bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intranasal midazolam as an alternative to rectal diazepam for management of canine status epilepticus
Authors: Foxx Flora 
Published: December 2024

Question
In canine patients in status epilepticus, is intranasal midazolam as effective as rectal diazepam for controlling seizures?

Clinical bottom line
The category of research question was:
Treatment.

The number and type of study designs that were critically appraised were:
One study was found—a multicentre randomised open-label clinical trial comparing intranasal midazolam and rectal diazepam in canine patients.
Critical appraisal of the selected papers meeting the inclusion criteria collectively provide zero/weak/moderate/strong evidence in terms of their experimental design and implementation:
Weak.
The outcomes reported are summarised as follows…
The study critically appraised in this summary indicated that intranasal midazolam is effective in achieving seizure control in canine patients, with tolerable safety margins. Mild adverse effects associated with benzodiazepine administration such as sedation and drowsiness were noted, but there were no reports of serious adverse events related to the use of intranasal midazolam.
In view of the strength of evidence and the outcomes from the studies the following conclusion is made…
Intranasal midazolam appears to be safe and effective for achieving seizure control in canine patients, both in terms of efficacy and speed of onset, and is a suitable first-line treatment option for status epilepticus, especially when intravenous access is not rapidly available. Patients should be monitored after drug administration for development of adverse effects, including sedation, sneezing, and nasal irritation. A nasal mucosal atomisation device may be used to enhance bioavailability of the drug, improving efficacy.
An Efficient Simulation Method for Deep-Vertical-Well Drillstring Dynamics Based on Nonlinear Beam Element
Authors: Bo Yang , Kuang Yuchun , Han Yiwei , Zhang Tao 
Published: December 2024

Summary
In the research field of drillstring mechanics, there are two main problems: First, the upper boundary conditions of the lower drillstring model are not accurate enough, and second, the computational efficiency of the full-well drillstring model is low. To address these problems, a solution based on a kind of free flexible beam theory (geometrically accurate beam theory) is proposed in this paper. By converting the key parameters of the upper drillstrings, such as mass, friction, and stiffness, into equivalent ones, we establish a dynamically equivalent and efficient drillstrings model.
Compared with the full-well drillstring simulation method, we find that the efficient drillstring model achieves a significant reduction in computation time, specifically from 80.53% to 93.24%. Furthermore, we compared the efficient drillstring model coupled with the dynamic loads of rock breaking with the results of indoor tests and full-well drillstring. The comparison results show that the errors between the computational results of the efficient drillstring model and the indoor test results range from 0.405% to 11.11%. In addition, we also found that the efficient drillstring model is consistent with the experimental results in terms of the parameter influence pattern, which further verifies the accuracy of the efficient drillstring model.
The efficient drillstring model can simulate the actual rate of penetration (ROP) and torque on bit (TOB) with an error of less than 10% for different depths in the field, which indicates that the model is also highly accurate in practical applications. This paper’s research has significant academic value and practical application relevance as it not only offers theoretical support for the optimization of the mechanical model of drillstrings but also offers helpful direction for experimental research and field application.
Diagnosis alfalfa salt stress based on UAV multispectral image texture and vegetation index
Authors: Ma Hong , Zhao Wenju , Yu Haiying , Yang Pengtao , Yang Faqi , Li Zongli 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims
This study aimed to explore the effects of increasing image texture features and removing soil background on the alfalfa salt stress diagnosis accuracy.
Methods
This study extracted spectral reflectance to construct 15 vegetation indexes, and used gray level co-occurrence matrix to calculate eight image texture features. The Canny edge detection algorithm was used to remove the soil background, and set T1 (vegetation index non-removed soil background), T2 (vegetation index + image texture features non-removed soil background), T3 (vegetation index removed soil background), T4 (vegetation index + image texture features removed soil background), as independent variables to construct salt stress diagnosis model based on the support vector regression algorithm, and determined the best salt stress diagnosis model.
Results
Compared with the T1, the modeling and validation accuracies of salt stress diagnosis model constructed based on the T2 increased by 13.39% and 13.36%, respectively, and those of salt stress diagnosis model constructed based on the T3 increased by 6.30% and 5.33%. The salt stress diagnosis accuracy constructed based on T4 was the highest, with the modeling set R2, RMSE, and RPD of 0.675, 0.2143, and 1.7735, respectively, and the validation set R2, RMSE, and RPD of 0.652, 0.2349, and 15749, respectively. The modeling and validation accuracies of the salt stress diagnosis model constructed based on crop salt stress index (CSSI) reached more than 0.564 and 0.549, respectively, which can be used as a new indicator for diagnosing salt stress.
Conclusions
Both increasing image texture features and removing soil background can significantly improve the accuracy of alfalfa salt stress diagnosis.
