bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A collection of novel Lotus japonicus LORE1 mutants perturbed in the nodulation program induced by the Agrobacterium pusense strain IRBG74
Authors: García-Soto Ivette , Andersen Stig U. , Monroy-Morales Elizabeth , Robledo-Gamboa Mariana , Guadarrama Jesús , Aviles-Baltazar Norma Yaniri , Serrano Mario , Stougaard Jens , Montiel Jesús
Published: January 2024

The Lotus japonicus population carrying new Lotus retrotransposon 1 (LORE1) insertions represents a valuable biological resource for genetic research. New insertions were generated by activation of the endogenous retroelement LORE1a in the germline of the G329-3 plant line and arranged in a 2-D system for reverse genetics. LORE1 mutants identified in this collection contributes substantially to characterize candidate genes involved in symbiotic association of L. japonicus with its cognate symbiont, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Mesorhizobium loti that infects root nodules intracellularly. In this study we aimed to identify novel players in the poorly explored intercellular infection induced by Agrobacterium pusense IRBG74 sp. For this purpose, a forward screen of > 200,000 LORE1 seedlings, obtained from bulk propagation of G329-3 plants, inoculated with IRBG74 was performed. Plants with perturbed nodulation were scored and the offspring were further tested on plates to confirm the symbiotic phenotype. A total of 110 Lotus mutants with impaired nodulation after inoculation with IRBG74 were obtained. A comparative analysis of nodulation kinetics in a subset of 20 mutants showed that most of the lines were predominantly affected in nodulation by IRBG74. Interestingly, additional defects in the main root growth were observed in some mutant lines. Sequencing of LORE1 flanking regions in 47 mutants revealed that 92 Lotus genes were disrupted by novel LORE1 insertions in these lines. In the IM-S34 mutant, one of the insertions was located in the 5´UTR of the LotjaGi5g1v0179800 gene, which encodes the AUTOPHAGY9 protein. Additional mutant alleles, named atg9-2 and atg9-3, were obtained in the reverse genetic collection. Nodule formation was significantly reduced in these mutant alleles after M. loti and IRBG74 inoculation, confirming the effectiveness of the mutant screening. This study describes an effective forward genetic approach to obtain novel mutants in Lotus with a phenotype of interest and to identify the causative gene(s).
“Because he was disgusting”: transforming relations through positioning in messenger-supported group psychotherapy
Authors: Kabatnik Susanne
Published: January 2024

Introduction

This article deals with positioning in messenger-supported group psychotherapy in terms of transforming relations. The aim of the messenger-supported therapy format is to work through conflicts that have arisen with people via messenger services. This is achieved in different phases of conversation, such as describing the situation, analysing one's own behaviour and defining wishes, by collaboratively drafting a message to the person from the conflict.

Methods

The data basis is a corpus of 14 video-recorded group psychotherapy sessions. Methodologically, the study is guided by interactional linguistics, a linguistic research field that focuses on interpersonal interaction.

Results

Using a case study, I show how the interactants work through a conflict through positioning, constitute group identity and relationships, and thus also transform their stance concerning the issue. Moreover, positioning serves the collaborative formulation of a message and thus also the change of the relationship to the person from the messenger communication.

Discussion

Relationship management in eSA group psychotherapy can be observed on different levels: (1) among the interactants in the room, (2) with the persons from the chat messages, and (3) between the patient(s) and the therapist.
Diagnosing homo digitalis: towards a standardized assessment for digital tool competencies
Authors: Stoll Sarah E. M. , Bauer Isabel , Hopfer Karen , Lamberty Judith , Lunz Verena , Guzmán Bausch Francesca , Höflacher Cosima , Kroliczak Gregory , Kalénine Solène , Randerath Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In the 21st century, digital devices have become integral to our daily lives. Still, practical assessments designed to evaluate an individual’s digital tool competencies are absent. The present study introduces the “Digital Tools Test” (“DIGI”), specifically designed for the evaluation of one’s proficiency in handling common applications and functions of smartphones and tablets. The DIGI assessment has been primarily tailored for prospective use among older adults and neurological patients with the latter frequently suffering from so-called apraxia, which potentially also affects the handling of digital tools. Similar to traditional tool use tests that assess tool-selection and tool-action processes, the DIGI assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to select an appropriate application for a given task (e.g., creating a new contact), their capacity to navigate within the chosen application and their competence in executing precise and accurate movements, such as swiping.

Methods

We tested the implementation of the DIGI in a group of 16 healthy adults aged 18 to 28 years and 16 healthy adults aged 60 to 74 years. All participants were able to withstand the assessment and reported good acceptance.

