bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Transition in Northern Netherlands: seeking a balance between top-down and bottom-up initiatives
Authors: Oldenbroek Bas , Psarra Ifigenia , van der Schoor Tineke , Tjahja Cyril
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on top-down and bottom-up processes within the field of energy transition. It aims at gaining insights into the ways that a more balanced approach can be achieved, by taking into consideration the (mutual) interests, barriers and expectations of the municipality and local citizen initiatives. The theoretical framework of the study is the implementation analysis framework, distinguishing top-down and bottom-up approaches. Specifically, this qualitative (thematic analysis) research study investigates the mismatch in expectations between a number of local energy initiatives and the municipality of Groningen regarding their roles within the local energy transition context. To this end, semi-structured interviews have been conducted with members of the municipality of Groningen, Grunneger Power (a local energy intermediary), and four local energy initiatives. Need and expectation gaps have been identified and potential solutions have been explored. The main findings of the study illustrate the need of professional support for citizen initiatives, at both technical and organizational level, especially in the first phases of their development. Additionally, clear mutual communication on short and long-term planning and ambitions of the involved parties is of key importance for the alignment of the interests and the course of actions. Consequently, a clear context is needed, within which an exchange of feedback on the envisioned strategies, and the subsequent energy saving or generation interventions, can take place in an efficient and effective way. Additionally, such a context increases confidence and provides a clear understanding to the citizen initiatives regarding their role and the level and nature of support they can expect in their intended projects and activities. Based on these findings, policy implications have been drawn.
A prevention approach to undocumented forms of migration across the Mediterranean Sea: a critical assessment from Italy
Authors: Massari Monica , Miceli Simona , Ingrascì Ombretta
Published: July 2024

This article is aimed at providing a solid empirical basis which can inspire the development of more informed strategies in the field of prevention of undocumented forms of migration across the Mediterranean. Besides, more traditional forms of human smuggling and trafficking, a new phenomenon has emerged especially along the Central Mediterranean route, i.e. trafficking in itinere, which affects people who had originally sought irregular travel services but then ended up in being kidnapped, tortured and kept in detention centres during their migratory path. Therefore, their irregular journey to Europe becomes the only way to survive. The methodology adopted draws from in-depth interviews with experts in Italy – especially prosecutors, law enforcements officers, representatives of NGOs and journalists -, the analysis of institutional reports and sources, as well as biographical accounts provided by migrants. The analysis critically addresses the countereffects produced by the hardening of borders and militarisation of sea routes in the Mediterranean area especially in terms of enhancement of the smuggling industry, increased human rights violations and clandestinization of migrants whose experiences and knowledge are too often underrepresented or misrepresented in the public debate. This results in a negative impact on migration policy-making and on the adoption of more effective measures aimed at addressing the governance of borders and the reception system in the EU. In conclusion, some recommendations are made, which call for a reconsideration of the distinction between economic and political migrants, an enhancement of the right to migrate which can guarantee safer forms of mobility toward the EU, a serious reconsideration of the politics of externalization of European borders with its extremely severe costs in terms of human rights, and a stronger valorisation of migrants’ actual needs, expectations and projects in the design of more effective policies aimed at improving the overall EU reception system.
Ethical gamified health communication intervention to prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) in Myanmar migrants at Thailand's seafood factory: A study protocol
Authors: Hlaing Phyu Hnin , Cheah Phaik Yeong , Boonchutima Smith
Published: July 2024

Background Thailand's seafood industry heavily depends on Myanmar migrant workers, who face significant occupational health issues, including an increase in work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Due to linguistic and cultural limitations, traditional health communication strategies often fail to reach this population. This study explores the effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically tailored gamified health communication intervention aimed at preventing WMSDs in Myanmar migrant workers in a Thai seafood factory. Methods The intervention is developed and then implemented in two phases. The objective of the study is to develop, implement, and evaluate a gamified health intervention for Myanmar migrant workers that will prevent WMSDs. The intervention is customized to the workers' cultural background and work natures through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and expert reviews. The intervention then consists of a set of 12 exercises designed to prevent the WMSDs. The Intervention’s impact is assessed through pre- and post-intervention evaluations measuring changes in knowledge, awareness, and self-reported musculoskeletal health. Results Since this is a study protocol, precise findings are not yet available. The target audience is expected to adopt safe work practices more frequently, have better physical health, and have a greater understanding of WMSDs. Conclusions This protocol describes a novel way to use a culturally-tailored and ethically appropriate gamified health communication intervention to address the health issues (such as WMSDs) experienced by Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand's seafood industry. This technique may serve as a model for comparable health promotion initiatives in other labour-intensive industries and migrant worker groups, promoting better awareness and prevention of WMSDs. Registration Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (TCTR20240515003, Registration Date: 15 May 2024).
The genome sequence of a drosophilid fruit fly, Drosophila limbata von Roser 1840
Authors: Obbard Darren J. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Drosophila limbata (drosophilid fruit fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Drosophilidae). The genome sequence is 233.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.09 kilobases in length.
Pedagogical skills
Authors: Raskalinos Valeriya
Published: July 2024

