bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Azacytidine Treatment Affects Methylation Pattern of Genomic and Cell-Free DNA in Uveal Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Ferrier Sarah Tadhg , Li Mingyang , Burnier Julia V. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular tumour in adults, and approximately 50% of patients will develop metastasis. Epigenetic changes are a major factor in cancer progression. We aimed to determine whether methylation profiles could be altered using a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor in UM cell lines.
Methods
Four primary and metastatic UM cell lines were treated with azacytidine and analysed for cell proliferation, colony formation, and BAP1 protein expression. Genomic and cfDNA methylation were compared.
Results
In all cell lines, azacytidine treatment resulted in a dose-dependent effects on proliferation, colony formation, and radiosensitivity. Methylation profiling revealed differences in methylation between cell lines according to BAP1 expression. Matched primary and metastatic cell lines showed very similar patterns. Alterations were seen in pathways known to be important in UM progression, such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling, and in pathways involved in cancer progression, such as regulation of stemlike potential, cell motility, and invasion. These changes were maintained in genomic and cfDNA.
Conclusions
This data suggests that DNMT inhibitors cause changes in UM cells that are maintained in cfDNA. The results suggest that targeting methylation in UM treatment and monitoring response to treatment using cell-free DNA methylation could be a valuable tool.
Improving Learning Experience Through Implementing Standardized Team-Based Learning Process in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Andrews-Dickert Rebecca , Nagaraj Ranjini , Knittig Laura , Zhao Yuan , Zhan Lilian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a highly structured active learning methodology shown to have positive learning outcomes in undergraduate medical education (UME), including improved acquisition of knowledge and teamwork skills. While many medical schools have increasingly adopted TBL, there is considerable variation reported in the literature in the implementation of the standard sequence and key components of TBL. This study aims to assess the impact of implementing the standardized framework of the TBL process on student perception of the benefits of TBL.
Methods
Faculty at our institute were surveyed to determine the frequency of implementation of TBL standards, as described in the literature. Second-year osteopathic medical students (OMS II) were surveyed for their perception of the experience of TBL at the beginning of the academic year. Curricular interventions targeting the enforcement of the standard steps and key components of TBL were implemented in a particular 6-week system course. The students were re-surveyed at the end of the course. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed on quantitative and qualitative data.
Results
Twenty four of 31 (77.4%) faculty participated in the faculty survey, 53 of 105 OMS II students (50.4%) participated in the pre-intervention survey, and 72 of 104 OMS II students (69.2%) participated in the post-intervention survey. Faculty survey results indicated inconsistent implementation of key steps and components of the TBL process. Comparisons of student pre- and post-survey means of the perceived value of various aspects of TBL showed significant improvement in multiple aspects of the TBL process, including readiness assurance tests, immediate feedback, and application activities. Both before and after the intervention, students highly rated the value of teamwork and opportunities for practical application of concepts within TBL.
Conclusion
While medical students value teamwork in UME and professional development, their perception of TBL can be less than positive if not conducted deliberatively. Assessment of the implementation of the standard TBL steps and components and development of corresponding targeted interventions may improve the TBL experience of medical students. Our process could be generalized to help educators interested in improving the quality of TBL in their home institutes.
