Eastern redcedar and climate change in Oklahoma’s Cross Timbers forests

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Endorsement of artificial intelligence guidelines across leading rheumatology journals: A cross-sectional analysis

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that is revolutionizing research and medicine, including rheumatology. While AI offers numerous benefits, its integration raises concern about ethical use, potential bias, and clinical implementation. The development of effective policies by rheumatology journals is crucial given to the high prevalence and disabling nature of rheumatologic conditions. Our study’s aim is to evaluate rheumatology journals policies regarding the use of AI in research.Methods: We evaluated the instructions for authors of the 71 highest ranked rheumatology journals according to the 2023 SCimago Journal Rankings. Data on AI related policies was extracted by authors including authorship criteria, publication policies, and AI usage in content and image generation. Our analysis included descriptive statistics using RStudio and R(version 4.2.1).Results: Our search initially identified 71 rheumatology journals, of which 67 met inclusion criteria. We found that 37 (55.2%) journals explicitly mentioned the use of AI in their Instructions for Authors. Content generation by AI was prohibited for manuscript writing in 4 (5.9%) journals and prohibited for image generation in 12 (17.9%) journals. Established AI reporting guidelines were referenced by 3 (4.5%) journals.Conclusion: Policies regarding AI usage in rheumatology journals are inconsistent, despite recognition of AI’s growing role. To advance the field, we recommend that rheumatology journals address AI usage in their instructions for authors and endorse the use of established reporting guidelines. Taking these steps will enhance reproducibility, transparency, and ethical integrity of rheumatology research

Do sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors impact pulmonary symptoms in heart failure patients? A systematic literature review

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown promise for reducing adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure. Our study looked at the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor use on pulmonary outcomes in patients with all types of heart failure. With comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension in patients with heart failure, we looked at the evidence of pulmonary function in patients with heart failure through echocardiogram. Our study seeks to determine the use of SGLT2 inhibitors to alleviate pulmonary comorbidities in heart failure patients.Methods: We employed a search string to identify relevant published manuscripts on Cochrane Database of Systematic Literature Reviews, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. Authors screened articles by title and abstract based upon predetermined inclusion criteria in a double-blind fashion. Full text of included articles were then screened for relevant pulmonary measures and outcomes. General study characteristics, patient population measures, echocardiogram measures, pulmonary measures, and pulmonary outcomes were recorded.Results: Our literature search returned 2,367 articles, of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Echocardiograms were performed, and various measures were recorded across all of the 22 included studies. These measures included tricuspid valve pressures in 7 studies (31.8% [7/22]), right atrium pressures in 3 studies (13.6% [3/22]), right ventricle pressures in 4 studies (18.1% [4/22]), pulmonary artery pressure in 10 studies (45.5% [10/22]), left atrium pressures in 17 studies (77.3% [17/22]), and mitral valve pressures in 14 studies (63.6% [14/22]). Pulmonary outcomes were reported in 12 articles (54.5% [12/22]). Among these, 4 studies (33.3% [4/12]) recorded pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, 3 studies (25.0% [3/12]) performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test, 5 studies (41.7% [5/12]) performed a 6-minute walk test, 2 studies (16.7% [2/12]) performed a lung ultrasound, and 1 study (8.3% [1/12]) obtained a clinical dyspnea score.Conclusion: Out of the 22 articles included in our study, none explicitly looked at the impact of pulmonary outcomes in heart failure patients while taking a SGLT2 inhibitor. While some studies report pulmonary outcome measures with SGLT2 usage in heart failure patients, there is a lack of standardization and consistency of these measures, as none of the included studies used the same measures. While methods to assess pulmonary function are available, they are often used inconsistently or not fully reported, hindering the ability to evaluate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on pulmonary outcomes and comorbidities in heart failure patients. In order to gain insight on the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on pulmonary symptoms in heart failure patients, standardization of these measures is essential to better understand pulmonary outcomes and comorbidities in these patients

Neck strengthening reduces the risk of concussion: A critical appraisal topic

Clinical Scenario: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a direct or indirect blow. Symptom duration and severity vary depending on the individual and trauma. There are multiple predisposing factors that can increase the risk of concussion such as collision sports, sport position, history of concussions, age, being female, and neck strength. Neck strength is a risk factor that can be assessed and modified to reduce the risk of concussions.Clinical Question: Does neck strengthening reduce the risk of concussions in collision sports?Summary of Key Findings: Based on the studies’ findings, neck strengthening may mitigate the risks of concussions in collision sports. Among the individuals that sustained a concussion, weak extension strength was the weakest. A handheld dynamometer is a reliable tool to measure neck strength.Clinical Bottom Line: Implementing neck strengthening may reduce the risk of concussions in collision sports. The outcome measures showed that after increasing neck strength the incidence of concussions decreased. In the subjects that sustained a concussion, overall neck strength was weaker, especially in extension.Strength of Recommendation: Based on CEBM and PEDro scores of evidence assessments, the strength of recommendation is a B

