Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
One-year cost-effectiveness and safety of simultaneous hybrid coronary revascularization versus conventional coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and safety of simultaneous hybrid coronary revascularization (sHCR) compared to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in elective patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. METHODS Cost-utility analysis of a prospective cohort follow-up study comparing per protocol 50 sHCR patients to 50 contemporaneous matched patients undergoing CABG. Resource utilization data and health-related quality of life were collected prospectively, and the cumulative 1-year costs were assessed from the Danish health sector perspective. Effectiveness was measured by quality-adjusted life years using EuroQol-5D. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses using bootstrapping were conducted. Secondary safety measures including early clinical outcomes and freedom from major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events at 1 year were assessed. RESULTS The clinical trial was discontinued prematurely due to safety reasons after inclusion of 50 patients (24 sHCR; 26 CABG), as the chest tube output and the risk of postoperative pleural effusions requiring thoracocentesis were significantly increased following sHCR compared with CABG. Based on 48 patients available for 1-year follow-up, both treatment strategies were similarly effective (quality-adjusted life year difference between the groups -0.019), with a net cost difference in favour of conventional CABG estimated to be €2173 per patient. Exclusion of 1 outlier patient with chronic renal failure and deep sternal wound infection in the sHCR group resulted in an equalization of the total 1-year costs. CONCLUSIONS At 1 year, sHCR was less cost-effective than conventional CABG and associated with higher chest tube output and a higher risk of postoperative pleural effusions requiring thoracocentesis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01496664.
Anti-Nogo-A Antibodies As a Potential Causal Therapy for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury

Loss of bladder control is common after spinal cord injury (SCI) and no causal therapies are available. Here we investigated whether function-blocking antibodies against the nerve-fiber growth inhibitory protein Nogo-A applied to rats with severe SCI could prevent development of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Bladder function of rats with SCI was repeatedly assessed by urodynamic examination in fully awake animals. Four weeks after SCI, detrusor sphincter dyssynergia had developed in all untreated or control antibody-infused animals. In contrast, 2 weeks of intrathecal anti-Nogo-A antibody treatment led to significantly reduced aberrant maximum detrusor pressure during voiding and a reduction of the abnormal EMG high-frequency activity in the external urethral sphincter. Anatomically, we found higher densities of fibers originating from the pontine micturition center in the lumbosacral gray matter in the anti-Nogo-A antibody-treated animals, as well as a reduced number of inhibitory interneurons in lamina X. These results suggest that anti-Nogo-A therapy could also have positive effects on bladder function clinically. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT After spinal cord injury, loss of bladder control is common. Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia is a potentially life-threatening consequence. Currently, only symptomatic treatment options are available. First causal treatment options are urgently needed in humans. In this work, we show that function-blocking antibodies against the nerve-fiber growth inhibitory protein Nogo-A applied to rats with severe spinal cord injury could prevent development of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, in particular detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Anti-Nogo-A therapy has entered phase II clinical trial in humans and might therefore soon be the first causal treatment option for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Agronomic and physiological responses of pearl millet variety Bombay black to saline irrigation

The objective of this study was to identify morphological and physiological traits for salinity tolerance in Bombay Black variety under local conditions. Bombay Black was cultivated under different levels of salinity and growth parameters, water relations and mineral content were measured. Results showed that Bombay Black was unable to store the large amounts of salt in the leaves, while maintaining high leaf water content and without a grave consequent on panicle yield. This ecotype is fitted for a selective sodium sequestration in the vacuole.
Laser Sources Based on Rare-Earth Ion Doped Tellurite Glass Fibers and Microspheres

In recent years, huge progress has been made in the development of rare-earth ion doped tellurite glass laser sources, ranging from watt- and multiwatt-level fiber lasers to nanowatt level microsphere lasers. Significant success has been achieved in extending the spectral range of tellurite fiber lasers generating at wavelengths beyond 2 μm as well as in theoretical understanding. This review is aimed at discussing the state of the art of neodymium-, erbium-, thulium-, and holmium-doped tellurite glass fiber and microsphere lasers.
Use of a Wearable Technology and Motivational Interviews to Improve Sleep in Older Adults With Osteoarthritis and Sleep Disturbance: A Pilot Study.

