bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rational design yields RNA-binding zinc finger domains with altered sequence specificity
Authors: Liang Qishan , Xiang Joy S. , Yeo Gene W. , Corbett Kevin D.
Published: December 2024

Targeting and manipulating endogenous RNAs in a sequence-specific manner is essential for both understanding RNA biology and developing RNA-targeting therapeutics. RNA-binding zinc fingers (ZnFs) are excellent candidates as designer proteins to expand the RNA-targeting toolbox, due to their compact size and modular sequence recognition. Currently, little is known about how the sequence of RNA-binding ZnF domains governs their binding site specificity. Here, we systematically introduced mutations at the RNA-contacting residues of a well-characterized RNA-binding ZnF protein, ZRANB2, and measured RNA binding of mutant ZnFs using a modified RNA bind-n-seq assay. We identified mutant ZnFs with an altered sequence specificity, preferring to bind a GGG motif instead of the GGU preferred by wild-type ZRANB2. Further, through a series of all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with ZRANB2 and RNA, we characterized changes in the hydrogen-bond network between the protein and RNA that underlie the observed sequence specificity changes. Our analysis of ZRANB2–RNA interactions both in vitro and in silico expands the understanding of ZnF-RNA recognition rules and serves as a foundation for eventual use of RNA-binding ZnFs for programmable RNA targeting.
Análise do conhecimento prévio sobre fibrose cística entre profissionais de saúde primária no nordeste do brasil
Authors: SANTOS GUERREIRO DANILO , de Castro e Silva. Claudia , Lima Rocha Hermano Alexandre , Avalcante e Silva Anamaria
Published: December 2024

Introdução: a Triagem Neonatal para Fibrose Cística é uma medida preventiva, que possibilita o diagnóstico precoce. No entanto, desafios como o escasso conhecimento dos profissionais sobre o tema no Brasil destacam a necessidade de esforços contínuos para aprimorar programas educacionais. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento e as práticas dos profissionais de saúde da atenção primária em relação à Fibrose Cística (FC), tentando contribuir assim, para a redução de diagnósticos tardios de FC no país. Método: Este estudo transversal e quantitativo envolveu 65 profissionais de saúde em Fortaleza, Ceará. O questionário avaliou conhecimento sobre FC nos três domínios (conhecimento sobre conceitos, diagnóstico e conduta diante de caso suspeito), cuja validade foi avaliada e confirmada. As associações foram verificadas com testes bivariados. Resultado: dos participantes, 38,5% eram médicos da Estratégia Saúde da Família, 30,8% pediatras e 30,8% enfermeiros. A maioria era feminina, com média de idade de 39,9 anos e experiência média de 10,6 anos. 93,8% não receberam treinamento específico sobre FC. O conhecimento foi variado e deficiente entre os profissionais. Os pediatras tiveram um maior nível de conhecimento dos demais profissionais. Ademais, essa foi uma abordagem pioneira na avaliação do conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde em relação à FC na região Nordeste do Brasil. Identificou-se que o conhecimento prévio sobre esta doença ainda é bastante deficiente e de certa forma, pode interferir no diagnóstico precoce. A falta de programas educacionais sobre FC é evidente. Conclusão: identificar lacunas no conhecimento é fundamental e crucial para diagnóstico precoce de FC.
Elaboração e validação da usabilidade de jogo educativo interprofissional sobre prevenção e diagnóstico precoce da hipertensão arterial sistêmica para estudante de saúde
Authors: Diniz Melo Santos Gabriel , Sales Mendonça Gustavo , Lima Leoncio Marlos , Barros Alves de Carvalho Guilherme , Hanois Falbo Neto Gilliatt , Lins Cirne de Azevêdo Márcia
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: Elaborar e validar um jogo educativo sobre hipertensão arterial sistêmica para estudantes da área de saúde, buscando reduzir as taxas de prevalência na região Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos: O estudo foi desenvolvido com o modelo de desenho instrucional ADDIE, baseado em uma revisão integrativa da literatura e etapas de análise, design e desenvolvimento. A amostra foi composta por graduandos selecionados por conveniência na Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde. Como instrumento de coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário para avaliar o perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes, a usabilidade, a jogabilidade e o design do jogo. Resultados: O estudo obteve um coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach de 0.871, indicando confiabilidade no instrumento e boa aceitação do jogo. Conclusão: O jogo “Arterial” ratificou o potencial de jogos educativos no ensino de saúde.
Autismo, estratégias aba e educação: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Barbosa Leopoldo , Lúcia Cruz de Oliveira Torres Raiane , Nelson Fernandes Barbosa Leopoldo
Published: December 2024

