Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive esophageal surgery-standard of care-our experience

Background: Surgery is the most effective treatment for the resectable esophageal cancer of the middle & lower third and gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) tumors. We hereby scrutinise our experience in minimally invasive esophageal surgery (MIES) to evaluate its safety and efficacy as an oncosurgical procedure. Methods: The study included99consecutive patients. Depending on the location of the tumor, either thoracoscopic transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) in prone position or laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (THE) was planned. 2 field comprehensive nodal dissection were part of both the surgical procedures. Results: 05 patients were excluded, 18 were inoperable and 12 had open surgery. 64 underwent MIES (THE-37, TTE-27), Male: Female-31:33. Nodal Harvest (nodes): THE-14.27, TTE-14.77. Margins (cm): THE-proximal (P) - 6.70, distal (D) -2.51, TTE: (P)-5.41, (D)-5.11. 30 days Morbidity (26): cervical leak-05, left vocal cord palsy-05, tracheostomy-03, respiratory insufficiency-03, aspiration-01, chyle leak-01, exploratory laparotomy-01, cardiac-02, stroke-01, surgical emphysema -01, abdominal wound Infection -03 30 days Mortality (1) –pulmonary embolus. Operative time (minutes): THE-234, TTE-322. Blood loss (ml/patient): THE-265, TTE-380. Hospital stays (days): THE-7.3, TTE-10. Conclusions: 79% of properly selected & evaluated cases underwent MIES, with one Mortality and 26 events of morbidity. 6% required conversion. The procedure detected inoperability in 16% cases. The nodal yield, status of margins, operative time, blood loss and hospital stay indicates that MIES has a future to become a standard of care in the treatment of esophageal cancers.
R & D Intensity and Dividend Policy: Evidence from South Korea’s Biotech Firms

In this paper, we examine the relation between a firm’s research and development (R & D) intensity and dividend payout policy with a focus on biotech firms in a sample of 18,253 firm-year observations in South Korea. We find that biotech firms’ R & D intensity is negatively related to dividend payout. Furthermore, for biotech firms, increased internal cash holding accomplished via a lower dividend policy is positively associated with long-term corporate value. In particular, this study reports that the relation between biotech firms’ cash holding and corporate firm value is significantly positive in firms with high stock dividends. Moreover, it shows that non-biotech firms in the maturity stage of the corporate lifecycle tend to distribute cash dividends, a practice that is relatively uncommon among biotech firms in an R & D steady state.
Scientific American introduction to molecular medicine

Recognition, prevention, and treatment of surgical infections requires prompt and decisive action. This book provides information to aid decision making and action. 30 renowned experts show the reader how to quickly and efficiently manage infections commonly seen in surgical practice. Written for practising surgeons, this book provides "must-know" information about the treatment of infections in three important ways: fast-reading "decision trees" give you a logical decision-making sequence for diagnosis and management; keyed explanations spell out the reasoning behind management recommendations; and comprehensive discussions explain the underlying physiologic principles and clinical issues. A special feature is a "Clinical Correlates" chapter that examines three real cases of complex surgical infections. In his commentary on these cases, the author shows how the book can help the reader solve difficult clinical problems.
Hybrid Forms of Knowledge Sharing and Transfer in Higher Education: A Case Study

Technology-enhanced support for knowledge sharing and transfer in higher education has attracted increasing attention over the past years. Within this context, this paper presents a case study on knowledge sharing conducted with more than 160 students at Graz University of Technology in the winter term 04/05. During the course of the study, the students were provided with a working environment consisting of different knowledge management instruments. The paper motivates the use of these instruments, compiles lessons learned with applying these tools and makes recommendations for future developments in the area of hybrid forms of knowledge sharing.
Small farmer research in South Africa: a survey. The 2001 FR Tomlinson Memorial Lecture.

