Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shared Decision Making and the Use of Decision Aids.

BACKGROUND In shared decision making (SDM), the patient and the physician reach decisions in partnership. We conducted a trial of SDM training for physicians who treat patients with cancer. METHODS Physicians who treat patients with cancer were invited to participate in a cluster-randomized trial and carry out SDM together with breast or colon cancer patients who faced decisions about their treatment. Decision-related physician-patient conversations were recorded. The patients filled out questionnaires immediately after the consultations (T1) and three months later (T2). The primary endpoints were the patients' confidence in and satisfaction with the decisions taken. The secondary endpoints were the process of decision making, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and externally assessed physician competence in SDM. The physicians in the intervention group underwent 12 hours of training in SDM, including the use of decision aids. RESULTS Of the 900 physicians invited to participated in the trial, 105 answered the invitation. 86 were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group (44 and 42 physicians, respectively); 33 of the 86 physicians recruited at least one patient for the trial. A total of 160 patients participated in the trial, of whom 55 were treated by physicians in the intervention group. There were no intergroup differences in the primary endpoints. Trained physicians were more competent in SDM (Cohen's d = 0.56; p<0.05). Patients treated by trained physicians had lower anxiety and depression scores immediately after the consultation (d = -0.12 and -0.14, respectively; p<0.10), and markedly lower anxiety and depression scores three months later (d = -0.94 and -0.67, p<0.01). CONCLUSION When physicians treating cancer patients improve their competence in SDM by appropriate training, their patients may suffer less anxiety and depression. These effects merit further study.
A Double Negative Loop Comprising ETV6/RUNX1 and MIR181A1 Contributes to Differentiation Block in t(12;21)-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with t(12;21), which results in expression of the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene, is the most common chromosomal lesion in precursor-B (pre-B) ALL. We identified 17 microRNAs that were downregulated in ETV6/RUNX1 + compared with ETV6/RUNX1 − clinical samples. Among these microRNAs, miR-181a-1 was the most significantly reduced (by ~75%; P < 0.001). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that ETV6/RUNX1 directly binds the regulatory region of MIR181A1, and knockdown of ETV6/RUNX1 increased miR-181a-1 level. We further showed that miR-181a (functional counterpart of miR-181a-1) could target ETV6/RUNX1 and cause a reduction in the level of the oncoprotein ETV6/RUNX1, cell growth arrest, an increase in apoptosis, and induction of cell differentiation in ETV6/RUNX1 + cell line. Moreover, ectopic expression of miR-181a also resulted in decreased CD10 hyperexpression in ETV6/RUNX1 + primary patient samples. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MIR181A1 and ETV6/RUNX1 regulate each other, and we propose that a double negative loop involving MIR181A1 and ETV6/RUNX1 may contribute to ETV6/RUNX1-driven arrest of differentiation in pre-B ALL.
Lack of Anatomical Concordance between Preablation and Postablation CT Images: A Risk Factor Related to Ablation Site Recurrence

Objective. Variation in the position of the liver between preablation and postablation CT images hampers assessment of treatment of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that discordant preablation and postablation imaging is associated with more ablation site recurrences (ASRs). Methods. Patients with CRLM were included. Index-tumor size, location, number, RFA approachs and ablative margins were obtained on CT scans. Preablation and postablation CT images were assigned a “Similarity of Positioning Score” (SiPS). A suitable cutoff was determined. Images were classified as identical (SiPS-id) or nonidentical (SiPS-diff). ASR was identified prospectively on follow-up imaging. Results. Forty-seven patients with 97 tumors underwent 64 RFA procedures (39 patients/63 tumors open RFA, 25 patients/34 tumours CT-targeted RFA, 12 patients underwent >1 RFA). Images of 52 (54%) ablation sites were classified as SiPS-id, 45 (46%) as SiPS-diff. Index-tumor size, tumor location and number, concomitant partial hepatectomy, and RFA approach did not influence the SiPS. ASR developed in 11/47 (23%) patients and 20/97 (21%) tumours. ASR occurred less frequently after open RFA than after CT targeted RFA (P < 0.001). ASR was associated with larger index-tumour size (18.9 versus 12.8 mm, P = 0.011). Cox proportional hazard model confirmed SiPS-diff, index-tumour size >20 mm and CT-targeted RFA as independent risk factors for ASR. Conclusion. Variation in anatomical concordance between preablation and postablation images, index-tumor size, and a CT-targeted approach are risk factors for ASR in CRLM.
Factors associated with first molar dental enamel defects: a multivariate epidemiological approach.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to ascertain factors linked to developmental defects of tooth enamel (DDE) in first permanent molars. METHODS A retrospective epidemiological case-control study was conducted with 48 cases and 149 controls. Dental examinations were performed on 8-year-old children in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. DDE were defined according to FDI World Dental Federation criteria (DDE index). The various study variables were measured and compared during the first 3 years of life, using dental and health records. These variables included gender, pediatric care, hospital admission, certain specific diseases (urinary tract infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, varicella, gastroenteritis, otitis) and drug therapies. A multivariate analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression techniques. RESULTS The multivariate analysis indicated that: girls had at least a two-fold risk of DDE; frequent pediatric care showed a strong association with DDE, which had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.40 to 4.16 according to year of life; urinary tract infection (UTI) registered a strong association in the second and third years of life with DDE, showing an OR of 32.4 in the second year of life and 6.33 in the third year of life; and mucolytics acted as a protective factor for DDE with an OR range of 0.53 to 0.23 according to year of life. CONCLUSIONS Female gender, UTI, and high frequency of pediatric care registered a strong association with DDE. Treatment with mucolytics exerted a protective effect against DDE.
Educational Degrees and Adult Mortality Risk in the United States

