Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Fundoplication in Children's Hospitals: 2005–2008

BACKGROUND: Fundoplication is a common pediatric surgery, but little data comparing the laparoscopic approach with the open approach have been published. OBJECTIVE: To compare infection rates, complication rates, length of stay, and cost for laparoscopic fundoplication versus open fundoplication among pediatric patients and to examine trends in utilization of laparoscopic fundoplication. METHODS: We used the Pediatric Health Information System database to conduct a retrospective study of children (aged <19 years) admitted for a fundoplication between 2005 and 2008. Descriptive characteristics for those undergoing a laparoscopic and open fundoplication were compared. Multivariate regression with random effects specified at the hospital level was used to model the association between laparoscopic fundoplication and the outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-six percent of 7083 fundoplication admissions had laparoscopic fundoplication. Median length of stay was 4 days for laparoscopic and 10 days for open fundoplication. The median cost of laparoscopic fundoplication was $13 003 versus $22 487 for open fundoplication. Laparoscopic fundoplication was associated with a 24% and 51% reduction in the adjusted odds of infection and surgical complications, respectively. The proportion of fundoplications performed laparoscopically increased from 51% in 2005 to 63% in 2008 (P < .001), but there was no increase in the overall fundoplication rate. CONCLUSIONS: In a large study of children's hospitals, laparoscopic fundoplication was associated with improved outcomes compared with the open procedure, even after adjustment for patient severity. Laparoscopic fundoplication has become the most common form of antireflux surgery in children over 1 year of age, but this has not been associated with an increase in the overall utilization of the fundoplication procedure. These data have important implications for clinical practice and surgical training.
Is the chronic Tier‐1 effect assessment approach for insecticides protective for aquatic ecosystems?

We investigated the appropriateness of several methods, including those recommended in the Aquatic Guidance Document of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for the derivation of chronic Tier‐1 regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs) for insecticides and aquatic organisms. The insecticides represented different chemical classes (organophosphates, pyrethroids, benzoylureas, insect growth regulators, biopesticides, carbamates, neonicotinoids, and miscellaneous). Chronic Tier‐1 RACs derived using toxicity data for the standard species Daphnia magna, Chironomus spp. , and/or Americamysis bahia, were compared with Tier‐3 RACs derived from micro‐ and mesocosm studies on basis of the ecological threshold option (ETO‐RACs). ETO‐RACs could be derived for 31 insecticides applied to micro‐ and mesocosms in single or multiple applications, yielding a total number of 36 cases for comparison. The chronic Tier‐1 RACs calculated according to the EFSA approach resulted in a sufficient protection level, except for 1 neonicotinoid (slightly underprotective) and for several pyrethroids if toxicity data for A. bahia were not included. This latter observation can be explained by 1) the fact that A. bahia is the most sensitive standard test species for pyrethroids, 2) the hydrophobic properties of pyrethroids, and 3) the fact that long‐term effects observed in (epi) benthic arthropods may be better explained by exposure via the sediment than via overlying water. Besides including toxicity data for A. bahia, the protection level for pyrethroids can be improved by selecting both D. magna and Chironomus spp. as standard test species for chronic Tier‐1 derivation. Although protective in the majority of cases, the conservativeness of the recommended chronic Tier‐1 RACs appears to be less than an order of magnitude for a relatively large proportion of insecticides when compared with their Tier‐3 ETO‐RACs. This may leave limited options for refinement of the chronic effect assessment using laboratory toxicity data for additional species. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:747–758. © 2015 SETAC
Optimization of the trading rule in foreign exchange using genetic algorithm

The generation of profitable trading rules for Foreign Exchange (FX) investments is a difficult but popular problem. The use of Machine Learning in this problem allows us to obtain objective results by using information of the past market behavior. In this paper, we propose a Genetic Algorithm (GA) system to automatically generate trading rules based on Technical Indexes. Unlike related researches in the area, our work focuses on calculating the most appropriate trade timing, instead of predicting the trading prices.
Multidisciplinary management of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

Although once considered a disease of adults, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth is increasing at a significant rate. Similar to adults, youth with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for developing hypertension, lipid abnormalities, renal disease, and other diabetes-related complications. However, children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes also face many unique management challenges that are different from adults with type 2 diabetes or children with type 1 diabetes. To deliver safe, effective, high-quality, cost-effective health care to adolescents with type 2 diabetes, reorganization and redesign of health care systems are needed. Multidisciplinary health care teams, which allow individuals with specialized training to maximally utilize their skills within an organized diabetes treatment team, may increase efficiency and effectiveness and may improve outcomes in children with type 2 diabetes. This review article provides a brief review of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, provides an overview of multidisciplinary health care teams, and discusses the role of multidisciplinary health care management in youth with type 2 diabetes.
Achieving trustworthiness in qualitative research: A pan-paradigmatic perspective