The educational manual presents educational materials on the general professional discipline “Pedagogical Excellence” (a variable part of the training program for mid-level specialists). Aimed at developing students' professional individuality through the integration of experience, theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Meets the requirements of the latest generation of federal state educational standards for secondary education.
For students of secondary specialized educational institutions with a pedagogical profile, as well as teachers of pedagogical colleges working with students studying in the specialty “Preschool Education”.
El virus SARS-CoV-2 es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 que provocó la pandemia de Covid-19. Este virus ha logrado una transmisión sostenida entre poblaciones humanas; sin embargo, desde 2020 se han documentado eventos de contagio zoonótico inverso, es decir, la transmisión del virus de humanos a animales domésticos y salvajes. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la infección natural por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 en murciélagos capturados en Oaxaca, México. Entre octubre de 2021 y febrero de 2022, se recolectaron muestras de hígado de 6 especies de murciélagos para detectar el ARN del SARS-CoV-2 mediante el ensayo cuantitativo de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa en tiempo real. No se detectó infección natural en ninguna de las muestras analizadas y no se encontró evidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en los murciélagos examinados. Es necesario analizar otros órganos (e.g., tráquea, ganglios linfáticos, pulmón, corazón y riñón), muestras biológicas (e.g., saliva, orina y secreciones nasales) y un mayor número de muestras para aclarar si los murciélagos en Oaxaca son susceptibles a la infección por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hernández-Aguilar Itandehui , Ramírez-Palacios Luis Román , Lorenzo Consuelo , Santos-Moreno Antonio
Published: July 2024

El virus SARS-CoV-2 es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 que provocó la pandemia de Covid-19.  Este virus ha logrado una transmisión sostenida entre poblaciones humanas; sin embargo, desde 2020 se han documentado eventos de contagio zoonótico inverso, es decir, la transmisión del virus de humanos a animales domésticos y salvajes.  Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la infección natural por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 en murciélagos capturados en Oaxaca, México.  Entre octubre de 2021 y febrero de 2022, se recolectaron muestras de hígado de 6 especies de murciélagos para detectar el ARN del SARS-CoV-2 mediante el ensayo cuantitativo de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa en tiempo real.  No se detectó infección natural en ninguna de las muestras analizadas y no se encontró evidencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en los murciélagos examinados. Es necesario analizar otros órganos (e.g., tráquea, ganglios linfáticos, pulmón, corazón y riñón), muestras biológicas (e.g., saliva, orina y secreciones nasales) y un mayor número de muestras para aclarar si los murciélagos en Oaxaca son susceptibles a la infección por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
ECG of the month
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: July 2024

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents the case of a 58-year-old man who was otherwise healthy, but had developed severe chest pain during a morning jog.
Excitation-dependent features and artifacts in 2-D terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Albert , Disa Ankit
Published: July 2024

Recently, two-dimensional terahertz spectroscopy (2DTS) has attracted increasing attention for studying complex solids. A number of recent studies have applied 2DTS either with long pulses or away from any material resonances, situations that yield unconventional 2DTS spectra that are often difficult to interpret. Here, we clarify the generic origins of observed spectral features by examining 2DTS spectra of ZnTe, a model system with a featureless optical susceptibility at low terahertz frequencies. These results also reveal possible artifacts that may arise from electro-optic sampling in collinear 2DTS experiments, including the observation of spurious rectified or second harmonic signals.
Design method of off-axis reflective freeform zoom optical systems
Authors: Zhao Gaoxing , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a design method for off-axis reflective zoom optical systems. The method can be used to design off-axis zoom optical systems that include multiple mirrors. First, off-axis spherical systems for different zoom positions are solved to approximately meet the requirements for the optical power at different zoom positions, ensuring the convergence of subsequent calculations. Then, the system's optical power and aberrations are corrected by iterating the freeform surfaces point-by-point, thereby obtaining good starting points for further optimization. To illustrate the effectiveness of the method, three design examples are provided, including two off-axis three-mirror zoom optical systems and one off-axis four-mirror zoom optical system. Using the proposed method, good starting points for these systems are obtained. After optimization, the imaging quality of these three systems is close to diffraction limited.
Experimental demonstration of higher order-mode pass filter based on mode-scattering evolution
Authors: Jiang Weifeng , Mao Siqiang , Hu Jinzhu
Published: July 2024

