Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tendências de incidência e de mortalidade por câncer nomunicípio de Aracaju, Sergipe

Os estudos populacionais tem sido frequentemente utilizados para a inferencia de hipotese sobre a etiologia do câncer e na identificacao dos fatores de risco, sendo os dados obtidos atraves do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional. O estudo teve o objetivo de descrever as tendencias de incidencia e de mortalidade por câncer no municipio de Aracaju, Sergipe, no periodo 1996 a 2007. Como metodologia, foi realizado um estudo ecologico de series temporais, utilizando os dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de Aracaju e do Sistema de Informacao de Mortalidade para o estado de Sergipe, sendo entao calculadas as taxas de incidencia e de mortalidade por câncer, baseadas nas populacoes fornecidas ao DATASUS pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica. As analises das tendencias foram calculadas pelo Joinpoint Regression Program do National Cancer Institute, USA. Os resultados obtidos revelaram taxas de incidencia e de mortalidade crescentes durante o periodo. As topografias mais incidentes, usando a padronizacao pela populacao mundial, foram: prostata, bronquios e pulmoes, labio, cavidade oral e faringe, estomago e colon e reto no genero masculino; e mama, colo uterino, tireoide, colon e reto e corpo uterino no feminino. As topografias de maior mortalidade foram: prostata, bronquios e pulmoes, estomago, labio, cavidade oral e faringe e figado e vias biliares intra-hepaticas no genero masculino; e mama, bronquios e pulmoes, colo do utero, corpo do utero e colon e reto no feminino. As tendencias de incidencia do câncer foram crescentes no genero masculino; mas, no feminino, so para as taxas brutas e ate o ano 2001. A mortalidade so apresentou tendencias crescentes no genero masculino. O padrao observado no estudo foi semelhante ao das regioes mais desenvolvidas, exceto por algumas topografias de câncer como colo uterino e cavidade oral, que continuaram apresentando padrao das areas menos desenvolvidas.
Dietary supplement survey of pharmacists: personal and professional practices.

OBJECTIVE To survey pharmacists about personal/professional practices regarding dietary supplements, specifically personal use and recommendation patterns, reference usage, and desired computerized decision-support features. DESIGN Anonymous, self-administered survey. SETTING/LOCATION National pharmacy association meeting. SUBJECTS Practicing pharmacists who answered questions about dietary supplements. OUTCOME MEASURES Acceptability of specific references, desired features in computerized decision support, frequency of personal use, and recommendations to patients, family, or friends. RESULTS Seventy (70) pharmacists completed the survey. A majority (52.9%) reported taking dietary supplements including echinacea, zinc, and chromium picolinate. Fewer than half of pharmacists stated they have recommended a dietary supplement to a patient. Pharmacists stated that the top information sources were: published clinical trials, allopathic health care providers, alternative medicine practitioners, and word of mouth. The Internet was an important source for recommendations although not for personal use. The most highly accepted (>70%) print references included The Review of Natural Products and the World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Herbal Products. More than 90% rates the ability to view reference citations and computerized alerts on drug-dietary supplement interactions "very important" or "important". Interest was high in accessing computerized monographs. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacists are self-educating about dietary supplements. Among pharmacists surveyed, there was some consensus as to which references were acceptable. There is a demand for dietary supplements information to be included in pharmacy computer systems, specifically to check for interactions against the patient's.drug profile. Although practitioners in Western and alternative medicine, as well as journal articles, are preferred information sources, the Internet and word of mouth are also important sources. Personal use of dietary supplements correlated with a twofold increase in the likelihood that a pharmacist would recommend a dietary supplement to a patient.
Etude de pré-validation du test de cytodétection des toxines diarrhéiques (acide okadaïque) dans les coquillages contaminés

Un test de cytodetection des toxines diarrheiques a ete mis au point conjointement par l'Ifremer et l'Universite de Nantes. Son principe est base sur la modification morphologique du contour cellulaire (lignee KB) induite par l'inhibition des proteines phosphatases impliquees dans l'edification du cytosquelette. Ce test s'est montre sensible, rapide et specifique des toxines actives sur ces enzymes dont font partie les toxines diarrheiques (essentiellement l'acide okadaique en France). La lignee cellulaire presente une tres haute stabilite demontree par les bonnes repetabilite et reproductibilite du test sur la toxine pure (concentration minimale active ou CMA = 125mg d'AO.ml-1). Afin de juger de la pertinence de transferer la methode aux laboratoires cotiers, l'essai a ete soumis a une etude de prevalidation. L'echantillonnage, realise et controle par le test-souris dans le cadre du REPHY pendant deux annees consecutives, est constitue de cinq especes de coquillage. Apres extraction, chaque echantillon a ete partage entre quatre laboratoires, qui les ont analyses par le test KB d'une maniere independante et en aveugle. Les extraits ont aussi ete analyses en CLHP. Les resultats montrent 50 % d'homogeneite entre les operateurs, toute espece de coquillage confondue, ce qui est faible et resulte de la difficulte a apprecier la modification du contour cellulaire correspondant a la CMA. La comparaison des resultats entre le test KB et le test-souris, sur la base des decisions des fermetures des zones de production, montre que le test KB est plus severe mais qu'il ne presente pas de faux negatif, ce qui va dans le sens des recommandations europeennes. Pour certaines especes (amandes, coques) on observe un effet sur les cellules KB alors que les extraits ne sont pas toxiques sur les souris: ce qui temoigne d'interferences suivant les matrices de coquillages.
Low-cost and easy-to-use grasp classification, using a simple 2-channel surface electromyography (sEMG)