Results

The results revealed a significant performance disparity, with older adults displaying notably lower proficiency in the DIGI. The DIGI performance of older adults exhibited a correlation with their ability to employ a set of novel mechanical tools, but not with their ability to handle a set of familiar common tools. There was no such correlation for the younger group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study introduces an innovative assessment tool aimed at evaluating common digital tool competencies. Our preliminary results demonstrate good acceptance and reveal expected group differences. For current cohorts of older adults, the results seem to indicate that the ability to use novel tools may aid digital tool use. In the next step, the psychometric properties of the DIGI assessment should be evaluated in larger and more diverse samples. The advancement of digital tool competency assessments and rehabilitation strategies is essential when we aim at facilitating societal inclusion and participation for individuals in affected populations.
Effects and central mechanism of electroacupuncture and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD: study protocol for an fMRI-based single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label trial
Authors: Lu Hai , Wang Yang , Shen Diwen , Ruan Jianguo , Lu Jiaming , Wang Linlin , Song Yang , Fan Jia , Li Dongna , Shi Lijing , Xia Meng , Xu Tianshu
Published: January 2024

Background

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mental complication after stroke and has a serious impact on functional outcomes and quality of life for stroke patients. Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for PSD; however, many reported side effects remain. Clinical research and practice guidelines have shown that electro-acupuncture (EA) or rTMS have a positive effect on PSD. However, there are few clinical studies on EA and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD that explore the fMRI-based central mechanism in depression.

Methods

In this randomized, controlled, open-label trial, 64 patients with PSD will be randomly allocated into the experiment group (n = 32) or control group (n = 32). The experiment group will receive EA and MRI-navigated rTMS and the control group will receive MRI-navigated rTMS treatment, in 12–20 sessions over 4 weeks. In addition, 10 healthy people for fMRI scanning will be recruited as a healthy control group without any intervention. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in the Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item (HAMD-24) scores at week 4. The primary analysis of the central mechanism will mainly involve cortical morphology, local spontaneous brain activity, and the default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity based on fMRI at 0 and 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include the neuro-patho-physiological and quality of life changes in cortical excitability, determined using the motor evoked potential test (MEP), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) Scale, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) Scale, and Health Scale of Traditional Chinese Medicine (HSTCM). Additional indicators will include the Acceptability Questionnaire and Health Economics Evaluation (cost-effectiveness analysis) to assess the acceptability and economic practicality of the treatment under study. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post intervention.

Discussion

EA and MRI-navigated rTMS therapy could become an alternative treatment for PSD, and it is expected that this trial will provide reliable clinical evidence and a potential central mechanism for the future use of EA and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05516680, ClinicalTrials.gov (registered in August 2022).
Development of depression detection algorithm using text scripts of routine psychiatric interview
Authors: Oh Jihoon , Lee Taekgyu , Chung Eun Su , Kim Hyonsoo , Cho Kyongchul , Kim Hyunkyu , Choi Jihye , Sim Hyeon-Hee , Lee Jongseo , Choi In Young , Kim Dai-Jin
Published: January 2024

Background

A psychiatric interview is one of the important procedures in diagnosing psychiatric disorders. Through this interview, psychiatrists listen to the patient’s medical history and major complaints, check their emotional state, and obtain clues for clinical diagnosis. Although there have been attempts to diagnose a specific mental disorder from a short doctor-patient conversation, there has been no attempt to classify the patient’s emotional state based on the text scripts from a formal interview of more than 30 min and use it to diagnose depression. This study aimed to utilize the existing machine learning algorithm in diagnosing depression using the transcripts of one-on-one interviews between psychiatrists and depressed patients.

Methods

Seventy-seven clinical patients [with depression (n = 60); without depression (n = 17)] with a prior psychiatric diagnosis history participated in this study. The study was conducted with 24 male and 53 female subjects with the mean age of 33.8 (± 3.0). Psychiatrists conducted a conversational interview with each patient that lasted at least 30 min. All interviews with the subjects between August 2021 and November 2022 were recorded and transcribed into text scripts, and a text emotion recognition module was used to indicate the subject’s representative emotions of each sentence. A machine learning algorithm discriminates patients with depression and those without depression based on text scripts.

Results

A machine learning model classified text scripts from depressive patients with non-depressive ones with an acceptable accuracy rate (AUC of 0.85). The distribution of emotions (surprise, fear, anger, love, sadness, disgust, neutral, and happiness) was significantly different between patients with depression and those without depression (p < 0.001), and the most contributing emotion in classifying the two groups was disgust (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is a qualitative and retrospective study to develop a tool to detect depression against patients without depression based on the text scripts of psychiatric interview, suggesting a novel and practical approach to understand the emotional characteristics of depression patients and to use them to detect the diagnosis of depression based on machine learning methods. This model could assist psychiatrists in clinical settings who conduct routine conversations with patients using text transcripts of the interviews.
Depression and anxiety in female refugees from East Africa and the Middle East displaced to Germany: cross-sectional results of the female refugee study, taking sociodemographic and migration-related factors into account
Authors: Bohland Helena Katharina , Kimbel Renate , Kegel Peter , Dietz Pavel , Koestner Clemens , Letzel Stephan , Kurmeyer Christine , Jesuthasan Jenny , Schouler-Ocak Meryam , Zier Ulrike
Published: January 2024

