Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fluid Therapy LiDCO Controlled Trial—Optimization of Volume Resuscitation of Extensively Burned Patients through Noninvasive Continuous Real-Time Hemodynamic Monitoring LiDCO

This pilot trial aims at gaining support for the optimization of acute burn resuscitation through noninvasive continuous real-time hemodynamic monitoring using arterial pulse contour analysis. A group of 21 burned patients meeting preliminary criteria (age range 18–75 years with second- third- degree burns and TBSA ≥10–75%) was randomized during 2010. A hemodynamic monitoring through lithium dilution cardiac output was used in 10 randomized patients (LiDCO group), whereas those without LiDCO monitoring were defined as the control group. The modified Brooke/Parkland formula as a starting resuscitative formula, balanced crystalloids as the initial solutions, urine output of 0.5 ml/kg/hr as a crucial value of adequate intravascular filling were used in both groups. Additionally, the volume and vasopressor/inotropic support were based on dynamic preload parameters in the LiDCO group in the case of circulatory instability and oligouria. Statistical analysis was done using t-tests. Within the first 24 hours postburn, a significantly lower consumption of crystalloids was registered in LiDCO group (P = .04). The fluid balance under LiDCO control in combination with hourly diuresis contributed to reducing the cumulative fluid balance approximately by 10% compared with fluid management based on standard monitoring parameters. The amount of applied solutions in the LiDCO group got closer to Brooke formula whereas the urine output was at the same level in both groups (0.8 ml/kg/hr). The new finding in this study is that when a fluid resuscitation is based on the arterial waveform analysis, the initial fluid volume provided was significantly lower than that delivered on the basis of physician-directed fluid resuscitation (by urine output and mean arterial pressure). (J Burn Care Res 2013;34:537–542)
Minimally invasive technique for coxofemoral luxation stabilisation using transarticular toggle system: a cadaveric study

OBJECTIVE To present a novel, semi-closed, surgical technique for coxofemoral luxation stabilisation using a transarticular toggle rod. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Craniodorsal luxation was generated by transecting the ligamentum teres in 12 coxofemoral joints and was then reduced using a closed technique. Anteversion and inclination angles were measured using fluoroscopic projections. An arthroscope was inserted through a bone tunnel drilled from the third trochanter through the femoral neck. Following retraction of the arthroscope, a hole was drilled through the acetabular fossa via the femoral bone tunnel. A standard Arthrex® TightRope toggle button was pushed through the femoral bone tunnel into the acetabular fossa hole and tied over the oval metallic button above the third trochanter site. The exit point of the drill hole over the femoral head and that in the acetabular fossa were evaluated by surgical exposure of the coxofemoral articular surfaces. RESULTS The TightRope entrance point into the acetabular fossa was accurate in all joints, with a mean distance from the acetabular fossa centre of 0·06 ±0·1 mm. The measured distance of the TightRope exit point from the femoral head to the fovea capitis was 2·04 ±1·7 mm. Femoral head cartilage damage was detected in nine of 12 joints. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Closed reduction and stabilisation of coxofemoral luxations can be achieved using this minimally invasive technique. Refinements to the technique may be needed for its application in clinical cases due to relative high incidence of femoral head cartilage damage.
Transperitoneal Approach versus Retroperitoneal Approach: A Meta-Analysis of Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objective To compare the efficiency and safety of the transperitoneal approaches with retroperitoneal approaches in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and provide evidence-based medicine support for clinical treatment. Methods A systematic computer search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was executed to identify retrospective observational and prospective randomized controlled trials studies that compared the outcomes of the two approaches in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and evaluated the included studies and executed statistical analysis by using software STATA 12.0. Outcomes of interest included perioperative and postoperative variables, surgical complications and oncological variables. Results There were 8 studies assessed transperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (TLPN) versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) were included. RLPN had a shorter operating time (SMD = 1.001,95%confidence interval[CI] 0.609–1.393,P<0.001), a lower estimated blood loss (SMD = 0.403,95%CI 0.015–0.791,P = 0.042) and a shorter length of hospital stay (WMD = 0.936 DAYS,95%CI 0.609–1.263,P<0.001) than TLPN. There were no significant differences between the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches in other outcomes of interest. Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates that, in appropriately selected patients, especially patients with intraperitoneal procedures history or posteriorly located renal tumors, the RLPN can shorten the operation time, reduce the estimated blood loss and shorten the length of hospital stay. RLPN may be equally safe and be faster compared with the TLPN.
Where to Focus Efforts to Reduce the Black–White Disparity in Stroke Mortality: Incidence Versus Case Fatality?

