Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels

Objective To determine whether year-to-year fluctuations in PSA levels are due to natural variation and render a single PSA test result unreliable. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective analysis of an unscreened population of 972 men (median age, 62 years) participating in the Polyp Prevention Trial (1991-1998). Five consecutive blood samples were obtained during a 4-year period and were assessed for total and free PSA levels. Main Outcome Measure Abnormal PSA test result based on a PSA level higher than 4 ng/mL; a PSA level higher than 2.5 ng/mL; a PSA level above the age-specific cutoff; a PSA level in the range of 4 to 10 ng/mL and a free-to-total ratio of less than 0.25 ng/mL; or a PSA velocity higher than 0.75 ng/mL per year. Results Prostate biopsy would have been recommended in 207 participants (21%) with a PSA level higher than 4 ng/mL; in 358 (37%) with a level higher than 2.5 ng/mL; in 172 (18%) with a level above the age-specific cutoff; in 190 (20%) with a level between 4 and 10 ng/mL and a free-to-total ratio of less than 0.25 ng/mL; and in 145 (15%) with a velocity higher than 0.75 ng/mL per year. Among men with an abnormal PSA finding, a high proportion had a normal PSA finding at 1 or more subsequent visits during 4-year follow-up: 68 (44%) of 154 participants with a PSA level higher than 4 ng/mL; 116 (40%) of 291 had a level higher than 2.5 ng/mL; 64 (55%) of 117 had an elevated level above the age-specific cutoff; and 76 (53%) of 143 had a level between 4 and 10 ng/mL and a free-to-total ratio of less than 0.25 ng/mL. Conclusion An isolated elevation in PSA level should be confirmed several weeks later before proceeding with further testing, including prostate biopsy.
Measuring Extension Program Impacts: 3. Evaluating Program Success

The very first step in evaluation, and in developing an Extension program for that matter, is to determine the level of need for the program. This may become apparent through several different processes. For example, clients or past participants might request a new program, an obvious gap in available training might exist, new management issues or challenges might arise, or the economic environment might change. It might also be necessary to conduct a needs assessment, which is a kind of formative (i.e., early) evaluation.
Improving Interaction with Non-Player Characters Through Physiological Data

As the sophistication of video games increases, flaws in certain aspects of games, such as communicating with non-player characters (NPCs), become more apparent. NPCs have limited information about the players, but they should ideally react to the players’ emotional state. We propose an experiment to test the feasibility of using physiological data as an estimate of emotional states to improve this aspect of interaction between players and NPCs. Leveraging advances in biofeedback applications, the proposed setup uses galvanic skin response and electromyography for emotion estimation in an action role-playing game built in Unity. Players navigate through a post-apocalyptic setting as their physiological data is recorded during significant, in-game, events. We present the within-subjects experimental design in which this data will be utilized to influence the dialogue behaviors of NPCs in the game and the resulting effect on rapport with the characters will be tested.
Preventive medicinal plants consumed by the rural population of Bangladesh - a randomized survey of Silakhana village in Bagerhat district.

Plants have always served human beings not only as medicines, i.e. for treatment of diseases, but also for prevention of diseases. That ‘prevention is better than cure’ is something that is readily agreed to by both doctors and patients. Bangladesh rural population on one hand lacks access to modern medical amenities like doctors and clinics, and on the other hand suffers from various diseases due to lack of proper sanitation and the lack of proper drinking water. In fact gastrointestinal disorders and respiratory tract infections are quite common among the rural population of Bangladesh. As such, they consume different plants at different times of the year, which according to them as well as practitioners of folk medicine can serve as effective preventions against various clinical disorders. Modern science has also recognized the importance of various plants and their constituents as viable factors towards prevention or at least reducing the incidences of ailments like cardiovascular disorders and cancer. The objective of the present study was to conduct a survey among the population of a randomly chosen village, namely Silakhana in Bagerhat district, Bangladesh. It was observed that the village population sixteen plants or plant parts for prevention of diseases like helminthiasis, gastrointestinal disorders like dysentery, diarrhea or constipation, loss of memory, loss of appetite, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, diabetes, weakness, headache, and respiratory tract infections. The plants merit potential for further scientific studies, for if the villager’s claims are proved to be accurate, these plants can serve as an effective means for prevention of various common diseases and contribute to considerable savings in the people as a whole on their medical-related costs.
Chronoscopic reading in whole body reaction times can be a tool in detecting cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetics: A case control study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus investigated as a risk factor for cognitive decline. It is known that the difference between simple and choice reaction time implies time required for cognition. Though delayed reaction times indicate involvement of cognition, they cannot quantify how much time is required for cognition. In whole body choice reaction time (WBCRT), reaction time is split into two chronoscopic readings: Chronoscopic reading-1 (C1) and chronoscopic reading-2 (C2). C1 measures time required for central processing that requires cognition and C2 measures the total reaction time. C2 - C1 measures time required for peripheral motor response. We hypothesized that WBCRT C1 will be delayed in diabetes and will have predictive value in detecting cognitive dysfunction. Settings and Design: Hospital-based case control study. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted on 120 subjects using visual and whole body reaction times having criteria of age (40-60 years) and diabetes, compared with equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. Statistical analysis was done by independent t-test and duration of diabetes was correlated with cognition times (WBCRT C1) using Pearson′s correlation. Predictive value of WBCRT C1 was calculated by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: WBCRT C1 (564 ± 107 ms) among diabetes patients was more delayed than WBCRT C1 (513 ± 86 ms) among controls indicating a cognitive dysfunction in patients with diabetes. There was no significant correlation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes and diabetic duration with WBCRT C1. The best cutoff value for WBCRT C1, when predicting cognitive dysfunction in patients with diabetes, was 517 ms (sensitivity 50%, specificity 40%). Conclusions: WBCRT C1 can be used as a tool to detect cognitive dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Survey Results on Industry Practices and Challenges in Subgroup Analysis in Clinical Trials