Exploring Performance Metrics of a Microstrip Antenna for 6G Millimeter-Wave Communication
Authors: Padmasree Ramineni , Dharmapuri Yudhveer Goud , Priyanka Karne , Yogesh Vadnala 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The increasing demands of sixth-generation (6G) applications necessitate wireless communication services capable of providing exceptionally high speeds and extensive capacity, essential for effective 6G technology deployment. To meet this need, we developed an Microstrip antenna operating within the 110GHz to 120GHz frequency range, meticulously evaluating its performance across various patch materials such as copper and conducting a comprehensive analysis of relevant antenna parameters. Utilizing Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Studio software, we rigorously simulated and examined the proposed microstrip antenna, specifically optimized for 6G applications in the 110-120GHz frequency spectrum. Our efforts at 110GHz resulted in impressive metrics, including a remarkable directivity of 186.7dB, a gain of 10.03dBi, a radiation efficiency of 176.7dB, a reflection coefficient of -12dB, a total efficiency of -177dB, and a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) ranging from 1.5 to 2. Similarly, at 120GHz, our antenna demonstrated commendable performance, with a directivity of 181.5dB, a gain of 4.697dBi, a radiation efficiency of -176.9dB, a reflection coefficient ranging from − 14dB to -15dB, a total efficiency of -177dB, and a VSWR of 1.5. This study underscores the crucial importance of optimizing microstrip antenna designs for 6G millimeter-wave communication, providing valuable insights to advance future wireless communication systems.
Machine Learning Projections for Human Development Index Anticipation
Authors: Gsim Jamal , Es-sadek Mohamed Zeriab 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study utilizes a rich repository of global development data to forecast the Human Development Index (HDI) by harnessing the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI) database and the United Nations Development Program's (UNDP) extensive human development metrics as primary data reservoirs. Employing R as the driving force, this research unfolds through a meticulously structured four-phase methodology. The initial phase encompasses data pre-processing tasks, including web scraping, merging, cleansing, and transforming datasets. Subsequently, exploratory data analysis is conducted to unravel correlations and regression patterns among variables, culminating in the creation of refined data frames. The crux of this study revolves around machine learning, where two distinct random forest models are crafted: one for regression and another for classification purposes. Additionally, authentic development indicators are harnessed to predict the Human Development Index accurately. Beyond merely deploying machine learning techniques, this research underscores the importance of embracing a multifaceted approach to assess and tackle global development challenges. This study not only aims to predict the Human Development Index but also aims to lay a foundation for future research endeavors in this domain. It opens avenues for exploring novel methodologies and datasets for more precise and comprehensive predictions of human development indices. The findings of this research are poised to contribute significantly to understanding the dynamics of global development and devising effective strategies for fostering human well-being worldwide.
On the modeling of activation in biological transversely isotropic materials
Authors: Giantesio Giulia , Musesti Alessandro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Many biological materials exhibit the ability to activate, essentially due to the action of muscle cells. While the mathematical description of passive materials is well-established, even for large deformations, this is not the case for activation, since capturing its complexities poses significant challenges. This paper focuses on the mathematical modeling of activation of biological materials, guided by the important example of skeletal muscle tissue. We will consider an incompressible and transversely isotropic material within a hyperelastic framework. Our goal is to design constitutive relations that agree with uniaxial experimental data whenever possible. Finally, we propose a novel model based on a coercive and polyconvex elastic energy density for a fiber-reinforced material; in this model, activation occurs solely through a change in the reference configuration of the fibers, following the mixture active strain approach. This model assumes constant activation, preserving the good mathematical features of the original model while still capturing the essential aspects of activation observed in experiments.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 74B20 · 74L15
Health Systems approach to the application of privacy protection for patients accessing health facilities in Ghana
Authors: Asare Lily Obenewaa , Antwi James 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim
The study aims at examining health systems approach to the application of privacy and confidentiality of patients’ medical information by senior and junior nurses and midwives in Ghana.
Methodology.
The study employed qualitative research design utilizing researcher observations and focus group discussions from a vignette with sixty nurses and midwives selected from six hospitals across three regions in the country. The vignette was created from real life situations and provides background stories that nurses and midwives used as a scenario. The views of participants were analysed using thematic data analysis method.
Findings
The findings show that inadequate and weak health systems impede privacy and confidentiality of patients’ medical information in health facilities. The results demonstrate unclear reporting lines, nepotism and favouritism leading to breaches, non-compliance to procedures and code of practices, misplace priorities, unsafe and inappropriate practices, staff shortages and limited capacity of staff to apply protocols on privacy and confidentiality, weak coordination of patient information flow, inadequate screens and space and poor electronic records system. The weaknesses in the health systems could be seen across four of the six building blocks: leadership and governance, health workforce, health information management and service delivery.
