bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChatGPT Usage and Attitudes are Driven by Perceptions of Usefulness, Ease of Use, Risks, and Psycho-Social Impact: A Study among University Students in the UAE
Authors: Sallam Malik , Elsayed Walid , Al-Shorbagy Muhammad , Barakat Muna , Khatib Sami EL , Ghach Wissam , Alwan Nisreen , Hallit Souheil , Malaeb Diana
Published: February 2024

Background
The use of ChatGPT among university students has gained popularity. The current study aimed to assess the factors driving the attitude and usage of ChatGPT as an example of generative artificial intelligence among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods
This cross-sectional study was based on a previously validated technology acceptance model (TAM)-based survey instrument termed TAME-ChatGPT. The self-administered e-survey was distributed by emails for students enrolled in UAE universities during September–December 2023 using a convenience-based approach. Assessment of the demographic, academic, and TAME-ChatGPT constructs role in ChatGPT attitude and usage was conducted using univariate followed by multivariate analyses.
Results
The final study sample comprised 608 participants, 91.0% of which heard of ChatGPT while 85.4% used ChatGPT before the study. Univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to ChatGPT was associated with the three ChatGPT attitude constructs namely lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores on the attitude to technology/social influence. For the ChatGPT usage, univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to use was associated with being male, Arab in nationality, and lower point grade average as well as the four ChatGPT usage constructs namely higher perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks of use, higher scores on the behavior/cognitive construct and higher scores on the ease of use construct. In multivariate analysis, only TAME-ChatGPT constructs explained the variance in attitude towards ChatGPT (80.8%) and its usage (76.9%).
Conclusions
The findings indicated that ChatGPT usage is commonplace among university students in the UAE. The determinants of use included the perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks, cognitive and behavioral factors, perceived ease of use, while the attitude was determined by lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores for attitude to technology/social influence. These factors should be considered for understanding the motivators for successful adoption of generative AI including ChatGPT in higher education.
Identification of HDAC10 as a candidate oncogene in clear cell renal carcinoma that facilitates tumor proliferation and metastasis.
Authors: Yang Luojia , Wei Qin , Chen Xinran , Yang Yang , Huang Qingbo , Wang Baojun , Ma Xin
Published: February 2024

Background
Clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) seriously threatens people’s health worldwide. Numerous studies have revealed that histone deacetylases (HDACs) affect the cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell differentiation. Nevertheless, the biological function of histone deacetylation modification related genes in the carcinogenesis, progression, and prognosis of ccRCC remains poorly understood.
Method
Bulk transcriptomic data and clinical information of ccRCC patients were obtained from the TCGA database and the Chinese PLA General Hospital. A total of 36 histone deacetylation genes were included in our study. Univariate cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, random forest (RF) analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were employed to identify key genes affecting the prognosis of ccRCC patients. The ‘oncoPredict’ algorithm was utilized for drug-sensitive analysis. GSEA and KEGG enrichment analysis was used to explore the potential biological function. The ssGSEA algorithm was used for tumor immune microenvironment analysis. The expression levels of HDAC10 were validated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). EdU assay, CCK-8 assay, cell transwell migration and invasion assay and colony formation assay were performed to detect the proliferation and invasion ability of ccRCC cells. A nomogram incorporating HDAC10 and clinicopathological characteristics was established to predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients.
Result
Two machine learning algorithms and PPI analysis identified four histone deacetylation genes that have a significant association with the prognosis of ccRCC patients, with HDAC10 being the key gene among them. HDAC10 is highly expressed in ccRCC and its high expression is associated with poor prognosis. Pathway enrichment and the experiments of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, CCK-8 assay, cell transwell migration and invasion assay and colony formation assay detected that HDAC10 may mediated the proliferation and the metastasis of ccRCC. HDAC10 may also be involved in reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ccRCC. A clinically reliable prognostic predictive model was established by incorporating HDAC10 and other clinicopathological characteristics ( https://nomogramhdac10.shinyapps.io/HDAC10_Nomogram/ ).
Conclusion
Our study found the increased expression of HDAC10 was closely associated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. HDAC10 may have a pro-tumorigenic effect on ccRCC and promote the proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC, which may provide new light on targeted therapy for ccRCC.
Benefits and Risks of Antiplatelet Therapy After Bypass Surgery for Moyamoya Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Si Junchen , Kang Xiaokui , Li Zhongchen , Hao Jiheng , Zhang Liyong
Published: February 2024

