Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differentiating Surgeon Expertise Solely by Eye Movement Features

Developments in computer science in recent years are moving into hospitals. Surgeons are faced with ever new technical challenges. Visual perception plays a key role in most of these. Diagnostic and training models are needed to optimize the training of young surgeons. In this study, we present a model for classifying experts, 4th-year residents and 3rd-year residents, using only eye movements. We show a model that uses a minimal set of features and still achieve a robust accuracy of 76.46 % to classify eye movements into the correct class. Likewise, in this study, we address the evolutionary steps of visual perception between three expertise classes, forming a first step towards a diagnostic model for expertise.
Vacuum ultraviolet emission characteristics from He–Ne–Xe gas discharge in an alternating current plasma display panel cell

We measured the time integrated vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) emission spectra of He–Ne–Xe gas mixture from a surface type alternating current (ac) plasma display panel cell. The measured emission lines are the resonance line (147 nm) from Xe*(1s4), the first continuum (150 nm) and the second continuum (173 nm) from Xe dimer excited states. The relative intensities of VUV spectral lines from Xe* and Xe2* are dependent on the He/Ne mixing ratio as well as the Xe partial and total pressure. The intensity of 147 nm VUV increases with the Ne content increase and Xe2* molecular emission increases with the He content increase. Infrared (IR) spectra and the time variation of VUV were measured to explain the reaction pathway and the effect of the mixing ratio of He/Ne on the spectral intensity. A detailed study for the decay time shows that the decay time of 147 nm has two time constants and the radiation of 150 and 173 nm results mainly from Xe*(1s5). The IR spectra shows that the contribution from Xe**(>6 s) to Xe*(.
Infrared Echoes of Optical Tidal Disruption Events: ∼1% Dust-covering Factor or Less at Subparsec Scale

The past decade has experienced an explosive increase of optically discovered tidal disruption events (TDEs) with the advent of modern time-domain surveys. However, we still lack a comprehensive observational view of their infrared (IR) echoes in spite of individual detections. To this end, we have conducted a statistical study of the IR variability of the 23 optical TDEs discovered between 2009 and 2018 using the full public data set of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. The detection of variability is performed on the difference images, yielding 11 objects with significant (>3σ) variability in at least one band, while dust emission can be only fit in 8 objects. Their peak dust luminosity is around 1041–1042 erg s−1, corresponding to a dust-covering factor f c ∼ 0.01 at a subparsec scale. The only exception is the disputed source ASASSN-15lh, which shows an ultra-high dust luminosity (∼1043.5 erg s−1), and this makes its nature even more elusive. Other nondetected objects show even lower f c , which could be lower by one more order of magnitude. The derived f c is generally much lower than those of dusty tori in active galactic nuclei, suggesting either a dearth of dust or a geometrically thin and flat disk in the vicinity of supermassive black holes. Our results also indicate that the optical TDE sample (post-starburst galaxies overrepresented) is seriously biased to events with little dust at subparsec scale, while TDEs in dusty star-forming systems could be more efficiently unveiled by IR echoes.
Infrared signatures of OH-defects in wadsleyite: A first-principles study

