Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drug–Sparing Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Early Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From the DESIR Cohort

Objective. To evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors on nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) intake in a cohort of patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) over the first 2 years of followup. Methods. The Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indiff erenci ees R ecentes (DESIR) cohort is a prospective, multicenter, observational study cohort of patients with early inflammatory back pain. The management and treatment of these patients were decided by their treating rheumatologists. Data regarding NSAID intake (yes/no) and the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society NSAID score were collected at each visit over 2 years of followup. Patients receiving a TNF inhibitor were matched with those receiving usual care, based on a propensity score. The NSAID-sparing effect of TNF inhibitors was estimated by comparing the percentage of patients reaching several end points (e.g., a decrease in the NSAID score to <10 over 2 years) and by modeling NSAID intake using mixed models. Results. Among the 627 patients who were followed up, 181 (28.9%) received a TNF inhibitor, and these patients were matched to 181 patients who received usual care. The baseline characteristics of the patients in the 2 groups were comparable (~40% of the patients were male, and the mean age was 34 years). Initially, 90.2% of patients receiving TNF inhibitors and 90.0% of those receiving usual care had been treated with NSAIDs during the previous 6 months. The number of patients who received an NSAID decreased over time in both groups, but the decrease was greater in the group receiving TNF inhibitors (P 5 0.04). The decrease in the median NSAID score was significantly greater in the TNF inhibitor group (54.9 versus 41.9), and the percentage of patients in whom the NSAID score decreased by >50% or to <10 or in whom NSAID treatment was discontinued was greater in the TNF inhibitor group (67.6% versus 46.2%). Conclusion. Treatment with TNF inhibitors was associated with a decrease in the proportion of patients taking NSAIDs and with a rapid and sustained decrease in NSAID intake. This study is the first to confirm the NSAID-sparing effect of TNF inhibitors in patients with early axial SpA in a real-life clinical setting.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome treated with a double epidural blood patch

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is considered to be a very rare disease. It is characterised by an orthostatic headache in the absence of a past history of a trauma or a dural puncture. SIH is caused by a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage demonstrated by neuroradiological studies in most of the patients. Conservative treatment usually includes bed rest, hydration and administration of caffeine or steroids. However, when the patient is refractory to the conservative treatment, an epidural blood patch (EBP) is performed. We report a 34‐year‐old woman with SIH and no neuroradiologically demonstrable clear point of CSF leakage, who was treated with a double EBP at two different levels (lumbar and thoracic) in the same procedure. The patient was successfully managed, and she was still asymptomatic at the 18 months follow‐up. After review of literature, we observed that execution of a double EBP at the same time is not a common procedure for treatment of SIH. We consider that simultaneous use of two EBP could be useful as a novel treatment in those cases of SIH without demonstration of CSF leakage.
Dietary habits of Mauritian school adolescents

Purpose – There is a strong need for nutrition education strategies that foster healthy eating from a young age in Mauritius, as the island has one of the highest rates of diet‐related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardio‐vascular diseases in the world. In order to be effective, the strategies should focus on current eating habits of adolescents. However, there is limited up‐to‐date information on the eating habits of Mauritian adolescents. This study, thus, aims to provide up‐to‐date data on the dietary habits of Mauritian adolescents.Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐sectional study on the dietary habits of school adolescents (13‐16 years old) was conducted in 2003/2004. Stratified random sampling was used to select study participants (n = 315) from 12 secondary schools across the island. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire.Findings – Foods that are high in fats, sugar or salt and low in dietary fibre were commonly consumed by adolescents. The most popular sources of.
Intrathecal Morphine for Laparoscopic Segmental Colonic Resection as Part of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol

Background and Objectives Management of postoperative pain after laparoscopic segmental colonic resections remains controversial. We compared 2 methods of analgesia within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. The goal of the study was to investigate whether administration of intrathecal bupivacaine/morphine would lead to an enhanced recovery. Methods A single-center, randomized, double-blind controlled trial was performed (NL43488.101.13). Patients scheduled for laparoscopic segmental intestinal resections were considered. Exclusion criteria were patients in whom contraindications to spinal anesthesia were present, conversion to open surgery, and gastric and rectal surgery. The intervention group received single-shot intrathecal bupivacaine/morphine (12.5 mg/300 &mgr;g), with an altered dose for older patients. The control group received a sham procedure and a bolus of piritramide (0.1 mg/kg). Both groups received standardized general anesthesia and a patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump as postoperative analgesia. All patients were treated according to an ERAS protocol. A decrease in days to “fit for discharge” was the primary outcome. Results Fifty-six patients were enrolled. Intervention group patients were fit for discharge earlier (median of 3 vs 4 days, P = 0.044). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in opioid use and lower pain scores on the first postoperative day in the intervention group. There were no differences in adverse events (except for more pruritus), time to mobilization, fluid administration, or patient satisfaction. Conclusions This randomized controlled trial shows that intrathecal morphine is a more effective method of postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic surgery than intravenous opioids within an ERAS program. Recovery is faster and less painful with intrathecal morphine. Other studies have confirmed these results, although data on faster recovery are new and require confirmation in future trials. Clinical Trial Registration This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02284282.
Robust unknown input observer for state and fault estimation in discrete-time Takagi–Sugeno systems

