bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TubIAgnosis: A machine learning-based web application for active tuberculosis diagnosis using complete blood count data
Authors: Ghermi Mohamed , Messedi Meriam , Adida Chahira , Belarbi Kada , Djazouli Mohamed El Amine , Berrazeg Zahia Ibtissem , Kallel Sellami Maryam , Ghezini Younes , Louati Mahdi
Published: August 2024

Objective

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, with delayed diagnosis contributing to increased transmission and disease burden. While microbiological tests are the gold standard for confirming active tuberculosis, many cases lack microbiological evidence, necessitating additional clinical and laboratory data for diagnosis. The complete blood count (CBC), an inexpensive and widely available test, could provide a valuable tool for tuberculosis diagnosis by analyzing disturbances in blood parameters. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a machine learning (ML)-based web application, TubIAgnosis, for diagnosing active tuberculosis using CBC data.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study using data from 449 tuberculosis patients and 1200 healthy controls in Oran, Algeria, from January 2016 to April 2023. Eight ML algorithms were trained on 18 CBC parameters and demographic data. Model performance was evaluated using balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The best-performing model, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), achieved a balanced accuracy of 83.3%, AUC of 89.4%, sensitivity of 83.3%, and specificity of 83.3% on the testing dataset. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio was the most influential parameter in this ML predictive model. The best performing model (XGB) was made available online as a web application called TubIAgnosis, which is available free of charge at https://yh5f0z-ghermi-mohamed.shinyapps.io/TubIAgnosis/ .

Conclusions

TubIAgnosis, a ML-based web application utilizing CBC data, demonstrated promising performance for diagnosing active tuberculosis. This accessible and cost-effective tool could complement existing diagnostic methods, particularly in resource-limited settings. Prospective studies are warranted to further validate and refine this approach.
Family Medicine Physician Readiness to Treat Behavioral Health Conditions: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Chea Ashlyn , Heo Moonseong , Zeller Timothy Aaron
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Behavioral and mental health conditions present significant challenges in the United States where access to care is limited. Family medicine physicians play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, often serving as frontline clinicians for behavioral and mental health conditions.

Methods:

This study examined the current behavioral and mental health system in a predominantly rural 10-county region in the Southeastern United States through gap analysis in addition to a survey of preparedness and barriers among family medicine physicians in the region.

Results:

Gap analysis results indicated that (1) stigma and lack of accessible education about behavioral and mental health, (2) fragmented resources, (3) inaccessible care, and (4) workforce shortage and burnout were primary drivers of poor outcomes in the region. Survey results indicated that physicians feel prepared to treat anxiety and depression but feel less prepared to manage bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Respondents disagreed that there are adequate local resources and referral options for patients with behavioral and mental health conditions. Lack of timely access, distance, cost/insurance status, were all cited by respondents as barriers to appropriate care.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

Findings underscore the importance of supporting family medicine physicians to enhance behavioral and mental healthcare outcomes. Behavioral health integration in primary care settings is a promising strategy to improve care accessibility and clinician preparedness. Bridging gaps in health care outcomes requires collaborative efforts, enhanced training, and policy advocacy within the family medicine community to ensure comprehensive and equitable behavioral and mental healthcare delivery.
#nursing. What Nurses Do on Instagram— A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Bohn Benjamin , Anselmann Veronika
Published: August 2024

Background

Social media use is increasing every year, and nurses use social media to connect with each other. As Instagram was the most downloaded application in 2022 worldwide, this study focused on nurses’ use of Instagram in the context of the development of a professional identity and in support of the professionalization of nursing.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to find out how nurses use their Instagram profiles to influence their followers’ professional identity and support the professionalization of nursing. Therefore, nurses’ Instagram posts and the hashtags they used were analyzed.

Methods

A visual content analysis to analyze different Instagram posts using a hierarchical cluster analysis, an ANOVA, and a qualitative content analysis were conducted. The most frequently used nursing-related hashtags were analyzed to include different Instagram profiles ( n = 15) in the study.

Results

This study identified three different clusters of Instagram profiles, which can be characterized as “ Show me what you do,” “ Let's do education,” and “ The things we believe in.” Consequently, it can be stated that nurses who display their values and beliefs in Instagram reels, half in nursing settings and half at home, have the highest number of followers and significantly more comments per post. The cluster that showed significantly more knowledge-based posts had the lowest number of followers and significantly the lowest number of comments. The content analysis of the hashtags used suggested that nurses who identify themselves as such want to attract attention from other nurses who use nursing-related hashtags.

Conclusions

The results reveal that there is a possible benefit of the use of social media in the development of the nursing profession and professional identity. Followers and interactions can be generated when Instagram users identify with the profile and wish to discuss professional beliefs and values.
In Vitro and in Silico Analysis of α -Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Adhatoda vasica Leaves
Authors: Yadav Chandrajeet K. , KC Sandhya , Thapa Shankar
Published: August 2024

Objective

Diabetic individuals have a higher probability of suffering from illness and death due to small blood vessel-related problems such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and stroke than other complications. There are many synthetic anti-diabetic agents available, but these can be expensive and have undesirable pathological effects. The enzyme α-amylase (hydrolase), catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch to maltose and glucose via the cleavage of α-1,4-glucosidic linkages. Diabetes mellitus patients may benefit from a therapeutic strategy that involves slowing the hydrolysis of starch by inhibiting the activity of α-amylase. Thus, looking for cost-effective, natural, and safe antidiabetic agents is essential. This study aims to screen phytoconstituents and evaluate the in-vitro and in-silico α-amylase inhibitory activity of the ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica leaves.

