bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Morphological Characterization of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Genotypes for Enhanced Breeding Programs in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Rather Muneeb Ahmad , Lone Ajaz Ahmad , Dar Zahoor Ahmad , Fayaz Saima , Mir Bilal Ahmad , Peer Latif Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume crop that is recognized for its adaptability to diverse climates and nutritional value. In Jammu and Kashmir, however, its genetic diversity is limited, hindering full yield potential. This study aimed to characterize 72 cowpea genotypes from various regions of Kashmir through Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization. Twenty-four agro-morphological traits were assessed following the guidelines of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA). Key traits, such as stem color, flowering time, pod length, growth habit, and seed characteristics, were evaluated for distinctness and breeding value. The analysis identified promising genotypes such as C15 (medium seed length and black eye color), CP23-3 (high pod count), C32 (spreading growth and late maturity), TPTC-29 (early flowering, erect growth), C28 (tan eye color, medium seed size), and KDC-39 (high seed count per pod, late flowering). The genotypes exhibited favorable traits, such as early flowering, robust growth, strong pod attachment, and varied maturity, supporting breeding programs aimed at improving cowpea yield and adaptability in climate-stressed regions.
Morphological Evaluation of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes from Different Altitudinal Collections in the Western Hilly Region of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Verma Prawal Pratap Singh , Siddiqui Saba , Singh Saudan , Upadhyay Rakesh Kumar , Nayyer Md Abu , Siddiqui Mohd. Haris
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the morphological and agronomic diversity of 30 fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) genotypes from lower-altitude regions of Uttarakhand to identify high-yielding, resilient cultivars for the western Himalayan region. Cultivated in a randomized block design with three replications over two growing seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Purara, the genotypes were analyzed for traits such as germination rate, plant height, leaf characteristics, root length, branching, flowering time, and yield metrics. Results revealed significant genetic diversity, with early-germinating genotypes like UK-23 (3.51 days) facilitating rapid establishment, and uniform-emergence genotypes like UK-28 (8.41 days to 50% germination) promoting even stands. High-biomass genotypes, like UK-18, with a tall stature (38.87 cm) and high fresh herb weight (23.77 kg/ha), were favorable for biomass production. Enhanced leaf and root traits, such as large leaves in UK-10 and long roots in UK-9, support improved photosynthesis and drought resilience, while early-flowering genotypes like UK-16 (91.91 days) suit shorter growing seasons. Notably, UK-22 stood out for high yields in both dry herb (16.07 kg/ha) and seed (24.06 kg/ha), demonstrating promise for sustainable productivity in challenging conditions. Overall, genotypes UK-23, UK-18, and UK-22 emerged as top candidates for herb and seed production in hilly areas, providing a valuable basis for breeding resilient fenugreek varieties to bolster local livelihoods and sustainable agriculture in the region.
Usage of Mobile Phones for Crop Pest Surveillance in Kenya, Case of Uasin Gishu County
Authors: Songol Michael Kipkorir , Awuor Fredrick Mzee , Maake Benard Magara
Published: January 2025

In Kenya, Uasin Gishu County is known to be one of the breadbasket counties due to high and reliable rainfall. According to the county’s integrated development plan (CIDP) for 2023-2027, the emerging of new strains of pests and diseases has been listed as one of the challenges facing agriculture sector in the county. This has made small holder farmers not able to maximize on crop yields. Therefore, crop productivity in the region is currently declining due to the use of traditional mechanisms to mitigate and control emerging crop pests and diseases, and their effects. This has further been aggravated by the effects of climate change in the region. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative based approach and targeted ninety-six small holder farmers. Questionnaires were administered using semi-structured interviews and observation. To optimize full benefits of technology, the farmers in the region need to make use of mobile phone technology which is readily available locally and used by many farmers in their communities in meeting the demands for rural livelihoods, market related strategies and collaboration efforts by use of phone related applications. There is need to support the small holder farmers to improve on crop yields by leveraging the use of mobile phone technology. This paper was guided by two objectives. To begin with, we explored how mobile phone technology has been used for crop pest surveillance in the county. Secondly, we came up with a pest surveillance model for small holder farmers to address their local needs. The findings from the study show that by use of a mobile phone technology and other related web tools, the small holder farmers can connect with other stakeholders such as the agrovets and extension workers who are critical in providing solutions affecting them on crop pest management and surveillance. It is crucial to develop and leverage on new tools and technologies to support early detection and diagnosis of crop pests and diseases before they cause adverse losses. Kenya based pest surveillance model is proposed to be used in ensuring that small holder farmers can connect with other stakeholders by use of mobile phone in facilitating exchange of information critical in pest management and disease surveillance.
Comparative impacts of soaked and crushed aqueous extracts of Lantana camara leaf and stem on germination and early seedling length of Oryza sativa
Authors: Joshi Vartika , Joshi Charu , Fartyal Archana , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh
Published: January 2025

