Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovative technique of needlescopic grasper-assisted single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: A comparative study.

AIM To investigate the safety and feasibility of needlescopic grasper-assisted single-incision laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (nSIL-CBDE) by comparing the surgical outcomes of this technique with those of conventional laparoscopic CBDE (CL-CBDE). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent CL-CBDE or nSIL-CBDE for the treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones between January 2000 and December 2014. For performing nSIL-CBDE, a needlescopic grasper was also inserted through a direct puncture below the right subcostal line after introducing a single-port through the umbilicus. The needlescopic grasper helped obtain the critical view of safety by retracting the gallbladder laterally and by preventing crossing or conflict between laparoscopic instruments. The gallbladder was then partially dissected from the liver bed and used for retraction. CBD stones were usually extracted through a longitudinal supraduodenal choledochotomy, mostly using ﬂushing a copious amount of normal saline through a ureteral catheter. Afterward, for the certification of CBD clearance, CBDE was performed mostly using a ﬂexible choledochoscope. The choledochotomy site was primarily closed without using a T-tube, and simultaneous cholecystectomies were performed. RESULTS During the study period, 40 patients underwent laparoscopic CBDE. Of these patients, 20 underwent CL-CBDE and 20 underwent nSIL-CBDE. The operative time for nSIL-CBDE was significantly longer than that for CL-CBDE (238 ± 76 min vs 192 ± 39 min, P = 0.007). The stone clearance rate was 100% (40/40) in both groups. Postoperatively, the nSIL-CBDE group required less intravenous analgesic (pethidine) (46.5 ± 63.5 mg/kg vs 92.5 ± 120.1 mg/kg, P = 0.010) and had a shorter hospital stay than the CL-CBDE group (3.8 ± 2.0 d vs 5.1 ± 1.7 d, P = 0.010). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that nSIL-CBDE could be safe and feasible while improving cosmetic outcomes when performed by surgeons trained in conventional laparoscopic techniques.
Privatisation of Public Enterprises in Developing Countries: An Overview

The article examines the role that privatisation can play to overcome the problems associated with the operations of the public enterprises in developing countries. The paper is generally divided into three broad sections with the first part examining the emergence of privatization as a doctrine at the level of theory and praxis. The second part critically examines why public enterprises are created and highlights some of the problems associated with their operations. The final section explores privatisation techniques and problems of implementation. Country experiences will be used to illustrate and authenticate some assertions.
Self-Deception, Rationality, and the Self

This essay is a plea for the view that philosophers should analyze the concept of self-deception more with the aim of having useful applications for empirical research. This is especially desirable because psychologists often use different, even incompatible conceptions of self-deception when investigating the factual conditions and consequences, as well as the very existence, of the phenomenon. At the same time, philosophers who exploit psychological research on human cognition and reasoning in order to better understand self-deception fail to realize that these theories and data are loaded with problematic assumptions. More specifically, I discuss what conceptions of rationality are assumed when we describe cases of self-deception as either irrational or as adaptively rational, and how competing ontological models of the self appear in different accounts of self-deception. I argue, first, that although the self typically is an object of such deception, it is not always so. Secondly, while it is the subject of deception, it is so only in a moderate way: We need neither assume multiple selves, nor is self-deception typically brought about or sustained intentionally.
Perception analysis of social networks' privacy policy: Instagram as a case study

Social network emergence has had a remarkable impact on how people communicate and share information. It has increased revenues tremendously. However, it has added another problem to data confidentiality. This is due to the advances in communication technology that keep on producing a better, easier and cheaper way to communicate. However, the vulnerability somehow depends on the user itself, whether they care about their information. This paper examines users' perceptions towards the existence of privacy policy in social networks. The research is intended to evaluate the extent of privacy policy awareness among users and the reason for low level of awareness. It also sought to evaluate other modes of communicating privacy policy that can be implemented for better user engagement.
Evaluation of Logistic Regression and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline Models for Groundwater Potential Mapping Using R and GIS

This study mapped and analyzed groundwater potential using two different models, logistic regression (LR) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and compared the results. A spatial database was constructed for groundwater well data and groundwater influence factors. Groundwater well data with a high potential yield of ≥70 m3/d were extracted, and 859 locations (70%) were used for model training, whereas the other 365 locations (30%) were used for model validation. We analyzed 16 groundwater influence factors including altitude, slope degree, slope aspect, plan curvature, profile curvature, topographic wetness index, stream power index, sediment transport index, distance from drainage, drainage density, lithology, distance from fault, fault density, distance from lineament, lineament density, and land cover. Groundwater potential maps (GPMs) were constructed using LR and MARS models and tested using a receiver operating characteristics curve. Based on this analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the success rate curve of GPMs created using the MARS and LR models was 0.867 and 0.838, and the AUC for the prediction rate curve was 0.836 and 0.801, respectively. This implies that the MARS model is useful and effective for groundwater potential analysis in the study area.
Abdominal obesity, muscle composition, and insulin resistance in premenopausal women.