We present the first published estimates of U. S. adult mortality risk by detailed educational degree, including advanced postsecondary degrees. We use the 1997–2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Linked Mortality Files and Cox proportional hazards models to reveal wide graded differences in mortality by educational degree. Compared to adults who have a professional degree, those with an MA are 5 percent, those with a BA are 26 percent, those with an AA are 44 percent, those with some college are 65 percent, high school graduates are 80 percent, and those with a GED or 12 or fewer years of schooling are at least 95 percent more likely to die during the follow-up period, net of sociodemographic controls. These differentials vary by gender and cohort. Advanced educational degrees are associated not only with increased workforce skill level but with a reduced risk of death.
Effect of antihypertensive treatment with candesartan or amlodipine on glutathione and its redox status, homocysteine and vitamin concentrations in patients with essential hypertension

Objective To compare the effect of candesartan or amlodipine on concentrations of cellular markers of oxidative stress, plasma homocysteine and vitamins in hypertensive patients. Methods Forty-nine middle-aged patients with untreated stage I–II essential hypertension were recruited in a randomized double-blind double-dummy study to receive a daily dose either of 8 mg candesartan (n = 25) or 5 mg amlodipine (n = 24) for 16 weeks. Blood pressure, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione redox ratio (GSSG : GSH) in red blood cells, plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid status were measured at baseline, at week 2 and at week 16. The same parameters were measured in 32 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. An increase in homocysteine of at least 2 μmol/l was considered significant. Results Hypertensive patients had significantly greater oxidative stress and homocysteine concentrations than controls. In addition to a significant decrease in blood pressure, in both treatment groups GSSG decreased (P < 0.03), GSSG : GSH had a tendency to decrease (P = 0.054), but homocysteine did not change. An increase in homocysteine concentration of at least 2 μmol/l was found in 12 patients (five in the candesartan group, seven in the amlodipine group), with a significant decrease in folic acid concentration and no changes in cellular oxidative stress. In patients with no increase in homocysteine concentration, both GSSG (P < 0.02) and GSSG : GSH (P = 0.051) decreased. GSH and vitamin B12 did not change in any of the groups studied. Conclusion: Untreated hypertension is associated with disturbed glutathione redox status and increased plasma homocysteine concentrations. Both candesartan and amlodipine had favourable effects on cellular oxidative stress, but the oxidative stress status did not decrease in patients with adverse changes in homocysteine.
Health-related gender boundary crossing in youth elite sport

Abstract Gender has been found to play an important role in moderating health outcomes and behaviours. However, strong similarities in male and female athletes’ handling of pain and injury have been noted. The dominance of health practices associated with ‘orthodox masculinity’ references elite sport’s risky body culture. Drawing on the concept of ‘gender boundary crossing’, we question how athletes negotiate orthodox masculine health practices and body–self relationships in the process of socialization. Our analysis draws on qualitative interviews with male and female athletes aged 14–19 performing at the national level in German youth elite sport. Our findings indicate that while practices of pain ignorance and instrumental body relations dominate among female and male adolescent athletes, some develop less orthodox practices such as caring for the body and avoiding health risks. Critical events and alternative social networks were found to promote this health-related gender boundary crossing in elite sport.
Towards Robust Skill Generalization: Unifying Learning from Demonstration and Motion Planning

In this paper, we present Combined Learning from demonstration And Motion Planning (CLAMP) as an efficient approach to skill learning and generalizable skill reproduction. CLAMP combines the strengths of Learning from Demonstration (LfD) and motion planning into a unifying framework. We carry out probabilistic inference to find trajectories which are optimal with respect to a given skill and also feasible in different scenarios. We use factor graph optimization to speed up inference. To encode optimality, we provide a new probabilistic skill model based on a stochastic dynamical system. This skill model requires minimal parameter tuning to learn, is suitable to encode skill constraints, and allows efficient inference. Preliminary experimental results showing skill generalization over initial robot state and unforeseen obstacles are presented.
Tobacco and alcohol as risk factors in cancer of the larynx in Kerala, India