Abstract The structure and the polarized infrared absorption spectrum of OH-defects in wadsleyite (β-Mg2SiO4) are studied, at 0 and 15 GPa, by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). Four types of OH-defects are considered: fully protonated magnesium vacancies, fully protonated silicon vacancies, silicon vacancies compensated by a magnesium cation and two protons, and OH-defects associated with the migration of a silicon cation to a normally vacant site, as reported by Kudoh and Inoue (1999). The results suggest that the main absorption band constituted by a doublet (3326 and 3360 cm-1) corresponds to at least two types of OH-defects involving M3 vacancies with protonation of the O1-type O atoms along the O1.O4 edges. The main contribution of the less intense band at 3581 cm-1 is likely related to the partial protonation of a silicon vacancy (protonation of the O3-type oxygen) associated with the migration of the silicon cation to the Si2 site. This assignment is consistent with several experimental constraints: wavenumber and pleochroism of infrared OH-stretching bands, pressure-dependence of the band wavenumber, evidence from X‑ray diffraction of magnesium vacancies in M3 site, and increase of the b/a axial ratio with water content. The integrated absorption coefficients of the corresponding OH-defects are also calculated and thus complement the set of data obtained previously for forsterite and ringwoodite. Absorption coefficients of wadsleyite computed at 0 and 15 GPa indicate that for a precise quantification of the hydrogen content in in situ experiments, one must consider higher absorption coefficients than those determined at 0 GPa after quench. It is also shown that a single theoretical relation can account for the three Mg2SiO4 polymorphs at 0 GPa: Kint = 278.7 ± 18.1 (3810 ± 465 - x), where Kint is the integrated molar absorption coefficient of the OH stretching modes and x is the average wavenumber in cm-1. Absorption coefficients are significantly lower than the general calibrations, the use of which would lead to an underestimation of the water concentrations
How has the qualification of patients for transcatheter aortic valve implantation changed over the last 5 years in a single, high-volume center in Poland?

Among single native valve heart diseases (VHD), aortic stenosis (AS) is now the most prevalent valve defect in adults (33.9%) [1]. Early detection and management of AS is of paramount importance, because untreated disease is universally fatal [2]. There is no evidence that any pharmacotherapy truly increases life expectancy; therefore the only effective method of treatment is valve replacement (surgical or transcatheter). The first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was performed in 2002 by Cribier, and since then it has become an established and increasingly used method of treatment [3].
The Reliability and Influence of Body Position on Acoustic Pharyngometry and Rhinometry Outcomes

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this cross sectional study was to analyze the method error and reliability in acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry and to analyze the difference between standing and sitting position in acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry. Material and Methods The sample comprised 38 healthy subjects (11 men and 27 women) as part of a control group in another study. The subjects underwent repeated measures of acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry in standing and sitting position. Upper airway dimensions in terms of volume, minimum cross-sectional areas (MCA) and distances were evaluated using the Eccovision® Acoustic Pharyngometer and Rhinometer. Method error and reliability were analyzed using paired t-test, Dahlberg’s formula and the Houston reliability coefficient, and differences between body positions were analyzed using paired t-test. Results There was no systematic error in the repeated measures except for the distance to MCA in the left nostril in sitting position (P = 0.041). The method error for the pharyngometry ranged between 0.001 to 0.164 cm/cm2/cm3 and the reliabity was 0.99. The method error for rhinometry ranged between 0.001 to 0.37 cm/cm2/cm3 and the reliability between 0.99 to 1. Difference between standing and sitting position was found only in the pharyngeal airway in terms of volume (P = 0.025) and mean area (P = 0.009) with smaller airway in sitting position. Conclusions The results indicate that acoustic pharyngometry and rhinometry are reliable methods to perform repeated measures of the upper airway dimensions especially in the standing mirror position. It may be essential to perform the measures with the patient positioned in the same body position each time.
Clinical Characteristics of Sarcoidosis in Asian Population: A 14-year Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study from Thailand

Background: Little is known about epidemiology and clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis in Asian population. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Thai patients with sarcoidosis, using databases of a tertiary care medical center. Methods: Potential cases of sarcoidosis were identified from two sources, the medical record-linkage system and the pathology database of Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Patients with ICD-10-CM codes for sarcoidosis were identified and retrieved from the medical record-linkage system from 2005 to 2018. Patients with histopathology positive for non-caseating granuloma were identified and retrieved from the pathology database from the same time period. All potential cases underwent individual medical record review to confirm the diagnosis of sarcoidosis which required compatible clinical pictures supported by presence of non-caseating granuloma, radiographic evidence of intrathoracic sarcoidosis and exclusion of other granulomatous diseases. Results: From 2005 to 2018, 89 confirmed cases of sarcoidosis were identified. 80.9% of them were female and mean age at diagnosis was 46.8 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.9 years). The majority of patients had intrathoracic disease (81 cases; 91.0%) but less than half had respiratory symptoms (34 cases; 41.9%). Extrathoracic disease was common in this cohort that pulmonary sarcoidosis was accompanied by extrathoracic involvement in 53 patients (65.4%). Sarcoid uveitis was the most common extrathoracic disease (35 cases; 39.3%), followed by cutaneous sarcoidosis (24 cases; 26.9%), extrathoracic lymphadenopathy (18 cases; 22.5%) and sarcoid arthropathy (4 cases; 4.5%). Conclusion: The current study examined clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis in an Asian population and found high prevalence of uveitis and marked female predominance. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (4): e2020011)
Smell and Taste Impairment in a Nationwide Sample of US Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis Symptoms

