Dialogue Management and Language Generation for a Robust Conversational Virtual Coach: Validation and User Study.

Designing human-machine interactive systems requires cooperation between different disciplines is required. In this work, we present a Dialogue Manager and a Language Generator that are the core modules of a Voice-based Spoken Dialogue System (SDS) capable of carrying out challenging, long and complex coaching conversations. We also develop an efficient integration procedure of the whole system that will act as an intelligent and robust Virtual Coach.

Robotic endoscopic cooperative surgery for colorectal tumors: a feasibility study (with video).

Background: Laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative colorectal surgery (LECS-CR) is a promising technique to achieve full-thickness resection of colorectal tumors. This approach has shown good rates of complete resection and low local recurrence, especially for large laterally spreading tumors, which are difficult to remove via endoscopy alone. However, it is often difficult to prevent peritoneal leakage of intestinal content, causing infections and risks of cancer spreading.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy using a single-operator cholangioscope (pSOC), a retrospective, observational, multicenter study.

Background And Aims: Percutaneous cholangioscopy (PC) is more complex and invasive than a transpapillary approach, with the need for a large percutaneous tract of 16 French (Fr) on average in order to advance standard percutaneous cholangioscopes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether percutaneous single-operator cholangioscopy (pSOC) using the SpyGlass DS system is feasible, safe, and effective in PC for diagnostic and therapeutic indications.

Materials And Methods: The data of 28 patients who underwent pSOC in 4 tertiary referral centers were retrospectively analyzed.

NECROTIZING PANCREATITIS: DESCRIPTION OF VIDEOSCOPIC ASSISTED RETROPERITONEAL DEBRIDEMENT (VARD) TECHNIQUE WITH COVERED METALLIC STENT.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is the third most common gastrointestinal disorder requiring hospitalization in the United States, with annual costs exceeding $2 billions. Severe necrotizing pancreatitis is a life-threatening complication developed in approximately 20% of patients. Its mortality rate range from 15% in patients with sterile necrosis to up 30% in case of infected one associated with multi-organ failure.