The adoption of ICT and robotic automation systems in the pharmaceutical industry

Background: South African pharmacies face challenges like cost reduction, inventory management, and employee efficiency. Balancing dispensing error rates and customer satisfaction, along with ensuring accurate medication dispensing, is also crucial. An effective solution to these challenges is adopting automatic robotic dispensing systems, which enhance stock inventory management, integrated systems, and accurate dispensing capabilities. Objectives: The study delved into IT and robotic automation in South African pharmaceutical dispensing, assessing current methods and advocating for integrated IT and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems in retail and hospital pharmacies. Method: The research used a quantitative approach to gather data from public and private hospital pharmacy employees, aiming to understand their requirements and expectations. It assessed the potential improvements that could result from adopting a new system. Results: The study found that most government and private pharmacies in South Africa prefer automated dispensing systems to reduce errors, lower costs, improve customer service, and enhance inventory management. Benefits also included minimising medication errors, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring patient safety. Conclusion: The study holds importance as it underscores the necessity of integrating Information Technology (IT) and Robotic Automation in the pharmaceutical sector to address prevailing issues. It identifies factors contributing to medication dispensing errors and demonstrates the potential of automated robotic systems in mitigating these errors. Contribution: South Africa's pharmaceutical sector must enhance efficiency and competitiveness by adopting integrated IT and Robotic Automation Systems. The study identified key factors for future implementation and emphasized the need for clear pre-implementation policies outlining functions and benefits.

Modelo predictivo de enfermedad cardiovascular basado en inteligencia artificial en la atención primaria de salud / A Predictive Model for Cardiovascular Disease based on Artificial Intelligence in Primary Health Care

Introducción: En Cuba y en el resto del mundo, las enfermedades cardiovasculares son reconocidas como un problema de salud pública mayúsculo y creciente, que provoca una alta mortalidad. Objetivo: Diseñar un modelo predictivo para estimar el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular basado en técnicas de inteligencia artificial. Métodos: La fuente de datos fue una cohorte prospectiva que incluyó 1633 pacientes, seguidos durante 10 años, fue utilizada la herramienta de minería de datos Weka, se emplearon técnicas de selección de atributos para obtener un subconjunto más reducido de variables significativas, para generar los modelos fueron aplicados: el algoritmo de reglas JRip y el meta algoritmo Attribute Selected Classifier, usando como clasificadores el J48 y el Multilayer Perceptron. Se compararon los modelos obtenidos y se aplicaron las métricas más usadas para clases desbalanceadas. Resultados: El atributo más significativo fue el antecedente de hipertensión arterial, seguido por el colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad y de baja densidad, la proteína c reactiva de alta sensibilidad y la tensión arterial sistólica, de estos atributos se derivaron todas las reglas de predicción, los algoritmos fueron efectivos para generar el modelo, el mejor desempeño fue con el Multilayer Perceptron, con una tasa de verdaderos positivos del 95,2 por ciento un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,987 en la validación cruzada. Conclusiones: Fue diseñado un modelo predictivo mediante técnicas de inteligencia artificial, lo que constituye un valioso recurso orientado a la prevención de las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la atención primaria de salud(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba and in the rest of the world, cardiovascular diseases are recognized as a major and growing public health problem, which causes high mortality. Objective: To design a predictive model to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease based on artificial intelligence techniques. Methods: The data source was a prospective cohort including 1633 patients, followed for 10 years. The data mining tool Weka was used and attribute selection techniques were employed to obtain a smaller subset of significant variables. To generate the models, the rule algorithm JRip and the meta-algorithm Attribute Selected Classifier were applied, using J48 and Multilayer Perceptron as classifiers. The obtained models were compared and the most used metrics for unbalanced classes were applied. Results: The most significant attribute was history of arterial hypertension, followed by high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitivity c-reactive protein and systolic blood pressure; all the prediction rules were derived from these attributes. The algorithms were effective to generate the model. The best performance was obtained using the Multilayer Perceptron, with a true positive rate of 95.2percent and an area under the ROC curve of 0.987 in the cross validation. Conclusions: A predictive model was designed using artificial intelligence techniques; it is a valuable resource oriented to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in primary health care(AU)