The independent relationships between visceral and abdominal sc adipose tissue (AT) depots, muscle composition, and insulin sensitivity were examined in 40 abdominally obese, premenopausal women. Measurements included glucose disposal by euglycemic clamp, muscle composition by computed tomography, abdominal and nonabdominal (e.g. leg) AT by magnetic resonance imaging and cardiovascular fitness. Glucose disposal rates were negatively related to visceral AT mass (r = -0.42, P < 0.01). These observations remained significant (P < 0.01) after control for nonabdominal and abdominal sc AT, muscle attenuation, and peak oxygen uptake. Total, abdominal, or leg sc AT or muscle attenuation was not significantly (P > 0.10) related to glucose disposal. Subdivision of abdominal sc AT into anterior and posterior depots did not alter the observed relationships. Further analysis matched two groups of women for abdominal sc AT but with low and high visceral AT. Women with high visceral AT had lower glucose disposal rates compared with those with low visceral AT (P < 0.05). A similar analysis performed on two groups of women matched for visceral AT but high and low abdominal sc AT revealed no statistically different values for insulin sensitivity (P > 0.10). In conclusion, visceral AT alone is a strong correlate of insulin resistance independent of nonabdominal, abdominal sc AT, muscle composition, and cardiovascular fitness. Subdivision of abdominal sc AT did not provide additional insight into the relationship between abdominal obesity and metabolic risk.
Non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas modulate cell cycle‐related gene expressions in melanocytic tumors of RET‐transgenic mice

The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing at a greater rate than that of any other cancer in the world. However, an effective therapy for malignant melanoma has not been established. Recently, some studies have shown an antitumor effect of non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas (NEAPPs) in vitro. Here, we examined the in vivo effect of NEAPP on cell cycle regulators, key elements for malignant transformation, in spontaneously developed benign melanocytic tumors in a hairless animal model. NEAPP irradiation decreased expression levels of cell cycle promoters, Cyclin D1, E1 and E2, and increased expression level of a cell cycle repressor, p27KIP1. Cyclin D1, E1 and E2 and p27KIP expression levels were associated with malignant transformation of the benign tumor in the animal model. Our results suggest that NEAPP irradiation suppresses malignant transformation of a benign melanocytic tumor via control of the expression levels of cell cycle regulators.
Hydrogen-rich saline prevents the down regulation of claudin-5 protein in septic rat lung via the PI 3 K / Akt signaling pathway

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by capillary leak and increased pulmonary permeability with high mortality. Hydrogen-rich saline, which has therapeutic anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity, can attenuate pulmonary edema in sepsis-related lung injury. However, the mechanisms of the protective effect are not completely clear. Thus, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of hydrogen-rich saline on the expression of claudin-5 protein which is associated with endothelial paracellular permeability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10, in each group): control group, LPS group, LPS+H2 group, H2 group, LPS+H2+LY294002 group and LPS+LY294002 group, received intratracheal administration of LPS followed by intraperitoneal injection of hydrogen-rich saline or intravenous injection of PI3K inhibitor LY294002. The severity of pulmonary edema was assessed by wet-to-dry rate and Evans blue infiltration; the expression of claudin-5 protein was examined by immunofluorescence double-labeling staining and western blot; the level of phospho-Akt was detected by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot. Results: Pretreatment with hydrogen-rich saline significantly alleviated pulmonary edema and attenuated the deterioration of claudin-5 protein induced by LPS in rat lung. Moreover, Hydrogen-rich saline enhanced LPS-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is associated with the regulation of claudin-5 expression. However, the protective effects of hydrogen-rich saline were partly suppressed by LY294002. Conclusion: Hydrogen-rich saline ameliorates LPS-induced ALI through reducing disruption of claudin-5 protein, which may be associated with the enhanced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in plasma after repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise: the effect of coenzyme Q10.