Experiments were performed in laboratory and glasshouse to determine the allelopathic effect of crushed and soaked leaf and stem aqueous extracts of Lantana camara L. on germination and early seedling growth of Oryza sativa. The aqueous extract of both soaked and crushed aboveground parts (leaf and stem) of L. camara with different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) were used and compared with control (distilled water). Seed germination, length, biomass, moisture content and seed vigor index of rice crop were documented in different treatments. Maximum suppression in germination and other parameters i.e., length and biomass were recorded in soaked leaf extract while, crushed leaf extract promoted the germination and growth at highest (10%) concentration. However, relative moisture content and seed vigor index exhibited more inhibitory effects in crushed leaf extract in comparison to soaked leaf treatment. Higher amount of allelochemicals released from the soaked leaf extracts of L. camara may be one of the reason in variations of allelopathic effect while the stimulatory effects of crushed leaf extract on measured plant traits may be possibly caused by increase in nutrient concentration in the soil. Contrasted with control (C0), the lower concentration depicted promotion in the studied plant traits while higher concentrations suppressed the germination and early seedling growth. Though laboratory analysis research in allelopathy is highly significant, a field study is suggested to confirm the allelopathic impacts of L. camara on cropland ecosystems in various field conditions. This will play role in understanding the underline causes and physiological processes involved in the different consequences of the leaf and stem allelochemicals on different crop species in agriculture.
Sustainability of Agro-pastoralism in Highlands of the Trans-Himalaya: Transformation in 200 Years
Authors: Joshi Harshita , Sharma Subrat , Joshi Prachi
Published: January 2025

Being located in the historical silk trade route of Central Asia, the agro-pastoral practices in combination with trade and commerce have been an age-old unique feature in the trans-Himalayan landscape of Ladakh. Agriculture in Ladakh, “the cold desert”, differs from the mainstream Himalayan regions in having almost no forest support and severe climatic constraints which allow cultivation only in irrigated fields during summer months. Based on the secondary literature and field-based ground truthing through repeated surveys, this study gives an overview of the (i) main features of traditional agro-pastoral system of Ladakh, (ii) environmental constraints, and (iii) transformation in practices due to socio-political changes. The agro-pastoralism in Ladakh includes the (i) cultivation of a mix of agronomic (barley, wheat, pea), horticultural (apple, apricot) and fodder crops (alfalfa) in irrigated field using glacial melt water and underground channels in lower areas (2700-3500 m asl) during summer months, and (ii) pastoralism in higher areas (above 3500 m asl). The local communities use animal dung, human faeces and leaves to prepare manure to fertilize crop field soil. The frequent conflicts and wars, rapid increase in tourism, introduction of Public Distribution System (PDS), and formation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh have substantially affected agro-pastoral system of Ladakh and the age-old culture based on community-level cooperation and reciprocity. The external changes include the development of army-based settlements and infrastructures, strengthening of transportation facilities, transition from traditional to cash crop cultivation, collapse of trade, shrinkage of Changpas’ pastures, and shifts of salt collection from Tibetan lakes to Tso Moriri lakes. The tourism (since 1974) has transformed the primary sector-based economy (the contribution of primary sector being 84.65%) into the one dominated by tertiary sector (the contribution of tertiary sector being 71.02%) within a few decades. Concurrently, the PDS system has contributes to the changes in food consumption choices of local communities, and to the loss of interest in managing age-old agro-pastoral system. The abandonment of farming and pastoralism have already begun. Given the remoteness and security sensitivity of the region self-reliance for food could be important and not to be comprisable issue.
Navigating GMO Adoption in Agriculture: Balancing Controversies and Benefits
Authors: Patel Juhi , Bhatt Tejaskumar , Joshi Aditi
Published: January 2025