A higher-order mode (HOM) pass filter is a key component in on-chip mode-division multiplexing (MDM) systems, enabling mode-selective transmission. In this study, a highly integrated silicon-based HOM pass filter is proposed based on “mode-scattering evolution.” The proposed filter consists of a functional region and input/output waveguides, with a compact footprint of only 2 µm × 9 µm achieved through an inverse design. Experimental results demonstrate that the fabricated silicon-based HOM pass filter exhibits an insertion loss of 2.11 dB and a crosstalk of −10.63 dB at 1550 nm. The bandwidth with a loss <5 dB is measured to be 90 nm. The proposed device offers an efficient solution for on-chip mode-selective filtering, which can provide a promising technology for building integrated MDM systems.
High average power and high repetition rate eye-safe Raman laser driven by a two-crystal Nd:YVO4 laser
Authors: Wang Yisen , Tan Weifeng , Chen Peining , Dai Shibo , Zhu Siqi , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: July 2024

We report on a high average power and high repetition rate nanosecond pulsed eye-safe KGW Raman laser intracavity driven by an acousto-optic Q-switched 1342 nm two-crystal Nd:YVO4 laser. Taking advantages of the carefully selected two-composite-laser-crystal configuration, the thoroughly optimized gate-open time of acousto-optic modulator and the ingeniously designed U-shaped resonator, substantial power and efficiency enhancements as well as superior mode matching have been enabled. Under the injected pump power of 64.5 W, the average output powers of the first-Stokes fields at 1496 and 1527 nm can be up to 8.1 and 9.5 W with 25 kHz repetition rate and 3.2 µs gate-open time, respectively, corresponding to the optical power conversion efficiencies of 12.6% and 14.7%. Meantime, the resultant pulse widths are determined to be 4.6 and 6.3 ns with the peak powers of approximately 70 and 60 kW, respectively. The beam quality can be maintained with M2 < 1.5 across the entire output power range.
Grating compressor optimization aiming maximum focal intensity of femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Vyatkin Anton , Khazanov Efim
Published: July 2024

It is shown that the optimal geometry of a Treacy compressor is the full-aperture compressor, in which the beam size at the first diffraction grating is equal to its length. Despite the energy losses and greater size of the focal spot, such compressor provides considerably higher (by 1.5–2 times) focal intensity than an energy lossless compressor. Decreasing the density of grooves from 1200–1400/mm to about 1000/mm also increases the focal intensity by tens of percent. The constructed theory is generalized to the full-aperture two-grating compressor, which is the best design due to the angle of incidence on the first grating smaller than the Littrow angle. Two gratings with a length of 138 cm allow obtaining an intensity of 4.09×10²⁴ W/cm² and 5.01×10²⁴ W/cm² in the focus of F/2 parabola for the projects XCELS and SEL-100PW, reaching the 139 PW and 174 PW power.
A phylogeny-informed characterisation of global tetrapod traits addresses data gaps and biases
Authors: Moura Mario R. , Ceron Karoline , Guedes Jhonny J. M. , Chen-Zhao Rosana , Sica Yanina V. , Hart Julie , Dorman Wendy , Portmann Julia M. , González-del-Pliego Pamela , Ranipeta Ajay , Catenazzi Alessandro , Werneck Fernanda P. , Toledo Luís Felipe , Upham Nathan S. , Tonini João F. R. , Colston Timothy J. , Guralnick Robert , Bowie Rauri C. K. , Pyron R. Alexander , Jetz Walter
Published: July 2024

Tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) are model systems for global biodiversity science, but continuing data gaps, limited data standardisation, and ongoing flux in taxonomic nomenclature constrain integrative research on this group and potentially cause biased inference. We combined and harmonised taxonomic, spatial, phylogenetic, and attribute data with phylogeny-based multiple imputation to provide a comprehensive data resource (TetrapodTraits 1.0.0) that includes values, predictions, and sources for body size, activity time, micro- and macrohabitat, ecosystem, threat status, biogeography, insularity, environmental preferences, and human influence, for all 33,281 tetrapod species covered in recent fully sampled phylogenies. We assess gaps and biases across taxa and space, finding that shared data missing in attribute values increased with taxon-level completeness and richness across clades. Prediction of missing attribute values using multiple imputation revealed substantial changes in estimated macroecological patterns. These results highlight biases incurred by nonrandom missingness and strategies to best address them. While there is an obvious need for further data collection and updates, our phylogeny-informed database of tetrapod traits can support a more comprehensive representation of tetrapod species and their attributes in ecology, evolution, and conservation research.
An integrative approach to protein sequence design through multiobjective optimization
Authors: Hong Lu , Kortemme Tanja
Published: July 2024

