bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective clinical performance evaluation of the Abbott Bioline HAT 2.0, a rapid diagnostic test for human African trypanosomiasis based on recombinant antigens
Authors: Tablado Alonso Sara , Biéler Sylvain , Inocêncio da Luz Raquel , Verlé Paul , Büscher Philippe , Hasker Epco 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundRapid diagnostic tests for the serological detection of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) have been developed to overcome the limitations of the traditional screening method, CATT/T. b. gambiense. The Abbott Bioline human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) 2.0 rapid diagnostic test has recently been developed by Abbott using only recombinant antigens. The objective of this study was to evaluate its clinical sensitivity and specificity, in comparison with the other available rapid diagnostic tests and CATT.Methodology/Principal FindingsFor this study, archived plasma samples from 150 gHAT cases and 150 endemic controls originating from Chad, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda were analysed on the following tests: CATT/T. b. gambiense, the HAT Sero K‐SeT, SD BIOLINE HAT and Abbott Bioline HAT 2.0 rapid diagnostic tests, and the immune trypanolysis test. The sensitivity and specificity of Abbott Bioline HAT 2.0 were 96.7% and 78.4%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of SD BIOLINE HAT were 99.3% and 74.1%. The sensitivity and specificity of CATT were 98.7% and 89.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of HAT Sero K‐SeT were 99.3% and 81.3%.Conclusions/SignificanceThe sensitivity and specificity of the Abbott Bioline HAT 2.0 are comparable to those of its predecessors HAT Sero K‐SeT and SD BIOLINE HAT. However, considering the decreasing prevalence of gHAT, a higher specificity of the tests used for screening is desirable to improve their positive predictive value.
A Cultural Evolutionary Model for the Law of Abbreviation
Authors: Morin Olivier , Koshevoy Alexey 
Published: December 2024

AbstractEfficiency principles are increasingly called upon to study features of human language and communication. Zipf's law of abbreviation is widely seen as a classic instance of a linguistic pattern brought about by language users’ search for efficient communication. The “law”—a recurrent correlation between the frequency of words and their brevity—is a near‐universal principle of communication, having been found in all of the hundreds of human languages where it has been tested, and a few nonhuman communication systems as well. The standard explanation for the law of abbreviation derives from pressures for efficiency: speakers minimize their cumulative effort by using shorter words for frequent occurrences. This explanation, we argue here, fails to explain why long words exist at all. It also fails to explain why the law of abbreviation, despite being robust, is systematically weakened by many short and rare words. We propose an alternative account of the law of abbreviation, based on a simple cultural evolutionary model. Our model does not require any pressure for efficiency. Instead, it derives the law of abbreviation from a general pressure for brevity applying to all words regardless of their frequency. This model makes two accurate predictions that the standard model misses: the correlation between frequency and brevity is consistently weak, and it is characterized by heteroskedasticity, with many short and rare words. We argue on this basis that efficiency considerations are neither necessary nor sufficient to explain the law.
Medial hypothalamic MC3R signalling regulates energy rheostasis in adult mice
Authors: Possa‐Paranhos Ingrid Camila , Butts Jared , Pyszka Emma , Nelson Christina , Congdon Samuel , Cho Dajin , Sweeney Patrick 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAlthough mammals resist both acute weight loss and weight gain, the neural circuitry mediating bi‐directional defense against weight change is incompletely understood. Global constitutive deletion of the melanocortin‐3‐receptor (MC3R) impairs the behavioural response to both anorexic and orexigenic stimuli, with MC3R knockout mice demonstrating increased weight gain following anabolic challenges and increased weight loss following anorexic challenges (i.e. impaired energy rheostasis). However, the brain regions mediating this phenotype are not well understood. Here, we utilized MC3R floxed mice and viral injections of Cre‐recombinase to selectively delete MC3R from the medial hypothalamus (MH) in adult mice. Behavioural assays were performed on these animals to test the role of MC3R in MH in the acute response to orexigenic and anorexic challenges. Complementary chemogenetic approaches were used in MC3R‐Cre mice to localize and characterize the specific medial hypothalamic brain regions mediating the role of MC3R in energy homeostasis. Finally, we performed RNAscope in situ hybridization to map changes in the mRNA expression of MC3R, pro‐opiomelanocortin and agouti‐related peptide following energy rheostatic challenges, as well as to characterize the MC3R expressing cells in dorsal MH. Our results demonstrate that MC3R deletion in MH increases feeding and weight gain following high‐fat diet feeding, and enhances the anorexic effects of semaglutide, in a sexually dimorphic manner. Furthermore, although the arcuate nucleus exerts an important role in MC3R‐mediated effects on energy homeostasis, viral deletion in the dorsal MH also resulted in altered energy rheostasis, indicating that brain regions outside of the arcuate nucleus also contribute to the role of MC3R in energy rheostasis. Together, these results demonstrate that MC3R‐mediated effects on energy rheostasis result from the loss of MC3R signalling in medial hypothalamic neurons and suggest an important role for dorsal‐MH MC3R signalling in energy rheostasis.
imageKey points
Melanocortin‐3‐receptor (MC3R) signalling regulates energy rheostasis in adult mice.
