Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A prospective, randomized study of comparison of clipless cholecystectomy with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a gold standard in the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. Amalgamation with upcoming technology makes the present-day procedure faster and safer. Ultrasonic shears, which perform dissection and ligation by cavitation and coaptation of vessels, are the latest addition to the armamentarium of laparoscopic surgeons. Acceptance of its safety and efficacy awaits its use as the sole instrument in the widely accepted procedure. METHODS A prospective, randomized control trial was conducted in 200 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease, who were randomly divided into two comparable groups, one undergoing cholecystectomy using ultrasonically activated shears and the other using conventional clip and electrocautery. Various parameters such as duration of surgery, removal of gallbladder, blood loss, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirement, duration of stay, and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy using ultrasonic shears had a faster surgery (64.7 versus 50 minutes; P < .002) and removal of gallbladder from gallbladder bed (3.94 versus 7.46 minutes; P < .001) with less blood loss and pain scores (1.86 versus 3.01; P < .002). They had a shorter duration of hospital stay (1.89 versus 2.52 days; P < .001) and decreased risk of gallbladder perforation (9 versus 18; P < .005). The analgesic requirement was also less on the first postoperative day. There was no incidence of any major complication or bile leak during a 6-month follow-up period in either of the groups. CONCLUSION Ultrasonically activated scalpel can be used safely in laparoscopic cholecystectomy without risk of major injuries or leaks. It fairs better than electrocautery in terms of faster and safer surgery with decreased associated morbidity, less pain, and early return back home.
Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, 1990–2005: Case Study of a Second-Generation Rural Medical Education Program

ABSTRACT A pipeline model has been suggested to increase the rural physician supply. This study is an institutional case report used to describe the context, development, and in-house evaluation of the University of Alabama Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, 1990–2005. This program was developed at a University of Alabama School of Medicine branch campus to target rural students at multiple levels, elementary schools through residency, and includes a minority focus. Requirements to enter the medical program include living 8 years in rural Alabama, meeting admission requirements, and affinity for rural lifestyles. Twenty-six percent of 316 high school participants, all 40 students in the minority-focused college program, and 3% of 90 medical program students were African American. The program includes (1) puppet shows in elementary schools depicting different health professions, (2) Rural Health Scholars Program for 11th-grade students, (3) Minority Rural Health Pipeline Program for college students, (4) Rural Medical Scholars Program, a 5-year track of study in rural community health and medicine, and (5) assured admission to family medicine residency. Outcomes studied in this case report included medical school performance, graduation rate, selection of family medicine specialty, and rural practice location. Medical scholars were anticipated to experience academic difficulty, select family medicine specialty, and locate in rural practice more often than peers. Compared to peers, medical scholars showed lower scores on preclinical courses and USMLE steps 1 and 2, reflective of their lower MCAT and GPA scores, but had (1) similar graduation rates (95% vs peers 84%), (2) higher family medicine selection rate (47% vs Huntsville 27% vs Tuscaloosa 12% vs Birmingham 4% [OR compared to Birmingham 22.7, 95% CI 10.5–49.4]), and (3) higher rural practice rate (67% vs peers 14% vs national group 9%) in the first RMSP classes. Based on these important outcomes being better than or equal to the traditional student cohorts, the institution concluded that the Rural Health Leaders Pipeline demonstrates successful use of the rural pipeline model.
THE FALLACIES OF PATENT-HOLDUP THEORY

Patent-holdup theory avers that the patent system threatens the rate of innovation in the U.S. economy, particularly in information technology industries that are heavily reliant on standard-essential patents. We show that arrays of empirical tests falsify the core predictions of the theory. We therefore examine the logic of patent-holdup theory. We show that patent-holdup theory conflates two mutually inconsistent economic mechanisms: holdup (the appropriation of a quasi rent) and the exercise of monopoly power (to set the market price to extract a monopoly rent). Moreover, three fallacies underpin patent-holdup theory: (1) that patent holdup is a straightforward variant of holdup as it is understood in transaction-cost economics; (2) that royalty stacking is holdup repeated multiple times on the same product; and (3) that standard-essential patents contribute little or no value to the markets they help create. These fallacies give rise to a theory that is logically inconsistent and incomplete, and that ignores economic fundamentals. The flaws in logic of patent-holdup theory, and its lack of fit with the evidence, suggest that a new theory about the mechanics and dynamics of SEP-intensive IT industries is called for, both as a matter of science and as a guide to antitrust and patent policies.
The Transcriptional Repressor GFI-1 Antagonizes PU.1 Activity through Protein-Protein Interaction*