With recent methodological advances in the field of computational protein design, in particular those based on deep learning, there is an increasing need for frameworks that allow for coherent, direct integration of different models and objective functions into the generative design process. Here we demonstrate how evolutionary multiobjective optimization techniques can be adapted to provide such an approach. With the established Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) as the optimization framework, we use AlphaFold2 and ProteinMPNN confidence metrics to define the objective space, and a mutation operator composed of ESM-1v and ProteinMPNN to rank and then redesign the least favorable positions. Using the two-state design problem of the foldswitching protein RfaH as an in-depth case study, and PapD and calmodulin as examples of higher-dimensional design problems, we show that the evolutionary multiobjective optimization approach leads to significant reduction in the bias and variance in RfaH native sequence recovery, compared to a direct application of ProteinMPNN. We suggest that this improvement is due to three factors: (i) the use of an informative mutation operator that accelerates the sequence space exploration, (ii) the parallel, iterative design process inherent to the genetic algorithm that improves upon the ProteinMPNN autoregressive sequence decoding scheme, and (iii) the explicit approximation of the Pareto front that leads to optimal design candidates representing diverse tradeoff conditions. We anticipate this approach to be readily adaptable to different models and broadly relevant for protein design tasks with complex specifications.
Role of diffusion and reaction of the constituents in spreading of histone modification marks
Authors: Manivannan Vinoth , Inamdar Mandar M. , Padinhateeri Ranjith
Published: July 2024

Cells switch genes ON or OFF by altering the state of chromatin via histone modifications at specific regulatory locations along the chromatin polymer. These gene regulation processes are carried out by a network of reactions in which the histone marks spread to neighboring regions with the help of enzymes. In the literature, this spreading has been studied as a purely kinetic, non-diffusive process considering the interactions between neighboring nucleosomes. In this work, we go beyond this framework and study the spreading of modifications using a reaction-diffusion (RD) model accounting for the diffusion of the constituents. We quantitatively segregate the modification profiles generated from kinetic and RD models. The diffusion and degradation of enzymes set a natural length scale for limiting the domain size of modification spreading, and the resulting enzyme limitation is inherent in our model. We also demonstrate the emergence of confined modification domains without the explicit requirement of a nucleation site. We explore polymer compaction effects on spreading and show that single-cell domains may differ from averaged profiles. We find that the modification profiles from our model are comparable with existing H3K9me3 data of S. pombe.
Reinforcement learning of altruistic punishment differs between cultures and across the lifespan
Authors: Guo Ziyan , Yu Jialu , Wang Wenxin , Lockwood Patricia , Wu Zhen
Published: July 2024

Altruistic punishment is key to establishing cooperation and maintaining social order, yet its developmental trends across cultures remain unclear. Using computational reinforcement learning models, we provided the first evidence of how social feedback dynamically influences group-biased altruistic punishment across cultures and the lifespan. Study 1 (n = 371) found that Chinese participants exhibited higher learning rates than Americans when socially incentivized to punish unfair allocations. Additionally, Chinese adults showed slower learning and less exploration when punishing ingroups than outgroups, a pattern absent in American counterparts, potentially reflecting a tendency towards ingroup favoritism that may contribute to reinforcing collectivist values. Study 2 (n = 430, aged 12–52) further showed that such ingroup favoritism develops with age. Chinese participants’ learning rates for ingroup punishment decreased from adolescence into adulthood, while outgroup rates stayed constant, implying a process of cultural learning. Our findings highlight cultural and age-related variations in altruistic punishment learning, with implications for social reinforcement learning and culturally sensitive educational practices promoting fairness and altruism.
BRSET: A Brazilian Multilabel Ophthalmological Dataset of Retina Fundus Photos
Authors: Nakayama Luis Filipe , Restrepo David , Matos João , Ribeiro Lucas Zago , Malerbi Fernando Korn , Celi Leo Anthony , Regatieri Caio Saito
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Brazilian Multilabel Ophthalmological Dataset (BRSET) addresses the scarcity of publicly available ophthalmological datasets in Latin America. BRSET comprises 16,266 color fundus retinal photos from 8,524 Brazilian patients, aiming to enhance data representativeness, serving as a research and teaching tool. It contains sociodemographic information, enabling investigations into differential model performance across demographic groups.

Methods

Data from three São Paulo outpatient centers yielded demographic and medical information from electronic records, including nationality, age, sex, clinical history, insulin use, and duration of diabetes diagnosis. A retinal specialist labeled images for anatomical features (optic disc, blood vessels, macula), quality control (focus, illumination, image field, artifacts), and pathologies (e.g., diabetic retinopathy). Diabetic retinopathy was graded using International Clinic Diabetic Retinopathy and Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Grading. Validation used a ConvNext model trained during 50 epochs using a weighted cross entropy loss to avoid overfitting, with 70% training (20% validation), and 30% testing subsets. Performance metrics included area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and Macro F1-score. Saliency maps were calculated for interpretability.

Results

BRSET comprises 65.1% Canon CR2 and 34.9% Nikon NF5050 images. 61.8% of the patients are female, and the average age is 57.6 (± 18.26) years. Diabetic retinopathy affected 15.8% of patients, across a spectrum of disease severity. Anatomically, 20.2% showed abnormal optic discs, 4.9% abnormal blood vessels, and 28.8% abnormal macula. A ConvNext V2 model was trained and evaluated BRSET in four prediction tasks: “binary diabetic retinopathy diagnosis (Normal vs Diabetic Retinopathy)” (AUC: 97, F1: 89); “3 class diabetic retinopathy diagnosis (Normal, Proliferative, Non-Proliferative)” (AUC: 97, F1: 82); “diabetes diagnosis” (AUC: 91, F1: 83); “sex classification” (AUC: 87, F1: 70).

