highlighted knowledge gaps amongst EMPs, the 3 that did not specifically mention this were the 3 interventional studies.
Conclusion
EMPs have large knowledge gaps regarding concussion and limited adherence to current guidelines. Efforts should be made at improving these results amongst EMPs. Further research is needed to find the most beneficial and cost-effective approach to improving concussion knowledge of concussion diagnosis and management in EDs, particularly within the UK.
Fabricating Patient-Specific 3D Printed Drill Guides to Treat Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis
Authors: Bell Cameron E. , Feizi Alborz , Roytman Gregory R. , Ramji Alim F. , Tommasini Steven M. , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: December 2023

Background
Femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN), or death of femoral head tissue due to a lack of blood supply, is a leading cause of total hip replacement for non-geriatric patients. Core decompression (CD) is an effective treatment to re-establish blood flow for patients with AVN. Techniques aimed at improving its efficacy are an area of active research. We propose the use of 3D printed drill guides to accurately guide therapeutic devices for CD.
Methods
Using femur sawbones, image processing software, and 3D modeling software, we created a custom-built device with pre-determined drill trajectories and tested the feasibility of the 3D printed drill guides for CD. A fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon used the drill guide to position an 8 ga, 230 mm long decompression device in the three synthetic femurs. CT scans were taken of the sawbones with the drill guide and decompression device. CT scans were processed in the 3D modeling software. Descriptive statistics measuring the angular and needle-tip deviation were compared to the original virtually planned model.
Results
Compared to the original 3D model, the trials had a mean displacement of 1.440±1.03 mm and a mean angle deviation of 1.093±0.749º.
Conclusions
The drill guides were demonstrated to accurately guide the decompression device along its predetermined drill trajectory. Accuracy was assessed by comparing values to literature-reported values and considered AVN lesion size. This study demonstrates the potential use of 3D printing technology to improve the efficacy of CD techniques.
Provision of high-volume low-complexity outpatient care for chronic eye disease in England: what matters to patients
Authors: Ndwandwe Siyabonga , Ramsay Angus IG , Magnusson Josefine , Napier Steve , Fu Dun Jack , Baker Helen , Cammack Jocelyn , Khaw Peng , Sivaprasad Sobha , Jayaram Hari , Foster Paul , Clarke Caroline S
Published: December 2023

Background
The suspension of non-urgent healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing ophthalmology backlogs in England (>1 million appointments), adding to the need for new diagnostic service models to provide quicker and accessible services whilst reducing access-related health inequalities. A community-based diagnostic service was developed by Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, UK, to help clear the backlog for monitoring chronic eye diseases, where tests conducted by trained non-clinical technicians are reviewed remotely by specialist clinicians. This model could set a blueprint for high-volume low-complexity care across the NHS. Previous work has shown that stakeholder engagement and buy-in is key when designing services. This work developed lists of service attributes important to patients when considering routine monitoring for stable eye conditions.
Methods
A longlist of attributes was developed by reviewing literature and preliminary stakeholder interviews with staff and patients. This was reduced to 12 through discussions in the research team including patient and public involvement collaborators, then a convenience sample of stakeholders was surveyed to rank the attributes. Respondents selected important attributes, and were invited to provide suggestions of possible missed attributes, then ranked the six most important from those they had identified. Responses were analysed as weighted and non-weighted rankings.
Results
Thirty-one (n=27 patients, n=4 other) analysable responses were received (33% response rate). Attribute ordering differed slightly between weighted and non-weighted rankings but four attributes consistently ranked in the top six: level of expertise of the person conducting the tests, whether results are well explained, accessibility of venue by public transport, and travel time to venue. Lower priority attributes were: how results are stored and passed on, how long it takes to get results, and colocation of other services.
Conclusions
This study lists important attributes for patients when considering attending routine diagnostic services for monitoring stable chronic eye disease. Consideration of these attributes in service planning could be beneficial to both patients and the NHS, regarding impact of service delivery models on these attributes, and communication and engagement regarding these features with patients and other potential service users.
In-situ noise attenuation effect of urban vegetation landscaping in typical residential communities along the elevated Metro overpass
Authors: Wu Hao , Huang Yan , Li Tianjie
Published: December 2023