Introdução: A Análise do Comportamento Aplicada (ABA) contribui para promover a inclusão escolar de crianças com autismo, sendo a formação contínua dos professores essencial para uma educação verdadeiramente inclusiva e social desses alunos que deve considerar práticas pedagógicas que contribuam para um ambiente escolar adaptado e integrador, visando ao desenvolvimento acadêmico. Objetivo: Mapear o conhecimento e a preparação de professores em estratégias de Análise do Comportamento Aplicada (ABA) para a alfabetização de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA). Método: Utilizou-se uma Revisão de Escopo, com protocolos rigorosos e enfoque na reprodutibilidade, para avaliar a eficácia de práticas de ABA em contextos específicos. Foram consultadas as bases de dados PUBMED e BVS, e aplicadas diretrizes aprimoradas como o PRISMA para revisões sistemáticas. Resultados: Foram incluídos sete artigos que exploram temas como desenvolvimento profissional, aplicação de práticas baseadas em evidências (PBE), barreiras à inclusão e a autoeficácia dos professores no ensino inclusivo de alunos com TEA.  Discussão: As práticas de ABA e PBE são destacadas como fundamentais para a inclusão de alunos com TEA. A formação continuada é considerada essencial para criar um ambiente escolar inclusivo e adaptado às necessidades desses estudantes. Conclusão: ABA e PBE mostram-se eficazes no ensino de crianças com TEA, evidenciando a necessidade de capacitação contínua e de suporte especializado aos educadores para enfrentar os desafios da inclusão escolar.
Scolioapp: aplicativo para diagnóstico e manejo da escoliose idiopática do adolescente
Authors: Da Paz Higino Lucas , Marçal Edgar , Menezes de Albuquerque Thamires , Antero Gomes de Matos Pablo , Lima Ramille Araújo
Published: December 2024

A
A utilização de aplicativos para dispositivos móveis constitui atualmente uma ferramenta importante na capacitação e treinamento de profissionais na área da saúde. Entretanto, em relação à escoliose idiopática do adolescente, inexiste tecnologia de software que auxilie na condução dessa patologia, voltado para o médico não-especialista. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi desenvolver um aplicativo móvel para auxílio no diagnóstico precoce e condução de pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente. O aplicativo foi formatado por meio de coletânea de protocolos já utilizados por ortopedistas especialistas em coluna. Foram utilizadas cadeias de hipóteses (“se”...”então”...”senão”...) que conduzem à simulação do raciocínio clínico. Para cada pergunta há as respostas “sim” e “não”, que levam a diferentes passos seguintes sequenciais. O software é tecnicamente compatível com as plataformas iOS® e Android® e foi desenvolvido no Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica da Unichristus. Foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta simples e confiável para identificação e condução inicial de portadores de uma patologia cuja intervenção precoce pode evitar o agravamento do quadro e suas sequelas. O aplicativo baseia-se em dados clínicos que a literatura reconhece como fatores que podem alterar a progressão do desvio. Desta forma, são analisados sexo, idade, magnitude da curva demonstrada pelo ângulo que expressa o desvio e maturação esquelética avaliada pela ossificação progressiva da crista ilíaca. Conclui-se que o aplicativo desenvolvido é uma ferramenta auxiliar prática e simples que visa facilitar o diagnóstico e orienta a condução precoce da escoliose idiopática do adolescente, podendo evitar a evolução da doença para formas mais graves.
Investigation of clinical, epidemiological, and genomic landscape of healthcare-associated infections in Malawi: a study protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort
Authors: Bunduki Gabriel Kambale , Musicha Patrick , Kamchedzera Wala , Bakali Winnie , Ganiza Thokozani Namale , Musopole Owen , Musaya Janelisa , Feasey Nicholas
Published: December 2024

Background Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) represent a pressing global health concern, with each country and healthcare setting facing distinct challenges. In African countries, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially to third-generation cephalosporins amongst Enterobacterales (3GCR-E) is particularly severe given the widespread dependence on ceftriaxone as a first-line treatment for severe infections. The burden of HCAI is not yet adequately described. This study aims to address this gap in Malawi, by estimating the attributable mortality and morbidity associated with HCAI and associated AMR. Methods This is a prospective longitudinal cohort targeting three HCAI syndromes: surgical site infection, bloodstream infection, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection. We aim to recruit 600 adult (≥ 18 years) patients (300 with HCAI and 300 without HCAI) in three selected healthcare facilities in Malawi. Clinical variables are collected at enrolment, hospital discharge, and at day 30, 90 and 180 post-discharge using electronic case report forms. Mortality, extra length of hospital stay, and other health outcomes will be compared between patients with (drug-resistant or susceptible) HCAI and those without HCAI. Discussion The results of this study will contribute to understanding the burden of HCAI and AMR in Malawi. This information will help the infection prevention and control programme leads at facility level and policy-makers nationally, whilst providing regionally relevant insight into HCAI.
Selection of multifilament trammel nets with different mesh width in Lake Erçek
Authors: İlmen Çevik Seda , Akkuş Mustafa
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted in Lake Erçek, located in the Van Lake basin. The study examined the selectivity of multifilament trammel nets used in the fishing of pearl mullet (Alburnus tarichi, Güldenstädt, 1814) in the lake. The efficiency of nets with mesh sizes of 22 mm, 24 mm, and 26 mm was evaluated in the research. A total of 5.336 pearl mullets were caught in the study carried out between October 2021 and April 2022. 1.296, 1.721 and 2.319 fish were caught from nets with mesh sizes of 22. 24 and 26 mm, respectively. The aim of the study was to determine the most suitable mesh size for sustainable pearl mullet fishing in Lake Erçek. The Holt (1963) method was used to calculate the selectivity parameters. This method considers the fish length and mesh size to determine which size of fish can be caught by the nets. The calculations showed that nets with a 26 mm mesh size had the highest efficiency and contributed to the preservation of fish stocks by allowing smaller fish to escape. The optimum catch lengths for the 22 mm, 24 mm, and 26 mm nets were calculated as 21.15 cm, 22.47 cm, and 23.69 cm, respectively. It was particularly noted that nets with a 22 mm mesh size caught fish below the legal catch size, which could negatively affect the sustainability of the fish stocks. As a result, it was concluded that nets with a 26 mm mesh size are the most suitable option for sustainable fishing in Lake Erçek. The findings of the study provide important data for the conservation of pearl mullet stocks and for the sustainable management of fishing practices.
A year in the chair
Authors: Hill Rebekah
Published: December 2024