Methods

The extraction of Adhatoda vasica leaves was performed using ethanol via the Soxhlet extraction process. Different concentrations (100 μg/mL to 1000 μg/mL) of ethanolic extract, Acarbose, and Sitagliptin, were prepared and evaluated for α-amylase inhibitory activity using the spectrophotometric method. Molecular docking (AutodockVina 1.2.0) and toxicity profiling (SToPToX web server) studies were performed.

Results

The ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica leaves showed the highest percentage inhibition against α-amylase (56.763 ± 0.0035) at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL. The in-silico study supported this inhibitory activity. Vasicoline (C5) and Quercetin (C9), the active constitute of Adhatoda vasica, showed the best binding energies of −8.3 and −8.0 Kcal/mol, respectively against α-amylase enzyme (PDBID: 4W93). A toxicity study revealed the safety profile of the plant extract.

Conclusion

It was concluded that Adhatoda vasica leaves possess some bioactive compounds that are responsible for controlling blood glucose levels, and their identification, purification, and isolation may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents with fewer side effects than the available drugs.
Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies inherent abnormalities of adipose-derived stem cells from nonlesional sites of patients with localized scleroderma
Authors: Liu Xuanyu , Li Zhujun , Wang Hayson Chenyu , Yuan Meng , Chen Jie , Huang Jiuzuo , Yu Nanze , Zhou Zhou , Long Xiao
Published: August 2024

Background

Localized scleroderma (LoS) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the skin, and is often treated with autologous fat grafting (AFG). Nevertheless, the retention rate of AFG in patients with LoS is typically low. We hypothesize that the low retention rate may be partially attributed to the inherent abnormalities of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from nonlesional sites of patients with LoS.

Methods

We performed a comparative analysis of the single-cell transcriptome of the SVF from nonlesional sites of patients with LoS and healthy donors, including cellular compositional analysis, differential expression analysis, and high-dimensional weighted gene coexpression network analysis. Experimental validation with fluorescence-activated cell sorting and bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mice models were conducted.

Results

We found a significant reduction in the relative proportion of CD55high interstitial progenitors in ASCs under the condition of LoS. Differential expression analysis revealed inherent abnormalities of ASCs from patients with LoS, including enhanced fibrogenesis, reduced anti-inflammatory properties, and increased oxidative stress. Compared with CD55low ASCs, CD55high ASCs expressed significantly higher levels of secreted protein genes that had functions related to anti-inflammation and tissue regeneration (such as CD55, MFAP5, and METRNL). Meanwhile, CD55high ASCs expressed significantly lower levels of secreted protein genes that promote inflammation, such as chemokine and complement protein genes. Furthermore, we provided in vivo experimental evidence that CD55high ASCs had superior treatment efficacy compared with CD55low ASCs in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mice models.

Conclusions

We found that the low retention rate of AFG may be partially ascribed to the reduced pool of interstitial progenitor cells (CD55high) present within the ASC population in patients with LoS. We demonstrated the potential for improving the efficacy of AFG in the treatment of LoS by restoring the pool of interstitial progenitors within ASCs. Our study has significant implications for the field of translational regenerative medicine.
Development of a patient-specific model of the human coronary system for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty balloon catheter training and testing
Authors: Amstutz C. , Ilic M. , Fontaine N. , Siegenthaler L. , Illi J. , Haeberlin A. , Zurbuchen A. , Burger J.
Published: August 2024

Background

To treat stenosed coronary arteries, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon catheters must combine pushability, trackability, crossability, and rewrap behavior. The existing anatomic track model (ASTM F2394) for catheter testing lacks 3D morphology, vessel tortuosity, and compliance, making evaluating performance characteristics difficult. This study aimed to develop a three-dimensional patient-specific phantom (3DPSP) for device testing and safe training for interventional cardiologists.

Methods

A range of silicone materials with different shore hardnesses (00–30–45 A) and wall thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm) were tested to determine compliance for creating coronary vessel phantoms. Compliance was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compared to values in the literature. Stenosis was induced using multilayer casting and brushing methods, with gypsum added for calcification. The radial tensile properties of the samples were investigated, and the relationship between Young’s modulus and compliance was determined. Various methods have been introduced to approximate the friction between silicone and real coronary vessel walls. Computerized tomography (CT) scans were used to obtain patient-specific anatomy from the femoral artery to the coronary arteries. Artery lumens were segmented from the CT scans to create dissolvable 3D-printed core models.