ABSTRACT In this paper, a robust unknown input observer (UIO) for the joint state and fault estimation in discrete-time Takagi–Sugeno (TS) systems is presented. The proposed robust UIO, by applying the framework, leads to a less restrictive design procedure with respect to recent results found in the literature. The resulting design procedure aims at achieving a prescribed attenuation level with respect to the exogenous disturbances, while obtaining at the same time the convergence of the observer with a desired bound on the decay rate. An extension to the case of unmeasurable premise variables is also provided. Since the design conditions reduce to a set of linear matrix inequalities that can be solved efficiently using the available software, an evident advantage of the proposed approach is its simplicity. The final part of the paper presents an academic example and a real application to a multi-tank system, which exhibit clearly the performance and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Do vertically transmitted symbionts co‐existing in a single host compete or cooperate? A modelling approach

Abstract When several symbionts infect simultaneously the same host (multiple infections), the interactions between them affect the dynamics of the symbiotic population. Despite their widespread occurrence, associations with multiple vertically transmitted symbionts have attracted little attention. Vertical transmission tends to homogenize the symbiotic population because of the bottleneck that occurs at transmission. However, fitness advantages conferred on the host by the different symbionts or the induction of reproductive manipulations can make it possible for multiple infections to persist. We used a matrix population model to understand the kind of interactions that can emerge between vertically transmitted symbionts in established multiple infections. Selection acts only to maximize the production of multiply‐infected offspring. For a wide range of parameters, this condition allows cooperation between symbionts to be selected for, through their co‐transmission, even when it generates additional costs for female fecundity, a reduction in individual transmission, or affects the dependence upon other symbionts.
Women and Journalism

Suzanne Frank’s Women and Journalism is an insightful book which is in line with the current paradigm shift in women and media studies that is focused, according to Louise North, on ‘examining the gendered nature of production processes’ and finding out ‘how journalists have experienced industry change’ (North 2009, 1). It forms part of a literature that is not only concerned with the number of women in journalism, but the significant absence of women in top managerial positions and the considerable difference in their salaries (low when compared to their male colleagues), and, more importantly, the diverse ways in which women experience the practice of journalism. Suzanne Franks, demonstrating a great deal of empirical research, discusses the major issues affecting women in journalism: the high enrolment and graduation of female students on journalism courses but their low levels of employment in the media industry; the clustering of women in soft news areas (such as lifestyle, arts, and humaninterest stories) referred to as ‘pink-ghettoes’ (p. 23); their inability to break the glass ceiling to reach top editorial and/or management positions; the exclusion of older women journalists from visible journalistic roles; the pulling out of women journalists from traditional media after marriage or from the onset of childbirth (due to the hectic nature of the job); and the innovative and increasing opportunities that the new media, freelancing, and rise in lifestyle journalism hold for women. In the first chapter, Suzanne Franks discusses the progression of women in journalism, showing the lack of steady growth towards the full equality of women in the profession. This is tied to something that comes up in subsequent chapters – the assumption that the problem of lack of access for women has been solved because a few women have been able to break ‘into spheres of influence’ (p. 35). This is an important point, as it is crucial to see beyond the few success stories in order to sustain advocacy for equal opportunities for women in journalism. Women and Journalism shows that media employers and entrepreneurs have a lot to gain from employing women in the media. Apart from ensuring a ‘multiplicity of voices’ (p. viii), the author argues that women journalists can bring a creativity and
Radiation and divergence in the Rhagoletis Pomonella species complex: inferences from DNA sequence data