At the end of 2022, 108.4 million people around the world were forcibly displaced, the highest number ever recorded. Of these, 50% were women. Despite this situation, little is known about the mental health of female refugees. The first aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among female refugees in Germany. The second aim was to examine which sociodemographic and migration-related variables have an impact on refugees’ mental health, and the third aim was to assess the potential predictors of their mental health. A sample of 92 female refugees from East Africa and the Middle East living in Germany were interviewed. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25). The experience of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) was assessed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). In our sample of female refugees, 65.2% reported symptoms of depression, and 60.9% reported symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of depression or anxiety were associated with being from the Middle East, having a higher level of education, and reporting more PTEs. The multiple regression model for anxiety was able to explain 32.4% of the variance in anxiety symptoms. The findings highlight the high burden of mental health problems that female refugees bear. The identified predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms should sensitize medical and refugee professionals to identify vulnerable individuals and groups, refer them to appropriate psychological treatment, and, where possible, modify the identified predictors.
Unraveling shared susceptibility loci and Mendelian genetic associations linking educational attainment with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Chen Dongze , Zhou Yi , Zhang Yali , Zeng Huatang , Wu Liqun , Liu Yuyang
Published: January 2024

Background

Empirical studies have demonstrated that educational attainment (EA) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs), suggesting a shared etiological basis between them. However, little is known about the shared genetic mechanisms and causality behind such associations.

Methods

This study explored the shared genetic basis and causal relationships between EA and NPDs using the high-definition likelihood (HDL) method, cross phenotype association study (CPASSOC), transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) with summary-level data for EA (N = 293,723) and NPDs (N range = 9,725 to 455,258).

Results

Significant genetic correlations between EA and 12 NPDs (rg range − 0.49 to 0.35; all p < 3.85 × 10−3) were observed. CPASSOC identified 37 independent loci shared between EA and NPDs, one of which was novel (rs71351952, mapped gene: ARFGEF2). Functional analyses and TWAS found shared genes were enriched in brain tissue, especially in the cerebellum and highlighted the regulatory role of neuronal signaling, purine nucleotide metabolic process, and cAMP-mediated signaling pathways. CPASSOC and TWAS supported the role of three regions of 6q16.1, 3p21.31, and 17q21.31 might account for the shared causes between EA and NPDs. MR confirmed higher genetically predicted EA lower the risk of ADHD (ORIVW: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.63) and genetically predicted ADHD decreased the risk of EA (Causal effect: −2.8 months; 95% CI: −3.9 to −1.8).

Conclusion

These findings provided evidence of shared genetics and causation between EA and NPDs, advanced our understanding of EA, and implicated potential biological pathways that might underlie both EA and NPDs.
Knowledge, perceptions, and consumption behaviour of cosmetics among undergraduates of Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Udayanga Lahiru , Subashini Nirma , Udugama Menuka , Silva Prabha , Ranathunge Tharaka
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the increasing usage of personal care products among young adolescents in Sri Lanka, limited studies have been conducted to understand the behaviour of cosmetic users and associated health complications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the cosmetic consumption related behaviour of the undergraduate community in Sri Lanka and to identify the driving factors behind the incidences of cosmetic related adverse health effects.

Method

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 421 undergraduates from five state universities in Sri Lanka through stratified random sampling, as the study population. Information on socio-demographic factors and cosmetic consumption behaviour of the participants were acquired through a self-administrated structured questionnaire, along with Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) relevant for cosmetic usage. The Binary Logistic Regression model was used to determine the significant socio-demographic driving factors on cosmetic usage among the undergraduate community in Sri Lanka at a confidence level of 95%.

Results

Around 96.4% of the study population used one or more cosmetic products (77%) out of which, 75.3% experienced cosmetic related adverse health effects. Skin dryness (24%), acne (21%), allergies (20.5%) and rashes (19.8%), were identified as the most dominant adverse health effects, related to cosmetic usage. Perfumes (65.6%), face cream (63.2%) and body lotion/hand cream (60.6%), were the mostly used cosmetic products. Even though half of the study population exhibited higher levels of good practices during purchase (54.9%) and application (52%) of cosmetics, around 47.5% were characterized with a low level of knowledge on cosmetics. Gender, academic year, knowledge on cosmetics, monthly expenditure on cosmetics, source of recommendation for cosmetics, practices related to purchase and consumption of cosmetics and preference to receive medical care in case of cosmetic related emergency were recognized as significant risk factors (p < 0.05) associated with the incidence of cosmetic related adverse health effects among undergraduate students.

