Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Manual small incision cataract surgery under topical anesthesia with intracameral lignocaine: Study on pain evaluation and surgical outcome

The authors here describe manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) by using topical anesthesia with intracameral 0.5% lignocaine, which eliminates the hazards of local anesthesia, cuts down cost and time taken for the administration of local anesthesia. Aims To evaluate the patients' and surgeons' experience in MSICS using topical anesthesia with intracameral lignocaine in terms of pain, surgical complications, and outcome. Settings and Design Prospective interventional case series. Materials and Methods Ninety-six patients of senile cataract were operated by MSICS under topical anesthesia with intracameral lignocaine using “fish hook technique. ” The patients and the single operating surgeon were given a questionnaire to evaluate their experience in terms of pain, surgical experience, and complications. Statistical Analysis Used Statistical analysis software “Analyseit. ” Results There were 96 patients enrolled in the study. The mean pain score was 0.7 (SD ± 0.97, range 0–5, median 0.0, and mode 0.0). Fifty-one patients (53%) had pain score of zero, that is, no pain. Ninety-one patients (˜95%) had a score of less than 3, that is, mild pain to none. All the surgeries were complication-free except one and the surgeon's experience was favorable in terms of patient's cooperation, anterior chamber stability, difficulty, and complications. The ocular movements were not affected, and hence, the eye patch could be removed immediately following the surgery. Conclusions MSICS can be performed under topical anesthesia with intracameral lignocaine, which makes the surgery patient friendly, without compromising the outcome.
Mispredicting and misremembering: patients with renal failure overestimate improvements in quality of life after a kidney transplant.

OBJECTIVE People tend to overestimate the impact that future events will have on their quality of life. In the case of a medical treatment like kidney transplant, this should result in biased predictions--overestimates of how much the transplant will benefit quality of life. The authors surveyed kidney transplant patients, both before and after transplant, to test whether they would overestimate the benefits of a successful transplant for their quality of life. DESIGN The authors interviewed 307 patients on a waiting list for cadaveric renal or renal-pancreatic transplant, and 195 patients one year after a successful transplant. A sub sample of patients were interviewed both before and after transplant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The survey included measures of quality of life, both in terms of an overall estimate (0-100), and across sub domains, including health, employment, and travel. RESULTS Cross-sectional results suggested that overall quality of life improved after transplant, but the predictions of pretransplant patients overestimated the magnitude of the improvement (p < .01). In addition, patients predicted large improvements in specific life domains that did not change. These results were confirmed in longitudinal, prospective analyses. Additional analyses showed that posttransplant patients recalled their pretransplant quality of life to be much lower than what they had reported at the time. CONCLUSION Consistent with an impact bias, patients substantially overestimated the benefits of a successful kidney transplant, both in terms of predictions of life after treatment, and in their memories of QOL before the transplant.
Pacemaker Stored Electrograms: Teaching Us What Is Really Going On in Our Patients

NOWAK, B. : Pacemaker Stored Electrograms: Teaching Us What Is Really Going On in Our Patients. Stored electrograms (EGMs), well‐known diagnostic tools in implantable cardioverter defibrillators, have now been incorporated in pacemakers as well, thereby increasing their diagnostic capabilities. The clinician can detect and diagnose patient arrhythmias with EGMs and directly validate diagnostic data stored by the devices. The appropriateness of detection algorithms can also be judged. Initial experiences with pacemaker EGMs reveals their potential to detect and diagnose sensing or detection algorithm problems. These so‐called “false‐positive” EGMs help to optimize pacemaker programming. Date and time stamp can correlate an event to patient symptoms. Recent advances, like onset recordings and marker annotation, have further increased the effectiveness of stored EGMs. The use of patient‐triggered magnet‐stored EGMs facilitates diagnostic workups in symptomatic pacemaker patients and reveals nondevice related symptoms in a considerable number of cases. Stored EGMs in pacemakers will soon be a standard diagnostic tool that can illustrate what is really going on in our patients.
An artiﬁcial intelligent counter

This article, using a counter as an example, explores a novel approach in constructing a cognitive system. The system is a paired memory system of ‘‘left and right brain’’ consisting of a number of memory units. The ‘‘left brain’’ is dedicated to the cognitive process of symbols, and the ‘‘right brain’’ to the representation of the symbols. The left and right subsystems are connected by bundles of internal communication signals. The paired memory system can learn facts and generalize concepts. Its cognitive capability is realized through the communication among these memory units at diﬀerent cognitive levels within the system. The key claims in this paper are supported by empirical ﬁndings and theoretical principles. An AI counter is built and demonstrated in terms of concept learning and responding. (cid:1) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Mismatch in high-rate entropy-constrained vector quantization