The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a mobile health self-management intervention aimed at improving sleep among older adults with osteoarthritis and disturbed sleep were evaluated. This was a one-group pre-/posttest pilot study. Feasibility was measured by the number of participants eligible, enrolled, and retained. Primary efficacy outcomes were Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score and two sleep actigraphy variables: total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE). Overall step count, self-efficacy (SEff), and acceptance of sleep difficulties (ASD) were mechanisms of action variables. Assessments were at baseline, Week 14 (postintervention), and Week 19 (follow up). Mixed effect models were used to measure change over time. Twenty-four participants (mean age = 71 years) were enrolled and 22 completed the study. Improvements of 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] [-2.43, -0.05]; p = 0.04) and 2.5 (95% CI [0.9, 4.9]; p = 0.02) points in the ISI and ASD scores, respectively, were found over the 19-week period. These findings add to a growing literature that suggests older adults might reap benefits from mobile health interventions. TARGETS Older adults with osteoarthritis and insomnia symptoms. INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION Activity trackers synced to a dashboard that triggered personalized weekly step goals and motivational messages augmented by telephone motivational interviews. MECHANISM OF ACTION Physical activity, SEff, and ASD. OUTCOMES Sleep measures. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 20xx; x(xx):xx-xx. ].
Rapid interpretation of small-angle X-ray scattering data

The fundamental aim of structural analyses in biophysics is to reveal a mutual relation between a molecule’s dynamic structure and its physiological function. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is an experimental technique for structural characterization of macromolecules in solution and enables time-resolved analysis of conformational changes under physiological conditions. As such experiments measure spatially averaged low-resolution scattering intensities only, the sparse information obtained is not sufficient to uniquely reconstruct a three-dimensional atomistic model. Here, we integrate the information from SAXS into molecular dynamics simulations using computationally efficient native structure-based models. Dynamically fitting an initial structure towards a scattering intensity, such simulations produce atomistic models in agreement with the target data. In this way, SAXS data can be rapidly interpreted while retaining physico-chemical knowledge and sampling power of the underlying force field. We demonstrate our method’s performance using the example of three protein systems. Simulations are faster than full molecular dynamics approaches by more than two orders of magnitude and consistently achieve comparable accuracy. Computational demands are reduced sufficiently to run the simulations on commodity desktop computers instead of high-performance computing systems. These results underline that scattering-guided structure-based simulations provide a suitable framework for rapid early-stage refinement of structures towards SAXS data with particular focus on minimal computational resources and time.
Combining ability studies in tomato for yield and processing traits

The experiment was conducted during 2014-16 at Vegetable Research Station of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University at Hyderabad falls under the Southern Telangana zone, India. The treatment comprises thirty F1 hybrids along with eleven parents (five lines and six testers) and three commercial checks i.e. US-440, Arka Rakshak and NS-516. The experimental material was evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications under three diverse times. Nineteen observations were recorded relating to yield and quality traits. Estimates of SCA variance were higher than GCA variance with the ratio of GCA variance to SCA variance (σ2gca/σ2sca) lower than unity (
Current weight of evidence of viruses associated with peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant health: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The pathological role of human herpesviruses (HHVs) (Epstein‐Barr virus [EBV], Human cytomegalovirus [CMV], and Herpes simplex virus [HSV]) in peri‐implant health needs clarification quantitatively. To determine the weight of evidence for HHVs in patients with peri‐implantitis (PI) and substantiate the significance of HHVs in peri‐implant inflammation, electronic databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1964 up to and including November 2018. Meta‐analyses were conducted for prevalence of HHVs in PI and healthy controls. Forest plots were generated that recorded risk difference (RD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five clinical studies were considered and included. Four clinical studies reported data on EBV while three clinical studies reported data on CMV. Considering the risk of these viruses in PI, significant heterogeneity for CMV (χ2 = 53.37, p < 0.0001, I2 = 96.25%) and EBV (χ2 = 14.14, p = 0.002, I2 = 78.79%) prevalence was noticed between PI and healthy control sites. The overall RD for only EBV (RD = 0.20, 95% CI, 0.01‐0.40, p = 0.03) was statistically significant between both groups. Frequencies of the viruses were increased in patients with PI compared with healthy nondiseased sites. However, the findings of the present study should be interpreted with caution because of significant heterogeneity and small number of included studies.
Effect of FYM, mulching and agro-chemicals on growth parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop under different sowing dates