Objective To estimate the prevalence of objectively confirmed olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in US adults reporting chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms in a nationally representative database. Study Design Cross-sectional epidemiologic analysis. Setting Data were analyzed from the smell and taste component of the 2013-2014 NHANES data set (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Methods Individuals reporting the presence of ≥2 cardinal CRS symptoms (nasal blockage, sinus pain, discolored mucus, and dysosmia) were identified as patients with a potential diagnosis of CRS. Associations were examined between the presence of CRS symptoms and both self-reported and objectively measured smell and taste. Results One-third (33%) of adults who have ≥2 CRS symptoms report subjective olfactory impairment, though only 18% of these adults have quantifiable olfactory dysfunction on objective testing. Of these adults, 27% report subjective taste impairment, but just 17% have quantifiable gustatory dysfunction on objective testing. The presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms was not significantly associated with objective olfactory or gustatory dysfunction, although the individual symptoms of subjective dysosmia and discolored mucus were associated with objectively confirmed olfactory dysfunction. Conclusion The prevalence of objective olfactory and gustatory dysfunction was higher among adults reporting the presence of ≥2 CRS symptoms, but the differences were not statistically significant. Specific sinonasal symptoms, including discolored mucus and subjective smell dysfunction, were significantly associated with objective smell impairment.
Experimental simulation of environmental warming selects against pigmented morphs of land snails

Abstract In terrestrial snails, thermal selection acts on shell coloration. However, the biological relevance of small differences in the intensity of shell pigmentation and the associated thermodynamic, physiological, and evolutionary consequences for snail diversity within the course of environmental warming are still insufficiently understood. To relate temperature‐driven internal heating, protein and membrane integrity impairment, escape behavior, place of residence selection, water loss, and mortality, we used experimentally warmed open‐top chambers and field observations with a total of >11,000 naturally or experimentally colored individuals of the highly polymorphic species Theba pisana (O.F. MÜller, 1774). We show that solar radiation in their natural Mediterranean habitat in Southern France poses intensifying thermal stress on increasingly pigmented snails that cannot be compensated for by behavioral responses. Individuals of all morphs acted neither jointly nor actively competed in climbing behavior, but acted similarly regardless of neighbor pigmentation intensity. Consequently, dark morphs progressively suffered from high internal temperatures, oxidative stress, and a breakdown of the chaperone system. Concomitant with increasing water loss, mortality increased with more intense pigmentation under simulated global warming conditions. In parallel with an increase in mean ambient temperature of 1.34°C over the past 30 years, the mortality rate of pigmented individuals in the field is, currently, about 50% higher than that of white morphs. A further increase of 1.12°C, as experimentally simulated in our study, would elevate this rate by another 26%. For 34 T. pisana populations from locations that are up to 2.7°C warmer than our experimental site, we show that both the frequency of pigmented morphs and overall pigmentation intensity decrease with an increase in average summer temperatures. We therefore predict a continuing strong decline in the frequency of pigmented morphs and a decrease in overall pigmentation intensity with ongoing global change in areas with strong solar radiation.
Implementation of Shared Decision Making for Lung Cancer Screening Among the Privately Insured Nonelderly

