bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robodoc: a conversational-AI based app for medical conversations
Authors: Guerra Pires Jorge 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) evolved in trends. Currently, the trend is Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CAI). Those models of AI are focused on text-related tasks, and their commonest applications are chatbots. On this paper, we explore a smart chatbot using the Large Language Models (LLMs) from openAI. I have used a tool called Teachable Machine (TM) from Google to apply transfer learning and create image-based models. I have built two image-based model: for X-ray and for OCT. The model of X-ray is able to detect viral and bacterial pneumonia, whereas the Optical coherence tomography (OCT) model can detect Drusen, Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) and (Diabetic Macular Edema DME) conditions on the patient’s eyes image. I have also used TensorFlow.js from Google to create a diabetes detection model. All those models are integrated into a chatbot, that according to the message entered by a user, is able to use the models intelligently. Our results show a good integration between the models and the chatbot, with slight deviations from the expected behaviors. For the OCT model, we have also tested a stub function for medical appointments done by the bot, based on how serious is the patient condition. The future of artificial intelligence are public APIs, as I have shown that a complex model can be built, without a complex research infrastructure, and with low costs. Bioinformatics may have gained a new supporter towards more friendly interfaces on bioinformatics.
Real-world smartphone data can trace the behavioural impact of epilepsy: A Case study
Authors: van Nieuw Amerongen Arthur R , Meppelink Anne Marthe , Ghosh Arko , Thijs Roland D 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeurobehavioural comorbidities have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people with epilepsy, yet tracking their impact is challenging as behaviour may vary with seizures and anti-seizure medication side effects. Smartphones have the potential to monitor day-to-day neurobehavioural patterns objectively. We present the case of a man in his late twenties with refractory focal epilepsy in whom we ascertained the effects of ASMs withdrawal and a focal-to-bilateral tonic-clonic convulsion on his touchscreen interactions. Using a dedicated app, we recorded over 185 days, the timestamps of 718,357 interactions. We divided the various smartphone behaviours according to the next-interval dynamics of the interactions by using a joint interval distribution (JID). We analysed JIDs during two ASM load transitions: before versus during tapering and restarting medication versus tapering. Cluster-based permutation testing revealed significant differences, with accelerated next-interval dynamics during tapering and a reversal upon medication restart. We also compared the JID of the fbTCS day to the average of the three days before, showing markedly slower next-interval dynamics on the day of the convulsion. This suggests that smartphone interactions’ temporal dynamics may help monitor neurobehavioural comorbidities in epilepsy.
HOW ARE RAPID RESPONSE SERVICES IMPLEMENTED OR CHANGED, AND HOW IS THEIR SUCCESS MEASURED?
Authors: Rowley R. , Poulter A. L. , Smith A. , Pollock E. , Bush D. , Patel P. , Lam M. , Webb L. , Jones D. , Delaney A. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionRapid Response Teams (RRT) exist in many different formats. With escalating rapid response calls, RRT services need to adapt to meet demand. We will describe how RRT service changes are implemented, either as a novel service or service redesign, and how the success of the implementation is measured.Methods and analysisWe will systematically review observational cohort studies that involve RRT implementation service change, and measure their implementation success. We will extract data relating to the study characteristics, team characteristics, methods of change implementation, and the outcome measures. The analysis will be primarily narrative, and we will present simple statistics regarding the range and frequency of the methods of implementation.Ethics and disseminationAs this review is of published studies, it does not require ethical approval. We aim to present our results at scientific meetings and publish the manuscript to a peer reviewed journal.Trial registration numberThis protocol will be registered on the preprint server medRxiv.Strengths and limitations of this studyThe review addresses a relevant question, and will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of RRT services, and their measures of outcomes. It will serve to provide a basis for future study. We acknowledge that there will be limitations, including heterogeneity of eligible studies, such as variability in team name, composition, resource base, and differing outcome reporting. Additionally, it may be limited by the lack of studies relating to the implementation of services/change management.
