Assessing the Efficacy of ChatGPT in Solving Questions Based on the Core Concepts in Physiology.

Background and objective ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot trained through deep learning to produce human-like language skills and analysis of simple problems across a wide variety of subject areas. However, in terms of facilitating the transfer of learning in medical education, a concern has arisen that while AI is adept at applying surface-level understanding, it does not have the necessary in-depth knowledge to act at an expert level, particularly in addressing the core concepts. In this study, we explored the efficacy of ChatGPT in solving various reasoning questions based on the five core concepts applied to different modules in the subject of physiology. Materials and methods In this study, a total of 82 reasoning-type questions from six modules applicable to the five core concepts were created by the subject experts. The questions were used to chat with the conversational AI tool and the responses generated at first instance were considered for scoring and analysis. To compare the scores among various modules and five core concepts separately, the Kruskal-Wallis test along with post hoc analysis were used. Results The overall mean score for the modules (60 questions) was 3.72 ±0.26 while the average score obtained for the core concepts (60 questions) was 3.68 ±0.30. Furthermore, statistically significant differences (p=0.05 for modules and p=0.024 for core concepts) were observed among various modules as well as core concepts. Conclusion The significant differences observed in the scores among various modules and core concepts highlight the varying execution of the same software tool, thereby necessitating the need for further evaluation of AI-enabled learning applications to enhance the transfer of learning among undergraduates.

Investigation of the electronic structure, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of novel semiconductor compounds: XYTe (X = Ti/Sc; Y = Fe/Co).

We report the structural, mechanical, electronic, phonon, and thermoelectric properties of new XYTe (X= Ti/Sc; Y = Fe/Co) half-Heusler compounds by employing first principles based DFT computation and Boltzmann transport equations. At their equilibrium lattice constants, these alloys exhibit a crystal structure with a space group (#216) of F4̄3m and adhere to the Slater Pauling (SP) rule, while being non-magnetic semiconductors. The Pugh's ratio of TiFeTe shows that it is a ductile material, which makes it suitable for use in thermoelectric applications. On the other hand, ScCoTe's brittleness or fragility makes it less promising as a potential thermoelectric material. The dynamical stability of the system is investigated using the phonon dispersion curves obtained from its lattice vibrations. The band gaps of TiFeTe and ScCoTe are 0.93 eV and 0.88 eV, respectively. The electrical conductivity (σ), Seebeck coefficient (S), thermoelectric power factor (PF), and electronic thermal conductivity are calculated at various temperatures ranging from 300 K to 1200 K. At 300 K, TiFeTe has a Seebeck coefficient of 1.9 mV K-1 and a power factor of 136.1 mW m-1 K-2. The highest S value for this material is obtained through n-type doping. The optimal carrier concentration for achieving the highest Seebeck coefficient in TiFeTe is 0.2 × 1020 cm-3. Our study indicates that the XYTe Heusler compounds exhibit n-type semiconductor behavior.

Study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Ti doped Co2FeGe Heusler alloy: Co2Fe1-xTixGe (x= 0, 0.5, and 0.75).

Tunability of structural, magnetic and electronic properties of Co2FeGe Heusler alloy is experimentally demonstrated by doping Ti in the Fe site (i.e. Co2Fe1-xTixGe), followed by in-depth first principle calculations. Co2FeGe in its pure phase shows very high saturation magnetization, Curie temperature and spin-wave stiffness constant which were reported in our earlier work. With gradual increase in Ti doping concentration (x= 0.5 and 0.75), the experimental saturation magnetization is found to be decreased to 4.3 µB/f.u. and 3.1 µB/f.u. respectively as compared to the parent alloy (x= 0) having the saturation magnetization of 6.1 µB/f.u. Variation of spinwave stiffness constant is also studied for differentxand found to be decreasing from peak value of 10.4 nm2 meV (forx= 0) to the least value of 2.56 nm2 meV forx= 0.5. Justification of the experimental results is given with first principle calculations. Computational phase diagram of the alloys is found in terms of formation energy showing that the doping in Fe site (i.e. Co2Fe1-xTixGe) is more stable rather than in Co site (i.e. Co2-xFeTixGe). The change in magnetic moment and half-metallicity with Ti doping concentration is better explained under GGA +Uapproach as compared to GGA approach signifying that the electron-electron correlation (U) has a distinct role to play in the alloys. Effect of variation ofUfor Ti atom is studied and optimized with reference to the experimental results. The dynamical stability of the Co2Fe1-xTixGe alloy crystal structure is explained in terms of phonon dispersion relations and the effect ofUon the phonon density of states is also explored. Close agreement between the experimental and theoretical results is observed.

Phase stability and the effect of lattice distortions on electronic properties and half-metallic ferromagnetism of Co2FeAl Heusler alloy: an ab initio study.

