Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Foraging ecology and breeding biology of Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) and Tropical shearwater (Puffinus bailloni) on Aride Island Nature Reserve, Seychelles : tools for conservation

The procellariiformes are one of the most endangered orders in the world. In addition, information on population estimates, trends, movements at sea and population dynamic is lacking for many species. We analysed almost the full life cycle of two sympatric species: the tropical (Puffinus bailloni, TS) and the wedge-tailed shearwater (P. pacificus, WS) breeding at Aride Island (Seychelles), in order to understand the interactions between them and the environment both at sea and in the colony. We assessed habitat selection, abundance, distribution and breeding success of the two species at the colony and the habitat selection and distribution at sea. The population was 15,000 and 30,000 pairs for WS and TS respectively; the TS is possibly in decline. Both species selected steep and lowly vegetated areas; the WS also selected boulder-like zones. The TS nests year-round but it has a peak of breeding at the end of the WS breeding season and its failure rate is higher when the two species co-exist. We found spatial, rather than ecological, segregation between the two species at sea in both foraging behaviour (diving depth) and inter-breeding areas. On land they are likely to compete for breeding sites with the WS often over competing the TS. We then suggest future conservation plans focused on both species but especially on the TS.
Obesity as a risk factor for poor outcomes after sling surgery in women with stress urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and has also been associated with worse surgical outcomes. However, the literature is heterogeneous and inconclusive. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate cure rates and perioperative complications in obese women.
Trends of Antimicrobial Resistance of Sepsis Pathogens at a University Hospital in New Delhi, India

Abstract Knowledge of the aetiological agents and its susceptibility to antimicrobial agents enables the clinician to initiate appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy and guides diagnostic procedures. The aims of the study were to identify prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing sepsis and observe their antimicrobial resistance trends in hospitalized patients. A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients of sepsis admitted at a university hospital over a period of six months. Pathogens were identified by morphological, biochemical and serological tests as per the American Society for Microbiology. Antibacterial sensitivity of bacterial strains isolated from clinically diagnosed sepsis was carried out by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted according Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16.0 (SPSS 16.0, Chicago, IL, USA). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (63.5%) and Staphylococcus aureus (23.1%) were the most frequently isolated Gram positive bacteria. Acinetobacter species (31%) and Salmonella typhi (24.1%) were the most frequently isolated Gram negative bacteria. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus showed significant resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline. Acinetobacter species showed significant resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin and amoxiclav. Salmonella typhi showed significant resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefotaxime, netilmicin and, tetracycline. Escherichia coli showed significant resistance to ampicillin and netilmicin. All the stains of Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to amoxicillin. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter species were predominant Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively, causing sepsis. Increasing rates of bacterial resistance to commonly use antimicrobial agents were observed.
HyperCKemia in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency and clinical features of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) with hyperCKemia. We retrospectively identified 139 patients with GBS at 2 teaching hospitals in South Korea. We excluded patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome (n = 19), acute bulbar palsy (n = 3), and those whose serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were not measured (n = 45). Twelve of 72 patients (16.7%) had transient hyperCKemia, defined as serum CK ≥300 IU/L. The frequency of male sex and non-demyelinating electrodiagnostic features were higher in patients with hyperCKemia than those without. Transient hyperCKemia, occasionally seen in patients with GBS may be associated with the non-demyelinating subtype.
Excreta biomarkers in response to different gut barrier dysfunction models and probiotic supplementation in broiler chickens

Increased intestinal permeability (IP) and inflammation are both linked with functionality of the intestinal barrier and in particular enterocytes. Currently, almost all assessment methods of the intestinal barrier function are invasive. The present study aimed to quantify selected proteins as novel biomarkers in excreta of broiler chickens to facilitate non-invasive assessment of gut barrier function using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). It was further hypothesised that probiotics as feed additives may counteract gut barrier dysfunction. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with the main factors being gut barrier dysfunction models (control, rye-based diet, and dexamethasone–DEX) with and without probiotic supplementation (a three-strain Bacillus) using 72 male Ross 308 day-old chickens. Each of the 6 experimental treatments was replicated 12 times. On d 21 of age, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) uptake into serum was examined to test IP. Fresh excreta samples were collected on d 20. The biomarkers included alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipocalin-2 (LCN2), fibronectin (FN), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), ovotransferrin (OVT) and superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SOD1). Only DEX increased (P<0.001) FITC-d passage to the blood on d 21 of age, indicating a greater IP. The excreta concentrations of A1AT, I-FABP and SOD1 were unaltered by the experimental treatments. DEX increased (P<0.05) FN concentration in excreta compared with control birds. Conversely, inclusion of rye in the diet reduced (P<0.05) FN but increased (P<0.001) OVT in excreta. Independently, DEX decreased IAP (P<0.05) in excreta compared with control and rye-fed birds. The excreta concentration of LCN2 tended (P = 0.086) to increase in birds injected by DEX. There was no demonstrable effect of probiotic addition on any of the studied parameters. Among the tested biomarkers, FN, IAP, and LCN2 revealed promise as biomarkers of intestinal barrier function quantified by ELISA kits.
Impact of intercropping and fertilizer application on biomass production of fodders.