Abstract In this article, as two researchers from different traditions in qualitative research (consensual qualitative research and grounded theory), the authors present their shared views on the critical elements of trustworthiness in qualitative data. In addition to making specific recommendations about the integrity of data, the balance between participant meaning and researcher interpretation, and clear communication and application of the findings, they identify ways in which these issues are difficult to negotiate within and across different qualitative approaches. The authors present examples from various qualitative studies, emphasize the need for a shared language to reduce confusion between qualitative traditions and with researchers from a more strictly quantitative orientation, and recommend particular approaches to establishing trustworthiness in qualitative research.
A Study of Profile of Disability Certificate Seeking Patients with Schizophrenia Over a 5 Year Period

Background: Schizophrenia has been identified as one of the most disabling condition known to mankind. Until recently there was no published literature on disability certification seeking behavior of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The current study aimed at understanding the profile of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia seeking disability certification for a tertiary level multispecialty hospital in India. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the Psychiatry department for a tertiary care hospital in India. The evaluation of the subjects was carried out in the presence of a primary care giver. First, the diagnosis was established using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Conditions (ICD)-10. Subsequently, the disability was assessed using Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS). Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 17. Results: A total of 169 subjects seeking disability certification over the study period of 5 years were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Out of 169 subjects 132 (78.1%) were male and 37 (21.9%) were female. There was a statistically significant difference in the marital status of the male and female study subjects. Family history of psychiatric illness was positive in 9.8% of male subjects and 10.8% of female subjects. There was no significant difference between male and female subjects for the duration of illness and duration of being on treatment. Male and female subjects did not differ significantly on the IDEAS global score, personal care, interpersonal interaction, and understanding and communication domains of IDEAS. The two groups differed significantly on the work domain. Conclusions: Majority of patients with schizophrenia seeking disability certificate continue to be male. However, male and female subjects tend to differ very little on various socio-demographic and illness related variables. The levels of disability are also comparable among males and females. However, the work related disability is relatively higher among males and females continue to be financially dependent on the family members.
Traditional methods v. new technologies – dilemmas for dietary assessment in large-scale nutrition surveys and studies: a report following an international panel discussion at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, 3 September 2015

The aim of the present paper is to summarise current and future applications of dietary assessment technologies in nutrition surveys in developed countries. It includes the discussion of key points and highlights of subsequent developments from a panel discussion to address strengths and weaknesses of traditional dietary assessment methods (food records, FFQ, 24 h recalls, diet history with interviewer-assisted data collection) v. new technology-based dietary assessment methods (web-based and mobile device applications). The panel discussion ‘Traditional methods v. new technologies: dilemmas for dietary assessment in population surveys’, was held at the 9th International Conference on Diet and Activity Methods (ICDAM9), Brisbane, September 2015. Despite respondent and researcher burden, traditional methods have been most commonly used in nutrition surveys. However, dietary assessment technologies offer potential advantages including faster data processing and better data quality. This is a fast-moving field and there is evidence of increasing demand for the use of new technologies amongst the general public and researchers. There is a need for research and investment to support efforts being made to facilitate the inclusion of new technologies for rapid, accurate and representative data.
Evaluation of blood platelet count and function in patients with erectile dysfunction

We evaluated and compared blood total platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) values of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and control subjects. A total 57 male patients (mean age 49.7 ± 12 years) with ED and 59 control men (mean age 49.7 ± 10.7 years) were included in the study. All patients were evaluated using medical history with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, physical examination and routine blood analysis. Total blood count, including white blood cell (WBC), total platelet counts, MPV and PDW parameters, were recorded in both groups. MPV values were detected to be significantly higher in patients with ED than control group: 10.7 ± 1 and 9.72 ± 1.5, respectively (P = 0.001). Similarly, PDW values were significantly higher in patients with ED than control group: 14.6 ± 2.8 and 12.9 ± 1.9, respectively (P = 0.001). However, mean platelet and mean WBC counts were similar in both groups (P = 0.45). We demonstrated that MPV and PDW values significantly increased in patients with ED compared with the control group. According to these findings, platelet function might play an important role in patients with ED that warrants further research.
Evolution of Developmental Control Mechanisms Piwi positive cells that line the vasculature epithelium, underlie whole body regeneration in a basal chordate