This article provides a summary of the results of a recent survey in the pharmaceutical and device industry on the current practice and common issues in the identification and analysis of subgroups. The survey was part of a cross-industry effort sponsored by the Quantitative Sciences in the Pharmaceutical Industry (QSPI) for two purposes: (1) to identify general practices in how statistical subgroup analyses are planned and conducted in clinical trials and (2) collect information on similarities and differences across the prespecified types of subgroup analyses in terms of most common challenges, methodologies, and other characteristics. The survey results help integrate good practices and create a unifying framework for subgroup analyses in industry encompassing those in discovery/early phases directed to biomarkers identification and those at later stages for exploratory, confirmatory, or post hoc evaluations. Results from this survey identify the number one challenge to be the lack of power related to the sample size and number of subgroups tested. The findings further highlight an unmet need for intensified educational efforts focused on sharing statistical methodologies, experiences, and knowledge on the most appropriate approaches for identifying and analyzing subgroups. The scientific debate among industry, regulators and academia should continue to find solutions to unresolved challenges and perceived difficulties of subgroup analyses in clinical trials.
Development and testing of an instrument in Western Norway to measure the quality of referral information from primary care to specialised mental health care

Introduction Several studies have indicated that medical referral letters do not convey the necessary information to ensure sufficient coordination of care. However, there is no definition of the core set of information items that should be communicated in a referral process, and no valid measurements to assess, and thus improve, the quality of such information. The present study aimed to develop and test an instrument to measure the quality of referral information provided by general practitioners to specialised mental health care services for adults. Methods Based on a recommendation taking the users’ standpoint into account, a minimum set of items for referral communication seen as essential by experienced specialists (N = 42) was developed. An instrument to assess the quality of referral information for specialised mental health care for adults was then examined based on its psychometric properties. The examination was conducted within the region of Western Norway Regional Health Authority (www.helse-vest.no), representing the public specialised mental health care for approximately 1 million citizens. Results Nineteen items were recommended, and the instrument was found valid and reliable. The inter-rater correlation varied, and the test–retest was found to be substantial or almost perfect for a majority of the raters. Discussion This study embeds an exploration of improvement potential, impact of quality improvement efforts and sustainability of such efforts for facilitating effective communication in the interface between the two main health services for people with mental health problems. Further exploration on the instruments generalisability to other contexts and to the inter-rater correlation are recommended.
Optimization of a gas processing network

Disclaimer This document contains a student thesis (bachelor's or master's), as authored by a student at Eindhoven University of Technology. Student theses are made available in the TU/e repository upon obtaining the required degree. The grade received is not published on the document as presented in the repository. The required complexity or quality of research of student theses may vary by program, and the required minimum study period may vary in duration.
Study Of Job Satisfaction Of Academic And Administrative Staff Working In The Elementary Education System Of Punjab