A case‐control study of cancer of the larynx was carried out in Kerala, Southern India, on 191 male cancer cases and 549 male hospital‐based controls. Risk factors investigated were pan(betel)‐tobacco chewing, bidi and cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and inhaling snuff. Significant positive associations with risk were observed for bidi smoking (p < 0.001), bidi and cigarette smoking (p < 0.001) and drinking alcohol (p < 0.001). A predisposing effect of smoking cigarettes alone approached significance (0.1 < p < 0.05), What appeared to be an almost significant protective effect of pan‐tobacco chewing (0.1 < p < 0.05) was found to be an artefact of confounding with smoking, and indeed a significant predisposing effect was observed of occasional chewing (p < 0.001). After a stepwise logistic regression to eliminate those factors which were not significant when adjusted for other factors, significant effects remained of durations of bidi smoking and cigarette smoking, daily frequency of bidi and cigarette smoking and duration of alcohol drinking. Relative risks of 7.12, 5.18 and 2.58 were observed for durations of more than 20 years of bidi smoking, cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol respectively, and a relative risk of 12.68 was observed for those smoking more than 20 bidis/cigarettes per day, in each case relative to a baseline of those negative for the relevant habit.
Feedback-motion-planning with simulation-based LQR-trees

The paper presents the simulation-based variant of the LQR-tree feedback-motion-planning approach. The algorithm generates a control policy that stabilizes a nonlinear dynamic system from a bounded set of initial conditions to a goal. This policy is represented by a tree of feedback-stabilized trajectories. The algorithm explores the bounded set with random state samples and, where needed, adds new trajectories to the tree using motion planning. Simultaneously, the algorithm approximates the funnel of a trajectory, which is the set of states that can be stabilized to the goal by the trajectory’s feedback policy. Generating a control policy that stabilizes the bounded set to the goal is equivalent to adding trajectories to the tree until their funnels cover the set. In previous work, funnels are approximated with sums-of-squares verification. Here, funnels are approximated by sampling and falsification by simulation, which allows the application to a broader range of systems and a straightforward enforcement of input and state constraints. A theoretical analysis shows that, in the long run, the algorithm tends to improve the coverage of the bounded set as well as the funnel approximations. Focusing on the practical application of the method, a detailed example implementation is given that is used to generate policies for two example systems. Simulation results support the theoretical findings, while experiments demonstrate the algorithm’s state-constraints capability, and applicability to highly-dynamic systems.
Recycling the orphan photograph: the new life of Jewish objects

The aim of this article is to explore the new lives of prewar photographs of European Jewry. In particular, I employ the concept of ‘orphan photograph’ which describes any work whose owners, producers, and the subjects featured in them are no longer available. Working from the premise that a photograph is not only a two-dimensional representation but also a three-dimensional object, I show how family images are consumed, distributed, discarded, salvaged and brought back to life. As I argue in this article, with the annihilation of their owners the once-important personal meanings of the pictures become obscured and obliterated. Subsequently, in post-Holocaust culture orphan photographs become invested with collective values. In the process of being recycled, these private family photographs are transformed into public spaces through which new visions of the past are projected and group interests promoted. Drawing on two case studies from Poland, I look at the ways in which these orphaned images are used by writers and NGOs, and examine how the various agents affect the subsequent readings of these artefacts. The article shows that once allowed to ‘speak for themselves’ these images reveal an immense capacity to challenge our pre-set notions of the past and escape the ‘backshadowing’ narrative of the Shoah.
Comparison of Mathematical Models for the HUGIN 4500 AUV Based on Experimental Data

This paper reports the development and comparison of several mathematical models for describing the response of the HUGIN 4500 AUV as a function of measured actuator inputs. As a crucial step in fitting the derived models to experimental field data, a combination of dedicated experiments and least-squares estimation is applied in order to obtain an estimate of the sea current, and properly compensate for it during the identification stage. The established models are extensively cross-validated with uncorrelated data, which is a standard step in system identification to prevent over-fitting observed data. The vehicle response predicted by the proposed models shows good agreement with real measurements. The possible use of mathematical vehicle models includes control and navigation system design, applications to fault detection and integrity, and vehicle design evaluation. The content of this paper is motivated from the perspective of developing second generation underwater navigation systems, tightly integrating model-based velocity estimates and knowledge of commanded and measured actuator signals.
GenoType MTBDRplus Assay for Molecular Detection of Rifampin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains and Clinical Samples