Factores sociodemográficos en la dinámica del comportamiento delictivo: análisis descriptivo de criminalidad en Colombia, año 2022 / Socio-demographic factors in the dynamics of criminal behaviour: descriptive analysis of criminality in Colombia, year 2022 / Fatores sociodemográficos na dinâmica do comportamento criminal: análise descritiva da criminalidade na Colômbia, ano de 2022

El presente estudio de carácter descriptivo y analítico tiene como objetivo principal presentar el comportamiento criminal en Colombia para el 2022, desde un enfoque cuantitativo empleado para la extracción, análisis e interpretación de los registros administrativos del Sistema de Información Estadístico, Delincuencial, Contravencional y Operativo (SIEDCO), constituyéndose como un insumo para aquellos interesados en el estudio de la dinámica criminal, así como para quienes se encargan de diseñar estrategias para la contención del delito y la generación de política pública en materia de seguridad. En este sentido y en el marco de las dinámicas sociodemográficas, en una primera parte se aborda de manera general el proceso de homogenización de los registros administrativos llevado a cabo por la Policía Nacional y la Fiscalía General de la Nación. Y en una segunda parte, con especial énfasis en el homicidio intencional, se presenta el análisis de la información que permitió identificar las principales variables que influyen en la comisión del delito, de acuerdo con las cifras contenidas en el SIEDCO, en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2022, comparado con la misma temporalidad del 2021, en el que se detallan los delitos que afectan la integridad personal y el patrimonio económico de quienes habitan el territorio colombiano; se hallaron incrementos considerables en estos y se resaltan los factores de oportunidad para su comisión, situación contraria a la que se evidenció sobre las afectaciones a la vida y la integridad, conjunto de conductas que, según lo registrado, decrecieron en el periodo analizado. Finalmente, se ofrece un aporte a la contención desde la actividad de policía y una serie de conclusiones que permitan ampliar la visión sobre los diversos fenómenos y enriquecer la generación de conocimiento en el campo de la criminología.

The main objective of this descriptive and analytical study is to present criminal behaviour in Colombia for 2022, from a quantitative approach used for the extraction, analysis and interpretation of the administrative records of the Statistical, Criminal, Contraventional and Operational Information System (SIEDCO), constituting an input for those interested in the study of criminal dynamics, as well as for those responsible for designing strategies for the containment of crime and the generation of public policy on security. In this sense, and within the framework of socio-demographic dynamics, the first part of the paper deals in a general way with the process of homogenisation of administrative records carried out by the National Police and the Attorney General's Office. The second part, with special emphasis on intentional homicide, presents the analysis of the information that made it possible to identify the main variables that influence the commission of the crime, according to the figures contained in SIEDCO, in the period between 1 January and 31 December 2022, compared with the same period in 2021, in which the crimes that affect the personal integrity and economic patrimony of those who live in Colombian territory are detailed; considerable increases were found in these and the factors of opportunity for their commission are highlighted, contrary to the situation that was evidenced in the affectations to life and integrity, a group of conducts that, according to what was recorded, decreased in the period analysed. Finally, we offer a contribution to containment from the police activity and a series of conclusions that allow us to broaden the vision of the diverse phenomena and enrich the generation of knowledge in the field of criminology.

O principal objetivo deste estudo descritivo e analítico é apresentar o comportamento criminal na Colômbia para 2022, a partir de uma abordagem quantitativa utilizada para a extração, análise e interpretação dos registros administrativos do Sistema de Informação Estatística, Criminal, Contravencional e Operacional (SIEDCO), constituindo um insumo para os interessados no estudo da dinâmica criminal, bem como para os responsáveis pela elaboração de estratégias para a contenção do crime e a geração de políticas públicas de segurança. Nesse sentido, e dentro da estrutura da dinâmica sociodemográfica, a primeira parte do artigo trata de forma geral do processo de homogeneização dos registros administrativos realizado pela Polícia Nacional e pela Procuradoria Geral da República. A segunda parte, com ênfase especial no homicídio doloso, apresenta a análise das informações que permitiram identificar as principais variáveis que influenciam o cometimento do crime, de acordo com os números contidos no SIEDCO, no período entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2022, em comparação com o mesmo período de 2021, no qual são detalhados os crimes que afetam a integridade pessoal e o patrimônio econômico daqueles que vivem em território colombiano; Neles foram encontrados aumentos consideráveis e são destacados os fatores de oportunidade para seu cometimento, ao contrário da situação que se evidenciou nas afetações à vida e à integridade, grupo de condutas que, segundo o que foi registrado, diminuiu no período analisado. Finalmente, oferecemos uma contribuição para a contenção da atividade policial e uma série de conclusões que nos permitem ampliar a visão dos diversos fenômenos e enriquecer a geração de conhecimento no campo da criminologia.

