Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PAAS: a preference-aware deep reinforcement learning approach for 360° video streaming

Conventional tile-based 360° video streaming methods, including deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based, ignore the interactive nature of 360° video streaming and download tiles following fixed sequential orders, thus failing to respond to the user's head motion changes. We show that these existing solutions suffer from either the prefetch accuracy or the playback stability drop. Furthermore, these methods are constrained to serve only one fixed streaming preference, causing extra training overhead and the lack of generalization on unseen preferences. In this paper, we propose a dual-queue streaming framework, with accuracy and stability purposes respectively, to enable the DRL agent to determine and change the tile download order without incurring overhead. We also design a preference-aware DRL algorithm to incentivize the agent to learn preference-dependent ABR decisions efficiently. Compared with state-of-the-art DRL baselines, our method not only significantly improves the streaming quality, e.g., increasing the average streaming quality by 13.6% on a public dataset, but also demonstrates better performance and generalization under dynamic preferences, e.g., an average quality improvement of 19.9% on unseen preferences.
Monotonicity results for CFC nabla fractional differences with negative lower bound

Abstract We consider the sequential CFC-type nabla fractional difference ( CFC ∇ a + 1 ν ∇ a μ CFC u ) ( t ) {(^{\mathrm{CFC}}\nabla^{\nu}_{a+1}{}^{\mathrm{CFC}}\nabla^{\mu}_{a}u)(t)} and show that one can derive monotonicity-type results even in the case where this difference satisfies a strictly negative lower bound. This illustrates some dissimilarities between the integer-order and fractional-order cases.
Laparoscopic versus open major liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: A case-matched analysis of short- and long-term outcomes

Abstract Background The feasibility and safety of laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) are still uncertain. The purpose of the present study is to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of LMH with those of open major hepatectomy (OMH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method Between January 2012 and December 2018, a total of 26 patients received laparoscopic major hepatectomy in our center. To minimize any confounding factors, a 1:3 case-matched analysis was conducted based on the demographics and extent of liver resection. Data of demographics, perioperative outcomes, and long-term oncologic outcomes were reviewed. Results Intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.007) was significantly lower in the LMH group. In addition, the LMH group exhibited a lower overall complication rate (P = 0.039) and shorter postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.024). However, no statistically significant difference was found between LMH and OMH regarding operation time (P = 0.215) and operative cost (P = 0.860). Two laparoscopic cases were converted to open liver resection. In regard to long-term outcomes, there was no significant difference between LMH and OMH regarding disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.079) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.172). Conclusion LMH can be an effective and safe alternative to OMH for selected patients with liver cancer in short- and long-term outcomes.
Investigating the digital media engagements of very young children at home: Reflecting on methodology and ethics

Abstract In the media and communications field, research investigating the digital media engagements of very young children at home has largely been restricted to survey methods relying on parental self-reports. Recognizing that qualitative approaches can provide insights in families’ practices, values, and attitudes, we argue for the fruitfulness of an ethnographic perspective, drawing on three cases from the project “A Day in the Digital Lives of children 0–3;” two in Sweden and one in England. Using the concept of methodological responsibility, we argue that methodology and ethics are intrinsically entwined. We offer reflections on dilemmas and challenges involved in our participatory work with children under three and their families, bringing attention to such issues as ensuring initial and ongoing consent, using a video camera in the home and data sharing and dissemination. Building trust in such sensitive work is a complex process but the rewards are considerable.
Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Eulaema nigrita (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) as a factor of habitat type in Brazilian Atlantic forest fragments