Results

A 15A shore hardness silicone yielded an experimental compliance of 12.3–22.4 $$\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\cdot {10}^{3}$$

m

m

2

mmHg

·

10

3

for stenosed tubes and 14.7–57.9 $$\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\cdot {10}^{3}$$

m

m

2

mmHg

·

10

3

for uniform tubes, aligning closely with the literature data (6.28–40.88 $$\frac{m{m}^{2}}{mmHg}\cdot {10}^{3}$$

m

m

2

mmHg

·

10

3

). The Young’s modulus ranged from 43.2 to 75.5 kPa and 56.6–67.9 kPa for the uniform and calcified materials, respectively. The dependency of the compliance on the wall thickness, Young’s modulus, and inner diameter could be shown. Introducing a lubricant reduced the silicone friction coefficient from 0.52 to 0.13. The 3DPSP was successfully fabricated, and comparative analyses were conducted among eight commercially available catheters.

Conclusion

This study presents a novel method for crafting 3DPSPs with realistic mechanical and frictional properties. The proposed approach enables the creation of comprehensive and anatomically precise setups spanning the right femoral artery to the coronary arteries, highlighting the importance of such realistic environments for advancing medical device development and fostering safe training conditions.
Astragali radix (Huangqi): a time-honored nourishing herbal medicine
Authors: Zhang Yuyu , Chen Zhejie , Chen Liping , Dong Qin , Yang Dong-Hua , Zhang Qi , Zeng Jing , Wang Yang , Liu Xiao , Cui Yuan , Li Minglong , Luo Xiao , Zhou Chongjian , Ye Mingzhu , Li Ling , He Yuxin
Published: August 2024

Astragali radix (AR, namded Huangqi in Chinese) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. As a widely used ethnomedicine, the biological activities of AR include immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic effects, with minimum side effects. Currently, it is known that polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids are the indispensable components of AR. In this review, we will elaborate the research advancements of AR on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological practices, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, clinical uses, quality control, production developments, and toxicology. The information is expected to assist clinicians and scientists in developing useful therapeutic medicines with minimal systemic side effects.
Ophthalmological screening guidelines for individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a scoping review
Authors: Moussa Sarah , Rocci Jasmine , Hamdy Reggie , Grauslund Jakob , Lyster Marie-Louise , Tsimicalis Argerie
Published: August 2024

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a connective tissue disorder in which the Type 1 collagen is defective. The eye is a structure rich in collagen Type 1 and is heavily impacted by the disease. Many vision-threatening eye diseases have been associated with OI. The onset of these diseases also tend to occur at an earlier age in individuals with OI. Despite the research on these risks, appropriate ophthalmological screening or care guidelines for individuals with OI remain unknown. As such, the purpose of this scoping review was to explore and describe existing ophthalmological screening and care guidelines to orient OI patient care.

Main body

A scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology was conducted. A search of databases (PubMed and Medline) was completed in consultation with a research librarian. A total of 256 studies were imported for screening. Primary sources matching the inclusion and exclusion criteria were screened, extracted, and analyzed using Covidence.

Conclusion

A total of 12 primary articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria, containing case reports, case series and cohort studies. Despite the risk of blindness associated with the consequences of OI on the eye, the primary literature fails to provide detailed screening and care guidelines aimed at identifying disease early. We provide general recommendations based on the review findings to guide the ophthalmological care of patients with OI and call upon the experts to convene globally to create screening guidelines. Further investigations of ophthalmological screening are warranted to limit these vision-threatening risks with early detection and treatment. Standardized ophthalmological screening guidelines for OI remain an area for research.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in Slovenia: quality of life and costs from patient perspective
Authors: Hawlina Marko , Kovač Lea , Breciková Katarína , Žigmond Jan , Rogalewicz Vladimír , Tichopád Aleš , Višňanský Martin , Šarkanová Ivana
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is the most commonly diagnosed mitochondrial disorder, resulting in colour vision abnormalities and rapid but painless deterioration of central vision. While numerous studies have assessed the impact of LHON on the quality of life (QoL) of LHON patients, the financial impact of the disease remains unexplored. This study attempts to calculate both the direct non-medical costs and the indirect costs associated with productivity losses experienced by people with LHON and their unpaid caregivers in Slovenia, in addition to assessing their QoL. Due to the rarity of the disease, the study involved a small sample size, which is important to note for interpreting the results.

Methods

The analysis was conducted on nine adult participants diagnosed with LHON, representing one-third of the total number of known Slovenian patients with this condition. To thoroughly assess the economic and social impact of LHON, tailored questionnaires were designed to collect information on demographics, socioeconomic status, LHON severity, and associated non-medical and indirect costs.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 48.8 years (SD 13.3; n = 9). The annual productivity loss attributable to LHON, taking both absenteeism and relative presenteeism into account, was calculated to be EUR 11,608 per person affected. The mean VFQ-25 score, a measure of vision-related quality of life, for adult LHON patients was 30.4 (SD 12.9).