Mice lacking the zinc finger transcriptional repressor protein GFI-1 are neutropenic. These mice generate abnormal immature myeloid cells exhibiting characteristics of both macrophages and granulocytes. Furthermore, Gfi-1-/- mice are highly susceptible to bacterial infection. Interestingly, Gfi-1-/- myeloid cells overexpress target genes of the PU.1 transcription factor such as the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor and PU.1 itself. We therefore determined whether GFI-1 modulates the transcriptional activity of PU.1. Our data demonstrate that GFI-1 physically interacts with PU.1, repressing PU.1-dependent transcription. This repression is functionally significant, as GFI-1 blocked PU.1-induced macrophage differentiation of a multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cell line. Retroviral expression of GFI-1 in primary murine hematopoietic progenitors increased granulocyte differentiation at the expense of macrophage differentiation. We interbred Gfi-1+/- and PU.1+/- mice and observed that heterozygosity at the PU.1 locus partially rescued the Gfi-1-/- mixed myeloid lineage phenotype, but failed to restore granulocyte differentiation. Our data demonstrate that GFI-1 represses PU.1 activity and that lack of this repression in Gfi-1-/- myeloid cells contributes to the observed mixed lineage phenotype.
Exploring the Concept of Para Social Presence in Virtual Project Teams

Though contemporary research has testified to the importance of social presence in influencing the format and structure of group processes, its unidimensional nature and inability to accommodate asynchronous communication has eroded its relevance in the face of more sophisticated IT-based collaborative networks such as virtual project teams. Kumar and Benbasat [25, 26] thus advanced the notion of Para Social Presence (PSP) as a broader, encompassing concept that overcomes the aforementioned weaknesses inherent in the existing social presence construct. Yet to-date, there has not been a theoretical and empirical validation of the pertinent of the PSP construct when applied to more dynamic group configurations as claimed. To this end, this study reviews extant literature to first establish whether the PSP construct is meaningful conceptually and then empirically validates its measurement properties over time through a temporal field experimentation setting.
Nosocomial Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A Blinded Study to Establish Baseline Acquisition Rates

Abstract Objective: To define the extent of nosocomial transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital. Design: A blinded, prospective surveillance culture study of patients admitted to the hospital to determine the transmission (acquisition) rate of MRSA Risk factors associated with the likelihood of MRSA colonization on admission were investigated. Setting: Tertiary-care military medical facility. Participants: All patients admitted to the medicine, surgery, and pediatric wards, and to the medical, surgical, and pediatric intensive care units were eligible for inclusion. Results: Five hundred thirty-five admission and 374 discharge samples were collected during the study period. One hundred forty-one patients were colonized with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 20 patients (3.7%) were colonized with MRSA on admission. Of the 354 susceptible patients, 6 acquired MRSA during the study for a transmission rate of 1.7%. Patients colonized with MRSA on admission were more likely to be older than non-colonized or MSSA-colonized patients, to have received antibiotics within the past year, to have been hospitalized within the prior 3 years, or to have a known history of MRSA. Patients acquiring MRSA had an average hospital stay of 17.7 days compared with 5.3 days for those who did not acquire MRSA. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the 6 MRSA isolates from patients who acquired MRSA revealed 4 distinct band patterns. Conclusions: Most patients colonized with MRSA were identified on admission samples. Surveillance cultures of patients admitted may help to prevent MRSA transmission and infection.
A phase I/II study of galiximab (an anti-CD80 monoclonal antibody) in combination with rituximab for relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Galiximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets CD80, a costimulatory molecule constitutively expressed on follicular and other lymphomas. Modest single-agent clinical activity and tolerability were demonstrated in a phase I study in relapsed or refractory, follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). A phase I/II study was conducted to evaluate galiximab in combination with a standard course of rituximab. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy were evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with follicular NHL who had relapsed or failed primary therapy were enrolled. Rituximab-refractory patients (no response or a response with time to progression <6 months) were excluded. Patients received 4 weekly i.v. infusions of galiximab (125, 250, 375, or 500 mg/m(2)) and rituximab (375 mg/m(2)). International Workshop Response Criteria (IWRC) were used to evaluate response. RESULTS Seventy-three patients received treatment. All had received at least one prior lymphoma therapy; 40% were rituximab naive. Infusions were delivered in an outpatient setting and were well tolerated. The most common study-related adverse events (AE) were lymphopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, fatigue, and chills. The overall response rate at the recommended phase II dose of galiximab (500 mg/m(2)) was 66%: 19% complete response, 14% unconfirmed complete response, and 33% partial response. The median progression free survival was 12.1 months. Combination therapy did not appear to alter pharmacokinetics. CONCLUSION These results indicate that galiximab can be safely combined with a standard course of rituximab. This doublet biologic approach offers the potential to avoid or delay chemotherapy or to integrate with other lymphoma therapies. A phase III, randomized study evaluating clinical benefit of rituximab versus the combination has been initiated.
3,4-Dihydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide–methanol–water (2/1/3)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H12N2O4·0.5CH4O·1.5H2O, consists of two Schiff base molecules, three water molecules and one methanol molecule. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 7.8 (2)° in one of the molecules and 4.0 (2)° in the other. Intramolecular O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds are observed. Molecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
The Perils of Top-Down State Building: Evidence from Colombia's False Positives

