Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical vs. Endoscopic Excision of Colloid Cysts: An Analysis of Complications and Costs Using a Longitudinal Administrative Database

Objective Open microsurgical and endoscopic approaches are the two main surgical options for excision of colloid cysts. Controversy remains as to which is superior. Previous studies consist of small cohort sizes. This topic has not been investigated using national administrative claims data which benefits from larger patient numbers. Methods Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Disease version 9 (ICD-9) coding at inpatient visit was used to select for index surgical procedures corresponding to microsurgical or endoscopic excision of colloid cysts. Comorbidities, costs, and complications were collected. Results We identified a total of 483 patients. In all, 240 were from the microsurgical cohort and 243 were from the endoscopic cohort. The two groups displayed similar demographic and comorbidity profiles. Thirty-day post-operative complications were also similar between groups with the exception of seizures and thirty-day readmissions, both higher in the open surgical cohort. The seizure rates were 14.7 and 5.4% in the microsurgical and endoscopic cohorts, respectively (p = 0.0011). The thirty-day readmission rates were 17.3 and 9.6% in the microsurgical and endoscopic cohorts, respectively (p = 0.0149). Index admission costs and 90-day post discharge payments were higher in patients receiving microsurgical excision. Conclusion An analysis of administrative claims data revealed few differences in surgical complications following colloid cyst excision via microsurgical and endoscopic approaches. Post-operative seizures and thirty-day readmissions were seen at higher frequency in patients who underwent microsurgical resection. Despite similar complication profiles, patients undergoing microsurgical excision experienced higher index admission costs and 90-day aggregated costs suggesting that complications may have been more severe in this group.
Neointimal tissue response at sites of coronary stenting in humans: macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses.

BACKGROUND Experimental animal studies have shown that coronary stenting induces neointimal proliferation. However, the histopathological events after coronary stenting in humans have not been studied systematically. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated 11 stented coronary arteries (9 Palmaz-Schatz stents, 1 Wiktor stent, and 1 ACS Multi-Link stent) obtained from 11 patients who had died 2 days to 21 months after stenting. We focused on gross, histological, and immunohistochemical aspects of the repair processes. Two patients developed symptoms of restenosis. Serial sections were stained with antibodies against smooth muscle cells (SMCs), macrophages, and endothelial cells. At 9 and 12 days after stenting, the stent sites showed thrombus formation with early formation of neointima composed of abundant macrophages and alpha-actin-negative spindle cells. From 64 days on, all sites with stenting showed a distinct layer of neointima, albeit to varying degrees. In nonrestenotic lesions, neointimal thickening was markedly less than in restenotic lesions but without qualitative differences; the neointima contained macrophages but was composed predominantly of alpha-actin-positive SMCs. CONCLUSIONS These observations strongly support the concept that neointimal proliferation in humans is a process of staged redifferentiation of SMCs, which may cause in-stent stenosis. Moreover, the exuberant neointimal proliferation with accumulation of macrophages and extensive neovascularization at sites of stent restenosis suggests a role for organization of mural thrombus.
Does propofol and alfentanil‐induced sedation cause periodic apnoea in chronic renal failure patients?

Aims: There is evidence suggesting that the respiratory response to sedation is different in patients with sleep apnoea, which is common in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). This study examined the respiratory response of sedation with propofol and alfentanil, whose pharmacokinetics are not affected by the renal function, in CRF patients.
Video Quality Metric for Bit Rate Control via Joint Adjustment of Quantization and Frame Rate

The purpose of this study is to propose a quality metric of video encoded with variable frame rates and quantization parameters suitable for mobile video broadcasting applications. As a first step, experiments are conducted to assess the subjective quality of video sequences encoded with variable frame rates and quantization parameters. Resulting experimental data show that for the purpose of video rate control, optimization using the classical PSNR does not match up to that of subjective quality data. The second step bridges this gap between PSNR and subjective quality data by constructing a new quality metric that accounts for both encoding parameters (quantization and frame rate), and intrinsic video sequence characteristics (motion speed). The average correlation coefficient for five video sequences tested is as high as 0.93 with the proposed metric, in contrast with the PSNR's 0.70
Expanded evaluation of blood donors in the United States for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 non‐B subtypes and antiretroviral drug–resistant strains: 2005 through 2007

BACKGROUND: In a previous study of 66 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected US blood donors from 1999 to 2005, HIV‐1 non‐B and antiretroviral drug–resistant strains accounted for 4.7 and 6.5% of HIV infections, respectively. This study was expanded to include an additional 11 recently acquired infections and 197 established infections collected from January 2005 through December 2007.
Teacher Educators and Response to Intervention: A Survey of Knowledge, Knowledge Base and Program Changes to Teacher Preparation Programs.