Conclusion
Health systems play an important role in privacy protection of patients’ medical information and being adaptive and complex in nature. Operating the systems in silos does not facilitate privacy protection in health facilities. Therefore, policy and practice implications on privacy and confidentiality in relation to systems strengthening need to recognize prospective changes and its application should be holistic to ensure protection of patients’ information.
The Other Side of Variant Transthyretin Amyloidosis With Polyneuropathy: Psychosocial Experience of Members of Portuguese Families with Late Onset of the Disease
Authors: Pereira José D. , Santos Andreia , Cisneros-Barroso Eugenia , Anan Intissar , Lemos Marina S. , Paneque Milena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study is the first to explore the psychosocial experience of members of Portuguese families with late-onset variant transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (A-ATTRv-PN). Based on a constructivist worldview, this phenomenological investigation followed a qualitative approach by conducting eight interviews and analyzing qualitative data. The main results suggest that the psychosocial experience of the members of families interviewed is marked by: (a) a delayed awareness of the family disease (viz., in adulthood), (b) psychosocial impacts (viz., emotional and other impacts related to work, parenting, caregiving) experienced and anticipated in an adult phase of the life cycle, and (c) the use of approach strategies (e.g., seeking information about A-ATTRv-PN and seeking social support) and/or avoidance strategies (e.g., avoiding seeking information and talking to others about the condition) with a view to accommodating A-ATTRv-PN in personal and family life. These results differ from the life trajectories of members of Portuguese families with A-ATTRv-PN described previously and extend previous scientific evidence on the psychosocial experience of members of families where the disease typically appears late, contributing to further study on this topic and to the optimization of genetic counseling practices and health policies that respond to the psychosocial needs of members of Portuguese families with late onset of the condition. Future studies should continue to deepen our understanding of the psychosocial experience of this population to improve the clinical response provided to patients, families, and caregivers.
Numerical Simulation of the Composite Sand Ground ‘RHACLSMC’ Strains under the Groundwater level and Natural Condition variations
Authors: Doan THY Truc 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent decades, research on soft soil behaviors with temperature variations has been shown particularly in many areas and countries in the world. However, the Numerical Simulation of the Composite Sand Ground “RHACLSMC” Strains under the Groundwater level and Natural Conditions variations measured behaviors of sand under displacement, and natural conditions variation. This research presents particularly for behaviors of the Soft Sand ‘RHACLSMC’ with material mixtures ‘rice husk ash’ of 4%; ‘lime’ of 8%; ‘sawdust’ of 8%; ‘mangrove charcoal’ of 4%; under Temperature Variations from 310C to 350C and the Natural Environment Conditions consideration. The research results show the decreasing of temperature and changing of the natural environment conditions (wind speed, air moisture, dew-point, cloud density, air quality, and other factors), which result in the decrease of sample volume, weight, water content, and sizes; whereas compared with the increasing of time. On the other hand, the results of the Numerical simulation presented the Mobilized Shear Strength, total Volumetric Strains, and the vertical displacement are small. So these relative research results contribute to the soft sand ‘RHACLSMC’ ground improvement technology with material mixtures for references for design, building, and construction in Geology engineering in the future. Moreover, the colors changed remarkably in the soft sand sample according to water content, temperature, weight, and time increase. These relative research results contribute to the soft sand ‘RHACLSMC’ ground improvement technology with material mixtures for references for design, building, and construction in Geology engineering in the future.