The discourse around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture remains contentious, encompassing concerns about safety, ethical considerations, and potential advantages. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the pressure on agricultural systems to meet escalating food demands mounts exponentially. In this context, GMO technology presents a promising avenue for addressing critical challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic disparities. This paper undertakes a thorough examination of the controversies and benefits associated with GMO adoption through a synthesis of existing literature and case studies. A Random Forest Regressor model is employed to evaluate the impact of GMOs on crop yield, using a dataset encompassing various agricultural parameters. Categorical variables are encoded, and the data is split into training and testing sets. The model's performance is assessed through Mean Squared Error and R-squared metrics. Feature importance analysis identifies key factors influencing yield, providing insights into the benefits and challenges of GMO adoption in agriculture. The study includes a case analysis of rural farmers' attitudes towards GMOs and a comparative analysis of profit margins between GMO and traditional farming methods. The findings reveal a complex landscape where GMOs offer significant benefits in terms of increased crop yields and improved pest and disease resistance. However, socio-economic and ethical ramifications, such as food security, farmer livelihoods, consumer perceptions, and environmental sustainability, remain critical areas of concern. The case study insights show varying levels of acceptance among rural farmers, influenced by factors such as economic benefits and perceived risks. Additionally, the comparative analysis indicates that GMO farming can lead to higher profit margins under certain conditions, although traditional methods still hold advantages in specific contexts. By presenting a balanced perspective, this research endeavors to promote understanding and facilitate informed decision-making across various stakeholders. The intricate relationship between yield, nutrient requirements, and fertilizer usage is explored, providing essential insights for evaluating GMO performance in agriculture. Ultimately, this paper aims to contribute to a more nuanced and constructive dialogue surrounding the role of GMOs in shaping the future of agriculture.
Unveiling Leifsonia sp.: A Novel Bacterium from Casuarina equisetifolia Root Nodules – Isolation, Identification, and Biochemical Characterization.
Authors: Chacko Jini Viju Pamboor , Karthikeyan Arumugam
Published: January 2025

The survival rate of bio fertilizers is enhanced when they contain nodule bacteria. The primary objective of this research is to identify a superior endophytic bacteria that promotes plant growth in Casuarina equisetifolia. Six isolates were collected from the root nodules; with one isolate demonstrating significant plant growth promoting capabilities. Approximately 90% of the isolates from C. equisetifolia were Actinobacteria, which are Gram-positive organisms. All isolates were evaluated for their Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) activity, and one isolate was recognized as the predominant plant growth promoting Actinobacterium. Among the Nodule Associated Bacteria (NAB) isolates, L1 exhibited the highest PGP characteristics. The phylogeny of the isolate was determined through 16S rRNA sequencing. The biomass characteristics of Zea mays, including the number of leaves, shoot length, girth, and root length, demonstrated significant growth and stability when inoculated with a 50% concentration of Leifsonia sp. It is recommended that Leifsonia sp. be utilized as a successful endophytic bacterial inoculant for the growth of C. equisetifolia.
Imaging Breakthrough
Authors: McCann Ellie
Published: January 2025

Researchers from UCL have developed a new hand-held scanning technology designed to generate detailed 3D photoacoustic imaging in ‘just seconds.’
3D Printing A Breast Reconstruction Revolution
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: January 2025

A groundbreaking 3D-printed breast implant developed by French med-tech startup Lattice Medical promises to transform the lives of breast cancer survivors.
Sectors of Circularity
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: January 2025

Experts from different engineering sectors explain how and why they’re putting circular economy principles at the heart of their businesses.
How Deep Learning Techniques Can Combat Money Laundering by Organized Crime Groups in South Asia’s Banking Channels
Authors:   Gujarat National Law University, Attalika Avenue, Knowledge Corridor, Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, Kabra Sankul , Gori Saira ,   Gujarat National Law University, Attalika Avenue, Knowledge Corridor, Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Published: January 2025

Money laundering poses a significant threat to the economic stability andsecurity of nations, particularly in regions like South Asia. The evolving nature of money laundering demands advanced technologies to enhance detection and prevention mechanisms. One such advanced technology is deep learning, which has the ability to analyze vast datasets, identify patterns, and adapt to evolving financial crime tactics. This article explores the increasing use of deep learning as a powerful tool in the fight against money laundering orchestrated by organized crime groups in South Asia and addresses the primary challenges associated with employing deep learning techniques for combating money laundering. This article contributes to the discourse on enhancing anti-money laundering efforts in the South Asia region by proposing the adoption of cutting-edge deep learning methodologies within banking institutions to mitigate the threat posed by organized crime groups engaged in illicit financial activities.
J. G. A. Pocock: A Life in Letters
Authors: Skinner Quentin
Published: January 2025

Abstract: A memoir of J. G. A. Pocock derived from his correspondence with Quentin Skinner between 1965 and 2020. The letters follow the development of Pocock’s career from his early years in New Zealand to his move to the United States in 1966 and his long period of teaching at Johns Hopkins University. Among the topics covered are the gestation and publication of Pocock’s most famous book, The Machiavellian Moment , and the evolution of his six-volume study of Gibbon’s history, Barbarism and Religion . Much new light is also cast on Pocock’s personality, family life, relations with colleagues, and political beliefs.
Academic Freedom in the English Revolution: Libertas Scholastica, Libertas Philosophandi , and the Reformation of the Universities
Authors: Vozar Thomas Matthew
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article contributes to the genealogy of the concept of academic freedom with a focus on the English universities in the middle of the seventeenth century. It argues that libertas scholastica (the corporate freedom of the universities) and libertas philosophandi (liberty of philosophizing, within and without the universities) were distinctive guiding concepts, sometimes in opposition but occasionally complementary, in debates over the universities in this period. If these two notions together constitute the antecedents of the modern concept of academic freedom, their conjunction must be recognized as a much more contingent and irregular phenomenon than has been previously understood.
Max Weber and the Re-Enchantment of Charisma
Authors: Zhang Chunjie
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article traces the emergence and application of Max Weber’s influential concept of charisma in his “Confucianism and Taoism” (1920) and “Politics as a Vocation" (1919), two texts that have not received much attention in the discussion of charisma. Through these texts, we learn to appreciate Weber’s engagement with classical Chinese philosophy and the global composition of this key idea in the twentieth century.
Dig Beneath a Mosque
Authors: Gere Cathy
Published: January 2025