With the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), the definition of a specific learning disability was significantly altered. No longer is it required that a student demonstrate a discrepancy between ability and performance to receive educational support (Horowitz, 1999). With this in mind, researchers developed a survey designed to ascertain information about faculty knowledge and understanding of RtI, faculty knowledge base and the degree to which this mandate has affected their teacher education programs. This study reports the results of a web-based survey completed by 84 teacher educators from 70 colleges and universities in New York. The findings focus on faculty knowledge, knowledge base, and teacher training program changes relative to RtI. Implications for preparing teachers for today’s classrooms are also discussed.
Fimbrial Profiles Predict Virulence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains: Contribution of Ygi and Yad Fimbriae

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli, a cause of ∼90% of urinary tract infections (UTI), utilizes fimbrial adhesins to colonize the uroepithelium. Pyelonephritis isolate E. coli CFT073 carries 12 fimbrial operons, 5 of which have never been studied. Using multiplex PCR, the prevalence of these 12 and 3 additional fimbrial types was determined for a collection of 303 E. coli isolates (57 human commensal, 32 animal commensal, 54 asymptomatic bacteriuria, 45 complicated UTI, 38 uncomplicated cystitis, and 77 pyelonephritis). The number of fimbrial types per E. coli isolate was distributed bimodally: those with low (3.2 ± 1.1) and those with high (8.3 ± 1.3) numbers of fimbrial types (means ± standard errors of the means). The fimbrial genes ygiL, yadN, yfcV, and c2395 were significantly more prevalent among urine isolates than human commensal isolates. The effect of deletion of Ygi and Yad fimbrial operons on growth, motility, biofilm formation, adherence to immortalized human epithelial cells, and pathogenesis in the mouse model of UTI was examined. Yad fimbriae were necessary for wild-type levels of adherence to a bladder epithelial cell line and for biofilm formation. Deletion of these fimbrial genes increased motility. Ygi fimbriae were necessary for wild-type levels of adherence to a human embryonic kidney cell line, biofilm formation, and in vivo fitness in the urine and kidneys. Complementation of each fimbrial mutant restored wild-type levels of motility, biofilm formation, adherence and, for ygi, in vivo fitness. A double deletion strain, Δygi Δyad, was attenuated in the urine, bladder, and kidneys in the mouse model, demonstrating that these fimbriae contribute to uropathogenesis.
Vitamin D and Obesity

Obesity is a significant health problem world-wide, particularly in developed nations. Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, and has been implicated in a wide variety of disease states. This paper seeks to examine the consistently reported relationship between obesity and low vitamin D concentrations, with reference to the possible underlying mechanisms. The possibility that vitamin D may assist in preventing or treating obesity is also examined, and recommendations for future research are made. There is a clear need for adequately-powered, prospective interventions which include baseline measurement of 25D concentrations and involve adequate doses of supplemental vitamin D. Until such studies have been reported, the role of vitamin D supplementation in obesity prevention remains uncertain.
Cell cycle checkpoint evasion and protracted cell cycle arrest in X-irradiated small-cell lung carcinoma cells.

PURPOSE To determine the longevity and dose-dependence of acute X-irradiation-induced cell cycle perturbations in a panel of seven small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines (COR-L32B, COR-L51B, COR-L88B, COR-L96C, COR-L103, COR-L266B, COR-L279), assessed for TP53 tumour suppressor gene status and showing characteristically long population doubling periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell lines were screened for abnormalities in TP53. Cell cycle arrest and nuclear fragmentation were determined by flow cytometry under culture conditions that minimized the propensity of SCLC cells to form multicellular aggregates. A faster growing SCLC cell line (NCI-H69) and two breast tumour cell lines were used as controls. RESULTS NCI-H69 and five of the COR-SCLC cell lines showed clear evidence of TP53 abnormalities and the cycle arrest responses of the breast tumour cell lines established the effects of TP53 mutation on G1/S checkpoint loss. All SCLC lines, at 24 h after low dose irradiation, showed abrogation of the G1/S checkpoint together with a range of expression of a protracted G2/M delay. G2/M delay progressed in all panel cell lines up to 48 h post-irradiation while NCI-H69 showed significant recovery for the dose range 75-600cGy. Only NCI-H69 and one panel line showed dose-dependent progression to complete nuclear DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS The culture method permits the measurement of cell cycle effects that reflect the TP53 status of SCLC cells. G1/S checkpoint failure, long-term radiation-induced G2 arrest, highly muted apoptotic responses and delayed recovery appear to be typical responses of the recently derived COR-SCLC lines. The results imply that low levels of unrepaired DNA damage, induced at clinically relevant doses, can persist for days in SCLC cells with long cell cycle traverse times, and can remain capable of checkpoint activation with implications for S phase-targeted therapies.
Copper Tolerance and Characterization of a Copper-Responsive Operon, copYAZ, in an M1T1 Clinical Strain of Streptococcus pyogenes