Background: Bypass surgery is a leading treatment strategy for moyamoya disease. Antiplatelet therapy (APT) has the potential to prevent thrombosis and possibly enhance bypass graft patency. However, the efficacy and safety of APT following bypass surgery remain debatable. This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of APT after bypass surgery.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the impact and associated complications of APT after bypass surgery. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, were searched from their inception to September 1, 2023. The primary outcome was bypass patency.
Results: This meta-analysis included five articles, encompassing 480 patients who underwent APT post-bypass surgery and 423 patients who did not receive APT. Statistical analysis revealed that APT significantly increased bypass vessel patency (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.58; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.51-4.43; P=0.0006), decreased the likelihood of transient cerebral ischemic events (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.32-0.95; P=0.03), and enhanced patient functional outcomes (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.29-2.74; P=0.001). However, no substantial differences were observed in postoperative stroke risk (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.49-1.63; P=0.72), seizures (OR 1.43; 95% CI 0.61-3.37; P=0.41), or cerebral hemorrhage (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.28-1.71; P=0.42) between the two groups.
Conclusions: The current evidence indicates that APT following bypass surgery enhances bypass vessel patency, reduces the risk of transient cerebral ischemic events, and improves functional outcomes in patients. However, it does not decrease the incidence of postoperative stroke and does not elevate the risks of cerebral hemorrhage and seizures.
A Novel Approach for Tweet Similarity in a Context-Aware Fake News Detection Model
Authors: Bezerra Jose Fabio Ribeiro , Kozierkiewicz Adrianna , Pietranik Marcin
Published: February 2024

In this article, we address two problems: the detection of fake news using a multimodal, content, and context-driven approach and the evaluation of short-text messages (in our case, tweets) to compare how similar or different they are. For the first problem, we developed a framework for detecting fake news using a multilayered, multimodal approach consisting of a three-tiered model: the topic layer, the social layer, and the context layer, helping to establish a methodology for detecting fake news. Within the topic layer, one of its tasks is the calculation of how similar two messages are to each other. We developed an improved version of an existing model, adapted it to our framework, and included calculating certain words and their positions as features and a novel embedding method using Cosine Similarity and POS (Parts of Speech) tags. We used the dataset from STSBenchmark and the correlation value to measure the quality of our model and performed a 50-fold evaluation over the validation data. Ultimately, our model has a better correlation value (median 0.673528) than the benchmarked model. Our main contribution is the delivery of a reliable, formal, and adaptable framework for identifying fake news; we also present a means of comparing tweets by their content, utilizing FastText models, cosine similarity, and other measures, making our contribution practical and effective.
Efficacy of medicinal plants and their derived biomolecules against apicomplexan pathogen
Authors: Qulsum Umme , Azad Md Thoufic Anam , Kato Kentaro
Published: February 2024

Background: Many apicomplexan pathogens pose significant threats to humans and domestic animals, with the lack of effective drugs and drug resistance representing major challenges in disease management. To address this, the search for new and potent antimalarial drugs is crucial. Plant-based formulations offer a promising alternative for such drug development. Here, we evaluated the in vitro antiplasmodial activity of nine plant extracts, traditionally used to treat fever-like symptoms in Bangladesh.
Methods: We assessed the antimalarial activity of plant extracts by using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 growth inhibition assay, an invasion assay, and a cytotoxicity assay.
Results: Of the nine plants studied, ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Ficus hispida, Streblus asper, and Boerhavia repens exhibited high antiplasmodial activity, with IC50 values of 9.31, 4.13, 9.63 μg/ml (ethanolic) and 15.58, 6.63, 7.58 μg/ml (methanolic), respectively, and minimal toxicity (cell viability >80%). Clerodendrum viscosum displayed antiplasmodial effects with IC50 values of 42.43 μg/ml (ethanolic) and 27.01 μg/ml (methanolic). Adhatoda vasica, Mussaenda corymbosa, and Amaranthus spinosus ethanolic extracts showed antimalarial effects with IC50 values of 59.59 μg/ml, 57.09 μg/ml, and 64.14 μg/ml, respectively. However, methanolic extracts of Adhatoda vasica and Amaranthus spinosus had IC50 values >100 μg/ml. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Adhatoda vasica, Amaranthus spinosus, Ficus hispida, Streblus asper, and Boerhavia repens significantly reduced parasitemia by inhibiting invasion into erythrocytes.
Conclusions: This study highlights the robust antimalarial activity and low cytotoxicity of leaf extracts of Ficus hispida, Streblus asper, and Boerhavia repens, indicating the presence of antimalarial compounds that warrant further investigation.
Impact of road corridors on soil properties and plant communities in high-elevation fragile ecosystems
Authors: Bao Wenjie , Zhang Wenfu , Dong Jinlong , Yang Xiaodong , xia shangwen , Chen Hui
Published: February 2024