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of cosmetic related adverse health effects, the health authorities of Sri Lanka should pay more attention towards the wellbeing and responsible cosmetic usage among undergraduates. Designing of effective tools and regulations to monitor the cosmetic market and improving the knowledge on cosmetics are recommended to ensure safe cosmetic usage within the country in general and of adolescent users in particular.
Management of Type 1 Diabetes in a school setting: effectiveness of an online training program for school staff
Authors: Bassi Marta , Scalas Marta , Spacco Giordano , Perasso Viola , Franzone Daniele , Strati Marina Francesca , Dufour Francesca , Lionetti Barbara , Rizza Francesca , Parodi Stefano , d’Annunzio Giuseppe , Minuto Nicola
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Since Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) onset usually occurs at a young age, a relevant number of affected people attend school for most of their time; it is necessary that school personnel receive appropriate education and training. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the online training program offered by IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini during and after COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The Institute’s Diabetes team offered an online training program to school staff of the Region during COVID-19 pandemic. A validated questionnaire was proposed to all the schools in which training meetings were held in the previous 2 years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). The questionnaire consisted of four sections: Section 1 (Socio-demographical data), Section 2 (Theoretical knowledge on T1D), Section 3 (Confidence in handling T1D), and Section 4 (Practical skills and Glucagon Administration). To evaluate the effectiveness of the online training program, the answers between participants (Group A) and non-participants (Group B) were then compared.

Results

225 subjects from 19 schools participated in the survey. People who participated to the training (Group A, n = 53) demonstrated better T1D theoretical knowledge compared to non-participants (Group B, n = 154; p < 0.001). Group A revealed to feel more confident in the management of children with T1D during scholastic (p = 0.006) and extra-scholastic activities (p = 0.01), in supporting the children in the administration of insulin (p < 0.001) and in recognizing hypoglycaemia (p = 0.006). Moreover, results confirmed good levels of confidence among scholastic personnel who participated in the training of administration of glucagon in case of severe hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

School staff who took part in the online training program on management of T1D showed better theoretical knowledge and better confidence in the management of daily needs and possible emergencies of students with T1D. It appears essential to offer educational programs on T1D for school staff by implementing the use of technological tools to reach a wider population. Moreover, it is advisable to offer a more practical approach, involving educational nurses.
Housing tenure and disability in the UK: trends and projections 2004–2030
Authors: Murphy Michael , Grundy Emily M. D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Housing is a major influence on health. Housing tenure is associated with housing conditions, affordability, and security and is an important dimension of housing. In the UK there have been profound changes in both housing conditions and the distribution of households by tenure over the past century, that is during the lifetimes of the current population.

Methods

We firstly reviewed and summarise changes in housing conditions, housing policy and tenure distribution as they provide a context to possible explanations for health variations by housing tenure, including health related selection into different tenure types. We then use 2015-2021 data from a large nationally representative UK survey to analyse associations between housing tenure and self-reported disability among those aged 40-69 controlling for other socio-demographic factors also associated with health. We additionally examine changes in the association between housing tenure and self-reported disability in the population aged 25 and over in the first two decades of the 21st century and project trends forward to 2030.

Results

Results show that associations between housing tenure and disability by tenure were stronger than for any other indicator of socio-economic position considered with owner-occupiers having the best, and social renters the worst, health. Differences were particularly marked in reported mental health conditions and in economic activity, with 28% of social renters being economically inactive due to health problems, compared with 4% of owner-occupiers. Rates of disability have increased over time, and become increasingly polarised by tenure. By 2020 the age standardised disability rate among tenants of social housing was over twice as high as that for owner occupiers, with projections indicating further increases in both levels, and differentials in, disability by 2030.

Discussion

These results have substantial implications for housing providers, local authorities and for public health.
Academic medical centres in the Netherlands: muddling through or radical change?
Authors: Cardinaal Ester M. M. , Tjan Martijn J. H. , Jeurissen Patrick P. T. , Berden Hubert
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Academic medical centres (AMCs) are designed to perform multiple tasks within a single organisation. This institutional complexity gives rise to intricate governance challenges and promotes incrementalism and muddling.

Method

In this study, we hypothesised that radical change could provide a solution to the current incrementalism and we explored the conditions under which such changes could or could not be achieved.

Results

We conducted unstructured interviews with various high-level stakeholders and identified issues that negatively affected the governance of Dutch AMCs, which include: 1) negative undercurrents and unspoken issues due to conflicts of interests, 2) organisational complexity due to relationships with a university and academic medical specialists, 3) lack of sufficient government direction, 4) competition between AMCs due to perverse systemic incentives, 5) different interests, focus, and organisational culture, 6) concentration of care, which does not always lead to enhanced quality and efficiency as the provision of less complex care is of utmost importance for education and research, 7) the infeasibility of public and regional functions of an AMC, 8) the inefficiency of managing three core tasks within the same organisation and, 9) healthcare market regulation.