A field experiment was conducted at was conducted at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur during rabi 2016-17 to study the effect of FYM, mulching and agro-chemicals on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop under different sowing dates. The experiment consisted of 12 treatment combinations comprising of two sowing dates (Timely, Late) and six management practices, viz., control, FYM, Mulching, FYM + Mulching, FYM + Mulching + ZnSO4 and FYM + Mulching + KCl (P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5). The experiment was conducted in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Results showed that timely sowing of crop had significant effect on various growth parameters i.e., plant height, dry matter accumulation, CGR, RGR and total number of tillers. Timely sown crop recorded significantly higher growth parameters which was found statistically superior over late sown crop treatment. Result further showed that 10 t ha-1 FYM + 4.0 t ha-1 Mulch + 0.2% KCl (P5) recorded highest growth parameters followed by 10 t ha-1 FYM + 4.0 t ha-1 Mulch + 0.5% ZnSO4 (P4) and 10 t ha-1 FYM + 4.0 t ha-1 Mulch (P3).
Relationship between microRNA-27a and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer and its mechanism in gastric cancer cell growth and metastasis

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC) and its mechanism in the growth and metastasis of GC cells. Methods: The expression of miR-27a in serum of 74 GC patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Clinical value and prognosis of miR-27a expression in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in GC were evaluated. Besides, GC cells with low miR-27a expression were transfected with miR-27a mimics, and cells with high miR-27a expression were transfected with miR-27a inhibitors and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) siRNA. A series of experiments were applied for the determination of cell viability, invasion and migration of GC cells. Results: After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the expression of miR-27a in serum of GC patients decreased significantly. Additionally, the expression of miR-27a in GC cell line was significantly higher than that in normal gastric mucosa cell line. Meanwhile, after down-regulating the expression of miR-27a in GC cells, the mRNA and protein expression of SFRP1 increased, the proliferation rate of cells slowed down, and the ability of invasion and migration decreased. Furthermore, combined with low expression of miR-27a and SFRP1, the proliferation rate of GC cells increased and the ability of invasion and migration increased. Conclusion: Collectively, our study highlights that the high expression of miR-27a indicates the poor efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in GC patients. Down-regulation of miR-27a can inhibit the growth and metastasis of GC cells via up-regulation of SFRP1.
When the Evidence Basis Breeds Controversies: Exploring the Value Profile of Robotic Surgery Beyond the Early Introduction Phase

This article investigates qualitatively the value profile of the da Vinci® surgical robot after almost two decades of extensive clinical use and research. We aimed to understand whether the swiftly growing body of published studies on robotic prostate surgery can now, that is, beyond an early stage, guide decisions on the acquisition, procurement, and public provision of this innovation. We explored both published studies and the perspectives of diverse stakeholders in the Netherlands. Both arenas represent conflicting, often polarised arguments on the (added) value of da Vinci surgery. What was unclear a decade ago due to lack of evidence is now unclear because of controversies about evidence. The article outlines controversial value issues and indicates the unlikelihood that awaiting more research — amid the mantra “further studies are needed” — will resolve the controversy. The study underscores multi-stakeholder deliberation to resolve controversies regarding the value of advanced medical innovations.
Regional Variations and Intra-/Intersession Repeatability for Scotopic Sensitivity in Normal Controls and Patients With Inherited Retinal Degenerations

Purpose Dark-adapted visual fields were obtained from patients with inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) and controls to evaluate the effect that age, retinal region, and disease had on scotopic sensitivity. Intra- and intersession test–retest repeatabilities for patients and controls were measured to establish significant change for longitudinal studies. Methods A total of 41 patients with IRD and 30 controls had one eye dilated and dark-adapted for 40 minutes. Scotopic sensitivity was measured with a Medmont dark-adapted chromatic (DAC) perimeter (size V stimulus, 200-ms duration, background luminance < 0.0001 cd/m2, dynamic range 0–75 decibel [dB]). Mixed effects analysis was performed to analyze age, retinal eccentricity, and sensitivity. The intra-/intersession coefficients of repeatability (CR) were calculated for controls and patients with IRD. Results Each additional year was associated with lower sensitivity (−0.22 dB) per year in normal controls over age 50 compared to younger controls (12–49 years). The superior field had lower sensitivity than the inferior, but the nasal field was not different compared to the temporal field in normal controls. The CR for intra- and intersession testing on mean sensitivity (MS)/pointwise sensitivity (PWS) were ±1.5/±8.5 and ±3.3/±9.8 dB, respectively, for patients with IRD. Control MS/PWS CR were ±1.5/±6.1 dB for intrasession and ±1.7/±6.8 dB for intersession DAC perimetry. Conclusions The DAC perimeter is an important asset because it tests a wide field of scotopic vision. The CR are comparable to those of other perimetry devices. Effects of age and retinal region should be considered when assessing scotopic sensitivity measured with the DAC perimeter.
Identifying Relevant Predictors of Latina/o Adolescents’ Vocational Outcome Expectations