Diabetic microaneurysms detected by fluorescein angiography spatially correlate with regions of macular ischemia delineated by optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose: To characterize the relationship between diabetic macular ischemia (DMI) delineated by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microaneurysms (MAs) identified by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). Methods: Patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who underwent OCTA and FFA were retrospectively identified. FFA images were cropped and aligned with their respective OCTA images using i2k Align Retina software (Dual?Align, Clifton Park, NY, USA). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and ischemic areas were manually delineated on OCTA images, and MAs were marked on the corresponding FFA images before overlaying paired scans for analysis (ImageJ; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Results: Twenty?eight eyes of 20 patients were included. The average number of MAs identified in cropped FFA images was 127 ± 42. More DMI was noted in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP; 36 ± 13%) compared to the deep capillary plexus (DCP; 28 ± 14%, P < 0.001). Similarly, more MAs were associated with ischemic areas in SCP compared to DCP (92.0 ± 35.0 vs. 76.8 ± 36.5, P < 0.001). Most MAs bordered ischemic areas; fewer than 10% localized inside these regions. As DMI area increased, so did associated MAs (SCP: r = 0.695, P < 0.001; DCP: r = 0.726, P < 0.001). Density of MAs surrounding FAZ (7.7 ± 6.0 MAs/mm2) was similar to other DMI areas (SCP: 7.0 ± 4.0 MAs/mm2, P = 0.478; DCP: 9.2 ± 10.9 MAs/mm2, P = 0.394). Conclusion: MAs identified in FFA strongly associate with, and border areas of, DMI delineated by OCTA. Although more MAs are localized to SCP ischemia, the concentration of MAs associated with DCP ischemia is greater. By contrast, few MAs are present inside low?flow regions, likely because capillary loss is associated with their regression.

Comparative study of the efficacy and safety of two grafting procedures (an automated epidermal harvesting system and non-cultured epidermal cell suspension) in the treatment of stable vitiligo

Background: The non-cultured epidermal cell suspension method is a well-established but tedious grafting modality in the management of stable vitiligo. Recently a more user-friendly automated epidermal harvesting system has been introduced. Aim: This was a pilot study to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of the above two grafting procedures. Study design: The study was a single-blinded split-body randomised controlled trial. After scientific and ethical clearance, the trial was registered with CTRI (CTRI/2018/05/014225). Thirty consenting patients of stable vitiligo with 60 near-symmetrical patches were recruited. Block randomisation was done using computer-generated randomisation software and each patch was allocated either of the two grafting modalities. Efficacy was assessed by the Physician Global Assessment Scale on serial images and pain by the Numerical Rating Pain Scale. Results and conclusion: The non-cultured epidermal cell suspension was found to be an overall statistically superior technique to the automated epidermal harvesting system in terms of efficacy (re-pigmentation). Both donor and recipient site complications were significantly less with the automated epidermal harvesting system grafting and this method had the distinct advantage of being a painless and easy technique with minimal recovery time. A novel observation was that a good colour match and near-complete re-pigmentation occurred in patients with a darker skin colour with both techniques. Limitations: The main limitation of our study was the small sample size. Also, the size of the treated patches was limited such that they could be covered by the 5 × 5 cm size of the automated epidermal harvesting system blade. However, a larger area can be covered with multiple sessions.

Base de datos automatizada para el control de la literatura docente

Introducción: Actualmente se impone la automatización de los datos, lo que contribuye a ganar tiempo, mejorar el rendimiento y la escalabilidad de los procesos. Objetivo: crear una base de datos automatizada (BDA) para el control de la literatura docente, en la Filial de Ciencias Médicas de Nuevitas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de innovación tecnológica, en el período comprendido desde octubre de 2021 hasta enero de 2022; para la recolección de datos se utilizó una encuesta, que permitió el diagnóstico de la necesidad de crear el producto terminado e identificar criterios que aportaron información primaria. Como herramienta de diseño se utilizó el gestor de base de datos Microsoft Access. Se trabajó en dos etapas: la primera donde se hizo un estudio de los documentos concernientes a la literatura docente existentes en el almacén y la segunda en la cual se trabajó en el diseño lógico y físico de la BDA. Resultados: La factibilidad del producto fue valorada de adecuada por parte de los especialistas. Conclusiones: Se recomienda la validación del producto para determinar su confiabilidad, así como la utilización del producto terminado en otras instituciones de la educación médica superior.

