bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Measured Time Averaged Global and Regional Temperatures Including the Year 2023 and Determination of CO2 Sensitivities
Authors: Timm Wolf
Published: July 2024

As an extension of earlier investigations on the development of global temperature increase in the last 60 years an update is given as the temperatures for 2023 are now available and as a major update of NOAA temperature data is also available. The relationship between global temperature increase and the rise in greenhouse gases (GHG) is assessed by a simple statistical analysis of measured data (based on 20/21-year averaging). A purely empirically derived (transient) relationship for the last 60+ years, covering an interval of roughly 100 ppm CO2 plus equivalent other greenhouse gases, is calculated. Five different global temperature data bases are analyzed, all data sets show a rather strict linear behavior (standard error relative to straight line ~1-2% for twelve 20/21-year-averaged values) of temperature vs. CO2. An average value for this empirical “CO2 sensitivity” of the global temperature is around 0.011 °C/ppm CO2 (temperature including equivalent GHG and other effects). It is shown that this finding is equivalent to a similar linear relationship documented in the AR6 report of the IPPC (temperature vs. cumulative CO2 emissions). There are deviations from linearity when considering only global land and global ocean. The ratio of temperature increase of land to global seems to be higher than indicated in the AR6 report, at least in the last 50 years (more than 1.6). In addition, also “CO2 sensitivities” are calculated for many regions on earth. In the North of Asia/Europe, the temperature increase is even accelerated as a function of CO2.
RL-JSO: A Hybrid Q-Learning and Jellyfish Search Optimizer for Task Scheduling in Smart Homes Using a Fog-Assisted Cloud Architecture
Authors: BHAKHAR RUCHIKA , Chhillar Rajender Singh
Published: July 2024

Smart homes are becoming increasingly complex with the increase in the number of various sensors and connected devices. This complexity introduces challenges in task scheduling that ensures optimal performance and user satisfaction. Traditional cloud-based solutions, widely used for data processing and task scheduling, face limitations in meeting the real-time demands of smart home applications. To address the challenges inherent in smart home environments, fog computing has emerged as an innovative paradigm for optimizing task scheduling. This paper presents a fog-cloud framework for task scheduling in smart home environments. It also introduces a hybrid algorithm which uses Q-learning and jellyfish search optimizer. The proposed framework classifies the users’ tasks based on their sensitivity to latency. Real-time tasks are allotted to the fog layer, which consists of strategically placed fog computing nodes within the smart home environment, while non-real-time tasks are forwarded to the cloud layer for processing. The hybrid algorithm developed by integrating Q-learning and jellyfish search optimizer is dynamic in nature, ensures minimal latency. The simulation study conducted in MATLAB shows the better performance of Reinforcement Learning based Jellyfish search optimizer (RL-JSO) over existing algorithms in terms of execution time, energy consumption, load ratio and resource utilization metrics.
Predicting cognitive decline in prodromal synucleinopathies using clinical markers and machine learning
Authors: Berrada Loubna Mekki , Dehgan Arthur , Postuma Ronald , Harel Yann , Abdelhedi Hamza , Montplaisir Jacques , Jerbi Karim , Gagnon Jean-François
Published: July 2024

Neuroprotective interventions for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are still in their early days. Clinical trials are expected to target idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), their strongest predictor. However, the presentation and progression of symptoms within this population show significant heterogeneity. We used machine learning (ML) to identify the clinical markers that are best at distinguishing iRBD patients (n=156) who developed DLB (n=26) from those who developed PD (n=34) at a mean follow-up of 4.37 years. Our model classified subsequent conversion to DLB versus PD with 0.80 accuracy, with mild cognitive impairment as best predictive feature. Cognitive tests of executive functions and verbal learning also played a major role in classifying other related pathological trajectories. These findings support the use of ML with clinical markers in iRBD, paving the way for a more targeted selection of participants in future neuroprotective trials of synucleinopathies.
Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa enhance soil microbial composition, enzyme activities, and chemical properties in nutrient-deficient small-scale sugarcane plantation soils
Authors: Ngonini Emihle , Magadlela Anathi
Published: July 2024

Vicia sativa and Vicia villosa are nitrogen (N) fixing legumes commonly used as forage and cover crops due to their ability to enhance N fixation, soil N contributions, and enzyme activities in nutrient-deficient soils. Using V. sativa and V. villosa as cover crops can potentially improve nutrient cycling in nutrient-deficient sugarcane plantations owned by small-scale growers (SSGs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study investigated the chemical and biological inputs of V. sativa and V. villosa in nutrient-deficient sugarcane plantation soils. The nutrient concentration, N and phosphorus (P) cycling bacteria, and extracellular enzyme activities of soils collected from five small-scale sugarcane plantations were determined pre-planting and post-V. sativa and V. villosa harvest. Post-V. sativa and V. villosa soils had higher pH levels than pre-planting soils across all plantation soils. The number of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from soils post-V. sativa and V. villosa harvest increased across all plantation soils. The Arthrobacter, Burkholderia and Paraburkholderia Pseudomonas were the most dominant genera isolated from post-harvest soils. The number of P-solubilising bacteria increased, increasing acid phosphatase activities. The findings of this study reveal that V. sativa and V. villosa increase PGPR, pH and enzyme activities in soils, making them sustainable options as cover crops for nutrient-deficient sugarcane plantation soils owned by SSGs.
Stapled vs Manually Sutured Bowel Anastomosis in Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Hermans Thomas , Schevenels Giel , Motmans Steve , Raskin Yannic
Published: July 2024