Aim of this study is the easy and low-cost classification of basic hand grasp motions. For this aim, two sEMG sensors were placed on the forearm muscles. The reason is that to place the sensors on two forearm muscles is a low-cost and easy method. Also these forearm muscles are related with grasp motions. At first stage of the study, feature extraction methods were applied to the energy values of two channel signals. The feature extraction methods used at first stage were the filtering and histogram calculation. Then, the relations (correlations) between the histogram values were calculated by concordance correlation method. Finally, the concordance correlation values were used to classifier as input. The cascaded-structure classifier was used to obtain best results. According to the classification results, the average success rate calculated as 94.72%. Based on this high success rate, the method used in the study is proposed to some medical decisions, such as detection of muscle disorders or graspmuscle relation.
Haptic Aspect Graph Representation Of 3-D Solid Object Shapes By Tactile Sensing

This paper describes a concept of a haptic aspect(H-aspect) graph representation of the tactile sensing over an object's surface. The H-aspects are defined as the topologically equivalent classes of the tactual images for the tactile sensing of an object's surface. The H-aspect graph representation indicates the structured relationships of the H-aspects for the tactual images of an object's surface, that is, it's edges, faces, vertices, and concavity. The acqui- sition of the H-aspects of an object by the tactile sensing requires the extraction of the adequate tac- tile images for the H-aspects. A high density optical tactile sensor has been developed in order to obtain the tactual images of an object's surface. Experimental results are giv- en for the H-aspect graph representation of tactual images by using the prototype tactile sensor.
Linking research and teaching: exploring disciplinary spaces and the role of inquiry-based learning

Much of the international debate about the relationship between research and teaching is characterised by difference. Individuals vary widely in their views about the nature of the linkage. Some believe that “university research often detracts from the quality of teaching” (Pocklington and Tupper 2002: 7), while others argue that “courses taught by those at the cutting edge of research will necessarily be of higher quality than those taught by those merely using the research results of others – whatever the apparent quality of their style of delivery” (Lee 2004: 9). These strong views in part reflect the importance of linking research and teaching in the identity of many academics (Henkel 2000). The research evidence also varies, at least in its interpretation. For example, Hattie and Marsh (1996) found no significant relationship between research productivity and teaching effectiveness; on the other hand, “there is clear evidence from a range of studies in different types of institutions of students valuing learning in a research-based environment” (Jenkins 2004: 29). Given these differences, it is hardly surprising that a number of myths have developed about the nature of the research-teaching nexus (Hughes chapter 1).
Hierarchical pattern mining based on swarm intelligence

The behavior patterns in everyday life such as home, office, and commuting, and buying behavior model by day of the week, sea-son, location have hierarchies of various temporal granularity. Generally, in usual hierarchical data analysis, a basic hierarchical structure is given in advance. But it is difficult to estimate hierarchical structure beforehand for complex data. Therefore, in this study, we propose the algorithm to automatically extract both hierarchical structure and pattern from time series data using swarm intelligent method. We performed the initial operation test and confirmed that patterns can be extracted hierarchically.
Fluoride therapy for otosclerosis.