Bucklew's (1984) high-rate vector quantizer mismatch result is extended from fixed-rate coding to variable-rate coding using a Lagrangian formulation. It is shown that if an asymptotically (high-rate) optimal sequence of variable rate codes is designed for a k-dimensional probability density function (PDF) g and then applied to another PDF f for which f/g is bounded, then the resulting mismatch or loss of performance from the optimal possible is given by the relative entropy or Kullback-Leibler (1968) divergence I(f/spl par/g). It is also shown that under the same assumptions, an asymptotically optimal code sequence for g can be converted to an asymptotically optimal code sequence for a mismatched source f by modifying only the lossless component of the code. Applications to quantizer design using uniform and Gaussian densities are described, including a high-rate analog to the Shannon rate-distortion result of Sakrison (1975) and Lapidoth (1997) showing that the Gaussian is the "worst case" for lossy compression of a source with known covariance. By coupling the mismatch result with composite quantizers, the worst case properties of uniform and Gaussian densities are extended to conditionally uniform and Gaussian densities, which provides a Lloyd clustering algorithm for fitting mixtures to general densities.
VacA and cagA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori isolated from raw meat in Isfahan province, Iran

Foods with animal origins play a substantial role in the transmission of Helicobacter pylori. The present investigation was carried out to study the vacA and cagA genotypes status of H. pylori isolated from various types of meat samples. Two hundred and twenty meat samples were collected and cultured. H. pylori-positive strains were analyzed for the presence of vacA and cagA genotypes. Eleven out of 220 (5.00%) samples were positive for H. pylori. Findings were confirmed by nested PCR. Prevalence of H. pylori in the meat samples of slaughterhouses and butcheries were 72.20% and 27.70%, respectively. The most commonly detected genotypes in the meat samples of slaughterhouses and butcheries were vacA m1a (66.66%) and vacA s1a (37.50%), respectively. The S1am1a was the most commonly detected genotype. Meat sampled from butcheries had the higher prevalence of H. pylori and its genotypes than those of slaughterhouses (p < 0.05). Results showed that meat samples could be the potential sources of virulent strains of H. pylori. Application of sanitary measures in the storage, transportation and sale of meat is essential for reducing the levels of H. pylori cross contamination.
The properties of submm galaxies in hierarchical models

We use the combined galform semi-analytical model of galaxy formation and grasil spectrophotometric code to investigate the properties of galaxies selected via their submillimeter (sub-mm) emission. The fiducial model we use has previously been shown to fit the properties of local ULIRGs, as well as the number counts of faint sub-mm galaxies. Here we test the model in more detail by comparing the SEDs and stellar, dynamical, gas and halo masses of sub-mm galaxies against observational data. We precisely mimic the sub-mm and radio selection function of the observations and show that the predicted far-infrared properties of model galaxies with S850 > 5mJy and S1.4 > 30µJy are in good agreement with observations. Although the dust emission model does not assume a single dust temperature, the far-infrared SEDs are well described by single component modified black-body spectrum with characteristic temperature 32 ± 5K, in good agreement with observations. We also find evidence that the observations may have uncovered evolution in the far-infrared–radio relation in ULIRGs out to z � 2. We show that the predicted redshift distribution of sub-mm galaxies provides a reasonable fit to the observational data with a median redshift z = 2.0. The radio-selected subset of sub-mm galaxies are predicted to make up approximately 75% of the population and peak at z = 1.7, in reasonable agreement with the observed radio detected fraction and redshift distribution. However, the predicted K-band and mid-infrared (3–8µm) flux densities of the sub-mm galaxies (and LBGs) are up to a factor 10× fainter than observed. We show that including the stellar TP-AGB phase in the stellar population models does not make up for this deficit. This discrepancy may indicate that the stellar masses of the sub-mm galaxies in the model are too low: M⋆ � 10 10 M⊙, while observations suggest more massive systems, M⋆ > 10 11 M⊙. However, if the predicted K- and 3–8µm extinctions in the model could be dramatically reduced, then this would reduce, but not eliminate, this discrepancy. Finally we discuss the potential modifications to the models which may improve the fit to the observational data, as well as the new observational tests which will be made possible with the arrival of new facilities, such as SCUBA2.
Concomitance of monosomal karyotype with at least 5 chromosomal abnormalities is associated with dismal treatment outcome of AML patients with complex karyotype – retrospective analysis of Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG)