Background:
Radical cystectomy is the primary treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and certain cases of high-risk non-muscle-invasive disease. Robot-assisted cystectomy techniques (RARC) have emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery, offering enhanced precision. The creation of an effective bowel anastomosis is critical in these procedures, with manually sutured anastomosis being a good and significantly cheaper alternative to the standard stapled anastomosis.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of 92 patients who underwent RARC between March 2021 and November 2023. Bowel anastomosis was performed using either stapled or manually sutured techniques. Outcome parameters included bowel-related complications, operation duration, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, readmissions, and postoperative recovery metrics.
Results:
Of the patients, 59 received manually sutured bowel anastomosis, while 33 received stapled anastomosis. Demographic analysis showed no significant differences between the groups. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications occurred in 25% of patients, predominantly paralytic ileus. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the two techniques. Readmissions were higher in the sutured group, mainly due to non-GI complications. Operation duration and length of stay were similar in both groups.
Conclusion:
This study found comparable outcomes between stapled and manually sutured bowel anastomosis in RARC, with no significant increase in GI complications or in operation duration in manually sutured anastomosis. Considering the substantial financial advantage in favor of manual suturing, this technique could become the new standard.
Using additive manufacturing for craniocervical reconstruction in traditionally challenging cases
Authors: Xue Shilin , Xu Nanfang , Liu Shanshan , Yan Ming , Tian Yinglun , Hung Kanlin , Liu Zhongjun , Wang Shenglin
Published: July 2024

Study Design:
Retrospective case series.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of using 3D printed implants in upper cervical spine and occipitocervical junction surgery.
Methods
C2 primary tumor patients who required axial en bloc resection and other patients who required partial bone decompression using customized 3D printed implants or fixation devices for surgery were included. Evaluate the stability and surgical outcomes of 3D printed implants through perioperative and follow-up period.
Results
Five tumor patients underwent reconstruction using customized 3D printed artificial vertebral bodies, while another five patients with atlantoaxial joint dislocation underwent reduction and decompression using customized 3D printed internal fixation devices. The postoperative imaging results showed that the 3D printed structures had good immediate stability and had no signs of displacement or subsidence. Follow up showed that all five cases of vertebral body reconstruction had achieved fusion. Only one patient died one month after surgery due to infection and respiratory difficulties. Other patients showed excellent improvement in neurological function in follow up.
Conclusions
The use of 3D printed implants in surgery involving the occipitocervical area is a feasible and reliable alternative choice. 3D printed implants can improve the safety and accuracy of surgery, provide good immediate stability, have a low incidence of subsidence, fewer related complications during the follow-up period.
Low-Density Granulocytes Are Increased in Children with Acute Asthma and Associated with Disease Severity
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Li Mingyuan , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Peng , Tang Shuqing
Published: July 2024

Asthma is a worldwide problem. Many studies have found a close relationship between the occurrence and development of asthma and neutrophils. Recently, a subgroup of neutrophils called low-density granulocytes (LDGs) and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 were found to be increased in many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the clinical significance of LDGs and LL-37 in acute asthma attacks in children and their role in the pathogenesis of asthma remain unclear. Therefore, we measured the proportion of LDGs in peripheral blood leukocytes of children with acute asthma attacks and children who were healthy by flow cytometry and analyzed the expression of LL-37 by western blotting and RT-qPCR. To compare the difference in the LDG proportions in children with acute asthma attacks with respect to disease severity, the children were divided into non-severe and severe groups. Our results showed that, compared with the healthy control group, the levels of LDGs and LL-37 in children with acute asthma attacks were increased, and the LDG level was more significant in the severe group than in the non-severe group. The proportion of LDGs was positively correlated with the severity of asthma and neutrophil levels, but not with eosinophil levels. These results indicate that there is excessive activation of neutrophils in acute asthma attacks and heterogeneity in this cell population may be an important mechanism in the occurrence and development of asthma. Thus, LDGs are involved in acute asthma attacks in children and positively influence disease severity, and LL-37 may be an important inflammatory factor.
Cytokine analysis may support new therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated hearing loss.
Authors: muñoz Jose Maria Verdaguer , Sánchez-Martínez Ana , Arnáiz-Canora Nuria , Royuela Ana , López Antonio Sánchez , García Silvia , García-Berrocal José
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
Diagnosing immune-mediated hearing loss is challenging due to diverse clinical presentations and lack of specific markers. This study assesses cytokine levels in these patients to identify potential diagnostic markers and new treatments.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 70 early-stage immune-mediated hearing loss patients was conducted. Inclusion criteria included clinical presentation, immunological work-up alterations, corticosteroid response, and comparison with healthy controls. Serum levels of IFN gamma, IL-1Beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17a, and TNFalfa were measured using a Magnetic Luminex Assay kit.
Results:
The cohort, with an average age of 42.1 years, showed bilateral hearing loss in 30% of cases, predominantly as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (54.2%). Among cytokines analyzed, only IL-10 levels were elevated compared to controls.
Discussion:
Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation due to limited diagnostic markers. Previous studies on cytokine involvement had conflicting results. Elevated IL-10 levels suggest a role in pathogenesis and treatment response, warranting further investigation.
Conclusion:
IL-10 therapy is proposed for corticosteroid non-responders, offering a promising research direction. Identifying diagnostic markers and understanding immune-related causes are crucial for improving outcomes in immune-mediated hearing loss, supporting ongoing research efforts.
Analysis of post-market adverse events of panitumumab: a real-world study base on FAERS database
Authors: He Huocong , Yu Hongyu , Liu Yile , Huang Yang , Pan Jianru , Wang Shaoli
Published: July 2024