Introduction. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires a written order of shared decision making (SDM) visit in its coverage policy for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening (LCS). With screening eligibility starting at age 55, private insurance plans will likely adopt this coverage policy. This study examined the implementation of SDM in the context of LCS among the privately insured. Methods. We constructed two study cohorts from MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database 2016-2017: a LDCT cohort who received LDCT for LCS and an SDM cohort who had an LCS-related SDM visit. For the LDCT cohort, we examined the trend and factors associated with the receipt of SDM within 3 months prior to LDCT. For the SDM cohort, we studied the trend and factors associated with LDCT within 3 months after an SDM visit. Results. For privately insured adults aged <64, 93% (19,681/21,084) of the LDCT cohort did not have a billing claim indicating SDM, although the uptake of SDM increased from 3.1% in 1Q2016 to 8.2% in 4Q2017 (P < 0.0001). For the SDM cohort, 46% (948/2048) did not have a claim for an LDCT for lung cancer screening in the 3 months after the SDM visit; this percentage increased from 29.5% in 1Q2016 to 61.8% in 3Q2017 (P < 0.0001). Limitations. Findings cannot be generalized to other nonelderly adults without private insurance. Additionally, the rate of SDM identified from claims may be underreported. Conclusions. We found a growing but low uptake of SDM among privately insured individuals who underwent LDCT. The higher rate of LDCT in the SDM cohort than the rate reported in national studies emphasized the importance of patient awareness.
A CHROMATOGRAPHIC STUDY OF CARBON MONOXIDE ADSORPTION ON A CLINOPTILOLITE-CONTAINING NATURAL ZEOLITIC MATERIAL

In this study, the equilibrium and kinetic parameters for CO adsorption on clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolitic material were determined by the concentration pulse chromatography technique. Experiments were carried out at different column temperatures (60–120°C) and interstitial carrier gas velocities (3.1–16.3 cm/s) using a clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolitic material packed column. The equilibrium and kinetic parameters were determined by matching the moments of the experimentally obtained response curves to the parameters in the mathematical model. The Henry's Law constants were found to decrease from 700 to 49 with increasing temperature. The heat of adsorption at low coverage was found to be 50.73 kJ/molK. The contributions from external film, macropore, and micropore diffusion resistances to mass transfer were determined, and the micropore diffusion resistance was found to be the major contributor. The micropore diffusivity as a function of crystal radius (Dc/rc 2) was determined and found to change between 5.72 × 10−4 and 1.34 × 10−2 s−1 in the temperature range studied.
Efficacy and Safety of Electromyography-Guided Injection of Botulinum Toxin to Treat Retrograde Cricopharyngeus Dysfunction

Objective To report the efficacy and safety of electromyography-guided percutaneous botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle in an office setting for treatment of the inability to belch and associated symptoms caused by retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD). Study Design Retrospective case series of treated patients. Setting Tertiary care laryngology clinic. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 18 consecutive patients who were diagnosed syndromically with R-CPD. The combined diagnostic test and treatment—specifically, botulinum toxin injection into the cricopharyngeus muscle—was accomplished in an office setting by a single surgeon using electromyography guidance. Items assessed are efficacy, safety, complications, and duration of benefit. Results All 18 patients (100%) treated in the in-office setting gained the ability to burp with improvement in the associated symptoms of R-CPD at initial follow-up. Of those who had the in-office procedure performed initially, 80% maintained the ability to burp at 6 months with relief of all the associated symptoms of R-CPD. No patients experienced permanent complications from the injection, but 7 patients experienced varying degrees of noisy breathing within 1 week after the procedure, which was managed with breathing techniques and resolved. Conclusion In a case series of 18 patients with R-CPD, all patients gained the ability to burp with improvement in the majority of their symptoms of R-CPD at the time of their initial follow-up at 1 week. None experienced severe complications, and 7 experienced transient noisy breathing, which resolved.
Metabolic syndrome among adults in Qatar: A review of the literature across medical specialties