Here, we investigate the evolutionary history and pattern of genetic divergence in the Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) sibling species complex, a model for sympatric speciation via host plant shifting, using 11 anonymous nuclear genes and mtDNA. We report that DNA sequence results largely coincide with those of previous allozyme studies. Rhagoletis cornivora was basal in the complex, distinguished by fixed substitutions at all loci. Gene trees did not provide reciprocally monophyletic relationships among US populations of R. pomonella, R. mendax, R. zephyria and the undescribed flowering dogwood fly. However, private alleles were found for these taxa for certain loci. We discuss the implications of the results with respect to identifiable genetic signposts (stages) of speciation, the mosaic nature of genomic differentiation distinguishing formative species and a concept of speciation mode plurality involving a biogeographic contribution to sympatric speciation in the R. pomonella complex.
Adaptive eukaryote‐to‐eukaryote lateral gene transfer: stress‐related genes of algal origin in the closest unicellular relatives of animals

In addition to mutation, gene duplication and recombination, the transfer of genetic material between unrelated species is now regarded as a potentially significant player in the shaping of extant genomes and the evolution and diversification of life. Although this is probably true for prokaryotes, the extent of such genetic exchanges in eukaryotes (especially eukaryote‐to‐eukaryote transfers) is more controversial and the selective advantage and evolutionary impact of such events are less documented. A laterally transferred gene could either be added to the gene complement of the recipient or replace the recipient’s homologue; whereas gene replacements can be either adaptive or stochastic, gene additions are most likely adaptive. Here, we report the finding of four stress‐related genes (two ascorbate peroxidase and two metacaspase genes) of algal origin in the closest unicellular relatives of animals, the choanoflagellates. At least three of these sequences represent additions to the choanoflagellate gene complement, which is consistent with these transfers being adaptive. We suggest that these laterally acquired sequences could have provided the primitive choanoflagellates with additional or more efficient means to cope with stress, especially in relation to adapting to freshwater environments and/or sessile or colonial lifestyles.
Analgesic Effectiveness of a Continuous Versus Single-Injection Interscalene Block for Minor Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

Background and Objectives: The utility of continuous perineural infusions for lesser painful shoulder procedures is not well established. We hypothesized that the addition of a continuous interscalene ropivacaine infusion to a single-injection interscalene block would improve analgesia after minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods: An ultrasound-guided interscalene catheter targeting the C5-C6 roots/superior trunk was placed preoperatively in patients undergoing arthroscopic subacromial decompression, excision lateral clavicle, or stabilization. Ropivacaine 0.5% 30 mL was administered via this catheter before surgery was conducted under general anesthesia. All patients received dexamethasone and ondansetron antiemetic prophylaxis. At surgery conclusion, patients were randomly assigned to catheter removal in the postanesthesia care unit ("SS," n = 30) or to an elastomeric infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% 2 mL/hr with patient-controlled 5-mL boluses every hour ("Continuous," n = 31). Multimodal analgesia (acetaminophen, diclofenac, and rescue tramadol) was administered in both groups. Patients were questioned on postoperative days 1 and 2 for numerical rating pain score (0-10), supplemental tramadol consumption, and adverse effects of treatment. Results: Median (quartiles) worst numerical rating pain score was lower in the Continuous group on day 1 on movement (SS = 4 [3-6], Continuous = 2 [0-4], P = 0.008) and at rest (SS = 2 [2-5], Continuous = 1 [0-3], P = 0.007) but was similar between groups on day 2. Median (quartiles) tramadol tablet consumption was lower in the Continuous group on both day 1 (SS = 1 [0-2], Continuous = 0 [0-0], P < 0.001) and day 2 (SS = 1 [0-2], Continuous = 0 [0-1], P = 0.017). Adverse effects of treatment were similar between groups except for numerically rated arm numbness, which was higher for the Continuous group. One patient in the SS group required 2 nights of hospitalization for intravenous opioid. Conclusions: After minor arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the addition of a continuous interscalene ropivacaine infusion to a single-shot interscalene block reduces pain, especially with movement, during the first 24 hrs.
Evaluation of offspring size–number invariants in 12 species of lizard

The optimal division of resources into offspring size vs. number is one of the classic problems in life‐history evolution. Importantly, models that take into account the discrete nature of resource division at low clutch sizes suggest that the variance in offspring size should decline with increasing clutch size according to an invariant relationship. We tested this prediction in 12 species of lizard with small clutch sizes. Contrary to expectations, not all species showed a negative relationship between variance in offspring size and clutch size, and the pattern significantly deviated from quantitative predictions in five of the 12 species. We suggest that the main limitation of current size–number models for small clutch sizes is that they rely on assumptions of hierarchical allocation strategies with independence between allocation decisions. Indeed, selection may favour alternative mechanisms of reproductive allocation that avoid suboptimal allocation imposed by the indivisible fraction at low clutch sizes.
Passivity analysis and control for discrete-time two-dimensional switched systems in Roesser model