Abstract: A review essay on recent books considering archaeology and ethno-nationalist projection, including books by Johann Chapoutot, Jean-Paul Demoule, Ashish Avikunthak, and Raphael Greenberg and Yannis Hamilakis.
A mixed methods study investigating factors affecting adherence to Plasmodium vivax malaria primaquine radical cure regimens among migrants along the Myanmar-Thailand border
Authors: Ansari April T. , Aung Ko Ko , Win Htun Htun , Beau Candy , Nu Be , Soe Nay Lin , Htoo Klay , San Thida , Wah Tha Gay , Keereevijit Arunrot , Phyo Aung Pyae , Chotivanich Kesinee , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François , Hashmi Ahmar H. , Chu Cindy S.
Published: January 2025

Background

The countries within the Greater Mekong Region of Southeast Asia have pledged to eliminate malaria by 2030. Elimination of Plasmodium vivax malaria is challenging as it requires radical cure to prevent relapse. Understanding and facilitating adherence to primaquine radical cure regimens is necessary for malaria elimination.

Methods

A convergent parallel mixed methods study was conducted to investigate the barriers to and facilitators for completing primaquine treatment of P. vivax infection among mobile migrant communities on the Myanmar-Thailand border. Quantative data were derived from routine malaria consultations. Qualitative data, informed by the social cognitive theory and health belief model, were collected through in-depth interviews with patients and focus group discussions with local health providers and community leaders.

Results

Of 729 adult patients with primaquine treatment outcomes, 45% did not complete the follow-up of 28 days and were assumed to be non-adherent to primaquine treatment. Patients of Karen ethnicity (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.3; p = 0.001) or having a previous episode of malaria from any species (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3; p = 0.007) were more likely to report completing the 14-day primaquine radical cure regimen. Five focus group discussions with front-line healthcare workers and community members and 16 in-depth interviews with patients who were prescribed P. vivax radical cure were conducted. Key themes related to the social cognitive theory included behavioral factors where work outweighed the choice to complete treatment; environmental factors where access to care determined primaquine treatment completion; and cognitive factors having a positive but limited influence on treatment completion. According to the health belief model, prioritizaton of work reduced seeking diagnosis and completing treatment, and often outweighed facilitating factors such as malaria literacy, health education, and social norms; and affected the perceived susceptibility and severity of P. vivax infections.

Discussion

Work and productivity were identified as primary behavioral factors affecting adherence to primaquine radical cure and follow up in a migrant population. Community support and cultural cues may overcome these barriers. Understanding the rationale of patient adherence to primaquine may help guide programming for P. vivax elimination among migrant populations in resource-constrained settings.
Prevalence and factors associated with multidrug resistant Escherichia coli carriage on chicken farms in west Nile region in Uganda: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nyolimati Ceaser Adibaku , Mayito Jonathan , Obuya Emmanuel , Acaye Atim Stella , Isingoma Emmanuel , Kibombo Daniel , Byonanebye D. M. , Walwema Richard , Musoke David , Orach Christopher Garimoi , Kakooza Francis
Published: January 2025

Infections with multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in food-animals threaten public health and food security. However, the epidemiology and factors associated with MDR Escherichia coli (MDR E. coli) on Ugandan farms are not well known. This study investigated the prevalence, resistance patterns and factors associated with MDR E. coli carriage on chicken farms. Escherichia coli was isolated from each of the 158 chicken farms sampled. The disc diffusion method for susceptibility testing was performed. Clinical breakpoints were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. MDR was defined as resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. MDR E. coli prevalence on chicken farms was 62.7% (95% CI: 55.0–70.3). High resistance was observed against ampicillin 79.8% (95% CI: 72.7–85.4), tetracycline 72.8% (95% CI: 65.2–79.2), cotrimoxazole 55.7% (95% CI: 47.8–63.3), and ciprofloxacin 38% (95% CI: 30.7–45.9). Male farm managers (Adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 0.72, CI: 0.55–0.93), attainence of at least secondary education (APR = 0.64, CI: 0.46–0.88) and administration of recommended antibiotic doses (APR = 0.76, CI: 0.59–0.96) posed a lower risk of MDR E. coli carriage while farms without footbaths posed a heighten risk (APR = 1.48, CI: 1.16–1.88). MDR E. coli carriage was highly prevalent on chicken farms in Uganda. This study underscores the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship and improved infection prevention strategies on chicken farms.
Psychological distress in adolescence and later economic and health outcomes in the United States population: A retrospective and modeling study
Authors: Counts Nathaniel Z. , Kreif Noemi , Creedon Timothy B. , Bloom David E.
Published: January 2025