ABSTRACT Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes is associated with a breadth of clinical manifestations ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe necrotizing fasciitis. Elevated levels of intracellular copper are highly toxic to this bacterium, and thus, the microbe must tightly regulate the level of this metal ion by one or more mechanisms, which have, to date, not been clearly defined. In this study, we have identified two virulence mechanisms by which S. pyogenes protects itself against copper toxicity. We defined a set of putative genes, copY (for a regulator), copA (for a P1-type ATPase), and copZ (for a copper chaperone), whose expression is regulated by copper. Our results indicate that these genes are highly conserved among a range of clinical S. pyogenes isolates. The copY, copA, and copZ genes are induced by copper and are transcribed as a single unit. Heterologous expression assays revealed that S. pyogenes CopA can confer copper tolerance in a copper-sensitive Escherichia coli mutant by preventing the accumulation of toxic levels of copper, a finding that is consistent with a role for CopA in copper export. Evaluation of the effect of copper stress on S. pyogenes in a planktonic or biofilm state revealed that biofilms may aid in protection during initial exposure to copper. However, copper stress appears to prevent the shift from the planktonic to the biofilm state. Therefore, our results indicate that S. pyogenes may use several virulence mechanisms, including altered gene expression and a transition to and from planktonic and biofilm states, to promote survival during copper stress. IMPORTANCE Bacterial pathogens encounter multiple stressors at the host-pathogen interface. This study evaluates a virulence mechanism(s) utilized by S. pyogenes to combat copper at sites of infection. A better understanding of pathogen tolerance to stressors such as copper is necessary to determine how host-pathogen interactions impact bacterial survival during infections. These insights may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets that can be used to address antibiotic resistance.
Exploring the Role of the Exchange Rate in Monetary Policy in Egypt

Recent reforms have enhanced the monetary policy framework in Egypt. Yet, there is not yet full transparency with respect to other policy objectives besides inflation, namely the stabilization of the exchange rate, which was officially abandoned as a nominal anchor in 2003. Against this backdrop, this paper seeks to characterize the systematic behavior of Egyptian monetary policy. It follows Clarida, Gali and Gertler (CGG) (1998) to estimate a forward-looking interest rate rule for Egypt using monthly data between 2000 and 2008. The results of a baseline model in which the Central Bank does not take into account the exchange rate allows us to examine whether interest rate setting responds to inflation, the output gap and a lagged interest rate. The results are then compared with those of a model in which the exchange rate is added as an explanatory variable. The empirical analysis shows that monetary policy has accommodated inflation and has not been forward-looking and does not provide evidence of a systematic reaction to changes in the exchange rate.
Hooking Up and Sexual Risk Taking Among College Students: A Health Belief Model Perspective

“Hooking up” with friends, strangers, and acquaintances is a popular way for college students to experience sexual intimacy without investing in relationships. Because hooking up often occurs in situations in which prophylactics against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not available or in which students’ judgment is impaired, it can involve risky behaviors that compromise student health. As such, in-depth studies of the factors related to sexual risk taking during hookups are needed, to advance preventive research and programming. Based on semistructured interviews with 71 college students about their hooking-up experiences, the findings of this study demonstrate that the Health Belief Model can serve as a useful framework for understanding sexual risk taking during hooking up, and offers suggestions for sexual risk-prevention programs on college campuses. The results demonstrate why students’ assessments of their own and their peers’ susceptibility to STIs are often misinformed. The findings also show how situational characteristics, such as spontaneity, undermine students’ sexual self-efficacy.
How Much Should We Pay to Minimize Pancreatic Leak? The Cost-effectiveness of Pasireotide in Pancreatic Resection: RETRACTED.

INTRODUCTION Pasireotide was recently shown to decrease leak rates after pancreatic resection, though the significant cost of the drug may be prohibitive. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine whether prophylactic pasireotide possesses a reasonable cost profile by improving outcomes. METHODS A cost-effectiveness model was constructed to compare pasireotide administration after pancreatic resection versus usual care, populated by probabilities of clinical outcomes from a recent randomized trial and hospital costs (2013 US$) from a university pancreatic disease center. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the most influential clinical components of the model. RESULTS Without considering pasireotide cost, prophylactic use of the drug saved an average of $8,109 per patient. However, when the cost of pasireotide was included, per patient costs increased from $42,159 to $77,202. This was associated with a 56% reduction in pancreatic fistula/pancreatic leak/abscess (PF/PL/A) (21.9% to 9.2%). The resultant cost per PF/PL/A avoided was $301,628. Threshold analysis demonstrated that for this intervention to be cost neutral, either the purchase price of pasireotide ($43,172) must be reduced by 92.3% (to $3324) or drug reimbursement must be $39,848. Sensitivity analyses exploring variable perioperative mortality, rate of PF/PL/A, and readmission rates did not significantly alter model outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses demonstrate that when prophylactic pasireotide is administered, the cost per PF/PL/A avoided is approximately $300,000. Aggressive pricing negotiation, payer reimbursement for the drug, high-volume use, and consensus among the public, payers, and surgical community regarding the value of reducing morbidity will ultimately determine the utility of widespread pasireotide application in pancreatic resection.
Microfabricated Optical Compressive Load Sensors