Introduction: Currently, the need for data automation is an imposition that contributes to reducing time, as well as improving performance and process scalability. Objective: to create an automated database (BDA) for the control of teaching literature in the Nuevitas Medical Sciences Branch. Methods: A study of technological innovation was carried out from October 2021 to January 2022. The information was obtained by means of a survey, which allowed the diagnosis of the need to create the finished product and identify criteria that provided primary information. Microsoft Access database manager was used as design tool. The work was carried out in two stages: a first stage related to the study of the documents concerning the teaching literature existing in the warehouse; the second stage that involved the logical and physical design of the BDA. Results: The feasibility of the computer product was assessed as adequate by the specialists. Conclusions: The validation of the product is recommended to determine its reliability, as well as its use in other institutions of higher medical education.

Automatic segmentation and quantified analysis of meibomian glands from infrared images

Purpose: An algorithm for automated segmentation of meibomian glands from infrared images obtained using a novel prototype infrared hand?held imager has been proposed in this study. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is quantified in terms of five clinically relevant metrics. A comparison of these metrics in patients with MGD has been presented against a sample of the normative healthy population. Methods: This is a prospective cross?sectional observational study. Patients presenting to the clinics were enrolled after written informed consent. The everted eyelids of 200 eyes of patients (of which 100 were healthy and 100 were diagnosed with MGD) were imaged using a prototype hand?held camera. The proposed algorithm was used to process the images using enhancement techniques and the glands were automatically segmented. A comparison of glands of normal eyes versus MGD?affected eyes is performed using five metrics presented in this study: (i) drop?out, (ii) length, (iii) width, (iv) the number of glands, and (v) the number of tortuous glands. Results: The 95% confidence interval for the metrics did not show any overlap between the two groups. In MGD patients, the drop?out ratio was higher than normal. The length and number of glands were significantly lesser than normal. A number of tortuous glands were more in the MGD group. The metrics for MGD versus healthy and cut?off ranges were computed in the results. Conclusion: The prototype infrared hand?held meibographer and the proposed automatic algorithm for gland segmentation and quantification are effective aids in MGD diagnosis. We present a set of five metrics, which are clinically relevant for guiding clinicians in the diagnosis of MGD

Impact of different automated peritoneal dialysis modalities on the inflammatory profile of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease / Impacto das diferentes modalidades de diálise peritoneal automatizada sobre o perfil inflamatório de idosos portadores de doença renal crônica

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease, more prevalent in the elderly, is considered a public health issue worldwide. Objective: To evaluate the impact of automated, peritoneal dialysis modalities, intermittent and continuous, on the inflammatory profile of elderly people with chronic kidney disease. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in a dialysis clinic in Brasília - Brazil, with 74 elderly people aged 60 years or older. The patients underwent rapid Peritoneal Equilibration Test, clinical assessment, blood collection for biochemical and cytokine assessments, interleukin 6 and transforming growth factor beta 1, and answered a quality-of-life questionnaire (KDQOL-SF36). We used a 5% significance level for data analysis, associations and correlations. Results: Patients in the continuous modality had higher serum values of transforming growth factor beta 1 than those in the intermittent modality, which had higher peritoneal transforming growth factor beta 1, age and residual renal function than those in continuous mode. Interleukin 6 dosage in the peritoneum was associated with age, while serum IL-6 was associated with IL-6 in the peritoneum, time on dialysis and age. There was no association between the modality and the presence of diabetes, blood volume or nutritional status. Both modalities enable good adaptation to the dialysis treatment. Conclusion: Inflammation in automated peritoneal dialysis is mainly associated with low residual renal function, advanced age and longer time on therapy, and not to the type of dialysis performed.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica, mais prevalente em idosos, é considerada um problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto das modalidades de diálise peritoneal automatizada, intermitente e contínua, no perfil inflamatório de idosos renais crônicos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, transversal e analítico realizado em uma clínica de diálise em Brasília, com 74 idosos com idade igual ou maior que 60 anos. Os pacientes foram submetidos ao Teste de Equilíbrio Peritoneal rápido, avaliação clínica, coleta de sangue para avaliações bioquímicas e de citocinas, interleucina 6 e fator de crescimento transformador beta 1, e questionário de qualidade de vida (KDQOL-SF36). Foram utilizadas para análise dos dados, associações e correlações com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Pacientes na modalidade contínua apresentaram valores séricos do fator de crescimento transformador beta 1 maiores do que os em modalidade intermitente. Estes apresentaram fator de crescimento transformador beta 1 no peritônio, idade e função renal residual maiores do que os em modalidade contínua. A dosagem da interleucina 6 no peritônio foi associada à idade, enquanto a IL-6 sérica foi associada à IL-6 no peritônio, ao tempo em diálise e à idade. Não houve associação entre a modalidade e a presença de diabetes, volemia ou estado nutricional. Ambas as modalidades permitem boa adequação à terapia dialítica. Conclusão: A inflamação na diálise peritoneal automatizada está associada principalmente à baixa função renal residual, à idade avançada e ao maior tempo em terapia, e não à modalidade de diálise realizada.