Abstract Monosomal karyotype (MK) and complex karyotype (CK) are poor prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A comprehensive analysis of cytogenetic and clinical factors influencing an outcome of AML-CK+ was performed. The impact of cladribine containing induction on treatment results was also evaluated. We analyzed 125 patients with AML-CK+ treated within PALG protocols. MK was found in 75 (60%) individuals. The overall complete remission (CR) rate of 66 intensively treated patients was 62% vs. 28% in CK+ MK− and CK+ MK+ group (p = .01). No difference in CR rate was observed between DA and DAC arms. The overall survival (OS) in intensively treated patients was negatively influenced by MK, karyotype complexity (≥5 abnormalities), and WBC >20 G/L in multivariate analysis. The addition of cladribine to DA regimen improved OS only in MK− but not in MK+ group. In conclusion, concomitance of MK with ≥5 chromosomal abnormalities is associated with dismal treatment outcome in AMK-CK+.
Televised medical talk shows—what they recommend and the evidence to support their recommendations: a prospective observational study

Objective To determine the quality of health recommendations and claims made on popular medical talk shows. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Mainstream television media. Sources Internationally syndicated medical television talk shows that air daily (The Dr Oz Show and The Doctors). Interventions Investigators randomly selected 40 episodes of each of The Dr Oz Show and The Doctors from early 2013 and identified and evaluated all recommendations made on each program. A group of experienced evidence reviewers independently searched for, and evaluated as a team, evidence to support 80 randomly selected recommendations from each show. Main outcomes measures Percentage of recommendations that are supported by evidence as determined by a team of experienced evidence reviewers. Secondary outcomes included topics discussed, the number of recommendations made on the shows, and the types and details of recommendations that were made. Results We could find at least a case study or better evidence to support 54% (95% confidence interval 47% to 62%) of the 160 recommendations (80 from each show). For recommendations in The Dr Oz Show, evidence supported 46%, contradicted 15%, and was not found for 39%. For recommendations in The Doctors, evidence supported 63%, contradicted 14%, and was not found for 24%. Believable or somewhat believable evidence supported 33% of the recommendations on The Dr Oz Show and 53% on The Doctors. On average, The Dr Oz Show had 12 recommendations per episode and The Doctors 11. The most common recommendation category on The Dr Oz Show was dietary advice (39%) and on The Doctors was to consult a healthcare provider (18%). A specific benefit was described for 43% and 41% of the recommendations made on the shows respectively. The magnitude of benefit was described for 17% of the recommendations on The Dr Oz Show and 11% on The Doctors. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest accompanied 0.4% of recommendations. Conclusions Recommendations made on medical talk shows often lack adequate information on specific benefits or the magnitude of the effects of these benefits. Approximately half of the recommendations have either no evidence or are contradicted by the best available evidence. Potential conflicts of interest are rarely addressed. The public should be skeptical about recommendations made on medical talk shows. Additional details of methods used and changes made to study protocol
Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminants: An Overview

One of the major environmental problems today is hydrocarbon contamination resulting from the activities related to the petrochemical industry. Accidental releases of petroleum products are of particular concern in the environment. Hydrocarbon components have been known to belong to the family of carcinogens and neurotoxic organic pollutants. Currently accepted disposal methods of incineration or burial insecure landfills can become prohibitively expensive when amounts of contaminants are large. Mechanical and chemical methods generally used to remove hydrocarbons from contaminated sites have limited effectiveness and can be expensive. Bioremediation is the promising technology for the treatment of these contaminated sites since it is cost-effective and will lead to complete mineralization. Bioremediation functions basically on biodegradation, which may refer to complete mineralization of organic contaminants into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and cell protein or transformation of complex organic contaminants to other simpler organic compounds by biological agents like microorganisms. Many indigenous microorganisms in water and soil are capable of degrading hydrocarbon contaminants. This paper presents an updated overview of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation by microorganisms under different ecosystems.
Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia in Helicobacter pylori Infection: The role of CagA status

Objective:Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major factor in determining the risk for development of gastric adenocarcinoma through the intermediate steps of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Because H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in asymptomatic populations and only a few people develop cancer, additional factors may influence the risk for development of cancer, once infection is established. Some factors may pertain to differences among bacterial strains. Because infection by H. pylori strains possessing cagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A), a gene encoding a high-molecular-weight immunodominant antigen (CagA), is associated with enhanced induction of gastritis, the aim of our study was to evaluate potential differences in the prevalence and intensity of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia between CagA-positive and CagA-negative H. pylori-infected patients.Methods:Eighty H. pylori-infected patients among 120 consecutive dyspeptic patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were studied. Six bioptic specimens were taken from the gastric antrum: five for histological examination, and one for urease test. The H. pylori status was determined by histology, CLO test, and serology (in a standardized ELISA) for serum IgG and IgA directed to H. pylori. The CagA status was determined by Western blotting to detect serum IgG antibodies to CagA. Gastritis was classified according to the Sydney System. A score from 0 to 3 was assigned to each of the following morphological variables: atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and mononuclear and neutrophilic cell infiltration. The association between CagA status and histological features was assessed by means of the χ2 test for trend.Results:Among the 80 H. pylori-infected patients 53 (66%) were CagA seropositive and 27 (34%) were CagA seronegative. The mean age of the two groups was similar. CagA-positive patients had significantly higher scores for atrophy (p = 0.006), intestinal metaplasia (p = 0.01), and mononuclear (p < 0.001) and polymorphonuclear (p = 0.002) cell infiltration than did CagA-negative patients. No differences in contrast, were found for H. pylori density.Conclusion:Infection with CagA-positive H. pylori strains is associated with an increased prevalence and intensity of antral atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, in addition to higher degrees of gastritis. Our results seem to suggest that the CagA status could be a helpful parameter to define a subgroup of H. pylori-infected patients at increased risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma.
Health Care-Associated Pneumonia