Road construction constitutes a significant disruption to natural ecosystems. Globally, high-elevation regions are among the most fragile and sensitive ecosystems, while systematic information regarding the impact of road construction on soil properties and plant communities in these regions remains scarce. In this study, paired plots were established along the road route from Yunnan Province to Tibet Autonomous Region in Southwest China, with elevation ranging from 2,400 m to 4,900 m. Results revealed the restoration of soil properties post-disturbance had been a multifaceted and long-term progress. Specifically, disturbed plots exhibited a significant increase in soil pH, while soil moisture, TC, TN, TP, NH4-N, and AK suffered substantial loss. Moreover, the strong recovery ability of shrub and herbaceous species was observed in our study, while tree communities were difficult to revert to their original state. Furthermore, the influence of elevation on vegetation restoration also varied depending on plant life forms. In light of these findings, appropriate strategies were proposed to mitigate the negative impacts and promote the ecosystem recovery after road construction in these ecologically fragile regions.
30 Years of Youth System of Care Lessons Learned - A Qualitative Study of Hawaiʻi’s Partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Authors: Okamura Kelsie , Jackson David , Ching Danielle Carreira , Suh Da Eun , Hartsock Tia , Hee Puanani , Shimabukuro Scott
Published: February 2024

Background: The Hawai‘i State Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) has maintained a longstanding partnership with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to enhance capacity and quality of community-based mental health services. The current study explored CAMHD’s history of SAMHSA system of care (SOC) awards and identified common themes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future funding.
Methods: Employing a two-phase qualitative approach, the study first conducted content analysis on seven final project reports, identifying themes and lessons learned based on SOC values and principles. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 11 system leaders in grant projects and SOC award projects within the state. All data from project reports and interview transcripts were independently coded and analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis techniques.
Results: Content validation and interview coding unveiled two content themes, interagency collaboration and youth and family voice, as areas that required long-term and consistent efforts across multiple projects. In addition, two general process themes, connection and continuity, emerged as essential approaches to system improvement work. The first emphasizes the importance of fostering connections in family, community, and culture, as well as within workforce members and child-serving agencies. The second highlights the importance of nurturing continuity throughout the system, from interagency collaboration to individual treatment.
Conclusions: The study provides deeper understanding of system of care evaluations, offering guidance to enhance and innovate youth mental health systems. The findings suggest that aligning state policies with federal guidelines and implementing longer funding mechanisms may alleviate administrative burdens.
Efficacy of soothing cream gel on the range of motion and chronic pain at shoulder and elbow: Protocol of a Double-blinded, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: LO Cho Wing , SUM Kim Wai Raymond , LEUNG Fung Lin Elean , YANG Yijian , CHAN Kam Leung , LAM Koon Kit , LAU Kam Wai , SUM Chi Him , LIN Wai Ling , HO Shing Hin , LIN Zhixiu
Published: February 2024

Background: Upper limb problems are very common, which affects about 4-35% of people worldwide. Among the joints of the upper limbs, the point prevalence of shoulder pain was 7-26% and elbow pain was 11%. Due to the pain symptom, it will affect the range of motion of the joints and even the quality of life of those populations. Nowadays, the treatment for pain symptoms usually includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids. However, the relapse rate and the treatment cost are very high. Therefore, many patients seek non-pharmaceutical therapies or complementary and alternative medicine to relieve the symptoms. To offset this shortcoming, topical treatment is another option for upper limb problems with fewer side effects.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of soothing cream gel (SCG) on the range of motion and chronic pain at the shoulder and elbow.
Methods: Soothing cream gel and placebo gel will be used in this double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The soothing cream gel consists of Vitis Vinifera essence, Melaleuca Viridiflora essential oil, and Eucalyptus Globulus essential oil, and is produced and packed by a manufacturer with a Good Manufacturing Practice certificate. Placebo cream gel is provided by the same manufacturer, it does not contain any active ingredients but will match the appearance, texture and smell as closely as the soothing cream gel. A total of 70 participants who suffer from upper limb problems and fulfil the eligibility criteria will be randomized into the treatment group (soothing cream gel) or the placebo group (placebo gel) for 2 weeks. The range of motion of the upper limb will be measured as the primary outcome; active flexion and abduction will be measured by a goniometer for the shoulder and active flexion and extension will be measured for the elbow. The primary efficacy analyses will be based on the full analysis set (FAS) following the intention-to-treat principle.
Discussion:The study medication used in this trial is an extraction of some botanicals, which have inflammatory and analgesic effects. We expected that the soothing cream gel could refresh the sore and fatigued muscles and improve the participants’ motor ability of the affected upper limb. Besides, we hope to provide evidence of an effective and safe treatment for this prevalent health problem. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 7 June 2023, with the registration ID: NCT05799391.
From Office to Digital Primary Care Services: Analysing Income-Related Inequalities in Utilization
Authors: Wilkens Jens , Thulesius Hans , Ekman Björn
Published: February 2024