Abstract In many organisms, habitat affects ecological and genetic diversity and, for certain species, it is expected that a large population should have higher genetic diversity than a smaller population. We analysed the genetics of males of the orchid bee, Eulaema nigrita (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and examined the links between local abundance and habitat with genetic diversity. We also investigated the impact of landscape features on genetic population structure, through microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analysis, among populations found across 700 km of Brazilian Atlantic forest fragments. We found that genetic variation was not a function of local abundance, but it correlated significantly with habitat. There was significant but low genetic differentiation among populations. We found a single mitochondrial DNA haplotype in all sequenced specimens, which may be widespread throughout the Atlantic forest. Our results reinforce the idea that orchid bees can fly long distances. High-dispersal capacity, together with insufficient time in eventual isolation, can directly contribute to the high degree of similarity among populations for this species, despite their wide geographical distribution.
Adherence to country-specific guidelines among economic evaluations undertaken in three high-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Abstract Objective To assess the adherence of economic evaluations to the recommendations on principles of economic evaluation as stated in the country-specific guidelines for three countries across different income groups, namely, Canada, South Africa, and Egypt. Methods Searches were undertaken in three databases to identify economic evaluations meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Methodological and reporting standards listed in the country-specific guidelines were converted into discrete binary variables to calculate mean adherence scores. Quality appraisal was done using Drummond's checklist. Stratified analysis was undertaken to identify independent variables affecting adherence. Results We identified forty-four, seventy-nine, and sixteen economic evaluations for Canada, South Africa, and Egypt, respectively. The mean adherence score was the highest for Canada (71%), followed by South Africa (65%) and Egypt (60%). Adherence to guidelines was positively correlated with quality of studies, r = . 72. Furthermore, the mean adherence score was significantly (p < .05) higher for studies using a cost-utility analysis design (72%), having local/national funding aid (72%), undertaken by a health economist (71%) and for pharmacoeconomic evaluations (70%). Conclusion The quality of economic evaluations improves with adherence to country-specific guidelines. Locally funded and health-economist led health technology assessments (HTAs) should be encouraged for greater adherence to the guidelines. The HTA researchers and the HTA bodies should lay emphasis on adherence to the country-specific guidelines for improving the quality of HTA evidence.
Internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy for non-cardiac chest pain: a pilot and feasibility study

Abstract Nearly half of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) experience significant complaints after a negative cardiac evaluation, at considerable costs for society. Due to the lack of treatment capacity and low interest for psychological treatment among patients with somatic complaints, only a minority receive effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT), including encouragement of physical activity for this condition. Ten patients with NCCP received a six-session I-CBT intervention with minimal support from a therapist. Questionnaires assessing cardiac anxiety, fear of bodily sensations, depression, interpretation of symptoms, frequency of chest pain and impact of chest pain symptoms were collected at baseline, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Semi-structured interviews employing a phenomenological hermeneutic approach assessed the participants’ experience of the intervention. Quantitative results showed clear improvements in several measures both at end of treatment and at 3-month follow-up. The retention rate was 100% and client satisfaction was high. The intervention was feasible to implement in a cardiac setting. This setting made it easier for patients to accept a psychological approach. Qualitative interviews revealed that the participants felt respected and taken care of, and they obtained a better understanding of their chest pain and how to cope with it. This pilot study yielded promising results regarding feasibility, clinical effect and patient satisfaction from a brief I-CBT intervention for NCCP in a cardiac setting. These results indicate that a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is warranted. Key learning aims (1) Feasibility of internet-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) for non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). (2) How NCCP patients experience I-CBT. (3) Possible effects of I-CBT. (4) How I-CBT can be delivered at the Cardiac Department.
Deep semi‐supervised classification based in deep clustering and cross‐entropy

Self‐labeled techniques, a semi‐supervised classification paradigm (SSC), are highly effective in alleviating the scarcity of labeled data used in classification tasks through an iterative process of self‐training. This problem was addressed by several approaches with different assumptions about the features of the input data, examples of these approaches being self‐training, co‐training, STRED, among others. This paper presents a framework for data self‐labeling based on deep autoencoder combined with a self‐labeled technique that takes into consideration cross‐entropy. The model uses the Encoder to reduce the dimensionality of the input that is submitted to a labeling layer. The weights of this layer are adjusted through the learning from a clustering performed in the Z space, which is the reduced dimensionality space. Results showed that the proposed method obtained competitive performance in relation to classic methods that are found in the literature.
An intelligent system of pelvic lymph node detection

