Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The analgesic efficiency of pregabalin for the treatment of postoperative pain in total hip arthroplasty

Abstract Background: Only few studies have yet investigated whether perioperative administration of pregabalin can reduce the incidence of postoperative chronic neuropathic pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This prospective, randomized study compared placebo with pregabalin in the hope that a lower pregabalin dose would improve analgesia without increasing side-effects after THA. Methods: This study was a prospective randomized blinded study, with a parallel design and an allocation ratio of 1:1 for the treatment groups. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board in Weifang People's Hospital and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before enrolment. A total of 120 patients who meet inclusion criteria are randomized to either pregabalin or placebo group. The primary objective of the study was visual analog scale score. As secondary outcomes, opioid consumption measurement, Harris Hip Score, hip range of motion, patient satisfaction, and complications were made at different time points throughout the study for comparison. Results: The null hypothesis of this study was that pregabalin would reduce pain after THA. Trial registration: This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry5669).
Intraspecific changes in forest canopy allometries during self-thinning

Summary 1Leaves are the key active sites for energy and matter transfer in plants, and therefore the total one-sided area of leaves per square metre of ground (leaf area index, LAI) is a critical variable used for scaling up from plant to ecosystem level properties. 2A commonly held belief is that LAI remains constant during the self-thinning phase of stand development, and allometric relationships between tree density, mean tree size and leaf area (or leaf mass) are frequently used to provide a mechanistic explanation for the observed thinning relationships. 3We investigated variations in leaf allometry, stand LAI and other canopy properties along a developmental sequence of naturally occurring mono-specific self-thinning stands of mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) in New Zealand. 4Stand age had a consistent significant effect on both the slope and the intercept of both the leaf mass and the leaf area allometric relationships (increasing slope, decreasing intercept). This was due to trees of a given basal area having more leaf area (or leaf mass) when growing in a neighbourhood of smaller trees, than equivalently sized individuals surrounded by a lower density of trees larger than itself. 5A peaked (non-constant) relationship was observed between LAI and stand age during self-thinning, with the mean LAI values peaking in intermediately aged large sapling stands (7·08) compared with the small sapling stands (5·42) and older pole stands (5·70). Stand level leaf mass per unit area (LMA) varied with canopy height and stand age, being highest at the top of canopies and in older stands. 6We propose that the observed increase in canopy depth during the early stages of stand development (but after canopy closure has occurred) could be driving the increase in stand LAI due to a more even distribution of light within the canopy. 7Our findings suggest that the commonly held assumption of constant LAI should be abandoned in favour of the notion of leaf area being at a dynamic maximum during self-thinning, with the maximum possible leaf area being influenced by age-related changes in canopy structure that occur during stand development.
Assessment of Health Care Exposures and Outcomes in Adult Patients With Sepsis and Septic Shock

Key Points Question What types of health care exposures occur during the 30 days before hospitalization of a patient with sepsis or septic shock, and how common are these exposures? Findings In this cohort study of 1078 US adults with sepsis and septic shock across 10 states, most patients experienced sepsis onset outside of the hospital, had recent encounters with the health care system, and had a sepsis-associated pathogen documented; 42% of patients received antimicrobial drugs, chemotherapy, wound care, dialysis, or surgery in the 30 days before sepsis occurred. After controlling for other factors, an association was found between underlying comorbidities, such as cirrhosis, immunosuppression, and vascular disease, and 30-day mortality. Meaning The findings suggest that future efforts to improve outcomes among patients with sepsis and septic shock would benefit from examination of health maintenance practices and recent health care exposures as potential opportunities among high-risk patients.
Short Communication

Anaerobic metabolism and oxygen carrying-capacity of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) exposed to short term (three days) and long term (two weeks) moderate hypoxia (2-2.6 mg/L) was investigated. Glucose and lactate levels in hemolymph increased under both hypoxic conditions, indicating an activation of anaerobic pathways during the two-weeks exposure period. In muscle, no differences of glucose and lactate levels were observed between the control group and the exposed groups. In animals exposed to hypoxia for two weeks, hemocyanin and copper in hemolymph were higher than in animals under normoxic conditions or exposed for three days. These results indicate that an increase in oxygen carrying-capacity in shrimp is evident only after a sustained condition of hypoxia. Copper levels in the hepatopancreas decreased in both hypoxic conditions, suggesting a mobilization of copper stores for hemocyanin synthesis. These results indicate that penaeid shrimp can tolerate moderate hypoxic conditions by physiological adaptations, such as anaerobic metabolism and increased oxygen carrying-capacity. These adaptations require an adequate dietary supply of proteins and copper for hemocyanin synthesis and of carbohydrates for anaerobic metabolism.
How Servant Leadership Motivates Innovative Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model