Density functional theory calculations within the generalized gradient approximation are employed to study the ground state of Co2FeAl. Various magnetic configurations are considered to find out its most stable phase. The ferromagnetic ground state of the Co2FeAl is energetically observed with an optimized lattice constant of 5.70 Å. After that, the system was subjected under uniform and non-uniform strains, to see their effects on spin polarization (P) and half-metallicity. The effect of spin-orbit coupling is considered in the present study. Half-metallicity (and 100% P) is retained only under uniform strains started from 0 to +4%, and dropped rapidly from 90% to 16% for the negative strains started from -1% to -6%. We find that the present system is much sensitive under tetragonal distortions as half-metallicity (and 100% P) is preserved only for the cubic case. The main reason for the loss of half-metallicity is due to the shift of the bands with respect to the Fermi level (E F). We also discuss the influence of these results on spintronics devices.

Protein creatinine index: A possible predictor of nephropathy in hypertensives, in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: >33% of the hypertensive Indians develops nephropathy. Proteinuria is an early indicator of nephropathy. Gold standard for determining proteinuria is 24-hour urinary protein excretion which is a troublesome task with poor patient compliance. Protein creatinine index (PCI) in a random urine sample has been advocated by some researchers as an alternative approach. Aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PCI with the severity and duration of hypertension, in North Indian population. METHODS: 120 Stage-1 hypertensives, 120 stage-2 hypertensives, 40 pre-hypertensives and 40 normotensives were included in this study. 240 Hypertensive subjects were divided into 3 sub-groups based on duration: <5years (n=80), 5-10years (n=80) and >10years (n=80). Urinary protein was estimated by sulfosalicylic acid method and urinary creatinine was measured using modified Jaffe's method. PCI was measured as described by Shaw et al. Data was statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Pearson's correlation test using SPSS v20. RESULTS: PCI of stage-2 hypertensives (157.83±51.53) was significantly higher than normo-, pre- and stage-1 hypertensives. PCI of stage-1 hypertensives (134.15±46.04) was significantly higher than normotensives only. PCI of hypertensives for 5-10years (137.29±49.55) and >10years (181.85±47.42) was significant higher than controls and pre-hypertensives. PCI showed significantly stronger association with severity (r=0.595) and duration (r=0.745) of hypertension as compared to urinary protein and creatinine concentration. Data also suggest that the risk of renal injuries against the backdrop of raised blood pressure (BP) increases after 5years of hypertension. CONCLUSION: PCI can be used as a screening tool for early detection of hypertensive nephropathy. PCI monitoring should be incorporated in the routine checkup module of patients suffering from hypertension for >5years.

Study of Electrophysiological Changes in Sensory Nerves Among Diabetic Smokers.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropathy is one of the most troublesome complication affecting individuals with diabetes. The resultant loss of function in peripheral nerves causes loss of protective sensations and impairs patient's ability to perceive incipient or even apparent ulcerations in the feet. AIM: This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis of alteration in electrophysiological parameters of nerve before actual manifestations of neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients and to analyse the effect of smoking on Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (SNCV) of diabetic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty diagnosed diabetics were taken as cases while 30 healthy non diabetics were taken as control. Case group was divided into diabetic non-smoker and diabetic smoker. Diabetic smoker were further subdivided into light smoker, moderate smoker and heavy smoker according to smoking index. After detailed history and physical examination SNCV of median and ulnar nerve in upper limb and sural nerve in lower limb was performed. RESULTS: On comparison of SNCV of median and ulnar nerve of upper limb and sural nerve of lower limb between control and diabetic non-smoker only sural nerve of diabetic non smoker showed significant bilateral decrease. There was significant bilateral decrease in SNCV of median and ulnar nerve of diabetic heavy smoker when compared to control and diabetic non smoker. Similarly, SNCV of sural nerve of diabetic heavy smoker was significantly decreased when compared with control, diabetic non-smoker, diabetic light and moderate smoker. A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between SNCV and smoking index. CONCLUSION: Present study indicates that nerves of lower limbs are more susceptible to diabetic assault as compared to upper limb suggesting that long nerves are commonly affected. Also, apart from duration and severity of diabetes, smoking itself is an independent factor for diabetic neuropathy.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin, a diagnostic and prognostic marker of vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