To evaluate the effect of intercropping Panicum maximum (Blue Panic) grass and legumes ( Vicia sativa and cowpeas) alone or coupled with fertilizer application, a study was conducted under rain-fed conditions for two consecutive years (2005 to 2007) at National Agriculture Research Center Islamabad, Pakistan. In this experiment, intercropping (33, 50 and 67%) of grass and legumes alone as well as coupled with fertilizer application at the rates of 25, 75 and 50 kg ha -1 (N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O) was evaluated. Intercropping and fertilizer application studied substantially increased fodder biomass production along with enhancement of soil N and organic matter during both years. The grass and legumes biomasses under control treatment were recorded as 7.09 and 8.17 t ha -1 during first and second year of study, respectively. Mixed fodder production increased to 11.62, 13.6 and 14.13 t ha -1 with 33, 50 and 67% intercropping, respectively. Respective values of biomass were 12.71, 14.79 and 17.72 t ha -1 due to fertilizer supplementation. Thus, combination of 67% intercropping and fertilizer proved to be the best
Ectopic Relapse of Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Pituitary Vasculitis with No Elevation of Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies after Renal Remission

The relationship between anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) titer levels and relapse risk in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) following clinical remission remains controversial. We herein report a case showing ectopic relapse of AAV in the pituitary with no ANCA elevation after renal remission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarged pituitary gland. A pituitary biopsy showed geographic necrosis with multinucleated giant cells. We diagnosed this case as relapse of AAV in the pituitary. One month after rituximab therapy, the pituitary gland volume had decreased. The intensification of therapy due to the possibility of vasculitis relapse may facilitate better control of AAV.
A systematic review evaluating the influence of incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on scarring

Pathological scars can result in functional impairment, disfigurement, a psychological burden, itch, and even chronic pain. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the influence of incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (iNPWT) on scarring. PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for preclinical and clinical comparative studies that investigated the influence of iNPWT on scarring‐related outcomes. Individual studies were assessed using the OHAT Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal studies. The body of evidence was rated using OHAT methodology. Six preclinical studies and nine clinical studies (377 patients) were identified. Preclinical studies suggested that iNPWT reduced lateral tension on incisions, increased wound strength, and reduced scar width upon histological assessment. Two clinical studies reported improved patient‐reported scar satisfaction as measured with the PSAS (1 year after surgery), POSAS, and a VAS (both 42, 90, and 180 days after surgery). Five clinical studies reported improved observer‐reported scar satisfaction as measured with the VSS, SBSES, OSAS, MSS, VAS, and POSAS (7, 15, 30, 42, 90, 180, and 365 days after surgery). Three clinical studies did not detect significant differences at any point in time (POSAS, VAS, and NRS). Because of imprecision concerns, a moderate level of evidence was identified using OHAT methodology. Preclinical as well as clinical evidence indicates a beneficial influence of iNPWT on scarring. Moderate level evidence indicates that iNPWT decreases scar width and improves patient and observer‐reported scar satisfaction.
Maintenance of endothelial function following acute resistance exercise in females is associated with a tempered blood pressure response.

Acute resistance exercise-induced hypertensive stimulus impairs endothelial function in males. Because prior work indicates that female subjects have a tempered blood pressure response to acute resistance exercise, we hypothesized that, compared to males, females would better maintain endothelial function following resistance exercise and that this preservation would be associated with a lower hypertensive stimulus. Twenty-nine young healthy males (n=16) and females (n=13) participated in this study. All subjects performed a session of resistance exercise (leg extension) at the same relative workload [65 % of one repetition maximum (1RM)]. The blood pressure response to exercise was characterized and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured before and after. Males performed a second experimental trial in which the blood pressure response to resistance exercise was matched to that of females. This was accomplished by reducing the workload (~25 % of 1RM). When resistance exercise was performed at the same relative workload, the systolic blood pressure was greater in males compared to females. Congruently, resistance exercise caused a significant impairment in FMD in males but not in females (P<0.001). When the exercise workload was reduced in males, they did no longer display an impairment in FMD following resistance exercise and, as such, the sex difference was abolished (P>0.05). The present study reveals that acute resistance exercise transiently impairs endothelial function in young, healthy males but not in age-matched females. Notably, the maintenance of endothelial function in females is associated with a lower blood pressure response during resistance exercise.
A perspective on dental activity during COVID‐19: The Italian survey

