scholarly journals The Need for Verbal Robot Explanations and How People Would Like a Robot to Explain Itself

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-42
Author(s):  
Zhao Han ◽  
Elizabeth Phillips ◽  
Holly A. Yanco
Keyword(s):  
Eye Gaze ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Verbal Cues ◽  
Robot Behavior

Although non-verbal cues such as arm movement and eye gaze can convey robot intention, they alone may not provide enough information for a human to fully understand a robot’s behavior. To better understand how to convey robot intention, we conducted an experiment ( N = 366 ) investigating the need for robots to explain , and the content and properties of a desired explanation such as timing , engagement importance , similarity to human explanations, and summarization . Participants watched a video where the robot was commanded to hand an almost-reachable cup and one of six reactions intended to show the unreachability : doing nothing (No Cue), turning its head to the cup (Look), or turning its head to the cup with the addition of repeated arm movement pointed towards the cup (Look & Point), and each of these with or without a Headshake. The results indicated that participants agreed robot behavior should be explained across all conditions, in situ , in a similar manner as what human explain, and provide concise summaries and respond to only a few follow-up questions by participants. Additionally, we replicated the study again with N = 366 participants after a 15-month span and all major conclusions still held.

Outcome of Percutaneous Nephrostomy in Children With Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 61-64
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman Chowdhury ◽  
Rifat Zaman ◽  
Md Amanur Rasul ◽  
Akm Shahadat Hossain ◽  
Shafiqul Alam Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction ◽  
Percutaneous Nephrostomy ◽  
Ureteropelvic Junction ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Split Renal Function

Introduction and objectives: Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of hydronephrosis. Management protocols are based on the presence of symptoms and when the patient is asymptomatic the function of the affected kidney determines the line of treatment. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) became a widely accepted procedure in children in the 1990s. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of performing percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) in all patients with UPJO and split renal function (SRF) of less than 10% in the affected kidney, because the management of such cases is still under debate. Methods:This prospective clinical trial was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2014 to December 2016. Eighteen consecutive patients who underwent PCN for the treatment of unilateral UPJO were evaluated prospectively. In these children, ultrasonography was used for puncture and catheter insertion. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia was used for puncture. Pig tail catheters were employed. The PCN remained in situ for at least 4 weeks, during which patients received low-dose cephalosporin prophylaxis. Repeat renography was done after 4 weeks. When there was no significant improvement in split renal function (10% or greater) and PCN drainage (greater than 200 ml per day) then nephrectomies were performed otherwise pyeloplasties were performed. The patients were followed up after pyeloplasty with renograms at 3 months and 6 months post operatively. Results: All the patients had severe hydronephrosis during diagnosis and 14 patients with unilateral UPJO were improved after PCN drainage and underwent pyeloplasty. The rest four patients that did not show improvement in the SRF and total volume of urine output underwent nephrectomy. In the patients with unilateral UPJO who improved after PCN drainage, the SRF was increased to 26.4% ±8.6% (mean± SD) after four weeks and pyeloplasty was performed. At three and six months follow-up, SRF value was 29.2% ±8.5% and 30.8.2% ±8.8% respectively. Conclusion: Before planning of nephrectomy in poorly functioning kidneys (SRF < 10%) due to congenital UPJO, PCN drainage should be done to asses improvement of renal function. Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 20, No. 2, July 2017 p.61-64

Getting to know a new protocol in hypertension care

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Lundin
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Interaction Analysis ◽  
Medical Discourse ◽  
Graphical Form ◽  
Graph Data ◽  
Average Blood Pressure ◽  
Infrastructure Design

This study explores the use of a new protocol in hypertension care, in which continuous patient-generated data reported through digital technology are presented in graphical form and discussed in follow-up consultations with nurses. This protocol is part of an infrastructure design project in which patients and medical professionals are co-designers. The approach used for the study was interaction analysis, which rendered possible detailed in situ examination of local variations in how nurses relate to the protocol. The findings show three distinct engagements: (1) teasing out an average blood pressure, (2) working around the protocol and graph data and (3) delivering an analysis. It was discovered that the graphical representations structured the consultations to a great extent, and that nurses mostly referred to graphs that showed blood pressure values, which is a measurement central to the medical discourse of hypertension. However, it was also found that analysis of the data alone was not sufficient to engage patients: nurses' invisible and inclusion work through eliciting patients' narratives played an important role here. A conclusion of the study is that nurses and patients both need to be more thoroughly introduced to using protocols based on graphs for more productive consultations to be established. 

scholarly journals Intra-Cystic (In Situ) Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Clinico-Pathological Study of 14 Cases

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1157
Author(s):  
Saverio Capodiferro ◽  
Giuseppe Ingravallo ◽  
Luisa Limongelli ◽  
Mauro Mastropasqua ◽  
Angela Tempesta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcian Blue ◽  
Tumor Invasion ◽  
Conservative Surgery ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Mucin Production ◽  
Cystic Component ◽  
Early Growth Phase ◽  
Hematoxylin Eosin