The purpose of this 2001 Tomlinson Memorial Lecture is to present a (partial) survey of small farmer research in South Africa. The survey is partial in at least three senses. In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, I will concentrate on research by members of AEASA3. Thus, the first important milestone was a paper read at the AEASA conference in Stellenbosch in 1978 by Tommy Fenyes (Fenyes, 1978), at that time a Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Economics at the University of the North. I start with this paper because, after its acceptance, papers on small farmer research became a regular feature of the AEASA Conferences for the first time (e.g. Fenyes & Van Niekerk, 1979; Fenyes, 1985). There had been earlier papers (and the theme for the 1%9 Conference of AEASA was 'The economic development of agriculture in less developed areas') but this had never been a regular feature of the Association's activities'. The Stellenbosch conference was organised by Prof. Philip Spies, who had recently introduced a course in the economics of agricultural development into the Stellenbosch curriculum.
Healthcare Quality Management: A Study on Quality Awareness among Employees of Indian Hospitals

ABSTRACT The study has made an attempt to measure the effectiveness of hospital quality management practices to meet quality performance. Keeping this as an objective, the study dealt with quality awareness which may affect the quality performance of hospitals. The study was conducted among network hospitals accredited for Tamilnadu Government Employees New Health Insurance Scheme in India. Among 514 hospitals, 490 hospitals located in Tamilnadu were taken as population size and a sample of 245 hospitals were chosen for the study using systematic sampling method. The data were collected from top and middle level executives of network hospitals. The study adopted descriptive statistics, factor analysis and one-way ANOVA for its analytical process. From the findings of the study it was observed that, larger share of the respondents profile is from clinical and non-clinical departments and mostly heads of the departments represented for the survey. The study observed that the level of quality awareness among executives were moderate in nature. The study observed that the level of quality awareness among executives were moderate in nature. Further the variable, quality awareness were reduced to two factors. These factors were used for further investigation and found that respondents profile like designation, no. of years of experience and the departments are associated with many of the Quality practices. Keywords: Quality management, healthcare management, quality awareness, Indian Hospitals
Higher velocities in isokinetic dynamometry: A pilot study of new test mode with active compensation of inertia

Isokinetic dynamometry is a standard technique for strength testing and training. Nevertheless reliability and validity is limited due to inertia effects, especially for high velocities. Therefore in a first methodological approach the purpose was to evaluate a new isokinetic measurement mode including inertia compensation compared to a classic isokinetic measurement mode for single and multijoint movements at different velocities. Isokinetic maximum strength measurements were carried out in 26 healthy active subjects. Tests were performed using classic isokinetic and new isokinetic mode in random order. Maximum torque/force, maximum movement velocity and time for acceleration were calculated. For inter-instrument agreement Bland and Altman analysis, systematic and random error was quantified. Differences between both methods were assessed (ANOVA alpha = 0.05). Bland and Altman analysis showed the highest agreement between the two modes for strength and velocity measurements (bias: < +/- 1.1%; LOA: < 14.2%) in knee flexion/extension at slow isokinetic velocity (60 degrees/s). Least agreement (range: bias: -67.6% +/- 119.0%; LOA: 53.4% 69.3%) was observed for shoulder/arm test at high isokinetic velocity (360 degrees/s). The Isokin(new) mode showed higher maximum movement velocities (p < 0.05). For low isokinetic velocities the new mode agrees with the classic mode. Especially at high isokinetic velocities the new isokinetic mode shows relevant benefits coupled with a possible trade-off with the force/torque measurement. In conclusion, this study offers for the first time a comparison between the 'classical' and inertia-compensated isokinetic dynamometers indicating the advantages and disadvantages associated with each individual approach, particularly as they relate to medium or high velocities in testing and training.
A Strengths Perspective in Practice

Most discussions of problems of older people focus on their deficits. This article presents a strengths perspective for working with older people. When working with older people who have mental health challenges, building on strengths is accomplished by focusing on the common thread of survivorship, and examining how people live, and sometimes thrive, in an oppressive environ- ment. Despite a growing interest in the strengths perspective, writ- ings in this area have emphasized the general population, but have not explored the particular needs of older adults with mental health challenges.
Restricted Phosphorus Fertilization Increases the Betacyanin Concentration and Red Foliage Coloration of Alternanthera

