bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual Onset of Singultus As A Rare Result of Epidural Steroid Injection at a Varied Vertebral Level: A Case Report
Authors: Mena Shayla , Raj Ashneel , Caldwell William , Kaushal Amit
Published: October 2023

Objective Cervical epidural steroid injections (ESI) can provide effective pain management for patients suffering from chronic neck pain due to degenerative disc disease or various pathological changes of the cervical spine. There are several rare adverse effects reported from interventional pain procedures, including persistent hiccups (singultus). Based on the limited number of cases with this adverse outcome, we propose a treatment algorithm for singultus after ESI (Fig. 3).Case Report: While rare, singultus has been documented as an adverse effect of various interventional pain procedures, including epidural steroid, facet joint, and sacroiliac joint injections. We describe the case of a general contractor who presented to clinic with chronic neck pain and central canal stenosis. The patient received an uncomplicated lumbar epidural steroid injection in the past and was recommended for an interlaminar cervical ESI. After an uneventful C6-C7 ESI with triamcinolone, 1% lidocaine, and normal saline the patient developed singultus. Baclofen was sent to his pharmacy, but this was unsuccessful at alleviating his hiccups. The patient was subsequently started on chlorpromazine and found relief from his symptomatology.Conclusion Persistent hiccups after ESI or interventional pain procedures can be treated with conservative measures and non-pharmacologic methods, with escalation to therapy with baclofen, gabapentin, pregabalin, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, other antipsychotic or antidopaminergic agents and possible dual or triple therapy if further indicated.
Impact of age-related differences of the nasopharynx and oral cavity on pneumococcal colonisation: An ecological perspective
Authors: Miellet Willem , Mariman Rob , Veldhuizen Janieke van , Badoux Paul , Wijmenga-Monsuur Alienke , Litt David , Bosch Thijs , Miller Elizabeth , Fry Norman , Houten Marianne van , Rots Nynke , Sanders Elisabeth , Trzciński Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

Pneumococcal carriage studies have suggested that pneumococcal colonization in adults is largely limited to the oral cavity and oropharynx. In this study we used total abundance-based β-diversity (dissimilarity) and β-diversity components to characterize age-related differences in pneumococcal serotype composition of respiratory samples. qPCR was applied to detect pneumococcal serotypes in nasopharyngeal samples collected from 946 toddlers and 602 adults, saliva samples collected from a subset of 653 toddlers, and saliva and oropharyngeal samples collected from a subset of 318 adults. Bacterial culture rates from nasopharyngeal samples were used to characterize age-related differences in colonizing bacteria. Dissimilarity in pneumococcal serotype composition was low among saliva and nasopharyngeal samples from children. In contrast, respiratory samples from adults exhibited high serotype dissimilarity, which predominantly consisted of abundance gradients and was associated with reduced nasopharyngeal colonization. Age-related serotype dissimilarity was high among nasopharyngeal samples and relatively low for saliva samples. Reduced nasopharyngeal colonization of pneumococcal serotypes coincided with significantly reduced Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae and increased Staphylococcus aureus nasopharyngeal colonization rates among adults. Findings from this study suggest that the environmental conditions utilized within the upper airways by pneumococcus and other bacteria undergo age-related changes. It may result in a host-driven ecological succession of bacterial species colonizing the nasopharynx and lead to competitive exclusion of pneumococcus from the nasopharynx but not from oral habitat. This explains poor performance of nasopharyngeal samples for pneumococcal carriage among adults and indicates that in adults saliva more accurately resembles the epidemiology of pneumococcal carriage than nasopharyngeal samples.
Two microbes assisting Miscanthus floridulus in remediating multi-metal(loid)s contaminated soil
Authors: Xiao Yunhua , Ma Jingjing , Chen Rui , Xiang Sha , Yang Bo , Chen Liang , Fang Jun , Liu Shuming
Published: October 2023

Miscanthus has good tolerance to muti-metal(loid)s and has received increasing attention in remediated studies of metal(loid)s-contaminated soil. In this study, we explored the synergic effects of Miscanthus floridulus (Lab.) and two plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), TS8 and MR2, affiliated to Enterobacteriaceae on remediation of muti-metal(loid)s contaminated soil. The results exhibited a decrease of metal(loid)s except for copper contents in the soil in bacterial inoculation groups, indicating that MR2 and TS8 could enhance the remediation of metal(loid)s. Moreover, increased fresh/dry weight and height indicated that inoculated bacteria could promote Miscanthus growth. Although the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the content of chlorophyll in the overground tissues showed no significant increase or even decrease, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the underground tissues and soil, as well as the contents of soil nutrients (available K and P), were significantly (p < 0.05) increased to some certain. Bacterial inoculants could also decrease the soil pH. High-throughput sequencing analysis showed that the bacterial inoculant affected the rhizosphere bacterial community and reduced community diversity, but the relative abundance of some PGPB were found to increase. Phylogenetic molecular ecological networks indicated that bacterial inoculants reduced interactions between rhizosphere bacteria and thereby led to a simpler network structure but increased the proportion of positive-correlation links and enhanced the metabiosis and symbiosis of those bacteria. Spearman’s test showed that OTUs affiliated with Enterobacteriaceae and soil nutrients were critical for metal(loid) remediation and Miscanthus growth. The results of this study provide a basis for the synergic remediation of muti-metal(loid)s-contaminated soils by Miscanthus and PGPB and provide a reference for the subsequent regulation of Miscanthus remediation efficiency by the other PGPB or critical bacteria.
Measuring the Impact of DCT Solutions Use on Clinical Trial Enrollment Diversity
Authors: Smith Zachary , Getz Kenneth
Published: October 2023