Discussion

BRSET is the first multilabel ophthalmological dataset in Brazil and Latin America. It provides an opportunity for investigating model biases by evaluating performance across demographic groups. The model performance of three prediction tasks demonstrates the value of the dataset for external validation and for teaching medical computer vision to learners in Latin America using locally relevant data sources.
Gene-vegetarianism interactions in calcium, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and testosterone identified in genome-wide analysis across 30 biomarkers
Authors: Francis Michael , Westerman Kenneth E. , Manning Alisa K. , Ye Kaixiong
Published: July 2024

We examined the associations of vegetarianism with metabolic biomarkers using traditional and genetic epidemiology. First, we addressed inconsistencies in self-reported vegetarianism among UK Biobank participants by utilizing data from two dietary surveys to find a cohort of strict European vegetarians (N = 2,312). Vegetarians were matched 1:4 with nonvegetarians for non-genetic association analyses, revealing significant effects of vegetarianism in 15 of 30 biomarkers. Cholesterol measures plus vitamin D were significantly lower in vegetarians, while triglycerides were higher. A genome-wide association study revealed no genome-wide significant (GWS; 5×10−8) associations with vegetarian behavior. We performed genome-wide gene-vegetarianism interaction analyses for the biomarkers, and detected a GWS interaction impacting calcium at rs72952628 (P = 4.47×10−8). rs72952628 is in MMAA, a B12 metabolic pathway gene; B12 has major deficiency potential in vegetarians. Gene-based interaction tests revealed two significant genes, RNF168 in testosterone (P = 1.45×10−6) and DOCK4 in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 6.76×10−7), which have previously been associated with testicular and renal traits, respectively. These nutrigenetic findings indicate genotype can modify the associations between vegetarianism and health outcomes.
The impact of primary health care on AIDS incidence and mortality: A cohort study of 3.4 million Brazilians
Authors: Pinto Priscila F. P. S. , Macinko James , Silva Andréa F. , Lua Iracema , Jesus Gabriela , Magno Laio , Santos Carlos A. S. Teles , Ichihara Maria Yury , Barreto Mauricio L. , Moucheraud Corrina , Souza Luis E. , Dourado Inês , Rasella Davide
Published: July 2024

Background

Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for effective, efficient, and more equitable health systems for all people, including those living with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated the impact of the exposure to one of the largest community-based PHC programs in the world, the Brazilian Family Health Strategy (FHS), on AIDS incidence and mortality.

Methods and findings

A retrospective cohort study carried out in Brazil from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015. We conducted an impact evaluation using a cohort of 3,435,068 ≥13 years low-income individuals who were members of the 100 Million Brazilians Cohort, linked to AIDS diagnoses and deaths registries. We evaluated the impact of FHS on AIDS incidence and mortality and compared outcomes between residents of municipalities with low or no FHS coverage (unexposed) with those in municipalities with 100% FHS coverage (exposed). We used multivariable Poisson regressions adjusted for all relevant municipal and individual-level demographic, socioeconomic, and contextual variables, and weighted with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). We also estimated the FHS impact by sex and age and performed a wide range of sensitivity and triangulation analyses; 100% FHS coverage was associated with lower AIDS incidence (rate ratio [RR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.84) and mortality (RR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56 to 0.82). FHS impact was similar between men and women, but was larger in people aged ≥35 years old both for incidence (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.72) and mortality (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.72). The absence of important confounding variables (e.g., sexual behavior) is a key limitation of this study.

Conclusions

AIDS should be an avoidable outcome for most people living with HIV today and our study shows that FHS coverage could significantly reduce AIDS incidence and mortality among low-income populations in Brazil. Universal access to comprehensive healthcare through community-based PHC programs should be promoted to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of ending AIDS by 2030.
A low molecular weight dextran sulphate, ILB®, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): An open-label, single-arm, single-centre, phase II trial
Authors: Srinivasan Venkataramanan , Homer Victoria , Barton Darren , Clutterbuck-James Abigail , Jenkins Siân , Potter Claire , Brock Kristian , Logan Ann , Smith Donna , Bruce Lars , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Bach Simon P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig´s disease, is a rare neurological condition and is the most common motor neurone disease. It is a fatal disease with specific loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex leading to progressive paralysis and usually death within five years of diagnosis. There remains no cure for ALS, and management is focused on a combination of neuroprotective medication, respiratory support, and management by multidisciplinary clinics.

Patients and methods

This prospective, single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial of sustained weekly administration of 2 mg/kg ILB® (a low-molecular weight dextran sulphate) was conducted in a single UK hospital. Eligible patients were at least 18 years and had a definite diagnosis of ALS according to El Escorial Criteria. The co-primary outcomes were safety, tolerability, and quantity of ILB® administered.