Rebekah Hill reflects on her first year in the Chair of the RCN Gastrointestinal Forum Committee.
Implications of the Budget for the NHS and GI nurses
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: December 2024

The much-anticipated Budget for the new Labour government was announced on the 31 October 2024. Of particular interest to NHS staff and gastrointestinal (GI) nurses is the section relating to health and social care. Following on from last month's column discussing the Darzi review (2024), this article summarises the critical criteria of the Budget as it relates to the NHS and GI nurses.
Food sense
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Sensory food education aims to help children develop a healthy diet by discovery through the five senses. By Annette Rawstrone
Spark an idea
Authors: Keyte-Hartland Debi
Published: December 2024

How can intelligent materials be best used to make a truly enabling environment? By Debi Keyte-Hartland
Food for thought
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Annette Rawstrone discusses ultra-processed foods and how settings can make changes to provide healthier meals for children
Tracking devices
Authors: Jozwiak Gabriella
Published: December 2024

Our panel discuss the discovery of a tracker on a child at nursery. By Gabriella Jozwiak
HR guru: GRIEVANCES
Authors: Edmunds Imogen
Published: December 2024

Imogen Edmunds, managing director of Redwing Solutions, which specialises in HR for early years settings, on grievances
Effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone mineral density at different sites and bone metabolism in the middle-aged and elderly population
Authors: Xie Chenqi , Gong Jianbao , Zheng Chenglong , Zhang Junwei , Gao Jie , Tian Chunyan , Guo Xiaofei , Dai Shiyou , Gao Tianlin
Published: December 2024

Aims

This meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) at various sites and bone metabolism in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

The databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were thoroughly searched from inception to July 2023.

Results

The results revealed that vitamin K supplementation increased BMD at the lumbar spine (p = 0.035). Moreover, the pooled effects demonstrated a notable increase in carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC) (p = 0.004), a decrease in uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) (p < 0.001), and no significant effect on total osteocalcin (tOC) (p = 0.076). Accordingly, the ratio of cOC to ucOC (p = 0.002) significantly increased, while the ratio of ucOC to tOC decreased (p = 0.043). However, there was no significant effect of vitamin K supplementation on other bone metabolism markers, such as cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (PINP). Subgroup analysis revealed that vitamin K notably enhanced bone health in females by increasing lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.028) and decreasing ucOC (p < 0.001). Vitamin K, especially vitamin K2, exhibited effects on maintaining or increasing lumbar spine BMD, and influencing the balance of cOC and ucOC.

Conclusion

This review suggests that the beneficial effects of vitamin K supplementation on bone health primarily involve enhancing the carboxylation of OC rather than altering the total amount of OC.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(12):750–763.
Physicochemical properties and quality evaluation of white bread with
“Baromi 2” rice flour as a wheat flour substitute
Authors: Kim Ga Hyeon , Kim Sung Huo , Jo Yeon-Ji , Park Sung Hoon
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to broaden the utilization of rice flour by incorporating it
into white bread. The rice flour used was derived from the “Baromi 2
(B2)” soft rice variety developed by the Rural Development
Administration. Wheat flour in white bread was substitution with B2 at levels of
20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The physicochemical properties of the resulting
products were evaluated. As B2 substitution levels increased, fermentation
expansion and product volume decreased. However, no significant differences from
the control group were observed substitution levels up to 20%. Increasing B2
levels also reduced the crust’s Browning Index (BI), whereas products
with appropriate B2 substitution exhibited reduced staling rates. These findings
suggest that B2 has the potential to be used as a wheat flour substitute at
levels up to 20% in baked goods. This study also reaffirms B2’s
suitability as an alternative to wheat flour, suggesting that incorporating
various baking enzymes and gluten substitutes will improve the quality of
rice-based bread products in future applications.
Characterization of Bacillus sp. bacteria isolated
from Chojeong mineral water
Authors: Kim Myong Ki , Lee Yong-Jik
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to identify a Bacillus strain isolated from
Chojeong mineral water in Korea. One strain was isolated using a marine agar
medium, and its growth temperature was analyzed in complex media. Strain
identification confirmed that it was similar to Bacillus
subtilis. The ability of the strain to produce extracellular
hydrolytic enzymes was assessed to determine whether the culture medium of the
isolated strain could be used in the cosmetics and food-related industries. The
LKSU-1 strain showed higher protease activity when cultured in Luria-Bertani
(LB) broth compared to media containing nutrient broth (NB) and tryptic soy
broth (TSB). As a first step toward optimizing culture media, the carbon source
utilization of the LKSU-1 strain was evaluated, indicating that it could
metabolize 18 types of carbon sources. Therefore, this research contributes
valuable data for securing domestic genetic resources and optimizing media for
isolated strains.
Extraction of Terpenes from Sage (Salvia
officinalis L.)
Authors: Baek Seung-Wook , Ko Min-Jung
Published: December 2024