Background:
Whereas anecdotal reports suggest that the use of decentralized clinical trial (DCT) solutions can improve access, equity and inclusion in, clinical trials there is no quantitative evidence to support such reports.
Methods:
Tufts CSDD conducted this initial study based on data collected from prior research and publicly available data drawn from Clinicaltrials.gov in order to compare and contrast participant diversity in trials which included various DCT solutions. Results:
The results show that the use of DCT solutions is associated with higher levels of racial and ethnic diversity, however the impact is not uniform across all DCT solutions. Specifically, the use of local labs was significantly associated with higher observed diversity in clinical trials, whereas the use of virtual visits and televisits was associated with lower enrollment diversity.
Clinical and epidemiological profile of hemophilia in Cuba based on the National Registry of Congenital Coagulopathies. First report
Authors: González Dunia de la Caridad Castillo , Ferrer Roberto Lardoeyt , Sojo César Valdés , Caraballoso Marta Beatriz García , Caballero Isabel María Osorio , Hernández Tamara Cedré , Durand Alina Pardo , Beyries Lidia Clara Suárez , Álvarez Haron Fernández , Zulueta Anmisadays Galarraga , Jorge Belkis Lázara Rodríguez , Águila Julio Dámaso Fernández , Abrantes Ariel Raúl Aragón , Zubiaurre Ana Margarita Palmero , Matos Gloritza Rodríguez , Toro María Josefa Plá del , Morán Orlando Olivera , Morales Osvaldo Nuñez , Cabrera Yicenia Díaz , Rivero Rogelio Pérez , Vives Yenilet Escalona , Rodríguez Gertrudis Rodríguez , Betancourt Nodalis Querol , Fernández Coralia Cristina Leblanch , Chávez Ángel Miguel Almirall
Published: October 2023

Aims
The objective of the study was the description of the hemophilia in Cuba and to observe the relationship between clinical parameters and inhibitors.
Methods
Cross-sectional study of the clinical characterization of hemophilia in Cuba based on the National Registry of Congenital Coagulopathies.The main variables obtained were place of residence, type of hemophilia, levels of functional activity, age and age at diagnosis, skin color, family history, degree of response to inhibitors.
Results
The total number of subjects included was 496; statistically significant differences were founded showing a lower age for moderate patients compared to severe and mild patients. Mean difference for severe vs moderate patients 7.54 (95%CI 3.14–11.95), p < 0.0001. The number of subjects with inhibitors was 35 (8.5%). There was no statistical significance between age range and the presence of inhibitors, but differences were observed when age was analyzed as continuous variable p < 0.05 (inverse relation between age and inhibitors). For severity, statistical significance was observed in relation to the presence of inhibitors p < 0.05.
Conclusions
Our study showed a high percentage of subjects diagnosed in the first year of life, mainly severe cases, which implies the use of management tools adapted to the needs of patients from the very beginning, as well as continuous monitoring with treatment alternatives according to individual aspects.
A causal relationship between smoking and risk of prostatitis: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Xiao Hong , Ding Yilang , Zhou Huiliang , Tang Songxi
Published: October 2023

Although observational studies have identified an association between smoking and prostatitis, the causal relationship between the two factors remains uncertain. To clarify this association, we used the Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) method. We obtained exposure and outcome data from publicly available databases. To assess the association between smoking and the risk of prostatitis, we employed multiple statistical approaches, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and sample mode. To minimize bias, we conducted Cochran's Q test, generated a funnel plot, utilized MR-Egger analysis, employed the Leave-one-out method, and performed the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test. Based on our TSMR analysis, we found a significant positive correlation between smoking and the risk of prostatitis (OR = 2.26, p-value = 0.019). Furthermore, we observed no heterogeneity in the study as indicated by the Cochran Q-test (p = 0.533 for MR-Egger; p = 0.650 for IVW). Additionally, there was no conclusive evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. Overall, our TSMR analysis provides strong supportive evidence for a causal relationship between smoking and an increased risk of prostatitis. Quitting smoking may reduce the damage caused by smoking to the prostate. This study provides a new mindset for the management of prostatitis.
Study on the microcrystal cellulose and the derived 2D graphene and graphene microcrystal
Authors: Long Si-Yu , Liu Jin-Lei , Zhou Ling-Qiang , Lv Wen-Da , Xian Xue-Quan , Tang Pei-Duo , Du Qi-Shi
Published: October 2023

