LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Management of High-Risk T1G3 Bladder Cancer: A Decision Analysis

BACKGROUND
Controversy exists about the most appropriate treatment for high-risk superficial (stage T1; grade G3) bladder cancer. Immediate cystectomy offers the best chance for survival but may be associated with an impaired quality of life compared with conservative therapy. We estimated life expectancy (LE) and quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) for both of these treatments for men and women of different ages and comorbidity levels.


METHODS AND FINDINGS
We evaluated two treatment strategies for high-risk, T1G3 bladder cancer using a decision-analytic Markov model: (1) Immediate cystectomy with neobladder creation versus (2) conservative management with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and delayed cystectomy in individuals with resistant or progressive disease. Probabilities and utilities were derived from published literature where available, and otherwise from expert opinion. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify variables most likely to influence the decision. Structural sensitivity analyses modifying the base case definition and the triggers for cystectomy in the conservative therapy arm were also explored. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to assess the joint uncertainty of all variables simultaneously and the uncertainty in the base case results. External validation of model outputs was performed by comparing model-predicted survival rates with independent published literature. The mean LE of a 60-y-old male was 14.3 y for immediate cystectomy and 13.6 y with conservative management. With the addition of utilities, the immediate cystectomy strategy yielded a mean QALE of 12.32 y and remained preferred over conservative therapy by 0.35 y. Worsening patient comorbidity diminished the benefit of early cystectomy but altered the LE-based preferred treatment only for patients over age 70 y and the QALE-based preferred treatment for patients over age 65 y. Sensitivity analyses revealed that patients over the age of 70 y or those strongly averse to loss of sexual function, gastrointestinal dysfunction, or life without a bladder have a higher QALE with conservative therapy. The results of structural or probabilistic sensitivity analyses did not change the preferred treatment option. Model-predicted overall and disease-specific survival rates were similar to those reported in published studies, suggesting external validity.


CONCLUSIONS
Our model is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in bladder cancer, and demonstrated that younger patients with high-risk T1G3 bladder had a higher LE and QALE with immediate cystectomy. The decision to pursue immediate cystectomy versus conservative therapy should be based on discussions that consider patient age, comorbid status, and an individual's preference for particular postcystectomy health states. Patients over the age of 70 y or those who place high value on sexual function, gastrointestinal function, or bladder preservation may benefit from a more conservative initial therapeutic approach.
Effect on biopsy technique of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) for nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE
To determine if the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) defines a group of patients with mammographic abnormalities in whom stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB) is appropriate.


DESIGN
A blinded retrospective validation sample.


SETTING
A university-affiliated hospital.


PATIENTS
One hundred and nine consecutive patients who underwent fine-wire localization breast biopsy (FWLB) between Jan. 1, 1994, and June 1, 1999, with a known final pathological diagnosis.


INTERVENTION
Blinded mammographic review and classification using the BI-RADS; review of corresponding pathological findings from FWLBs.


OUTCOME MEASURES
Correlation of pathological findings with each BI-RADS category and analysis of the predictive value of clinical and radiologic features.


RESULTS
BI-RADS findings were as follows: 0 malignant lesions in 10 category 3 cases, 18 malignant lesions (3 in situ, 15 invasive) in 68 category 4 cases and 24 malignant lesions (8 in situ and 16 invasive) in 31 category 5 cases. There was 1 malignant lesion in 22 category 4 cases in women younger than 50 years.


CONCLUSIONS
SCNB should be applied to BI-RADS categories 3 and 4 (< 50 yr of age). FWLB should be reserved for category 4 (> 50 yr of age) and category 5 cases. This algorithm will reduce the morbidity and cost of breast biopsies in patients with nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities.
Microprocessors in an Interdisciplinary Project Course

A description of microprocessor projects in an interdisciplinary engineering project course is presented and some practical conclusions and recommendations for conducting such a course are discussed.
Key issues related to modelling of internal corrosion of oil and gas pipelines – A review

The state-of-the-art in modelling of internal corrosion of oil and gas pipelines made from carbon steel is reviewed. The review covers the effects of: electrochemistry, water chemistry, formation of protective scales and scales, temperature, flow, steel, inhibition, water condensation, glycol/methanol and localized attack. Various mathematical modelling strategies are discussed. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
QQ¯potential in the Schwinger model on curved space-time

We study the confining and screening aspects of the Schwinger model on curved static backgrounds.
Factors affecting the valuation

As with any investment, the value of the property will be influenced by any tenure issues that impose restrictions. Different investments will appeal to different owners; leases associated with Housing Associations and universities are typically deemed more secure.
Mental health morbidity among people subject to immigration detention in the UK: a feasibility study.