Drawing on social identity theory, this study examines the effect of servant leadership on university teachers’ innovative behavior through the self-concept constructs of perceived insider status and organization-based self-esteem, and the moderating effect of leader–member exchange (LMX). This moderated mediation model was tested with two waves of data from 269 university teachers in China. Results reveal that the self-concept constructs mediate the relationship between servant leadership and university teachers’ innovative behavior. Moreover, LMX strengthens the relationship between servant leadership and the self-concept constructs, as well as the indirect effect of servant leadership on university teachers’ innovative behavior through the self-concept constructs. Findings suggest that servant leadership is related to increased innovative behavior due to its positive influence on the self-concept of university teachers and it highlights the importance of developing a favorable supervisor–subordinate relationship.
Antimicrobial Activity of Five Apitoxins from Apis mellifera on Two Common Foodborne Pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance is one of today’s major public health challenges. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have been responsible for an increasing number of deaths in recent decades. These resistant bacteria are also a concern in the food chain, as bacteria can resist common biocides used in the food industry and reach consumers. As a consequence, the search for alternatives to common antimicrobials by the scientific community has intensified. Substances obtained from nature have shown great potential as new sources of antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of five bee venoms, also called apitoxins, against two common foodborne pathogens. A total of 50 strains of the Gram-negative pathogen Salmonella enterica and 8 strains of the Gram-positive pathogen Listeria monocytogenes were tested. The results show that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were highly influenced by the bacterial genus. The MIC values ranged from 256 to 1024 µg/mL in S. enterica and from 16 to 32 µg/mL in L. monocytogenes. The results of this study demonstrate that apitoxin is a potential alternative agent against common foodborne pathogens, and it can be included in the development of new models to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the food chain.
The Presence of Seminal Plasma during Liquid Storage of Pig Spermatozoa at 17 °C Modulates Their Ability to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation and Trigger Acrosomal Exocytosis

Although seminal plasma is essential to maintain sperm integrity and function, it is diluted/removed prior to liquid storage and cryopreservation in most mammalian species. This study sought to evaluate, using the pig as a model, whether storing semen in the presence of seminal plasma affects the sperm ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis. Upon collection, seminal plasma was separated from sperm samples, which were diluted in a commercial extender, added with seminal plasma (15% or 30%), and stored at 17 °C for 48 or 72 h. Sperm cells were subsequently exposed to capacitating medium for 4 h, and then added with progesterone to induce acrosomal exocytosis. Sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial activity, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3)α/β were determined after 0, 2, and 4 h of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Results showed that storing sperm at 17 °C with 15% or 30% seminal plasma led to reduced percentages of viable spermatozoa exhibiting an exocytosed acrosome, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ levels stained by Fluo3, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of GSK3α/β after in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis. Therefore, the direct contact between spermatozoa and seminal plasma during liquid storage at 17 °C modulated their ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and undergo acrosomal exocytosis, via signal transduction pathways involving Ca2+ and Tyr phosphorylation of GSK3α/β. Further research is required to address whether such a modulating effect has any impact upon sperm fertilizing ability.
Speciation and extinction in the fossil record of North American mammals

Introduction Paleontological data have been used for decades to address a series of very general and intrinsically interesting questions concerning speciation. Many of them are essentially microevolutionary, morphological or both. What is the relative prevalence of anagenesis and cladogensis (Wagner & Erwin 1995)? Do constraints on morphology cause occupation of morphospace to slow down as diversity increases (Foote 1993)? Ismorphological change gradual or punctuated across speciation events (Simpson 1944)? A survey of the analytical paleobiology literature would reveal, however, that interest in all of these questions has waned over the last decade or two. The one topic relating to speciation that remains very popular is the quantification and modelling of turnover rates (Foote 1994b, 2000, 2003; Sepkoski 1998; Newman & Eble 1999; Kirchner andWeil 2000; Allen et al. 2006; Alroy 2008). Coincidentally and fortuitously, the explosion of molecular data sets and great improvements in phylogenetic methods have led to quantifying speciation rates by tracking the accumulation of lineages through time (Nee et al. 1992, 1994; Purvis et al. 1995; Magallon & Sanderson 2001; Roelants et al. 2007). Nonetheless, paleontological research has focused far more strongly on taxonomic diversity than on speciation in recent years (Alroy 1996, 1998b, 2000; Miller & Foote 1996; Sepkoski 1997; Alroy et al. 2001, 2008; Connolly & Miller 2001; Peters & Foote 2001; Smith 2001; Jablonski et al. 2003; Bush et al. 2004; Krug & Patzkowsky 2004; Allen et al. 2006; Crampton et al. 2006). In addition to research on diversity at the global scale, there has been an explosion of studies on diversity at the community scale (Powell & Kowalewski 2002; Bush& Bambach 2004; Olszewski 2004; Peters 2004; Kosnik 2005; Kowalewski et al. 2006; Wagner et al. 2006; and many others). Because the latter kind of work concerns the richness and evenness of individual fossil collections from precise locations and stratigraphic horizons, it has no direct bearing on turnover. When turnover rates do get attention, the paleontological literature has focused on two overriding issues: whether they can be explained using intrinsic dynamic mechanisms, such as either density dependence (Sepkoski 1978, 1979,
Urban Regeneration Policy from the Integrated Urban Development Model in the European Union: an Analytical Approach Based on the Study of Spanish Cities