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health issue, with metastatic disease posing a considerable challenge despite therapeutic advancements. Panitumumab, an EGFR inhibitor, has been a ray of hope for patients with chemorefractory metastatic CRC. However, understanding the safety profile of panitumumab is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Methods:
This study leveraged the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to scrutinize ADR reports linked to panitumumab from September 27, 2006, to December 31, 2023. Utilizing statistical methods such as Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM), the study conducted a disproportionality analysis to identify potential safety signals.
Results:
The analysis of 5,166 ADR reports revealed a significant association between panitumumab and a spectrum of ADRs. Notable adverse events included skin toxicities, hematologic and lymphatic system disorders, gastrointestinal issues, electrolyte imbalances, and neurological reactions. The study also highlighted the need for close monitoring of serious outcomes like hospitalization, death, and life-threatening conditions.
Conclusion:
The study presents a comprehensive analysis of ADRs associated with panitumumab, emphasizing the necessity for continuous pharmacovigilance and the implementation of strategies to ensure patient safety. The limitations of spontaneous reporting systems are acknowledged, and the call for further research to refine the safety profile of panitumumab is made.
Two types of vidian neurectomy show efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis and vasomotor rhinitis
Authors: Sun Shujuan , Chen AiPing , Shi Li , Wan Yuzhu
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacies of endoscopic vidian neurectomy (VN) and highly selective vidian neurectomy (HSVN) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and vasomotor rhinitis (VMR). All AR and VMR patients were divided into two groups, Group VN and Group HSVN. The efficacy evaluation methods were visual analog scale (VAS), rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ), and medication score. The efficacy evaluations were used to assess patient rhinitis symptoms, quality of life and drug usage. The time points of follow-up period were preoperative, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years post operation. By analyzing pre- and postoperative VAS, medication score and RQLQ score, the results showed that rhinitis symptoms and quality of life in both VN and HSVN groups were significantly improved at 3 years, and the rate of improvement decreased gradually with time. Post operation, there were no significant differences in VAS and medication scores between the VN and HSVN groups. With respect to RQLQ, postoperative 2 years and 3 years improvements in sleep disorders, non-nasal symptoms and eye symptoms were significantly greater in the HSVN group than in the VN group. Improvements in rhinitis symptoms and quality of life in AR and VMR were sustained by VN and HSVN until 3 years post operation, with greater quality of life improvements in the HSVN group.
Hypomagnesemia is a Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Acutely Ill, Hospitalized Elderly Patients. A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 6,428 Patients.
Authors: Sela Omer , Dumanis Guy , Klaiman Eddie , Warschavsky Dor , Haim Sapir , Elnatan Shaked , Itzhak Daniella , Halperin Yoav , Segal Gad , Vaisman Adva
Published: July 2024

Background. Hypomagnesemia, known to be associated with physiologic stress and states of inflammation, is also known to be common in acutely ill, hospitalized patients. The potential association between hypomagnesemia and increased risk for VTE (venous thromboembolism) is not well established.
Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of acutely ill, hospitalized elderly patients in a tertiary medical center.
Results. A cohort of 6,428 elderly hospitalized patients (57.8% males, median age 77 years (IQR 71 - 84)) included 3,007 (46.8%) with hypomagnesemia (Mg < 1.8 mg/dL). Amongst the hypomagnesemia group of patients, the median age was 76 (IQR 70 – 82). There was no significant difference in the rates of background thrombophilia between both study groups (0.4% vs. 0.3%; p = 0.47). Background malignancy more common in the hypomagnesemia group (6.7% vs. 4.3%; p < 0.001). Usage of proton pump inhibitors was more prevalent in the hypomagnesemia group (49.9% vs. 43%; p < 0.001). The occurrence of VTE by 30 days of admission was significantly higher amongst patients with hypomagnesemia (3% vs. 2.1%, OR = 1.45 CI95% 1.06 – 1.99; p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, controlling for age, gender, background malignancy, chronic kidney disease and thrombophilia, hypomagnesemia was still, independently associated with increased occurrence of 30-days VTE [OR = 1.42, CI95% 1.04 – 1.96; P = 0.029].
Conclusions.Amongst hospitalized, acutely ill, elderly patients, hypomagnesemia is independently associated with an increased risk of VTE.
ALOX15 Knockdown Mitigates Hypoxia and Hypobaric-induced Heart Injury and Ferroptosis via p53-SAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Jiayi , Zhang Zhuo , Ge Yunxuan , Chen Junru , Xu Huanhua , Gao Rong , Huang Mingyue , Xiao Chengrong , Zhang Han , Gao Yue , Zhang Boli
Published: July 2024