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the GenoType MTBDRplus assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) for its ability to detect resistance to rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical strains and directly in clinical samples. A total of 62 clinical strains characterized with the Bactec 460TB system were included. For the INH-resistant strains, the MIC was measured and sequencing was performed. Sixty-five clinical samples from 28 patients (39 smear-positive samples and 26 smear-negative samples) were also tested directly. The corresponding isolates of the clinical specimens were studied with the Bactec 460TB system. The overall rates of concordance of the MTBDRplus assay and the Bactec 460TB system for the detection of RIF and INH susceptibility in clinical strains were 98.3% (61/62) and 79% (49/62), respectively. The rate of concordance between the Bactec 460TB system and the MTBDRplus test for the detection of INH resistance in the group of 27 strains with low-level resistance was 62.9% (17/27), and that for the detection of INH resistance in the group of 21 strains with high-level resistance was 85.71% (18/21). Valid test results were obtained for 78.45% (51/65) of the clinical samples tested. The rates of concordance between both assays for the detection of drug resistance in these samples were 98% (50/51) for RIF and 96.2% (49/51) for INH. Taking into account only one sample per patient, the overall rate of concordance between both tests was 92.85% (26/28). The GenoType MTBDRplus assay is easy to perform and is a useful tool for the management of tuberculosis, as it allows the detection of resistance to RIF and INH in M. tuberculosis strains and also in clinical samples.
Differences on the effect of heat waves on mortality by sociodemographic and urban landscape characteristics

Background Mortality increases during heat waves have been reported worldwide. The magnitude of these increases can vary within regions according to sociodemographic and urban landscape characteristics. The objectives of this study were to explore this variation and its determinants, and to identify the most heat-vulnerable areas by mapping heat vulnerability. Methods We conducted a time-stratified case-crossover analysis using daily mortality in the Barcelona metropolitan area during the warm seasons of 1999–2006. Temperature data on the date of death were assigned to each individual, which were assigned to their census tract of residence. Eight census tract-level variables on socioeconomic or built environment characteristics were obtained from the census. Residence surrounding greenness was obtained from satellite data. The relative risk (RR) of mortality after three consecutive hot days (defined as those exceeding the 95th percentile of maximum temperature) was calculated via conditional logistic regression. Effect modification was examined by including interaction terms. Results Analyses were based on 52 806 deaths. The effect of three consecutive hot days was a 30% increase in all-cause mortality (RR=1.30, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.38). Heterogeneity of this effect was observed across census tracts. The effect of heat on mortality was higher in the census tracts with a large percentage of old buildings (RR=1.21, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.46), manual workers (RR=1.25, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.64) and residents perceiving little surrounding greenness (RR=1.29, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.65). After three consecutive hot days, mortality doubled in the most heat-vulnerable census tracts. Conclusions Sociodemographic and urban landscape characteristics are associated to mortality risk during heat waves and are useful to build heat vulnerability maps.
A survey of public knowledge and awareness related to antibiotic use and resistance in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES To examine the level of knowledge about antibiotic treatment and awareness of antibiotic resistance among the general public in Sweden. METHODS A quantitative, cross-sectional interview study based on a structured questionnaire used during telephone interviews. The sample comprised 1000 randomly selected individuals aged 21-80 years throughout Sweden. Demographic data as well as level of agreement with various statements concerning antibiotics and antibiotic use were provided by the respondents. RESULTS The response rate was 74.7%. Of the respondents, 19.1% agreed that antibiotics cure common colds more quickly; this belief was higher in those who had not previously received antibiotics. A high proportion, 80.7%, agreed that bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics. Trust in doctors was high, and significantly more respondents reported trusting the doctor not prescribing an antibiotic, 87.0%, than the doctor prescribing an antibiotic, 81.0%. The respondents showed some confusion surrounding the terms 'bacteria' and 'viruses', and the meaning of these in relation to the prescribing decision. CONCLUSIONS The high level of trust in restrictive prescribing as well as the awareness of antibiotic resistance expressed by the Swedish public should be recognized by health professionals and utilized in future campaigns.
Measurement of safe sex behavior in adolescents and young adults.

The aim of this project was to develop an instrument to measure use of safe sex practices among adolescents and to conduct initial evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument. The Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ) was designed to measure the frequency of use of safe sex practices and was assessed for content validity, reliability, and construct validity through a series of tests. The content validity index computed for the SSBQ was 98%. Initial reliability computed for sums of items of the total scale was . 82 among 89 college freshmen. Using a second sample of 531 subjects, the SSBQ was factor-analyzed separately for males and females and five similar factors emerged for each gender. Reliability coefficients for sums of salient items for each factor ranged from . 52 to . 85. Using a third sample of 174 subjects, construct validity was assessed by correlating the SSBQ with measures of general assertiveness and general risk-taking. The resulting correlations were appreciable and in the predicted directions, thus providing support for the construct validity of the instrument.