Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of robotic and other minimally invasive routes of hysterectomy for benign indications.

BACKGROUND Despite a lack of evidence showing improved clinical outcomes with robotic-assisted hysterectomy over other minimally invasive routes for benign indications, this route has increased in popularity over the last decade. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare clinical outcomes and estimated cost of robotic-assisted vs other routes of minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications. STUDY DESIGN A statewide database was used to analyze utilization and outcomes of minimally invasive hysterectomy performed for benign indications from Jan. 1, 2013, through July 1, 2014. A 1-to-1 propensity score-match analysis was performed between women who had a hysterectomy with robotic assistance vs other minimally invasive routes (laparoscopic and vaginal, with or without laparoscopy). Perioperative outcomes, intraoperative bowel and bladder injury, 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations were compared. Cost estimates of hysterectomy routes, surgical site infection, and postoperative blood transfusion were derived from published data. RESULTS In all, 8313 hysterectomy cases were identified: 4527 performed using robotic assistance and 3786 performed using other minimally invasive routes. A total of 1338 women from each group were successfully matched using propensity score matching. Robotic-assisted hysterectomies had lower estimated blood loss (94.2 ± 124.3 vs 175.3 ± 198.9 mL, P < .001), longer surgical time (2.3 ± 1.0 vs 2.0 ± 1.0 hours, P < .001), larger specimen weights (178.9 ± 186.3 vs 160.5 ± 190 g, P = .007), and shorter length of stay (14.1% [189] vs 21.9% [293] ≥2 days, P < .001). Overall, the rate of any postoperative complication was lower with the robotic-assisted route (3.5% [47] vs 5.6% [75], P = .01) and driven by lower rates of superficial surgical site infection (0.07% [1] vs 0.7% [9], P = .01) and blood transfusion (0.8% [11] vs 1.9% [25], P = .02). Major postoperative complications, intraoperative bowel and bladder injury, readmissions, and reoperations were similar between groups. Using hospital cost estimates of hysterectomy routes and considering the incremental costs associated with surgical site infections and blood transfusions, nonrobotic minimally invasive routes had an average net savings of $3269 per case, or 24% lower cost, compared to robotic-assisted hysterectomy ($10,160 vs $13,429). CONCLUSION Robotic-assisted laparoscopy does not decrease major morbidity following hysterectomy for benign indications when compared to other minimally invasive routes. While superficial surgical site infection and blood transfusion rates were statistically lower in the robotic-assisted group, in the absence of substantial reductions in clinically and financially burdensome complications, it will be challenging to find a scenario in which robotic-assisted hysterectomy is clinically superior and cost-effective.
Comparison of quantitative and semiquantitative methods of assessing MIB-1 with the S-phase fraction in breast carcinoma.

Different methods of assessing cell proliferation in breast cancer are currently being evaluated. Inherent qualities are required for such methods to be used on a routine basis in a pathology laboratory. Such qualities include high sensitivity and specificity in recognizing proliferating cells, simplicity in execution, and reproducibility. The MIB-1 antibody permits the immunohistochemical detection of the Ki67 antigen in fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The aim of our study was to compare a semiquantitative and quantitative method of assessing MIB-1 immunostaining with the S-phase fraction (SPF) determined by flow cytometry in a series of 112 breast carcinomas. The median semiquantitative MIB-1 score (SQ-MIB-1) in our series was 27.5%. The median quantitative MIB-1 score (B.MIB-1) was 563 positive neoplastic cells per square millimeter of tumor, and, when corrected by the volume percentage nuclei (C.MIB-1), 2844 positive nuclei per square millimeter of total nuclear area. These three indices were strongly correlated to the SPF (r = 0.73, 0.72, 0.72, n = 78), respectively for SQ.MIB-1, B.MIB-1, and C.MIB-1, MIB-1, assessed quantitatively or semiquantitatively, correlated with the Scarff, Bloom, and Richardson grade, including the mitotic index and nuclear grade, as well as with the progesterone receptor status. SQ.MIB-1 determination was easier and faster than B.MIB-1 and C.MIB-1 determination. A high correlation was found for SQ.MIB-1 results between two observers in this series (r = 0.92, n = 112), but the SQ.MIB-1 repeatability coefficient was 17.6%. Semiquantitation of MIB-1 is strongly correlated to the SPF and is an easy and rapid method of assessing cell proliferation. More studies are necessary for additional assessment of its reproducibility and its prognostic value in breast cancer.
Effect of cyclic AMP on the expression of myelin basic protein species and myelin proteolipid protein in committed oligodendrocytes: Differential involvement of the transcription factor CREB