EudraCT number. 2018-000668-28

Findings

Between 18-Apr-2019 and 27-Mar-2020, 11 patients were recruited and treated for up to 38 weeks. There were no treatment terminations or withdrawals. One serious adverse event was reported, which was not related to ILB® and resolved without sequalae. 270 mild/moderate adverse events were reported with no intolerable events occurring during the trial. The total number of ILB® treatments administered per patient ranged from 4 to 38, with a cumulative dose ranging from 745 to 6668 mg. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the high-risk status of study participants, recruitment and treatment was suspended early in Mar-2020. At the long-term follow-up, three patients had died after the trial was halted, between 53 and 62 weeks after their final ILB® injection.

Interpretation

Long-term weekly ILB® injections of 2 mg/kg was well tolerated and had an acceptable safety profile in patients with ALS.

Trial registration

EudraCT: 2018-000668-28. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03705390. This trial adheres to the principles of GCP in the design, conduct, recording and reporting of clinical trials as listed in part 2, “Conditions and Principles which apply to all Clinical Trials” under the header “Principles based on Articles 2 to 5 of the EU GCP Directive” in the Medicines for Human Use Clinical Trials Regulations (as amended in SI 2006/1928). For clarity, the study did not conform to all aspects of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) E6 R2 Guidelines for GCP (also known as ‘ICH GCP’). Of note, we did not use an external database, perform 100% source data verification, and only primary outcome data were analysed in parallel by a second, independent statistician.
Intolerance of uncertainty does not significantly predict decisions about delayed, probabilistic rewards: A failure to replicate Luhmann, C. C., Ishida, K., & Hajcak, G. (2011)
Authors: Cobos Pedro L. , Quintero María J. , López Francisco J. , Luque David , Ciria Luis F. , Morís y Joaquín
Published: July 2024

Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is thought to lead to maladaptive behaviours and dysfunctional decision making, both in the clinical and healthy population. The seminal study reported by Luhmann and collaborators in 2011 showed that IU was negatively associated with choosing a delayed, but more certain and valuable, reward over choosing an immediate, but less certain and valuable, reward. These findings have been widely disseminated across the field of personality and individual differences because of their relevance to understand the role of IU in maladaptive behaviours in anxiety-related disorders. We conducted a study to replicate and extend Luhmann et al.’s results with a sample of 313 participants, which exceeded the size necessary (N = 266) to largely improve the statistical power of the original study by using the small telescopes approach. The results of our well powered study strongly suggest that the relationship between IU and the tendency to prefer an immediate, but less certain and less valuable reward is virtually negligible. Consequently, although this relationship cannot be definitely discarded, we conclude that it cannot be detected with Luhmann et al.’s (2011) decision-making task.
In vivo effects of balanced, low molecular 6% and 10% hydroxyethyl starch compared with crystalloid volume replacement on the coagulation system in major pancreatic surgery—a sub-analysis of a prospective double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eckers Alexander , Hunsicker Oliver , Spies Claudia , Balzer Felix , Rubarth Kerstin , von Heymann Christian
Published: July 2024

Background

The outcome of patients undergoing major surgery treated with HES for hemodynamic optimization is unclear. This post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical pilot trial investigated the impact of low-molecular balanced HES solutions on the coagulation system, blood loss and transfusion requirements.

Methods

The Trial was registered: EudraCT 2008-004175-22 and ethical approval was provided by the ethics committee of Berlin. Patients were randomized into three groups receiving either a 10% HES 130/0.42 solution, a 6% HES 130/0.42 solution or a crystalloid following a goal-directed hemodynamic algorithm. Endpoints were parameters of standard and viscoelastic coagulation laboratory, blood loss and transfusion requirements at baseline, at the end of surgery (EOS) and the first postoperative day (POD 1).

Results

Fifty-two patients were included in the analysis (HES 10% (n = 15), HES 6% (n = 17) and crystalloid (n = 20)). Fibrinogen decreased in all groups at EOS (HES 10% 338 [298;378] to 192 [163;234] mg dl-1, p<0.01, HES 6% 385 [302;442] to 174 [163;224] mg dl-1, p<0.01, crystalloids 408 [325;458] to 313 [248;370] mg dl-1, p = 0.01). MCF FIBTEM was decreased for both HES groups at EOS (HES 10%: 20.5 [16.0;24.8] to 6.5 [5.0;10.8] mm, p = <0.01; HES 6% 27.0 [18.8;35.2] to 7.0 [5.0;19.0] mm, p = <0.01). These changes did not persist on POD 1 for HES 10% (rise to 16.0 [13.0;24.0] mm, p = 0.88). Blood loss was not different in the groups nor transfusion requirements.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a stronger but transient effect of balanced, low-molecular HES on the coagulation system. Despite the decline of the use of artificial colloids in clinical practice, these results may help to inform clinicians who use HES solutions.
Global motion filtered nonlinear mutual information analysis: Enhancing dynamic portfolio strategies
Authors: Peng Wenyan , Wen Mingkai , Jiang Xiongfei , Li Yan , Chen Tingting , Zheng Bo
Published: July 2024