Background

Federal policy impact analyses in the United States do not incorporate the potential economic benefits of adolescent mental health policies. Understanding the extent to which economic benefits may offset policy costs would support more effective policymaking. This study estimates the relationship between adolescent psychological distress and later health and economic outcomes and uses these estimates to determine the potential economic effects of a hypothetical policy.

Methods and findings

This analysis estimated the relationship between psychological distress in those aged 15 to 17 years in 2000 and economic and health outcomes approximately 10 years later, accounting for an array of explanatory variables using machine learning–enabled methods. The cohort was from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997 and nationally representative of those aged 12 to 18 years in 1997. The cohort included 3,343 individuals under age 18 years in round 4 who completed the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5). Round 1 captured 50 explanatory variables that covered domains of potential confounders, including basic demographics, neighborhood environment, family resources, family processes, physical health, school quality, and academic skills. The exposure included a binary variable of clinically significant psychological distress (MHI-5 score of less than or equal to 3) and a categorical variable of symptom severity on the MHI-5. Outcomes covered domains of employment, income, total assets at age 30 years, education, and health approximately 10 years later.

Forty-seven percent of the cohort were black and Hispanic, and 4.4% had past-month clinically significant psychological distress. Past-month clinically significant psychological distress in adolescence led to a 6-percentage-point (95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.08, −0.03]) reduction in past-year labor force participation 10 years later and $5,658 (95% CI [−6,772, −4,545]) USD fewer past-year wages earned. We used these results to model the labor market impacts of a hypothetical policy that expanded access to mental health preventive care and reached 10% of youth who would have otherwise developed clinically significant psychological distress. We found that the hypothetical policy could lead to $52 (95% credible interval [51,54]) billion USD in federal budget benefits over 10 years from labor supply impacts alone. This study faced limitations, including potential unmeasured confounding, missing data, and challenges to generalizability.

Conclusions

Our findings showed the impacts of adolescent mental health policies on the federal budget and found potentially large effects on the economy if policies achieve population-level change.
Mental health in gay, lesbian and bisexual medical students
Authors: Scalisa Felipe , Kobayasi Renata , Martins Milton A. , Tempski Patricia
Published: January 2025

Our study aimed to assess depression symptoms among lesbian, gay and bisexual medical students and the associations between these data and sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, resilience and internalized stigma scores. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. We used Beck Depression Inventory, Trait-State Anxiety Inventory, Internalized Homophobia Inventory and Brief Resilience Inventory to assess depression and anxiety symptoms, internalized stigma and resilience, respectively. We used the snowballing technique. The initial sample comprised five individuals known to the research group who, in turn, were asked to recommend an additional five participants from any medical school in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Among the medical students recruited through a snowball strategy, 404 (55.6%) responded to the survey. We used multinomial logistic regression models, both crude and adjusted for gender and sexual orientation, to examine the associations between depression symptoms and other data. Among the students surveyed, 62.3% identified themselves as men, and 35.8% of men identified themselves as bisexual; 63.4% of the students presented symptoms of depression, including 70.2% of the women, 58.6% of the men (P = .015), 70.6% of the bisexual students and 58.8% of the lesbian or gay students (P = .032). Medical students with moderate to severe depression symptoms had lower mean quality of life scores than those with mild symptoms and those without symptoms (P < .001). Similar patterns during medical school were observed for quality of life and resilience scores (P < .001 for all comparisons). The internalized stigma scores followed a similar trend, with higher scores associated with more severe depression symptoms than with mild symptoms or no symptoms (P = .004). The percentage of gay, lesbian and bisexual medical students with depression and anxiety symptoms is high, especially among bisexual students and women. Increased internalized stigma, lower resilience, and poorer quality of life are associated with higher depression scores.
Childhood appendectomy and subsequent psychiatric illness
Authors: Arana Håkanson Cecilia , Stiger Fredrik , Brusselaers Nele , Engstrand Lilja Helene
Published: January 2025

Aim

The appendix is considered a reservoir for the gut microbiome to restore the gut microbiota after disruptions. Therefore, removal of the appendix because of appendicitis, might result in long-term disruption of the microbiome with related health consequences. The aims of the study were to explore if there is an association between childhood appendectomy, the risk of psychiatric illness and healthcare consumption later in life.