Discussion

Our hypothesis that radical change offers a solution to the current incrementalism in AMCs could not be adequately explored. Indeed, our exploration of the conditions under which radical change could potentially take place revealed that there are factors currently at play that make a substantive conversation between stakeholders about radical change difficult, if not impossible. The results also show that the government is in a position to take the lead and create conditions that foster mutual trust and common interests among AMCs, as well as between AMCs and other hospitals.
Spatial co-location patterns between early COVID-19 risk and urban facilities: a case study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhi Guoqing , Meng Bin , Lin Hui , Zhang Xin , Xu Min , Chen Siyu , Wang Juan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

COVID-19, being a new type of infectious disease, holds significant implications for scientific prevention and control to understand its spatiotemporal transmission process. This study examines the diverse spatial patterns of COVID-19 within Wuhan by analyzing early case data alongside urban infrastructure information.

Methods

Through co-location analysis, we assess both local and global spatial risks linked to the epidemic. In addition, we use the Geodetector, identifying facilities displaying unique spatial risk characteristics, revealing factors contributing to heightened risk.

Results

Our findings unveil a noticeable spatial distribution of COVID-19 in the city, notably influenced by road networks and functional zones. Higher risk levels are observed in the central city compared to its outskirts. Specific facilities such as parking, residence, ATM, bank, entertainment, and hospital consistently exhibit connections with COVID-19 case sites. Conversely, facilities like subway station, dessert restaurant, and movie theater display a stronger association with case sites as distance increases, hinting at their potential as outbreak focal points.

Discussion

Despite our success in containing the recent COVID-19 outbreak, uncertainties persist regarding its origin and initial spread. Some experts caution that with increased human activity, similar outbreaks might become more frequent. This research provides a comprehensive analytical framework centered on urban facilities, contributing quantitatively to understanding their impact on the spatial risks linked with COVID-19 outbreaks. It enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness between urban facility distribution and transportation flow, affirming and refining the distance decay law governing infectious disease risks. Furthermore, the study offers practical guidance for post-epidemic urban planning, promoting the development of safer urban environments resilient to epidemics. It equips government bodies with a reliable quantitative analysis method for more accurately predicting and assessing infectious disease risks. In conclusion, this study furnishes both theoretical and empirical support for tailoring distinct strategies to prevent and control COVID-19 epidemics.
AI and its consequences for the written word
Authors: Hellström Thomas
Published: January 2024

The latest developments of chatbots driven by Large Language Models (LLMs), more specifically ChatGPT, have shaken the foundations of how text is created, and may drastically reduce and change the need, ability, and valuation of human writing. Furthermore, our trust in the written word is likely to decrease, as an increasing proportion of all written text will be AI-generated – and potentially incorrect. In this essay, I discuss these implications and possible scenarios for us humans, and for AI itself.
Comparison of usefulness between the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and the Berg Balance Scale for measuring balance in patients with subacute stroke: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Inoue Seigo , Takagi Hideyuki , Tan Emiko , Oyama Chisato , Otaka Eri , Kondo Kunitsugu , Otaka Yohei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical applicability of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and the Berg Balance Scale for measuring balance in inpatients with subacute stroke.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study which included 58 consecutive patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation hospital with a first-ever stroke and who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and the Berg Balance Scale were used to assess patient balance at admission and discharge. The ceiling and floor effects and responsiveness of each balance score were examined. In addition, receiver operating characteristic analysis based on each balance score at admission was used to examine its discriminative power to predict ambulatory independence and falls during hospitalization.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) change between admission and discharge for each balance scale was 4.4 (4.7) for the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test and 8.3 (10.0) for the Berg Balance Scale, with standard response means, a measure of responsiveness of 0.9 (large) and 0.8 (medium), respectively. Each balance score at admission almost equally predicted gait independence and fallers during hospitalization. On the contrary, only the distribution of scores on the Berg Balance Scale at discharge showed a ceiling effect, with 25 patients (43%) obtaining a perfect score.

Discussion

The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test may be useful as a balance measure for inpatients with subacute stroke because it is less susceptible to ceiling effects and more responsive than the Berg Balance Scale.
Event-triggered robot self-assessment to aid in autonomy adjustment
Authors: Conlon Nicholas , Ahmed Nisar , Szafir Daniel
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Human–robot teams are being called upon to accomplish increasingly complex tasks. During execution, the robot may operate at different levels of autonomy (LOAs), ranging from full robotic autonomy to full human control. For any number of reasons, such as changes in the robot’s surroundings due to the complexities of operating in dynamic and uncertain environments, degradation and damage to the robot platform, or changes in tasking, adjusting the LOA during operations may be necessary to achieve desired mission outcomes. Thus, a critical challenge is understanding when and how the autonomy should be adjusted.