Microcrystal cellulose (MCC) is a green and sustainable resource that widely exists in various lignocellulose species in percentage 10–30%. The fine powder of MCC is often discarded in industrial productions that use lignocellulose as feedstock. The crystal structure of two types of MCC (sugarcane pith and bamboo pith) and their derived carbon materials are studied, and the key findings are summarized as follows. (1) In the MCC refined from sugarcane pith, there are large amount of cellulose 2D crystal, which can be converted to valuable 2D graphene crystal. (2) In the MCC refined from bamboo pith there are large amount of amorphous microcrystal cellulose, which can be converted to soft and elastic graphene microcrystal (GMC). (3) The 2D cellulose in MCC of sugarcane pith has large surface area and is easily to be degraded to sugars by acid-base hydrolysis reaction, which can be carbonized to Fullerenes-like carbon spheres. (4) The crystal structures of MCC derived carbon materials are strongly impacted by the crystal structures of MCC, and the carbonization reaction of MCC follows “in situ carbonization” and “nearby recombination” mechanism. In general, the results from this study may open a new way for value-added applications of microcrystal cellulose.
Are You Asking GPT-4 Medical Questions Properly? - Prompt Engineering in Consistency and Reliability with Evidence-Based Guidelines for ChatGPT-4: A Pilot Study
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Li , Chen Xi , Deng XiangWen , Wen Hao , You Mingke , Liu Weizhi
Published: October 2023

Background
GPT-4 is a newly developed large language model that has been preliminarily applied in the medical field. However, GPT-4’s relevant theoretical knowledge of computer science has not been effectively transferred to the medical field.
Objective
To explore the application of prompt engineering in GPT-4 and to examine the reliability of GPT-4.
Methods
Different styles of prompts were designed and used to ask GPT-4 questions about agreement with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) osteoarthritis (OA) evidenced-based guidelines. Each question was asked 5 times. We compared the consistency with guidelines across different evidence levels for different prompts and assessed the reliability of different prompts by asking the same question 5 times.
Results
The ROT style had a significant performance for strong recommendations, with a total consistency of 77.5%, and showed steady performance at other levels of evidence compared to other prompts. The reliability of GPT-4 in different prompts was not stable (Fleiss kappa ranged from 0.334 to 0.525, and Kendall’s coefficient ranged from 0.701 to 0.814).
Conclusions
The application of prompt engineering could improve the performance of GPT-4 in medicine. The reliability of GPT-4 in answering medical questions is not clear, and further research is necessary.
Design and initial characterization of fabricated composite scaffold dHPCTM-HPE (decellularized human placental connective tissue matrix - human placental extract)
Authors: C Prathap Ganesh P , Abhaya Mayur , Misra Pallavi , J Meshack Santhosh Kumar , M Guruvigneshwari , B Joel Israel Daniel
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The placenta, a prominent source of scaffolding material, has primarily been utilized in wound care. Enriched with numerous growth factors and extracellular matrix components, it holds the potential to create an exceptionally favorable environment for wound healing. The purpose of this study is to develop a combination product from placenta and evaluate the impact of processing method over bioactive molecules.
Methods
We developed a decellularized human placental connective tissue matrix (dHPCTM) and placental extract (HPE). These were combined in a 1:1 ratio to create a composite product known as dHPCTM-HPE. The fabricated products were obtained through processes involving homogenization, mechanical and chemical treatments, and freeze-drying. To ascertain the retention of structural and bioactive molecules within these products, we conducted quantification tests for amino acids, collagen, glycosamninoglycans, histological evaluation, porosity, and swelling ratio.
Results
The combined product, dHPCTM-HPE, exhibited superior biochemical and mechanical properties when compared to dHPCTM or HPE alone.
Conclusion
This combination shows promise for the treatment of chronic and deeper wounds where a single intervention is less likely to yield optimal results.
Outcomes of Hemodialysis Patients in Public Centres in Abidjan from September 2018 to October 2021: Data from the Renal Registry of Cote D'ivoire
Authors: Diopoh Sery Patrick , Konan Serge Didier , Kanganga Arthur , Ouattara Kolo Claude , Kouadio Marie Dominique , Moudachirou Mohamed Alex , Yao Kouamé Hubert
Published: October 2023