Job satisfaction of academic and administrative staff of elementary education is very vital because teaching and administration at elementary level is venerated and sensitive job. Job satisfaction has been a question mark and in debate by the researchers since long.It gained much importance due to its significance for the achievement of objectives of any organization.The purpose of this study was to explore job satisfaction of academic and administrative staff working in the Elementary Education System of Punjab.The respondents for this study were academic and administrative staff taken of two Districts of Punjab i.e. Sahiwal and Rawalpindi.The overall response rate was 88%. Fifty seven Assistant Education Officers, 261 Headmasters, and 522 Teachers responded the questionnaire. Majority of the respondents n=702, 83.6% were from the rural area while n=138, 16.4% from urban area.Overall response rate of females was more than the male staff. 63% of the whole sample was of more than 40 years of age. Majority of respondents were having master degree.The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) was used to collect data from the respondents.Stratified random sampling technique was used to take the sample from population. After seeking permission for survey from Executive District Officer (Education) Sahiwal and Rawalpindi; the researcher send questionnaire through mail to the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. Frequencies and percentages along with mean value of responses were tabulated and calculated.The t-test was applied to know the difference of means and Pearson r value was also calculated.The findings of study show that as whole respondents were satisfied with their job. However they were not satisfied with three dimensions (out of twenty) of the job i.e advancement. , â€žEducation Policies and â€žcompensation. No significant differences between job satisfaction of academic and administrative staff was found as a whole.However, by parts a significant difference of job satisfaction was found between academic and administrative staff from District Sahiwal. Similarly a significant difference of job satisfaction observed between male and female teachers from District Sahiwal.
Oral Cancer Screening: Targeting High-Risk South Asian Populations in the United Kingdom

3 CONTENTS 5 LIST OF FIGURES 10 LIST OF TABLES 17 ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS 21 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 23 PUBLICATIONS FROM THIS THESIS 24 DECLARATION 25 CHAPTER ONE: Screening for Oral Cancer in South As ian Populations 26 1-1.01 What is Cancer? 27 1-1.02 Definitions of Oral Cancer 28 1-1.03 The Clinical Presentation of Oral Cancer 28 1-1.04 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer 30 1-1.05 Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Cavity 32 1-1.06 Oral Epithelial Dysplasia 34 1-1.07 Oral Submucous Fibrosis 35 1-1.08 OSF Aetiology 36 1-1.09 OSF Clinical Presentation 36 1-1.10 OSF Clinical Classification 38 1-1.11 OSF Management 39 1-1.12 Referral Guidelines for Suspected Oral Cancer 40 1-1.13 The Epidemiology of Oral Cancer in the UK 43 1-1.14 Oral Cancer and Geography in the UK 43 1-1.15 Oral Cancer and Age 44 1-1.16 Oral Cancer Trends over Time 45 1-1.17 Oral Cancer Incidence Worldwide 46 1-1.18 Mouth Cancer and Ethnicity 47 1-1.19 Head and Neck Cancer and Social Deprivation 49 1-1.20 The TNM Classification of Oral Cancer 50 1-1.21 Clinical Staging and Prognosis 51 1-1.22 Management of Oral Cancer 52 1-1.23 Screening and Case-Finding 53 1-1.24 The UK National Screening Committee 53 1-1.25 Sensitivity and Specificity 56 1-1.26 Cost-Effectiveness of Screening for Oral Cancer 59 1-1.27 Modelling Data from an ‘Expert Panel’ 59 1-1.28 The Cost of Oral Cancer to the NHS 62 1-1.29 Outcomes of Screening Strategies Modelled in the UK 62 1-1.30 Oral Cancer Screening in the Literature 65 1-1.31 Limitations of Oral Cancer Screening Reviews 66 1-1.32 The Trivandrum Oral Cancer Screening Study 67 1-1.33 Outcomes of the Trivandrum Screening Trial 69 1-1.34 Cuba’s National Oral Cancer Screening Programme 71 1-1.35 Diagnostic Aids for Oral Cancer Detection 71 1-1.36 Biopsy and Histopathological Examination 72
The critical incident technique in dental research: A review

Research is a scientific quest to find answers to certain questions. It makes us think with curiosity and wonderment about how to make something better. Research contributes in a major way to the development and maintenance of health and health care systems. Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena and includes subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions, and behavior. It is especially important in the behavioral sciences where the aim is to discover the underlying motives of human behavior. The critical incident technique (CIT) is a well-established qualitative research tool used in many areas of health sciences including nursing, medicine, dentistry, and their respective education systems. This technique is described as consisting of “a set of procedures for collecting direct observations of human behavior in such a way as to facilitate their potential usefulness in solving practical problems. ” This review gives a gist of CIT and its application in different aspects of dental research.
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: To determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in polycystic ovary syndrome. Research design and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care medical institution in Monterrey, Mexico. Ninety-one patients were enrolled. We excluded patients with twin pregnancies or with an incomplete medical record. Data were obtained in the postpartum wards by review of medical records. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus was made according to current criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Results: We included 91 patients with a mean age of 27 ± 6 years. Of these patients, 77% had a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 8% received treatment to become pregnant. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in our study cohort was 65%. Conclusion: Gestational diabetes mellitus has a high prevalence in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. A consensus between early detection and classification criteria to standardize the diagnosis should be sought.
Geometrically based depth assignment using a single image