Abstract Objectives During the months of March and April 2020, Italy saw an exponential outbreak of COVID‐19 epidemic. Dental practitioners were particularly limited in their routine activity, and the sole performance of urgent treatments was strongly encouraged during the peak of the epidemic. A survey among dental professionals was performed between 6th and 13th of April, in order to evaluate the status of dental practice during COVID‐19 in Italy. Materials and Methods An online anonymous questionnaire was administered to retrieve data on the dental procedures performed, the preventive measures adopted, and the predictions on the future changes in dentistry following the pandemic. Results The survey was completed by 3,254 respondents and, according to the results obtained, dental activity was reduced by the 95% and limited to urgent treatments. The majority of the surveyed dentists employed additional personal protective equipment compared to normal routine, although in a non‐negligible number of cases difficulty in retrieving the necessary equipment was reported. Conclusions The survey provided a snapshot of dental activity during the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak. Overall, following the peak of the epidemic, it is probable that dental activities will undergo some relevant changes prior to fully restart.
Edoxaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation in routine clinical care: 1-year follow-up of the prospective observational ETNA-AF-Europe study

Abstract Aims Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants are safe and effective for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Data on the safety and efficacy of edoxaban in routine care are limited in Europe. We report 1-year outcomes in patients with AF treated with edoxaban in routine care. Methods and results ETNA-AF-Europe is a prospective, multicentre, post-authorization, observational study enrolling patients treated with edoxaban in 10 European countries, the design of which was agreed with the European Medicines Agency as part of edoxaban’s post-approval safety plan. Altogether 13 092 patients in 852 sites completed the 1-year follow-up [mean age: 73.6 ± 9.5 years; 57% male, mean follow-up: 352 ± 49 days (median: 366 days)]. Most patients had associated comorbidities (mean CHA2DS2-VASc score: 3.1 ± 1.4). Stroke or systemic embolism was reported in 103 patients (annualized event rate: 0.82%/year), and major bleeding events were reported in 132 patients (1.05%/year). Rates of intracranial haemorrhage were low [30 patients (0.24%/year)]. Death occurred in 442 patients (3.50%/year); cardiovascular (CV) death occurred in 206 patients (1.63%/year). The approved dosing of edoxaban was chosen in 83%. All-cause and CV mortality were higher in patients receiving edoxaban 30 mg vs. 60 mg, in line with the higher age and more frequent comorbidities of the 30 mg group. Major bleeding was also numerically more common in patients receiving edoxaban 30 mg vs. 60 mg. Conclusion The rates of stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding are low in this large unselected cohort of high-risk AF patients routinely treated with edoxaban.
Results from a survey in healthy blood donors in South Eastern Italy indicate that we are far away from herd immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2

Here we present results from a survey on anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) seroprevalence in healthy blood donors from a low incidence coronavirus disease 2019 area (Apulia region, South Eastern Italy). Among 904 subjects tested, only in nine cases (0.99%) antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were demonstrated. All the nine seropositive patients were negative for the research of viral RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in nasopharyngeal swabs. These data, along with those recently reported from other countries, clearly show that we are very far from herd immunity and that the containment measures are at the moment the only realistic instrument we have to slow the spread of the pandemic.
Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Hyperlipidemia during Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment – A Pilot Study

Abstract Hyperlipidemia is common during contemporary treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and may increase risk of osteonecrosis, thrombosis, and possibly acute pancreatitis. Marine fatty acids found in fish oil decrease levels of triglycerides and possibly total cholesterol in hyperlipidemic patients. This prospective pilot study provided fish oil for 83 days to seven children undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. On average fish oil was consumed 74% of the intervention period. Further, we found significant lower levels of triglycerides (P = 0.016) and total cholesterol (P = 0.027) compared to 22 historical controls, although correction for one extra PEG-asparaginase dose reduced the level of significance. However, the findings indicate that fish oil may alleviate development of hyperlipidemia during acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and to investigate the potential effect of fish oil supplements on development of severe adverse events, including osteonecrosis, thrombosis, and acute pancreatitis.
ATP-Dependent Heterochromatin Remodeling: A Dissertation