Background : Hemodialysis is the most widely used of renal replacement therapy in developing countries such as Cote d'Ivoire.
Objective : To study the outcome of chronic hemodialysis patients in public centres in Abidjan using data from the Renal Registry of Cote d'Ivoire (2RCI).
Method : This was a prospective analytical cohort study of End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients undergoing iterative hemodialysis in the network of public hemodialysis centres in Abidjan and who had been registered in the 2RCI register by September 2018.
Results : Our study involved 363 cases out of 379 patients registered in the 2RCI registry database in 2018. The mean age of the patients was 47.3±12.1 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.97). In 70.24% of cases, they had no health insurance. The average duration of dialysis for our patients was 6.94 ± 4.1 years, with extremes of 2 and 28 years. This duration was less than 5 years in 44.3% of cases, between 6 and 10 years in 42.9% and more than 10 years in 12.6% of cases. The comorbidities found were hypertension in 95.6% of cases, diabetes in 7.8% and HIV in 4.6%. Anaemia was found in 68% of cases and stroke in 8.6%. During the study period, 161 deaths were observed, representing a mortality rate of 44.35%. Acute lung oedema (29.8%), stroke (6.8%) and other cardiovascular diseases (19.3%) were the main causes of death. In multivariate analysis, factors such as age ≥ 65 years (HR = 3.66; CI 95% =1.55-8.67; p=0.003), "married/coupled" status (HR = 2.02; CI 95% =1.24-3.31; p=0.005) and normal weight at the start of dialysis (OR = 9.59, CI95% = 4.19-21.95; p=0.001) were associated with the risk of death.
Conclusion : Hemodialysis is performed in Abidjan on young patients. The mortality rate after three years of dialysis is very high. Hence the need to pursue the policy of decentralising public centres and optimising access to dialysis in terms of quality and quantity in order to improve patient survival.
Directed acyclic graphs approach in epidemiological research: an example with NHANES II data on the relationship between skin color and heart attack
Authors: Menezes-Júnior Luiz Antônio Alves , Barbosa Bruna Carolina Rafael , Oliveira Wanessa Cecília , Vidigal Mariana Cassemira Aparecida , Parajára Magda do Carmo , Bouzada Deisyane Fumian , Oliveira Taciana
Published: October 2023

Background: Statistical methods are essential in epidemiology research, but they can generate erroneous estimates when selecting variables based only on statistical criteria. The use of directed acyclic graphs (DAG) helps to understand the causal relationships between variables and to avoid biases.
Objective: Compare the estimate of the effect of skin color on heart attack obtained from two data analysis techniques: a stepwise approach based on statistical criteria and a graphical approach based on causal criteria.
Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study using data from the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II). The exposure variable was skin color (black or non-black) and the outcome was heart attack (yes or no). To identify the association between the variables, multivariate logistic regressions were carried out using the stepwise technique and the DAG-based approach. In the stepwise technique, all variables potentially related to the outcome were included in the model and a forward or backward algorithm was used. In the DAG-based approach, different possible causal models were developed between the variables, identifying confounding, mediation, and collision factors. The models were created considering self-rated health as a confounding or collider variable, and the modeling results were verified.
Results: A total of 10.351 adults were evaluated, the majority female (52.1%), aged 20 to 39 years (48.5%), and with non-black skin color (90.4%). The prevalence of heart attack was 3.0%, and 45% rated their health as good, fair or poor. Using different modeling techniques, no association was found between skin color and heart attack (p>0.05), except when self-rated health, a collider variable, was included in the models. In this case, there was an inverse and biased association between the two variables, indicating a collision bias (stepwise-backward-OR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.33-0.70; stepwise-forward-OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.44-0.94).
Conclusion: Skin color was not associated with heart attack when controlling for appropriate confounding factors. However, when adjusting for self-rated health, a colliding variable, there was an inverse and distorted association between the two variables, indicating a collider bias. The DAG-based approach can avoid this bias by correctly identifying confounding factors and colliders.
The first child with mixed invasive pulmonary Mucor and Aspergillus infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Shifu , Yang Shangmin , Ma Jing , Zhang Chunyan , Li Zheng , Wang Mengyuan , Yu Wenwen , Liu Guohua
Published: October 2023

Cases of mixed infections of Mucor and Aspergillus in the lungs of children have not been reported. Here, we successfully treated and reported the first case of pulmonary coinfection with invasive fungal species in a diabetic girl. The patient was initially treated with a voriconazole-based regimen, but the infection only worsened. Subsequently, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture and mNGS were performed, leading to the clear diagnosis of simultaneous pulmonary infection by Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus microsporum. Susceptibility testing revealed the resistance of the fungal strains to voriconazole. Therefore, we employed a combination of AmB liposomes and isaconazole to eradicate fungal infection effectively. This case demonstrates the significance of early and definitive identification of fungal pathogens, determination of effective antifungal medications, and timely administration of properly planned therapeutic regimens. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive review of 10 cases of pulmonary Mucor and Aspergillus mixed infection, summarizing their characteristics and identifying commonalities.
The Effect of Environmental Degradation and Climate on Dust in Khuzestan Province, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Z , Rahimi Dariush , Najafi Mohammad Reza , Zakerinejad R
Published: October 2023