Acute mountain sickness is one of public health problem caused by hypobaric and hypoxia (HH). More than 100 million people move from plain area to plateau worldwide every year and 10–85% of these individuals suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS), which induces multiple organ damage including heart. However, only scanty mechanism information is available on acute altitude-induced heart injuries. In this study, we sought to investigate the association between hypobaric hypoxia induced heart injury and inflammatory response and ferroptosis process. In this study, rats were subjected to a low-pressure hypoxic chamber to establish hypobaric hypoxia model. H&E staining, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy were conducted to investigate myocardium injury. Flow cytometry and Rat 23-Plex Cytokine chip were analyzed changes of monocyte subtypes and cytokines concentration. RNA-seq and targeted metabolomics method were applied to identified key genes and metabolites. ALOX15-deficient rats were used to elucidate the functional roles of ALOX15 and its metabolites of 12/15-sHETE in HH-induced heart injury. Right ventricular injury accompanied by significant inflammatory damage of rats occured during acute HH exposure, especially in 3 day. Proinflammatory M1 macrophage increased after HH exposure, and classical monocytes subset ( Ly6c+) both increased significantly in blood and bone marrow, but decreased significantly in bone marrow. HH enhance the expression of GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-18, IL-2 ,IL-7, MIP-1αand CCL5 in myocardium. Mechanically, ALOX15 and its metabolites of 12/15-sHETE highly expression in myocardium, which triggered ferroptosis in endothelial cells of heart, and in turn contributed to inflammatory injury of myocardial tissue. In addition, pathway-based screening results show that ALOX15 was upregulated through p53-SAT1 pathway. Conversely, heart specific knockdown of ALOX15 in rat inhibited endothelial cells ferroptosis through ACSL4-LPCAT3 pathways, and reduce the number of monocytes. Likewise, decreased secretion of 12/15s-HETE significantly reduced ROS accumulation in endothelial cells thereby protected the inflammatory injured in myocardium. Together, our results established that ALOX15 and 12/15s-HETE mediated endothelial cells ferroptosis causing myocarditis damage after hypoxia and hypobaric exposure.
Detailed analysis and numerical simulation of MEMS solar cell using closed form method
Authors: Esmaeili Mohammad , Ganji Bahram Azizollah , Vosta Pezhman Kiani
Published: July 2024

Solar cells are electronic devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy. Also, solar cells are known as a clean and renewable energy source. In this paper, for the first time, a new method with closed-form analytical equations is presented for the detailed analysis of a specific solar cell structure based on MEMS (micro-electromechanical system) technology. The proposed method is a comprehensive and complete analytical method, which is applicable and valid for all solar cell structures based on a two-layer cantilever with any piezoelectric. Also, using the proposed analytical method, closed relationships for calculating the open circuit voltage and other important parameters of this type of solar cells based on MEMS technology have been presented. With this proposed method, complex simulation tools will no longer be needed to calculate the open circuit voltage and other important parameters of solar cells with two-layer cantilevers. Also, the proposed closed-form relationships help designers to understand the design compromises and design the two-layer cantilever-based solar cell for their specific and desired conditions. To show the high validity of the proposed method, the simulation results have been compared with the theoretical results. In this comparison, the simulation results and the theoretical results are very close to each other or almost equal. Also, the proposed structure has been numerically simulated using Comsol software.
Electrical activity of osphradial neurons of the greater pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis is modulated by the brominated flame retardant 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2 dibromoethyl) cyclohexane
Authors: Enns Kaesy Lynne , Tomy Gregg T. , Fry W. Mark
Published: July 2024

Objective 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2 dibromoethyl) cyclohexane (TBECH) is a brominated flame retardant used as a chemical additive in commercial and industrial manufacturing to reduce product flammability. TBECH has previously been shown to be an endocrine disruptor of the gonadal and thyroid axes, however, its neurotoxic effects, including effects on electrical excitability of neurons, are understudied. Therefore, we investigated the potential of TBECH to modulate electrical activity of neurons from the chemosensory osphradial organ of Lymnaea stagnalis using a suction electrode and extracellular recording.Results Application of TBECH caused a variable response in osphradial nerve spike activity, whereby some recordings showed increased action potential firing and some showed decreased firing. This resulted no significant change in mean action potential frequency after TBECH treatment compared to control (n = 6 separate experiments). However, using semi-automated spike sorting analysis to identify individual spike types from each recording revealed that the frequency of some spike types increased and some decreased within each nerve recording, and that TBECH caused significant modulation of activity. These findings indicate that TBECH may represent an acutely neurotoxic environmental contaminant that has potential to interfere with neural signaling in animals.
Global coastal reclamation disproportionately erodes biodiversity and blue carbon stocks
Authors: Li Yangfan , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhen , Song Xiao-Peng
Published: July 2024