Conclusion

The findings highlight the significant economic and social burden of LHON on patients and their families. Ensuring prompt, accurate diagnosis, access to treatment, financial support, and psychological counselling and services are critical to helping individuals cope with and mitigate the profound challenges of vision loss and living with LHON.
BRD4: an effective target for organ fibrosis
Authors: Wei Qun , Gan Cailing , Sun Meng , Xie Yuting , Liu Hongyao , Xue Taixiong , Deng Conghui , Mo Chunheng , Ye Tinghong
Published: August 2024

Fibrosis is an excessive wound-healing response induced by repeated or chronic external stimuli to tissues, significantly impacting quality of life and primarily contributing to organ failure. Organ fibrosis is reported to cause 45% of all-cause mortality worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to develop new antifibrotic drugs, drug discovery has not kept pace with the clinical demand. Currently, only pirfenidone and nintedanib are approved by the FDA to treat pulmonary fibrotic illness, whereas there are currently no available antifibrotic drugs for hepatic, cardiac or renal fibrosis. The development of fibrosis is closely related to epigenetic alterations. The field of epigenetics primarily studies biological processes, including chromatin modifications, epigenetic readers, DNA transcription and RNA translation. The bromodomain and extra-terminal structural domain (BET) family, a class of epigenetic readers, specifically recognizes acetylated histone lysine residues and promotes the formation of transcriptional complexes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the most well-researched proteins in the BET family. BRD4 is implicated in the expression of genes related to inflammation and pro-fibrosis during fibrosis. Inhibition of BRD4 has shown promising anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical studies; however, no BRD4 inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. This review introduces the structure and function of BET proteins, the research progress on BRD4 in organ fibrosis, and the inhibitors of BRD4 utilized in fibrosis. We emphasize the feasibility of targeting BRD4 as an anti-fibrotic strategy and discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with BRD4 inhibitors in treating fibrotic diseases.
A novel technique for atraumatic transurethral catheterisation of male rats
Authors: Zhang Steven Liben , Wong Allen Wei-Jiat
Published: August 2024

Transurethral catheterisation of male rats is technically difficult owing to anatomical peculiarities. In the male rat, the urethral striated sphincter consists of two lateral fascicles separated by an anterior and a posterior strip of connective tissue, which impedes the smooth insertion of a urinary catheter. For rat studies requiring continuous collection of urine, bladder irrigation, or measurement of bladder pressure, investigators either have to exclude the male population (be limited to the female population) or perform percutaneous (suprapubic) bladder puncture in male rats, which is more traumatic and invasive than transurethral catheterisation. This paper describes a novel, atraumatic method of transurethral catheterisation in the male rat, with the aid of a microscope and microsurgical instruments. Six Wistar rats were used for this experiment, all of which were catheterised successfully, with no evidence of bladder or urethral injury. The study shows that male rats can be safely catheterised via the urethra with the aid of a microscope and microsurgical instruments for both visual and tactile feedback. This is a relatively straightforward technique to learn and can allow for inclusion of male rats in future studies requiring urinary analysis or bladder irrigation, without the need for traumatic percutaneous (suprapubic) bladder puncture.
Analysis of potential TAK1/Map3k7 phosphorylation targets in hypertrophy and cachexia models of skeletal muscle
Authors: Nasehi Fatemeh , Rylance Cameron , Schnell Erin , Greene Maslyn Ann , Conway Caroline , Hough Zachary , Duckett Susan , Muise-Helmericks Robin C. , Foley Ann Catherine
Published: August 2024

TGFβ-activated kinase-1 (TAK1) is phosphorylated during both muscle growth and muscle wasting. To understand how this can lead to such opposite effects, we first performed multiplex kinase array of mouse embryonic stem cells with and without stimulation of TAK1 to determine its potential downstream targets. The phosphorylation of these targets was then compared in three different models: hypertrophic longissimus muscle of Texel sheep, tibialis anterior muscle of mice with cancer-induced cachexia and C2C12-derived myofibers, with and without blockade of TAK1 phosphorylation. In both Texel sheep and in cancer-induced cachexia, phosphorylation of both TAK1 and p38 was increased. Whereas p90RSK was increased in Texel sheep but not cachexia and the phosphorylation of HSP27 and total Jnk were increased in cachexia but not Texel. To understand this further, we examined the expression of these proteins in C2C12 cells as they differentiated into myotubes, with and without blockade of TAK1 phosphorylation. In C2C12 cells, decreased phosphorylation of TAK1 leads to reduced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and HSP27 after 16 h and muscle fiber hypertrophy after 3 days. However, continuous blockade of this pathway leads to muscle fiber failure, suggesting that the timing of TAK1 activation controls the expression of context-dependent targets.
Neuromodulator-induced temperature robustness in a motor pattern: a comparative study between two decapod crustaceans
Authors: Stein Wolfgang , Städele Carola
Published: August 2024

