Isr Med Assoc J
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The learning curve for transition from open to laparoscopic proctectomies is difficult. Most surgeons have considerable laparoscopic experience prior to performing robotic-assisted procedures. There are data regarding the transition from open to robotic proctectomies. Minimally invasive anterior resection for rectal cancer has gained widespread popularity in recent years, especially when using a robotic platform. ⋯ The transition from open to robotic-assisted proctectomy is feasible and safe and provides a good alternative for undertaking a minimally invasive surgery for the experienced open colorectal surgeon.
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In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), females usually have a worse prognosis. To date, the influence of physician gender in the evaluation of RA activity is still largely unknown. ⋯ Subjective measure of disease activity differs between female and male rheumatologists, contributing to a different evaluation of disease activity. Patients have a higher perception of disease activity compared to physicians. The stronger agreement between female physicians and patients may be related to a more emphatic setting established by the female physician.
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The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA2015) and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data System (ACR TI-RADS) are two widely used thyroid sonographic systems. ⋯ ACR TI-RADS was superior to ATA2015 in specificity and avoiding unnecessary biopsies. ATA2015 yielded better sensitivity and a lower false negative rate. Identification of aggressive cancers was identical in the two systems.