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a fast and painless procedure that can capture clear imaging information beneath the abdomen and is widely used to help diagnose and monitor disease progress. The pelvic lymph node is a key indicator of colorectal cancer metastasis. In the traditional process, an experienced radiologist must read all the CT scanning images slice by slice to track the lymph nodes for future diagnosis. However, this process is time‐consuming, exhausting, and subjective due to the complex pelvic structure, numerous blood vessels, and small lymph nodes. Therefore, automated methods are desirable to make this process easier. Currently, the available open‐source CTLNDataset only contains large lymph nodes. Consequently, a new data set called PLNDataset, which is dedicated to lymph nodes within the pelvis, is constructed to solve this issue. A two‐level annotation calibration method is proposed to guarantee the quality and correctness of pelvic lymph node annotation. Moreover, a novel system composed of a keyframe localization network and a lymph node detection network is proposed to detect pelvic lymph nodes in CT scanning images. The proposed method makes full use of two kinds of prior knowledge: spatial prior knowledge for keyframe localization and anchor prior knowledge for lymph node detection. A series of experiments are carried out to evaluate the proposed method, including ablation experiments, comparing other state‐of‐the‐art methods, and visualization of results. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms other methods on PLNDataset and CTLNDataset. This system is expected to be applied in future clinical practice.
Sex differences in type and occurrence of adverse reactions to opioid analgesics: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives Sex as a biological variable affects response to opioids. However, few reports describe the prevalence of specific adverse reactions to commonly prescribed opioids in men and women separately. A large cohort was used to investigate sex differences in type and occurrence of adverse reactions associated with use of codeine, tramadol, oxycodone and hydrocodone. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Participants in the Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Time (RIGHT) Study. Participants The medical records of 8457 participants in the RIGHT Study who received an opioid prescription between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2017 were reviewed 61% women, 94% white, median age (Q1–Q3)=58 (47–66). Primary and secondary outcome measures Adverse reactions including gastrointestinal, skin, psychiatric and nervous system issues were collected from the allergy section of each patient’s medical record. Sex differences in the risk of adverse reactions due to prescribed opioids were modelled using logistic regression adjusted for age, body mass index, race and ethnicity. Results From 8457 participants (of which 449 (5.3%) reported adverse reactions), more women (6.5%) than men (3.4%) reported adverse reactions to at least one opioid (OR (95% CI)=2.3 (1.8 to 2.8), p<0.001). Women were more likely to report adverse reactions to tramadol (OR (95% CI)=2.8 (1.8 to 4.4), p<0.001) and oxycodone (OR (95% CI)=2.2 (1.7 to 2.9), p<0.001). Women were more likely to report gastrointestinal (OR (95% CI)=3.1 (2.3 to 4.3), p<0.001), skin (OR (95% CI)=2.1 (1.4 to 3.3), p=0.001) and nervous system issues (OR (95% CI)=2.3 (1.3 to 4.2), p=0.004). Conclusions These findings support the importance of sex as a biological variable to be factored into pain management studies.
Sex Hormone and Colorectal Cancer: The Knowns and Unknowns

Sex hormones have been suggested as a contributor to gender disparity in incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer, but previous observational studies on endogenous sex hormones and colorectal cancer risk have led to contradictory results. Leveraging the large-scale UK biobank resource, Dimou and colleagues performed both observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to investigate the association of serum testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin concentrations with the risk of colorectal cancer. Although the findings provide little evidence for independent roles of the hormones in colorectal cancer, further interrogation of possible mediating effects of sex hormones on the causal pathways of colorectal cancer could deepen our understanding of colorectal cancer etiology and improve tailored prevention. While MR analysis is useful for inferring causality in observational studies, the current null results should be interpreted with caution because of insufficient statistical power and predefined assumptions of linearity. Moreover, given the widespread use of testosterone supplementation in older men to restore age-related decline of endogenous concentrations, large and long-term randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the effect of testosterone on colorectal cancer risk, which would provide critical evidence for health decision making. See related article by Dimou et al., p. 1336
Health systems strengthening to arrest the global disability burden: empirical development of prioritised components for a global strategy for improving musculoskeletal health