Levels and predictors of knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among female TV undergraduates in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agbo Hadizah Abigail , Adeoye Philip Adewale , Yilzung Danjuma Ropzak , Mangut Jawa Samson , Ogbada Paul Friday 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionAccess to contraception is a preventive measure against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections; especially in sub-Saharan Africa where unmet need is a huge public health concern. This study assessed the levels and predictors of knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among female TV studies students in Nigeria.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study was conducted among female students of NTA TV College, Nigeria. Predictors of good knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception were determined by multivariable binary logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was determined to be statistically.ResultThere were 217 study participants; with an average age of 22 years. Levels of good knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception were 55.3%, 47.5%, and 50.7% respectively. About 74% has ever had sex; with their main sources of contraceptive information from friends and the internet; and commonly used contraceptives are condom and oral contraceptive pills. The commonest reason for the non-use of contraceptives is fear of side effects or health risks. Being a young adult is a significant predictor (aOR: 2.633 [95% CI: 1.031-6.723); p=0.043) of good knowledge; while being a diploma student (aOR: 2.369 [95%CI: 1.219-4.604]; p=0.011); living off-campus (aOR: 2.134 [95%CI: 1.043-4.368]; p=0.038) and good knowledge (aOR: 3.798 [95%CI: 2.079-6.937]; p=0.000) are significant predictors of good attitude. Being from the state’s indigenous population (aOR: 2.369 [95%CI: 1.222-4.595]; p=0.011) and ever engaging in sex (aOR: 24.482 [95%CI: 7.914-75.736]; p=0.000) are significant predictors of good contraceptive use.ConclusionOur study has shown relatively low levels of good knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception and their predictors. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve advocacy and policies to improve knowledge, attitude and practice on contraception and sexual and reproductive health services among young people.
‘I was an accident’. Long-term effects of unintended pregnancy on children: Findings from the Dutch prospective birth-cohort Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study
Authors: Beumer Wieke Y. , Koot Marjette H. , Vrijkotte Tanja , Roseboom Tessa J. , van Ditzhuijzen Jenneke 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies investigated short-term risks of children born from unintended pregnancies, however evidence about long-term risks is missing. This study aimed to examine whether children born from unintended pregnancies experience psychosocial problems up into adolescence.MethodsThis study is based on the birth cohort study ‘Amsterdam Born Children and their Development’ (n= 7784). Unintended pregnancy was measured as a multidimensional construct. Children’s psychosocial problems were measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, at 5-6, 11-12 and 15-16 years old. Multiple Structural Equation Models were analyzed, examining associations between unintended pregnancy and children’s psychosocial problems, while controlling for co-occurring risks. Mediating effects via maternal mental health and bonding were assessed.ResultsPregnancy mistiming was a significant predictor of internalizing (β = .10,p< .001) and externalizing problems (β = .07,p =.006) and unwanted pregnancy of internalizing problems (β = .13,p< .001) at 5-6 years. These associations were mostly mediated by maternal mental health and poorer maternal bonding. Associations were no longer present at 11-12 and 15-16 years.ConclusionChildren born from unintended pregnancies experience more psychosocial problems at 5-6 years, but no longer in adolescence. Unintended pregnancies often coincide with maternal mental health problems, and the associations between unintended pregnancy and children’s psychosocial problems are influenced by maternal mental health and poorer bonding. Therefore it is important to improve maternal mental health and bonding for the benefit of both mother and child, rather than on the isolated effect of unintended pregnancy per se.Key messagesWhat is already known on this topicOf the few studies that have been done, most showed that unintended pregnancy is associated with more psychosocial problems of children later in life, but others found no evidence. Especially evidence about long-term effects on children is missing.What this study addsPeople who carry a more unintended pregnancy to term experience more mental health issues and poor bonding to their child, which in turn negatively affects their young child. However, when children are older (in adolescence), they no longer face a higher risk of psychosocial problems. This was studied in a context with relative liberal abortion laws and context (i.e., the Netherlands).How this study might affect research, practice or policyIt is important to build on maternal mental health and bonding when wanting to reduce children’s psychosocial problems, instead of focusing on the unintended pregnancy per se.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.