Our previous results support the idea that CREB (cyclic AMP‐response element binding protein) may be a mediator of neuroligand and growth factor signals that, coupled to different signal transduction pathways, play different roles at specific stages of oligodendrocyte development. In the early stages, when cells are immature precursors, CREB may play a role as a mediator of protein kinase C (PKC)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways regulating cell proliferation. In contrast, at a later stage, when cells are already committed oligodendrocytes, CREB seems to play an important role as a mediator in the stimulation of myelin basic protein (MBP) expression by cyclic AMP (cAMP). In this study, we have investigated whether cAMP and CREB play a role in regulating the expression of all or on the other hand particular MBP isoforms. The results indicated that treatment of committed oligodendrocytes with the cAMP analogue db‐cAMP results in a pattern of expression of MBP‐related polypeptides that most closely resembles the pattern of MBPs observed in cerebra from adult animals. Experiments in which CREB expression was inhibited using a CREB antisense oligonucleotide, suggested that CREB is involved in the cAMP‐dependent stimulation of all the MBP isoforms. In contrast, we have found that db‐cAMP stimulates the expression of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) in a process that occurs despite inhibition of CREB expression. These results support the idea that cAMP stimulates the maturation of oligodendrocytes and stress the fact multiple mechanisms may convey the action of this second messenger modulating oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:37–45, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ad-hoc networks aiding indoor calibrations of heterogeneous devices for Fingerprinting applications

In this paper we propose a Collaborative Mapping (CM) method based on the exploitation of the WLAN Received Signal Strength (RSS) measured from short-range ad-hoc links between neighboring devices. The estimated spatial proximity allows on-the-fly calibrations of heterogeneous clients for Location Fingerprinting (LF) applications. This method can avoid long time-consuming and battery-draining calibrations when implementing Fingerprinting Location applications running on heterogeneous mass market devices.
Knowledge attitude and practice about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is often associated with severe morbidity and mortality especially when the patients present late. A major reason why patients present late is the lack of awareness about breast cancer, its complications and the management. METHODS The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire. A total of 400 female civil servants were enlisted in the study, but only 385 respondents completed and returned the forms. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy seven (72.0%) respondents had tertiary level of education. Sixty six (17.1%) respondents were in the 30-34-year age group. Three hundred and twelve (81.0%) respondents knew correctly that breast lump is usually the first symptom of presentation of breast cancer. One hundred and forty four (37.5%) respondents knew that a positive family history of breast cancer is a risk factor, while two hundred and seventy four (71.2%) respondents answered that cancer of one breast in a woman increases her chances of having cancer of the other breast. Three hundred and twenty one (83.4%) respondents knew that breast cancer could spread from one breast to the other and two hundred and thirty (59.7%) knew that breast cancer could spread to other parts of the body. One hundred and eighty three (47.5%) respondents would visit the hospital as the first reaction if they were to detect a breast lump, while twenty three (6.0%) respondents would ignore the lump. While three hundred and twenty seven (85.0%) respondents have heard of breast self- examination, only one hundred (26.0%) could correctly describe the procedure of breast self -examination. While one hundred and thirty five (35.0%) respondents have heard of mammography, only twenty seven (7%) respondents go for yearly mammography screening. Three hundred and seventy two (96.6%) respondents know that mastectomy is done as part of the management of breast cancer, but only forty nine (12.7%) respondents have heard about conservative surgery. CONCLUSION The level of awareness about breast cancer among civil servants in Benin City is low. There is the need to organize series of health education programs to enlighten the women about breast cancer. This can be done by government agencies or the non-governmental organizations. If properly executed, it may influence the attitude of women in Benin City about breast diseases and encourage early presentation to the hospital.
The Deep Learning Vision for Heterogeneous Network Traffic Control: Proposal, Challenges, and Future Perspective

Recently, deep learning, an emerging machine learning technique, is garnering a lot of research attention in several computer science areas. However, to the best of our knowledge, its application to improve heterogeneous network traffic control (which is an important and challenging area by its own merit) has yet to appear because of the difficult challenge in characterizing the appropriate input and output patterns for a deep learning system to correctly reflect the highly dynamic nature of large-scale heterogeneous networks. In this vein, in this article, we propose appropriate input and output characterizations of heterogeneous network traffic and propose a supervised deep neural network system. We describe how our proposed system works and how it differs from traditional neural networks. Also, preliminary results are reported that demonstrate the encouraging performance of our proposed deep learning system compared to a benchmark routing strategy (Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)) in terms of significantly better signaling overhead, throughput, and delay.
Development and Characterization of Acellular Porcine Corneal Matrix Using Sodium Dodecylsulfate