Methods

Individuals (N = 752) who underwent childhood appendectomy in a tertiary paediatric surgical department in Sweden were included, individually-matched to 5 non-exposed individuals (N = 3760). Data on psychiatric diagnoses, healthcare visits, and use of psychiatric drugs were collected from population-based registers. Stratified Cox and Poisson regression analyses were used, adjusted for antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Results

Median age at appendectomy was 11 (2–16) years and median follow-up time 15.5 (6–21) years. The risk of psychiatric illness in general (HR 1.19; 95% CI 1.04–1.37; p-value 0.013) and affective disorders (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.42; p-value 0.038) was higher among those with appendectomy. Out- (IRR 1.20; 95% CI 1.18–1.23; p-value <0.001) and in-patient visits (IRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.28; p-value <0.001) were more common among those with appendectomy.

Conclusion

Childhood appendectomy was associated with an increased risk of psychiatric illness and healthcare consumption.
Thermal comfort perception among park users in Prague, Central Europe on hot summer days—A comparison of thermal indices
Authors: Kirschner Vlaďka , Urban Aleš , Chlapcová Lucie , Řezáčová Veronika
Published: January 2025

The assessment of human perception of the thermal environment is becoming highly relevant in the context of global climate change and its impact on public health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the suitability of the use of four frequently used thermal comfort indices (thermal indices)–Wet Bulb Global Temperature (WGBT), Heat Index (HI), Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET), and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)–to assess human thermal comfort perception in three large urban parks in Central Europe, using Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, as a case study. We investigated the relationship between the four indices and the thermal perception of park visitors, while taking into account the effect of the sex, age, and activity of the respondents and the week-time and daytime of their visit (assessed parameters). Park visitors were interviewed during the summertime, while collecting meteorological data. The correlations were performed to explore the relationship between the thermal perception and the individual thermal indices, multivariate statistical methods were used to explain how well the variation in thermal perception can be explained by the assessed parameters. We found a significant association between all the indices and thermal perception; however, the relationship was the strongest with HI. While thermal perception was independent of sex and week-time, we found a significant effect of age, physical activity, and daytime of the visit. Nevertheless, the effects can largely be explained by thermal conditions. Based on the results, we conclude that all the investigated indices are suitable for use in studies of thermal comfort in parks in Central Europe in summertime, while HI seems the most suitable for architects and planners.
Sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Sisodia Shilpa , Hammond Zara , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Hanlon Charlotte , Asher Laura
Published: January 2025

Background

This scoping review aimed to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness (SMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and to summarise those needs.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were 1) focus on sexual and reproductive health needs 2) women or girls with SMI, professionals, caregivers of women with SMI and community members 3) study set in a LMIC 4) peer reviewed literature (no restriction on study date or design). Studies were identified from comprehensive searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO (to July 2023).

Results

The review included 100 papers. Most studies were cross-sectional and set in hospital outpatient departments. Only 20 of 140 LMIC countries were included in this review and only 15 studies were set-in low-income countries (LIC). Included studies often had multiple focus areas and were grouped by frequency of topic into categories of HIV (prevalence, risk behaviour and knowledge), other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual function, contraception use and family planning, sexual violence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Included studies indicated women with SMI have worse outcomes and worse sexual and reproductive health compared to both women without SMI and men with SMI. Women with SMI were shown to have higher rates of HIV and low levels of contraception knowledge and use, with little advice offered by professionals.

Conclusions

This review highlights the need for a greater diversity of study methodology, robustness of ethical and consensual reporting when researching vulnerable populations and for further research on interventions and models of care aimed at addressing stigma, discrimination and improving the sexual and reproductive health of women with SMI. Future research should better represent the breadth of LMIC, investigate cultural adaptability of interventions and consider sexual health needs across the life course.
A phase I/II study of adoptive immunotherapy using donor liver graft-derived NK cell-enriched immune cells to prevent severe infection after liver transplantation
Authors: Ohira Masahiro , Imaoka Yuki , Sato Koki , Imaoka Koki , Bekki Tomoaki , Yano Takuya , Nakano Ryosuke , Sakai Hiroshi , Kuroda Shintaro , Tahara Hiroyuki , Ide Kentaro , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Yuka , Tanaka Junko , Ohdan Hideki
Published: January 2025