Face-based automatic pain assessment: challenges and perspectives in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract Objective: To describe the challenges and perspectives of the automation of pain assessment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data sources: A search for scientific articles published in the last 10 years on automated neonatal pain assessment was conducted in the main Databases of the Health Area and Engineering Journal Portals, using the descriptors: Pain Measurement, Newborn, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Systems, Software, Automated Facial Recognition. Summary of findings: Fifteen articles were selected and allowed a broad reflection on first, the literature search did not return the various automatic methods that exist to date, and those that exist are not effective enough to replace the human eye; second, computational methods are not yet able to automatically detect pain on partially covered faces and need to be tested during the natural movement of the neonate and with different light intensities; third, for research to advance in this area, databases are needed with more neonatal facial images available for the study of computational methods. Conclusion: There is still a gap between computational methods developed for automated neonatal pain assessment and a practical application that can be used at the bedside in real-time, that is sensitive, specific, and with good accuracy. The studies reviewed described limitations that could be minimized with the development of a tool that identifies pain by analyzing only free facial regions, and the creation and feasibility of a synthetic database of neonatal facial images that is freely available to researchers.

Research and Design of Automatic Test System for Ventilator Performance / 中国医疗器械杂志

Ventilator is an important medical instrument which can replace the function of autonomous ventilation artificially. Its safety and reliability are related to the health and even life safety of patients. With the publishing of the new national standard and international standard for ventilators, higher requirements are put forward for the detection and evaluation. This study mainly introduces an automatic test system for ventilator performance. The test system is based on PF-300 air-flow analyzer of Imtmedical and standard simulation lung. The automatic switch module of simulation lung is developed, and the automatic test system of ventilator is designed using the software development platform based on Python. It can not only automatically test all ventilation control parameters and monitoring parameters of the ventilator, but also realize automatic data recording, form reports and data analysis, and improve the efficiency and quality of inspection, detection and quality control.

Feasibility Study of Beam Angle Optimization Based on Scripts in Automated-planning for Liver Cancer / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the feasibility and potential benefits of beam angle optimization (BAO) to automated planning in liver cancer.@*METHODS@#An approach of beam angle sampling is proposed to implement BAO along with the module Auto-planning in treatment planning system (TPS) Pinnacle. An in-house developed plan quality metric (PQM) is taken as the preferred evaluating method during the sampling. The process is driven automatically by in-house made Pinnacle scripts both in sampling and scoring. In addition, dosimetry analysis and physician's opinion are also performed as the supplementary and compared with the result of PQM.@*RESULTS@#It is revealed by the numerical analysis of PQM scores that only 15% patients whose superior trials evaluated by PQM are also the initial trials. Gantry optimization can bring benefit to plan quality along with auto-planning in liver cancer. Similar results are provided by both dose comparison and physician's opinion.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is possible to introduce a full automated approach of beam angle optimization to automated planning process. The advantages of this procedure can be observed both in numerical analysis and physician's opinion.