AIM The purpose was to determine the changes of oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in plasma after repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise and the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on these changes. METHODS This randomized, double blind, crossover study was composed of two 8-week periods of supplementation with either 100 mg.day(-1) CoQ10 or placebo. Fifteen healthy and sedentary men participated in the study. Five Wingate tests with 2 min rest between tests were performed. Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after, 15 and 60 min after the fifth Wingate test for oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, xanthine oxidase and adenosine deaminase) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and uric acid) markers. RESULTS At baseline exercise session, malondialdehyde increased 15 and 60 min after the exercise compared to the rest and immediately after the exercise. Malondialdehyde at rest, immediately after and 60 min after the exercise decreased with coenzyme Q10 supplementation when compared to baseline. At baseline exercise session, uric acid increased 15 and 60 min after the exercise when compared to the rest. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense increase after repeated short-term supramaximal exercise. CONCLUSION Coenzyme Q10 supplementation partially prevents the increase in lipid peroxidation after repeated short-term supramaximal exercise.
Pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma: in vitro study of the impact of TGFβ1 on the expression of integrins and cytoskeleton markers of cell differentiation

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are the commonest benign and malignant salivary gland tumours respectively. Interactions between cells and extracellular matrix of PA and ACC, partially mediated by integrins, are important in their biology. The expression of integrins is regulated by numerous factors, amongst them, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Our study investigated the effects of TGFβ1 on the expression of integrin β subunits in vitro and on the expression of cytoskeletal proteins of cells derived from PA and ACC. The expression of cytoskeletal differentiation markers and integrins was assessed using immunofluorescence. ELISA assays were employed to quantitate the expression integrins and MTT assays evaluated the mitochondrial activity of cells stimulated with TGFβ1. PA cells showed increased expression of integrins and de novo expression of differentiation markers upon TGFβ1 stimulation. ACC cells were less responsive to such stimulation. This may reflect important differences in the biological behaviour of benign and malignant cells.
Functioning and disability after stroke in children: using the ICF‐CY to classify health outcome and inform future clinical research priorities

The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health, Child‐Youth version (ICF‐CY) provides a framework for describing and evaluating health, intervention outcomes, and needs assessment. It can, however, also serve as a system for classifying the focus of outcome studies and identification of gaps in current knowledge.
Nuclear degraded sperm subpopulation is affected by poor chromatin compaction and nuclease activity

There is an interest in the nuclear degraded sperm subpopulation because, although it is present in a low percentage in all semen samples, patient groups such as varicocele and rearranged genome carriers show high levels of these degraded spermatozoa. This study is designed with two objectives in mind: first, incubations of H2O2 and nuclease on DTT‐treated and untreated samples to show the aetiology of this subpopulation and second, assessment of the correlation between the protamine ratio and nuclear degraded spermatozoa. A very high increase in the nuclear degraded subpopulation has been found with nuclease incubation, and it is even higher when it has been merged with nuclear decompaction using DTT. Alternatively, incubation with H2O2 with and without DTT did not show such a significant increase in nuclear degraded spermatozoa. The protamine ratio correlated with this subpopulation, showing, in patients, that poor nuclear compaction would turn the sperm susceptible to degradation. Then, the assessment of nuclear degraded spermatozoa might not be only a measure of DNA degradation but also an indicator of chromatin compaction in the spermatozoa. Different patient groups would fit this model for sperm nuclear degradation, such as varicocele patients, who show a high percentage of immature spermatozoa and nuclear degraded spermatozoa, and reorganised genome carriers, where reorganisation might also cause poor chromatin compaction on the sperm nucleus.
Etoposide encapsulated in positively charged liposomes: pharmacokinetic studies in mice and formulation stability studies.

Etoposide is an antineoplastic agent which acts by forming a ternary complex with topoisomerase II and DNA, causing DNA breaks and cell death. In recent studies we have demonstrated that encapsulation in liposomes increases the antitumour efficacy and reduces the adverse effects associated with etoposide. The present study was thus conducted to evaluate whether encapsulation in cationic liposomes altered the pharmacokinetics of etoposide and to study the effect of cholesterol incorporation on the stability of the liposomes. Etoposide-encapsulated unilammellar liposomes were synthesized by thin film hydration followed by extrusion. The drug was administered to Swiss albino mice at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1). The concentration of the drug in plasma was analysed at different time points till 360 min after injection, using a h.p.l.c. method. The terbium chloride-dipicolinic acid interaction method was applied to study the stability of the formulation in mouse serum and also following storage at 0( composite function)C over a period of time. The effect of the free and liposomal drug on myelosuppression was evaluated at 10 mg m(-2)and 40 mg m(-2)dose levels by quantifying blood cell counts on day 15 and day 21 following a 5 day course of therapy. Encapsulation in cationic liposomes increased the area under the concentration vs time curve to 42.98 microghml(-1)from 24.18 microghml(-1)in the case of the free drug. Half-life (beta) was 58. 62 and 186 min in the case of free and liposomal etoposide, respectively. In the stability studies, incorporation of cholesterol progressively stabilized the formulation in serum. The use of sucrose at increasing concentrations as a cryoprotectant also increased the shelf stability of the formulation at 0( composite function)C. Toxicity studies using a dose of pure drug revealed that though myelosuppression was evident in both liposomal- and free drug-treated groups on day 15 it was reversed by day 21 following initiation of therapy. The present findings suggest that liposomes could serve as an alternative mode of delivery for etoposide.
Meningitis is a common cause of convulsive status epilepticus with fever