Phosphorus (P) deficiency commonly results in the development of red-to-purple coloration in plant foliage, typically attributed to anthocyanins. Betacyanins are a red pigment found in some plant species that do not produce anthocyanins, including Alternanthera sp. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of P nutrition on the betacyanin concentration and subsequent foliar coloration of ‘Purple Prince’, ‘Brazilian Red Hots’, and ‘Little Ruby’ alternanthera (Alternanthera brasiliana). The purpose of this study was to determine whether P fertilization management could enhance the coloration and aesthetic appeal of alternanthera. Custom fertilizers provided P concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg·L−1 P. One-half of the plants from each P concentration were restricted to 0 mg·L−1 P 1 month after transplant to determine whether adequate size could be attained before withholding P. Differences in P response were observed among cultivars for hue, betacyanin content, and plant size. Concentrations ≤5 mg·L−1 P resulted in plants that were more compact in terms of plant height and diameter, had deeper red foliage coloration, and greater foliar betacyanins compared with plants grown with greater P concentrations. Plants initially grown with 5 or 10 mg·L−1 P attained marketable size before P restriction and developed more red pigmentation compared with plants grown with P for the remaining duration of the study. Regression analysis demonstrated height was maximized with 3 to 8 mg·L−1 P, diameter with 4.1 to 8.4 mg·L−1 P, and branching with 10.0 mg·L−1 P. Foliar betacyanin concentrations were greatest in plants grown without P, reaching 269 mg/100 g fresh weight, whereas plants grown with 10 or 20 mg·L−1 P were 95% less (averaged ≈13 mg/100 g fresh weight). This study demonstrates that P restriction can benefit the aesthetic appeal of alternanthera and provides the first confirmation that P nutrition is associated with betacyanin accumulation.
Stents in Gastrointestinal Diseases

Stent is a medical device originally designed for recanalization and/or sealing of any obstructing or leaking lesion. In gastroenterology, it has a major role in recanalization of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors and postoperative leak sealing. Among several materials and models used in stent manufacturing, self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are the most common used stents. Over the years, SEMS has evolved into a standard of care medical device in several oncological conditions, such as advanced esophageal cancer. Other potential applications are drug-eluting devices, scar tissue modeling for benign conditions, and GI tract drainage/anasto-mosis. The aim of this chapter is to review the most common GI stent models and its indications in gastrointestinal diseases.
The F-box protein FSN-1 Functions in an SCF-like Ubiquitin Ligase Complex to Regulate Synapse Formation

The chemical synapse is an asymmetric structure consisting of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals in direct apposition to each other. Synapses function to mediate the transmission of signals between neurons and their targets. The formation of synapses is a tightly regulated process requiring the interaction of many genes and molecular pathways. I am interested in identifying genes and signaling pathways that are required for proper synapse formation. Using the GABAergic neuromuscular junctions of C. elegans as a model system, I have identified fsn-1 (F-box synaptic protein), a gene required for the control of synaptic growth. fsn-1 mutants exhibit a synaptic defect characterized by both synaptic over
A clinical study of hemodynamically significant arrhythmias and QTc interval associated with thrombolysed and non thrombolysed acute myocardial infarction patients