A positive psychology and cultural framework are useful to understand Latina/o adolescents’ vocational outcome expectations. In the current study, we examined how hope, happiness, college-going beliefs, enculturation, and acculturation influenced Latina/o adolescents’ career development. Higher levels of hope and college-going beliefs predicted vocational outcome expectations. A discussion regarding the importance of these findings and recommendations for counselors and administrators are provided.
Model Based on an Effective Material-Removal Rate to Evaluate Specific Energy Consumption in Grinding

Grinding energy efficiency depends on the appropriate selection of cutting conditions, grinding wheel, and workpiece material. Additionally, the estimation of specific energy consumption is a good indicator to control the consumed energy during the grinding process. Consequently, this study develops a model of material-removal rate to estimate specific energy consumption based on the measurement of active power consumed in a plane surface grinding of C45K with different thermal treatments and AISI 304. This model identifies and evaluates the dissipated power by sliding, ploughing, and chip formation in an industrial-scale grinding process. Furthermore, the instantaneous positions of abrasive grains during cutting are described to study the material-removal rate. The estimation of specific chip-formation energy is similar to that described by other authors on a laboratory scale, which allows to validate the model and experiments. Finally, the results show that the energy consumed by sliding is the main mechanism of energy dissipation in an industrial-scale grinding process, where it is denoted that sliding energy by volume unity decreases as the depth of cut and the speed of the workpiece increase.
The detrimental effects of ambivalence over emotional expression on well‐being among Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients: Mediating role of perceived social support

Recent research has documented the harmful effects of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) on psychological well‐being, but few studies to date have examined AEE among Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients, an ethnic group that prioritizes emotion restraint to preserve social harmony. The present study examined the relationship between AEE and well‐being (viz, anxious and depressive symptoms and quality of life) and evaluated perceived social support as a potential mediator of this relationship in a sample of Mainland Chinese breast cancer patients.
Medication-Related Factors and Hospital Readmission in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

This study aimed to examine the association between medication-related factors and risk of hospital readmission in older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A retrospective analysis was conducted targeting older CKD (n = 204) patients admitted to an Australian hospital. Medication appropriateness (Medication Appropriateness Index; MAI), medication regimen complexity (number of medications and Medication Regimen Complexity Index; MRCI) and use of selected medication classes were exposure variables. Outcomes were occurrence of readmission within 30 and 90 days, and time to readmission within 90 days. Logistic and Cox hazards regression were used to identify factors associated with readmission. Overall, 50 patients (24%) were readmitted within 30 days, while 81 (40%) were readmitted within 90 days. Mean time to readmission within 90 days was 66 (SD 34) days. Medication appropriateness and regimen complexity were not independently associated with 30- or 90-day hospital readmissions in older adults with CKD, whereas use of renin-angiotensin blockers was associated with reduced occurrence of 30-day (adjusted OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.79) and 90-day readmissions (adjusted OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.24–0.84) and longer time to readmission within 90 days (adjusted HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.33–0.83). This finding highlights the importance of considering the potential benefits of individual medications during medication review in older CKD patients.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Vitamin D Supplementation in AD Soldiers: Preliminary Findings.

PURPOSE To explore response to vitamin D supplementation in active duty (AD) warfighters and translate findings into evidence-based health policy. BACKGROUND Soldiers are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries and metabolic dysfunction that impact physical performance and military readiness; the link with low vitamin D status is unclear. METHODS This prospective trial enrolled 152 soldiers; baseline 25 hydroxyvitamin (OH) D level determined assignment to a no-treatment control (CG) or treatment group (TG) receiving a vitamin D3 supplement for 90 days. Symptoms, diet, sun exposure, and blood biomarkers obtained at baseline (T1) and 3 months (T2). RESULTS Cohort was predominantly white (58%) with a significant difference in racial distribution for vitamin D status. Mean (SD) 25(OH)D levels were 37.8 (5.6) ng/mL, 22.2 (5.0) ng/mL, and 22.9 (4.7) ng/mL for the CG, low dose TG, and high-dose TG at T1, respectively. Following three months of treatment, one-way ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between groups (F5,246 = 44.37; p < 0.0001). Vitamin D intake was 44% of Recommended Dietary Allowance throughout the first phase of the trial. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores improved in TG for fatigue and sleep, p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in AD soldiers. Clinicians must intervene early in preventable health conditions impacting warfighter performance and readiness and recommend appropriate self-care strategies.