Evaluation of histological and ultrastructural changes provoked by prenatal tramadol
Authors: SAYHI MOSTAFA 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Tramadol is a novel centrally acting analgesic. Despite, its implementation during pregnancy may impair neuronal survival and synaptic development in neonatal cerebella. The current investigation assessed the histological and ultrastructural alterations in postnatal cortical cerebellar neuronal development induced by prenatal tramadol. 30 offsprings were divided to control group I: fifteen pups born to mothers given saline from D10 till D21 of gestation. Tramadol-treated group II: fifteen pups born to mothers received tramadol HCL (50 mg/kg/day) from D10 till D21 of gestation. Pups were categorized into three subgroups (a, b, and c) and offered for sacrifice on the seventh, fourteenth and twenty-first post-natal days. Light microscopic examination revealed the overcrowding and signs of red degeneration affecting purkinje cell layer. Neurodegenerative signs of both purkinje and granule cell neurons were also confirmed by TEM in form of chromatin condensation, dilated Golgi channels, disrupted endoplasmic reticulum, marked infolding of the nuclear envelope and decrease in granule cell precursors. In addition, the astrocytic processes and terminal nerve axons appeared with different degrees of demyelination and decreased number of oligodendrocytes and degenerated mitochondria. Furthermore, group II exhibited an increase in P53 immune expression. The area percentage of apoptotic cells detected by TUNEL assay was significantly increased. Besides to the significant decrease of Ki67 immunoreactivity in the stem neuronal cell progenitors. Quantitative PCR results showed a significant decline in micro RNA7 gene expression in tramadol treated groups resulting in affection of multiple target genes in P53 signaling pathways, improper cortical size and defect in neuronal development.
Geochemical characteristics, mechanisms, and suitability of groundwater resource for sustainable water supply in Quetta valley
Authors: Khan Muhammad Haziq , Xiao Yong , Yang Hongjie , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Liwei , Wang Jie , Hu Wenxu , Chen Feiyu , Shrestha Rohit 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Groundwater is a crucial water resource for various usages worldwide. The Quetta Valley of Pakistan was investigated regarding its groundwater quality sustainability based on integrated approaches of hydrochemistry, geographic information system, and multivariate statistics. A total of 29 groundwater samples were collected from monitoring wells to get insights into the hydrochemical suitability of groundwater for sustainable irrigation and drinking utilization. The results indicate groundwater is mainly featured by the hydrochemical facies of HCO3·Cl-Ca. Groundwater hydrochemical composition is dominantly governed by the dissolution of carbonates and silicate minerals in combination with positive cation exchange in the valley. Principal component analysis reveals a significant influence of geogenic factors on groundwater chemistry, further supported by PHREEQC simulation that detects a supersaturation of calcite, dolomite, and sulphate minerals in the aquifer. The irrigation water quality index divides groundwater in the study area into three zones, which signify low restriction and no restriction, except for a severe restriction in the southwestern part of the valley. Groundwater is generally suitable for irrigation across the valley. The entropy-weighted water quality index classifies groundwater as excellent and good quality for drinking. This study can provide crucial insights for authorities on groundwater suitability in Quetta Valley and similar regions worldwide.
Towards good modelling practice for parallel hybrid models for wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Verhaeghe Loes , Verwaeren Jan , Kirim Gamze , Daneshgar Saba , Vanrolleghem Peter A. , Torfs Elena 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
This study explores various approaches to formulating a parallel hybrid model (HM) for Water and Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) merging a mechanistic and a data-driven model. In the study, the HM is constructed by training a neural network (NN) on the residual of the mechanistic model for effluent nitrate. In an initial experiment using the Benchmark Simulation Model no. 1, a parallel HM effectively addressed limitations in the mechanistic model's representation of autotrophic bacteria growth and the data-driven model's incapability to extrapolate. Next, different versions of a parallel HM of a large pilot-scale WRRF are constructed, using different calibration/training datasets and different versions of the mechanistic model to investigate the balance between the calibration effort for the mechanistic model and the compensation by the NN component. The HM can improve predictions compared to the mechanistic model. Training the NN on an independent validation dataset produced better results than on the calibration dataset. Interestingly, the best performance is achieved for the HM based on a mechanistic model using default (uncalibrated) parameters. Both long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) are tested as data-driven components, with a CNN HM (root-mean-squared error (RMSE) = 1.58 mg NO3-N/L) outperforming an LSTM HM (RMSE = 4.17 mg NO3-N/L).