We demonstrate novel optically-addressable compressive load sensors consisting of bulk micromachined single-crystal silicon transducers integrated with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensing elements. These devices constitute a new class of compact optical sensors realized through the integration of mechanical components constructed via microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technologies and strain sensitive elements based on FBGs. In this work we present experimental results for an "optical force probe" (OFP) capable of sensing compressive loading transverse to the long-axis of the fiber. Given the transduction mechanism in our design - whereby a compressive load is converted to an axial strain in the fiber - it is possible to use a standard FBG readout system to measure the imparted load. Furthermore, the sensitivity is tunable for any desired load range. Results are presented for compressive loads up to 200 psi, resulting in axial strains approaching 1000 muepsiv in the fiber.
The Costs of Crime and Violence: New Evidence and Insights in Latin America and the Caribbean

This publication is the first to provide a comprehensive, systematic, and rigorous analysis of the costs of crime in Latin America and the Caribbean. The main challenges in the region are addressed: the social cost of homicides, private and public spending on security, the penitentiary crisis, violence against women, organized crime, and cybercrime. The volume estimates that the direct cost of crime for 17 LAC countries in 2010-2014 is, on average, 3.5 percent of the region's GDP, twice as much as in the developed world. It also provides a detailed analysis of the costs of crime in Brazil by state, as well as an examination of the geographical distribution and drivers of crime in the most dangerous subregions: the Northern Triangle in Central America and the Caribbean. The situation in terms of violence against women and cybercrime is assessed: the region is lagging behind to confront these new and old crimes.
Elevated plasma concentrations of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine predict adverse events in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

Objective:In patients with cardiovascular disease or organ failure, elevated plasma concentrations of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate elevated plasma ADMA concentrations as a prospective risk marker for adverse events in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Design:Prospective observational study. Setting:Two tertiary care centers. Patients:Four hundred and two patients scheduled for elective noncardiac surgery. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Patients were followed for 30 days after surgery for a predefined composite end point (death, myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure, severe arrhythmia, embolism, or thrombosis). Plasma ADMA concentrations at baseline were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. ADMA was only weakly (−0.2 < &tgr; < 0.2) correlated with other risk markers and risk scores. In univariate logistic regression, per 0.1-&mgr;mol/L increment in plasma ADMA concentration, the odds ratio to experience the primary end point increased by 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.10–1.45, p = .001). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for age, gender, current smoking, plasma creatinine, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, revised cardiac risk index, type of surgery, high-risk surgery, ASA class, and study center, ADMA was found to be an independent risk marker. The odds ratio to experience the primary end point was 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.59, p = .001) per 0.1-&mgr;mol/L increase in the plasma ADMA concentration. Conclusions:Elevated plasma ADMA concentrations are independently associated with a higher risk for adverse events in the peri- and postoperative periods.
Successive Addition Boundary Tone in Chinese Disgust Intonation

Based on two Mandarin speakers’ data, we found a kind of successive addition boundary tone in disgust intonation when the tones of the final boundary syllables are tone 1, tone 2 or tone 3. In this case, the disgust boundary tone is composed by two components, i.e., the lexical tone which is employed to express lexical meaning, and the expressive tone which is realized as a falling tone to express disgust emotion. Further, the acoustic features of the boundary tones in disgust emotion were analyzed, and the study proposed that tone1 has a longer successive addition tone which almost equals to the length of its lexical tone. In regard with tone 2 and tone 3, the successive tones are relatively shorter which account for 36% and 58% of the proceeding lexical tones. The mean slopes of the additive falling tones range from -53st/s to -33st/s.
Badminton Video Analysis based on Spatiotemporal and Stroke Features

Most of the broadcasted sports events nowadays present game statistics to the viewers which can be used to design the gameplay strategy, improve player's performance, or improve accessing the point of interest of a sport game. However, few studies have been proposed for broadcasted badminton videos. In this paper, we integrate several visual analysis techniques to detect the court, detect players, classify strokes, and classify the player's strategy. Based on visual analysis, we can get some insights about the common strategy of a certain player. We evaluate performance of stroke classification, strategy classification, and show game statistics based on classification results.