AIMS
The UK has one of the largest systems of immigration detention in Europe.. Those detained include asylum-seekers and foreign national prisoners, groups with a higher prevalence of mental health vulnerabilities compared with the general population. In light of little published research on the mental health status of detainees in immigration removal centres (IRCs), the primary aim of this study was to explore whether it was feasible to conduct psychiatric research in such a setting. A secondary aim was to compare the mental health of those seeking asylum with the rest of the detainees.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study with simple random sampling followed by opportunistic sampling. Exclusion criteria included inadequate knowledge of English and European Union nationality. Six validated tools were used to screen for mental health disorders including developmental disorders like Personality Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability, as well as for needs assessment. These were the MINI v6, SAPAS, AQ-10, ASRS, LDSQ and CANFOR. Demographic data were obtained using a participant demographic sheet. Researchers were trained in the use of the screening battery and inter-rater reliability assessed by joint ratings.


RESULTS
A total of 101 subjects were interviewed. Overall response rate was 39%. The most prevalent screened mental disorder was depression (52.5%), followed by personality disorder (34.7%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (20.8%). 21.8% were at moderate to high suicidal risk. 14.9 and 13.9% screened positive for ASD and ADHD, respectively. The greatest unmet needs were in the areas of intimate relationships (76.2%), psychological distress (72.3%) and sexual expression (71.3%). Overall presence of mental disorder was comparable with levels found in prisons. The numbers in each group were too small to carry out any further analysis.


CONCLUSION
It is feasible to undertake a psychiatric morbidity survey in an IRC. Limitations of the study include potential selection bias, use of screening tools, use of single-site study, high refusal rates, the lack of interpreters and lack of women and children in study sample. Future studies should involve the in-reach team to recruit participants and should be run by a steering group consisting of clinicians from the IRC as well as academics.
Urinary IL-18 and NGAL as early predictive biomarkers in contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is at present the third leading cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (AKI). Traditionally, it is diagnosed by measuring the increase of the serum creatinine concentration. However, in patients with acute changes in their glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine is an insensitive marker. This clinical study was designed to investigate whether human urinary interleukin-18 (IL-18) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are early predictive markers for AKI after coronary angiography and their correlation with later cardiac events.


METHODS
Patients undergoing coronary angiography using low-osmolar contrast medium were enrolled and then followed up for at least 17 months. Urine samples were collected before and 24 h after coronary angiography and IL-18 and NGAL levels measured by using an ELISA kit.


RESULTS
CIN was diagnosed in 13 of 150 (8.7%) patients (CIN group); 27 patients without CIN served as control group. At 24 h after the procedure, the urinary IL-18 and NGAL levels were significantly increased in the CIN group, but not in the control group (p < 0.05). The predictable time of AKI onset determined by IL-18 was 24 h earlier than determined by serum creatinine (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that both IL-18 and NGAL showed a good performance in early diagnosis of CIN as compared with serum creatinine (p < 0.05). We also found that IL-18 is an independent predictive marker for later major cardiac events: relative risk = 2.09 (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that urinary IL-18 or NGAL could be early biomarkers of CIN and that urinary IL-18 is well associated with the later cardiac outcomes in patients after coronary angiography.
CE/BZA effects on bone and quality of life in European postmenopausal women: a pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene (CE/BZA) on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTM), and menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) in European women.


METHODS
Data through 12 months were pooled from two double-blind, randomized, controlled trials in non-hysterectomized postmenopausal women who received CE/BZA or placebo. Women from European study sites with evaluable BMD (n = 60), BTM (n = 56), and MENQOL questionnaire (n = 236) data were included and compared with 1523 women from US study sites (n = 730 with evaluable data for bone outcomes).


RESULTS
At month 12, CE 0.45 mg/BZA 20 mg and CE 0.625 mg/BZA 20 mg, respectively, significantly improved BMD (adjusted difference vs. placebo) in lumbar spine (2.5%, 2.9%; both p ≤ 0.011) and total hip (1.7%, 2.2%, both p ≤ 0.002), significantly improved serum BTMs (osteocalcin: -31.1%, -33.1%; C-telopeptide: -48.5%, -36.8%) vs. placebo (osteocalcin: 6.7%, C-telopeptide: 4.2%; all p < 0.001), and significantly improved MENQOL vasomotor function scores (-2.1, -2.2) vs. placebo (-0.7; both p < 0.001). No significant treatment × subpopulation interactions were observed for any of the outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Twelve-month CE/BZA treatment prevented bone loss and improved vasomotor function in European postmenopausal women. Findings were similar to those in the subpopulation of women enrolled at US study sites.
AI and Education: Grand Challenges