Methods: We frame this problem with respect to the robot’s capabilities and limitations, known as robot competency. With this framing, a robot could be granted a level of autonomy in line with its ability to operate with a high degree of competence. First, we propose a Model Quality Assessment metric, which indicates how (un)expected an autonomous robot’s observations are compared to its model predictions. Next, we present an Event-Triggered Generalized Outcome Assessment (ET-GOA) algorithm that uses changes in the Model Quality Assessment above a threshold to selectively execute and report a high-level assessment of the robot’s competency. We validated the Model Quality Assessment metric and the ET-GOA algorithm in both simulated and live robot navigation scenarios.

Results: Our experiments found that the Model Quality Assessment was able to respond to unexpected observations. Additionally, our validation of the full ET-GOA algorithm explored how the computational cost and accuracy of the algorithm was impacted across several Model Quality triggering thresholds and with differing amounts of state perturbations.

Discussion: Our experimental results combined with a human-in-the-loop demonstration show that Event-Triggered Generalized Outcome Assessment algorithm can facilitate informed autonomy-adjustment decisions based on a robot’s task competency.
The forbidden zone for sleep is more robust in adolescents compared to adults
Authors: Monterastelli Allison J. , Adams John , Eastman Charmane I. , Crowley Stephanie J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The propensity for sleep shifts later as puberty progresses. The present analysis examines whether the circadian-dependent wake maintenance zone, or forbidden zone for sleep observed in the evening just before habitual bedtime is more pronounced in late to post-pubertal adolescents compared to adults and may partly explain late sleep onset in maturing adolescents.

Methods

Forty four healthy late/post-pubertal adolescents (aged 14.3–17.8 years, 23 female) and 44 healthy adults (aged 30.8–45.8 years, 21 female) participated in an ultradian light/dark protocol for 3 days cycling between 2-h wake periods (~20 lux) and 2-h nap periods (~0 lux) without external time cues. The dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), a measure of circadian phase, was measured immediately before the ultradian protocol by sampling saliva every 30 min in dim light. Wrist actigraphs were used to assess sleep onset latency and total sleep time during the naps that occurred during the ultradian sleep/wake schedule. Sleep episodes were grouped into 2-h bins relative to individual DLMOs (28–56 naps/bin). Sleep onset and total sleep time were compared between adolescents and adults as well as between males and females within each age group.

Results

Adolescents took significantly longer to fall asleep compared to adults during naps that occurred in the 4 h window surrounding the DLMO [2h before DLMO t(50) = 2.13, p = 0.04; 2 h after DLMO t(33) = 3.25, p = 0.003]. Adolescents also slept significantly less than adults during naps that occurred in the 4-h window surrounding DLMO [2 h before DLMO t(51) = −2.91, p = 0.01; 2 h after DLMO t(33) = −1.99, p = 0.05]. Adolescent males slept less than adolescent females in naps that occurred in the 2 h window after the DLMO [t(14) = −2.24, p = 0.04].

Discussion

Compared to adults, late/post-pubertal adolescents showed greater difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep around the time of their DLMO, which usually occurs a few hours before habitual sleep onset. A greater amplitude in the circadian-driven forbidden zone for sleep could be an additional physiological mechanism explaining why maturing adolescents find it difficult to fall asleep early, increasing the risk for restricted sleep in the context of early school start times.
Translating pumping test data into groundwater model parameters: a workflow to reveal aquifer heterogeneities and implications in regional model parameterization
Authors: Manewell Neil , Doherty John , Hayes Phil
Published: January 2024

Groundwater modelers frequently grapple with the challenge of integrating aquifer test interpretations into parameters used by regional models. This task is complicated by issues of upscaling, data assimilation, and the need to assign prior probability distributions to numerical model parameters in order to support model predictive uncertainty analysis. To address this, we introduce a new framework that bridges the significant scale differences between aquifer tests and regional models. This framework also accounts for loss of original datasets and the heterogeneous nature of geological media in which aquifer testing often takes place. Using a fine numerical grid, the aquifer test is reproduced in a way that allows stochastic representation of site hydraulic properties at an arbitrary level of complexity. Data space inversion is then used to endow regional model cells with upscaled, aquifer-test-constrained realizations of numerical model properties. An example application demonstrates that assimilation of historical pumping test interpretations in this manner can be done relatively quickly. Furthermore, the assimilation process has the potential to significantly influence the posterior means of decision-pertinent model predictions. However, for the examples that we discuss, posterior predictive uncertainties do not undergo significant reduction. These results highlight the need for further research.
Can We Predict Behavior Problems In Children With Autism?
Authors: Tubío-Fungueiriño María , Fernández-Delgado Manuel , Cernadas Eva , Carracedo Angel , Fernández-Prieto Montse
Published: January 2024