Human activities and climate change have resulted in environmental degradation and increased environmental hazards globally. In Khuzestan province, such hazards have included droughts, heat waves, and dust storms occurring more frequently. To understand the factors contributing to the dust storms, this study evaluated changes in rainfall, air temperature maximum and minimum, and soil temperature (1985–2019), as well as land cover, land surface temperature, and water bodies in 2017(drought) and 2019 (wet year). The findings of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicate a reduction in annual water bodies, spring vegetation, and water bodies in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. The increase in air and land surface temperature accounts for 95% of the variance in dust in the Khuzestan province. Field surveys suggest that various human activities such as hydro dam building, crude oil drilling, extracting crude oil wells in lagoons, changes in farmland use, and water transfer among water basins have intensified the phenomena in the region under study. To manage this critical issue more effectively, it is recommended to review and assess local policies regarding regional ecology and establish cooperative agreements with regional countries such as Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia which all experience similar natural disasters.
Automatic Welding-Robot Programming Based on PPR Models
Authors: Sarivan Ioan-Matei , Madsen Ole , Wæhrens Brian Vejrum
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a novel end-to-end approach for automatic welding-robot programming based on a product-process-resource (PPR) model, for one-of-a-kind manufacturing systems. For welding-robot programming to be possible, in a one-of-a-kind manufacturing system, a large range of information about the product is required e.g., customer requirements, product design features, manufacturing process parameters and resource capability. Traditionally, this information is processed and transferred along the manufacturing organisation’s value chain by using several stand-alone digital systems which require extensive human input and high skill to operate. A PPR model is proposed through this research as a platform for storing and processing the necessary information along the value chain seamlessly. This is achieved through the digital integration of CAD software tools compliant with the ISO 2553:2019 standard, and offline programming systems (OLP) for welding-robots. The PPR model enables the automatic programming of welding robots and drastically reduces human input. The applicability in manufacturing of the theoretical concept is demonstrated through technical implementations tested in laboratory and on the value chain of an engineering-to-order (ETO) industrial partner involved in the metal fabrication industry. The experiments were conducted by creating several products using the proposed artefact. Experiments show that automatic programming of welding robots can be achieved using PPR models, drastically reduce the human input necessary to obtain a welding-robot program, and drastically reduce the ETO product’s lead time.
Cell fate decision by a morphogen-transcription factor-chromatin modifier axis
Authors: Pei Duanqing , ming jin , Lin Lihui , wu linlin , Fang Shicai , huang tao , Fu Yu , liu dong , zhang wenhui , li chen , yang yongzheng , huang yi , Qin Yue , kuang junqi , huang xingnan , guo liman , Zhang Xiaofei , Liu Jing , Chen Jiekai , Zhao Chengchen , Wang Bo
Published: October 2023

Cell fate decision remains poorly understood at the molecular level. Embryogenesis provides a unique opportunity to analyse molecular details associated cell fate decisions. Works based on model organisms have provided a conceptual framework of genes that specify cell fate control, for example, transcription factors or TFs controlling processes from pluripotency to immunity1. How TFs specify cell fate remains unknown. Here we report that Sall4 relies on NuRD or nucleosome-remodeling and deacetylase complex to interpret BMP4 signal to decide cell fates in a well-controlled system in vitro. While NuRD complex cooperates with SALL4 to convert mouse embryonic fibroblast or MEFs to pluripotency, BMP4 diverts the same process to an alternative fate, PrE or primitive endoderm. Mechanistically, BMP4 signals the dissociation of Sall4 from NuRD physically to establish a gene regulatory network for PrE. Our results provide a conceptual framework to explore the rich landscapes of cell fate choices intrinsic to development in higher organisms involving morphogen-TF-chromatin modifier pathways.
Multi-Decade Land Cover/Land Use Dynamics and Future Predictions for Zambia: 2000 - 2030
Authors: Chisanga Charles Bwalya , Phiri Darius , Mubanga Kabwe Harnadih
Published: October 2023

Accurate and up-to-date information on land use/land cover change (LULCC) is important in land use planning and natural resource management; however, in sub-Saharan Africa, detailed information on LULCC is still lacking. Therefore, this study assessed the dynamics of LULC change (2000–2020) and future projections (2020–2030) for Zambia. The 2000 and 2010 LULC maps were used to simulate the 2020 LULC scenario using Artificial Neural Network (Multi-layer Perception) algorithms in Modules for Land Use Change Evaluation (MOLUSCE) plugin in QGIS 2.18.14. The 2010 and 2020 maps were used to predict the 2030 LULC classes. The reference 2020 and predicted 2020 LULC maps were used to validate the model. The validation between the predicted and observed 2020 LULC map, Kappa (loc) was 0.9869. The ANN-MLP simulated the 2020 LULC patterns successfully as indicated by the high accuracy level of more than 95%. LULC classes were predicted for 2030 using the 2010–2020 calibration period. The expected LULC types for 2030 revealed that built-up area will increase by 447.20 km2 (71.44%), while 327.80 km2 (0.73%) of cropland will be lost relative to 2020 LULC map. Dense forest (0.19%), grassland (0.85%) and bare land (1.37%) will reduce from 2020–2030. However, seasonally flooded, sparse forest, shrub land, wetland and water body will increase marginally. The largest LULC change is from forest into other LULC types. The insights from this study show that ANN-MLP can be used to predict LULCC, and that the generated information can be employed in land use planning at a national scale.
Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise in the Improvement of Selected Cardiometabolic Risk Factors of Prehypertension Young Adults
Authors: Taiwo ABDULKAREEM , Okuneye RAFIU OLAOLUWA , Apalara FATAI AKINOLA
Published: October 2023

