Optimizing automated photo identification for population assessments.

Several legal acts mandate that management agencies regularly assess biological populations. For species with distinct markings, these assessments can be conducted noninvasively via capture-recapture and photographic identification (photo-ID), which involves processing considerable quantities of photographic data. To ease this burden, agencies increasingly rely on automated identification (ID) algorithms.

Accurate machine learning of rate coefficients for state-to-state transitions in molecular collisions.

We present an algorithm that combines quantum scattering calculations with probabilistic machine-learning models to predict quantum dynamics rate coefficients for a large number of state-to-state transitions in molecule-molecule collisions much faster than with direct solutions of the Schrödinger equation. By utilizing the predictive power of Gaussian process regression with kernels, optimized to make accurate predictions outside of the input parameter space, the present strategy reduces the computational cost by about 75%, with an accuracy within 5%. Our method uses temperature dependences of rate coefficients for transitions from the isolated states of initial rotational angular momentum j, determined via explicit calculations, to predict the temperature dependences of rate coefficients for other values of j.

The cognitive and evolutionary science of behavioural modernity goes beyond material chronology.

Stibbard-Hawkes' taphonomic findings are valuable, and his call for caution warranted, but the hazards he raises are being mitigated by a multi-pronged approach; current research on behavioural/cognitive modernity is not based solely on material chronology. Theories synthesize data from archaeology, anthropology, psychology, neuroscience, and genetics, and predictions arising from these theories are tested with mathematical and agent-based models.

The impact of genetic counselor involvement in genetic and genomic test order review: A scoping review.

Purpose: The increasing complexity of genetic technologies paired with more genetic tests being ordered by nongenetic healthcare providers, has resulted in an increase in the number of inappropriately ordered tests. Genetic counselors (GCs) are ideally suited to assess the appropriateness of a genetic test.

Methods: We performed a scoping review of GC involvement in utilization management initiatives in order to describe the impact of having GCs involved in this process.

Parental experiences of caring for their preschool children after declining vaccines: a qualitative systematic review.

Objective: This review synthesizes qualitative research about the experiences of parental caregivers enhancing their children's health after making the decision to not vaccinate their preschool children. This review aims to help health care providers understand the parental work involved in caring for under-vaccinated or unvaccinated children.

Introduction: Much of the current qualitative research literature about parents who are vaccine-hesitant or who decide not to vaccinate their children focuses on parental perceptions about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and decision-making.

Immunogenicity of bivalent versus monovalent mRNA booster vaccination among adult paramedics in Canada who had received three prior mRNA wild-type doses.

Comparative immunogenicity from different mRNA booster vaccines (directed at WT, BA.1 or BA.4/5 antigens) remains unclear.

Photo-curing hyaluronic acid-Janus antibacterial packs as O generator precisely modulate the infectious microenvironment for antibiotic-free periodontal therapy.

Periodontal disease stands the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While scaling and root planning is considered the "gold standard" treatment, it is often insufficient in efficiently eliminating anaerobic bacteria from deep periodontal pockets. In this work, an antibiotic-free and photo-curing hyaluronic acid-Janus (H-Janus) antibacterial pack was developed to inhibit the growth and colonization of residual bacteria within the pockets for reducing the recurrence of periodontitis.

Creating a national breastfeeding and lactation policy for Canadian surgical residents.

Background: Despite known benefits of breastfeeding and challenges medical trainees face lactating at work, research specific to Canadian surgical trainees is lacking. Our objectives were to examine existing breastfeeding and lactation policies, query experiences and opinions of surgical trainees and program directors, and propose a comprehensive policy for programs nation-wide.

Methods: A multi-disciplinary team developed this two-part study.

Long-term outcome in people who use drugs successfully treated for hepatitis C infection with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

Background: Several clinical trials, including the recently published the GRAND PLAN study from Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center (VIDC), have demonstrated the efficacy of hepatitis C (HCV) therapy among active drug users, including those facing significant addiction-related and social challenges. In the GRAND PLAN, we documented sustained virological response post-treatment Week12 (SVR12) in 108/117 (92.3 %) individuals (108/111 (mITT) or 97.

Correction: Hystereses in flow-induced compression of a poroelastic hydrogel.

Correction for 'Hystereses in flow-induced compression of a poroelastic hydrogel' by Zelai Xu , 2024, , 6940-6951.

Relationship between pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder and healthcare utilisation in British Columbia, Canada: a retrospective population-based cohort.

Objectives: To describe the population that meets the criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) in British Columbia (BC), compare patterns of healthcare utilisation between those with MDD who are and are not prescribed pharmacotherapy, and assess these relationships in models that control for potential confounding variables.

Design: We used a population cross-sectional study design among a cohort of individuals living with MDD and examined the relationship between pharmacotherapy and healthcare utilisation between 2019 and 2020 using linked billing and administrative data.

Setting: This study identified individuals with MDD using a validated case definition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes in BC, Canada.