Vegetation landscaping around the Metro overpass can impact the noise attenuation effect in surrounding residential areas. Six residential buildings with vegetation landscaping situated along the elevated Metro overpass of Hangzhou Metro Line 9 were chosen to assess their noise levels on sites at the 1st to 5th floors. Quantitative investigation of the vegetation landscaping condition and the noise loudness was conducted in-situ, and the greening conditions of the vegetation were investigated quantitatively, including canopy closure, greening rate, height under the lowest branch of the arbour, number of arbours, and the effective spatial occlusion coefficient (ESOC), etc. The in-situ noise loudness of each measurement site was also determined. A 3-D model of community was also created in Rhinoceros software and imported into Cadna/A software to calculate the simulated noise loudness of the scenario without vegetation. The net noise attenuation coefficient by vegetation (NACV) was calculated to quantify the noise reduction effect by vegetation landscaping. A Python statistical program is applied to perform a linear regression analysis and propose a mathematical model for describing noise attenuation effect. It indicated that the ESOC, canopy closure and the greening rate could jointly explain 71.6% of variations in mean NACV. The influence of factors was found in the following order: distance between the vegetation and the noise source > height of the noise source > greening rate > ESOC. This study reveals the characteristic factors and correlations of noise attenuation and explores the effect of vegetation landscaping on urban noise attenuation.
The role of healthcare workers and caregivers in monitoring critically ill children: a qualitative study in Zomba, Malawi
Authors: Mwale Daniel , Taylor Lucinda Manda , Langton Josephine , Likumbo Alice , Hensbroek Michael Boele van , team IMPALA Study , Calis Job , Janssens Wendy , Pell Christopher
Published: December 2023

Background
Critically ill children require close monitoring to facilitate timely interventions throughout their hospitalization. In low- and middle-income countries, a high disease burden yet scarce paediatric critical care resources complicate effective monitoring. This study describes the monitoring practices for critically ill children and examines factors affecting monitoring in a paediatric high-dependency unit in Malawi.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study based on 21 in-depth interviews with healthcare workers (n = 12) working in the high dependency unit and caregivers of critically ill children (n = 9), and structured observation of monitoring. Interviews were transcribed and translated for thematic content analysis.
Results
The ward layout, power outages, lack of human resources and limited familiarity with the available monitoring devices, affected monitoring of critically ill children admitted to the high dependency unit. Monitoring was mostly performed intermittently, through clinical observations. Healthcare workers prioritized the sickest children for more frequent monitoring using the available devices. Caregivers, who were present throughout admission, were involved informally in flagging possible deterioration to healthcare staff.
Conclusion
Opportunities to improve monitoring of critically ill children in high dependency unit include ongoing training of healthcare workers to effectively allocate and employ the available devices, and/or supporting caregivers to play more formal role in escalation.
Efficient Segmentation of Active and Inactive Plaques in FLAIR-Images Using DeepLabV3Plus SE with EfficientNetB0 Backbone in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Davarani Mahsa Naeeni , Darestani Ali Arian , Cañas Virginia Guillen , Azimi Hossein , Havadaragh Sanaz Heydari , Hashemi Hasan , Harirchian Mohammd Hossein
Published: December 2023

This research paper introduces an efficient approach for the segmentation of active and inactive plaques within FLAIR-images, employing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model known as DeepLabV3Plus SE with the EfficientNetB0 backbone in Multiple sclerosis, and demonstrates its superior performance compared to other CNN architectures. The study encompasses various critical components, including dataset pre-processing techniques, the utilization of the Squeeze and Excitation Network (SE-Block), and the Atrous Spatial Separable Pyramid (ASPP) Block to enhance segmentation capabilities. Detailed descriptions of pre-processing procedures, such as removing the skull's bony portion, image resizing, and normalization, are provided. The training process adopts the dice coefficient as the loss function and utilizes Adam optimization. The study evaluated the model's performance using multiple metrics, including Intersection Over Union (IOU), Dice Score, Precision, Recall, and F1-Score, and offers a comparative analysis with other CNN architectures. Results demonstrate the superior segmentation ability of the proposed model, as evidenced by an IOU of 69.87, Dice Score of 76.24, Precision of 88.89, Recall of 73.52, and F1-Score of 80.47 for the DeepLabV3 + SE_EfficientNetB0 model. This research contributes to the advancement of plaque segmentation in FLAIR images and offers a compelling approach with substantial potential for medical image analysis and diagnosis.
Characterizing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Belly Syndrome in Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Authors: Gu Hannah , Seekins Jayne , Ritter Victor , Halamek Louis , Wall James , Fuerch Janene
Published: December 2023