Aims: To report on the clinico-pathological features of a series of 14 intra-oral mucoepidermoid carcinomas showing exclusive intra-cystic growth. Materials and methods: All mucoepidermoid carcinomas diagnosed in the period 1990–2012 were retrieved; the original histological preparations were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and from selected cases, showing exclusive intra-cystic neoplastic components, additional sections were cut at three subsequent 200 m intervals and stained with Hematoxylin–Eosin, PAS, Mucicarmine and Alcian Blue, to possibly identify tumor invasion of the adjacent tissues, which could have been overlooked in the original histological preparations. Additionally, pertinent findings collected from the clinical charts and follow-up data were analyzed. Results: We identified 14 intraoral mucoepidermoid carcinomas treated by conservative surgery and with a minimum follow up of five years. The neoplasms were located in the hard palate (nine cases), the soft palate (two), the cheek (two) and the retromolar trigone (one). In all instances, histological examination revealed the presence of a single cystic space, containing clusters of columnar, intermediate, epidermoid, clear and mucous-producing cells, the latter exhibiting distinct intra-cytoplasmic mucin production, as confirmed by PAS, Mucicarmine and Alcian Blue stains. The cysts were entirely circumscribed by fibrous connective tissue, and no solid areas or infiltrating tumor cell clusters were detected. Conservative surgical resection was performed in all cases, and no recurrences or nodal metastases were observed during follow up. Conclusions: Mucoepidermoid carcinomas showing prominent (>20%) intra-cystic proliferation currently are considered low-grade tumors. In addition, we also unveil the possibility that mucoepidermoid carcinomas, at least in their early growth phase, may display an exclusive intra-cystic component and might be considered as in situ carcinomas, unable to infiltrate adjacent tissues and metastasize.

scholarly journals Associations between Amplification (1q) and Prior Cancer in a Real-World De Novo Myeloma Cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth B Lamont ◽  
Andrew J Yee ◽  
Stuart L Goldberg ◽  
David S Siegel ◽  
Andrew D Norden
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Chromosome 1 ◽  
Second Malignancies ◽  
Cancer History ◽  
Screening Strategies ◽  
Cytogenetic Testing

Abstract Genomic biomarkers inform treatment in multiple myeloma (MM) making patient clinical data a potential window into MM biology. We evaluated de novo MM patients for associations between specific MM cytogenetic patterns and prior cancer history. Analyzing a MM real-world dataset (RWD), we identified a cohort of 1,769 patients with fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) cytogenetic testing at diagnosis. Fully 241 patients (0.14) had histories of prior cancer(s). Amplification of the long arm of chromosome 1 [amp(1q)] varied by prior cancer history (0.31 with prior cancer vs 0.24 without; p = .02). No other MM translocations, amplifications, or deletions were associated with prior cancers. Amp(1q) and cancer history remained strongly associated in a logistic regression adjusting for patient demographic and disease attributes. The results merit follow-up regarding carcinogenic treatment effects and screening strategies for second malignancies. Broadly the findings suggest analyses of patient-level phenotypic-genomic RWD may accelerate cancer research through hypothesis generating studies.

scholarly journals Venus: key to understanding the evolution of terrestrial planets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin F. Wilson ◽  
Thomas Widemann ◽  
Richard Ghail
Keyword(s):  
High Temperature ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Radar Imaging ◽  
Space Science ◽  
Interior Surface ◽  
Extended Surface ◽  
Earth Like Planets ◽  
Orbital Mission

AbstractIn this paper, originally submitted in answer to ESA’s “Voyage 2050” call to shape the agency’s space science missions in the 2035–2050 timeframe, we emphasize the importance of a Venus exploration programme for the wider goal of understanding the diversity and evolution of habitable planets. Comparing the interior, surface, and atmosphere evolution of Earth, Mars, and Venus is essential to understanding what processes determined habitability of our own planet and Earth-like planets everywhere. This is particularly true in an era where we expect thousands, and then millions, of terrestrial exoplanets to be discovered. Earth and Mars have already dedicated exploration programmes, but our understanding of Venus, particularly of its geology and its history, lags behind. Multiple exploration vehicles will be needed to characterize Venus’ richly varied interior, surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere environments. Between now and 2050 we recommend that ESA launch at least two M-class missions to Venus (in order of priority): a geophysics-focussed orbiter (the currently proposed M5 EnVision orbiter – [1] – or equivalent); and an in situ atmospheric mission (such as the M3 EVE balloon mission – [2]). An in situ and orbital mission could be combined in a single L-class mission, as was argued in responses to the call for L2/L3 themes [3–5]. After these two missions, further priorities include a surface lander demonstrating the high-temperature technologies needed for extended surface missions; and/or a further orbiter with follow-up high-resolution surface radar imaging, and atmospheric and/or ionospheric investigations.