Transcriptome-wide identification and characterization of WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family in Pinus yunnanensis
Authors: Xu Junfei , Hu Zhaoliu , Chen Sili , Tang Junrong , Chen Lin , Chen Peizhen , Cai Nianhui , Xu Yulan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX), a specific gene family in plants, plays a critical role during stem cell regulation, plant regeneration and upgrowth. However, our understanding of WOX functions in conifers is limited compared to angiosperms. To address this gap, we investigated the presence, expression profiles and protein characteristics of WOX gene in P. yunnanensis. Our findings revealed that 10 PyWOX genes were dispersed across three existing clades, and their expression profiles were presented in specific developmental stages and tissues. The ancient-clade members (PyWOX13, PyWOXG, PyWOXA) exhibited constitutive expressions in the majority of tissues and developmental stages, indicating that they are the oldest and conserved WOX genes. Members of the intermediate-clade (PyWOXB, PyWOXE) were primarily expressed during callus formation and seed germination, suggesting a role in promoting embryogenesis and plant regeneration. Most members of WUS-clade (PyWUS, PyWOX3, PyWOX4, PyWOX5, PyWOXX) showed high transcripts level in cluster buds, which may be related to stem cell regulation and the formation of axillary meristems. The self-activation assay demonstrated that PyWOX4 has transcriptional activation activity. Our study also suggested that there were highly conserved and clear orthologs of WOX genes present in Pinus. Together, these findings provide a foundation for further clarifying the function and regulatory mechanism of WOX genes in P. yunnanensis growth and development.
Fluid flow measurements in fully penetrated 316L TIG welding
Authors: Blanc Nicolas , Soulié Fabien , Bendaoud Issam , Rouquette Sebastien , Deschaux-Baume Frédéric , Bordreuil Cyril 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fluid flow motion controls energy transfer in the weld pool and drives solidification process. Experimental investigation of fluid flow during welding is made particularly difficult by unsteady movements in the molten pool.Fluid flow measurements in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding are important to understand and control energy transfers during the process. In this paper, a setup was designed to observe free surfaces during a fully penetrated TIG welding. Edge detection is applied to obtain the weld pool border and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) method is applied based on gas bubbles and particles along the free surface opposite to the arc. The method allows to investigate velocities and fluid flow motion. The method is carried on three different welding speeds at a constant current (80A) leading to three different linear heat inputs. Images on the penetrated side showed oscillations of the fluid flow that goes from one vortex on the side of the weld pool to the other vortex on the other side. Velocity measurements can give insight to the intensity of the fluid flow. Finally, its behavior are discussed in relation with assumption of its 3D component and its physical origin.
Physical Safety Climate, Safety Practices and Perceived Well-Being of Informal Solid Waste Collectors in the Cape Coast Metropolis
Authors: Maneen Samuel , Botha Nkosi Nkosi , Amoadu Mustapha , Ansah Edward Wilson 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Safety of the work environment for informal solid waste collectors keeps deteriorating, mainly due to poor working conditions. The study seeks to explore the physical safety climate, safety practices and how that impact the health and well-being of informal solid waste collectors within Cape Coast Municipal, Ghana.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey sampled 120 informal solid waste collectors in the Cape Coast Metropolis. These participants were selected using purposive and convenient sampling methods, while frequency counts, percentage analysis, bivariate correlation and multiple regression were used to analyse the data.
Results: The results revealed that 40.8% of the workers perceived their work as high-risk due to low physical safety climate, and 41.7% exhibited poor safety practices. There was also a strong positive relationship between perceived well-being, physical safety climate, and safety practices of the workers. Moreover, after controlling for the demographic factors, hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that physical safety climate (B = 0.844; p < 0.001) was a significant in predicting perceived well-being of the workers. However, safety practices did not significantly predict the well-being of these workers (B = 0.067; p = 0.356).
Conclusion: Informal sold waste collectors in Cape Coast are exposed to poor physical safety climate, contributing to their poor safety practices while at work. We suggest that Ghana’s quest to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6 and 8 will be hard to attain unless every person’s health and well-being is taken care for diligently.