While temperature fluctuations pose significant challenges to the nervous system, many vital neuronal systems in poikilothermic animals function over a broad temperature range. Using the gastric mill pattern generator in the Jonah crab, we previously demonstrated that temperature-induced increases in leak conductance disrupt neuronal function and that neuropeptide modulation provides thermal protection. Here, we show that neuropeptide modulation also increases temperature robustness in Dungeness and green crabs. As in Jonah crabs, higher temperatures increased leak conductance in both species' pattern-generating lateral gastric neuron and terminated rhythmic gastric mill activity. Likewise, increasing descending modulatory projection neuron activity or neuropeptide transmitter application rescued rhythms at elevated temperatures. However, decreasing input resistance using dynamic clamp only restored the rhythm in half of the experiments. Thus, neuropeptide modulation increased temperature robustness in both species, demonstrating that neuropeptide-mediated temperature compensation is not limited to one species, although the underlying cellular compensation mechanisms may be distinct.
Presentations and Incidence of Ocular Injuries Caused by Motorcycle Accidents in Iraq
Authors: Hashim Zainab A. , Mohammed‎ Suzan K. , Abdulla Marwan Y. , Fawzi Hayder A
Published: August 2024

Background Motorcycle accidents can be particularly hazardous, as riders are exposed to various risk factors, such as high speeds, lack of protective enclosures, and limited safety features. Aim of the study To describe the ocular injuries associated with motorcycled accidents presented to tertiary hospitals and forensic centers in Iraq. Patients and methods The study was conducted in three Teaching hospitals and forensic centers in Baghdad and Al-Qadisiyah in Iraq. Information regarding ocular injuries, recorded and classified according to the International Ocular Trauma Classification, was gathered from motorcycle crash injuries that were presented to the emergency departments of these facilities from June 1, 2019, to June 1, 2023 Results The study involved 335 ophthalmological accidents; the mean age of the patients was 27.84± 9.6 years, most of them were males (96.7%), and there were only 11 females as passengers, 39 (11.6%) had injuries in both eyes. Lesions involving the periorbita, lids, and conjunctiva comprised most of the findings. There were 60.9% of patients with lid lacerations with or without sub-conjunctival bleeding, 22.1% with corneoscleral injury, and 17.9% with commotio retinae. It was the leading cause of decreased visual acuity, with 9% having lens capsule damage with or without iris prolapse and 8.1% having a ruptured capsule, 55.82% of patients had a mild injury, 27.16% had a moderate injury, and 17.01% had a severe injury. Conclusion Eye injury associated with motorcycle accidents mainly affects males in their youth age and has serious outcomes, sometimes ending with blindness.
Metabolomic characterization of human glioblastomas and patient plasma: a pilot study
Authors: Liu Yin Allison , Aboud Orwa , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Bloch Orin , Fiehn Oliver
Published: August 2024

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a clinically challenging primary brain tumor with poor survival outcome despite surgical resection and intensive chemoradiation. The metabolic heterogeneity of GBM can become biomarkers for treatment response, resistance, and outcome prediction. The aim of the study is to investigate metabolic distinctions between primary and recurrent GBM tissue and patient plasma to establish feasibility for metabolic profiling. Methods A single-center cohort study analyzed tissue and blood samples from 15 patients with GBM using untargeted metabolomic/lipidomic assays. Metabolomic, lipidomic, and biogenic amine analyses were conducted on GBM tissue and patient plasma at diagnosis and recurrence using untargeted mass spectrometry. The study utilized a small but longitudinally collected cohort to evaluate alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between specimens at diagnosis and recurrence. Results Exploratory analysis revealed significant alteration in metabolites, lipids, and biogenic amines between diagnostic and recurrent states in both tumor and plasma specimens. Notable metabolites differed at recurrence, including N-alpha-methylhistamine, glycerol-3-phosphate, phosphocholine, and succinic acid in tissue, and indole-3-acetate, and urea in plasma. Principal component analysis revealed distinct metabolomic profiles between tumor tissue and patient plasma. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed in GBM tissue and patient plasma at recurrence, demonstrating the feasibility of using metabolomic methodologies for longitudinal studies. One patient exhibited a unique tumor resistance signature at diagnosis, possibly indicating a high-risk metabolomic phenotype. Conclusions In this small cohort, the findings suggest the potential of metabolomic signatures of GBM tissue and patient plasma for risk stratification, outcome prediction, and the development of novel adjuvant metabolic-targeting therapies. The findings suggest metabolic discrepancies at diagnosis and recurrence in tissue and plasma, highlighting potential implications for evaluation of clinical response. The identification of significant changes in metabolite abundance emphasizes the need for larger studies using targeted metabolomics to validate and further explore these profiles.
Code and Data Repository Supervised ML for Solving the GI/GI/1 Queue
Authors: Baron Opher , Krass Dmitry , Senderovich Arik , Sherzer Eliran
Published: August 2024