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are significant postoperative complications associated with high mortality rates after liver transplantation (LT). Natural killer (NK) cells, which are key components of the innate immune system, have demonstrated potential to combat both infections and cancer. The use of activated NK cells to mitigate post-LT infections, particularly BSIs, has attracted considerable interest. We conducted a single-arm Phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transfusing donor liver-derived NK cells into LT recipients. Patients were administered a single infusion of these NK cells three days post-LT. The primary endpoint was BSI incidence. This study was terminated in 19 patients because of the high incidence of BSIs. Of the 19 patients receiving immunotherapy, six (31.5%) developed BSIs within one month of LT. No adverse events were directly related to NK cell infusion. Acute rejection was noted in seven patients (36.8%). After infusion, NK cell activity in the recipient’s peripheral blood remained stable. In conclusion, this clinical trial did not reach the primary endpoint. This could be attributed to a significant percentage of patients presenting with high immunological risk. Nonetheless, the infusion procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile without serious adverse events.
Development and validation of an interpretable machine learning model for predicting left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Huang Chaoqun , Shu Shangzhi , Zhou Miaomiao , Sun Zhenming , Li Shuyan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Left atrial thrombus or spontaneous echo contrast (LAT/SEC) are widely recognized as significant contributors to cardiogenic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This study aimed to construct and validate an interpretable predictive model of LAT/SEC risk in NVAF patients using machine learning (ML) methods.

Methods

Electronic medical records (EMR) data of consecutive NVAF patients scheduled for catheter ablation at the First Hospital of Jilin University from October 1, 2022, to February 1, 2024, were analyzed. A retrospective study of 1,222 NVAF patients was conducted. Nine ML algorithms combined with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were applied to develop prediction models for LAT/SEC in NVAF patients. Feature selection was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression. Multiple ML classification models were integrated to identify the optimal model, and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was utilized for personalized risk assessment. Diagnostic performances of the optimal model and the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system for predicting LAT/SEC risk in NVAF were compared.

Results

Among 1,078 patients included, the incidence of LAT/SEC was 10.02%. Six independent predictors, including age, non-paroxysmal AF, diabetes, ischemic stroke or thromboembolism (IS/TE), hyperuricemia, and left atrial diameter (LAD), were identified as the most valuable features. The logistic classification model exhibited the best performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.850, accuracy of 0.812, sensitivity of 0.818, and specificity of 0.780 in the test set. SHAP analysis revealed the contribution of explanatory variables to the model and their relationship with LAT/SEC occurrence. The logistic regression model significantly outperformed the CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system, with AUCs of 0.831 and 0.650, respectively (Z = 7.175, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ML proves to be a reliable tool for predicting LAT/SEC risk in NVAF patients. The constructed logistic regression model, along with SHAP interpretation, may serve as a clinically useful tool for identifying high-risk NVAF patients. This enables targeted diagnostic evaluations and the development of personalized treatment strategies based on the findings.
Empirically validating a computational model of automatic behavior shaping
Authors: Berardi Vincent , Lan Tian , Guirguis Ariane , Maoz Uri
Published: January 2025

Background

Mobile sensing technology allows automated behavior shaping routines to be incorporated into health behavior interventions and other settings. In previous work, a computational model was built to investigate how to best arrange automatic behavior shaping procedures, but the degree to which this model reflects actual human behavior is not known.

Purpose

To translate a previously developed computational model of automatic behavior shaping into an experimental setting.

Methods

Participants (n = 54) operated a computer mouse and attempted to locate a hidden, randomly-placed target circle on a blank computer screen and clicks within some threshold distance of the target circle were reinforced by a pleasant auditory tone. As the trial progressed, the threshold distance narrowed according to a shaping function until eventually only clicks within the target circle were reinforced. Accumulated Area Under Trajectory Curves and Time Until 10 Consecutive Target Clicks were used to quantify the probability of the target behavior. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess differential outcomes for concave up, concave down, and linear shaping functions.

Results

In congruence with the computational model, concave-up functions most effectively shaped participants’ behavior, with linear and then concave-down shaping functions producing the next best outcomes.

Conclusion

Concave-up shaping routines most effectively generated target behavior, which should be confirmed in health behavior trials. The automatic shaping routines that this study helps develop can be applied in a number of domains, including exercise intensity and duration, tobacco/cannabis smoking, caloric intake, and screen time.
Automatic classification of mobile apps to ensure safe usage for adolescents
Authors: Hakami Hanadi
Published: January 2025

The integration of mobile devices into adolescents’ daily lives is significant, making it imperative to prioritize their safety and security. With the imminent arrival of fast internet (6G), offering increased bandwidth and reduced latency compared to its predecessor (5G), real-time streaming of high-quality video and audio to mobile devices will become feasible. To effectively leverage the fast internet, accurately classifying Mobile Applications (M-APPs) is crucial to shield adolescents from inappropriate content, including violent videos, pornography, hate speech, and cyberbullying. This work introduces an innovative approach utilizing Deep Learning techniques, specifically Attentional Convolutional Neural Networks (A-CNNs), for classifying M-APPs. The goal is to secure adolescent mobile usage by predicting the potential negative impact of M-APPs on adolescents. The proposed methodology employs multiple Machine and Deep Learning (M/DL) models, but A-CNNs based on Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers embeddings outperformed other models, achieving an average accuracy of 88.74% and improving the recall from 99.33% to 99.65%.
Experienced cognitive load in the emergency department. A prospective study
Authors: Appelboom Yael , Groenen Yvonne , Notten Dirk , De Bruin Anique , Buijs Jacqueline , Haak Harm R. , Broggreve Hella F. , Lambriks Lars , Stassen Patricia M.
Published: January 2025

Background and importance

The emergency department (ED) is a hectic place, where many critically ill patients are treated. For residents working in the ED, this environment may be demanding.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the [1] cognitive load experienced by residents working in the ED, and [2] differences in cognitive load during the day.