How should a state which lacks the monopoly of violence go about acquiring it? We investigate the use of high-powered incentives for members of the Colombian army as part of a strategy to combat left-wing guerillas and build the state's monopoly of violence. We show that this top-down state-building effort produced several perverse side effects. Innocent civilians were killed and misrepresented as guerillas (a phenomenon known in Colombia as `false positives'). Exploiting the fact that Colombian colonels have stronger career concerns and should be more responsive to such incentives, we show that there were significantly more false positives during the period of high-powered incentives in municipalities where a higher share of brigades were commanded by colonels and in those where checks coming from civilian judicial institutions were weaker. We further find that in municipalities with a higher share of colonels, the period of high-powered incentives coincided with a worsening of local judicial institutions and the security situation, with more frequent attacks not just by the guerillas but also by paramilitaries.
A set of specific miRNAs is connected with murine and human gastric cancer

MircoRNAs as a new class of regulatory molecules have been investigated in many specific cells and organs in healthy and diseased conditions. Although miRNA signatures can be directly assessed in patients' affected tissues such as tumor sections, recent studies revealed that miRNA profiles can also be obtained indirectly, that is, from the patients' peripheral blood. For better understanding of miRNA's contribution to gastric carcinoma (one of the leading causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide), we screened for deregulated miRNAs in blood collected from human cancer patients and compared the expression patterns with a gastric carcinoma mouse model (Tff1 knock‐out). The profiles were assessed using species‐specific miRNA microarrays. Among many dozens of deregulated miRNAs (219 in H. sapiens; 75 in M. musculus), a subset of eight miRNAs comparable in sequence from both species was noted. By in silico analysis, their involvement in targeting neoplastic and MAPkinase pathways was demonstrated. We found a high probability of linkage of all noted miRNAs to pathways in cancer with P‐values of 0.013 and 0.018 in mice and humans, respectively. Linkage to the MAPK‐signaling pathway in mice was observed with a P‐value of 0.01. Moreover, when comparing the 219 deregulated miRNAs obtained from blood with deregulated miRNAs derived from gastric cancer (GC) tissues, as published previously, 24 miRNAs were identical. If confirmed in a larger patient pool, these miRNAs could constitute appropriate blood‐born biomarkers for GC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PEX Genes in Fungal Genomes: Common, Rare or Redundant

PEX genes encode proteins, termed peroxins, that are required for the biogenesis and proliferation of microbodies (peroxisomes). We have screened the available protein and DNA databases to identify putative peroxin orthologs in 17 fungal species (yeast and filamentous fungi) and in humans. This analysis demonstrated that most peroxins are present in all fungi under study. Only Pex16p is absent in most yeast species, with the exception of Yarrowia lipolytica, but this peroxin is present in all filamentous fungi. Furthermore, we found that the Y. lipolytica PEX9 gene, a putative orphan gene, might encode a Pex26p ortholog. In addition, in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida glabrata, several PEX genes appear to have been duplicated, exemplified by the presence of paralogs of the peroxins Pex5p and Pex21p, which were absent in other organisms. In all organisms, we observed multiple paralogs of the peroxins involved in organelle proliferation. These proteins belong to two groups of peroxins that we propose to designate the Pex11p and Pex23p families. This redundancy may complicate future studies on peroxisome biogenesis and proliferation in fungal species.
The relationship between self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms, cognitive functioning, and emotional symptoms in multiple sclerosis