Sage (Salvia officinalis) contains various active compounds,
including flavonoids and terpenes. In this study, the terpenes content,
including camphor, borneol, and eucalyptol, was analyzed. Both subcritical water
and conventional solvent extraction methods were used. Using subcritical water
extraction, the optimal extraction conditions were determined based on
temperature and time to selectively extract the desired components from the
sage. These optimal extraction conditions were as follows: camphor (130°C for 5
min, 2.73±0.39 mg/g), borneol (130°C for 5 min, 0.72±0.07 mg/g), and eucalyptol
(150°C for 5 min, 0.51±0.03 mg/g). A comparison of extracts obtained via
subcritical water extraction technology and various solvents revealed that the
extracts obtained using subcritical water extraction had higher levels of all
three components. This indicates that subcritical water extraction is more
efficient and faster than traditional solvent extraction methods. Moreover,
these results suggest that subcritical water extraction technology has the
potential to be applied as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional extraction
methods for obtaining active compounds like terpenoids.
Pasteurization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and
quality changes in clear and cloudy apple juice using intense pulsed light
combined with mild heat treatment
Authors: Park Se Hyun , Lee Gyeong Mi , Shin Jung-Kue
Published: December 2024

Intense pulsed light (IPL), also known as high-intensity pulse light (HIPL), is
an emerging non-thermal technology that uses light pulses of short duration,
ranging from ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths, for microbial inactivation.
This study aimed to investigate the sterilization of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae in apple juice using IPL and mild heat. As the light
intensity and treatment temperature increased, S. cerevisiae
showed higher inactivation levels. When treated at 600 V and 50 °C for 10 min,
clear and cloudy juices showed reductions of 3.95 log and 3.58 log,
respectively. In terms of quality changes in apple juice due to pulsed light
treatment, Brix and pH showed no change or a slight increase as light intensity,
treatment temperature, and treatment time increased. Titratable acidity showed
almost no change or a slight decrease. Color values showed a tendency for L and
b values to decrease and a value to increase as light intensity, treatment
temperature, and treatment time increased. Pulsed-light technology appears to be
effective in sterilizing both clear and cloudy juices when combined with
appropriate temperatures.
Quality characteristics of meat analogs with bracken
powder
Authors: Choi Heeyeon , Park Sung Hoon , Jo Yeon-Ji
Published: December 2024

This study explored the potential of bracken powder as a substitute for textured
vegetable protein (TVP) in meat analogs during frozen storage (-18°C for 3
months). The color, texture, antioxidant properties, and sensory attributes of
patties with varying bracken content were systematically investigated. color and
L*, a*, and b* values decreased with the addition of bracken. Hardness of the
patties increased with higher bracken content and reduced TVP levels. After
freezing for one week, patties had decreased texture attributes, particularly
hardness and chewiness. In addition, the antioxidant effect of patties increased
with increasing bracken content, and these effects were maintained after frozen
storage. For the electric nose tests, patties containing 3% bracken exhibited a
flavor similar to that of raw beef patties. These findings offer valuable
insights for future endeavors to explore the utilization of bracken in
plant-based meat analogs within the food industry.
Editorial
Authors:   Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India., Sampath Jayanth
Published: December 2024

On behalf of the Editorial Committee of Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, we are pleased to release the next issue of IJPO. The recent changes to the structure of our editorial board has allowed us to finalise this issue within a short time.
This issue of IJPO has several highlights. It features 5 original articles and 2 case reports by POSI members on a wide variety of topics within paediatric orthopaedics including hip dysplasia, children’s fractures, infection, and cerebral palsy. I would call the attention of the reader to a long-term epidemiological study on the incidence of fractures in adolescents. This work highlights that population-wide data collection is possible in the developing world, providing new insights into the aetiology and pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders in children.
We would like to invite our readers, particularly members of POSI and paediatric orthopaedic academic societies around the world, to join our panel of reviewers. This will provide an insight into the review process and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the profession.
We invite your suggestions and comments for any improvements to the journal. Kindly write to us editor.ijpo@gmail.com
I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr Gaurav Gupta, Associate Editor and Mr Saurabh Pullawar from Indian Orthopaedic Research Group who manages the page proofs, communications and the IJPO website.