Global coastal reclamation represents artificial lands gained from the sea, is a common way to meet land requirement for coastal urbanization, posing substantial threats to fragile tidal ecosystems. However, the global pattern of created artificial land and its resultant ecological consequences remain uncertain. Here, we present a global map of coastal reclamation between 1985 and 2020, using satellite imagery and deep learning. We show that coastal reclamation is a widespread phenomenon across 92 coastal countries, appropriating a total area of 16,044 km² over the 35 years, primarily driven by aquaculture (35%) and port development (30%). Coastal reclamation has affected 13% of globally threatened species and resulted in a loss of 128 Tg C in carbon stocks over the 35 years. This study identifies hotspots of human expansion into the ocean and the primary land-use drivers behind this expansion, highlighting its disproportionate impact on biodiversity and carbon stocks pertaining to eco-environmental sustainability.
Climatic constraints on the indirect impacts of urbanization on vegetation growth in China
Authors: Chen Liding , Li Ninglv , Zhao Fangkai , Chen Shanshan , Li Chun , Wang Yiting , Sun Ranhao , Yang Xiaojun
Published: July 2024

Understanding the factors and mechanisms that influence the impact of urbanization on vegetation growth is crucial for climate change mitigation and urban greening initiatives. However, the long-term evolution mechanisms of these impacts, particularly in the context of changing climate and water scarcity, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the long-term indirect impacts of urbanization on vegetation growth across 2,385 county-level cities in China. We found that the trend of vegetation enhancement induced indirectly by urbanization is less pronounced in arid zones compared to humid zones. In addition to the vegetation removal caused by urbanization, the expansion of urban spaces can compensate for vegetation loss by fostering growth, surpassing the effects of economic and population growth. However, in arid zones, the positive impacts and regulation amplitudes of urban spatial expansion on vegetation growth are constrained due to high urban water scarcity. These insights may contribute to a more accurate assessment of carbon gains or losses in urbanized vegetation.
Comparison of 72-hour wearable patch monitoring and 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring for the detection of cardiogenic vertigo
Authors: Kim Hyun Ah , Lee Hyung , Park Hyoung-Seob , Ahn Jinhee , Lee Suk-Min , Choi Seo-Young , Oh Eun Hye , Choi Jae-Hwan , Park Ji-Yun , Choi Kwang-Dong
Published: July 2024

We sought to compare the diagnostic efficacy of a 72-hour wearable electrocardiography (ECG) patch monitoring with a conventional 24-hour Holter monitoring for the detection of cardiogenic vertigo (CV). We conducted a prospective multicenter study that recruited 47 patients suspected of CV in four referral-based university hospitals between November 2019 and April 2022. Patients received simultaneous ambulatory ECG recordings using a 72-hour wearable ECG patch monitoring and a conventional 24-hour Holter monitor. The primary outcome was the detection rate of arrhythmia events during the entire wearing period. The secondary outcomes included device preference and factors affecting CV detection. During the 72-hour monitoring period, there was no significant difference in the overall detection rate of arrhythmia events between the wearable patch and conventional Holter monitoring (21.3% vs.17.0%, p > .001). Most patients (46/47) favored a wearable patch over Holter monitoring. The detection of CV was associated with a lower frequency of vertigo. The effectiveness of wearable ECG patch monitoring was comparable to conventional Holter monitoring in detecting CV. With its extended monitoring capability and patient preference, wearable patch monitoring holds promise as an alternative method for CV diagnosis.
Analysis of the mental сondition of Ukrainians and ways to optimize it during the Ukrainian-Russian war
Authors: Kiro Liudmyla , Klymenko Mykola , Zak Maksym , Ziuzin Viktor , Chernyshov Oleh , Bieliaieva Nadiia , Zhukova Iuliia , Ovechko Anna , Saveliev Andrii
Published: July 2024