Abstract Traditionally, pneumonia developing in patients who receive health care services in the outpatient environment, such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers, has been classified and treated as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Recent studies, however, have shown that this type of infection, known as health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is distinct from CAP in terms of its epidemiology and etiology, and increases the risk for infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. A review of available clinical data about HCAP was conducted to determine effective empiric treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of multi-institutional clinical data showed that mortality associated with HCAP is higher than with CAP, suggesting that patients with HCAP may have been treated as hospitalized patients with CAP and received inappropriate initial empiric antibiotic treatment. All patients presenting to the hospital with suspected HCAP or CAP should be evaluated for their underlying risk of infection with MDR pathogens. Because HCAP may be similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) both clinically and etiologically, it should be treated as HAP until culture data become available. A greater recognition of HCAP as a new class of pneumonia with a distinct epidemiologic, microbiologic, and clinical profile should lead physicians to initiate appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy more often, thereby improving the likelihood for optimal clinical outcomes and patient care.
Direct Gradient-Based Reinforcement Learning: II. Gradient Ascent Algorithms and Experiments

In [2] we introduced , an algorithm for computing arbitrarily accurate approximations to the performance gradient of parameterized partially observable Markov decision processes ( s). The algorithm’ s chief advantages are that it requires only a single sample path of the underlying Markov chain, it uses only one free parameter which has a natural interpretation in terms of bias-variance trade-off, and it requires no knowledge of the underlying state. In addition, the algorithm can be applied to infinite state, control and observation spaces. In this paper we present , a conjugate-gradient ascent algorithm that uses as a subroutine to estimate the gradient direction. uses a novel line-search routine that relies solely on gradient estimates and hence is robust to noise in the performance estimates. , an on-line gradient ascent algorithm based on is also presented. The chief theoretical advantage of this gradient based approach over valuefunction-based approaches to reinforcement learning is that it guarantees improvement in the performance of the policy at every step. To show that this advantage
On Recursive Edit Distance Kernels With Application to Time Series Classification

This paper proposes some extensions to the work on kernels dedicated to string or time series global alignment based on the aggregation of scores obtained by local alignments. The extensions that we propose allow us to construct, from classical recursive definition of elastic distances, recursive edit distance (or time-warp) kernels that are positive definite if some sufficient conditions are satisfied. The sufficient conditions we end up with are original and weaker than those proposed in earlier works, although a recursive regularizing term is required to get proof of the positive definiteness as a direct consequence of the Haussler's convolution theorem. Furthermore, the positive definiteness is maintained when a symmetric corridor is used to reduce the search space, and thus the algorithmic complexity, which is quadratic in the worst case. The classification experiment we conducted on three classical time-warp distances (two of which are metrics), using support vector machine classifier, leads to the conclusion that when the pairwise distance matrix obtained from the training data is far from definiteness, the positive definite recursive elastic kernels outperform in general the distance substituting kernels for several classical elastic distances we have tested.
Object Detection Using Deep CNNs Trained on Synthetic Images

The need for large annotated image datasets for training Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has been a significant impediment for their adoption in computer vision applications. We show that with transfer learning an effective object detector can be trained almost entirely on synthetically rendered datasets. We apply this strategy for detecting pack- aged food products clustered in refrigerator scenes. Our CNN trained only with 4000 synthetic images achieves mean average precision (mAP) of 24 on a test set with 55 distinct products as objects of interest and 17 distractor objects. A further increase of 12% in the mAP is obtained by adding only 400 real images to these 4000 synthetic images in the training set. A high degree of photorealism in the synthetic images was not essential in achieving this performance. We analyze factors like training data set size and 3D model dictionary size for their influence on detection performance. Additionally, training strategies like fine-tuning with selected layers and early stopping which affect transfer learning from synthetic scenes to real scenes are explored. Training CNNs with synthetic datasets is a novel application of high-performance computing and a promising approach for object detection applications in domains where there is a dearth of large annotated image data.