article i nfo The colonial tunicate Botrylloides leachi can regenerate functional adults from minute vasculature fragments, in a poorly understood phenomenon termed Whole Body Regeneration (WBR). Using Piwi expression (Bl-Piwi), blood cell labeling and electron microscopy, we show that WBR develops through activation, mobilization and expansion of 'dormant' cells which normally line the internal vasculature epithelium of blood vessels. Following a mechanical insult, these cells express Bl-Piwi de novo, change morphology and invade niches of the vasculature lumen, where they proliferate and differentiate, regenerating a functional organism. Mitomycin C treatments and siRNA knockdown of Bl-Piwi result in deficient cells incapable of expanding or differentiating and to subsequent regeneration arrest. Last, we find similar transient mobilization of Piwi + cells recurring every week, as part of normal colony development, and also during acute environmental stress. This recurrent activation of Piwi + cells in response to developmental, physiological and environmental insults may have enabled the adaptation of colonial tunicates to the imposed varied conditions in the marine, shallow water environment.
Relationship between Growth and Electric Oscillations in Bean Roots.

Extracellular and intracellular electric potentials in bean roots are known to show electric oscillations along the longitudinal axis with a period of several minutes. The relationship between growth and the electric oscillations was studied using roots of adzuki (Phaseolus chrysanthos). We measured surface electric potentials with a multielectrode apparatus while simultaneously measuring elongation using a CCD camera and monitor. Roots having an electric oscillation grew faster than roots with no oscillation. Furthermore, elongation rate was higher in roots with higher oscillation frequency. Oscillation frequency had a strong dependence on temperature; i.e. Q(10) was estimated at 1.7. These results suggest a correlation between electric oscillation and elongation.
Bemfola® fixed dose pens potentially reduce drug wastage and associated costs of infertility treatment

Abstract Bemfola® is a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) used during infertility treatment. One main differentiator between FSH products is their delivery device; consisting of multi-dose pens (Gonal-f®), vials or multi-dose preparations (Menopur®), or adjustable daily disposable dose pens (Bemfola®). To determine the potential impact of delivery device on drug wastage during infertility treatment this study retrospectively analysed Gonal-f® and Menopur® prescription and usage data from five UK clinics. Incurred drug wastage was then compared to potential Bemfola® drug wastage. Data collected included: (i) number of treatment cycles; (ii) daily FSH dose; (iii) length of treatment; (iv) dose adjustment following ultrasound scan; (v) FSH formulation(s) prescribed and (vi) agonist/antagonist protocol used. Treatment with Gonal-f® (4078 cycles) and Menopur® (646 cycles) resulted in an average drug wastage of 160 and 294 IU per treatment cycle. Use of Bemfola® instead of Gonal-f® and Menopur® may reduce the wastage to 104 and 61 IU per cycle, respectively. The use of Bemfola®, across all 4724 cycles, could result in a drug wastage reduction of up to 376,800 IUs with an associated cost saving of £100,011. Bemfola® is a viable alternative to Gonal-f® and Menopur® with its drug delivery system potentially reducing drug wastage and associated costs during infertility treatment.
Sigmoid Volvulus in Pregnancy

Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in the U.K. and more so in pregnancy. A case of sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy with a rare successful conclusion by conservative management is described and discussed, with a review of the literature. Sigmoid volvulus in the U.K. accounts for only 0.9% of all cases of intestinal obstruction, with most cases occurring in the elderly. Intestinal obstruction in pregnancy is also uncommon, with a reported incidence varying between 1 in 3,600 maternities to 1 in 66,431 maternities. A case is reported which was successfully treated conservatively.
Gravimetric determination of soil organic matter

Studies were carried out to evaluate a gravimetric method for the determination of soil organic matter by the mass loss at 300oC. The gravimetric method was compared with Walkley-Black, using several brazilian soils with variable chemical and physical properties. Gravimetric method was positively correlated with Walkley-Black method with the following linear regression equation: y = 3.72x + 0.29, r = 0.94. The angular coefficient 3.72 for tropical soils was greater than those reported in the literature for temperate soils (from 1.68 to 2.13). The difference was due to greater oxidation degree of the organic matter. When compared with Walkley-Black method, gravimetric technique showed certain distinct advantages such as no environmental contamination with Cr6+ and improved laboratory safety eliminating the use of concentrated sulfuric acid.
Treatment Considerations