Background: Arrhythmias are a common occurrence in acute myocardial infarction. Objectives of this study the hemodynamically significant arrhythmias and QTc interval in thrombolysed and non thrombolysed acute myocardial infarction patients.Methods: Two hundred patients of AMI were enrolled. ECG and cardiac parameters were examined. Arrhythmias and its various parameters like its incidence, type, frequency associated with site of infarction were recorded in thrombolysed and non thrombolysed patients of AMI.Results: AMI was more prevalent in the males (63.3%) and those with 41-50 years of age. Hypertension (35.7%), smoking (34.2%), and diabetes (23.1%) were the major risk factor. Incidence of AWMI (30.7%) is higher than IWMI (25.1%). Out of 200 subjects 130 were thrombolysed. Arrhythmias was observed in total 164 patients while 36 patients has no documentation of arrhythmias. Mean QTc was prolonged (546.88ms vs 404.33ms) in patients documented with arrhythmia compared with those who has no arrhythmia. Out of all arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia was seen in 38% cases with 50% mortality and preponderance to antero lateral MI. Sinus Tachycardia was seen in 22% of cases with preponderance to Antero Lateral MI and persistence of Sinus Tachycardia was a prognostic sign, mortality being 12%. Complete Heart Block were seen with IWMI, incidence being 26%. Bundle Branch Block was common in AWMI (31%) than IWMI (10%). Conclusion: Tachyarrhythmias are common with AWMI and bradyarrhythmia’s in IWMI. Reperfusion arrhythmias are a benign phenomenon and good indicator of successful reperfusion.
Contraceptive practice among HIV positive women attending anti-retroviral clinic at the university of port Harcourt teaching hospital, port Harcourt, southern Nigeria

Background : As the global efforts to curb the human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) pandemic continues, one key intervention is the promotion of effective family planning options for HIV positive women in the reproductive age group. Objectives : To evaluate the level of awareness and utilisation of contraceptives among HIV positive women attending anti-retroviral (ARV) clinic in Port Harcourt, South- South Nigeria and also determine the pattern of contraceptive use before and after sero-conversion. Design : Descriptive cross-sectional Hospital based study Setting : Anti-retroviral (ARV) clinic, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Subjects : One hundred and seventy HIV positive women in the reproductive age on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) Results : The mean age of the respondents was 34.34 ± 0.66 years with a range of 22-55years and parity range of 0-6 with a median parity of 2. Although majority (76%) of respondents were aware of contraceptives, only 49 (28.82%) were using contraception before diagnosis of HIV infection, but the uptake increased to almost 100% after knowledge of sero-conversion, with majority using male condom. Up to 55 (32.4%) respondents were sero-concodant with sexual partners, 46 (27.1%) sero-discodant while 69(40.6%) were not aware of their partners sero-status. Conclusion : There is extremely high knowledge and uptake of family planning after diagnosis of sero-conversion among HIV positive women attending the ARV clinic in Port Harcourt with the male condom as the most preferred method. This may have contributed to the reportedly overall slowly declining HIV prevalence.
Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity in Renal Recipient Candidates: A Tertiary Care Hospital-based Study

Objective: To assess prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in patients suffering from end stage renal disease and undergoing evaluation for renal transplant Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 patients with ESRD who were seeking renal transplant and undergoing pre-transplantation evaluation process. General health questionnaire (GHQ-12) was applied to detect any psychopathology in participants and final diagnosis was made on the basis of ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. The data thus generated was subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Results: Out of the 45 patients, 77.78 % had psychiatric morbidity. The most common diagnosis amongst the participants was depressive disorder) (20%), followed by adjustment disorder (17.78%), generalized anxiety disorder (15.56%), dysthymia (13.33%), panic disorder (8.9%) and OCD (2.22%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity in these patients can have significant positive impact on outcome of renal transplantation.
Enhancement of an Allogeneic GM-CSF-Secreting Breast Cancer Vaccine by Immunomodulatory Doses of Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin

Abstract : Advanced breast cancer is managed with hormonal agents or conventional cytotoxic drugs, but intrinsic drug resistance ultimately causes treatment failure. We have applied the use of tumor cells genetically modified to secrete GM-CSF to the preclinical neu transgenic mouse model, characterized by spontaneous tumor development and pre-existing immune tolerance to HER-2/neu. Low doses of Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin in a specifically timed sequence with vaccine can augment the HER-2/neu-specific, vaccine-activated immune response in these mice, resulting in delayed tumor outgrowth compared to chemotherapy or vaccine alone. I have developed a GM-CSF-secreting breast cancer vaccine for human use, and designed a clinical trial to test it in patients with metastatic breast cancer. I have also designed a companion clinical study to govern the long-term follow-up of study participants. A number of regulatory approvals are in place including the FDA IND the RAC, and the JHM-IRB-4. The immune monitoring assays are under development.
Ergonomic Worksite Analysis of an Army Dental Clinic