The use of digital technologies to deliver primary health care has increased over the past decade. While some technologies have been shown to be effective and efficient, the effects of digital primary care on the policy goal of equality in the use of such types of care have not been studied using large register data. The aim of this study was to analyse how digital contacts differ from officebased visits by income as an indicator of socioeconomic status. Specifically, we estimated differences in primary care utilization across income, factors of contribution to these inequalities, and applied a needs-based standardisation of utilization to estimate differences in equity. We used a purposively built consultation level dataset with 726 000 Swedish adult patients diagnosed with an infection, including clinical and sociodemographic variables. Applying concentration indexes (CI) and graphical illustrations we measured how the two types of services are distributed relative to income. We estimated how much of the inequalities were attributed to different sociodemographic factors by decomposing the concentration indexes. Standardised utilization for sex, age and comorbidity allowed for the estimation of horizontal inequity indexes for both types of services. Utilization by the two types of care showed large income inequalities. Office-based visits were propoor (CI -0.116), meaning lowincome patients utilized relatively more of these services, while digital contacts were prorich (CI 0.205). However, within the patient group who had at least one digital contact, the utilization was also propoor (CI -0,101), although these patients had higher incomes on average. The standardised utilization showed a smaller prorich digital utilization (CI 0.143), although large differences remained. Decomposing the concentration indexes showed that education level and being born in Sweden were strong attributes of prorich digital service utilization. The prorich utilization effects of digital primary care may risk undermining the policy goals of access and utilization to services regardless of socioeconomic status. As digital health technologies continue to expand, policy makers need to be aware of the risk.
Lung Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Abdominal Skin Metastasis – A Case Report with Extensive Literature Review
Authors: Verma Jyoti , Kanakapudi Josephain , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Singh Hemant Kumar , Mithilesh Aramulla
Published: February 2024

Skin metastasis is the spread of malignant cells to the skin from a primary malignancy. It is quite uncommon for skin or cutaneous metastasis of internal malignancies to manifest as an initial presentation. It occurs in about 5.3% of patients with internal malignancies, representing 2% of all skin tumors. Lung Cancer (LC) has the highest incidence and is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Metastasis to the skin should be carefully investigated to rule out a metastatic manifestation of an occult primary site tumor. It mostly occurs late in the course of the disease & indicates a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 65-year-old male presenting with multiple abdominal skin nodules as an initial uncommon presentation of unknown primary along with the review of literature for which we performed a Medline search for articles on cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies including LC, using PubMed, and manual search of pertinent references and textbooks.
Bladder Height to Width Ratio as a surrogate marker for non-physiological storage pressures in children with spinal dysraphism
Authors: Aithal Shrilakshmi , Sinha Arvind , Pathak Manish , Rathod Kirtikumar , Jadhav Avinash , Saxena Rahul , Nayak Shubhalakshmi , Bhaskar S
Published: February 2024

Introduction
: Spinal dysraphism is the most frequent cause of neurogenic bladder. Urodynamic study (UDS) is an important component of the follow up of a child with neurogenic bladder. However, it suffers from a lack of widespread availability and is further hampered by technical difficulties along with difficulty in its interpretation in children. A neurogenic bladder often appears vertically elongated, sparce literature is available regarding objectively defining the bladder shape and the urodynamic parameters in the cohort.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the height to width ratio (HWR) of the bladder on cystogram as a screening tool for identifying “non-physiological” bladder in children with spinal dysraphism. A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate children operated for spinal dysraphism. Cystogram, ultrasonography and UDS evaluation was performed. HWR was calculated by the ratio of the maximum height to the maximum width of the bladder at maximum cystometric capacity. The children were categorised into groups based on maximum detrusor pressure (MDP) into two groups (MDP ≥ 30 cmH2O and MDP < 30 cmH2O). A receiver-operative characteristic curve was constructed to analyse the sensitivity and specificity of HWR in predicting the MDP.
Results
A total of 53 children, operated for spinal dysraphism, met the study criteria. The median age of children was 4 years (IQR – 3-5.5 years). The HWR ratio was compared between the two groups and was significantly higher for the non-physiological pressure bladders than for physiological pressure bladders (median 1.55 vs 1.3, p = 0.001). On evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of HWR for discerning children with non-physiological bladder pressures were 87.5% and 48.28%, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.781 with a cut off value of 1.3.
Discussion
We attempted to objectively evaluate the HWR based on bladder shape. We demonstrated that there was a moderate correlation between the bladder shape and the bladder pressures. A HWR of 1.3 or higher could be considered significant for identifying a non-physiological bladder storage pressure.
Conclusion
The height to width ratio of the bladder on cystogram is a useful tool as a surrogate marker for non-physiological storage pressures in bladders of children with spinal dysraphism.
Preparation of flexible highly conductive polyurethane elastomers with low PEDOT:PSS content based on novel feasible pore collapse strategy for flexible conductor
Authors: Sun Mengxue , Wan Tong , Zhu Xiaohan , Ge Fan , Liang Shubo , Xu Bowen , Ni Kai , Zhang Yingying
Published: February 2024