The following package includes: 1. Sampling code of a G/G/1 queue. 2. The Neural network prediciton model of a G/G/1 queue. 3. G/G/1 data sets. Sampling code of a G/G/1 queue: This part contains a code of a G/G/1 code, where one can use our samlping algorithm for the inter-arrival and service time distributions and then compute the true steady-state probabilites of the number of customers in the system. The code can be found in script/Sampling.py The user may control the following configurations: --num_examples: number of G/G/1 batches to sample, where batch contains multiple G/G/1 queues. --batch_size: number of examples in a G/G/1 queue. At the end, the system saves two files for each batch. One file contains the inter-arrival and service time moments and the other contain the steady-state probabilities. --num_moms: number of inter-arrival and service time moments are saved. --data_path: The directory path where we wish the data will be saved. --max_utilization: the maximum utilization of the G/G/1 queue. Neural network prediciton model: In this part, the user is required to give 5 inter-arrival and service time moments and the program's output is a 500 size vector of the steady-state probability. Whereas, the i^th location represent the number of customers n the system under steady-state. The program also plots a bar chart of the disitrbution (outputs only the first 30 values, but the user can change it). The code can be found in script/NN_model.py The user is required to insert the first 5 inter-arrival and service time moments in lines 120 and 121, respectively. Currently, there is an existing example, which the user is encourages to replace. G/G/1 data: The folder of the data can be downloaded from this link: https://utoronto-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/eliran_sherzer_rotman_utoronto_ca/EqnABrSRlz1MoXW6Duyr6zEBRzFWB6QZbBieLG0X3Dhetg?email=eliran.sherzer%40rotman.utoronto.ca&e=ajaRfL The folder contains python pickle file. There are 4 files: train_moms_valid_qa.pkl train_ys_valid_qa.pkl train_ph_moms.pkl train_ph_ys.pkl Files 1 and 2 represent a small G/G/1 data set.File 1 is the moments and file 2 is the steay-state probabilites. Files 3 and 4 represent a large G/G/1 data set.File 3 is the moments and file 4 is the steay-state probabilites.
The Continuous-Time Joint Replenishment Problem: ϵ-Optimal Policies via Pairwise Alignment
Authors: Segev Danny
Published: August 2024

The main contribution of this paper resides in developing a new algorithmic approach for addressing the continuous-time joint replenishment problem, termed [Formula: see text]-pairwise alignment. The latter mechanism, through which we synchronize multiple economic order quantity models, allows us to devise a purely combinatorial algorithm for efficiently approximating optimal policies within any degree of accuracy. As a result, our work constitutes the first quantitative improvement over power-of-2 policies, which have been state-of-the-art in this context since the mid-1980s. Moreover, in light of recent intractability results, by proposing an efficient polynomial-time approximation scheme for the joint replenishment problem, we resolve the long-standing open question regarding the computational complexity of this classical setting.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Funding: This work was supported by the Israel Science Foundation [Grant 1407/20].
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH LOYALTY OF OUTPATIENTS IN PKU MUHAMMADIYAH HOSPITAL IN DIY
Authors: Rosyidah Rosyidah , Mudayana Ahmad Ahid , Widihastuti Siti Kurnia
Published: August 2024

Background: Service is an effort made by the employee to fulfill his customers' wishes with the services to be provided. Satisfaction is one indicator of the quality of service that we provided and patient satisfaction is a capital to get more patients and to get loyal patients. Customer loyalty is determined by the quality of service that shapes the patient's satisfaction resulting in an impact on hospital image and patient confidence. This research aims to.Â Objective: find out the relationship between service decision and customer loyalty in Muhammadiyah PKU hospital in DIYÂ Methodology: This research type included quantitative research with cross sectional approach. The study was conducted at three PKU hospitals in Yogyakarta. The number of samples in this research amounted to 300 respondents who are patients at the hospital PKU Muhammadiyah in Yogyakarta. The data analysis is used uni-variate and bivariate analysis using chi-square test.Â Result: The results showed that out of 300 respondents studied, respondents who were less satisfied with the services of PKU Muhammadiyah hospital in Yogyakarta were 193 (64.3%) and respondents who were satisfied with the service of PKU Muhammadiyah hospital in Yogyakarta were 107 (35.7%), respondents who were not loyal to the service of PKU Muhammadiyah hospital in Yogyakarta were 98 (32.7%) and respondents who were loyal to the service of PKU Muhammadiyah hospital in Yogyakarta were 202 (67.3%). The results of bivariate analysis showed that p-value Î± (0.001 <0.05), so it can be concluded that Ha was accepted and Ho was rejected which meant that there was a relationship between patient satisfaction and patient loyalty in PKU Muhammadiyah hospital in DIY.Â Conclusion:The level of satisfaction of PKU hospital patients showed that more patients are less satisfied with the higher service compared to patients who are satisfied with the Service, the level of patients who are loyal to the higher service than patients who are not loyal. There is a relationship of patient satisfaction with patient loyalty.
Evaluation of Pharmacy Management Information System with Hot-Fit Method at Dr Yap Eye Hospital Yogyakarta
Authors: Susane Antahari Justika
Published: August 2024