A recurrent MCF2 variant which disrupts DCC binding leads to congenital mirror movements and corpus callosum agenesis
Authors: Accogli Andrea , Roy Victoria Veas , Yam Patricia , Addour-Boudrahem Nassima , Michaud Jean-Francois , Schlienger Sabrina , St-Onge Judith , Trouillard Oriane , Dubacq Caroline , Roze Emmanuel , Fallet-Bianco Catherine , Verheij Joke , Schoots Mirthe , McNabb Evan , Fortier Veronique , Wong Alex , Klostranec Jesse , Barthelemy Dorothy , Charron Frederic , Sr Myriam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Neuronal wiring in the developing nervous system relies on axon guidance, a process which enables proper axon pathfinding to target cells. Disruption of axon guidance results in a wide spectrum of defects including congenital mirror movements (CMM) and corpus callosum agenesis (CCA). Axon guidance signaling pathways, such as Netrin-1/DCC, act through guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) to activate Rho GTPases, which regulate axon outgrowth and pathfinding. MCF2 is an X-linked gene that encodes a GEF which activates the GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. We identify a recurrent hemizygous MCF2 variant [NM_001171876.2: c.31C > T p.(R11W)] in two unrelated cases displaying axon guidance and corticospinal defects: an adult male with CMM and an unrelated male fetus with CCA and abnormal corticospinal tract decussation on autopsy. Through biochemical and cellular studies, we demonstrate that MCF2 interacts physically with DCC and is able to induce DCC subcellular relocalization. The MCF2 p.(R11W) variant disrupts the interaction with DCC, is less efficient at relocalizing DCC, and has decreased GEF activity. Together, our results link an MCF2 variant to axon guidance defects in humans. Furthermore, our data suggests that this MCF2 variant may impair axon guidance by impacting DCC signaling, a key regulator of commissural and corticospinal axon guidance.
Genetically predicted leucine level mediates association between CD4/CD8br T lymphocytes and insomnia
Authors: Luo Sumei , Yin Jianyin , Li Ke , Tang Jing , Wang Xiaohong , Li Aiyuan , Chen Liang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Immune and metabolic factors play an important role in the onset and development of insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between insomnia and immune cells and metabolites.
Methods
Data for 731 immune cell phenotypes, 1,400 metabolites, and insomnia in this study were obtained from the GWAS open-access database. Two-way Mendelian randomization was used to (1) detect the causal relationship between immune cells and insomnia, and (2) to identify potential mediating metabolites.
Results
Mendelian randomization analysis identified eight immune cell phenotypes with a causal relationship to insomnia, two immune cell phenotypes were protective factors for insomnia, namely CD8br %T cells and CD80 on CD62L + myeloid dendritic cells. The other six immune cell phenotypes were risk factors for insomnia, i.e., CD4/CD8br, CD16-CD56 on NKT, CCR2 on myeloid dendritic cells, CD40 on monocytes, CD38 on CD3-CD19-, and CD25 on CD45RA + CD4 not Treg. Further Mendelian randomization revealed 11 metabolites that were causally related to insomnia. Five metabolites were protective factors for insomnia, i.e., 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarate, cholate, dodecanedioate, N-formylmethionine, and x-26054. Six metabolites were risk factors for insomnia, 3-amino-2-piperidone, 6-oxopiperdine-2-carboxylate, caffeine to theophylline ratio, leucine, maltose, and x-24736. In addition, our analysis showed leucine mediated the association between CD4/CD8br and insomnia.
Conclusions
From genetic information, we confirmed the causal relationship between insomnia, eight immune cell phenotypes, and eleven metabolite levels. Notably, we found a relationship between leucine-mediated CD4/CD8br and insomnia, providing evidence supporting the causal relationship between immune cell and insomnia, with plasma metabolites serving as mediators.
Evaluation of Lead levels in Decorative and Automobile Paints marketed in South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Akindele Ajoke Fehintola Idayat , Osibanjo Oladele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Paints and coatings add aesthetics to our daily lives. Their demand has increased due to urbanization and has led to an increase in lead (Pb) in the ecosystem and its potential risks to health. Pb is toxic and has no safe levels for children. This study examines the levels of lead in paints from major paint distribution markets in Southwestern Nigeria. Analyses were done using wet acid digestion and graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS 220GF). The levels of Pb (µg/g ± SD in dry weight) ranged from 4,790 ± 40–79,300 ± 80 in a light silver and matte black automobile paint, while in the decorative paints, samples ranged from 2,220 ± 10–91,500 ± 49 in a cream (plastic) and black (enamel) color. The highest level of Pb in the plastic paints was up to 142 fold and 944 fold, while in the enamel, 153 fold and 1017 fold, above the 600 µg/g and 90 µg/g recommended limits by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission, respectively. Lead compounds are pigments used to improve the color quality of paint formulations. The present study poses a serious concern. As a result, there is a need for greater public awareness and strict enforcement of the ban on leaded paint by government regulatory bodies.
