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Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) has a poor prognosis. The aim was to develop and validate a preoperative risk score for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC) in patients scheduled for cholecystectomy. Methods: Data registered in the nationwide Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks) was analyzed, including the derivation cohort (n = 28915, 2007–2014) and the validation cohort (n = 78

We report thermometry and new Raman linewidth data using a novel method for time-domain rotational coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (RCARS) on single-shot basis. The coherences are generated by two fs pulses and probed by a ns pulse. The resulting signal is detected using a combined spectrograph/streak camera setup with high spectral and temporal resolution. Rotational CARS spectrograms of

Summary: Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Indications for open surgery in infrainguinal intermittent claudication (IC) are limited, and reports are lacking regarding outcomes in DM patients. Study aims were to compare short and long-term effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, major

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic calls for effective and safe treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 actively replicates in the throat, unlike SARS-CoV, and shows high pharyngeal viral shedding even in patients with mild symptoms of the disease. HCoV-229E is one of four coronaviruses causing the common cold. In this stu

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is associated with impaired function and poorer quality of life. BCRL is also considered time-consuming and costly to treat. While compression treatment is considered the most efficient and effective form of treatment for early BCRL, its impact on the lymphatic system highlights its potential in the prevention of lymphedema. Objectives: To identi

Background: Geographic variations in management and outcomes of individuals supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD) between the United States (US) and Europe (EU) is largely unknown. Methods: We created a retrospective, multinational registry of 524 patients who received a CF-LVAD (either HVAD or Heartmate II) between January 2008 and April 2017. Follow up spanned fr

Background & Aims: Few patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists because of the often mild symptoms of IBD. We assessed the effects of anti-TNF agents on liver function in patients with PSC and IBD, and their efficacy in treatment of IBD. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 141

Background: The therapeutic alliance may be a moderating factor of outcome in the Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP). Aims: This study investigates the two components of the therapeutic alliance, patients' satisfaction with the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic outcome and their associations with suicidal ideation over time. Method: A total of 120 patients (55% female; mea

This article summarizes and integrates research on the relation between altered consciousness (including states and traits, as well as procedures and practices to induce them) and enhanced functioning. The latter include improved psychophysiological control as well as enhanced performance in controlled parapsychological experiments. Multiple studies on meditation, hypnosis, sensory homogenization,

This paper presents the results from the characterization of pneumatic touch sensors (sensing bulbs) designed to be integrated into myoelectric prostheses and body-powered prostheses. The sensing bulbs, made of silicone, were characterized individually (single sensing bulb) and as a set of five sensors integrated into a silicone glove. We looked into the sensing bulb response when applying pressur

We propose reframing one of the key questions in the field of language evolution as what was the original human-specific communicative system? With the help of cognitive semiotics, first we clarify the difference between signals, which characterize animal communication, and signs, which do not replace but complement signals in human communication. We claim that the evolution of bodily mimesis allo

Purpose: Agile is the new popular management change method and agile has lots of momentum. Management consulting firms are promoting agile via articles and newsletters. While history does not repeat itself, it often rhymes, and thus agile will probably be a successful change effort in some organizations. On the other hand, there is a high probability that agile will not deliver the expected result

Maintaining social relationships depends on the ability to recognize partners or group members against other individuals. This is especially important in animals with relatively stable social groups. The amphisbaenian Trogonophis wiegmanni is a semi blind fossorial reptile that spends its entire life underground where it interacts with mates and social partners. In this environment, visual cues ar

Background: Chronic breathlessness has devastating consequences. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for current intensity has been estimated as 9 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). We aimed to determine MCIDs for commonly used dimensions and recall periods: the current unpleasantness and current, average, best and worst intensity of the past 24 h for chronic breathlessness

Background: Disturbance in the oropharyngeal microbiota is common in hospitalized patients and contributes to the development of nosocomial pneumonia. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299 and 299v (Lp299 and Lp299v) are probiotic bacteria with beneficial effects on the human microbiome. Aim: To investigate how Lp299 and Lp299v affect the growth of nosocomial oropharyngeal pathogens in vitro and to ev