Machine learning based on automated breast volume scanner radiomics for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 lesions / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the performance of machine learning (ML) based on automated breast volume scanner (ABVS) radiomics in distinguishing benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 lesions.Methods:Between May to December 2020, patients with BI-RADS 4 lesions from the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University (Center 1) and Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Center 2) were prospectively collected and divided into training cohort (Center 1) and external validation cohort (Center 2). The radiomics features of BI-RADS 4 lesions were extracted from the axial, sagittal and coronal ABVS images by MaZda software. In the training cohort, 7 feature selection methods and thirteen ML algorithms were combined in pairs to construct different ML models, and the 6 models with the best performance were verified in the external validation cohort to determine the final ML model. Finally, the diagnostic performance and confidence (5-point scale) of radiologists (R1, R2 and R3, with 3, 6 and 10 years of experience, respectively) with or without the model were evaluated.Results:①A total of 251 BI-RADS 4 lesions were enrolled, including 178 lesions (91 benign, 87 malignant) in the training cohort and 73 lesions (44 benign, 29 malignant) in the external validation cases. ②In the training cohort, the 6 ML models (DNN-RFE, AdaBoost-RFE, LR-RFE, LDA-RFE, Bagging-RFE and SVM-RFE) had the best diagnostic performance, and their AUCs were 0.972, 0.969, 0.968, 0.968, 0.967 and 0.962, respectively. ③In the external validation cohort, the DNN-RFE still had the best performance with the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 0.886, 0.836, 0.934, 0.776, 86.8% and 82.5%, respectively. ④Before model assistance, R1 had the worst diagnostic performance with the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 0.680, 0.750, 0.640, 57% and 81%, respectively. After model assistance, the diagnostic performance of R1 was significantly improved ( P=0.039), and its diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV improved to 0.730, 0.810, 0.930, 68% and 94%; while the improvement of R2 and R3 were not significantly ( P=0.811, 0.752). Meanwhile, the overall diagnostic confidence of the 3 radiologists increased from 2.8 to 3.3 ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The performance of ML based on ABVS radiomics in distinguishing between benign and malignant BI-RADS 4 lesions is good, which may improve the diagnostic performance of inexperienced radiologists and enhance diagnostic confidence.

A comparison of the human voice (“Baah”) test and the automated auditory brainstem response in detecting neonates with hearing loss in a community setting

Objective@#To assess the usage of the “Baah” Test compared to the AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) in detecting hearing loss of neonates in the community setting. @*Methods@#This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The targeted sample population are infants less than a month old who underwent screening at a testing facility in Malolos, Bulacan spanning the years 2011 and 2012. @*Results@#A total of 201 infants were included in the study, with a mean age of 10.77 days with a standard deviation of 7.79. The ratio of males to females was almost equal at 1:1.01. For infants who passed hearing screening on at least one ear, 96% (193 infants) correlated with the results of “Baah” testing. For those with bilateral refer results on AABR, 4 out of the 6 correlated with the “Baah” Test. @*Conclusion@#There is potential in using the “Baah” Test as a tool for hearing loss assessment of infants in situations wherein the usual hearing screening tests are inaccessible. It makes use of little resources, and though it does have its limitations in assessing for unilateral hearing loss (as the test cannot test ears in isolation), it would be able to identify infants likely to have bilateral hearing loss.

Smart Hip Ultrasound Technology in Screening for Infant Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo develop a deep learning system for early ultrasound screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip （DDH）， a new smart-hip ultrasound technique （S-hip）， and to validate its clinical application. MethodsWe selected 11，100 annotated and reviewed coronal ultrasound images of infant hips between November 2021 and August 2022， 8，100 of which were used for the training set and 3，000 for the test set， to build a S-hip deep learning system. To verify the consistency between the automated measurement by S-hip and the manual measurements by sonographers， 174 standard coronal ultrasound images of 87 infants' bilateral hips were acquired， then α angle， β angle and femoral head coverage （FHC） were measured by S-hip， an ultrasound expert and a resident. The measurement data and the time required for the measurements were recorded and statistically analyzed. Another 100 standard coronal ultrasound images of the hips were randomly selected and measured twice respectively by the ultrasound expert and resident to assess the intra-sonographer repeatability. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient （ICC） （95% CI） values of α angle， β angle and FHC results measured by S-hip and ultrasound expert were 0.799 （0.738， 0.847）， 0.798 （0.737， 0.846） and 0.934 （0.954， 0.975）， respectively. Those values measured by the ultrasound expert and resident were 0.725 （0.645， 0.789）， 0.674 （0.583， 0.748） and 0.931 （0.908， 0.949）， respectively. The mean absolute errors （MAE） of α angle， β angle and FHC results between measurements by S-hip and ultrasound expert were 2.69 °， 4.43 ° and 2.47%， respectively. The time required for measurements by S-hip， ultrasound expert and resident was （1.59±0.36） s， （18.76±2.23） s and （19.45±2.76） s， respectively. The automated measurement by S-hip cost much shorter time than the manual measurements by sonographers and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.001）. The ICC （95% CI） values of α angle， β angle and FHC results between two measurements by the ultrasound expert were 0.943 （0.916， 0.961）， 0.959 （0.940， 0.972）， and 0.981 （0.971， 0.987）， respectively. Those values by the ultrasound resident were 0.884 （0.833， 0.921）， 0.921 （0.884， 0.946）， and 0.962 （0.944， 0.974）. ConclusionThe S-hip based on a deep learning system is a highly reliable automated technique to accurately measure α angle， β angle and FHC. Compared with ultrasound residents， S-hip allows for a more simplified and significantly quicker measurement， which may enhance the widespread use of hip ultrasound screening in infants.