The educational applications of AI are a combination of what Pasteur's Quadrant describes as use-inspired basic and pure applied research. This article gives an overview of the classical and emerging architectures for AI in education. Early researchers focused on creating personalized teaching systems based on solitary learners, whereas recent work takes account of other people and the learning context. Various Grand Challenges illustrate the issues still facing AI in education.
Efficacy of bleeding risk scores in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The incidence of acute coronary syndromes is high in the elderly population. Bleeding is associated with a poorer prognosis in this clinical setting. The available bleeding risk scores have not been validated specifically in the elderly. Our aim was to assess predictive ability of the most important bleeding risk scores in patients with acute coronary syndrome aged ≥ 75 years.


METHODS
We prospectively included consecutive acute coronary syndromes patients. Baseline characteristics, laboratory findings, and hemodynamic data were collected. In-hospital bleeding was defined according to CRUSADE, Mehran, ACTION, and BARC definitions. CRUSADE, Mehran, and ACTION bleeding risk scores were calculated for each patient. The ability of these scores to predict major bleeding was assessed by binary logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curves.


RESULTS
We included 2036 patients, with mean age of 62.1 years; 369 patients (18.1%) were ≥ 75 years. Older patients had higher bleeding risk (CRUSADE, 42 vs 22; Mehran, 25 vs 15; ACTION, 36 vs 28; P<.001) and a slightly higher incidence of major bleeding events (CRUSADE bleeding, 5.1% vs 3.8%; P=.250). The predictive ability of these 3 scores was lower in the elderly (area under the curve, CRUSADE: 0.63 in older patients, 0.81 in young patients; P=.027; Mehran: 0.67 in older patients, 0.73 in younger patients; P=.340;


ACTION
0.58 in older patients, 0.75 in younger patients; P=.041).


CONCLUSIONS
Current bleeding risk scores showed poorer predictive performance in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes than in younger patients.
Prognostic value of serum cystatin C and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND
Cystatin C (CysC) is a good prognostic marker in heart failure. However, there is not much information of CysC combined with other biomarkers in acute heart failure (AHF).


AIM
To assess prognostic value of CysC and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients hospitalized for AHF with no apparent deterioration of renal function.


DESIGN
Prospective, multicenter, observational study.


METHODS
CysC and NTpro-BNP were measured in patients consecutively admitted with a diagnosis of AHF. Patients with, NTpro-BNP concentration above 900 pg/mL and serum creatinine below 1.3mg/dL, were included for statistical analysis. End-point of the study was all-cause mortality during a 12-month follow-up.


RESULTS
526 patients with AHF and NTpro-BNP concentration above 900 pg/mL were included in the study. From this group, 367 patients (69.8%) had serum creatinine below 1.3mg/dL. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cut-off value for CysC. Patients with a concentration of CsyC above 1.25mg/dL had a 37.8% mortality rate, vs. 13.6% for those below cut-off (p<0.001). After Cox proportional hazard model, age, CysC, low total cholesterol and HF with preserved ejection fraction remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality during one-year follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
In AHF and normal or slightly impaired renal function, performance of CysC may be superior to NT-proBNP. Hence, CysC may be the preferred biomarker in the assessment of patients with AHF and slightly impaired renal function.
Brainstem encoding of voiced consonant–vowel stop syllables

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to expand our understanding of how the human auditory brainstem encodes temporal and spectral acoustic cues in voiced stop consonant-vowel syllables.


METHODS
Auditory evoked potentials measuring activity from the brainstem of 22 normal learning children were recorded to the voiced stop consonant syllables [ga], [da], and [ba]. Spectrotemporal information distinguishing these voiced consonant-vowel syllables is contained within the first few milliseconds of the burst and the formant transition to the vowel. Responses were compared across stimuli with respect to their temporal and spectral content.


RESULTS
Brainstem response latencies change in a predictable manner in response to systematic alterations in a speech syllable indicating that the distinguishing acoustic cues are represented by neural response timing (synchrony). Spectral analyses of the responses show frequency distribution differences across stimuli (some of which appear to represent acoustic characteristics created by difference tones of the stimulus formants) indicating that neural phase-locking is also important for encoding these acoustic elements.


CONCLUSIONS
Considered within the context of existing knowledge of brainstem encoding of speech-sound structure, these data are the beginning of a comprehensive delineation of how the human auditory brainstem encodes perceptually critical features of speech.