Sincerely
Dr Jayanth S Sampath
Editor,
International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics
"And the Land Changed Its Face": On the 50th Anniversary of Siman Kri'ah
Authors: Hever Hannan
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Siman Kri'ah — a Hebrew literary journal and an affiliated publishing house established in 1972 — challenged the radical changes in Israeli space in the aftermath of the 1967 War. The occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights resulted in contradictions that challenged the Zionist axiom of spatial separation between Jews and non-Jews in an unprecedented way, and a sharp spatial contradiction developed between the axiom of separation and the occupation of territories populated exclusively (at the time) with Palestinians. The movement of Israelis beyond the Green Line, and especially the establishment of Jewish settlements in occupied territories, alongside the integration of the Palestinian residents of the Occupied Territories into the Israeli economy challenged the axiom of separation and fostered a change in the class structure in Israel. In " Kaḥ ," (Take), the first poetry book published by Siman Kri'ah , the acclaimed Hebrew poet Meir Wieseltier dealt with these dramatic changes through avant-gardist and violent poetry that sought to update the figure of "The Watchman unto the House of Israel," a figure that for generations was fundamental to the conception of Hebrew Literature as a national literature. Wieseltier's poems reasserted the sovereignty of the "The Watchman unto the House of Israel" by reconfiguring its gaze, such that it addresses the spatial contradictions that informed post-1967 Israel. Key to the poet's strategy in this volume is the poem "If There Will Be No Jerusalem," in which he harshly censures the genre of Jerusalem songs celebrating the victory in the war. In contradistinction, the poem puts forward an alternative historical narrative, in which the 1967 war ended with a defeat, voiding the occupation and thus the spatial contradiction created in its wake.
Influence of optical activity of gyroanisotropic crystals on Bessel beams
Authors: Egorov Yuriy , Aliev Aziz , Dzhemalyadinov Ruslan , Umerov Ervin , Sokolenko Bogdan , Rubass Alexander
Published: December 2024

It is shown that a Bessel beam with initial circular polarization, propagating through an optically active medium devoid of linear birefringence, generates an optical vortex on the axis in the orthogonally polarized component. The possibility of mutual transformation of beams with radial and azimuthal polarization distributions in a medium with pure optical activity is presented. It is proved that under a weak external perturbation of a medium with pure optical activity and linear birefringence, the isotropic point is destroyed. A description is given of how a medium with a combined type of anisotropy reacts as a medium with pure linear birefringence and is suppressed by linear birefringence in the vicinity of this isotropic point. The polarization structure of the fields of eigenmodes of Bessel beams in a birefringent uniaxial crystal with optical activity is similar to the structure of the modes of a medium with pure optical activity. The applicability of these studies may broaden the understanding of physical processes in the emerging field of polarization and phase profilometry of materials.
Cascaded multi-phonon stimulated Raman scattering near second-harmonic generation in a thin-film lithium niobate microdisk: publisher’s note
Authors: He Yuxuan , Yan Xiongshuo , Wu Jiangwei , Liu Xiangmin , Chen Yuping , Chen Xianfeng
Published: December 2024

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Lett. 49, 4863 (2024)10.1364/OL.533732.
Evaluating Large Language Models in extracting cognitive exam dates and scores
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jethani Neil , Jones Simon , Genes Nicholas , Major Vincent J. , Jaffe Ian S. , Cardillo Anthony B. , Heilenbach Noah , Ali Nadia Fazal , Bonanni Luke J. , Clayburn Andrew J. , Khera Zain , Sadler Erica C. , Prasad Jaideep , Schlacter Jamie , Liu Kevin , Silva Benjamin , Montgomery Sophie , Kim Eric J. , Lester Jacob , Hill Theodore M. , Avoricani Alba , Chervonski Ethan , Davydov James , Small William , Chakravartty Eesha , Grover Himanshu , Dodson John A. , Brody Abraham A. , Aphinyanaphongs Yindalon , Masurkar Arjun , Razavian Narges
Published: December 2024