Medial hypothalamus regulates energy rheostasis in adult mice.
Energy rheostatic stimuli alter mRNA levels of agouti‐related peptide, pro‐opiomelanocortin and MC3R.
Dorsal‐medial hypothalamus (DMH) MC3R neurons increase locomotion and energy expenditure.
MC3R cell types in DMH are sexually dimorphic.
DYNAMIC TIP-OVER AVOIDANCE METHOD FOR MOBILE MANIPULATORS BASED ON THE EXTENDED ZMP ALGORITHM FOR HUMAN-ROBOT COLLABORATION
Authors: Tao Yong , Liu Haitao , Song Yian , Deng Changyi , Wang Baicun , Zheng Pai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC), as an important role in intelligent manufacturing, is widely utilized in modern factories. Mobile manipulators offer greater flexibility due to the ability to simultaneously move their bases and arms. This provides them an advantage facing challenging tasks such as flexible production and intelligent manufacturing. The environment of modern factories is complex, with slopes and thresholds at the entrance. Stability plays a fundamental role in complex environments. Therefore, for the future deployment and application of mobile manipulator in HRC, a novel dynamic tip-over avoidance method is proposed for mobile manipulators based on the extended zero moment point (ZMP) algorithm. This method extends the traditional ZMP stability criterion into three dimensions, deriving a system-wide three-dimensional zero moment point. The integration of the extended ZMP with redundant features facilitates adaptive weight matrix adjustments, enabling the robot to adapt its motion based on environmental constraints, thus preventing instability such as tip-over. Simulation verification is carried out with CoppeliaSim. Experimental verification is performed using the MR2000+Franka mobile manipulator. The results confirm that the extended ZMP algorithm effectively prevents tipping in complex environments.
Reading Users' Minds With Large Language Models: Mental Inference for Artificial Empathy in Design
Authors: Zhu Qihao , Chong Leah , Yang Maria , Luo Jianxi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In human-centered design, developing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of user experiences—empathic understanding—is paramount for designing products that truly meet human needs. Nevertheless, accurately comprehending the real underlying mental states of a large human population remains a significant challenge today. This difficulty mainly arises from the tradeoff between depth and scale of user experience research: gaining in-depth insights from a small group of users does not easily scale to a larger population, and vice versa. This paper investigates the use of large language models (LLMs) for performing mental inference tasks, specifically inferring users' underlying goals and fundamental psychological needs (FPNs). Baseline and benchmark datasets were collected from human users and designers to develop an empathic accuracy metric for measuring the mental inference performance of LLMs. The empathic accuracy of inferring goals and FPNs of different LLMs with varied zero-shot prompt engineering techniques are experimented against that of human designers. Experimental results suggest that LLMs can infer and understand the underlying goals and FPNs of users with performance comparable to that of human designers, suggesting a promising avenue for enhancing the scalability of empathic design approaches through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence technologies. This work has the potential to significantly augment the toolkit available to designers during human-centered design, enabling the development of both large-scale and in-depth understanding of users' experiences.
How Does Blood-Flow Restriction Alter Forehand Drive Performance and Muscle Recruitment in Tennis Players?
Authors: Han Zilong , Guo Zhenxiang , Yan Bing , Girard Olivier 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To examine the acute effects of forehand drive (FD) preconditioning with or without blood-flow restriction (BFR) on subsequent forehand performance and muscle recruitment in tennis. Methods: On separate visits, 12 well-trained tennis players participated in 4 randomized trials. Each visit included pretests (maximal muscle-activation capacity or FD performance), a preconditioning phase, and posttests after 5 minutes of rest (ie, similar to pretests). The preconditioning phase involved 5 sets of 10 maximal-effort FD exercises, performed either with (EXP) or without (CON) BFR (50% of the arterial occlusion pressure applied to dominant lower and upper limbs). During the pretest and posttests, either maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with surface electromyography recordings of 6 muscles (gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, external oblique, and pectoralis major) or ball velocity and accuracy of 10 crosscourt forehands were assessed. Results: Peak ball velocity increased from pretests to posttests (+2.3% [2.3%]; P = .004), regardless of the condition (P = .130). Peak ball accuracy remained unchanged (P > .05). From pretests to posttests, increases in electromyography levels for the biceps brachii muscle were larger for EXP (+14.5% [7.4%]; P < .001) than CON (+7.3% [10.3%]; P = .042). During the preconditioning phase, biceps brachii muscle activity was higher for EXP than CON (+7.4% [7.3%]; P = .006) during MVICs. Surface electromyography levels remained unchanged for other muscles. Conclusion: Executing FD exercises during a preconditioning phase acutely improved FD velocity but not accuracy in tennis, also accompanied by increased recruitment of the biceps brachii muscle. However, adding BFR did not significantly enhance these benefits.