Kids with autism often “see” the world differently than other kids do. They can have unique experiences of vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch sensations. These sensory changes are often linked to behavior problems such as isolation, lack of interest, aggression, anxiety, depression, or lack of attention. We thought it would helpful if we could detect behavior problems that might not be obvious yet but are possible in the future. In our study, we used computer programs, based on a type of artificial intelligence called machine learning, to predict possible behavior problems based on how autistic kids receive sensations in their everyday lifes. Our programs analyze the answers to test questions about the way kids perceive the world through their senses, and these programs can then make reliable predictions of behavior problems before they arise. These early predictions allow families and doctors to be aware of and treat those problems early.
Ultra-broadband infrared metamaterial absorber based on MDMDM structure for optical sensing
Authors: Li Fengjie , Du Jiansen , Wang Shang , Yu Ruitao , Wang Xi , Zhang Tiqiang , Chi Zongtao , Wang Bin , Li Ning
Published: January 2024

Infrared observation is a crucial tool in the study of astronomical celestial bodies. Metamaterials have a vast prospect for applications in the field of optics due to their unique electromagnetic tunable characteristics. In order to obtain an ultra-broadband high absorption material in the infrared region, we proposed a metal-dielectric-metal-dielectric-metal (MDMDM) metamaterial absorber using a titanium (Ti) nano-cross layer based on surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance and magnetic resonance cavity principles. The geometrical parameters of each layer have been examined carefully. The influence of incident angle from 0° to 60° is investigated for transverse electric and transverse magnetic plane-waves. Near-perfect absorption performance is achieved from near-infrared to mid-infrared region. The average absorption reaches as high as 97.41% from 2.05 to 6.08 μm. The absorber exhibits polarization-sensitive characteristics. The absorption peaks are 99.50% and 99.80% at 2.55 and 5.24 μm, respectively. The proposed material has potential applications in astronomical imaging, volcano and fire detection, remote sensing, biological monitoring, and other optical devices.
Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) frass and sheddings as a compost ingredient
Authors: Jasso Beatrice , Quinchia Luisa , Waliczek Tina M. , Drewery Merritt L.
Published: January 2024

One of the byproducts from rearing Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is its excrement, referred to as frass, and sheddings. As the commercial insect rearing industry is emerging in the U.S., there is not yet an established market for frass although the yield often exceeds that of BSFL by two- to three-fold. It has been suggested that frass could be converted into compost; however, there is a lack of literature investigating the effect of frass and larval sheddings inclusion on final compost quality. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to determine if BSFL frass and sheddings are a viable compost ingredient with the overarching purpose of identifying a potential market for an otherwise waste product of the insect-rearing industry. To address this objective, four experimental compost piles (6.12 m3 each) with increasing levels of BSFL frass and sheddings (18.75, 22.87, 27.13, 31.25%) were developed. Across piles, wood chips (37.50%) and unscreened compost (18.75%) were consistent and frass and sheddings displaced food waste. Piles were mixed and tested for moisture and temperature weekly. Once internal temperatures decreased to 38°C, piles cured until internal temperatures were consistently <32°C. After curing, samples were collected from each pile and analyzed for pH, macro- and micro-nutrients, particle size, stability, and maturity. The entire composting process, including 2 months of curing, required 5 months. For each pile, pH, nitrogen, carbon, carbon:nitrogen, and potassium were within optimal ranges. Further, stability, measured as mg CO2-C/g solids/day, and maturity, measured as seed emergence and seedling vigor, were also within optimal ranges. However, moisture/solids; organic matter; phosphorus; and stability, measured as mg CO2-C/g organic matter/day, were out-of-specification for each pile given compost quality tests. Our findings indicate BSFL frass and sheddings may be a viable compost ingredient, but further research is recommended to establish optimal inclusion levels to maximize finished compost quality.
Chylous fistula after right breast fibroadenoma resection: a case report
Authors: Liu Haoxi , Liu Liping , Yang Xinhua
Published: January 2024

Chylous fistula is a common postoperative complication for the head and neck surgery, thoracic and upper gastrointestinal surgery, but it rarely happens after breast surgery. There are few reports of chylous fistula after breast benign tumor resection according to literature retrieval. To our acknowledgement, this is the first case report of chylous fistula after breast fibroadenoma resection.
Associations of parecoxib and other variables with recovery and safety outcomes in total knee arthroplasty: insights from a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Ching-Yuan , Wang Jen-Hung , Chen Tsung-Ying , Wang Po-Kai
Published: January 2024

Background

Early mobilization post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) significantly affects patient outcomes. While parecoxib is known to reduce postoperative pain and morphine use with a favorable safety profile, its impact on mobilization timing post-TKA remains uncertain. This retrospective study aims to assess parecoxib's influence on postoperative mobilization timing in TKA patients without compromising safety.