Ensuring reliability of Large Language Models (LLMs) in clinical tasks is crucial. Our study assesses two state-of-the-art LLMs (ChatGPT and LlaMA-2) for extracting clinical information, focusing on cognitive tests like MMSE and CDR. Our data consisted of 135,307 clinical notes (Jan 12th, 2010 to May 24th, 2023) mentioning MMSE, CDR, or MoCA. After applying inclusion criteria 34,465 notes remained, of which 765 underwent ChatGPT (GPT-4) and LlaMA-2, and 22 experts reviewed the responses. ChatGPT successfully extracted MMSE and CDR instances with dates from 742 notes. We used 20 notes for fine-tuning and training the reviewers. The remaining 722 were assigned to reviewers, with 309 each assigned to two reviewers simultaneously. Inter-rater-agreement (Fleiss’ Kappa), precision, recall, true/false negative rates, and accuracy were calculated. Our study follows TRIPOD reporting guidelines for model validation. For MMSE information extraction, ChatGPT (vs. LlaMA-2) achieved accuracy of 83% (vs. 66.4%), sensitivity of 89.7% (vs. 69.9%), true-negative rates of 96% (vs 60.0%), and precision of 82.7% (vs 62.2%). For CDR the results were lower overall, with accuracy of 87.1% (vs. 74.5%), sensitivity of 84.3% (vs. 39.7%), true-negative rates of 99.8% (98.4%), and precision of 48.3% (vs. 16.1%). We qualitatively evaluated the MMSE errors of ChatGPT and LlaMA-2 on double-reviewed notes. LlaMA-2 errors included 27 cases of total hallucination, 19 cases of reporting other scores instead of MMSE, 25 missed scores, and 23 cases of reporting only the wrong date. In comparison, ChatGPT’s errors included only 3 cases of total hallucination, 17 cases of wrong test reported instead of MMSE, and 19 cases of reporting a wrong date. In this diagnostic/prognostic study of ChatGPT and LlaMA-2 for extracting cognitive exam dates and scores from clinical notes, ChatGPT exhibited high accuracy, with better performance compared to LlaMA-2. The use of LLMs could benefit dementia research and clinical care, by identifying eligible patients for treatments initialization or clinical trial enrollments. Rigorous evaluation of LLMs is crucial to understanding their capabilities and limitations.
Adoption of telepharmacy among pharmacists, physicians, and nurses at Hawassa City Public Hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekurianew Kelkay Jenberu , Wubneh Henok Dessie , Beri Henok Molla , Tefera Abel Melaku , Molla Rediet Abebe , Negatu Addisu Alem
Published: December 2024

Pharmaceutical care in the majority of developing countries is hindered by a lack of techniques, limitations in mobility, and a shortage of staff to provide patient care. However, there is no evidence that professionals intend to use telepharmacy in patient care. To fill this gap, this study was designed to examine whether pharmacists, physicians, and nursing professionals intend to use telepharamcy in their care practice.A cross-sectional investigation was carried out from November 29 to December 30, 2023. A study was conducted at all Hawassa public hospitals. A total of 592 Pharmacists, Physicians, and nurses participated. Simple random sampling and proportional allocation were utilized. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used, and a 5% pretest was administered. The data were entered into Epi Data 4.6 and exported to SPSS 26. The AMOS 23 SEM was also used to describe and assess the degree and significance of the relationships between variables.51.4% (304/592) (95% CI, 47.2–55.4) of the participants intended to use telepharmacy. Performance expectancy (β = 0.23, p-value <0.05), social influence (β = 0.295, p-value <0.05), and digital literacy (β = 0.309, p-value <0.001) had positive relationships with the intention to use telepharmacy. Age and gender were also moderators of performance expectancy in telepharmacy.Overall, Pharmacists’, Physicians’, and nurses’ intentions to use telepharamcy were found to be promising for the future. Performance expectancy, social influence, and digital literacy had a significantly positive influence on the intention to use telepharamcy. Digital literacy had a more significant prediction power than others. The results could be useful in terms of designing emerging systems and understanding users’ computer skills.
Metatranscriptomic analysis reveals the diversity of RNA viruses in ticks in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Su Si , Cui Meng-Yu , Xing Li-Li , Gao Rui-Juan , Mu Lan , Hong Mei , Guo Qi-Qi , Ren Hong , Yu Jing-Feng , Si Xiao-Yan , Eerde Mutu
Published: December 2024

Background

Ticks are widely distributed throughout China and are the second most prevalent pathogen vectors in the world, following only mosquitoes. Tick bites can lead to Lyme disease, forest encephalitis, and other illnesses that may result in death under severe circumstances. Materials and methods: Ticks collected from March 2021 to May 2023 were pooled and used in metatranscriptomic analyses to gain insight into the diversity and distribution of tick-borne viruses in Inner Mongolia. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) outcomes were validated, and viral prevalence across distinct tick species was determined through the application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) paired with Sanger sequencing.

Results

A total of 20 RNA viruses belonging to at least 8 families, including Chuviridae, Flaviviridae, Solemoviridae, Nairoviridae, Partitiviridae, Phenuiviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Totiviridae, and to unclassified families were identified by NGS. Five of the identified RNA viruses (Nuomin virus, Yezo virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, Alongshan virus, and Beiji nairovirus) are considered human pathogens. A potential human pathogen, Mukawa virus, was also among the identified viruses. Ixodes persulcatus carried a significantly greater number of viral species than did Dermacentor nuttalli, Hyalomma marginatum, and Haemaphysalis concinna. The prevalence of coinfection with multiple viruses differed in I. persulcatus from Hinggan League and Hulun Buir, and Beiji nairovirus was the codominant virus species.