Abstract : The purposes of this worksite analysis were: (1) to identify the prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), associated symptoms and risk factors, with special attention to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), (2) to identify practitioners at risk, and (3) to offer suggestions for early identification and prevention of injuries, as needed. The worksite analysis of the Fort Leonard Wood, MO DENTAC, involved videotaping, photographing work stations, administering two questionnaires, reviewing medical records, and interviewing selected personnel. One or more symptoms indicative of CTS were noted by 75.6% of the dental workers and 11% reported diagnosed CTS. Although dental assistants expanded function (DAEFs) were found to be at greatest risk for development of upper extremity symptoms and carpal tunnel syndrome, each of the MOS groupings displayed a high percentage of hand/wrist symptoms. Back and shoulder pain was reported by 53% of the respondents. Psychosocial factors as well as physical risk factors were found to be associated with cumulative disorder symptoms. Suggestions for injury surveillance and prevention were offered. Cumulative trauma, carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse injury, repetitive trauma, dental.
Effect of resuscitation strategies on coagulation following haemorrhage and blast exposure

1. Doran CM, Doran CA, Woolley T, Midwinter M, Mahoney PF, Watts S, Kirkman E. (2011) Novel Hybrid Resuscitation in trauma improves Coagulopathy and Outcome. British Journal of Surgery: 98(S2);7-8. May 2011 Academic Presentations 1. Military Surgical Conference, Camberley, April 2009 Feasibility of the use of ROTEM to manage the coagulopathy of military trauma in a deployed setting 2. (ATACCC) Advanced Technology Applications for Combat Casualty Care, Florida, August 2009 Feasibility of the use of ROTEM to manage the coagulopathy of military trauma in a deployed setting 3. 8 NATO Blood Conference, Portugal, September 2009 Management of coagulopathy of military trauma in a deployed setting 4. Royal Society of Medicine, London, December 2010 Novel Hybrid Resuscitation in Trauma Improves Coagulopathy and Outcome
Implementing an Evidence Based Preceptorship Program in a Military Center

Abstract : Purpose: The goal of this project was to implement an evidence-based (EB) precepting program specific to the burn specialty. Design: The Iowa Model of Evidence-based Practice served as the model for this project. Methods: The EB Vermont Nurses in Partnership (VNIP) clinical coaching program was selected and education was provided to all Burn Center staff. Benchmarks for basic knowledge assessment (BKAT) by work site and education level and burn wound care (WC) were established among current staff members to evaluate new hires (NHs). Comprehensive Preceptor and Preceptee training manuals were created. Sample: 29 NHs were enrolled in the program, 26 completed the program, 3 did not complete the program. VNIP training (n=110) included 34 interdisciplinary staff (Rehab, Education, Respiratory Therapy, and Clinic Staff), Staff Nurses (n=43) and 100% of identified preceptors (n=33). Analysis: Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were used to describe and analyze results. Findings: The VNIP course satisfaction survey revealed a mean rating of 4.7 0.2 on a 1-5 (best) visual descriptor scale. NHs achieved passing BKAT scores 84% (n=22) and WC scores 92% (n=24) of the time; individual remediation was provided for those failing to achieve unit benchmarks. NH s competency progressions were evaluated weekly on a 1-10 (best) scale, with 7 indicating safe independent practice; initial ratings were 5.1 2.0 final ratings were 9.0 1.2 (n=25) (p0.001). The Assessment of Process Used for Transition to Work (APUT) survey revealed an increase in staff satisfaction overall along with identifying items for improvement. Turn-over decreased from 33.6% (prior to program) to 16.5% (after program), a 50% decrease. Implications for Military Nursing: The EBP team created a standardized, comprehensive and flexible precepting program to assist and support transition to specialty burn practice for experienced nurses, new graduates, and other disciplines in healthcare.