Objective: To examine self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) across three domains of function (apathy, disinhibition, and executive control), and examine the relationship between self-awareness and cognitive functioning. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with MS completed neuropsychological testing, measures of emotional functioning, and self-ratings of neurobehavioral symptoms using the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), a 46-item questionnaire with subscales assessing frequency of symptoms in executive dysfunction, disinhibition, and apathy. Informants’ ratings of the FrSBe were also obtained. Decreasing differences between patient and informant reports on each subscale of the FrSBe (concordance) indicate higher levels of self-awareness. Results: Results showed significant positive correlations between cognitive abilities and self-awareness of executive dysfunction and disinhibition. In contrast, affect symptomatology (measures of anxiety and depression) were negatively correlated with self-awareness of executive dysfunction. Conclusions: Level of self-awareness of neurobehavioral symptoms in MS is related to level of cognitive impairment. In addition, symptoms of depression and anxiety reduced the accuracy of self-reporting. Thus, a clinician who relies on self-reports in creating an evaluation and treatment plan should consider the patient’s cognitive and emotional states.
Has economic voting changed? A comparative analysis of Italy and other Southern European countries

ABSTRACT The financial and debt crisis caused severe economic and political instability in Italy. Economic hardship led to an array of unpopular policy measures, giving rise to public dissatisfaction and civil unrest. These dramatic developments call for a re-assessment of the basic link between the economy and political support. This article uses the European Election Studies (EES) Voter study data from 2004, 2009 and 2014 to investigate patterns of economic voting. We assess the magnitude of economic effects in Italy in comparison with other Southern European countries that in recent years have witnessed similar economic and political turmoil. The results point to a strong impact of economic conditions on incumbent support in Italy, Greece, Portugal and Spain. However, retrospective voting weakened amid the crisis, with Italian voters in particular placing less blame for economic conditions on the national government than before. Importantly, we also find a considerable increase in prospective voting in Italy. Despite the nation’s past economic experience, voters were willing to reward Renzi’s government when they believed that its policies would bring economic improvement.
Health beliefs and communication in the travel clinic consultation as predictors of adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis.

OBJECTIVES The objectives were, first, to determine whether adherence to malaria prophylaxis could be predicted by (i) health beliefs specified by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and (ii) communication during the consultation in a travel clinic; and secondly, to examine the impact of the consultation in changing travellers' health beliefs. DESIGN A prospective study using regression analysis. METHODS The participants were 130 consecutive travellers attending a travel medicine clinic. Health beliefs were measured pre- and post-consultation. The consultations were coded from audiotape using the Roter Interaction Analysis System and a content analysis method recording discussion about malaria and prophylaxis. Adherence was assessed by a follow-up telephone interview. RESULTS Perceived susceptibility to malaria, perceived benefits of medication and intentions to adhere increased significantly as a result of the consultation, and the perceived permanent nature of side effects reduced significantly. At follow-up (N = 107), 62% reported full adherence, 25% partial adherence and 12% poor/no adherence. A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that perceived benefits of medication, length of stay, health professional discussion about adherence and travellers' questions and statements independently predicted reported adherence. CONCLUSIONS Health beliefs and communication significantly predicted adherence in this setting. The findings also suggested qualitative differences between travellers who adhered fully, partially or poorly. Although the clinic consultation had a positive impact, emphasizing benefits of medication and resolving potential barriers to adherence could improve adherence in the population.
Pectoralis major tears: comparison of surgical and conservative treatment

Objectives—To compare objective measures of strength and subjective functional outcomes in complete distal pectoralis major tears treated either surgically or non-surgically. Methods—Twenty two pectoralis major tears were included in 21 patients. Ten were surgically repaired and 12 were managed non-surgically. Patients completed a standard questionnaire, and clinical examination and isokinetic dynamometry were carried out. Results—In patients who had surgical repair, peak torque returned to 99% of that of the uninjured side and work performed returned to 97%. For those managed conservatively, peak torque and work performed returned to only 56% of that of the uninjured side (p = 0.003 for the difference in peak torque, and p = 0.01 for work performed). Findings were independent of the strength of the patient, whether or not the dominant arm was involved, the age of the patient, and the length of time from injury or surgery to testing. Patients were grouped into one of three subjective functional outcome groups, and those who had a surgical repair had a better functional outcome. Conclusions—Surgical repair results in greater recovery of peak torque and work performed than conservative management of patients with rupture of the pectoralis major.