Background According to the World Health Organization (WHO), due to the war, a quarter of Ukrainians are at risk of mental disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of war events on the mental state of Ukrainians during 2021–2023 and ways to optimize it. Analysis of the state of mental health of Ukrainians will contribute not only to the reduction of the general level of stress-associated somatic pathology of internal organs, but also help to develop optimal ways for its correction and save budget costs for the treatment of this category of patients. Methods The study is a model of an open prospective cohort study, in which 513 people from the Mykolaiv region participated. According to the existing mental disorder, the patients were divided into 3 groups: 1st group (n = 171) patients with depression, 2nd group (n = 171) patients with anxiety disorders; 3rd group (n = 171) patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Results In 2021, the diagnosis of a major depressive episode without psychotic symptoms was established 1.5 times (χ2 = 0.96, p = 0.003) and 2.3 times less often (χ2 = 2.06, p = 0.013) than in 2022 and 2023; severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms in 2023 and 2022 was registered 2.3 times (χ2 = 3.06, p = 0.011) and 1.9 times more (χ2 = 1.04, p = 0.012) than in 2021. Recurrent depressive disorder was registered 1.8 times more often (χ2 = 1.86, p = 0.01) in 2023 and 1.5 times (χ2 = 2.24, p = 0.04) more in 2022 than in 2021. The number of patients with persistent [affective] mood disorders/dysthymia increased in 3.0 times (χ2 = 1.30, p = 0.04) in 2023 and in 2.4 times (χ2 = 3.06, p = 0.03) compared to 2021. Conclusions The results of the study showed that during the war in Ukraine, the prevalence of mental disorders doubled. This research emphasized that the acceleration of the optimization of the metal state of Ukrainians, which is caused by the destructive impact of the war, is possible only with cooperative cooperation not only at the level of the individual, Ukrainian government, but also with the active support of the international community.
Iteratively refined ChatGPT outperforms clinical mentors in generating high-quality interprofessional education clinical scenarios: a comparative study
Authors: Tian Qingquan , Ren Feng , Zou Bin , Zhou Jingyu , Liu Ganglei , Zheng Yanwen , Zhang Zequn , Wang Shalong
Published: July 2024

Background Interprofessional education (IPE) is crucial for fostering teamwork among healthcare professionals. However, its implementation is hampered by the scarcity of multidisciplinary faculty and scheduling conflicts. In response to these issues, existing AI tools such as ChatGPT have struggled to generate high-quality clinical scenarios independently. This study investigates the efficacy of ChatGPT-4o, an advanced version of the artificial intelligence model ChatGPT, enhanced by novel methodological innovations, to overcome these barriers.Methods This comparative study assessed clinical scenarios generated by ChatGPT using two different strategies—Standard Prompt and Iterative Refinement—against those crafted by clinical mentors. The Iterative Refinement method, inspired by the clinical scenario generation process itself, involves a cyclic process of evaluation and feedback, closely mimicking clinical case discussions among professionals. Scenarios were evaluated for time efficiency and quality, measured through the Interprofessional Quality Score (IQS). Assessments were blinded and involved multidisciplinary experts and students, with statistical analysis performed using independent samples t-tests and χ² tests.Results Scenarios developed using the Iterative Refinement strategy were completed significantly faster than those by clinical mentors and achieved higher or equivalent IQS. Notably, these scenarios matched or surpassed the quality of those created by humans, particularly in areas such as appropriate challenge and student engagement. Conversely, scenarios generated via the Standard Prompt method exhibited lower accuracy and various other deficiencies. Blinded attribution assessments by students further demonstrated that scenarios developed through Iterative Refinement were often indistinguishable from those created by human mentors.Conclusions Employing ChatGPT with iterative refinement and role-playing strategies produces clinical scenarios that, in some areas, surpass those developed by clinical mentors. This approach reduces the need for extensive faculty involvement, highlighting AI's potential to closely align with educational standards and significantly improve IPE, especially in resource-limited settings.
Evaluation of PRDM10 Gene Rearrangement by Immunohistochemical and Molecular Cytogenetic Methods in Pleomorphic Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Aksin Merve , Erdogan Kivilcim Eren , Mirioglu Akif , Toyran Tugba , Gonlusen Gulfiliz
Published: July 2024

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas are aggressive soft tissue tumors that do not exhibit any identifiable histological differentiation. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) occupies a significant place among soft tissue tumors, although less commonly seen benign mimickers like low-grade myxofibrosarcomas (low-grade MFS), superficial CD34-positive fibroblastic tumors (SC34FT), myofibroblastic sarcomas, myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcomas (MIFS) and pleomorphic hyalinizing angiectatic tumors (PHAT) should not be forgotten in the differential diagnosis. In recent years, PRDM10 fusion transcript has been detected in soft tissue tumors with pleomorphic morphology. In our study, we aimed to detect PRDM10 gene rearrangement in soft tissue tumors with pleomorphic morphology using immunohistochemical and molecular cytogenetic methods and to evaluate them with clinicopathological findings. Pleomorphic soft tissue tumors with low mitotic and necrotic scores; which originally diagnosed as UPS, MFS, myofibroblastic sarcoma, and PHAT (totally 33 tumors), were selected. In our study, five tumors showed immunohistochemical positivity with PRDM10; two tumors showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining while three showed only cytoplasmic staining and four tumors had break-apart signals with FISH. We found that two tumors initially diagnosed as low-grade UPS which showed break-apart signals in FISH, may actually be SC34FT considering the clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular cytogenetic findings. The lack of PRDM10 staining in one of these two tumors suggests a low sensitivity of the PRDM10 immunomarker. In conclusion, soft tissue tumors that has PRDM10 gene rearrangement, superficial location, low mitotic activity, no necrosis and CD34 positivity exhibit distinct clinical and prognostic features, suggesting potential overlap with the tumor spectrum of SC34FT.
Experimental study on the performance of solar drying system by using V-corrugated Plate Absorber in the city of Baghdad/Iraq
Authors: Hasan Husam Abdulrasool , Togun Hussein , Abed Azher. M. , Mohammed Hayder I.
Published: July 2024