Purpose: The objective of this study was to produce a porcine corneal acellular matrix (ACM) and assess its possibility for biomedical applications. Methods: Porcine corneas were treated with various concentrations of sodium dodecylsulfate for different lengths of time. Optimal conditions for processing the ACM were noted regarding removal of all cellular components and retention of the spatial arrangement of the corneal stroma. The physical characteristics (including water absorption and light transmittance), biomechanics, and cytotoxicity of the ACM were also found to be conserved. Subsequently, ACM was transplanted into the interlaminar stroma of rabbit corneas. The transparency and structures of the collagen fibers were determined. Results: By immersing corneal tissues in isotonic buffer containing 0.1% sodium dodecylsulfate for 7 hours, we were able to produce an ACM whose cells were completely removed, without disrupting collagen layer structure. Although water absorption and light transmittance of the ACM decreased when compared with natural corneal stroma, ACM showed similar biomechanical properties and biocompatibility as natural ones. After xenotransplantation into rabbit corneal stromal layers for 4 weeks, both ACM and rabbit corneas showed complete transparency. Almost 1 year postoperatively, the corneas remained transparent with regular stromal structures and ACM appeared stable in situ without deliquescence or immunological rejection. Conclusions: A simple and valid method to produce decellularized corneal matrix has been successfully developed. These acellular matrices similar to natural corneas in structure, strength, and transparency have tremendous potential for corneal transplantation as ideal implants for donors and for tissue engineering applications as suitable scaffolds.
Staphylococcal Meningitis: Review of Five Cases

The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, therapy and outcomes of five cases of staphylococcal meningitis (SM), treated at University Hospital – Pleven, Bulgaria since 2010. The cases were aged 7-69-years; three male and two female. Three of the cases were acquired in society. Two patients were operated because of brain tumor and meningitis appeared secondary. Fever (4/5), headache (3/5), nausea (2/5), photophobia and hyperacusis (1/5) were registered. Neck rigidity and pathological reflexes were found in all patients. Two cases were in comma. Investigations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed increased protein level, neutrophil pleocytosis and variable glucose level. The glycorhachia/glicemia ratio was 0.45. Staphylococcus aureus, haemoliticus and hominis (in three, one and one, respectively) were found by the culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Latex agglutination. Sphenoiditis, hemorrhagic vascular incident and a massive cerebellar tumor (in one case, respectively) were detected by computed tomography. Ceftazidim, vancomycin, amiкacin and metronizadol (in combinations) and meropenem solely were administered. Supportive treatment with corticoids, diuretics, fluids and blood products was carried out. The duration of treatment was 5-13 days. All cases successfully recovered. The Conclusion is that Staphylococcal meningitis is uncommon but severe disease and requires correct diagnosis and prompt adequate treatment.
Application of Genetic Algorithm for optimization of solar powered drying

This paper represents the kinetic simulation and optimization technique for a drying process of mushroom using Genetic Algorithm (GA) for the estimation of time and temperature parameters for maintaining minimum energy consumption and maximum amylase activity. At 30-60°C temperature, the mushrooms were dried in a natural convective dryer and after certain time intervals the enzymatic activity and the moisture content were measured. Genetic Algorithm (GA) method was used for the simulation and optimization process and the experimental data were used to fit the models. The results indicated that, after 350 min of the drying process the mushrooms were dried. Among the utilized models the best result was presented by the proposed model. The result showed that around 50°C and between 300-400 min of mushroom drying process, the specific activity was found 5.12±0.05 SKB/mg and 12.5±0.05% (wet basis) of reaming moisture content with minimum energy consumption.
LPV fault estimation and FTC of a two-link manipulator

This work is motivated by the challenge to develop an adaptive strategy for systems that are complex, have actuator faults and are difficult to control using linear methods. The novelty lies in combined use of LPV fault estimation and LPV fault compensation to meet active FTC performance requirements. The paper proposes a new design approach for systems which can be characterized via sets of LMIs and can be obtained using efficient interior-point algorithms. A polytopic LPV estimator is synthesized for generating actuator fault estimates used in an FTC scheme to schedule the nominal system state feedback gain, thereby maintaining the system performance over a wide operating range within a proposed polytopic model. The active FTC controller is a function of fault effect factors derived on-line. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through a nonlinear two-link manipulator system with torque input faults at each joint.
Impact of Carnivore Ravaging on Zooarchaeological Measures of Element Abundance