IL-32 producing CD8+memory T cells and Tregs define the IDO1 / PD-L1 niche in human cutaneous leishmaniasis skin lesions
Authors: Dey Nidhi S. , Dey Shoumit , Brown Naj , Senarathne Sujai , Reis Luiza Campos , Sengupta Ritika , Lindoso Jose Angelo L. , James Sally , Gilbert Lesley , Chatterjee Mitali , Goto Hiro , Ranasinghe Shalindra , Kaye Paul M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHuman cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is characterised by chronic skin pathology. Experimental and clinical data suggest that immune checkpoints (ICs) play a crucial role in disease outcome but the cellular and molecular niches that facilitate IC expression during leishmaniasis are ill-defined. We previously showed that in Sri Lankan patients with CL, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are enriched in lesion skin and that reduced PD-L1 expression early after treatment onset predicted cure rate following antimonial therapy. Here, we use spatial cell interaction mapping to identify IL-32-expressing CD8+memory cells and regulatory T cells as key components of the IDO1 / PD-L1 niche in Sri Lankan CL patients and in patients with distinct forms of dermal leishmaniasis in Brazil and India. Furthermore, the abundance of IL-32+cells and IL-32+CD8+T cells at treatment onset was prognostic for rate of cure in Sri Lankan patients. This study provides a unique spatial perspective on the mechanisms underpinning IC expression during CL and a novel route to identify additional biomarkers of treatment response.Graphical Abstract
Optical Genome Mapping improves detection and streamlines analysis of structural variants in myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Raca Gordana , Sahoo Trilochan , Anwar Iqbal M. , Smolarek Teresa A. , Levy Brynn , DuPont Barbara R. , Ryall Scott , Dubuc Adrian M. , Sahajpal Nikhil Shri , Liu Jie , Liao Jun , Wang Zi-Xuan , Stence Aaron A. , Guseva Natalya V. , Broach James R. , Miller Cecelia , Ma Deqin , Blachly James , Michaels Phillip , Kolhe Ravindra , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAccurate diagnosis and risk stratification of hematological malignancies require disease-specific laboratory testing procedures involving the use of hematopathology, flow cytometry, molecular, and cytogenetic testing. While individual laboratories develop unique workflows to accommodate volume, clinical needs, and staffing, cytogenetic laboratories generally require a multitude of targeted and genome-wide tests that detect clinically relevant aberrations in hematologic malignancies. Specifically, the frequent use of multiple FISH panels coupled with concurrent chromosome analysis, can be both labor, and resource intensive. Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) is a comprehensive cytogenetic solution for detecting structural variants with high resolution and increased accuracy for hematological malignancy subtypes at the DNA level without need of any cell culture regimens. A new software tool for analysis of OGM data called VIA (Variant Intelligence Applications), provides an integrative analysis, interpretation, and reporting solution for OGM and other datatypes. In this study, we performed retrospective review of 56 datasets, representing 10 unique myeloid cases to assess multi-user (technologist and laboratory director) analyses and classification. Interpretation and reporting of OGM results were 100% concordant between reviewers for four cases with negative results by standard of care (SOC) testing. For the other six cases, five pathognomonic gene fusions identified by SOC assays were unanimously reported as Tier 1A classification was unanimous for five sentinel gene fusion rearrangements identified by SOC. OGM also found additional structural variants of clinical relevance in five of the six cases that were not found by SOC methods. Leveraging automatic pre-classification of variants and a custom decision tree, the VIA software enabled complete analysis with a mean technologist review time (variant analysis and initial tier determination) of 30.7 minutes. The analysis, interpretation, and reporting workflow described in this pilot study provides a framework for standardized and streamlined reporting of clinically significant variant in myeloid malignancies using VIA.
Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and its association with glycemic control in persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ekpor Emmanuel , Akyirem Samuel , Adade Duodu Precious 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are interconnected metabolic disorders that pose serious repercussions on health, yet a comprehensive understanding of the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa is lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glycemic control (HbA1c) in persons with T2D in Africa. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science from their inception to December 6, 2023. Data on MAFLD prevalence and correlation coefficients for the association with glycemic control were pooled in random effect meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis of MAFLD prevalence, while 2 incorporated in the analysis of the association between MAFLD and glycemic control. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D was 48.1% (95% CI: 36.1–60.3). By region, the prevalence recorded were 44.7% (95% CI: 28.7–62.0) in sub-Saharan Africa and 55.3% (95% CI: 36.2–73.0) in Northern Africa. We observe an increasing trend in MAFLD prevalence, recording 55.1% (95% CI: 43.6– 66.1) in the recent five years. There was a weak positive correlation between MAFLD and HbA1c (r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18 – 0.47). There is a high prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D in Africa, with a suggested link between MAFLD and suboptimal glycemic control.