INTRODUCTION: A major chunk of ocular allergies in humans involve the conjunctiva, of which Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) appears to be more common. VKC, a chronic allergic conjunctivitis, frequently affects young males and is characterized by intense inflammation of the limbal and/or tarsal conjunctiva. The etiology and immuno-pathogenesis of VKC still remain unclear. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a member of serine proteinase inhibitor (SERPIN) superfamily, is an acute phase protein whose concentration in blood increases in response to inflammation. AAT deficiency is one of the many factors that may be involved in several abnormalities such as liver disease, emphysema, inflammatory joint diseases and inflammatory eye diseases. In the present study, the role played by this protein in VKC was analyzed in a selective case/control study to assess its diagnostic and prognostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case control study included 50 patients of VKC reporting to Ophthalmology out patient department (OPD). Age and sex matched 40 healthy subjects served as control. Serum AAT level of both the cases and controls were evaluated and compared. Moreover the serum AAT levels of the patients at presentation were compared with their serum AAT level after three weeks post treatment. RESULT: Levels of AAT in the serum of VKC patients at presentation (2.80 ± 0.42 mg/ml) were significantly higher as compared to controls (2.31 ± 0.21 mg/ml) whereas no significant difference was observed between the serum level of post treatment VKC patients (2.48 ± 0.26 mg/ml) and controls. CONCLUSION: AAT is a potent acute phase protein whose concentration rises significantly in VKC, irrespective of the age and sex of the patient. Moreover, the serum level of AAT declined significantly post treatment; therefore it might be used as a prognostic marker.

Pulmonary function in advanced uncomplicated singleton and twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy brings about significant changes in respiratory function, as evidenced by alterations in lung volumes and capacities, which are attributable to the mechanical impediment caused by the growing foetus. This study was undertaken in order to identify changes in respiratory function during normal pregnancy and to determine whether such changes are more pronounced in twin pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. METHODS: Respiratory function was assessed in 50 women with twin pregnancies and in 50 women with singleton pregnancies (during the third trimester in both groups), as well as in 50 non-pregnant women. We measured the following pulmonary function test parameters: FVC; FEV1; PEF rate; FEV1/FVC ratio; FEF25-75%; and maximal voluntary ventilation. RESULTS: All respiratory parameters except the FEV1/FVC ratio were found to be lower in the pregnant women than in the non-pregnant women. We found no significant differences between women with twin pregnancies and those with singleton pregnancies, in terms of respiratory function. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its higher physiological demands, twin pregnancy does not appear to impair respiratory function to any greater degree than does singleton pregnancy.

Pulmonary function in advanced uncomplicated singleton and twin pregnancy / Função pulmonar em mulheres com gestação única ou gemelar avançada e sem complicações

Objective: Pregnancy brings about significant changes in respiratory function, as evidenced by alterations in lung volumes and capacities, which are attributable to the mechanical impediment caused by the growing foetus. This study was undertaken in order to identify changes in respiratory function during normal pregnancy and to determine whether such changes are more pronounced in twin pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. Methods: Respiratory function was assessed in 50 women with twin pregnancies and in 50 women with singleton pregnancies (during the third trimester in both groups), as well as in 50 non-pregnant women. We measured the following pulmonary function test parameters: FVC; FEV1; PEF rate; FEV1/FVC ratio; FEF25-75%; and maximal voluntary ventilation. Results: All respiratory parameters except the FEV1/FVC ratio were found to be lower in the pregnant women than in the non-pregnant women. We found no significant differences between women with twin pregnancies and those with singleton pregnancies, in terms of respiratory function. Conclusions: Despite its higher physiological demands, twin pregnancy does not appear to impair respiratory function to any greater degree than does singleton pregnancy. .

Objetivo: A gravidez traz mudanças significativas na função respiratória, evidenciada por alterações nos volumes e capacidades pulmonares, que são atribuíveis ao impedimento mecânico causado pelo feto em crescimento. Este estudo foi realizado a fim de identificar alterações na função respiratória durante a gravidez normal e determinar se tais alterações são mais pronunciadas em gestação gemelar que em gestação única. Métodos: Foi avaliada a função respiratória de 50 mulheres com gestações gemelares e de 50 mulheres com gestações únicas (durante o terceiro trimestre em ambos os grupos), bem como de 50 mulheres não grávidas. Medimos os seguintes parâmetros de função pulmonar: CVF, FEV1, taxa do PFE, relação VEF1/CVF, FEF25-75% e ventilação voluntária máxima. Resultados: Todos os parâmetros, exceto a relação VEF1/CVF, foram menores nas mulheres grávidas do que nas mulheres não grávidas.Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as mulheres com gestações gemelares e aquelas com gestações únicas em relação à função respiratória. Conclusões: Apesar das demandas fisiológicas maiores da gestação gemelar, essa não parece causar um comprometimento maior da função respiratória do que a gestação única. .

The role of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes and malondialdehyde in essential hypertension.