Rapid implementation of open-access pandemic education for global frontline healthcare workers.

Background: The recent global pandemic posed extraordinary challenges for healthcare systems. Frontline healthcare workers required focused, immediate, practical, evidence-based instruction on optimal patient care modalities as knowledge evolved around disease management.

Objective: This course was designed to provide knowledge to protect healthcare workers; combat disease spread; and improve patient outcomes.

Diversification and recurrent adaptation of the synaptonemal complex in Drosophila.

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a protein-rich structure essential for meiotic recombination and faithful chromosome segregation. Acting like a zipper to paired homologous chromosomes during early prophase I, the complex is a symmetrical structure where central elements are connected on two sides by the transverse filaments to the chromatin-anchoring lateral elements. Despite being found in most major eukaryotic taxa implying a deeply conserved evolutionary origin, several components of the complex exhibit unusually high rates of sequence turnover.

Estimating whole-body centre of mass sway during quiet standing with inertial measurement units.

Our ability to balance upright provides a stable platform to perform daily activities. Balance deficits associated with various clinical conditions may affect activities of daily living, highlighting the importance of quantifying standing balance in ecological environments. Although typically performed in laboratory settings, the growing availability of low-cost inertial measurement units (IMUs) allows the assessment of balance in the real world.

Effect of exogenous β-hydroxybutyrate on BDNF signalling, cognition, and amyloid precursor protein processing in humans with T2D and insulin resistant rodents.

People with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a greater risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease, in later life. Exogenous ketone supplements containing the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) may be a strategy to protect the brain as β-OHB can support cerebral metabolism and promote neuronal plasticity via expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Parallel human (ClinicalTrials.

Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health.

Water scarcity is projected to affect half of the world's population, gradually exacerbated by climate change. This article elaborates from a panel discussion at the 2023 United Nations Water Conference on Addressing Water Scarcity to Achieve Climate Resilience and Human Health. Understanding and addressing water scarcity goes beyond hydrological water balances to also include societal and economic measures.

Antisemitism on Campus in the Wake of October 7: Examining Stress, Coping, and Depressive Symptoms Among Jewish Students.

The Hamas-led terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, were an inflection point that spurred a global rise in antisemitism. College and university campuses were particularly affected. Given the adverse impacts of prejudice and discrimination for mental health and the dearth of research on psychosocial effects of antisemitism, examining stress, coping, and mental health among Jewish students within this context is crucial.

Dengue virus infection: how platelet-leukocyte crosstalk shapes thrombotic events and inflammation.

Dengue virus (DENV) poses a considerable threat to public health on a global scale, since about two-thirds of the world's population is currently at risk of contracting this arbovirus. Being transmitted by mosquitoes, this virus is associated with a range of illnesses and a small percentage of infected individuals might suffer from severe vascular leakage. This leakage leads to hypovolemic shock syndrome, generally known as dengue shock syndrome, organ failure, and bleeding complications.

Preliminary Development and Validation of Automated Nociception Recognition Using Computer Vision in Perioperative Patients.

Background: Effective pain recognition and treatment in perioperative environments reduce length of stay and decrease risk of delirium and chronic pain. We sought to develop and validate preliminary computer vision-based approaches for nociception detection in hospitalized patients.

Methods: Prospective observational cohort study using red-green-blue camera detection of perioperative patients.

Loss of NF1 accelerates uveal and intra-dermal melanoma tumorigenesis and oncogenic GNAQ transforms Schwann cells.

NF1 encodes the multifunctional tumour suppressor protein, neurofibromin, which is best known for its causative role in Neurofibromatosis type 1 and in regulating MAPK signaling. Neurofibromin, in a context-specific manner, is involved in various tumorigenic processes, including those in melanocytes. This study investigated whether NF1 loss can collaborate with oncogenic GNAQ to promote melanoma in the dermis or eyes, where the G alpha q pathway is almost always activated.

End user evaluation of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury Physical Activity Guidelines: Barriers and facilitators to uptake and dissemination in the United States.

Objective: To engage U.S. end users to (1) gather information on facilitators and barriers to awareness and adoption of the Canadian Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Physical Activity (PA) guidelines; (2) inform potential adaptations to the presentation and messaging of the guidelines; and (3) develop recommendations for targeted dissemination strategies to promote awareness in the United States.

A Mobile App for Promoting Breastfeeding-Friendly Communities in Hong Kong: Design and Development Study.

Background: Breastfeeding is vital for the health and well-being of both mothers and infants, and it is crucial to create supportive environments that promote and maintain breastfeeding practices.

Objective: The objective of this paper was to describe the development of a breastfeeding-friendly app called "bfGPS" (HKU TALIC), which provides comprehensive territory-wide information on breastfeeding facilities in Hong Kong, with the goal of fostering a breastfeeding-friendly community.

Methods: The development of bfGPS can be categorized into three phases, which are (1) planning, prototype development, and preimplementation evaluation; (2) implementation and updates; and (3) usability evaluation.