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the passivity issues of discrete-time two-dimensional switched systems in Roesser model under a state-dependent switching law. Conditions for passivity of discrete-time two-dimensional switched systems are obtained without the requirement of passivity of subsystems. When the system states are completely available, state feedback controllers and switching laws are designed. In the case of partial state measurements, dynamic output feedback controllers and switching laws depending only on the state of the output feedback controllers are constructed to guarantee passivity of the closed-loop switched system. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency of the results.
Antithrombin-III Activity and the Efficacy of Heparin in Progressing Ischemic Stroke

Heparin is often used in progressing ischemic stroke. However, a substantial part of the patients continue to progress while on treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if antithrombin (AT) III activity before treatment could predict patients at risk for continued progression or if heparin-induced reduction in AT-III activity during treatment is related to continued progression. The study included 42 acute stroke patients with heaprin treatment for progression of isch emic stroke. The patients were continuously supervised for progression. Intravenous heparin therapy was started as soon as possible after the progression was noticed. Antithrombin-III activity was assessed before initiation of treatment and daily during the treatment period. Nine (21 %) of the 42 patients continued to progress while on treatment. There was no statis tically significant difference in AT III activity before treatment between patients who continued to progress and those where the progression ceased when treatment was initiated. Nor were there any differences in the mean AT III activity levels during treatment for patients with more or less favorable clinical course. The individual changes (Δ AT III) were similar in both patient groups as was the proportion of patients with their low est AT III activity in the thrombogenic range (continued: 22% vs. ceased: 27%). No clinically relevant influence of AT III activity on heparin efficacy in progressing ischemic stroke was found. Key Words: Stroke progression—Heparin treatment— Antithrombin activity.
Evaluation of the Addition of Bupivacaine to Intrathecal Morphine and Fentanyl for Postoperative Pain Management in Laparascopic Liver Resection

Background: Optimal modality of pain management after liver resection has been controversial. Epidural analgesia is often avoided because of transient coagulopathy and the associated risk of epidural hematoma. Single-dose intrathecal morphine has been shown to be an effective alternative in open liver resection. The purpose of this trial was to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal morphine and fentanyl versus intrathecal bupivacaine 0.5%, morphine, and fentanyl for patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial compared morphine consumption between control (CTRL) group receiving a spinal injection of fentanyl 15 &mgr;g and morphine 0.4 mg and bupivacaine (BUPI) group receiving the same medications in addition to bupivacaine 0.5% (15 mg). Forty patients scheduled for laparoscopic liver resection were enrolled. Primary outcome was intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine consumption measured at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hrs after spinal injection. Secondary outcomes were pain scores at rest and with movement, sedation, nausea, pruritus, and respiratory rate. Results: Cumulative doses of morphine were significantly lower for all time intervals in the BUPI group: 54 (30) versus 94 (47) mg (P = 0.01) at 48 hrs. Morphine consumption was significantly lower for each time interval up to 18 hrs. Pain scores with movement were significantly lower in the BUPI group up to 24 hrs after injection. Pain score at rest was significantly lower in the BUPI group 9 hrs after injection. There were no differences in adverse effects. Conclusions: The addition of bupivacaine to intrathecal morphine and fentanyl significantly reduced intravenous morphine consumption after laparoscopic liver resection.
Are parental care trade‐offs in shorebirds driven by parental investment or sexual selection?

Sexual selection, mating systems and parental behaviour are closely linked, although the exact nature of their relationship is controversial. The parental investment hypothesis (PIH) states that parental care disparity drives sexual selection intensity, because the sex providing less care competes for the sex that provides more. In contrast, the sexual selection hypothesis (SSH) asserts that more intense sexual selection on males leads to reduced male parental investment. We tested these hypotheses using directional phylogenetic comparative methods in shorebirds, which have an unusually diverse array of breeding systems. Changes in parental care and sexual selection intensity were tightly correlated, and we carried out three sets of analyses focusing on changes in male behaviour, female behaviour and in either sex. The results from the analyses were consistent with both PIH and SSH, although the patterns in male transition were sensitive to model values. We propose two explanations for these results. First, phylogenetic transitions may be idiosyncratic so that they depend on the ecological circumstances of individual species. Second, transitions in social traits, such as breeding systems, may be rapid and take place in ecological time, so directional phylogenetic methods that work through longer time scales may not infer accurately the timing and direction of all changes.