Late Recovery of Parathyroid Function after Total Thyroidectomy in Children and Adults: Is There a Difference?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Mechteld C. de Jong ◽  
Leyre Lorente-Poch ◽  
Joan Sancho-Insenser ◽  
Virginia Rozalén García ◽  
Caroline Brain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Thyroidectomy ◽  
Serum Calcium ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Parathyroid Function ◽  
Centre Database ◽  
Extent Of Surgery ◽  
Late Recovery

Background: Parathyroid failure after total thyroidectomy is the commonest adverse event amongst both children and adults. The phenomenon of late recovery of parathyroid function, especially in young patients with persistent hypoparathyroidism, is not well understood. This study investigated differences in rates of parathyroid recovery in children and adults and factors influencing this. Methods: A joint dual-centre database of patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy between 1998 and 2018 was searched for patients with persistent hypoparathyroidism, defined as dependence on oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation at 6 months. Demographic, surgical, pathological, and biochemical data were collected and analysed. <F00_Regular>Parathyroid Glands Remaining</F00_Regular> in Situ (PGRIS) score was calculated. Results: Out of 960 patients who had total thyroidectomy, 94 (9.8%) had persistent hypoparathyroidism at 6 months, 23 (24.5%) children with a median [range] age 10 [0–17], and 71 (75.5%) adults aged 55 [25–82] years, respectively. Both groups were comparable regarding sex, indication, extent of surgery, and PGRIS score. After a median follow-up of 20 months, the parathyroid recovery rate was identical for children and adults (11 [47.8%] vs. 34 [47.9%]; p = 0.92). Sex, extent, and indication for surgery had no effect on recovery (all p > 0.05). PGRIS score = 4 (HR = 0.48) and serum calcium >2.25 mmol/L (HR = 0.24) at 1 month were associated with a decreased risk of persistent hypoparathyroidism on multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Almost half of patients recovered from persistent hypoparathyroidism after 6 months; therefore, the term persistent instead of permanent hypoparathyroidism should be used. Recovery rates of parathyroid function in children and adults were similar. Regardless of age, predictive factors for recovery were PGRIS score = 4 and a serum calcium >2.25 mmol/L at 1 month.

scholarly journals Diffuse PRAME Expression Is Highly Specific for Thin Melanomas in the Distinction from Severely Dysplastic Nevi but Does Not Distinguish Metastasizing from Non-Metastasizing Thin Melanomas

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3864
Author(s):  
Maximilian Gassenmaier ◽  
Matthias Hahn ◽  
Gisela Metzler ◽  
Jürgen Bauer ◽  
Amir Sadegh Yazdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Diagnostic Interpretation ◽  
Dysplastic Nevi ◽  
Melanocytic Tumors ◽  
Invasive Component ◽  
Uncertain Significance ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Background: PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry is increasingly used as diagnostic adjunct in the evaluation of melanocytic tumors. The expression and prognostic significance of PRAME in melanomas ≤1.0 mm and its diagnostic utility in the distinction from severely dysplastic compound nevi (SDN) have not been studied. Methods: We investigated and compared the immunohistochemical PRAME expression in 70 matched thin metastasizing and non-metastasizing melanomas and 45 nevi from patients with long-term follow-up (35 SDN and 10 unequivocally benign compound nevi). Results: Diffuse PRAME staining in >75% of lesional epidermal and dermal melanocytes identified 58.6% of thin melanomas but did not distinguish metastasizing from non-metastasizing melanomas (p = 0.81). A superficial atypical melanocytic proliferation of uncertain significance, in which the final diagnostic interpretation favored a SDN was the only nevus with diffuse PRAME expression (1/45). Melanomas and SDN with PRAME immunoreactivity exhibited different staining patterns. Most melanomas (67.6%) showed uniform PRAME expression in the in situ and invasive component, whereas most SDN (81.0%) showed a decreasing gradient with depth. Conclusion: Diffuse intraepidermal and dermal PRAME staining is highly specific for melanomas in the distinction from SDN. PRAME expression is not a prognostic biomarker in melanomas ≤1.0 mm.

Frozen elephant trunk infection: to defrost or to debranch?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Nader ◽  
Yuthiline Chabry ◽  
Houda Nazih ◽  
Thierry Caus
Keyword(s):  
Proximal Part ◽  
Acute Type ◽  
Frozen Elephant Trunk ◽  
Elephant Trunk ◽  
Aortic Arch Replacement ◽  
Descending Aorta ◽  
Type A Aortic Dissection ◽  
Hybrid Prosthesis

Abstract Infections of frozen elephant trunk hybrid prosthesis (HP) are not well documented in the literature and their management is not standardized yet. We report herein the case of a 59-year-old patient who benefited from a Thoraflex™ HP aortic arch replacement for an acute type A aortic dissection. He presented a year later with a Staphylococcus aureus infection of the proximal part of this prosthesis. We performed a replacement of the proximal compound of the HP accompanied by a complete debranching of the 3 supra-aortic vessels with an inter-carotidal retro-oesophageal bypass. As we left in situ the endovascular graft within the descending aorta, a life-long antibiotic therapy was introduced. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful, and the patient discharged home 2 weeks after his surgery. As an alternative to a more radical redo surgery with major risk, a hybrid medical and surgical treatment of infected frozen elephant trunk could be considered.

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