This study aims to collate all metabolic syndrome-related studies among adults in Qatar, shedding light on gaps in knowledge related to this topic to be addressed in future research studies. PubMed was used in searching for metabolic syndrome-related articles in Qatar, which was executed using relevant terms and was conducted with no restrictions. A second search was executed at a later stage to include any recent publications. A total of 20 articles were found to be relevant and related to the topic in hand. Three definitions of metabolic syndrome were used across the reviewed studies, which were classified based on medical specialties. The main findings and key components of each study were summarized. Studies were unevenly distributed across various medical specialties. This article serves to direct future research activities by identifying what aspects of the disease have been covered under current or past research projects and what more needs to be addressed comprehensively in view of clinical and public health significance.
Contrast medium Pd/Pa ratio in comparison to fractional flow reserve, quantitative flow ratio and instantaneous wave-free ratio for evaluation of intermediate coronary lesions

Introduction Contrast medium Pd/Pa ratio (cFFR) was introduced as an alternative to fractional flow reserve (FFR). Aim To assess the accuracy of cFFR in predicting of FFR, quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR). Material and methods Resting Pd/Pa, cFFR, FFR, QFR, and iFR were measured in 110 intermediate coronary lesions. cFFR was obtained after intracoronary injection of contrast medium. FFR was measured after the intravenous administration of adenosine. QFR was derived from fixed empiric hyperemic flow velocity based on coronary angiography. iFR was calculated by measuring the resting pressure gradient across a coronary lesion during diastole. Results Forty-four patients with 110 intermediate coronary lesions were enrolled. Mean baseline Pd/Pa was 0.93 ±0.05. Mean cFFR value was similar to FFR value (0.83 ±0.09 vs. 0.81 ±0.09; p = 0.13) and QFR (0.81 ±0.1; p = 0.69) and iFR (0.90 ±0.07; p = 0.1). A total of 46 vessels (41.8%) had FFR ≤ 0.80, 50 (45.5%) vessels had cFFR ≤ 0.83, 44 (40.0%) vessels had QFR ≤ 0.80, and 38 (34.5%) vessels had iFR ≤ 0.89. An excellent agreement between cFFR and resting Pd/Pa, FFR, QFR, and iFR was confirmed (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.83, 0.99, 0.98, and 0.88, respectively). The optimal cutoff value of cFFR was 0.83 for prediction of FFR ≤ 0.80 with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 96.9%, 97.8%, and 97.3%, respectively. 100% sensitivity was observed for a cutoff value of 0.82 and 100% specificity for a cutoff value of 0.84; AUC = 0.998 (0.995–1.00); p < 0.001. Conclusions Contrast medium Pd/Pa ratio seems to be accurate in predicting the functional significance of borderline coronary lesions assessed with FFR, iFR, and QFR.
Effect of Cooling Irrigating Saline in Tongue Base Ablation in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective Plasma is formed by creating a high-density energy field within an electrically conductive fluid such as saline. Sometimes ablated bits of tissue get stuck between the electrodes of the wand, obstructing the suction channel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of cooling the irrigating saline during ablation of the hypertrophied tongue base in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting An otorhinolaryngology department in Main University hospitals. Methods Sixty adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea and tongue base hypertrophy underwent tongue base ablation surgery. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each: cooled saline and room temperature saline. The Coblation wand used was the EVac 70 Xtra HP (Smith & Nephew). Results In this study, a significant difference in operative time (mean ± SD) was seen between groups: 21.2 ± 5.5 minutes in the cold group and 47 ± 9.5 minutes in the control group (P = .001). The wands in the cold group did not obstruct, while all the wands in the control group were obstructed by tissue clogs with variable degrees, hence wasting more time to clean the wands’ tips. Conclusion Cooling the irrigating saline overcame the problem of wand clogs, and the wand tip did not occlude at all during the procedures, thus saving time lost in wand cleaning and demonstrating a faster and safer surgical procedure. Further studies are needed to identify the hemostatic effect of the cooled saline over the regular one.