The study investigated the efficacy of whole-body vibration exercise in the improvement of selected cardiometabolic risk factors of prehypertension young adults in Lagos State. The pretest-postest experimental research design was adopted for the study. 20 prehypertension young adults were purposively selected as participants for the study. The selected cardiometabolic risk factor variables are systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate. The participants were exposed to 15 minutes of whole-body vibration exercise three times a week for 8 weeks. The pretest measurement was taken before the commencement of the exercise intervention and the posttest measurement was recorded after 8 weeks of exercise intervention. T-test was used to compare the pretest and posttest values of each of the variables measured. Results reveal that there is a significant reduction in the posttest values when compared with the pretest values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate. The T-test analysis result showed that there is a significant difference between the pretest and posttest values for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate. The result suggested that whole-body vibration exercise has the cardiovascular potential of improving systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate of prehypertension young adults.
PerFedNILM: A Practical Personalized Federated Learning-based non-Intrusive Load Monitoring
Authors: Pan Zibin , Wang Haosheng , Li Chi , Wang Haijin , Zhao Junhua
Published: October 2023

Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) is a valuable technique for breaking down overall power consumption into the energy usage of individual appliances. Understanding power usage patterns through NILM plays an important role in reducing energy costs and achieving carbon reduction goals. However, privacy concerns often deter consumers from sharing their electricity consumption data. To address these privacy concerns, Federated Learning (FL) has been introduced in NILM, which enables the training of NILM models while keeping power consumers' data locally. However, FL's reliance on a single global model leads to poor performance on clients with unique power consumption patterns. In response to this challenge, we present a Personalized Federated Learning NILM algorithm (PerFedNILM), a practical personalized FL approach for NILM. PerFedNILM limits the local update bias across clients and trains personalized models for individual clients to improve load monitoring performance. Additionally, it mitigates the negative impact of client dropout, which is a common issue in practice. Our experiments on using real-world energy data demonstrate that PerFedNILM outperforms previous FL-based NILM methods, especially in client dropout scenarios.
Identification of 5236-Year Lunar Calendrical Data Cycle Comprising of 2702-year and 2534-year asymmetric Sub-Cycles in respect of Conjunction Based Pure Lunar Calendar
Authors: Mir Ghulam Nabi , Banday Shoaib
Published: October 2023

The United Nations Periodical ’State Of World Population’, authored by United Nations Population Fund, in its April 2023 issue, has declared World Population having crossed eight (8) Billion figure on November 15, 2022. Muslims, who constitute 24.9 percent of the World Population and, who are currently standing on the threshold of breaching the two(2) Billion mark, find themselves in very embarrassing situations every now & then due to the absence of an accurate, internationally accepted and shariah-compliant pure Lunar Calendar. For Muslims, there is a highly stressed religious obligation to celebrate all Islamic events as per the Islamic Lunar Hijri Calendar dates. This Calendar, also referred to simply as ’the Hijri Calendar’, is a pure lunar calendar, bound to the phases of the moon, unlike the Jewish, the Chinese and the Hindu Luni-Solar arrangements, and the start of month is marked by the physical sighting of young waxing crescent through unaided eyes. This dependence of a pure Islamic Lunar Calendar on actual astronomical observation of a young waxing crescent makes the prediction of the length of months difficult. The prediction rules/ criteria for earliest visibility of new moon were formulated as early as 300 B.C. by the Chinese and the Babylonians, followed by some good follow-up work by the Hindus. Later on, the subject attracted the best of Muslim scientific minds throughout the peak of Islamic Sciences and culminated in the formulation of a no. of prediction rules/ generalizations. However, with the fall of the Golden Muslim Era, these evolving prediction rules were pushed to oblivion for centuries together. It is only during the last century or so, that the quest into the crescent challenge has got rejuvenated and upgradation of existing astronomical criteria for better accuracy as well as formulation of new ones is well and truly underway. This work, involving the study of Lunar Calendrical Data for almost 8 Millennia from 2700 B.H. to 5500 A.H. has established that the Conjunction-Based Pure Lunar Calendrical System operates in continuous Data Cycles of 5236 Years, with an average value of 354.36707 days per year and 29.530589 days per month. The revelations are most probably going to shape-up the formulation of an Islamic Lunar Calendar with International Applicability.
A Privacy Providing Context-based Trust Model for OSN and its Relation to GDPR
Authors: Voloch Nadav , Gal-Oz Nurit , Gudes Ehud
Published: October 2023