Meeting the requirements of flexible electronic devices remains a challenge in achieving stable and highly conductive polyurethane composites (CPCs) with minimal loading PEDOT:PSS. In this study, PEDOT:PSS based CPCs were prepared using a novel method involving pore collapse of aerogels. Initially, polyurethane aerogels (PUAs) were synthesized with varying pore sizes ranging from 3.2µm to 9.1µm based on specific formula ratios. Subsequently, solvent evaporation at 120°C caused shrinkage and collapse of the PUAs' pore structure, resulting in the formation of a continuous conductive circuit composed of PEDOT:PSS in polyurethane elastomers (CAPPs). CAPPs containing 1.53 wt% PEDOT:PSS exhibited remarkably high conductivity characteristics (1590 S/m). These CAPPs demonstrated excellent mechanical flexibility as they could withstand stretching, bending, and twisting without significant changes in resistance or affecting LED brightness. Moreover, they proved suitable for use as soft electrodes for electrocardiography (ECG) during exercise to monitor heart rate. This work presents an innovative approach for constructing highly conductive networks through pore collapse of aerogels and obtaining low-loading conductive polymers.
Identification of a novel T cell-related signature to predict prognosis in colorectal cancer via integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiaoming , Wen Rongbo , Wu Jiaqi , Zhou Leqi , Fan Hao , zhang Tianshuai , Li Yiyang , Liu Zixuan , Yu Guanyu , Cao Fuao
Published: February 2024

Background: T cells, the key mediators of tumor destruction, have a considerable impact on tumor prognosis. However, the clinical significance of T cell-associated biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) haven’t been well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of T cell marker genes in CRC and develop a prognostic signature based on these genes.
Methods: Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Bulk RNA-sequencing data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO databases. We firstly conducted a comprehensive analysis of scRNA-seq data to investigate the heterogeneity of various cells in the CRC tumor microenvironment (TME). Then, we performed cell-cell communication analysis and cell trajectory analysis to explore the intercellular interactions and functional changes of T cells. By combing the bulk RNA-seq data, a T-cell related gene signature was eventually constructed and its predictive ability was determined by the Kaplan–Meier (K-M), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in three independent cohorts.
Results: ScRNA-seq data obtained from the GEO database were re-integrated and analyzed, resulting in 23 cell clusters. Distinct cell clusters were annotated using extensively reported cell markers. The CellChat algorithm revealed that tumor cells suppress the cellular function of tumor-infiltrating T cells through the MIF/CD74 pathway. The evolutionary trajectory of tumor-infiltrating T cells was elucidated by the CytoTRACE and monocle2 algorithms. Eventually, a prognostic prediction model based on 5 T cell-related genes was constructed using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data. The validation results from several independent CRC cohorts indicated that the 5 T cell-related genes prognostic model could accurately predict the survival outcomes of CRC patients, providing new evidence for precision treatment in CRC.
Conclusions: Our study not only offers prospects for a better understanding of the cellular heterogeneity of TME, but also provides a useful tool for stratifying patients with different prognoses and facilitating personalized treatment.
Proteomic Profile of Extracellular Vesicles from Plasma and CFS of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Reveals Disease Activity- Associated EAAT2
Authors: D’Ambrosio Antonella , Zamboni Silvia , Camerini Serena , Casella Marialuisa , Sanchez Massimo , Pietraforte Donatella , Vanacore Nicola , Diociauti Marco , Altieri Marta , Piero Vittorio Di , Francia Ada , Pontecorvo Simona , Puthenparampil Marco , Gallo Paolo , Margutti Paola
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives
There is an urgent need to discover blood-based biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS) to better define the underlying biology of relapses and monitor disease progression. The main goal of this study is to search for candidate biomarkers of MS relapses associated with circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), an emerging tool for biomarker discovery.
Methods
EVs, purified from unpaired plasma and CSF samples of RRMS patients by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), underwent qualitative proteomic analysis to discover novel biomarkers associated with MS relapses. The candidate biomarkers of disease activity were detected by comparison approach between plasma- and CSF-EV proteomes associated with relapses. Among them, a selected potential biomarker was evaluated in a cohort of MS patients, using a novel and highly reproducible flow cytometry-based approach in order to detect low abundant EV subsets in a complex body fluid such as plasma.
Results
The proteomic profiles of both SEC-purified plasma EVs (from 6 patients in relapse and 5 patients in remission) and SEC-puirified CSF EVs (from 4 patients in relapse and 3 patients in remission) revealed a set of proteins associated with MS relapses significant enriched in the synaptic transmission pathway. Among common proteins, excitatory amino-acid transporter 2, EAAT2, responsible for the majority of the glutamate uptake in CNS, was worthy of further investigation. By screening plasma samples from 110 MS patients, we found a significant association of plasma EV-carried EAAT2 protein (EV-EAAT2) with MS relapses, regardless of disease-modifying therapies. This finding was confirmed by investigating the presence of EV-EAAT2 in plasma samples collected longitudinally from 10 RRMS patients, during relapse and remission. Moreover, plasma EV-EAAT2 levels correlated positively with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score in remitting MS patients but showed a negative correlation in patients with secondary progressive (SPMS) and EDSS > 3.
Conclusion
Our results emphaticize the usefulness of plasma EVs as a source of accessible biomarkers to remotely analyse the CNS status. Plasma EV-EAAT2 showed to be a promising biomarker for MS relapses. Further studies are required to assess the clinical relevance of this biomarker also for disability progression independent of relapse activity and transition from RRMS towards SPMS.
Comorbid problems in children with autism spectrum disorder as measured with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the effect of the Essential 5® systemic behavioral intervention treatment.
Authors: Brunt Tibor Markus , Naber Fabiënne Bertina Anolda , Fernando Srimali Irosha , Heikoop Hanneke Johanna
Published: February 2024