Background and Purpose— At age 45 years, blacks have a stroke mortality ≈3× greater than their white counterparts, with a declining disparity at older ages. We assess whether this black–white disparity in stroke mortality is attributable to a black–white disparity in stroke incidence versus a disparity in case fatality. Methods— We first assess if black–white differences in stroke mortality within 29 681 participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort reflect national black–white differences in stroke mortality and then assess the degree to which black–white differences in stroke incidence or 30-day case fatality after stroke contribute to the disparities in stroke mortality. Results— The pattern of stroke mortality within the study mirrors the national pattern, with the black-to-white hazard ratio of ≈4.0 at age 45 years decreasing to ≈1.0 at age 85 years. The pattern of black-to-white disparities in stroke incidence shows a similar pattern but no evidence of a corresponding disparity in stroke case fatality. Conclusions— These findings show that the black–white differences in stroke mortality are largely driven by differences in stroke incidence, with case fatality playing at most a minor role. Therefore, to reduce the black–white disparity in stroke mortality, interventions need to focus on prevention of stroke in blacks.
Equity Market Liberalization, Credit Constraints and Income Inequality

Abstract This paper provides compelling evidence that equity market liberalization, as the most efficient way to smooth financial market frictions such as credit constraints, can alleviate persistent cross-dynastic income inequality by promoting increased human capital accumulation. The authors examine the effect of equity market liberalization on inequality by using data from 72 countries for 1980–2006. Their measured effect is robust to alternative measures of equity market liberalization. Finally, The authors show that foreign equity flows benefit initially lessactive stock markets more than the active ones, providing evidence that foreign equity flows act as a substitute for domestic financial markets. This finding emphasizes the possibility of reducing inequality and poverty through equity market liberalization.
Association between excess weight and beverage portion size consumed in Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the beverage portion size consumed and to evaluate their association with excess weight in Brazil. METHODS We used data from the National Dietary Survey, which included individuals with two days of food record aged over 20 years (n = 24,527 individuals). The beverages were categorized into six groups: soft drink, 100% fruit juice, fruit drink, alcoholic beverage, milk, and coffee or tea. We estimated the average portion consumed for each group and we evaluated, using linear regression, the association between portion size per group and the variables of age, sex, income, and nutritional status. We tested the association between portion size and excess weight using Poisson regression, adjusted for age, sex, income, and total energy intake. RESULTS The most frequently consumed beverages in Brazil were coffee and tea, followed by 100% fruit juices, soft drinks, and milk. Alcoholic beverages presented the highest average in the portion size consumed, followed by soft drinks, 100% fruit juice, fruit drink, and milk. Portion size showed positive association with excess weight only in the soft drink (PR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.10–1.27) and alcoholic beverage groups (PR = 1.20, 95%CI, 1.11–1.29), regardless of age, sex, income, and total energy intake. CONCLUSIONS Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks presented the highest averages in portion size and positive association with excess weight. Public health interventions should address the issue of portion sizes offered to consumers by discouraging the consumption of large portions, especially sweetened and low nutritional beverages.
Foraging Distance and Population Size of Juvenile Colonies of the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Laboratory Extended Arenas