The complex financial networks, with their nonlinear nature, often exhibit considerable noises, inhibiting the analysis of the market dynamics and portfolio optimization. Existing studies mainly focus on the application of the global motion filtering on the linear matrix to reduce the noise interference. To minimize the noise in complex financial networks and enhance timing strategies, we introduce an advanced methodology employing global motion filtering on nonlinear dynamic networks derived from mutual information. Subsequently, we construct investment portfolios, focusing on peripheral stocks in both the Chinese and American markets. We utilize the growth and decline patterns of the eigenvalue associated with the global motion to identify trends in collective market movement, revealing the distinctive portfolio performance during periods of reinforced and weakened collective movements and further enhancing the strategy performance. Notably, this is the first instance of applying global motion filtering to mutual information networks to construct an investment portfolio focused on peripheral stocks. The comparative analysis demonstrates that portfolios comprising peripheral stocks within global-motion-filtered mutual information networks exhibit higher Sharpe and Sortino ratios compared to those derived from global-motion-filtered Pearson correlation networks, as well as from full mutual information and Pearson correlation matrices. Moreover, the performance of our strategies proves robust across bearish markets, bullish markets, and turbulent market conditions. Beyond enhancing the portfolio optimization, our results provide significant potential implications for diverse research fields such as biological, atmospheric, and neural sciences.
Effects of a passive upper-body exoskeleton on whole-body kinematics, leg muscle activity, and discomfort during a carrying task
Authors: Garcia Gabriela , Arauz Paul Gonzalo , Alvarez Isabel , Encalada Nicolas , Vega Shirley , Baldo Marco , Martin Bernard J.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare whole-body kinematics, leg muscle activity, and discomfort while performing a 10-min carrying task with and without a passive upper-body exoskeleton (CarrySuitⓇ), for both males and females.

Background

Diverse commercial passive exoskeletons have appeared on the market claiming to assist lifting or carrying task. However, evidence of their impact on kinematics, muscle activity, and discomfort while performing these tasks are necessary to determine their benefits and/or limitations.

Method

Sixteen females and fourteen males carried a 15kg load with and without a passive exoskeleton during 10-min over a round trip route, in two non-consecutive days. Whole-body kinematics and leg muscle activity were evaluated for each condition. In addition, leg discomfort ratings were quantified before and immediately after the task.

Results

The gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis muscle activity remained constant over the task with the exoskeleton. Without the exoskeleton a small decrease of gastrocnemius median activation was observed regardless of sex, and a small increase in static vastus lateralis activation was observed only for females. Several differences in sagittal, frontal, and transverse movements’ ranges of motion were found between conditions and over the task. With the exoskeleton, ROM in the sagittal plane increased over time for the right ankle and pelvis for both sexes, and knees for males only. Thorax ROMs in the three planes were higher for females only when using the exoskeleton. Leg discomfort was lower with the exoskeleton than without.

Conclusion

The results revealed a positive impact on range of motion, leg muscle activity, and discomfort of the tested exoskeleton.
Habitat occupancy of the threatened Diademed Plover (Phegornis mitchellii) is not affected by llama grazing or peatland size, but declines with peatland humidity
Authors: Pietrek Alejandro G. , Cockle Kristina L. , Izquierdo Andrea E. , Berrios Viviana S. , Lyon Bruce E.
Published: July 2024

Many habitat-specialist organisms occur in distinct, patchy habitat, yet do not occupy all patches, and an important question is why apparently suitable habitat remains unoccupied. We examined factors influencing patch occupancy in near-threatened, little-known Diademed Plovers (Phegornis mitchellii), arguably the bird most specialized to life in High Andean peatlands. Andean peatlands are well-suited to occupancy modelling because they are discrete patches of humid habitat within a matrix of high-altitude steppe. We hypothesized that Diademed Plovers occupy preferably larger and more humid peatlands, and avoid peatlands used for grazing by llamas and vicuñas, which may trample vegetation and nests. From December 2021 to February 2022 (breeding season), we conducted plover occupancy surveys (2–4) on 40 peatlands at Lagunas de Vilama, a landscape of arid steppe and wetlands above 4,500 m in NW Argentina. We measured peatland size, grazing pressure, topographic and remotely-sensed variables that correlate with humidity, and incorporated these as covariates in occupancy models. Occupancy models showed that more than 50% of the studied peatlands were used by Diademed Plovers and most showed signs of reproduction, highlighting the importance of the Vilama Wetlands for Diademed Plover conservation. Within peatlands, Diademed Plovers were most often associated with headwaters. The top ranked occupancy model included constant detection, random spatial effects, and a single occupancy covariate: mean NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index, an index correlated with water content and humidity) over the previous three years. Contrary to our prediction, Diademed Plovers preferred less water-saturated peatlands (lower NDWI), possibly to avoid nest flooding. This may be especially important in wet years, like the year when we conducted our surveys. Neither peatland size nor grazing by llamas and vicuñas affected peatland use by Diademed Plovers, suggesting that llama grazing at current levels may be compatible with plover conservation. For organisms that specialize on humid habitats, such as peatlands, factors affecting occupancy may vary temporally with variation in climate, and we recommend follow-up surveys across multi-year timescales to untangle the impact of climate on animals’ use of humid habitats.
Interventions to improve primary healthcare in rural settings: A scoping review
Authors: Aubrey-Basler Kris , Bursey Krystal , Pike Andrea , Penney Carla , Furlong Bradley , Howells Mark , Al-Obaid Harith , Rourke James , Asghari Shabnam , Hall Amanda
Published: July 2024