Comorbid problems often coincide in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many parent-mediated systemic interventions have been developed for children to address these comorbid problems, with varying success. This study presents a systemic parent-mediated intervention, The Essential 5®. The effects of this intervention on comorbid social, cognitive and emotional problems in children with ASD were measured with the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL). In this study 952 children (6–16 years) and their parents/caregivers participated. There was a significant reduction on the CBCL total scale after the intervention (F = 504,149; p < .001, η²=.347), both for boys and girls separately. The reduction was found on all scales. When the CBCL was analysed as a clinical DSM-scale, all scales significantly decreased after the intervention for the whole group and for boys and girls separately. Based on the CBCL normative data 60% of the children had t-scores below the clinical range at the end of the intervention, compared to 36.6% before the intervention (χ2 = 11.34, p < 0.01). Therefore, it can be concluded that The Essential 5® intervention is effective in reducing comorbid problem behavior in children with ASD. These results clearly invites for more research into the validity of this intervention.
DistilBERT: A Novel Approach to Detect Text Generated by Large Language Models (LLM)
Authors: Kumar BV Pranay , Ahmed MD Shaheer , Sadanandam Manchala
Published: February 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools for generating human-quality text, raising concerns about their potential for misuse in academic settings. This paper investigates the use of DistilBERT, a distilled version of BERT, for detecting LLM-generated text. We evaluate its performance on two publicly available datasets, LLM-Detect AI Generated Text and DAIGT-V3 Train Dataset, achieving an average accuracy of around 94%. Our findings suggest that DistilBERT is a promising tool for safeguarding academic integrity in the era of LLMs.
Effects of red blood cell transfusion on patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Queensland – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Obonyo Nchafatso. G. , Dhanapathy Vikash , White Nicole , Sela Declan P. , Rachakonda Reema H. , Tunbridge Matthew , Sim Beatrice , Teo Derek , Nadeem Zohaib , Hoe Louise E. See , Bassi Gianluigi Li , Fanning Jonathon P. , Tung John-Paul , Suen Jacky Y. , Fraser John F.
Published: February 2024

Background
Packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion is a relatively safe and mainstay treatment commonly used in cardiac surgical patients. However, there is limited evidence on clinical effects of transfusing blood nearing end-of shelf life that has undergone biochemical changes during storage.
Objective
To investigate evidence of associations between morbidity/mortality and transfusion of blood near end of shelf-life (>35 days) in cardiac surgical patients.
Methods
Data from the Queensland Health Admitted Patient Data Collection database 2007-2013 was retrospectively analysed. Coronary artery bypass graft and valvular repair patients were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the effect of pRBC age (<35 days vs ≥35 days) on in-hospital mortality and morbidity. As secondary analysis, outcomes associated with the number of pRBC units transfused (≤4 units vs ≥5 units) were also assessed.
Results
A total of 4514 cardiac surgery patients received pRBC transfusion. Of these, 292 (6.5%) received pRBCs ≥35 days. No difference in in-hospital mortality or frequency of complications was observed.
Transfusion of ≥5 units of pRBCs compared to the ≤4 units was associated with higher rates of in-hospital mortality (5.6% vs 1.3%), acute renal failure (17.6% vs 8%), infection (10% vs 3.4%), and acute myocardial infarction (9.2% vs 4.3%). Infection carried an odds ratio of 1.37 between groups (CI=0.9-2.09; p=0.14) and stroke/neurological complications, 1.59 (CI=0.96-2.63; p=0.07).
Conclusion
In cardiac surgery patients, transfusion of pRBCs closer to end of shelf-life was not shown to be associated with significantly increased mortality or morbidity. Dose-dependent differences in adverse outcomes (particularly where units transfused were >4) were supported.
Multi-scale Local and Global Aggregation for Cloth-Changing Person Re-identification
Authors: Wang Yao , Geng Xia , Lu Hu , Wu Shengli , Liu Qingchao
Published: February 2024