Time to Rehabilitation in Pediatric Concussion Patients Influences Recovery Outcomes
Authors: Mathew Abel S. , Datoc Alison E. , Choi Daniel M. , Tak Chris R. , Abt John P. 
Published: December 2024

Context: Targeted and directed rehabilitation with a healthcare provider can be an effective approach in the treatment of concussion, particularly for patients with protracted recovery, high symptom reporting, cervicogenic dysfunction, musculoskeletal involvement, and/or vestibular/oculomotor dysfunction. While many environmental and intrinsic medical history factors may influence concussion recovery, little is known about whether an individual’s recovery trajectory can be influenced by the amount of time taken to receive rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recovery trajectories of concussion patients requiring targeted multimodal rehabilitation after a specialty concussion clinic visit within ≤3 days, 4 to 7 days, and >7 days. We also sought to evaluate risk factors for protracted recovery. Design and Methods: The study involved a retrospective chart review of 103 patients (mean age = 13.78 [2.89]; 55% female) who, after their initial specialty concussion clinic visit, received rehabilitation in ≤3 days, 4 to 7 days, and >7 days. Patients were evaluated at a pediatric specialty concussion clinic between April 2021 and December 2023, and diagnosed with concussion by a specialist (primary care sports medicine physician, nurse practitioner, and/or neuropsychologist), referred for rehabilitation via physical therapy services, completed more than one rehabilitation session, and received medical clearance to initiate the return-to-sport protocol. Groups were compared based on relevant clinical factors, Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening, neurocognitive testing (Trails B-A), Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, days from injury to concussion evaluation, days from concussion evaluation to rehabilitation, number of rehabilitation sessions, recovery days after rehabilitation, and total recovery days (ie, days from injury to medical clearance to initiate return-to-sport protocol). Data analysis included chi-square, correlations, 1-way analysis of variance, and general linear regression. Adjusted odds ratios for protracted recovery were derived from a logistic regression model. Discussion: Days from injury to concussion evaluation (P < .001), days from concussion evaluation to rehabilitation (P = .006), and Trails B-A (P = .009), were significant predictors of total recovery time among pediatric concussion patients who required multimodal rehabilitation. Risk of protracted recovery increased by 34% each day from injury to concussion evaluation a patient did not receive treatment (Nagelkerke Pseudo R2 = .45; P < .001). Previous studies have also shown that time to concussion evaluation is an important prognostic indicator of recovery. Correspondingly, prompt referral to concussion care and rehabilitation for patients with a need for multimodal rehabilitation can improve recovery outcomes.
Theory-based behaviour modification of Asian adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus after participating in a novel telemonitoring system: a qualitative research study
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Gong Pei Pei , Lee Cia Sin , Goh Shawn Kuan Liang , Ang Seng Bin , Koh Gerald Choon Huat 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTelemonitoring (TM) remotely monitors individuals’ health. Awareness of personal clinical data has resulted in improved glycaemic control in adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its effects on their health-seeking behaviour remain unclear. This study aims to explore and understand the effects of a multicomponent TM system on self-efficacy in adults with T2DM.DesignA qualitative study using semistructured interviews.SettingA public primary care clinic which is located at an estate in north-eastern Singapore with a population of about 300 000 multiethnic Asian residents.Participants21 participants who completed 6 months of TM intervention which included immediate feedback on glucose and blood pressure readings, educational videos on exercise and nutrition, and personalised support with TM nurse when clinical parameters met high glucose or blood pressure thresholds.ResultsThe health belief model was used to explain the participants’ behaviour change, including (1) immediate feedback from TM clinical parameters (blood pressure and glucose), raised their awareness of their health status and disease control to motivate behaviour change; (2) notification of higher glucose through TM allowed patients to reflect on their recent food consumption and nudged them to select healthier food options; (3) App teleeducation improved health literacy and supported lifestyle changes; (4) cues for action through personalised engagement with TM nurse and via automated reminders and (5) the TM system enhanced self-efficacy by modifying their multifaceted self-care behaviours.ConclusionTM heightened understanding among adults with T2DM of their potential for health complications and increased awareness of the benefits of proper diabetes management. It also helped lower the barriers to self-management and further enhanced their self-efficacy in self-care. The system and care team provided users with cues for health which was perceived to lead to adapting their lifestyle in order to achieve better health outcomes.Clinical Trials registration numberNCT04306770