Rapid bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing assay in positive blood cultures / 预防医学

Objective@#To establish a rapid bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing assay in positive blood cultures, so as to provide insights into timely diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infections.@*Methods@#A total of 1 154 blood culture samples were collected from inpatients in Zhejiang Hospital from February to May, 2022. The bacterial isolates were enriched and purified using improved separation gel method, and bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using VITEK2 mass spectrometry system and VITEK2 Compact automated microbiology system. The accuracy of the new assay for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests was evaluated with the conventional VITEK 2 compact system as the standard. @*Results@#Of 1 154 blood culture specimens, the conventional VITEK 2 compact system detected 174 positives and 980 negatives. The new assay and the conventional VITEK 2 compact system identified consistent bacterial isolates in 165 out of 174 positive blood culture samples, and the accuracy of bacterial identification was 94.83% for the new assay, with a 99.21% accuracy for identifying Gram-negative bacteria and 82.22% for Gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed in 158 bacterial isolates, and the new assay presented a 90.17% accuracy, with a 90.27% accuracy for Gram-negative bacteria and 89.74% for Gram-positive bacteria. The conventional VITEK 2 compact system required 30 hours and longer to complete bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests, and the new assay required 9 to 18 hours.@*Conclusions@#The new rapid bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing assay shortens the time of bacterial culture, achieves rapid bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in blood culture specimens and has a high accuracy that meets clinical needs, which facilitates rapid diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infections.

Comparative evaluation of an automated preloaded delivery system with a non-preloaded system

Purpose: To evaluate a single surgeon’s experience with an automated preloaded intraocular lens (IOL) delivery system and a nonpreloaded system. Methods: This was a prospective, observational case series. Phacoemulsification was performed under topical anesthesia by creating a temporal clear corneal incision. Patients were consecutively assigned to either the Clareon group (n = 50; the IOL was injected into the capsular bag by using an automated injector system) or the AcrySof group (n = 50; the IOL was injected into the capsular bag by using a conventional injector system). The main outcome measures were ease of implantation, intraoperative complications, postoperative centration, and visual acuity. Results: Additional manipulation in the anterior chamber was not required in 38 (74%) eyes in the Clareon group and 41 (82%) eyes in the AcrySof group. However, seven eyes in the Clareon group and one eye in the AcrySof group required trailing haptic dislodgement from the optic. Furthermore, two eyes in the Clareon group and five eyes in the AcrySof group required injector rotation (varying from 10° to 90°) in the wound. Moreover, in two eyes of the Clareon group, the silicon plunger of the injector system crossed over the optic. None of the patients developed iris trauma and PCR during IOL manipulation. All the IOLs were centered in the capsular bag. Conclusion: The automated IOL delivery system enables the controlled delivery of an IOL in the capsular bag. The effect of carbon footprints created by plastic generated from the delivery system and the implications of the CO2 cylinder on the environment should be addressed.