Identifying alterations in hand movement coordination from chronic stroke survivors using a wearable high-density EMG sleeve
Authors: Tacca Nicholas , Baumgart Ian , Schlink Bryan , Kamath Ashwini , Dunlap Collin , Darrow Michael , Colachis Samuel , Putnam Philip , Branch Joshua , Wengerd Lauren , Friedenberg David A , Meyers Eric C 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNon-invasive, high-density electromyography (HD-EMG) has emerged as a useful tool to collect a range of neurophysiological motor information. Recent studies have demonstrated changes in EMG features that occur after stroke, which correlate with functional ability, highlighting their potential use as biomarkers. However, previous studies have largely explored these EMG features in isolation with individual electrodes to assess gross movements, limiting their potential clinical utility. Here, able-bodied (N=7) and chronic stroke subjects (N=7) performed 12 functional hand and wrist movements while HD-EMG was recorded using a wearable sleeve. We demonstrate that a variety of HD-EMG features, or views, can be decomposed from the wearable sleeve. Stroke subjects, on average, had higher co-contraction and reduced muscle coupling when attempting to open their hand and actuate their thumb. In an expanded dataset consisting of 37 movements, we characterized muscle synergies in the forearm of able-bodied individuals. We found that the high-density array provides additional resolution over manually placed electrodes, which may help dissociate finer nuances in motor control. Additionally, muscle synergies decomposed in the stroke population were relatively preserved, with a large spatial overlap in composition of matched synergies. Alterations in synergy composition demonstrated reduced coupling between digit extensors and muscles that actuate the thumb, as well as an increase in flexor activity in the stroke group. Average synergy activations during movements revealed differences in coordination, highlighting overactivation of antagonist muscles and compensatory strategies. When combining co-contraction and muscle synergy features, the first principal component was correlated with upper-extremity Fugl Meyer hand sub-score of stroke participants (R2=0.86). Principal component embeddings of individual features revealed interpretable measures of motor coordination and muscle coupling alterations. These results demonstrate the feasibility of predicting motor function through features decomposed from a wearable HD-EMG sleeve, which could be leveraged to improve stroke research and clinical care.
The Mortality Burden from COVID in Low-Income Settings: Evidence from Verbal Autopsies in India
Authors: Malani Anup , Zhao Wanran 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMeasuring the mortality burden of SARS-CoV-2 in lower-income countries is difficult because death registries are incomplete and lack cause of death. We address this problem in India, which had the second-highest number of officially reported cases. We completed WHO-compliant verbal autopsy (VA) surveys on roughly 20,000 deaths drawn from a population-representative sample. SARS-CoV-2 deaths spike in June 2020, just after India’s lockdown, and in May 2021, after its second wave. During those spikes the virus is responsible for 23.3% and 35.8% of all deaths, respectively. Cardiovascular deaths also spike during the start of the pandemic. We find that the death rate rises by 81% during the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for 33% of these excess deaths, and cardiovascular disease for 23% of these deaths.
Trends in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among pregnant women attending first antenatal care visits in Zambia: a repeated cross-sectional survey, 2021-2022
Authors: Heilmann Elizabeth , Tembo Tannia , Fwoloshi Sombo , Kabamba Bupe , Chilambe Felix , Kalenga Kalubi , Siwingwa Mpanji , Mulube Conceptor , Seffren Victoria , Bolton-Moore Carolyn , Simwanza John , Yingst Samuel , Yadav Ruchi , Rogier Eric , Auld Andrew F. , Agolory Simon , Kapina Muzala , Gutman Julie R. , Savory Theodora , Kangale Chabu , Mulenga Lloyd B. , Sikazwe Izukanji , Hines Jonas Z. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSARS-CoV-2 serosurveys help estimate the extent of transmission and guide allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. We measured SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among women attending ANC clinics to assess exposure trends over time in Zambia.MethodsWe conducted repeated cross-sectional surveys among pregnant women aged 15-49 years attending their first ANC visits in four districts of Zambia (two urban and two rural) during September 2021-September 2022. Serologic testing was done using a multiplex bead assay which detects IgG antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein and the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). We calculated monthly SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence by district. We also categorized seropositive results as infection alone, infection and vaccination, or vaccination alone based on COVID-19 vaccination status and anti-RBD and anti-nucleocapsid test results.FindingsAmong 8,304 participants, 5,296 (63.8%) were cumulatively seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence primarily increased from September 2021 to September 2022 in three districts (Lusaka: 61.8-100.0%, Chongwe: 39.6-94.7%, Chipata: 56.5-95.0%), but in Chadiza, seroprevalence increased from 27.8% in September 2021 to 77.2% in April 2022 before gradually dropping to 56.6% in July 2022. Among 5,906 participants with a valid COVID-19 vaccination status, infection alone accounted for antibody responses in 77.7% (4,590) of participants.InterpretationMost women attending ANC had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and most SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was infection-induced. Capturing COVID-19 vaccination status and using a multiplex bead assay with anti-nucleocapsid and anti-RBD targets facilitated distinguishing infection-induced versus vaccine-induced antibody responses during a period of increasing COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Zambia. Declining seroprevalence in Chadiza may indicate waning antibodies and a need for booster vaccines. ANC clinics have a potential role in ongoing SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance and can continue to provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics to inform near real-time public health responses.