Introduction Despite the profound burden of disease, a strategic global response to optimise musculoskeletal (MSK) health and guide national-level health systems strengthening priorities remains absent. Auspiced by the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (G-MUSC), we aimed to empirically derive requisite priorities and components of a strategic response to guide global and national-level action on MSK health. Methods Design: mixed-methods, three-phase design. Phase 1: qualitative study with international key informants (KIs), including patient representatives and people with lived experience. KIs characterised the contemporary landscape for MSK health and priorities for a global strategic response. Phase 2: scoping review of national health policies to identify contemporary MSK policy trends and foci. Phase 3: informed by phases 1–2, was a global eDelphi where multisectoral panellists rated and iterated a framework of priorities and detailed components/actions. Results Phase 1: 31 KIs representing 25 organisations were sampled from 20 countries (40% low and middle income (LMIC)). Inductively derived themes were used to construct a logic model to underpin latter phases, consisting of five guiding principles, eight strategic priority areas and seven accelerators for action. Phase 2: of the 165 documents identified, 41 (24.8%) from 22 countries (88% high-income countries) and 2 regions met the inclusion criteria. Eight overarching policy themes, supported by 47 subthemes, were derived, aligning closely with the logic model. Phase 3: 674 panellists from 72 countries (46% LMICs) participated in round 1 and 439 (65%) in round 2 of the eDelphi. Fifty-nine components were retained with 10 (17%) identified as essential for health systems. 97.6% and 94.8% agreed or strongly agreed the framework was valuable and credible, respectively, for health systems strengthening. Conclusion An empirically derived framework, co-designed and strongly supported by multisectoral stakeholders, can now be used as a blueprint for global and country-level responses to improve MSK health and prioritise system strengthening initiatives.
Comparison of treatment efficacy between 100% platelet-rich plasma and 100% serum eye drops in moderate-to-severe dry eye disease: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Introduction Dry eye disease (DED) is a common eye problem. Although the disease is not fatal, it substantially reduces quality of life and creates a high economic burden, especially in patients with moderate-to-severe DED. Several biological tear substitutes (eg, autologous serum (AS), autologous platelet-rich plasma (APRP) and autologous platelet lysate) could effectively improve dry eyes. However, evidence on their comparative efficacy is controversial. This study aims to compare the efficacy of 100% APRP with 100% AS eye drops in patients with moderate-to-severe DED. Methods and analysis The study is a single-centre, double-blinded randomised, parallel, non-inferiority trial. One hundred and thirty patients with moderate-to-severe DED, aged 18–70 years will be recruited from outpatient clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok from February 2021 to January 2023. Patients will be randomised to receive either 100% APRP or 100% AS eye drops (1:1 ratio) for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and ocular surface staining (OSS) evaluated using the Oxford scale. Secondary outcomes are fluorescein break-up time, Schirmer’s I test, meibomian gland parameters and adverse events. Other measured outcomes include best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and compliance. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol and any supplements used in conducting this trial have been approved by the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University (MURA2020/1930). Informed consent will be obtained from all patients before study entry. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. Trial registration number NCT04683796.
An immune-related E2F gene expression signature provides prognostic information in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal form of liver cancer. Through RB-E2F pathway or other mechanisms, E2F transcription factors impact tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers including HCC. We aim to develop a prognostic signature based on the expression of E2Fs for HCC patients. Methods. RNA-seq and clinical data from TCGA database were used to identify a prognostic signature based on the expression of E2Fs. Another cohort from GEO database was utilized as external validation. The risk score combined with common clinical factors were employed to establish a nomogram as a clinically-accessible tool. Tumor immune microenvironment influenced by the signature was analyzed and a competing endogenous network of the component genes has been constructed. Results. A prognostic signature dependent on the expression of two E2Fs was developed and validated, with the risk score successfully stratifying HCC patients into different risk groups. A nomogram was provided for clinical application. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited significantly higher fractions of immunosuppressive cells than low-risk patients. Moreover, we revealed a mRNA-miRNA-circRNA competing endogenous network that potentially played a pivotal role in the prognosis and progression of HCC. Conclusion. This study offered a novel gene signature that could robustly identify HCC patients with poor survival and highlighted potential predictive biomarkers for therapeutic interventions.
Single-Cell Imaging Reveals That Staphylococcus aureus Is Highly Competitive Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Surfaces

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus frequently occur together in polymicrobial infections, and their interactions can complicate disease progression as well as treatment options. While interactions between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus have been extensively described using planktonic batch cultures, little is known about whether and how individual cells interact with each other on solid substrates. This is important, because in infections, both species frequently colonize surfaces to form microcolony aggregates and biofilms. Here, we performed single-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy combined with automated image analysis to describe interactions between P. aeruginosa PAO1 with three different S. aureus strains (Cowan I, 6850, JE2) during microcolony growth on agarose surfaces. While P. aeruginosa is usually considered the dominant species, we found that the competitive balance tips in favor of S. aureus on surfaces. We observed that all S. aureus strains accelerated the onset of microcolony growth in competition with P. aeruginosa and significantly compromised P. aeruginosa growth prior to physical contact. These results suggest that S. aureus deploys mechanisms of both resource competition and interference competition via diffusible compounds. JE2 was the most competitive S. aureus strain, simply usurping P. aeruginosa microcolonies when coming into direct contact, while 6850 was the weakest competitor itself suppressed by P. aeruginosa. Moreover, P. aeruginosa reacted to the assault of S. aureus by showing increased directional growth and expedited expression of quorum sensing regulators controlling the synthesis of competitive traits. Altogether, our results reveal that quantitative single-cell live imaging has the potential to uncover microbial behaviors that cannot be predicted from batch culture studies, and thereby contribute to our understanding of interactions between pathogens that co-colonize host-associated surfaces during polymicrobial infections.