Cloth-Changing person Re-identification(CC-ReID) aims at retrieving the target person despite changes in clothing.
However, this task faces some challenges:
(1) CC-ReID involves considerable within-class variability due to clothing changes, while between-class variations can be subtle.
(2)
There's a need to explore more discriminative fine-grained features.
Existing research has primarily tackled these issues by integrating cross-modality information (\emph{e.g.}, silhouettes, gaits, and 3D shapes) using offline models to extract biologically meaningful features.
However, the effectiveness of these models heavily depends on the accuracy of the incorporated cross-modality information.
In response to these challenges, we first illustrate that contrastive learning is suitable for CC-ReID and we further propose the Local-Global Interaction Attention (LGIA) framework.
LGIA is a unified contrastive learning framework designed to extract discriminative and robust pedestrian representations.
It incorporates the Identity-Cloth Center Aware Constraint and Global-Local Mutual Learning.
Specifically, we leverage a combination of CNN-based and Transformer-based models to extract local-aware and global-aware fine-grained representations, respectively.
To mitigate the impact of clothing changes, we introduce the Identity-Cloth Aware Center Constraint module between these two branches. Within this module, a memory bank is employed to regularize instance features concerning identity-class centers and clothing-class centers, spanning from low-level to high-level features. Additionally, we design Local-Global Mutual Learning to enhance the representations extracted by CNN and Transformer branches by exchanging multi-semantic information.
To validate the effectiveness of our method, we conducted evaluations on three publicly available CC-ReID datasets. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods for cloth-changing person re-identification. We will release our code for reproduction.
Preparation of mesoporous silica SBA-15 modified by CTAB for extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of carmoisine in food samples
Authors: Mirabi Ali , Norouzi Banafsheh
Published: February 2024

A simple, sensitive, and high-efficiency method was presented for the extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of carmoisine. In this method, SBA-15 modified with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (SBA-15/CTAB) was used as a suitable absorbent. UV-Vis technique (ʎmax=522 nm) was used to study the amount of carmoisine absorption. The characteristics of SBA-15 and SBA-15/CTAB were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), map analysis, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and CHN elemental analysis. Effective parameters (pH, amount of nanocomposite, type of recovery solvent, surfactant volume, etc.) for the extraction of carmoisine by SBA-15/CTAB were investigated. The merit figures of the method, such as accuracy, detection limit, preconcentration factor, and enrichment factor have been obtained with suitable results. The calibration curve was obtained linearly in the range of 0.3–20 ng mL− 1 with a detection limit of 0.12 ng mL− 1. A concentration factor was calculated at about 50. The proposed method for measuring carmoisine was applied at a negligible level in food samples such as cherry juice, blackberry juice, pomegranate juice, red grape juice, blueberry juice, cherry jelly, ketchup, tomato paste, smarties, and cherry compote with satisfactory results.
Usability testing of the Smart Work Injury Management (SWIM) system to assist case managers in predicting the work disability of injured workers
Authors: Yeung Yumiki Y.K. , Chen Peter Q. , Ng Peter H. F. , Cheng Andy S. K.
Published: February 2024

Purpose Many countries have developed clinical decision-making support (CDMS) tools, such as the Smart Work Injury Management (SWIM) system in Hong Kong, to predict rehabilitation paths and address global issues related to work injury disability. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of SWIM by comparing its predictions on real work injury cases to those made by human case managers, specifically with regard to the duration of sick leave and the percentage of permanent disability.
Methods The study analysed a total of 442 work injury cases covering the period from 2012 to 2020, dividing them into non-litigated and litigated cases. The Krustal-Wallis post hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment was used to evaluate the differences between the actual data, the SWIM predictions, and the estimations made by three case managers. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the inter-rater reliability of the raters.
Results The Krustal-Wallis test revealed a statistically significant similarity between the predictions of SWIM and a case manager with about four years of case management experience on non-litigated cases. The predictions made by case managers with 9 and 20 years of experience were also significantly similar for all cases. However, SWIM’s prediction of the permanent disability percentage differed significantly from the predictions of the other groups.
Conclusions The study confirmed that SWIM could effectively simulate the predictions of a case manager with roughly four years of case management experience regarding sick leave duration. It is recommended that future research considers the influence of psycho-social factors on predictions as these are often factored in by experienced case managers.
Implications SWIM can aid case managers in estimating non-litigated cases, thereby addressing the shortage of human resources in Hong Kong and reducing inconsistencies in case estimations.
Does limited-margin radiotherapy change the recurrence pattern and survival of patients with high-grade gliomas? Analysis and validation of a different approach
Authors: Semiz Volkan , Çetinayak Oğuz , Kınay Şeyda , Akçay Doğukan , Karabay Nuri , Can Fadime Akman
Published: February 2024