Methods

In this multicentre, prospective study in three EDs in the Netherlands, the experienced cognitive load was graded by residents on three scales, agreed upon during Delphi meetings: the complexity (low-high: 1–3), mental effort (low-high: 1–9) and comfortability scale (low-high: 0–100%). We applied the scores per decision, 1-hour and 2-hour intervals, patient and shift.

Main results

We observed 14 residents and analysed 74 1-hour and 45 2-hour intervals, 79 patients, 24 shifts and 592 separate decisions. The experienced cognitive load per decision was low. In contrast, the cognitive load was higher per 2-hour interval (mental effort: median 4.0 (IQR 4.0) and comfortability 80% (IQR 20)) and per shift (mental effort: median 5.5 (IQR 4.0) and comfortability 80% (IQR 20). Complexity was low for all measurements. Mental effort rose from 17h onwards higher values, whereas a decrease in comfortability was seen from 21h onwards.

Conclusion

From 17h onwards, residents working in the ED experienced rather high mental effort and reported feeling not optimally comfortable when making decisions. The mental effort was highest between 21-23h. This was found when cognitive load was measured per 2-hour interval and per shift, but not per decision. This study may provide an insights to optimise cognitive load by reorganisation of the ED.
Development and validation of an automated machine for self-injury assessment via young Koreans’ natural writings
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Lee Dong-gwi
Published: January 2025

Self-injury is common in all countries, and 20% of South Korean youths experience self-injury. One of the barriers to assessment and treatment planning is the tendency of young self-injurers to conceal their identities. Following a new stream of research that uses online text data to assess psychological symptoms as they are described in online posts, this study developed a computerized machine that can analyze South Korean self-injurers’ writing in assessing their self-injury severity. Based on 16,645 online posts, Study 1 developed a machine called the Korean Self-Injurious Text Reviewer (K-SITR) using Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modeling and machine learning. The K-SITR’s text-assessment results were statistically indistinguishable from those of professional counselors. Study 2 confirmed the validity of the K-SITR through a survey of 47 young Koreans who had experienced self-injury. Results showed that the K-SITR scores converged with participants’ self-injury frequency and duration and discriminated from other heterogenous factors. The K-SITR also had incremental validity over two popular self-injury questionnaires. This study provides a new measure that may reduce the tendency of young self-injurers to self-conceal compared to traditional direct-item questionnaires.
CooccurrenceAffinity: An R package for computing a novel metric of affinity in co-occurrence data that corrects for pervasive errors in traditional indices
Authors: Mainali Kumar P. , Slud Eric
Published: January 2025

1. Analysis of co-occurrence data with traditional indices has led to many problems such as sensitivity of the indices to prevalence and the same value representing either a strong positive or strong negative association across different datasets. In our recent study (Mainali et al 2022), we revealed the source of the problems that make the traditional indices fundamentally flawed and unreliable–namely that the indices in common use have no target of estimation quantifying degree of association in the non-null case–and we further developed a novel parameter of association, alpha, with complete formulation of the null distribution for estimating the mechanism of affinity. We also developed the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of alpha in our previous study.

2. Here, we introduce the CooccurrenceAffinity R package that computes the MLE for alpha. We provide functions to perform the analysis based on a 2×2 contingency table of occurrence/co-occurrence counts as well as a m×n presence-absence matrix (e.g., species by site matrix). The flexibility of the function allows a user to compute the alpha MLE for entity pairs on matrix columns based on presence-absence states recorded in the matrix rows, or for entity pairs on matrix rows based on presence-absence recorded in columns. We also provide functions for plotting the computed indices.

3. As novel components of this software paper not reported in the original study, we present theoretical discussion of a median interval and of four types of confidence intervals. We further develop functions (a) to compute those intervals, (b) to evaluate their true coverage probability of enclosing the population parameter, and (c) to generate figures.

4. CooccurrenceAffinity is a practical and efficient R package with user-friendly functions for end-to-end analysis and plotting of co-occurrence data in various formats, making it possible to compute the recently developed metric of alpha MLE as well as its median and confidence intervals introduced in this paper. The package supplements its main output of the novel metric of association with the three most common traditional indices of association in co-occurrence data: Jaccard, Sørensen–Dice, and Simpson.