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the active, skeletally immature patient present a difficult problem. Nonoperative treatment in sedentary individuals is a viable option. However, the natural history of the ACL-deficient knee in younger age groups parallels that of the adult population and is characterized by recurrent instability, meniscal tears, and chondral injury. Surgical treatment involving extraphyseal reconstruction often has less than desirable results, whereas transphyseal fixation presents the potential of growth plate disturbance and subsequent limb malalignment. Previous studies of midsubstance tears in the skeletally immature athlete suggest they are uncommon and occur with a 1%-3% incidence in children aged 14 years.15,31 Many authors maintain that tibial spine avulsion is more likely due to the added strength of the ACL versus the epiphyseal plate. However, a recent literature review revealed an increase in midsubstance tears, possibly due to increased participation in organized athletics in younger age groups, increased awareness of such injuries, and improved diagnostic abilities and techniques (eg, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and KT-1000). Traditionally, nonoperative care has been the mainstay of treatment in this age group. Education, activity modification, and rehabilitation, combined with bracing, have been traditionally recommended. However, high noncompliance rates combined with functional instability place these patients at high risk for recurrent knee injury. Studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of instability and meniscal tears despite rehabilitation and bracing. Fear of premature growth plate closure and angular deformities and limb-length inequalities have prompted the investigation of several nonanatomic, extraphyseal ACL reconstruction techniques as well as several alternative transphyseal techniques. Many of these studies involving
Adversarial Autoencoders

In this paper, we propose the"adversarial autoencoder"(AAE), which is a probabilistic autoencoder that uses the recently proposed generative adversarial networks (GAN) to perform variational inference by matching the aggregated posterior of the hidden code vector of the autoencoder with an arbitrary prior distribution. Matching the aggregated posterior to the prior ensures that generating from any part of prior space results in meaningful samples. As a result, the decoder of the adversarial autoencoder learns a deep generative model that maps the imposed prior to the data distribution. We show how the adversarial autoencoder can be used in applications such as semi-supervised classification, disentangling style and content of images, unsupervised clustering, dimensionality reduction and data visualization. We performed experiments on MNIST, Street View House Numbers and Toronto Face datasets and show that adversarial autoencoders achieve competitive results in generative modeling and semi-supervised classification tasks.
Simultaneous presentation and cross‐presentation of immune‐stimulating complex‐associated cognate antigen by antigen‐specific B cells

We demonstrate that uptake of oligomeric cognate antigen (OVA‐hen egg lysozyme, OVA‐HEL) alone or incorporated in immune‐stimulating complexes (ISCOMS) facilitates presentation and simultaneous cross‐presentation of OVA by HEL‐specific B cells in vitro. HEL‐specific B cells stimulated CD8+ T cell responses in vitro to the same extent as bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. Cross‐presentation by specific B cells required endosomal acidification, proteasomal processing and classical MHC class I/peptide transport. Specific B cells also acquired both antigens rapidly in vivo and presented them to CD4+ T cells. However, only HEL‐specific B cells from OVA‐HEL ISCOMS‐immunised mice could cross‐present OVA to naive OVA‐specific CD8+ T cells. Antigen‐specific B cells were also activated selectively by OVA‐HEL ISCOMS in vitro and importantly, the presence of HEL‐specific B cells promoted the persistence of clonal expansion of OVA‐specific CD8+ T cells after in vivo immunisation with OVA‐HEL ISCOMS. These results demonstrate preferential MHC class I and class II processing of cognate antigen incorporated in ISCOMS by specific B cells in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the ability of ISCOMS to target B cells and offering novel insights into the role of B cells in cross‐presentation to CD8+ T cells.
Polymer Plastication during Injection Molding

Abstract The mathematical model of polymer plastication in a reciprocating screw injection molding machine is presented. It takes into account all characteristic features of working of a real injector, such as periodical action of the three zones screw, to-and-from screw motion with controlled stroke, static and dynamic melting, etc. Methods for description of time changes of the solid bed profile in the screw channel during injection cycle as a function of operating parameters were developed. Ways of determination of pressure and temperature profiles in the screw channel were also discussed. Methods of caculation of the most important flow characteristics such as plasticizing capacity, power requirements, screw torque, energy consumption were analyzed. Results were presented in a form, which is most convenient for numerical applications in computer simulation programs.