ChatGPT across Arabic Twitter: A Study of Topics, Sentiments, and Sarcasm

While ChatGPT has gained global significance and widespread adoption, its exploration within specific cultural contexts, particularly within the Arab world, remains relatively limited. This study investigates the discussions among early Arab users in Arabic tweets related to ChatGPT, focusing on topics, sentiments, and the presence of sarcasm. Data analysis and topic-modeling techniques were employed to examine 34,760 Arabic tweets collected using specific keywords. This study revealed a strong interest within the Arabic-speaking community in ChatGPT technology, with prevalent discussions spanning various topics, including controversies, regional relevance, fake content, and sector-specific dialogues. Despite the enthusiasm, concerns regarding ethical risks and negative implications of ChatGPT’s emergence were highlighted, indicating apprehension toward advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology in language generation. Region-specific discussions underscored the diverse adoption of AI applications and ChatGPT technology. Sentiment analysis of the tweets demonstrated a predominantly neutral sentiment distribution (92.8%), suggesting a focus on objectivity and factuality over emotional expression. The prevalence of neutral sentiments indicated a preference for evidence-based reasoning and logical arguments, fostering constructive discussions influenced by cultural norms. Sarcasm was found in 4% of the tweets, distributed across various topics but not dominating the conversation. This study’s implications include the need for AI developers to address ethical concerns and the importance of educating users about the technology’s ethical considerations and risks. Policymakers should consider the regional relevance and potential scams, emphasizing the necessity for ethical guidelines and regulations

Phytochemical screening and in vitro evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacies of Pteropyum scoparium (Jaub. & Spach) Sidaf crude extracts

Objective: Pteropyrum scoparium Jaub. &amp; Spach locally known as “Sidaf” is a meal known to the ancient Omani people with many health benefits. It is traditionally used in Oman to treat high cholesterol, hypertension, indigestion problems, wound healing, and diabetes. However, these claims are yet to be scientifically proven. Hence, this study aimed to perform phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial analysis of P. scoparium leaves aqueous and alcoholic extracts to confirm its medicinal potential. Methods: A detailed phytochemical analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves was carried out to confirm the presence of bioactive substances. DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), agar-well diffusion and disc diffusion methods were used to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, respectively. The extracts were tested against four microorganisms viz. E. coli (ATCC 25922), S. aureus (ATCC 23235), Penicillium sp. (ATCC 11597) and Rhizopus stolonifer (ATCC 14037). Results: The ethanol extract exhibited higher DPPH scavenging activity than aqueous extract that was confirmed with IC50 values of both extracts. However, the aqueous extract was found to be significantly more effective as an antimicrobial agent than the ethanol extract. This could be due to higher coumarins content that is thrice as much as in ethanol extract. One-way repeated measure RM ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the antimicrobial susceptibility of all four organisms for the aqueous and ethanol well diffusion extracts (DF = 7; SS = 56.350, MS = 8.050; F = 5.865; P < 0.001). The highest mean zone of inhibition was recorded for S. aureus (12 ± 3.851 mm) well diffusion aqueous extract followed by R. stolonifer (11.750 ± 4.250 mm) well diffusion aqueous extract, and S. aureus (10.625 ± 3.771 mm) well diffusion ethanol extract. Conclusions: Phytochemical screening of ethanol and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, amino acid, fats &amp; fixed oils, phenolic compounds &amp; tannins, proteins, phytosterols, saponins, gum &amp; mucilage, terpenoids, coumarins and anthocyanins. The findings from this study will be useful in evaluating the phytochemical constituents present in the extract and developing commercial drugs as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents based on this plant

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population