Abstract The relationship between colony size and foraging distance was examined in extended foraging arenas with juvenile colonies of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Our results showed that as long as royal pairs are present, larger colonies foraged at longer distances, and the oldest workers distributed farther away from the central nest. The results agree with the scaling model that predicts a large foraging range for animals of larger body size. An analysis of published data from population survey studies and field trials of bait toxicants showed that field colonies of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), follow the scaling model, while C. formosanus colonies were inconsistent with the model prediction. Reasons for the inconsistency with field data of C. formosanus are discussed.
Size Effect in Thermally Damaged Concrete

Detailed experimental observations and numerical simulations are presented for the evaluation of residual properties of high-strength concrete specimens after exposure to high temperatures. Heated and nonheated notched four-point bending specimens were tested at ambient conditions approximately 1 month after exposure to the high temperature. Residual strength and post-peak response were monitored using a closed-loop load frame, and the fracture process zone was observed using Electronic Speckle Interferometry. The symmetric over-nonlocal formulation of a microplane model was used for interpreting the experimental investigation. The size-effect results were used to identify the true tensile strength and the initial fracture energy corresponding to the peak and the initial post-peak slope of a linear cohesive crack law. This study reveals that the material ductility increases with the thermal damage, which is explained by the increase of the fracture process zone size and the characteristic length.
Decentralized Computation Offloading and Resource Allocation in Heterogeneous Networks with Mobile Edge Computing

We consider a heterogeneous network with mobile edge computing, where a user can offload its computation to one among multiple servers. In particular, we minimize the system-wide computation overhead by jointly optimizing the individual computation decisions, transmit power of the users, and computation resource at the servers. The crux of the problem lies in the combinatorial nature of multi-user offloading decisions, the complexity of the optimization objective, and the existence of inter-cell interference. Then, we decompose the underlying problem into two subproblems: i) the offloading decision, which includes two phases of user association and subchannel assignment, and ii) joint resource allocation, which can be further decomposed into the problems of transmit power and computation resource allocation. To enable distributed computation offloading, we sequentially apply a many-to-one matching game for user association and a one-to-one matching game for subchannel assignment. Moreover, the transmit power of offloading users is found using a bisection method with approximate inter-cell interference, and the computation resources allocated to offloading users is achieved via the duality approach. The proposed algorithm is shown to converge and is stable. Finally, we provide simulations to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm as well as comparisons with the existing frameworks.
Tetracycline antibiotics transfer from contaminated milk to dairy products and the effect of the skimming step and pasteurisation process on residue concentrations

ABSTRACT The presence of antibiotics in raw milk and milk derivatives poses a threat to human health and can negatively affect the dairy industry. Therefore, the main object of this study was to investigate the transfer of oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), chlortetracycline (CTC) and doxycycline (DC) from raw, experimental milk contaminated with tetracyclines (TCs) to different dairy products: cream, butter, buttermilk, sour milk, whey, curd and cheese. Additionally the effect of the skimming process on TCs concentrations was tested, as well as the influence of low-temperature long-time pasteurisation. The analyses of TCs in milk and dairy products were performed by an LC-MS/MS method. In order to determine TCs residues in dairy products, an analytical method was developed with the same extraction step for all matrices. TCs molecules were inhomogenously distributed between the milk derivative fractions. The highest concentrations were determined in curd and cheese in the ranges 320–482 µg/kg and 280–561 µg/kg, respectively. Low levels of TCs in butter and whey were observed (11.8–41.2 µg/kg). TCs were found in sour milk (66.0–111 µg/kg), cream (85.0–115 µg/kg) and buttermilk (196–221 µg/kg) at much higher levels than in butter and whey, but lower than in curd and cheese. During the skimming process, the highest yield of cream was obtained after the raw milk was held at 2–8°C for 24 h. The differences in concentrations of TCs between whole milk and skimmed milk, expressed as percentages of recovery, were below 19% (recoveries in excess of 81%). The highest content was observed in milk and cream skimmed at 2–8°C. The degradation percentages for TCs during the pasteurisation process (63°C for 30 min) were below 19%.
A Stabilizing Controller for Regulation of UAV With Manipulator