Objective To reproducibly define CPAP Belly Syndrome (CBS) in preterm infants and describe associated demographic characteristics, mechanical factors, and outcomes.Study Design : A retrospective case-control study was conducted in infants < 32 weeks gestation admitted to the Stanford Children’s NICU from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2021. CBS was radiographically defined by a pediatric radiologist.Results Analysis included 41 infants with CBS and 69 infants without. CBS was associated with younger gestational age (median 27.7 vs 30weeks, p < 0.001) and lower birthweight (median 1.00 vs 1.31kg, p < 0.001). Infants with CBS were more likely receive bilevel respiratory support and higher end expiratory pressure but have similar stooling patterns. Infants with CBS took longer to reach full enteral feeds (median 10 vs 7days, p = 0.003) and more abdominal radiographs.Conclusions Future CBS therapies should target the smallest and youngest infants, focus on preventing air entry from above, and aim to reduce time to full enteral feeds and radiographic exposure.
Visual analysis of the research trend and current situation of the relationship between zinc and stroke in the past 20 years
Authors: Lou Tianwei , Bi Hongyan , Tian Meng
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between stroke and zinc from 2004 to 2023, and visually reveal the research hotspots and future trends in this field.
Method: Using relevant articles from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2004 to 2023 as data sources, CiteSpace was used for visualization and scientific econometric analysis.
Results: A total of 595 papers were included. The countries that contributed the most to this study were USA(227), followed by PEOPLES R CHINA(117), JAPAN(46), SOUTH KOREA(41) and ENGLAND(41).The top three institutions with the highest number of publications are all from the United States, namely Stanford University(25), University of California System (23) and Harvard University(18).The most frequently co-cited journal is PNATL ACAD SCI USA.Chan, Pak H is the most published author, and [ANONYMOUS] is the most cited author.The five largest clusters obtained by keyword cluster analysis are "element status", "oxidative stress", "neuroprotective effect", and "matrix metalloproteinase activity"and" direct role."According to keyword burst analysis, the hot research topics in recent years have been risk, risk factors, stroke, zinc, up regulation, and copper. It indicates that whether zinc deficiency is a risk factor for stroke is of great concern in the near future.
Conclusion: The research in this field has a broad prospect. Developed countries have played a leading role in the research in this field and made great contributions. In recent years, the research efforts of developing countries have also been enhanced. The potential role of zinc in the treatment and prevention of stroke has been noted, which is also the current research hotspot and trend. However, the research in this area has not been conclusive so far, and further research is needed in the future.
Comparison of Three Cytokinins on In vitro Multiplication of Orbea semota, a Conical, Stout-Teethed Succulent
Authors: Rose Kemar , Scantlebury Collin , Williams Marsha , Francis Ryan
Published: December 2023

Background
Orbea semota is a much-branched succulent with erect or procumbent grey-green to dark green stems with dark maroon or dark brown flowers possessing yellow marks at the tips. It is native to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda growing in rocky places and there is great potential for its use as a medicinal plant, as well as, commercial trade and cultivation as an ornamental in Jamaica. The purpose of the study is to select the most effective cytokinin for the shoot proliferation of Orbea semota using stem cuttings.
Results
Medium A (containing 2iP) produced the best results at shoot proliferation than all other media used. The mean lengths of the shoots produced by Medium A (19.0 ± 11.4 mm and 10.5 ± 3.8 mm) were significantly greater than that of the shoots produced by all other media. Significantly larger quantities of shoots were generated using Medium A than all other media (3.4 ± 1.3 and 4.0 ± 1.9).
Conclusions
The present study details an efficient and reproducible protocol for the in vitro shoot multiplication of Orbea semota. This current investigation assured effective establishment, mass multiplication and could offer an in vitro strategy for the ex situ conservation of this succulent that has great potential as a medicinal plant, as well as, commercial cultivation and trade as an ornamental in Jamaica. The results obtained showed that Medium A was the most optimal medium at promoting shoot proliferation. Therefore, of the three cytokinins investigated 2iP produced the best results at stimulating shoot multiplication and growth of Orbea semota.
Faithful AI in Medicine: A Systematic Review with Large Language Models and Beyond
Authors: Xie Qianqian , Schenck Edward J. , Yang He S. , Chen Yong , Peng Yifan , Wang Fei
Published: December 2023