Eukaryotic DNA is incorporated into the nucleoprotein structure of chromatin. This structure is essential for the proper storage, maintenance, regulation, and function of the genomes’ constituent genes and genomic sequences. Importantly, cells generate discrete types of chromatin that impart distinct properties on genomic loci; euchromatin is an open and active compartment of the genome, and heterochromatin is a restricted and inactive compartment. Heterochromatin serves many purposes in vivo, from heritably silencing key gene loci during embryonic development, to preventing aberrant DNA repeat recombination. Despite this generally repressive role, the DNA contained within heterochromatin must still be repaired and replicated, creating a need for regulated dynamic access into silent heterochromatin. In this work, we discover and characterize activities that the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzyme SWI/SNF uses to disrupt repressive heterochromatin structure. First, we find two specific physical interactions between the SWI/SNF core subunit Swi2p and the heterochromatin structural protein Sir3p. We find that disrupting these physical interactions results in a SWI/SNF complex that can hydrolyze ATP and slide nucleosomes like normal, but is defective in its ability to evict Sir3p off of heterochromatin. In vivo, we find that this Sir3p eviction activity is required for proper DNA replication, and for establishment of silent chromatin,
The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Spasticity: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study in Para-Swimmers.

CONTEXT Kinesio Taping (KT) produces several clinical effects, including pain relief, edema absorption, and improved muscle performance. When applied in the insertion to origin mode, it is claimed to inhibit excessive muscle contractions. OBJECTIVE Investigate whether KT applied in the insertion to origin mode could reduce the exaggerated reflex contraction of spastic muscles. DESIGN Randomized crossover trial, with a restricted block randomization. SETTING Clinical laboratory and swimming pool. PATIENTS Seven para-swimmers. INTERVENTION KT, applied in inhibitory mode, to investigate its effect on knee extensor spasticity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome is stretch reflex, as compared with clinical assessment of spasticity by Modified Ashworth Scale and self-perceived spasticity by numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes were Medical Research Council for strength of knee extensor muscles and chronometric swimming performance in 100-m freestyle. RESULTS KT significantly decreased the amplitude of stretch reflex (P < .001), whereas the placebo treatment produced no significant effects. Scores of Medical Research Council for strength and Modified Ashworth Scale did not change after KT, whereas numeric rating scale scores for spasticity significantly decreased (P = .001). The swimming performance was significantly improved after KT treatment as compared with baseline (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study performed on para-athletes suggests that KT could reduce spasticity. This outcome has 3-fold implications for clinical, rehabilitation, and sport methods.
Histological and histomorphometrical outcome after lateral GBR augmentation of the mandible with different ratios of deproteinized bovine bone mineral and autogenous bone. A preclinical in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypotheses of no differences in (I) percentage of bone (POB), non-mineralized tissue (NMT) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM), and (II) ingrowth of mineralized bone after lateral guided bone regeneration (GBR) augmentation of the mandible with different ratios of DBBM and particulate autogenous bone (PAB) at different time points. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four minipigs were randomly allocated into three groups. Lateral augmentation in 96 sites (4 in each animal) was performed unilaterally with a standardized quantity of grafting material in each animal with different ratios of DBBM and PAB (50:50, 75:25, 100:0) and autogenous bone block in combination with DBBM and covered with a collagen membrane. The percentage of different tissues in the graft and ingrowth of mineralized bone was assessed by histomorphometric and histological analyses after 10, 20 and 30 weeks, respectively. RESULTS The POB was 54% (50:50), 50% (75:25), and 48% (100:0) after 10 weeks, 60% (50:50), 61% (75:25), and 60% (100:0) after 20 weeks, 63% (50:50), 62% (75:25), and 62% (100:0) after 30 weeks. There was no significant difference between the groups at any time points. There was a significant increase in POB and a significant decrease in NMT for 75:25 and 100:0 from 10 to 30 weeks. All ratios demonstrated a non-complete ingrowth of mineralized bone into the graft after 10 weeks and complete mineralization after 30 weeks. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of the present study, it seems like addition of autogenous bone to DBBM for LRA did not affect the bone formation nor graft incorporation after 10 to 30 weeks of healing. However, a prolonged healing time seems to result in an increased POB for all ratios.
MANGO MALFORMATION: A REVIEW

Mango malformation is a serious malady in mango production, occurring worldwide and causing significant economic loss due to the general incapacity of malformed vegetative and inflorescences bearing fruits. It has so far eluded a proper diagnosis of the causative agent until recently where Fusarium mangiferae and it association are revealed as the dominant causal agent of this disease. However, the control is still unresolved. Hence, this review aims at offering a lucid and complete view of the various aspects of development in mango malformation.