Stability is not trivial in aerial manipulation tasks because of the dynamical coupling between the aerial vehicle and the manipulator. This is especially true when the manipulator becomes heavy, so that its dynamics can be significant. In this letter, a stabilizing controller for the regulation of overall system will be designed without using any assumptions on the dynamic model. In addition, thorough discussion with simulation validation is presented.
Design of ultra low‐power RF oscillators based on the inversion coefficient methodology using BSIM6 model

This paper presents a fast and accurate way to design and optimize LC oscillators using the inversion coefficient (IC). This methodology consists of four steps: linear analysis, nonlinear analysis, phase noise analysis, and optimization using a figure of merit. For given amplitude of oscillation and frequency, we are able to determine all the design variables in order to get the best trade‐off between current consumption and phase noise. This methodology is demonstrated through the design of Pierce and cross‐coupled oscillators and has been verified with BSIM6 metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor compact model using the parameters of a commercial advanced 40 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High tobacco consumption lowers body weight: a Mendelian randomization study of the Copenhagen General Population Study.

BACKGROUND Conflicting evidence has been found regarding the association between high tobacco consumption and body weight among smokers. We tested the hypothesis that high tobacco consumption is causally associated with low body weight. METHODS We conducted a Mendelian randomization study with a genetic variant in CHRNA3 (rs1051730) as proxy for high tobacco consumption. The cohort consisted of 80,342 participants from the Copenhagen General Population Study, with details on body weight, smoking habits and CHRNA3 genotype, including 15,220 current smokers. RESULTS In observational analyses, high tobacco consumption was associated with high body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-hip ratio. In multivariable adjusted models a 1-cigarette/day higher tobacco consumption was associated with 0.05 kg (95% confidence interval 0.02; 0.08) higher body weight, 0.02 kg/m(2) (0.01; 0.02) higher body mass index, 0.10 cm (0.07; 0.12) higher waist circumference and 0.02 cm (0.001; 0.03) higher hip circumference. In contrast, the per-allele increase inCHRNA3 rs1051730 associated with high tobacco consumption was associated with 0.59 kg (0.96; 0.22) lower body weight, 0.23 kg/m(2) (0.33; 0.13) lower body mass index, 0.32 cm (0.74; 0.003) lower waist circumference and 0.45 cm (0.66; 0.24) lower hip circumference. No association was found between tobacco consumption and waist-hip ratio in genetic analysis, or among CHRNA3 genotype and any of the outcome variables in former or never smokers. CONCLUSIONS High tobacco consumption causes lower body weight among current smokers. However, smoking does not seem to affect body shape or fat distribution causally. The lack of association between CHRNA3 genotype and body weight among former smokers and never smokers favours smoking as the causal factor for the observed associations.
Feeding Tube Insertion and Placement Confirmation Using Electromagnetic Guidance: A Team Review

BACKGROUND Challenges for bedside placement of small-bore feeding tube (SBFT) include iatrogenic injury, multiple exposures to x-rays, and prolonged placement times. In 2011, the study facility began a feeding tube placement team (FTPT) using the CORTRAK system (CS) in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) and medical-surgical populations. In 2013, a protocol was implemented using the CS to determine final SBFT location. METHODS Serial retrospective reviews were done of patients with SBFT placement by the FTPT during July 2011-December 2012 and 2015. Measures included pulmonary deviation, tube location, placement agreement beyond chance for CS tracing and confirmation radiography (CR), x-ray frequency, and placement time intervals. RESULTS A total of 6290 SBFT placements were completed for 4239 patients. First-attempt SBFT locations were 12.78% gastric, 13.39% first through fourth portion of duodenum, and 73.83% ligament of Treitz/jejunum, with zero placements in esophagus or lung. In 2015, staff avoided 68 lung placements by recognizing proximal pulmonary deviation. X-ray preprotocol vs protocol (mean [SD]: 1.02 [0.15] vs 0.26 [0.44]) resulted in 74% x-ray reduction and cost avoidance of $346,000. Time intervals (mean [SD]; N = 6290) were 14.90 (12.74) minutes for insertion, 46.04 (13.80) minutes for placement event, and 3.85 (2.23) hours for consult conclusion. Agreement for n = 1692 placements was 85.28%, with k score of 0.622 (95% confidence limit: 0.582, 0.661; P = .0005). CONCLUSIONS Team management of SBFT placement using the CS optimizes patient safety, standardizes practice, and decreases cost. Using the CS to determine final SBFT location is a safe alternative to CR.
Internet-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression: Current Progress and Future Directions