The use of a V-corrugated plate absorber in a sun drying system (SDS) under the weather in Baghdad is the subject of this study's original investigation. Analysis of the effects of this novel design is the main goal of the research. To investigate temperature fluctuations inside the drying chamber, experimental tests were run. Initial temperatures for the V-shaped and flat plate designs were 47 °C and 43 °C, respectively, at 8:00 am. At 1:00 pm, when the sun's beams are vertically aligned and the solar radiation reaching the glass collector is at its highest, both arrangements experience temperature peaks. The sun's rays' shifting angles caused temperature drops after this peak, which reached minimums of 47 °C and 41 °C for the V-shaped and flat collector configurations, respectively. It's interesting to note that, compared to the flat plate design, the V-corrugated plate absorber continuously maintained higher temperatures throughout the day. Notably, the absorber showed improvements of 11.6 %, 19.2 %, and 14.6 % at the appropriate times. The study also emphasised the enhanced heat transfer efficiency of the V-shaped absorber, which was attributable to its capacity to withstand greater temperature differences between the input and output. Surprisingly, the V-shaped absorber outperformed efficiency values at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm by 73 % and 82 %, respectively, and reached a maximum thermal efficiency of 71% at 1:00 pm. The investigation focused on a significant 29 % performance differential between the two systems at 1:00 pm, when heat extraction is at its best. This finding highlights the effectiveness of the V-corrugated plate absorber in increasing energy efficiency. The study's findings emphasise the creativity and practicality of V-corrugated plate absorbers in enhancing the efficacy of sun drying systems, particularly in adverse weather situations.
Pre-diagnosis and pre-treatment loss to follow-up and associated factors among presumptive tuberculosis patients in Uganda
Authors: Nuwematsiko Rebecca , Kiwanuka Noah , Wafula Solomon T. , Nakafeero Mary , Nakanjako Lydia , Luzze Henry , Turyahabwe Stavia , Sekandi Juliet N. , Atuyambe Lynn , Buregyeya Esther
Published: July 2024

Background
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) of presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients before completing diagnosis (pre-diagnosis LTFU) and before initiating treatment for those diagnosed (pre-treatment LTFU) is a challenge in the realization of the End TB Strategy. We assessed the proportion of pre-diagnosis and pre-treatment LTFU and associated factors among presumptive and diagnosed TB patients in the selected health facilities.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study involving a review of routinely collected data from presumptive, laboratory and TB treatment registers from January 2019 to December 2022. The study was conducted in three general hospitals and one lower-level health center IV in Central Uganda. We defined pre-diagnosis LTFU as failure to complete TB diagnosis within 30 days of being presumed and pre-treatment LTFU as failure to initiate TB treatment within 14 days from being diagnosed. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of factors associated with pre-diagnosis and pre-treatment LTFU.
Results
Of the 13,064 presumptive TB patients, 39.9% were aged 25 to 44 years, and 57.1% were females. Almost a third, 28.3% (3,699/13.064) experienced pre-diagnosis LTFU and 13.7% (163/1187) did not initiate treatment. Pre-diagnosis LTFU was more likely to occur among patients aged 0–14 years (adj PR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.06,1.24), females (adj.PR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12) and those with no record of place of residence (adj. PR = 2.7, 95% CI: 2.54, 2.93). In addition, patients with no record of phone contact were more likely to be LTFU, (adj. PR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.17). Pre-treatment LTFU was also more likely among patients with no record of place of residence (adj PR 7.1, 95% CI: 5.13,9.85) and those with no record of phone contact (adj PR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.63,2.86). Patients presumed from the HIV clinics were 40% less likely to experience pre-treatment LTFU compared to those in the outpatient departments (adj PR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.41,0.88).
Conclusion
High proportions of pre-diagnosis and pre-treatment LTFU were observed in this study. This calls for urgent interventions at these time points in the TB care cascade to be able to realise the End TB Strategy.
Boosting with copula-based components
Authors: Brant Simon Boge , Haff Ingrid Hobæk
Published: July 2024

The authors propose new additive models for binary outcomes, where the com-ponents are copula-based regression models (Noh et al., 2013), and designed suchthat the model may capture potentially complex interaction effects. The modelsdo not require discretisation of continuous covariates, and are therefore suit-able for problems with many such covariates. A fitting algorithm, and efficientprocedures for model selection and evaluation of the components are described.Software is provided in the R-package copulaboost. Simulations and illustrationson data sets indicate that the method’s predictive performance is either betterthan or comparable to the other methods.
A Non-Linear Association of Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Among Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Liang Guoliang , Zhang Wenhao , Gu Xinxin , Zhang Qiong , Liu Ankang , Qing Xinran , Ma Jiangwei
Published: July 2024