Over the past few years the interest in 3D media, such as games and especially movies has rapidly increased. Many home television systems in particular allow for an automatic 2D to 3D conversion of regularly filmed material. The approaches to offer such a functionality use either binocular cues from several 2D images to calculate depth or are able to derive depth information from a single image, also referred to as monocular cues. In this paper the latter group of techniques will be treated. Starting from existing algorithms using so-called vanishing lines and a single vanishing point for depth assignment we will present our own approach. In particular, we use a set of three orthogonal vanishing points to create a purely geometrically based depth representation, that is especially well suited for outdoor scenes with geometric objects, such as urban scenes. While this already allows to draw a depth gradient along two or even three directions we have also implemented a method of capturing depth variations at small details within the structure of buildings such as niches or corners.
Current Status of Direct Endoscopic Necrosectomy

The management of pancreatic necrosis has evolved. Sterile necrosis is now managed conservatively. Intervention is generally required for infected necrosis but is now deferred until four weeks after disease onset in order to permit encapsulation and demarcation of the necrotic collection. Demarcation facilitates necrosectomy and reduces complications related to the drainage and debridement procedures. The approach to pancreatic necrosectomy has evolved from primary open necrosectomy to minimally-invasive radiologic, surgical and endoscopic procedures. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy is a minimally-invasive technique that was introduced in recent years for the treatment of infected walled-off necrosis. A stoma is created endoscopically between the gastric lumen and the walled-off collection. An endoscope is then inserted directly into the cavity to perform endoscopic necrosectomy. This is followed by short-term placement of double pigtail transgastric stents and nasocystic catheter for post-procedural irrigation and drainage. This review will summarise the current status of direct endoscopic necrosectomy.
PP24. Evaluation of the effectiveness of specialist occupational therapy input in schools attended by children and young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

were invited to participate. The audit tool included a retrospective case notes review of 15 patients using a pre-tested proforma derived from the consultation process and a more detailed centre review. Results: 10/14 (71%) centres completed the audit with data available for 153 children (median age 12 years, range 1–21). Although all centres intended to collect the majority of the single variables, there was wide variability in collection and documentation (Table 1). Composite measures of disease activity were not routinely collected. All centres recorded data in multiple sites [JIA proforma (100%), clinic letters (90%), case notes (70%), clinical and research databases (50 and 40%)]. Conclusion: Although there is consensus around important single measures of disease activity, collection and documentation are inconsistent and unreliable. Understanding the reasons for missing data will inform future work. The variability across the UK emphasizes the need to include multiple centres in the ongoing consultation process to identify the optimal measure or measures of disease activity in JIA. The audit should be repeated following implementation of a standardized measure of disease activity across the UK. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Evaluación de los esteroides epidurales en el tratamiento del dolor de espalda baja

Introducción: En México se ha identificado que las dorsopatías se encuentran entre los principales motivos de consulta médica familiar en el IMSS. Se han propuesto múltiples abordajes terapéuticos; sin embargo, un 10% de los casos, no responde al tratamiento convencional. Por ello, los abordajes intervencionistas pueden ser útiles en el manejo de este tipo de dolor. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto analgésico de los esteroides por vía epidural en enfermos con dolor de espalda baja. Material y métodos: Estudio ambispectivo y descriptivo en pacientes con lumbalgia. En forma retrospectiva, se identificó a pacientes que recibieron esteroides por vía epidural. En forma prospectiva, se seleccionó a pacientes con diagnóstico de lumbalgia, aleatorizando dos grupos (Grupo A: 80 mg de metilprednisolona epidural y Grupo B: 6 mg de betametasona epidural). Se documentó en tres momentos (antes, una semana y dos semanas después de la intervención): (i) la intensidad del dolor mediante la escala visual análoga (EVA), (ii) escala de funcionalidad de Oswestry, y (iii) grado de satisfacción. Resultados: Retrospectivamente, se analizó a 50 pacientes. Se identificaron dos subgrupos de 25 pacientes cada uno (subgrupo A: 80 mg de metilprednisolona epidural y subgrupo B: 6 mg de betametasona epidural). Prospectivamente, se analizaron dos grupos de 8 pacientes cada uno. En el análisis comparativo, los esteroides estudiados no presentaron diferencias significativas; sin embargo, individualmente se presentaron diferencias en las tres variables estudiadas. Conclusiones: Al parecer ambos esteroides presentan una analgesia similar. Sin embargo, se requieren nuevos estudios de este tipo para confirmar esta tendencia.