Background

Residents of rural areas have poorer health status, less healthy behaviours and higher mortality than urban dwellers, issues which are commonly addressed in primary care. Strengthening primary care may be an important tool to improve the health status of rural populations.

Objective

Synthesize and categorize studies that examine interventions to improve rural primary care.

Eligibility criteria

Experimental or observational studies published between January 1, 1996 and December 2022 that include an historical or concurrent control comparison.

Sources of evidence

Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase.

Charting methods

We extracted and charted data by broad category (quality, access and efficiency), study design, country of origin, publication year, aim, health condition and type of intervention studied. We assigned multiple categories to a study where relevant.

Results

372 papers met our inclusion criteria, divided among quality (82%), access (20%) and efficiency (13%) categories. A majority of papers were completed in the USA (40%), Australia (15%), China (7%) or Canada (6%). 35 (9%) papers came from countries in Africa. The most common study design was an uncontrolled before-and-after comparison (32%) and only 24% of studies used randomized designs. The number of publications each year has increased markedly over the study period from 1-2/year in 1997–99 to a peak of 49 papers in 2017.

Conclusions

Despite substantial inequity in health outcomes associated with rural living, very little attention is paid to rural primary care in the scientific literature. Very few studies of rural primary care use randomized designs.
Direct biomechanical manipulation of human gait stability: A systematic review
Authors: Sterke Bram , Jabeen Saher , Baines Patricia , Vallery Heike , Ribbers Gerard , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka
Published: July 2024

People fall more often when their gait stability is reduced. Gait stability can be directly manipulated by exerting forces or moments onto a person, ranging from simple walking sticks to complex wearable robotics. A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine: What is the level of evidence for different types of mechanical manipulations on improving gait stability? The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020180631). Databases Embase, Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched. The final search was conducted on the 1st of December, 2022. The included studies contained mechanical devices that influence gait stability for both impaired and non-impaired subjects. Studies performed with prosthetic devices, passive orthoses, and analysing post-training effects were excluded. An adapted NIH quality assessment tool was used to assess the study quality and risk of bias. Studies were grouped based on the type of device, point of application, and direction of forces and moments. For each device type, a best-evidence synthesis was performed to quantify the level of evidence based on the type of validity of the reported outcome measures and the study quality assessment score. Impaired and non-impaired study participants were considered separately. From a total of 4701 papers, 53 were included in our analysis. For impaired subjects, indicative evidence was found for medio-lateral pelvis stabilisation for improving gait stability, while limited evidence was found for hip joint assistance and canes. For non-impaired subjects, moderate evidence was found for medio-lateral pelvis stabilisation and limited evidence for body weight support. For all other device types, either indicative or insufficient evidence was found for improving gait stability. Our findings also highlight the lack of consensus on outcome measures amongst studies of devices focused on manipulating gait.
Research on benefit allocation based on multi-weight H-Shapley value: A case study of express logistics sharing
Authors: Wang Chenglin , Chen Jintao , Yu Xiaohui
Published: July 2024

Urban last-mile express delivery in China encounters several challenges. This paper presents the establishment of a sharing logistics center aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of urban last-mile express delivery while optimizing the utilization of essential resources. The successful implementation of shared delivery within sharing logistics center necessitates the creation of a robust collaborative mechanism. Recognizing that cooperative benefit allocation is dynamically influenced by factors such as resource input, operational efficiency, risk management, and other cost-related considerations, this study introduces a multi-weight H-Shapley value method for benefit allocation. By conducting empirical analyses of urban last-mile express delivery in Beijing within a sharing logistics service framework, our findings reveal that the revised benefit allocation model better aligns with the interests of participating entities and positively correlates with their contributions. Analyzing the impact of delivery volume and express operational costs changes, it is found that when the delivery volume and express operational costs of the sharing logistics center change, the benefits of participating enterprises move in the same direction. The benefit allocation model established in this study enriches the existing body of research in the field of shared delivery and offers valuable insights for benefit allocation issues that necessitate consideration of the dynamic effects of multiple parameter variations.