CONTEXT: Oxidative Stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates. AIMS: 1. To compare the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. 2. To compare the levels of the antioxidant enzymes, namely, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in hypertensive and normotensive subjects. 3. To determine the correlation between the MDA levels and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) among hypertensive subjects. 4. To determine the correlation between the antioxidant enzyme levels and MAP among the hypertensive subjects and to evaluate the effect of 6 months of antihypertensive therapy with a tight blood pressure control on the MDA levels. Materials and Methods : In this cross sectional study, 25 normotensive and 40 hypertensive subjects were recruited. The hypertensive subjects were further subdivided into three subgroups: Prehypertensives, Stage I hypertensives and Stage II hypertensives. All the subjects underwent a blood pressure measurement and the markers of oxidative stress in their sera were estimated. The subjects of Stage I hypertension and Stage II hypertension were given antihypertensive treatment for 6 months and their blood pressures were tightly regulated and brought to the normotensive state. After 6 months, the estimations of the markers of oxidative stress were done again. RESULTS: The MDA levels were significantly increased in the stage I and stage II hypertension groups as compared to those of the control group (p<0.05). The antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase and GPX) were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the prehypertension and in the stage I and stage II hypertension groups as compared to those in the control group. There was a significant increase in the levels of the antioxidant enzymes after 6 months of a tight regulation and bringing of the blood pressure to the normotensive state by giving antihypertensive therapy. CONCLUSION: On comparison of the present study with other studies in which the use of antioxidants were found to be ineffective in the blood pressure reduction, it can be concluded that oxidative stress is an effect rather than a cause of essential hypertension.

Association between copper excess, zinc deficiency, and TP53 mutations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from Kashmir Valley, India--a high risk area.

Trace element deficiency or excess is implicated in the development or progression in some cancers. Here we report the elevated level of copper and low level of zinc in the plasma of esophageal cancer patients in Kashmir India--a high incidence area. The average level of copper was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for patients than for controls, with a mean concentration of 169 microg/dl and 149 microg/dl for patients and controls, respectively. The control group consisted of 55 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and place of residence of the patients. In contrast, the average level of zinc in patients was significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.0001), with a mean concentration of 86.8 microg/dl and 96.1 microg/dl for patients and controls, respectively. The levels of both copper and zinc showed significant differences based on gender and age in patients as compared to controls. Similarly, smokers depicted a significant increase in serum copper (N = 39, P = 0.002) and a decrease in serum zinc approaching level of significance in the patient group as compared to controls. The copper and zinc levels were significantly altered in patients (N = 40) when compared to controls as a function of snuff consumption. The differences in the levels of copper and zinc showed significant association with the consumption of local salted tea up to 1,500 ml per day, but the changes were insignificant beyond that. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors (N = 7) had a higher copper concentration than those with moderately or well-differentiated tumors (P < 0.0001). To validate the general notion that imbalance in copper and zinc levels may lead to higher prevalence of TP53 mutations, we compared the 3 variables, and no association was found between copper concentration and TP53 mutation status; but patients with TP53 mutant tumor had lower zinc levels than those with no mutation. In conclusion, our results point toward a role of the trace element imbalance in the esophageal tumorigenesis in high-risk Kashmiri population exposed to a range of nitroso compounds or their precursors. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to determine whether change in the plasma zinc and copper homeostasis may represent an independent risk factor for this malignancy as well as a possible target for preventive intervention.

Studies on Association Between Copper Excess, Zinc Deficiency and TP53 Mutations in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma From Kashmir Valley, India-A High Risk Area.

Trace element deficiency or excess is implicated in the development or progression in some cancers. Here we report the elevated levels of copper and low level of zinc in the plasma of esophageal cancer patients in Kashmir India- a high incidence area. The average level of copper was significantly higher for patients than for controls (p<0.0001) with a mean concentration of 169 µg/dl and 149 µg/dl for patients and controls, respectively. In contrast, the average level of zinc in patients was significantly lower than in controls (p<0.0001) with a mean concentration of 86.8 µg/dl and 96.1 µg/dl for patients and controls, respectively. No significant difference in copper and zinc levels was observed for different age groups in controls or patients. For controls, the level of copper was not significantly different in males and females (median: 155 µg/dl for males and 144 µg/dl for females, p=0.10), but we observed a higher level of zinc in females (median: 90.5 µg/dl for males and 101 µg/dl for females, p=0.03). Copper or zinc concentrations were not significantly associated with gender, tumor site, green tea with salt (nun chai) consumption, smoking habits or snuff in cases. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors had a higher copper concentration than those with moderately or well-differentiated tumors (p<0.0001). No association was found between copper concentration and TP53 mutation status but patients with TP53 mutant tumor had lower zinc levels than those with no mutation. Our results point towards a role of the trace element imbalance in the esophageal tumorigenesis in high risk Kashmiri population exposed to a range of nitroso compounds or their precursors. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to determine whether change in the plasma zinc and copper homeostasis may represent an independent risk factor for this malignancy as well as possible target for preventive intervention.