To the Editor . —The lead article in the Ear, Nose & Throat Journal for June 1989 1 concluded that fluoride therapy for otosclerosis is experimental and unproven. Kerr and Hoffman 1 base their conclusion on the fact that in the United States there has been no double-blind placebo-controlled study in a large number of cases as required by the Food and Drug Administration for approval of a new drug. The reason such a study has not been made is that fluoride cannot be patented, and no drug company will go to the expense of funding such a study for a substance for which they cannot expect to recoup the cost. There is no private source of funds for such a study, which may cost in the millions (the cost of obtaining approval for a new drug). The research that has been published on the positive effect of moderate-dosage sodium fluoride on
Routine mediastinoscopy and esophageal ultrasound fine-needle aspiration in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are clinically N2 negative: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND Despite normal mediastinal (N2) lymph nodes shown on positron emission tomography (PET) and CT, some physicians routinely perform mediastinoscopy and/or endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS A prospective trial on patients with NSCLC who were clinically staged N2 negative by both integrated PET/CT and CT scan. All underwent mediastinoscopy and EUS-FNA and if N2 negative underwent thoracotomy with thoracic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS There were 153 patients (107 men). Of these, 136 patients were clinically staged N0 and 17 patients were clinically staged N1. Of the 136 patients who were staged as N0, 5 patients (3.7%) had positive EUS-FNA results (three in the subcarinal node), and 4 patients (2.9%) had positive mediastinoscopy results (all in the #4R node; one was N3). Six of the remaining 127 patients (4.7%) had N2 disease after resection. Seventeen patients were clinically staged as N1 by integrated PET/CT. Four patients (23.5%) had positive EUS-FNA results (two in the subcarinal node), 3 patients (17.6%) had positive mediastinoscopy results (all in #4R node; two were N2 and one was N3), and none of the remaining 10 patients had N2 disease after resection. Patients with unsuspected N2 disease were twice as likely (relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 2.51; p = 0.02) to have a maximum standardized uptake value (maxSUV) > 10 and poorly differentiated cancer (relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.14 to 2.38; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION We do not recommend routine mediastinoscopy or EUS-FNA in patients who are clinically staged as N0 after both integrated PET/CT and CT. However, these procedures should both be considered in patients clinically staged as N1 after PET/CT, and/or in those with adenocarcinoma, upper-lobe tumors, or tumors with a maxSUV > or = 10.
Using the Action-Research Method in Information Systems Planning creativity research

Considering the global competitiveness the organizations ability to effectively use information technologies and bet on innovation and creativity are today commonly recognized as important. In this context, research on creativity in information systems has assumed special importance. This paper illustrates the use of Action-Research Method " in research in Information Systems and Creativity, particularized in Information Systems Planning, reflecting on the advantages of using this method in this context.
Effects of aging on auditory processing of speech

The focus of this paper is on the effects of age on speech perception, with reference to pertinent psychoacoustic findings. The difficulties of older listeners are related to the well-known effects of high-frequency hearing loss on speech perception in quiet, and to temporal processing declines not predictable from the audiogram that account for reduced ability to listen in complex, noisy conditions. We also discuss issues of research interpretation; e.g. the need for researchers and clinicians to be alert to the frequent confound between degree of hearing loss and age. The implications of age-related changes in auditory speech processing for future practice and research arc discussed relative to interactions between older individuals and their acoustic environments.
Reconciling Mathematical Models of Biological Clocks by Averaging on Approximate Manifolds

Although oscillations are typically described in terms of two variables (phase and amplitude), most oscillating systems contain more than two variables. We present a method for approximating the dynamics of the phase and the amplitude of a quasilinear system of three or more variables. This method is used to analyze Goldbeter's five-variable model of the biological circadian (approximately 24-hour period) clock in the fruit fly Drosophila [Proc. Roy. Soc. London B, 261 (1995), pp. 319--324]. Using this method, we show that Forger, Jewett, and Kronauer's mathematical model [J. Biolog. Rhythms, 14 (1999), pp. 532--537] of the human circadian system (based on the van der Pol equation) is almost identical to Goldbeter's model, even though these models were developed independently. This leads to (1) a biochemical analogue of the van der Pol equation, (2) biochemical support for the numerous mathematical models of circadian systems which use the van der Pol equation, and (3) possible evidence of the similarity .
Intensive care discharge delay is associated with increased hospital length of stay: A multicentre prospective observational study

Background Some patients experience a delayed discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) where the intended and actual discharge times do not coincide. The clinical implications of this remain unclear. Objective To determine the incidence and duration of delayed ICU discharge, identify the reasons for delay and evaluate the clinical consequences. Methods Prospective multi-centre observational study involving five ICUs over a 3-month period. Delay in discharge was defined as >6 hours from the planned discharge time. The primary outcome measure was hospital length stay after ICU discharge decision. Secondary outcome measures included ICU discharge after-hours, incidence of delirium, survival to hospital discharge, discharge destination, the incidence of ICU acquired infections, revocation of ICU discharge decision, unplanned readmissions to ICU within 72 hours, review of patients admitting team after ICU discharge decision. Results A total of 955 out of 1118 patients discharged were included in analysis. 49.9% of the patients discharge was delayed. The most common reason (74%) for delay in discharge was non-availability of ward bed. The median duration of the delay was 24 hours. On univariable analysis, the duration of hospital stay from the time of ICU discharge decision was significantly higher in patients who had ICU discharge delay (Median days-5 vs 6; p = 0.003). After-hours discharge was higher in patients whose discharge was delayed (34% Vs 10%; p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the other secondary outcomes analysed. Multivariable analysis adjusting for known confounders revealed delayed ICU discharge was independently associated with increased hospital length of stay. Conclusion Half of all ICU patients experienced a delay in ICU discharge. Delayed discharge was associated with increased hospital length of stay.
Altered Resting-State Functional Connectivity in the Hand Motor Network in Glioma Patients