Aims: In children with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) with fever, to determine the likelihood of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM), the proportion that are treated with antibiotics, and the proportion that have diagnostic CSF sampling. Methods: Patients with an incident episode of CSE with fever were identified as part of an ongoing prospective population based study of CSE in childhood. Results: There were 49 incident cases of CSE in the first six months. Ascertainment was 96%. Twenty four had CSE with fever, 16 had early parenteral antibiotics, nine had diagnostic CSF sampling, and four had ABM. The population risk of ABM in CSE with fever was significantly higher than that of short seizures with fever (17% v 1.2%). Conclusions: The classical symptoms and signs of ABM may be absent in CSE with fever. A high index of suspicion for ABM in the child with CSE with fever is paramount. The most appropriate management is suggested to be early parenteral antibiotics and a lumbar puncture when there are no contraindications.
The feminization of medicine.

A GENERATION AGO A WOMAN’S ROLE IN MEDICINE WAS THAT OF A patient, and the thought of devoting an entire issue to the subject of gender was unheard of. But much has changed since 1970, when only 8% of practicing physicians and 13% of medical students were women. In the past 30 years, the white coat has opened to increasing numbers of women interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Bytheyear2010,nearlyonethirdofpracticingphysicianswillbewomen. What does that mean for health care? Will the “feminization” of medicine change its practice in the next century? To begin to answer thatquestion,AssistantSurgeonGeneralSusan J.Blumenthal,MD,MPA, delineates the issues and challenges that will confront health care in general, and women’s health in specific, in the new millennium. To understand the historical role of women in medicine, Rhoda Wynn traces their therapeutic image and lineage from ancient times to the present. Today,while84%offemalephysiciansaregenerallysatisfiedwiththeir careers inmedicine, almostone thirdof themwouldnotpursueamedical career if again given the choice. Medicine demands a unique compromise between personal and professional life, but the intensity of job stressors does not appear to vary significantly along gender lines, and the conflicts that may ensue from being both a physician and a parent appeartobelessacauseof jobdissatisfactionthanareworkplace issues— theopportunity for advancement,practicecontrol, andharassment. In an interview with 3 female surgeons, Valerie A. Jones takes a magnifying lens to their lives, both inside and outside the operating room. As women have begun to practice medicine across all specialities, making inroads in organized medicine and academia, the number of female full professors is growing at a rate faster than that of men. Yet women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Even if the rate of women attaining full professor rank continues to grow yearly as it has during the past 7 years, at least 25 years remain until the proportion of women at full professor rank is half that of men, despite near gender equity when entering medical school. Janet Bickel and Valarie Clark address one remedy to the lagging advancement of women in academic medicine: better mentoring. Finally, this month’s MSJAMA online includes a bibliography from the Women Physicians’ Health Study (WPHS). The WPHS undertakes the challenge of describing who women physicians are and what theybelieve—assessingsuchdifferencesas race, religion, specialtychoice, career satisfaction, and health risks. Data from the WPHS remind us that the generalization “women in medicine” is a rhetorical device, and that female physicians are just as different as they are similar.
Personality types of pediatric dentists: comparative analysis and associated factors.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the personality types of pediatric dentists and associated variables. METHODS A survey containing the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and demographic and practice questions was mailed to 500 pediatric dentists. RESULTS The responding 214 pediatric dentists preferred sensing over intuition, feeling over thinking and judging over perceiving. The distribution of the pediatric dentists' 16 personality types differed significantly from other dental specialists, general dentists, and pediatricians as well as the general population. Pediatric dentists were significantly more likely to prefer: sensing when compared to pediatricians; feeling when compared to dental specialists, general dentists, and pediatricians; and judging when compared to pediatricians and the general population. Pediatric dentists who preferred sensing were more likely to spend a greater portion of their time in clinical care than those who preferred intuition. Ninety-seven percent of those responding were very satisfied or satisfied with their profession. Those who were very satisfied were more likely to prefer extraversion, be over 46-years-old, and practice in a non-solo setting. CONCLUSIONS The personalities of pediatric dentists differ from other dentists and pediatricians as well as the general population and are associated with some demographic and practice factors.