Most zooarchaeologists estimate limb-bone abundance from limb ends. Researchers have provided detailed documentation of the preferential destruction by carnivores of limb ends (Binford 1981; Binford et al. 1988; Blumenschine 1988; Brain 1981; Marean et al. 1990; Orloff and Marean 1990; Sutcliffe 1970). Others have observed differences between limb abundances calculated on limb shafts vs. ends, suggesting shaft pieces may provide more accurate estimates of original element abundance in carnivore-ravaged assemblages (Bunn 1986; Bunn and Kroll 1986; Blumenschine 1988; Klein 1975; Marean et al. 1990; Orloff and Marean 1990). However, the exact quantitative effect of carnivore ravaging on measures of element abundance has never been investigated. We provide an experimental test of the accuracy of different bone portions for estimating the original element abundance after carnivore ravaging. Spotted hyenas were allowed to ravage 33 simulated archaeological sites of known element abundance. Estimates of abundance calculated on limb ends differ greatly from original bone abundance, and estimates based on proximal/distal-shaft pieces are also inaccurate. Estimates from middle-shaft fragments, however, are uniquely accurate. These experimental data mandate reanalysis of assemblages where limb frequencies were calculated from limb ends and carnivore ravaging is implicated, and experimentally vindicate observations originally provided by Klein (1975).
Number of teeth as a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in a cohort of 7,674 subjects followed for 12 years.

BACKGROUND That oral health is related to the development of different cardiovascular disorders is reported in a number of studies. This study investigates if different parameters of oral health are associated with future mortality in different cardiovascular disorders in a dose-dependent manner. METHODS A total of 7,674 subjects (3,300 males and 4,374 females; age range 20 to 89 years) received a dental examination by specialists in periodontology between the years 1976 and 2002. Number of remaining teeth, severity of periodontal disease, number of deepened periodontal pockets, and bleeding on probing were evaluated in relation to cause of death. RESULTS During a median follow-up period of 12 years, 629 of the subjects died. For 299 subjects the cause of mortality was cardiovascular disease (CVD); 167 of these subjects died from coronary heart disease (CHD); 83 died from stroke; and 49 died from aortic aneurysm or congestive heart failure. The causes of death for the remaining 330 subjects were other than CVD. After adjustment for age, gender, and smoking, number of remaining teeth predicted in a dose-dependent manner all-cause mortality and mortality in CVD and in CHD (P <0.0001 for all), but not mortality from stroke (P = 0.15). Cox regression analysis revealed a seven-fold increased risk for mortality from CHD in subjects with <10 teeth compared to those with >25 teeth. Severity of periodontal disease, number of deepened periodontal pockets, and bleeding on probing were not related to mortality in a dose-dependent manner after adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSION This fairly large, prospective study with a long follow-up period presents for the first time a dose-dependent relationship between number of teeth and both all-cause and CVD mortality, indicating a link between oral health and CVD, and that the number of teeth is a proper indicator for oral health in this respect.
Patterning Mechanisms of Branched Organs

Branching morphogenesis is one of the earliest events essential for the success of metazoans. By branching out and forming cellular or tissue extensions, cells can maximize their surface area and overcome space constraints posed by organ size. Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made toward understanding the branching mechanisms of various invertebrate and vertebrate organ systems. Despite their distinct origins, morphologies and functions, different cell and tissue types use a remarkably conserved set of tools to undergo branching morphogenesis. Recent studies have shed important light on the basis of molecular conservation in the formation of branched structures in diverse organs.
Examining clinical trial results with single-subject analysis: an example involving behavioral and nutrition treatment for young children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE To examine the process of change in a clinical trial of behavioral and nutrition treatment for children age 18-48 months with cystic fibrosis (CF) using single-subject analysis. METHODS The 5-week treatment included nutrition counseling and child behavioral management training for parents and was designed to increase energy intake measured by diet diaries 600-800 calories per day. RESULTS Energy intake changed at each meal, only when treatment was introduced (week 1: snacks, 420 to 691; week 2: breakfast, 325 to 443; week 4: lunch, 350 to 443; and week 5: dinner, 373 to 460 calories per day). Total daily intake increased in a systematic fashion that exceeded the criterion set each week during treatment. CONCLUSIONS Toddlers and preschoolers with CF meet energy intake recommendations as a result of behavioral intervention. Single-subject research designs are important methodologies for advancing clinical investigation in pediatric psychology.