Methods

This study included unilateral TKA patients treated for primary knee osteoarthritis under general anesthesia. We divided the study period into two intervals, 2007–2012 and 2013–2018, to evaluate temporal differences. Both the control group and parecoxib group received standard postoperative oral analgesics and as-needed intramuscular morphine. The control group did not receive parecoxib, while the parecoxib group did. Primary outcomes compared postoperative complications and mobilization timing between groups, with secondary outcomes including length of hospital stay (LOS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain, as-needed morphine use, and postoperative nausea/vomiting.

Results

Parecoxib did not increase postoperative complications. Unmatched comparison with patients in controlled group found that patients in parecoxib group had significantly shortened mobilization time (2.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.6 days, P < 0.001) and LOS (6.7 ± 2.5 vs. 7.2 ± 2.1 days, P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis linked parecoxib use with faster mobilization (β = −0.365, P < 0.001) but not LOS. Males showed increased mobilization time and LOS compared to females during the period of 2007–2018, but gender had no significant association with LOS during the period of 2013–2018. The 2013–2018 period saw significant reductions in both mobilization time and LOS. Use of a tourniquet and local infiltration analgesia showed no significant impact. ASA classification 1–2 was positively associated with faster mobilization but not LOS. Longer operation times were linked to delayed mobilization and increased LOS.

Conclusion

In this study, intravenous parecoxib injection, female gender, and shorter OP time had consistent positive association with shorter time to mobilization after individual multivariate analysis in 2 different period. The use of parecoxib had consistent no significant association with LOS. Only shorter OP time was consistent positive associated with shorter LOS.
In vitro virucidal activity of a commercial disinfectant against viruses of domestic animals and poultry
Authors: Sobhy Nader M. , Quinonez-Munoz Angie , Aboubakr Hamada A. , Youssef Christiana R. B. , Ojeda-Barría Gonzalo , Mendoza-Fernández Jonathan , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: January 2024

Outbreaks of viral diseases in animals are a cause of concern for animal welfare and economics of animal production. One way to disrupt the cycle of infection is by combating viruses in the environment and prohibiting them from being transmitted to a new host. Viral contamination of the environment can be reduced using well-tested and efficacious disinfectants. Duplalim is a commercially available disinfectant consisting of 12% glutaraldehyde and 10% quaternary ammonium compounds. We evaluated this disinfectant for its efficacy against several viruses in poultry (n = 3), pigs (n = 5), dogs (n = 2), and cattle (n = 4). In suspension tests, 1:100 dilution of Duplalim was found to inactivate more than 99% of these 14 viruses in 15 min or less. The titers of a majority of these viruses decreased by ≥99.99% in <60 min of contact time. In conclusion, the ingredient combination in Duplalim is very effective in inactivating common viruses of domestic animals and poultry.
Comparison of transrectal and transabdominal transducers for use in fast localized abdominal sonography of horses presenting with colic
Authors: Haardt Hanna , Romero Alfredo E. , Boysen Søren R. , Tan Jean-Yin
Published: January 2024

Abdominal ultrasonography is valuable in the diagnosis of equine colic. Fast localized abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) enables practitioners with limited experience to perform ultrasonography in emergency settings. However, many practitioners only possess rectal format linear array transducers (RFLT). The hypotheses are: (a) A low frequency curvilinear transducer (LFCT) and RFLT will detect free abdominal fluid and abnormal small intestinal loops with similar frequency during FLASH, and (b) there will be a difference between the transducers for detection of gastric abnormalities and nephrosplenic entrapment. The objective is to compare transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic detection of abnormalities in horses presenting with colic using a LFCT and RFLT. Twenty-four horses requiring FLASH for investigation of colic were enrolled. Horses that were too painful to undergo transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonographic examination were excluded. A single investigator performed FLASH on all horses using a RFLT, while one of three other clinicians simultaneously performed FLASH using a LFCT. Comparison of abnormal findings between the two transducers was performed using Chi square, Fisher’s exact or Wilcoxon tests. The incidence of identification of abnormal findings was similar between the two transducers for all comparisons except the visibility of the left kidney and stomach (kidney LFCT 81.25% vs. RFLT 22.92%, stomach LFCT 87.5% vs. RFLT 62.5%). While there are limitations to using a RFLT to identify nephrosplenic entrapment of the colon and detection of the stomach, it reliably detects other common abnormalities, including peritoneal effusion, lesions of the small intestine, and changes to the wall of the large colon and cecum.