Conclusions

There is a remarkable diversity of RNA viruses harboured by ticks in Inner Mongolia, with variations observed in the distribution of these tick-borne viruses across different regions and tick hosts.
Life and death in Trypillia times: Interdisciplinary analyses of the unique human remains from the settlement of Kosenivka, Ukraine (3700–3600 BCE)
Authors: Fuchs Katharina , Hofmann Robert , Shatilo Liudmyla , Schlütz Frank , Storch Susanne , Chabanyuk Vladislav , Kirleis Wiebke , Müller Johannes
Published: December 2024

We present an interdisciplinary analysis of finds from the Trypillia settlement of Kosenivka, Ukraine (ca. 3700–3600 BCE, Trypillia C1–2), that links information on human, faunal, and botanical remains with archaeological data to provide exceptionally detailed insights into life and death at a giant Trypillia settlement. We obtained osteological, palaeopathological, morphological and histotaphonomic data from human bone fragments; performed carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic analysis of human and animal bone to calculate food webs; modelled newly generated radiocarbon dates to refine the site’s chronology; and contextualised the finds within the phenomenon of a general lack of human remains in Early and Middle Trypillia times through a literature review. Regarding the sphere of life, the biological profile of seven identified individuals reconstructed from the highly fragmented and partially burnt bones represents a demographic cross-section of the population. We documented disease symptoms common in the Chalcolithic and two cases of perimortem cranial trauma. Furthermore, food web calculations demonstrate the large contribution of cereals to the protein component of the human diet, which is supported by dental observations. We suggest that livestock were a major manure producer for crop cultivation, while meat contributed less than 10% to the human diet. Regarding the sphere of death, multidisciplinary data suggest a deadly fire event as one probable scenario for the formation of the Kosenivka find assemblage. This could be a rare example that sheds light on household size in prehistoric times. Furthermore, it adds to the extremely small number of human bone finds in Early and Middle Trypillia sites (A–C1), preceding the shift to extramural burials in its late phase (C2) in some regions. Altogether, our results indicate the huge explanatory potential that has yet to be unlocked in the rare and often poorly preserved bioarchaeological archives of the Cucuteni–Trypillia phenomenon.
Power analysis for personal light exposure measurements and interventions
Authors: Zauner Johannes , Udovicic Ljiljana , Spitschan Manuel
Published: December 2024

Background

Light exposure regulates the human circadian system and more widely affects health, well-being, and performance. With the rise in field studies on light exposure’s effects, the amount of data collected through wearable loggers and dosimeters has also grown. These data are more complex than stationary laboratory measurements. Determining sample sizes in field studies is challenging, as the literature shows a wide range of sample sizes (between 2 and 1,887 from a recent review of the field and approaching 105 participants in first studies using large-scale ‘biobank’ databases). Current decisions on sample size for light exposure data collection lack a specific basis rooted in power analysis. Therefore, there is a need for clear guidance on selecting sample sizes.

Methods

Here, we introduce a novel procedure based on hierarchical bootstrapping for calculating statistical power and required sample size for wearable light and optical radiation logging data and derived summary metrics, taking into account the hierarchical data structure (mixed-effects model) through stepwise resampling. Alongside this method, we publish a dataset that serves as one possible basis to perform these calculations: one week of continuous data in winter and summer, respectively, for 13 early-day shift-work participants (collected in Dortmund, Germany; lat. 51.514° N, lon. 7.468° E).

Results

Applying our method on the dataset for twelve different summary metrics (luminous exposure, geometric mean, and standard deviation, timing/time above/below threshold, mean/midpoint of darkest/brightest hours, intradaily variability) with a target comparison across winter and summer, reveals required sample sizes ranging from as few as 3 to more than 50. About half of the metrics–those that focus on the bright time of day–showed sufficient power already with the smallest sample. In contrast, metrics centered around the dark time of the day and daily patterns required higher sample sizes: mean timing of light below mel EDI of 10 lux (5), intradaily variability (17), mean of darkest 5 hours (24), and mean timing of light above mel EDI of 250 lux (45). The geometric standard deviation and the midpoint of the darkest 5 hours lacked sufficient power within the tested sample size.

Conclusions

Our novel method provides an effective technique for estimating sample size in light exposure studies. It is specific to the used light exposure or dosimetry metric and the effect size inherent in the light exposure data at the basis of the bootstrap. Notably, the method goes beyond typical implementations of bootstrapping to appropriately address the structure of the data. It can be applied to other datasets, enabling comparisons across scenarios beyond seasonal differences and activity patterns. With an ever-growing pool of data from the emerging literature, the utility of this method will increase and provide a solid statistical basis for the selection of sample sizes.
The impact of green technology innovation on carbon emission reduction capacity in China: Based on spatial econometrics and threshold effect analysis
Authors: Wei Wei , Ma Yu
Published: December 2024