Purpose:We aimed to analyze our radiotherapy protocol by evaluating its effect on recurrence patterns and survival outcomes.
Methods: We assessed 89 patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) who underwent chemoradiotherapy at our institution from January 2014 to January 2021. A high-risk clinical target volume (CTV high) was created with a 1 cm margin in all directions from the GTV, while a low-risk clinical target volume (CTV low) was established with a 2 cm margin. Planned treatment volumes with a 2-3 mm margin in all directions were created, and doses of 60 Gy and 46-50 Gy were prescribed in 30 fractions. Recurrence patterns were classified as central, in-field, marginal, or distant based on the 60 and 50 Gy D95 isodose lines.
Results: With a median follow-up of 29 months, 77.5% of patients experienced recurrence. Recurrence patterns were central in 65.2%, in-field in 16%, marginal in 4.3%, and distant in 14.5%. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 87.6%, 60.3%, and 26.8%, respectively. The progression-free survival rates at the same intervals were 53.9%, 32.6%, and 20.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The recurrence pattern remained unchanged with our protocol. With longer survival times, distant recurrence rates increase, yet central and in-field recurrences remain dominant. Despite the decrease in the volume that received the 60 Gy dose, marginal recurrences remained at a notably low level.
Effects of climate change on the distribution of the native Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in Morocco
Authors: Kassout Jalal , Chakkour Soufian , Ouahrani Abdeltif El , Hmimsa Younes , Fatehi Salama El , Yang Yanzheng , Hadria Rachid , Ariza-Mateos David , Palacios-Rodríguez Guillermo , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael , Ater Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Climate change is expected to alter many natural ecosystems around the world, by affecting plants growth and distribution. This is particularly emphasized for several Mediterranean plant species and communities. In this study, we investigate the suitable habitat and geographical distribution of a remarkable Mediterranean tree, Ceratonia siliqua L. (Leguminosae), in Morocco. We hypothesized a reduction in the carob tree suitable habitats under climate change scenarios. To this end, we applied the maximum entropy algorithm (Maxent) to generate current and future models using 303 occurrence points coupled with 19 bioclimatic variables. Two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) by 2050 and 2070 were considered as future input scenarios. The maximum entropy model provides satisfactory results, with a high value of the Area Under Curve equal to 0.987 (±0.001). Jackknife tests indicate that precipitation followed by temperature play a significant role in the biogeographical dynamics of the Moroccan carob tree. Thus, the obtained results confirm our hypothesis of a reduction of the suitable area under the projected climate change scenarios by 2050 and 2070. The approaches developed in this study is promising to predict the potential distribution of native Mediterranean species and can be an effective tool to support conservation and restoration programs.
Extension of optical radiation pressure force exerted on rigid sphere by nondiffracting beams to acoustical domain
Authors: Ahmidi A. , Chafiq A. , Belafhal A.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the analytical expression of the axial acoustic radiation force (ARF) exerted on a spherical particle located on the propagation axis of nondiffracting beams constructed by a discrete superposition of Bessel beams is calculated. The axial acoustic radiation for the fundamental nondiffracting beams as cosine beams, Bessel beams, Mathieu beams, and parabolic or Weber beams are considered. This study is a generalization of some results on Mathieu beams published recently. In addition, the influences of each beam parameter, such as the angle of the half cone, the beam's own value, and the beam order on ARF will be examined, and the dependence of ARF with the particle radius is treated. In addition, some numerical simulations are performed the influence these parameters on the ARF. Furthermore, a comparison between the ARF exerted by each nondiffracting beam. This work may contribute to understanding the interaction between spherical particles and the fundamental nondiffracting beams. At the end of this work, a conclusion is given.
Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) Plant from Different Sources in Cape Coast, Ghana - A Preliminary Study
Authors: Teye M , Chikpah S. K , Odoi F.N.A , Nuamah Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Water lettuce is found growing in several water bodies in Ghana, reaching pest levels in certain locations. They often pose negative effects on their aquatic life and water quality. Attempts at eradication have proven difficult and expensive, although utilization as animal feed has been reported elsewhere. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional and chemical compositions of water lettuce plants obtained from different water bodies in Cape Coast: freshwater (Kakum River), saline water (Fosu Lagoon), and Wastewater (Residential Areas). The water lettuce samples were harvested on the same days from the various water bodies from August to December, 2013, using seine nets. Proximate compositions of the whole plant, its parts were determined, as well as the heavy metal content of the whole plant. In addition, samples of water from the various water bodies were analyzed for heavy metal content. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical software (fourth edition). Results from the study indicated that the heavy metal contents of the plants and the water bodies from which they were harvested were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the maximum permissible levels set by the European Commission. The crude protein contents were higher in the leaves of the plant than in the corresponding stems and roots. The leaves had higher crude protein and fats, but had lower fibre content than the other parts of the plant. Findings from this study indicate that water lettuce has potential for use as livestock feed. It is recommended that preliminary feeding trial with various species of livestock in Ghana be undertaken to determine its effects on growth and carcass parameters.