Transcriptome analysis of novel B16 melanoma metastatic variants generated by serial intracarotid artery injection
Authors: Kienzler Jenny C. , Contreras Erick M. , Treger Janet , Liau Linda M. , Owens Geoffrey C. , Prins Robert M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The incidence of brain metastases (BrM) in patients with metastatic melanoma is reported to be 30–50% and constitutes the third most frequent BrM after breast and renal cancers. Treatment strategies including surgical resection, stereotactic radiation, and immunotherapy have improved clinical response rates and overall survival, but the changes that occur in circulating melanoma cells to promote invasion of the brain are not fully understood. To investigate brain tropism, we generated new variants of the B16 mouse melanoma model by serially passaging B16 cells through the brain of immune competent syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Cells were injected into the right carotid artery and recovered from the brain after the mice had reached the study endpoint due to tumor burden, then expanded in vitro and reinjected. We compared the transcriptomes of 4th generation B16 cell populations from separate lineages with the founder B16-F0 cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of differentially expressed protein coding genes revealed that cells isolated from the brain as well as from the lung and meninges expressed higher levels of genes associated with an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), upregulation of the KRAS signaling pathway, and a metastasis aggressiveness gene signature associated with poor survival in melanoma patients. Principal component analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that 4th generation melanoma cells isolated from the brain, lung and meninges from one lineage were distinct from those of the other three lineages. Among the differentially expressed genes, transcript levels of several genes, including Itgb2, Rftn2, and Kcnn4, were significantly higher in all cell populations that comprised this lineage compared with all cell populations from the other three lineages. In conclusion we have derived an aggressive highly brain metastatic B16 variant by serially passaging cells in vivo.
Recommended antibiotic treatment agreement between infectious diseases specialists and ChatGPT®
Authors: Montiel-Romero Santiago , Rajme-López Sandra , Román-Montes Carla Marina , López-Iñiguez Alvaro , Rivera-Villegas Héctor Orlando , Ochoa-Hein Eric , González-Lara María Fernanda , Ponce-de-León Alfredo , Tamez-Torres Karla María , Martinez-Guerra Bernardo Alfonso 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to public health. Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT®) is an advanced language model based on artificial intelligence. ChatGPT® could analyze data from antimicrobial susceptibility tests in real time, especially in places where infectious diseases (ID) specialists are not available. We aimed to evaluate the agreement between ChatGPT® and ID specialists regarding appropriate antibiotic prescription in simulated cases.
METHODS
Using data from microbiological isolates recovered in our center, we fabricated 100 cases of patients with different infections. Each case included age, infectious syndrome, isolated organism and complete antibiogram. Considering a precise set of instructions, the cases were introduced into ChatGPT® and presented to five ID specialists. For each case, we asked, 1) “What is the most appropriate antibiotic that should be prescribed to the patient in the clinical case?” and 2) “According to the interpretation of the antibiogram, what is the most probable mechanism of resistance?”. We then calculated the agreement between ID specialists and ChatGPT®, as well as Cohen’s kappa coefficient.
RESULTS
Regarding the recommended antibiotic prescription, agreement between ID specialists and ChatGPT® was observed in 51/100 cases. The calculated kappa coefficient was 0.48. Agreement on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms was observed in 42/100 cases. The calculated kappa coefficient was 0.39. In a subanalysis according to infectious syndromes and microorganisms, Agreement (range 25% – 80%) and kappa coefficients (range 0.21 – 0.79) varied.
CONCLUSION
We found poor agreement between ID specialists and ChatGPT® regarding the recommended antibiotic management in simulated clinical cases.
Interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-pandemic on the incidence of notifiable infectious diseases in the Lazio region, Italy
Authors: Spaziante Martina , Leone Sara , D’amato Maurizio , Carli Gabriella , Tonziello Gilda , Malatesta Giorgio Nicolò , Agresta Alessandro , Santis Claudia , Vantaggio Valentina , Pitti Giovanni , Fusco Maria Concetta , Piselli Pierluca , Barca Alessandra , Girardi Enrico , Scognamiglio° Paola , Vairo° Francesco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency accounted for a profound disruption in the infectious diseases’ transmission dynamics worldwide. This phenomenon was at least in part driven by the introduction of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), implemented to tackle viral transmission. Our study aimed to assess the magnitude and the features of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of notifiable infectious diseases (NIDs) in Lazio region, Italy.
Methods
Lazio region NIDs data with date of symptoms onset falling in the time interval from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2023 were collected from different surveillance system databases available at SERESMI/Lazio Region Unit and classified in five categories based on the main route of transmission of the disease. Descriptive statistics were performed and interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was used to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery period on NIDs monthly cases.
Results
Just after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic a significant, sharp and immediate reduction in the monthly cases of all NIDs was registered (-86.73%), regardless the route of transmission. The decrease was particularly significant for vector-borne, food-borne and respiratory transmitted diseases (RDs), and overall in female sex.
During the COVID-19 recovery phase the all-NIDs monthly cases shown a relevant positive level change which was particularly significant for sexually transmitted/blood-borne diseases, contact and RDs.
Discussion
The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for the disruption of all NIDs transmission patterns, whereas the magnitude and the dynamics of its effects varied in relation of transmission route; also, the impact of the pandemic wave was still perceivable during the post-COVID-19 era and NIDs incidence trajectories in this phase were peculiar for each disease category.