Comparison of measurements between manual and automated eyetracking systems in patients with strabismus – A preliminary study

Purpose: The main objective is to test the measurements made by an automated eye?tracking system in the presence of strabismus and to compare the data with manual measurements of deviation. Methods: A prospective observational cross?sectional masked double?blinded study was conducted in a tertiary eye care center with 39 participants included in our study, aged 3–41 years. Initial screening of all participants was performed by an ophthalmologist. Ocular deviations were evaluated and compared between manual measurements and an automated eye?tracking system. The device is based on eye?tracking technology. The participants had either a congenital or acquired type of manifest or latent strabismus. Children less than 3 years of age, visual acuity <6/36, and abnormal configuration of the anterior segment were excluded from the study. Results: The prism alternate cover test (PACT) manual measurements and the automated alternate cover test for measuring horizontal deviation, the manual measurement, and the automated eye track system showed a highly positive correlation (r = 0.932, P < 0.001). The Bland Altman plot analysis shows good agreement between the two measurements, with the mean difference between the two measurements being 1.55 PD, and the 95% limit of agreement was ± 10 PD. Conclusion: The results obtained with an automated eye?tracking system correlate well with manual strabismus measurements with PACT in terms of diagnosis, precision, and accuracy, with an added benefit of lesser time consumption in performing the test in cooperative/motivated patients. Considering these aspects, patients above the age of 3 years could be assessed with the equipment.

Comparing retinal sensitivities on blue-on-yellow and green-on-yellow perimetry in glaucoma suspects

Purpose: To compare the retinal sensitivities between the blue?on?yellow perimetry (BYP)/short?wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) and green?on?yellow perimetry (GYP) among patients with and without nuclear sclerosis among glaucoma suspects. Methods: After ophthalmic examination, patients were subjected to two perimetric tests: BYP and GYP. The visual field (VF) parameters were compared between the two perimeters (p < 0.05 was considered significant). Results: Fifty?five eyes of 39 patients with a mean age of 60.53 ± 9.70 years were included in the study. Twenty?one eyes had clear lens or pseudophakia. Twenty?six eyes had lower grades of nuclear sclerosis (NO2NC2, NO3NC3) and eight eyes had higher grades of cataract (NO4NC4, NO5NC5). The mean retinal sensitivity (RS) in BYP was 22.08 ± 5.02 (dB) and in GYP was 23.84 ± 5.50 (dB) (p = 0.08). The mean defect in BYP was ?2.56 ± 4.40 (dB) and in GYP was ?3.24 ± 5.05 (dB), pattern standard deviation (PSD) in BYP was 3.65 ± 1.91 (dB) and in GYP was 3.83 ± 1.99 (dB), and foveal threshold (FT) was 24.20 ± 4.32 (dB) in BYP and 28.10 ± 4.50 (dB) in GYP. The two perimeters showed good agreement by the Bland–Altman plot for all parameters. Fourteen eyes showed perimetric changes suggestive of glaucoma by BYP. In these, GYP had a sensitivity of 92.86% (95% CI of 66.13% to 99.82%) and specificity of 95.12% (95% CI of 83.47% to 99.40%). Conclusion: BYP and GYP show good agreement. They are comparable in clear media as well as in different grades of nuclear sclerosis. GYP showed good sensitivity and specificity compared to BYP.

Near-Adult Heights and Adult Height Predictions Using Automated and Conventional Greulich–Pyle Bone Age Determinations in Children with Chronic Endocrine Diseases

Objectives To validate adult height predictions (BX) using automated and Greulich–Pyle bone age determinations in children with chronic endocrine diseases. Methods Heights and near-adult heights were measured in 82 patients (48 females) with chronic endocrinopathies at the age of 10.45±2.12 y and at time of transition to adult care (17.98±3.02 y). Further, bone age (BA) was assessed using the conventional Greulich–Pyle (GP) method by three experts, and by BoneXpert™. PAH were calculated using conventional BP tables and BoneXpert™. Results The conventional and the automated BA determinations revealed a mean diference of 0.25±0.72 y (p=0.0027). The automated PAH by BoneXpert™ were 156.26 ± 0.86 cm (SDS ? 2.01 ± 1.07) in females and 171.75 ± 1.6 cm (SDS ? 1.29 ± 1.06) in males, compared to 153.95 ± 1.12 cm (SDS ? 2.56 ± 1.5) in females and 169.31 ± 1.6 cm (SDS?1.66±1.56) in males by conventional BP, respectively and in comparison to near-adult heights 156.38±5.84 cm (SDS?1.91±1.15) in females and 168.94±8.18 cm (SDS?1.72±1.22) in males, respectively. Conclusion BA ratings and adult height predictions by BoneXpert™ in children with chronic endocrinopathies abolish rater-dependent variability and enhance reproducibility of estimates thereby refning care in growth disorders. Conventional methods may outperform automated analyses in specifc cases.