To examine the functional connectivity of the primary and supplementary motor areas (SMA) in glioma patients using resting-state functional MRI (rfMRI). To correlate rfMRI data with tumor characteristics and clinical information to characterize functional reorganization of resting-state networks (RSN) and the limitations of this method. This study was IRB approved and in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Informed consent was waived in this retrospective study. We analyzed rfMRI in 24 glioma patients and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. We compared global activation, interhemispheric connectivity, and functional connectivity in the hand motor RSNs using hemispheric voxel counts, pairwise Pearson correlation, and pairwise total spectral coherence. We explored the relationship between tumor grade, volume, location, and the patient's clinical status to functional connectivity. Global network activation and interhemispheric connectivity were reduced in gliomas (p < 0.05). Functional connectivity between the bilateral motor cortices and the SMA was reduced in gliomas (p < 0.01). High-grade gliomas had lower functional connectivity than low-grade gliomas (p < 0.05). Tumor volume and distance to ipsilateral motor cortex demonstrated no association with functional connectivity loss. Functional connectivity loss is associated with motor deficits in low-grade gliomas, but not in high-grade gliomas. Global reduction in resting-state connectivity in areas distal to tumor suggests that radiological tumor boundaries underestimate areas affected by glioma. Association between motor deficits and rfMRI suggests that rfMRI may accurately reflect functional changes in low-grade gliomas. Lack of association between rfMRI and clinical motor deficits implies decreased sensitivity of rfMRI in high-grade gliomas, possibly due to neurovascular uncoupling.
Laser zona pellucida thinning--an alternative approach to assisted hatching.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and hatching characteristics of in-vitro cultured human embryos subjected to laser zona pellucida thinning. METHOD Zona thinning was performed on 110 embryos using a non-contact 1.48 microm diode laser and the hatch rate in vitro was compared with 42 control embryos. Variation of zona thickness and degree of zona expansion was assessed. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on embryos entrapped during hatching to identify the site of hatching. RESULTS The rate of hatching was significantly higher in laser thinned blastocysts compared with control embryos (68 versus 33% respectively, P < 0.01). Laser thinning increased the variation of zona thickness in embryos from 11.6-27.3%. Natural zona thinning occurred in 92% of laser thinned hatching blastocysts and 100% of control embryos. CONCLUSION These results suggest that laser zona thinning is effective and may provide significant advantages over conventional assisted hatching techniques, which create holes.
Screening for N‐glycosylated proteins by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

In the last few years mass spectrometry has become the method of choice for characterization of post‐translationally modified proteins. Whereas most protein chemical modifications are binary in the sense that only one change can be associated with a given residue, many different oligosaccharides can be attached to a glycosylation site residue. The detailed characterization of glycoproteins in complex biological samples is extremely challenging. However, information on N‐glycosylation can be gained at an intermediary level. Here we demonstrate a procedure for mapping N‐glycosylation sites in complex mixtures by reducing sample complexity and enriching glycoprotein content. Glycosylated proteins are selected by an initial lectin chromatography step and digested with endoproteinase Lys‐C. Glycosylated peptides are then selected from the digest mixture by a second lectin chromatography step. The glycan components are removed with N‐glycosidase F and the peptides digested with trypsin before analysis by on‐line reversed‐phase liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Using two different lectins, concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin, this procedure was applied to human serum and a total of 86 N‐glycosylation sites in 77 proteins were identified.
A customer‐oriented new service development process

The purpose of this research is to answer the question: how can a new service development (NSD) program in the financial services industry be managed? More specifically, this research has two objectives: to explore the stages in the NSD process; and to explore how customer input may be obtained in the various stages of the development process. After a review of the new product development literature, the case study methodology involving in‐depth interviews with managers and their customers is described. Analysis of the data showed that there were ten stages in the NSD process, and whether those stages were managed linearly or sequentially was a function of the size of the firm. In addition, how NSD managers obtained customer input in each stage, was uncovered. Implications for NSD managers include which stages to concentrate on, and how to capture customer input.
Real-time tracking of multiple persons

Robust tracking of persons in real-world environments and in real-time is a common goal in many video applications. In this paper a computational system for the real-time tracking of multiple persons in natural environments is presented. The system integrates state-of-the-art methodologies for the analysis of movement and color, as well as for the detection of faces. Face detection is complemented by a face tracking module based on heuristics developed by the authors. Exemplary results of the integrated system working in real-world video sequences are shown.