The Effects of Displaying the Time Targets of the Manchester Triage System to Emergency Department Personnel: Prospective Crossover Study
Authors: Bienzeisler Jonas , Becker Guido , Erdmann Bernadett , Kombeiz Alexander , Majeed Raphael W , Röhrig Rainer , Greiner Felix , Otto Ronny , Otto-Sobotka Fabian ,   AKTIN Research Group
Published: May 2024

Background
The use of triage systems such as the Manchester Triage System (MTS) is a standard procedure to determine the sequence of treatment in emergency departments (EDs). When using the MTS, time targets for treatment are determined. These are commonly displayed in the ED information system (EDIS) to ED staff. Using measurements as targets has been associated with a decline in meeting those targets.

Objective
This study investigated the impact of displaying time targets for treatment to physicians on processing times in the ED.

Methods
We analyzed the effects of displaying time targets to ED staff on waiting times in a prospective crossover study, during the introduction of a new EDIS in a large regional hospital in Germany. The old information system version used a module that showed the time target determined by the MTS, while the new system version used a priority list instead. Evaluation was based on 35,167 routinely collected electronic health records from the preintervention period and 10,655 records from the postintervention period. Electronic health records were extracted from the EDIS, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and generalized additive models. We evaluated the effects of the intervention on waiting times and the odds of achieving timely treatment according to the time targets set by the MTS.

Results
The average ED length of stay and waiting times increased when the EDIS that did not display time targets was used (average time from admission to treatment: preintervention phase=median 15, IQR 6-39 min; postintervention phase=median 11, IQR 5-23 min). However, severe cases with high acuity (as indicated by the triage score) benefited from lower waiting times (0.15 times as high as in the preintervention period for MTS1, only 0.49 as high for MTS2). Furthermore, these patients were less likely to receive delayed treatment, and we observed reduced odds of late treatment when crowding occurred.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that it is beneficial to use a priority list instead of displaying time targets to ED personnel. These time targets may lead to false incentives. Our work highlights that working better is not the same as working faster.
Nghiên cứu vật liệu composite từ sợi thân cây bắp và nhựa polyethylene tỷ trọng cao tái chế
Authors: Cao Lưu Ngọc Hạnh , Nguyễn Thị Bích Thuyền , Huynh Văn Tươi , Đặng Huỳnh Giao , Trần Nguyễn Phương Lan 
Published: May 2024

Vật liệu composite được gia công từ sợi thân cây bắp trên nền nhựa polyethylene tỷ trọng cao tái chế thông qua phương pháp ép nóng. Cấu trúc và thành phần hóa học của sợi thân cây bắp trước và sau khi xử lý bằng dung dịch NaOH lần lược được quan sát qua ảnh kính hiển vi điện tử quét (SEM) và được phân tích bằng phương pháp phân tích nhiệt trọng lượng (TGA). Ảnh hưởng của điều kiện gia công, tỷ lệ thể tích sợi đến độ co ngót và cơ tính của vật composite cũng được khảo sát. Kết quả cho thấy sợi thân cây bắp có hàm lượng cellulose ~61%, cấu trúc sợi có nhiều lỗ rỗng to, điều này khác biệt so với những sợi tự nhiên phổ biến khác. Ở điều kiện gia công vật liệu đạt cơ tính cao nhất khi nhiệt độ ép 145oC, thời gian ép 10 phút, áp suất ép 100 kg.cm-2 và tỷ lệ thể tích sợi 50%, độ bền kéo ~31 MPa, độ bền uốn ~34 MPa, độ bền va đập ~11 KJ.m-2 và độ co ngót của vật liệu là 0,4%. Vật liệu composite được tạo ra trong nghiên cứu này đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn chất lượng của vật liệu dùng trong sản xuất, trang trí nội thất và xây dựng.