Endorsement of artificial intelligence guidelines across leading geriatric journals: A cross-sectional analysis

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing Geriatrics and Gerontology research by significantly enhancing data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, its integration introduces challenges related to transparency, ethical considerations, and reproducibility. This study scrutinizes the approaches adopted by leading Geriatrics and Gerontology journals in addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities through their author instructions and policies.Methods: A cross-sectional review of the top 100 peer-reviewed Geriatrics and Gerontology journals, as ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator, was conducted. Data were meticulously extracted from each journal’s "Instructions for Authors" to assess AI-related policies, encompassing AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the utilization of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and various journal characteristics.Results: Among the 100 journals evaluated, 28% explicitly addressed AI usage within their instructions, predominantly prohibiting AI authorship while mandating the disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was sanctioned by 37% of journals, whereas 26% permitted AIgenerated images. Notably, journals with higher impact factors were more inclined to incorporate detailed AI policies, although substantial gaps in standardization and guidance persist.Conclusion: While numerous Geriatrics and Gerontology journals acknowledge the transformative role of AI in research, a minority endorse AI-specific reporting guidelines, thereby limiting the standardization and transparency of AI usage. It is recommended that comprehensive guidelines be adopted to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the era of AI-driven innovation

EIDs: West Nile virus in the Central Flyway

Introduction/Objectives: Climate change is slowly altering environmental conditions. It is also enabling spread of vector-borne diseases to new geographic areas. In the Central Flyway region, which includes the region of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to the Dakotas, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are expanding the range of diseases like West Nile virus (WNV). Warmer winters in northern parts of the Central Flyway like North Dakota and South Dakota, and warmer winters at the southern end in Texas, have been linked to increased WNV cases. Texas led the United States in cases reported by residents in 2024. We examine how warmer winters in the Dakotas and Texas contribute to the proliferation of mosquito species-Culex tarsalis in the Dakotas and Culex quinquefasciatus in Texas-both of which are primary vectors for WNV. The objective is to explore the relationship between climate change, these mosquito species, and the spread of West Nile Virus, and to highlight the urgency of adaptive public health strategies.Methods: Mixed methods were used, researching both qualitative evidence from climate data, disease surveillance reports, and health studies specific to the Central Flyway region, along with quantitative data from recent disease surveillance. The analysis includes empirical studies on how climate change affects the distribution of mosquito species, including C. tarsalis and C. quinquefasciatus . Case studies of local health system responses to these emerging diseases are also reviewed.Results: Research analysis revealed patterns showing how increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation in the Central Flyway are expanding the range of C. tarsalis and C. quinquefasciatus. Warmer winters in the Dakotas are resulting in higher populations of C. tarsalis, leading to higher incidences of WNV in the northern parts of the Central Flyway. Warmer winters in Texas have caused a similar rise in C. quinquefasciatus. This is further contributing to the spread of WNV. The study shows a need for health systems that are integrated in ways that consider both environmental changes and health system capacity to handle emerging infectious diseases due to climate change.Conclusions: A public health approach with multiple facets is needed to address the growing threat of West Nile Virus in the Central Flyway. Some of the key recommendations to address this threat include strengthening of local, regional and national disease surveillance systems and improving antimicrobial stewardship. In addition, regional cooperation is needed to prevent the further spread of West Nile Virus. Policy development and increased healthcare capacity are both needed to address the impact of climate-driven disease spread

Assessing regenerative agricultural techniques on soil health, crop yield and nutritional quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Regenerative agriculture plays an important function in improving soil health, optimizing resource management, alleviating climate change while improving nutrient cycling, water quality and availability. The minimum disturbance of the soil and covering the soil are important components of regenerative agriculture that was researched in this study. We examined the effects of three different tillage systems (no-tillage, reduced tillage, and conventional tillage) and three mulch types (plastic mulch, biodegradable mulch, and no mulch) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) vegetative growth, yield, nutritional quality, soil properties, and soil microbial community. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design including nine treatments in three replications. This study was conducted at the World Vegetable Center Experimental site in Taiwan. Tillage and mulch did not improve soil health in one okra season. Okra grown in no tillage with plastic mulch exhibited significantly higher heights than all other treatments combinations. Plastic mulch improved okra yields significantly and the combination of no tillage in plastic mulch and biodegradable mulch and reduced tillage in plastic mulch significantly increased okra yield than other treatments combinations. However, the combination of no tillage with plastic mulch treatment significantly increased the number of okra pods than other treatments combinations. Interestingly, the combination of tillage and mulch treatments had no significant effect on the nutritional quality of okra. No tillage and plastic mulch had higher unique operational taxonomic units in the soil bacterial community indicating enhanced microbial diversity. In conclusion, using plastic mulch as soil covering significantly increased okra plant growth and yield. Farmers and policy makers are recommended to reduce tillage by using reduced tillage or no tillage practices in combination with plastic mulch to improve soil health and produce higher yield. This study highlights the potential of regenerative agricultural practices such as no tillage and mulching to enhance okra productivity, soil health and microbial diversity while promoting sustainable agricultural systems