Objective
While artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), offers significant potential for medicine, it raises critical concerns due to the possibility of generating factually incorrect information, leading to potential long-term risks and ethical issues. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the faithfulness problem in existing research on AI in healthcare and medicine, with a focus on the analysis of the causes of unfaithful results, evaluation metrics, and mitigation methods.
Materials and Methods
Using PRISMA methodology, we sourced 5,061 records from five databases (PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Google Scholar) published between January 2018 to March 2023. We removed duplicates and screened records based on exclusion criteria.
Results
With 40 leaving articles, we conducted a systematic review of recent developments aimed at optimizing and evaluating factuality across a variety of generative medical AI approaches. These include knowledge-grounded LLMs, text-to-text generation, multimodality-to-text generation, and automatic medical fact-checking tasks.
Discussion
Current research investigating the factuality problem in medical AI is in its early stages. There are significant challenges related to data resources, backbone models, mitigation methods, and evaluation metrics. Promising opportunities exist for novel faithful medical AI research involving the adaptation of LLMs and prompt engineering.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review highlights the need for further research to address the issues of reliability and factuality in medical AI, serving as both a reference and inspiration for future research into the safe, ethical use of AI in medicine and healthcare.
One-pot preparation of layered double hydroxides-engineered boric acid root and application in wastewater
Authors: Zhang Fengrong , Zhang B. , Zhang K. , Wu L. , Han D.
Published: December 2023

Heavy metals and organic pollutants are prevalent in water bodies, causing great damage to the environment and human beings. Hence, it is urgent to develop a kind of adsorbent with good performance. Anion interlacing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is a promising adsorbent for the sustainable removal of heavy metal ions and dyes from wastewater. Using aluminum chloride, zinc chloride and ammonium borate as raw materials, the LDHs complex (BA-LDHs) of boric acid root intercalation was prepared by one-step hydrothermal method. The BA-LDHs samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and gas physical adsorption analysis (BET). The results showed that borate was successfully intercalated. Adsorption experimental results suggested that BA-LDHs possess a maximum adsorption capacity of 18.7, 57.5, 70.2, 3.12 mg/g for Cd(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI) and Methylene blue (MB) at Cs = 2g/L, respectively. The adsorption experiment conforms to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models and the kinetic adsorption data are well fitted by the pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic equation. The as-prepared BA-LDHs have potential application prospects in the removal of heavy metals and dyes in wastewater. More importantly, it also provides a strategy for preparing selective adsorbents.
Robotic transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach for anterior renal mass nephron-sparing surgery
Authors: Lanzotti Nicholas J. , Felice Michael , Janakiraman Sarang , Lewer Owen , James Christopher , Ellis Jeffrey L. , Rac Goran , Patel Hiten D. , Gupta Gopal N.
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Robotic nephron-sparing surgery is traditionally performed via a transperitoneal (TP) approach. However, the retroperitoneal (RP) approach has gained popularity, particularly for posterolateral renal masses. The RP approach is associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, and shorter length of stay, while preserving oncologic outcomes in selected masses. Here, we aim to assess the feasibility of the RP approach in excising anterior renal masses.
Methods
Patients ≥18 years of age who underwent robotic nephron-sparing surgery for anterior renal masses were retrospectively identified (2008-2022). Baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, and peri-operative data were collected and characterized based on TP vs RP approaches. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson’s chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively.
Results
216 patients were included – 178 (82.4%) underwent TP approach and 38 (17.6%) underwent RP approach. Baseline demographics, preoperative tumor size, and renal nephrometry scores were similar. The RP approach was associated with shorter operative (150 vs 203 min, p<0.001) and warm ischemia time (12 vs 21 min, p<0.001), and less blood loss (20 vs 100 cc, p=0.002) (Table 1). The RP approach was associated with shorter length of stay (1 vs 2 days, p<0.001) and less total complications (5.3% vs 19.1%, p=0.038). Major complication (Clavien-Dindo Grade >3) rates were similar. There was no difference in positive surgical margin rates or pathologic characteristics.
Conclusions
Robotic RP approach for nephron-sparing surgery is feasible for eligible anterior tumors and is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes with preserved negative surgical margin rates.