Users’ privacy has become a key objective inthe operation of Online Social Networks (OSN), whichinvolves major concerns regarding personal data exposure and processing. It became a demand with the raiseof legislative initiatives such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU that affects mostof the commercial companies, government institutions,and other sectors that process personal data. While thesubject of ensuring privacy in OSN is widely addressedin current research, we focus on challenges related toseveral principles concerning the right to the protectionof personal data, as defined by the GDPR. In previousresearch we have devised a comprehensive Trust-basedModel for Social Networks, that uses Trust, Access Control and Flow Control, to enhance users’ control overtheir data. Users of social networks share data of various contexts, and for a specific user, some contexts aremore sensitive than others. In this paper we use contextdependent trust to build a refined model for controllingpersonal content that aligns with the users’ preferences.We propose a context-based trust model that involvesuser actions, OSN features and OSN activities. It provides a means for revealing the sources of sensitive datadissemination and prevents them from happening. Wevalidate this model by analyzing trust using sentimentanalysis of posts in a real network. The context-basedmodel we present in this paper, addresses the need toestablish an infrastructure for the enforcement of dataprotection rules, concerning users’ privacy in OSN, suchas data minimization and the right-to-be-forgotten. Wealso propose a solution for Digital Rights Management(DRM) to control and manage access to copyrightedmaterial.
Association of Immune-inflammation-based prognostic index with depression: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data
Authors: Li Li , Yin Kailin , Wang Xintong , Zheng Yawei , Wu Minghua , Li Hui , Li Wenlei
Published: October 2023

Background:
Immune-inflammatory mediators might modulate a wide range of immune and inflammatory processes，resulting in an increased risk of depression. The objective of this study was to assess the association between Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) and depression through a population-based retrospective cohort of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2020.
Methods:
The 2005–2020 data of enrolled participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected. Among them, non-pregnant adults with complete data of SII and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) questionnaire were included in the study. The depression was assessed with PHQ9 questionnaire. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to flexibly simulate the association of SII with the incidence of depression. Taking SII as an independent variable and the incidence of depression as a dependent variable, logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between SII and the incidence of depression. We further transformed SII from a continuous variable to a classified variable (tierce) for sensitivity analysis. A series of subgroup analysis were used to explore whether the research results applied to specific people. Where there was evidence of non-linearity, piecewise-linear models with change points were fitted for depression of overall participants and specific populations to quantify associations.
Results:
After screening, a total of 42,133 subjects were finally included in the study. After adjusting for covariates, the RCS analysis indicated that log2-SII was associated with the incidence of depression in a J-shaped curve with a nonlinear relationship, and the inflection point of the curve was log2-SII=8.50 (95%CI: 8.42-8.57). We estimated that log2-SII was in the range of 8.42-8.57, and the incidence of depression was the lowest, with a positive correlation above (P < 0.05) and a negative correlation below (P > 0.05). When log2-SII > 8.50, the incidence of depression increased by 18% (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.10-1.27) with one additional unit of log2-SII. The results of subgroup analysis suggested that the correlation between SII and the incidence of depression was not consistent in different subgroups.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our ﬁndings suggest that SII was significantly associated with depression regardless of the potential confounders in a complicated non-linear manner. Further basic andprospective studies are needed to explore the effect of SII on depression.
Moyamoya Disease Manifesting as Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dystonia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chenxi Yang , Daiquan Gao , Yunzhou Zhang , Junqiu Zhou
Published: October 2023

Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is an uncommon intracranial vasculopathy that typically presents with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Dyskinesia is a rare manifestation of MMD.
Case presentation: We report a patient with MMD presenting with paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonia (PKD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were performed to confirm the diagnosis. Electroencephalogram and cognition assessment were also applied. A MRI of the brain showed infraction. DSA showed stenosis of the bilateral internal carotid and middle cerebral artery with prominent basal collaterals, which was compatible with MMD. We also review the cases of Moyamoya-induced dyskinesia reported previously.
Conclusions: PKD might be a rare manifestation of MMD. MMD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PKD.
The Growth, Geography, and Implications of Trade in Digital Products
Authors: Hidalgo César , Stojkoski Viktor , Koch Philipp , Coll Eva
Published: October 2023

Despite global efforts to harmonize international trade statistics, our understanding about trade in digital products and its implications remains elusive. Here, we study five key aspects of trade in digital products by introducing a novel dataset on the exports and imports of digital products. First, we show that compared to trade in physical goods, the origin of digital products exports is more spatially concentrated. Second, we show that between 2016 and 2021 trade in digital products grew faster than physical trade, at an annualized growth rate of 20% compared to 6% for physical trade. Third, we show that trade in digital products is large enough to partly offset some important trade balance estimates, like the physical trade deficit of the United States. Fourth, we show that countries that have decoupled economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions have larger and faster growing exports in digital product sectors. Finally, we add digital products to measures of economic complexity, showing that digital products tend to rank high in terms of sophistication contributing positively to the complexity of digital exporters. These findings provide a novel lens to understand the impact of the digital sector in the evolving geography of global trade.
The impact of perceived social support and nursing care satisfaction on the level of hope enhancement among cancer patients
Authors: Cal Ayse , Nalbant Guler
Published: October 2023