Dual carbon targets is the key to sustainable development in China and even the world, so how to achieve green low-carbon economy is a general trend. As an important guarantee for carbon emission reduction, green technology innovation is essential for promoting the development of green economy. The analysis of the internal mechanism of green technology innovation affecting carbon emission reduction will help provide the development direction for green technology innovation, help China’s carbon neutrality and carbon peak goals as soon as possible, and contribute Chinese wisdom to the sustainable development of the world. This study innovatively adds the carbon market vitality in measuring carbon reduction capacity, and the study extends the previous carbon reduction capacity to expand the influence of green technology innovation and is more practical, and explores the relationship between green technology innovation and carbon reduction capacity. Based on 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2021, SDM and panel threshold model are constructed to analyze the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation and carbon emission reduction ability, the threshold characteristics of green technology innovation on carbon emission reduction ability. The results show the carbon emission reduction capacity of Chinese provinces and cities has been increasing year by year, showing the situation of “leading in eastern China, rising of central China, and catching up with western China”. Green technology innovation and carbon emission reduction capacity show positive spatial correlation, which is manifested in the fact that green technology innovation not only reduces the carbon emission reduction capacity of the region effectively but also has significant spatial spillover characteristics on promoting the carbon emission reduction capacity of the neighboring regions. Also, green technology innovation have a double threshold effect on carbon emission reduction capacity, which means its influence on carbon emission reduction capacity is obviously strengthened. Based on such study conclusions, it is recommended to build a new pattern of “great synergy”, strengthen the in-depth integration of green technology innovation and carbon emission reduction, and formulate green and low-carbon differentiated standards, so as to promote a comprehensive green transformation.
Agent swarms: Cooperation and coordination under stringent communications constraint
Authors: Kinsler Paul , Holman Sean , Elliott Andrew , Mitchell Cathryn N. , Wilson R. Eddie
Published: December 2024

Here we consider the communications tactics appropriate for a group of agents that need to “swarm” together in a challenging communications environment. Swarms are increasingly important in a number of applications, including land, air, sea and space exploration, and their constituent agents could be satellites, drones, or other autonomous vehicles. A particularly difficult problem is to autonomously connect a swarm of agents together in a situation where stringent communication constraints are present, whether due to a need for stealth, restricted on-board power, external requirements to avoid certain broadcast directions, or equipment & hardware limitations. Here we present a novel, discrete, geometry-free model applicable to multi-agent swarm communications where a group of agents need to connect together and where the constraints on the communications dominate the algorithmic outcomes. No global knowledge of the agent locations is held and hence our framework proposes agent-centric performance metrics. We demonstrate our model using a set of candidate connectivity tactics and we show how simulated outcome distributions, risks and connectivity depend on the ratio of information gain to information loss. We also show that checking for excessive round-trip-times can be an effective minimal-information filter for determining which agents to no longer target with messages. The framework and algorithms that are presented here have wider application in testing efficient communication tactics across agent swarms in designated scenarios and testing the connectivity outcomes for future systems and missions.
Sexual identity-related inequalities in associations between adverse childhood experiences and health in late adolescence–A national cohort study
Authors: Chandrasekar Rahul , Karamanos Alexis , Learoyd Annastazia , Khanolkar Amal R.
Published: December 2024

This study examined associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health and health-risk behaviours, including differences by sexual minority (SM) identity. We included 8,686 adolescents (males = 50.7%, SM = 10.3%) from the UK-wide Millennium Cohort Study with data on eight ACEs (e.g., domestic violence, parental psychological distress, bullying) recorded between ages 3–14 and a wide-range of health indicators and health-risk behaviours at age 17. Associations between 1) Sexual identity and ACEs were analysed using multinomial logistic regression and 2) Cumulative ACE scores and all outcomes were analysed using linear/logistic regression (with appropriate interactions assessing differences in ACE-outcome associations by sexual identity and adjusted for sex, ethnicity, and parental income). Results showed SM individuals had a higher prevalence of bullying (33.9% vs. 20.3%) and experiencing ≥3ACEs [Bisexual: RRR 1.87 (95% CI 1.35, 2.57), Gay/Lesbian RRR 2.08 (1.24, 3.48)]. The number of individuals experiencing adverse mental health outcomes increased in relation to greater ACE exposure with evidence for effect-moderation by sexual identity in certain outcomes. For example, among individuals with 0 ACEs, 8% of heterosexual adolescents reported psychological distress vs. 22% in bisexual and 17% in gay/lesbian peers, increasing to 16% in heterosexual vs. 41% in bisexual and 45% in gay/lesbian adolescents with ≥3 ACEs. Similar patterns were observed for other health indicators (e.g., self-harm, suicidality, sleep quality) and health-risk behaviours (e.g., risky sex). Our findings indicate that ACEs are associated (with a gradient) with worse mental health and well-being, and higher risk of some health-risk behaviours. However, the detrimental effect of ACEs on health is worse in SM adolescents compared to heterosexual peers.
Diets and leisure activities are associated with curiosity
Authors: Morita Satoshi , Sueyasu Toshiaki , Tokuda Hisanori , Kaneda Yoshihisa , Izumo Takayuki , Nishikawa Kazuji , Kusumi Takashi , Nakao Yoshihiro
Published: December 2024

Social connections are essential for human health. While curiosity and empathy are crucial psychological factors for a fulfilling life connected with others, it is unclear if acquired environmental factors influence them. In this cross-sectional observational study, 1,311 men and women aged 20–79 years living in Japan were observed to explore how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and leisure activities (such as exercise and hobbies) impact curiosity and empathy. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that diet and leisure activities impacted curiosity, whereas hobbies influenced cognitive empathy but not affective empathy. Structural equation modeling indicated that men’s curiosity was influenced by diet, leisure activities, and work, whereas women’s curiosity was influenced by leisure activities and work. These findings suggest that diet and leisure activities can enhance curiosity and cognitive empathy, leading to improved well-being.