Abstract The World Health Organization estimates that during a given 12-month period, approximately 34 million people suffering from major depressive disorder go untreated in Europe and the Americas alone. Barriers to treatment include geographic distance, lack of mental health insurance, prohibitive cost of treatment, long wait-lists, and perceived stigma. Over the past two decades, Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs have proliferated. A growing body of research supports the efficacy of iCBT for depression and other psychiatric conditions, and these programs may help address barriers that hinder access to effective treatment. The present review describes common iCBT programs along with the evidence base supporting their efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression, reviews research on moderators of treatment response, and provides suggestions for future directions in research and care.
Influence of Recycled Concrete Composition on its Elastic Stiffness

The presented study was focused on the influence of the micronized recycled a concrete sleeper on the mechanical properties of fine-grained concrete, specifically on dynamic modulus of elasticity. The tested material consisted of cement CEM I 42.5R (Radotín), crushed bricks fraction 2-5 mm, 0-4 mm sand and micronized recycled concrete fraction 0-0.125 mm. Individual material samples differed in the quantity of cement and finely ground recycled concrete (milled at Ltd. Lavaris, Libčice – Czech Republic). Cement was replaced by the recycled concrete in an amount of 30, 50 and 70 weight percent. Testing was performed on beams of dimensions 40 × 40 × 160 mm by using non-destructive testing – pulse method. The article compares the values obtained between 2-nd and 28-th day.
Wide spetcrum mutational analysis of metastatic renal cell cancer: a retrospective next generation sequencing approach

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is characterized by histological and molecular heterogeneity that may account for variable response to targeted therapies. We evaluated retrospectively with a next generation sequencing (NGS) approach using a pre-designed cancer panel the mutation burden of 32 lesions from 22 metastatic RCC patients treated with at least one tyrosine kinase or mTOR inhibitor. We identified mutations in the VHL, PTEN, JAK3, MET, ERBB4, APC, CDKN2A, FGFR3, EGFR, RB1, TP53 genes. Somatic alterations were correlated with response to therapy. Most mutations hit VHL1 (31,8%) followed by PTEN (13,6%), JAK3, FGFR and TP53 (9% each). Eight (36%) patients were wild-type at least for the genes included in the panel. A genotype concordance between primary RCC and its secondary lesion was found in 3/6 cases. Patients were treated with Sorafenib, Sunitinib and Temsirolimus with partial responses in 4 (18,2%) and disease stabilization in 7 (31,8%). Among the 4 partial responders, 1 (25%) was wild-type and 3 (75%) harbored different VHL1 variants. Among the 7 patients with disease stabilization 2 (29%) were wild-type, 2 (29%) PTEN mutated, and single patients (14% each) displayed mutations in VHL1, JAK3 and APC/CDKN2A. Among the 11 non-responders 7 (64%) were wild-type, 2 (18%) were p53 mutated and 2 (18%) VHL1 mutated. No significant associations were found among RCC histotype, mutation variants and response to therapies. In the absence of predictive biomarkers for metastatic RCC treatment, a NGS approach may address single patients to basket clinical trials according to actionable molecular specific alterations.