Background
Although a few studies have examined the correlation between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and mortality, no study has explored these associations in hypertensive populations. This study aims to investigate the relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in adults with hypertension.
Methods
Hypertensive participants aged ≥ 18 years old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018 with blood lipid testing data and complete follow-up data until December 31, 2019 were enrolled in analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were conducted for the calculation of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve was performed to visually represent the relationship between LDL-C and mortality. Survival analysis of Kaplan-Meier and stratification analysis were also carried out.
Results
We finally analyzed a cohort of 9,635 participants (49.6% male, mean age of 59.4 years). Following a median of 98 months of follow-up, there were 2,283(23.7%) instances of all-cause fatalities, with 758(7.9%) cases attributed to cardiovascular disease. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed lower levels of LDL-C groups had a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality; the LDL-C group's lowest level (< 2.198 mmol/L) still showed a 19.6% increased risk of all-cause mortality (p = 0.0068) in the model that has been completely adjusted. Both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality showed a non-linear association with LDL-C concentration in restricted cubic spline regression analysis.
Conclusions
In individuals with hypertension, LDL-C was linked to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, and we further demonstrated that this relationship was non-linear.
Sand budget failure underlies coastal erosion on the west coast of South Africa
Authors: Woodborne Stephan , Evans Mary , Murray Jennifer , Adam Elhadi , Miller Duncan , Myburgh Albert , Davey Stephen , Cawthra Halyey , Xulu Sifiso
Published: July 2024

Current trends in coastal erosion combined with projected climate change impacts place half of the global sandy beaches at risk of extinction. Approximately 190 million people are likely to experience coastal environmental risks by 2100, and mitigation of the risk related to coastal erosion requires insight into the underlying causes. Here we use a multi-proxy approach to determine the cause of coastal erosion on the west coast of South Africa. Erosion trends were determined using satellite analysis for a storm event in June 2017, and foredune morphology changes were measured using unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry following a storm in September 2023. Significant erosion was driven by intense wave energy over multiple spring tide cycles, resulting in northward sand movement. Climate change is rejected as a cause of the erosion based on optically stimulated luminescence dates that show some of the eroded sediments to be approximately 8 900 years old. Instead, the cause is thought to be the interruption of long-term sand supply. Long-term sand dynamics are seldom considered in coastal erosion vulnerability assessments, and sediment age may be a novel factor in understanding this dynamic.
BET inhibition revealed varying MYC addiction mechanisms independent of gene alterations in aggressive B-cell lymphomas.
Authors: Delrieu Loris , Hamaidia Sieme , Montaut Emilie , Garcia-Sandoval Andrea , Teste Camille , Betton-Fraisse Patricia , Bonnefoix Thierry , Carras Sylvain , Gressin Rémy , Lefebvre Christine , Govin Jérôme , Emadali Anouk
Published: July 2024

Background. MYC-driven lymphomas are a subset of B-cell lymphomas characterized by genetic alterations that dysregulate the expression of the MYC oncogene. When overexpressed, typically through chromosomal translocations, amplifications, or other mechanisms, MYC can drive uncontrolled cell growth and contribute to cancer development. MYC-driven lymphomas are described as aggressive entities which require intensive treatment approaches and can be associated with poor prognosis. In the absence of direct MYC-targeting therapy, epigenetic drugs called BET inhibitors (BETi), were shown to reduce MYC levels by disrupting BRD4-dependent transcription associated with the expression of MYC, as well as other oncogenes. Here, we used BETi as molecular tools to better understand oncogenic dependencies in a panel of cell line models of MYC-driven B-cell lymphoma selected to represent their genetic heterogeneity.
Results. We first showed that, in these models, MYC expression level does not strictly correlate to the presence of gene alterations. Our data also demonstrated that BETi induces similar growth arrest in all lymphoma cell lines independently of MYC mutational status or expression level. In contrast, BETi-induced cell death was only observed in two cell lines presenting the highest level of MYC protein. This suggest that some MYC-driven lymphoma could present a stronger dependency on MYC for their survival which cannot be predicted on the sole basis on their genetics. This hypothesis was confirmed by gene invalidation experiments, which showed that MYC loss recapitulates the effect on BETi treatment on both cell proliferation and survival, confirming MYC oncogene addiction in these specific models. In contrast, the growth arrest observed in cell lines resistant to BETi-induced apoptosis is not mediated through MYC, but rather through alternative pro-proliferative or oncogenic pathways. Gene expression profiling revealed the basal activation of a specific non-canonical Wnt/Hippo pathway in cell death-resistant cell lines that could be targeted in combination therapy to restore BETi cytotoxicity.
Conclusion. This work brings new insights into the complexity of MYC dependencies and unravels a novel targetable oncogenic pathway in aggressive B-cell lymphomas.