SIGNIFICANCE
The results of this study could be used to determine how neural encoding is disrupted in the clinical populations for whom stop consonants pose particular perceptual challenges (e.g., hearing impaired individuals and poor readers).
Phytochemical-rich medicinal plant extracts suppress bacterial antigens-induced inflammation in human tonsil epithelial cells

BACKGROUND
Pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition of the pharynx and associated structures commonly caused by the Group A streptococci (GAS). There is a growing interest in discovering plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds as potential alternatives to conventional drugs. This study evaluated anti-inflammatory activity of phytochemical-rich extracts prepared from 12 herbal plants using human tonsil epithelial cells (HTonEpiC) in vitro.


METHODS
The HTonEpiC were induced by a mixture of lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN) (10 µg/mL; bacterial antigens) for 4 h and then exposed to ethanol extracts (EE) or aqueous extracts (AE) for 20 h. The secretion of four pro-inflammatory cytokines was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using spectrophotometric methods.


RESULTS
The herbal plant extracts (≤5 µg/mL) were not cytotoxic to HTonEpiC. The extracts exhibited a broad range of reduction (1.2%-92.6%) of secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2), epithelial-derived neutrophil activating protein-78 (ENA-78), and granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2). Both EE and AE of clove, ginger, and echinacea flower and EE from danshen root significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine production as induced by LTA and PGN in HTonEpiCs at the concentrations of 1 and 5 µg/mL.


DISCUSSION
Our observations indicate that danshen root, clove, ginger, and echinacea flower extracts exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect in HTonEpiCs. The most efficacious extracts from danshen root, clove, ginger and echinacea flowers have potential to be used as natural sources for developing phytotherapeutic products in the management of painful inflammation due to streptococcal pharyngitis.
Infinite dimensional balanced realizations and their approximation

The problem of generalizing the notion of a balanced realization to infinite dimensional systems is considered. The approach taken is based on the generalization of a parametrezation of finite dimensional balanced realizations. Using semigroup theory, an existence theorem and approximation results are derived.
A comparison of natural and created depressional wetlands in central Oklahoma using metrics from indices of biological integrity

Created wetlands and water bodies that have wetland characteristics (old farm ponds) appear to provide many of the habitat attributes of natural systems. To compare the biological and physical characteristics of natural and created wetlands, we evaluated water chemistry and a suite of metrics associated with the plant, macroinvertebrate, and avian assemblages at 12 natural and six created systems in central Oklahoma. The natural wetlands had significantly shallower depths and higher turbidity levels than the created wetlands. Of 43 metrics across the three biotic assemblages, seven were significantly different between the two wetland types. The proportions of hemipteran insects from the family Corixidae and insectivorous bird species were both greater in natural than created wetlands. The proportion of perennial plant species, the proportion of invertebrates in the shredder feeding guild, the number of Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Sphaeridae, and dragonfly (ETSD) taxa, the proportion of individuals in the dominant bird taxa, and the proportion of avian edge species were all greater in created wetlands than in natural wetlands. The community similarity (based on Jaccard’s similarity index) in the two wetland types was 38% for plants, 56% for macroinvertebrates, and 65% for birds. For some individual metrics, assemblage members had similar attributes (e.g., proportion of omnivorous taxa) although the specific taxa often differed between natural and created wetlands. These differences may influence the performance of certain assessment methods when they are applied to created wetlands.
Interactive design space exploration and optimization for CAD models

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is a multi-billion dollar industry used by almost every mechanical engineer in the world to create practically every existing manufactured shape. CAD models are not only widely available but also extremely useful in the growing field of fabrication-oriented design because they are parametric by construction and capture the engineer's design intent, including manufacturability. Harnessing this data, however, is challenging, because generating the geometry for a given parameter value requires time-consuming computations. Furthermore, the resulting meshes have different combinatorics, making the mesh data inherently discontinuous with respect to parameter adjustments. In our work, we address these challenges and develop tools that allow interactive exploration and optimization of parametric CAD data. To achieve interactive rates, we use precomputation on an adaptively sampled grid and propose a novel scheme for interpolating in this domain where each sample is a mesh with different combinatorics. Specifically, we extract partial correspondences from CAD representations for local mesh morphing and propose a novel interpolation method for adaptive grids that is both continuous/smooth and local (i.e., the influence of each sample is constrained to the local regions where mesh morphing can be computed). We show examples of how our method can be used to interactively visualize and optimize objects with a variety of physical properties.