North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) gut mycobiome

The North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) is a semi-aquatic, hindgut-fermenting rodent that follows a tree bark-based diet and shows long feed retention time (14-40 hours). Their enlarged cecum harbors a complex microbial community that plays a key role in lignocellulose degradation. While some studies have investigated its gut microbiome, most focused on bacteria and archaea with little attention to the fungal community. Since anaerobic gut fungi (AGF) are known lignocellulose degraders in other herbivores, we hypothesize that beavers host AGF and furthermore possess a unique fungal community due to their lignocellulose-rich diet. To test this hypothesis, cecal samples from 32 wild beavers were collected by trappers throughout the state of Utah. Amplicon sequencing targeting the D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene of the general fungal community has been performed. Preliminary results showed that Neocallimastigomycota constituted an integral component of the beaver’s gut (~23% of the total fungal community). Within this AGF community, genera encountered included Orpinomyces, Liebetanzomyces, and a novel genus in the Joblinomyces clade. Other than Neocallimastigomycota, the beaver gut harbored novel fungal lineages closely related to the Neocallimastigomycota and Chytridiomycota (~63% of the total fungal community). Comparative analysis of all 32 samples will elucidate community differences based on sex, age, and weight. In addition, enrichment and isolation efforts are underway. This study provides the first report of AGF in beavers and aims to comprehensively characterize the fungal community associated with North American beavers.Microbiology and Molecular Genetic

Carbonaceous aerosol from the thermal degradation of plastics through atmospheric oxidation: Airborne particle method development

Nanoplastics, known but not well studied pollutants, can be aerosolized and have the potential to spread widely in the atmosphere with residence times on the order of weeks. The bleaching of nanoplastics is of interest due to the main climate contributions of aerosol particles’ relation to light absorption and scattering. An experiment was designed to study the bleaching of Red PETG 3-D printing filament by oxidation (ozone exposure). To that end, an experimental apparatus comprised of mixing volumes, desiccants, filters, a tube furnace, ozone generator, smog chamber, ozone analyzer, Photoacoustic Extinctiometer (PAX), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), among other tubing and connection hardware was developed. Aerosolized plastics nanoparticles of the dyed PETG filament after thermal degradation were injected to the smog chamber for study during their residence time in the smog chamber gas volume. Results are inconclusive for oxidation experiments, due to difficulty with the magnitude of bleaching due to ozone when compared to noise introduced by size distribution evolution. Next steps for the developed experimental apparatus, injection methods, and data collection procedures include trying alternative (more robust) aging mechanisms. Aging by introduction of hydroxyl radical injection from photolysis of hydrogen peroxide is one specifically promising alternative.Purdie Research Scholars ProgramChemistr

Chemical plant electrification for optimization

Chemical manufacturing and refining produce crucial materials for everyday life but also release over 325 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually in the United States. Most of these emissions are from the production of process heat. Ethylene is one of the most common chemical precursors for plastics and packaging and its market is expected to grow by 60% over the next decade. Ethylene is produced from endothermic reactions, commonly in steam cracking processes, which require massive quantities of heat and demand 8% of the global chemical industry’s energy use. However, process heat can be produced and managed using alternative methods. Heat integration can reduce but not eliminate external energy demand. Electrification enables heat generation without direct emissions but may create indirect emissions depending on the electricity’s source. Current power grids produce some electricity from renewable sources but still rely heavily on fossil fuels. Renewable sources can generate electricity at the plant, but differences between electricity production and plant demand timing require the plant to store energy. Fossil-fuel-based generators at the plant may reliably produce electricity quickly but also produce emissions. A combination of these sources could balance reductions in costs and GHG emissions. This presentation examines various methods of process electrification and their potential effects on operation within an ethylene production plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The primary operations within the ethylene plant include reactions, separations, and energy storage, which have been modeled using a differential-algebraic equation (DAE) optimization model and an Aspen HYSYS process simulation. Electrified reactors, electrolytic hydrogen production, and heat pump-assisted distillation (HPAD) were explored as plant electrification methods. HPAD was found to require approximately 17% less total energy than conventional ethane-ethylene distillation. Electrifying the ethylene plant by 20% was found to optimize sustainability with respect to total expected cost, reducing GHG emissions by 19%. The cost of renewable energy generation and storage was found to limit the viability of complete electrification and decarbonization. Expected future developments include operation optimization using a multi-objective model that considers plant data security and heat integration.Chemical Engineerin