Pharmacy Management Information System (SIMP) is an information system used by Dr. Yap Eye Hospital Yogyakarta which aims to handle management processes related to data and information on hospital pharmacy services. The implementation of SIMF is currently experiencing several problems, namely from the use of the system and the system itself. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the Pharmacy Management Information System (SIMP) using the HOT-Fit method at Dr. Yap Eye Hospital Yogyakarta. This type of research is a mix method with an explanatory sequential design. The sample in this quantitative study amounted to 105 respondents who were determined by proportionate random sampling technique. While the qualitative sample of 5 informants was determined by purposive sampling technique. The instruments used include questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative analysis was carried out with Microsoft Excel in 2016 and qualitative analysis was carried out manually using a computer. Based on the results of quantitative-qualitative, the human aspect: system users (95%) are already good because the system is used routinely and training is carried out and user satisfaction (90%) is satisfied because the system helps the work of staff. Organizational aspect (98%) is good because of the support from top management. Technology aspect: system quality (96%) is good because the system is easy to use, information quality (92%) is good because the information produced is complete and time, and service quality (91%) is already good because of the support from the hospital IT. The benefit aspect (100%) has helped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of staff at work. Evaluation of SIMF implementation at Dr. Yap Eye Hospital Yogyakarta in the aspects of human, organization, technology and benefits has been going well.
Analisis Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Manajemen Rumah Sakit di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Wonosari, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta
Authors: Aula Ahmad Samratul , Sulistyawati Sulistyawati
Published: August 2024

Background:  Hospital Management Information System is a computer system that processes the entire flow of health services business processes, including reporting and administrative procedures to obtain information quickly, precisely, and accurately. Gunungkidul District Hospital is a type B hospital that has implemented SIMRS. The purpose of this research was to analyze SIMRS by using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach in Gunungkidul District Hospital.
Methods: This type of research was quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. In this study, the samples were 79 people consisting of staff, nurses, and doctors recruited by accidental sampling technique. An questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect the data. The analysis was done using Univariate and Bivariate.
Results: This study found a relationship between perceived ease of use with the use of SIMRS with a significant value of 0.030. Perception ease of use is the one variable that determining the use of SIMRS in Gunungkidul District Hospital.  
Conclusion: The development of an information system that is friendly and easy to use by health workers will encourage the use of more effective and sustainable information systems in hospitals.
Hubungan Beban Kerja dan Disiplin Kerja dengan Kinerja Pegawai di RSUD Nyi Ageng Serang Kulon Progo
Authors: Rahmawati Baiq Dwi Zulfa , Mudayana Ahmad Ahid
Published: August 2024

Background: Healthcare workers contribute up to 80% to the improvement of well-being. The prioritization of healthcare human resources is crucial due to Indonesia still facing challenges in terms of workforce, encompassing quantity, types, quality, and distribution. The risks borne by healthcare personnel while working do not align with their workload, resulting in their unpreparedness when carrying out assigned tasks and responsibilities. RSUD Nyi Ageng Serang Kulon Progo is one of the hospitals where employees still bear dual responsibilities due to limited available resources. The use of manual attendance lists has not yet been able to provide accurate data regarding employee discipline. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between workload and work discipline with employee performance at RSUD Nyi Ageng Serang Kulon Progo. Results:  a Cross- Sectional research design with Chi-Square analysis. A total of 181 participants were selected as the research sample, chosen through the Stratified Random Sampling method. The instrument used is a questionnaire to measure workload, work discipline, and employee performance. Results: The research findings indicate a relationship between workload (p=0.000; OR=19.139), work discipline (p=0.000; OR=22.515), and employee performance at RSUD Nyi Ageng Serang Kulon Progo.
Conclusion: There is a relationship between workload and work discipline with employee performance at RSUD Nyi Ageng Serang Kulon Progo.
IMPLEMENTASI METODE LINIER EKUIVALEN DAN NONLINIER DALAM MEMPREDIKSI RESPONS SEISMIK AREA KAMPUNG MELAYU, KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Sari Ega Yulita , Mase Lindung Zalbuin , Hardiansyah Hardiansyah , Misliniyati Rena , Amri Khairul
Published: August 2024

Kota Bengkulu terletak pada pertemuan antara Lempeng Eurasia dan Lempeng Indo-Australia yang menjadi pertimbangan adanya gempa besar yang mungkin terjadi. Penelitian ini berlokasi di Kecamatan Kampung Melayu. Titik penelitian didominasi oleh tanah pasir dengan klasifikasi tanah keras (SC) dan tanah sedang (SD). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis respon seismik pada daerah yang dianggap berpotensi terganggu menggunakan perbandingan linier ekuivalen dan nonlinier. Analisis respon seismik dilakukan menggunakan metode Pressure Dependent Hyperbolic (PDH) yang menghasilkan parameter tanah berupa Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), percepatan respon spektra periode panjang 1 detik dan periode pendek 0,2 detik, dan faktor amplifikasi. Penggunaan metode ini memberikan hasil sesuai dengan perilaku tanah. Hasil yang didapat dari penelitian ini menunjukkan linier ekuivalen memiliki nilai yang lebih tinggi jika dibandingkan nilai nonlinier. Permodelan linier ekuivalen menunjukkan terjadi overestimasi yang mempengaruhi nilai percepatan maksimum lebih tinggi dari model nonlinier. Oleh karena itu permodelan nonlinier lebih relevan digunakan dan menggambarkan kondisi lapangan.
Artificial Intelligence: Predicting Perioperative Problems
Authors: Harris Joseph , Matthews James
Published: August 2024

The rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence (AI) may soon equip clinicians with algorithms that model and predict perioperative problems with extreme accuracy. Here, we outline emerging AI applications in preoperative risk stratification and intraoperative event prediction, where algorithm performance has been shown to outstrip commonly used conventional risk prediction tools. While offering an enticing view of a novel perioperative practice with superhuman foresight, AI's limited scope and lack of transparency remain key challenges for widespread adoption. As yet it is unclear whether machine learning alone can influence human clinical practice to exert real-world effects on patient outcomes.
Redefining the Family with Lee Geum-yi
Authors: Oh Seran , Jung Slin
Published: August 2024

Abstract: As a critic of children’s and young adult (YA) literature who studies Korean YA novels, it is my great pleasure to write this critical analysis of one of Korea’s representative authors, Lee Geum-yi. She is one of the pioneers of the YA literature boom that started in Korea in the 2000s. My work, too, has been closely entwined with Lee’s body of work. As is the case in many other countries, Korean YA literature traces its roots to children’s fiction. Lee Geum-yi, too, made her first foray into YA fiction on a well-established career as a writer of children’s literature. As examining her entire bibliography in these pages would be a herculean task, I would like to instead provide an overview of the common characteristics that define her works. I would also like to point out Lee’s perspective on the keyword of “family”—a staple theme coloring her body of work, whether in her children’s fiction, YA novels, or even works that take place in different eras or countries.
Near-field terahertz single-pixel imaging with ultralow sampling ratio
Authors: Chen Xiaoyin , Li Jiang , Du Lianghui , Sun Changlin , Zhai Zhaohui , Zhong Sencheng , Liu Qiao , Huang Kun , Zhu Li-Guo
Published: August 2024

In this work, we propose what we believe to be a novel reordered Hadamard basis method, namely frequency-domain modulus-correlation Hadamard (FMH), which ensures uniform increment of spatial frequencies in both two orthogonal directions. Both simulated and experimental results reveal that the FMH can significantly decrease required sampling ratio for reconstructing high-quality images, compared with the Sylvester Hadamard and the Walsh Hadamard. By integrating a pseudo-background post-processing technique, we achieve a remarkably low sampling ratio of 4.27% for terahertz image reconstruction, with the Pearson correlation coefficient exceeding 0.9. This advancement resulted in nearly a 5-fold increase in the acquisition rate of near-field terahertz single-pixel imaging, compared with the Walsh Hadamard.
Quasi-passive modulation for monolithic GaN photoelectronic circuit
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Su Yuxuan , Zhang Hao , Wu Wenxuan , Fu Jianwei , Piao Jinlong , Wang Yongjin
Published: August 2024

Due to the overlap between the electroluminescence spectrum and spectral responsivity curve, gallium nitride (GaN)-based multi-quantum well (MQW) diodes can modulate and detect light emitted by another diode with the same MQW structure. This enables the realization of a monolithic integrated GaN optoelectronic circuit, integrating an MQW-based transmitter, waveguide, modulator, and receiver on a tiny GaN chip. It is well known that the active region of MQW absorbs high-energy photons within the plane, generating electron-hole pairs and forming photogenerated carriers. The change in free carrier concentration causes variations in the refractive index and absorption characteristics of the waveguide, thereby manipulating light propagation within the waveguide. Based on this physical phenomenon, a quasi-passive modulation scheme is proposed for a monolithic GaN photoelectronic circuit. This scheme achieves optical modulation by connecting a variable resistor between the modulator electrodes, avoiding the need for high-precision external electric fields and complex control circuits. The performance of the quasi-passive modulation was tested through on-chip data transmission and real-time audio signal transmission. The results indicate that quasi-passive modulation is highly feasible in optoelectronic systems and shows great promise as a competitive core module for future large-scale photonic integrated circuits.
Hybrid CNN-Mamba network for single-pixel imaging
Authors: Song Jinze , Chen Zexi , Li Xianye , Wang Xing , Yang Ting , Jiang Wenjie , Sun Baoqing
Published: August 2024

Recent progress in single-pixel imaging (SPI) has exhibited remarkable performance using deep neural networks, e.g., convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision Transformers (ViTs). Nonetheless, it is challenging for existing methods to well model object image from single-pixel detections that have a long-range dependency, where CNNs are constrained by their local receptive fields, and ViTs suffer from high quadratic complexity of attention mechanism. Inspired by the Mamba architecture, known for its proficiency in handling long sequences and global contextual information with enhanced computational efficiency as state space models (SSMs), we propose a hybrid network of CNN and Mamba for SPI, named CMSPI. The proposed CMSPI integrates the local feature extraction capability of convolutional layers with the abilities of SSMs for efficiently capturing the long-range dependency, and the design of complementary split-concat structure, depthwise separable convolution, and residual connection enhance learning power of network model. Besides, CMSPI adopts a two-step training strategy, which makes reconstruction performance better and hardware-friendly. Simulations and real experiments demonstrate that CMSPI has higher imaging quality, lower memory consumption, and less computational burden than the state-of-the-art SPI methods.