Objectives This study was carried out to examine the impact of perceived levels of social support and nursing care satisfaction on the level of hope among cancer patients.
Methods The study was carried out using a descriptive research design. The research sample consisted of 250 cancer patients receiving treatment at the radiation oncology clinic of an education and research hospital in the Black Sea region. The data collection instruments included the Demographic Information Form, the Cancer Patient Social Support Scale, the NEWCASTLE Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale, and the Herth Hope Index. Data were reported based on descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis results.
Results It was observed that perceived social support, satisfaction with nursing care, and age explained 23% of the variation in hope levels among cancer patients. The relationship between age and hope was found to be weak and negative. The relationship between hope and social support is moderate, while the relationship between nursing care satisfaction and hope is weak but positive.
Conclusions It can be concluded that hope for the future tends to increase among cancer patients who are relatively younger, have higher levels of social support, and report higher levels of satisfaction with nursing care.
Longitudinal Subcortical Volumes and Neurodevelopment in Extremely Preterm Children Treated Early with Katona Neurohabilitation
Authors: Castro-Chavira Susana A. , Gutiérrez-Hernández Claudia C. , Carrillo-Prado Cristina , Harmony Thalía
Published: October 2023

Preterm birth incidence has increased in recent years and is associated with a rise in long-term neurological and developmental sequelae in children. Because the morbidity and prevalence of developmental deficits increase as the number of weeks of gestation decreases, extremely preterm infants are at greater risk of developing cerebral palsy, severe cognitive impairment, epilepsy, attention/hyperactivity disorders, learning disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. In this study, 15 participants born extremely preterm were followed up from two months until past three years of age. During the first months of postnatal life, the participants received Katona neurohabilitation, which provides vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation through the intensive practice of genetically determined, human-specific elementary movements that present early in life. Subcortical brain volumes from brain magnetic resonance images acquired at the beginning and after the intervention, treatment adherence to Katona neurohabilitation therapy, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were collected. Absolute subcortical volumes increased after treatment, except for pallidum and thalamus. When these subcortical volumes were divided by the total intracranial volume, most volumes decreased, except those for the right amygdala and both hippocampi. The inhibition of subcortical function that results in cortical control and increased connectivity may explain these decreases. The regression analyses showed that after-treatment hippocampal volumes had a discrete predictive value. However, treatment adherence showed a clear association as a predictor of mental and psychomotor neurodevelopment after treatment. Thus, treatment adherence constitutes a relevant factor for the Katona neurohabilitation effectivity.
Precision-guided treatment improves outcomes for children with high-risk cancers
Authors: Ziegler David , Lau Loretta , Khuong-Quang Dong-Anh , Mayoh Chelsea , Wong Marie , Barahona Paulette , Ajuyah Pamela , Senapati Akanksha , Nagabushan Sumanth , Sherstyuk Alexandra , Altekoester Ann-Kristin , Fuentes-Bolanos Noemi , Yeung Veronica , Sullivan Ashleigh , Diamond Yonatan , Omer Natacha , Jessop Sophie , Battaglia Lauren , Zhukova Nataliya , Cui Louise , Lin Angela , Gifford Andrew , Fleuren Emmy , Dalla-Pozza Luciano , Moore Andrew , Khaw Seong_Lin , Eisenstat David , Gottardo Nick , Wood Paul , Tapp Heather , Alvaro Frank , McCowage Geoffrey , Nicholls Wayne , Hansford Jordan , Manoharan Neevika , Kotecha Rishi , Mateos Marion , Lock Richard , Tyrrell Vanessa , Haber Michelle , Trahair Toby , Cowley Mark , Ekert Paul , Marshall Glenn
Published: October 2023

Recent reports have shown that precision medicine can identify new treatment strategies for childhood cancer patients. However, it remains unclear which patients will benefit most from precision-guided treatment (PGT). Here we report 384 consecutive high-risk childhood cancer patients (with an expected cure rate of <30%) who had at least 18 months of follow-up on the ZERO Childhood Cancer Program PRISM trial. A total of 256 (67%) patients received PGT recommendations, of whom 110 (43%) received a recommended treatment. PGT resulted in a 36% objective response rate and improved 2-year progression-free survival compared with standard of care (26% vs. 12%; P=0.049) or targeted agents not guided by molecular findings (26% vs. 5.2%; P=0.003). PGT based on Tier 1 evidence, PGT targeting fusions or commenced prior to disease progression had the greatest clinical benefit. Our data show that PGT informed by comprehensive molecular profiling significantly improves outcomes for children with high-risk cancers.