Effect of multiple counselling contacts along the continuum of care on use of postpartum family planning in a cohort of Ethiopian women: a dose-response analysis
Authors: Pfitzer Anne , Jima Gebi Husein , Sitrin Deborah , Ayalew Firew , Ahmed Saifuddin 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveDose-response analysis of the effect of each additional contact where family planning (FP) was discussed during antenatal, delivery, postnatal or immunisation visits on the uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP) within 12 months.DesignA cohort where pregnant women were enrolled and reinterviewed approximately 12 months postpartum. Life table analyses examined differentials in probabilities of adopting contraception over 12 months postpartum by level of exposure to FP counselling. Competing risks regression analysis examined the dose effects in HRs by the number of maternal, newborn or child health (MNCH) contacts where FP was discussed, adjusted for confounding covariates.SettingTwo Arsi zone woredas: Oromia and Ethiopia.Participants and measures722 pregnant women enrolled, and 706 successfully reinterviewed 12 months postpartum about each MNCH contact during pregnancy, delivery and later visits, whether these included any PPFP counselling and PPFP use.Main resultsTwo-thirds of the cohort delivered at home. The average number of MNCH contacts women received was 7.6, while the average number where FP was discussed was 2.8. The cumulative probability of PPFP uptake was higher for women who received FP information during at least one MNCH contact, regardless of place of delivery. Each additional MNCH contact where FP was discussed increased the likelihood of PPFP uptake by 14% (95% CI 8% to 20%) or 9% (95% CI 5% to 13%), depending on place of birth. PPFP did not increase with additional contacts without FP information.ConclusionsWhile PPFP conversations immediately after a facility birth generated the greatest chance of affecting use, integrating at every visit in the continuum had more impact.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov,NCT03585361.
Cluster randomised controlled trial of double-dose azithromycin mass drug administration, facial cleanliness and fly control measures for trachoma control in Oromia, Ethiopia: the stronger SAFE trial protocol
Authors: Last Anna R , Shafi Abdurahman Oumer , Greenland Katie , Robinson Ailie , Collin Claire , Czerniewska Alexandra , Etu Edao Sinba , Versteeg Bart , Butcher Robert , Guye Meseret , Legesse Demitu , Nuri Kedir Temam , Shuka Gemeda , Haji Mohammed Yousuf Munira , Dheressa Gaddisa , Dumessa Gebeyehu , Akalu Melesse , Tadesse Mesfin , Adugna Kumsa Dereje , Seife Gebretsadik Fikre , Abashawl Aida , Habtamu Esmael , Sarah Virginia , Alemayehu Wondu , Solomon Anthony , Weiss Helen Anne , Logan James G , Macleod David , Burton Matthew J 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionTrachoma is caused by the bacteriumChlamydia trachomatis(Ct). The WHO recommends the SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination: Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement. Multiple rounds of SAFE implementation have proven insufficient to eliminate trachoma in Ethiopia, where over 50% of the global trachoma burden remains. More effective antibiotic treatment schedules and transmission-suppressing approaches are needed. The aim of stronger SAFE is to evaluate the impact of a novel package of interventions to strengthen the A, F and E of SAFE on the prevalence of ocularCtand trachoma in Oromia, Ethiopia.Methods and analysis68 clusters were randomised in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of (1) standard A/standard F&E (standard SAFE), (2) standard A/enhanced F&E, (3) enhanced A/standard F&E or (4) enhanced A/enhanced F&E (stronger SAFE). Enhanced A includes two height-based doses of oral azithromycin (equivalent to 20 mg/kg) given as single doses 2 weeks apart, as mass drug administration, annually. Enhanced F&E includes fly control measures (permethrin-treated headwear and odour-baited traps) and face-washing hygiene behaviour change implemented at household level in selected communities. The interventions will be implemented and reinforced over 3 years.The primary outcome is the prevalence of ocularCtby quantitative PCR in children aged 1–9 years at 36 months. A key secondary outcome is the prevalence of active (inflammatory) trachoma in the same children, assessed by validated trachoma graders and conjunctival photography. Laboratory technicians and photo-graders are masked to treatment allocation. Other important secondary analyses include process evaluations, assessment of behaviour change, fly indicators, adherence and coverage of interventions and a cost analysis.Ethics and disseminationStudy protocols have been approved by the National Research Ethics Review Committee of the Ethiopian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Ethics Committee. An independent data safety and monitoring board oversees the trial. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations and reports.Trial registration numberISRCTN40760473.