Abstract For several years, local governments have been tackling new challenges related to the regeneration of their cities within the physical sphere, as well as in their economic and social aspects. This task is developed in accordance with what has been called the Integrated Urban Development Model, understanding the integrated nature of this approach not only in terms of the spheres of public policy involved, but also in relation to their management. In this paper, this management is analysed in terms of the development of mechanisms for New Local Governance and New Public Management (NPM). Using Spanish municipalities as a case study, this paper develops an analytical tool for the analysis of this model of urban intervention within the European context, paying close attention to the development of mechanisms for New Local Governance from a multilevel perspective, as well as the development of mechanisms for NPM.
Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Parentage Analysis of Croatian Grapevine Germplasm

Croatian viticulture was most extensive at the beginning of the 20th century, when about 400 varieties were in use. Autochthonous varieties are the result of spontaneous hybridization from the pre-phylloxera era and are still cultivated today on about 35 % of vineyard area, while some exist only in repositories. We present what is the most comprehensive genetic analysis of all major Croatian national repositories, with a large number of microsatellite, or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and it is also the first study to apply single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. After 212 accessions were fingerprinted, 95 were classified as unique to Croatian germplasm. Genetic diversity of Croatian germplasm is rather high considering its size. SNP markers proved useful for fingerprinting but less informative and practical than SSRs. Analysis of the genetic structure showed that Croatian germplasm is predominantly part of the Balkan grape gene pool. A high number of admixed varieties and synonyms is a consequence of complex pedigrees and migrations. Parentage analysis confirmed 24 full parentages, as well as 113 half-kinships. Unexpectedly, several key genitors could not be detected within the present Croatian germplasm. The low number of reconstructed parentages (19%) points to severe genetic erosion and stresses the importance of germplasm repositories.
Short-Term Pre-Harvest UV-B Supplement Enhances the Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Ocimum basilicum Leaves during Storage

Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves are rich in polyphenols, conferring them a high antioxidant activity. The application of UV-B can be used to maintain the post-harvest nutraceutical quality of basil leaves. We aimed to investigate the effects of pre-harvest UV-B application on polyphenolic and pigment contents, antioxidant capacity, and the visual quality of basil stored leaves. We also evaluated the applicability of the non-invasive Dualex® for monitoring the accumulation of leaf epidermal phenolics (Flav Index). After exposing plants to white light (control) and to supplemental UV-B radiation for 4 d, the leaves were harvested and stored for 7d (TS7). The UV-B leaves showed both a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity than the controls at TS7. In addition, the correlations between the Flav Index and phenolic content demonstrated that Dualex® can reliably assess the content of epidermal phenolics, thus confirming its promising utilization as a non-destructive method for monitoring the phytochemical quality of O. basilicum leaves. In conclusion, a pre-harvesting UV-B application may be a tool for enhancing the content of polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of basil stored leaves without detrimental effects on their visual quality. These results are important considering the nutraceutical value of this plant and its wide commercial distribution.
Mindfulness in Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Social and healthcare problems associated with dementia not only affect those who suffer from this disease, but their caregivers as well. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of mindfulness intervention on psychological variables of caregivers of persons with dementia. A search for scientific articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases found a total of 282 articles. After screening with preestablished inclusion criteria, ten studies with participation of 161 caregivers remained for the meta-analysis. The results were significant in favor of mindfulness intervention for the variables studied with a standardized difference of mean of 0.71 at a 95% CI, 0.71 (0.52, 0.89); p ≤ 0.00001. Heterogeneity of the studies included was moderate (I2 = 40%). The main conclusion suggested by empirical evidence was that mindfulness intervention seems to be effective for the variables analyzed. However, continued in-depth study of this subject is recommended.
Lignans in Knotwood of Norway Spruce: Localisation with Soft X-ray Microscopy and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

Lignans are bioactive compounds that are especially abundant in the Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) knotwood. By combining a variety of chromatographic, spectroscopic and imaging techniques, we were able to quantify, qualify and localise the easily extractable lignans in the xylem tissue. The knotwood samples contained 15 different lignans according to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. They comprised 16% of the knotwood dry weight and 82% of the acetone extract. The main lignans were found to be hydroxymatairesinols HMR1 and HMR2. Cryosectioned and resin-embedded ultrathin sections of the knotwood were analysed with scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Cryosectioning was found to retain only lignan residues inside the cell lumina. In the resin-embedded samples, lignan was interpreted to be unevenly distributed inside the cell lumina, and partially confined in deposits which were either readily present in the lumina or formed when OsO4 used in staining reacted with the lignans. Furthermore, the multi-technique characterisation enabled us to obtain information on the chemical composition of the structural components of knotwood. A simple spectral analysis of the STXM data gave consistent results with the gas chromatographic methods about the relative amounts of cell wall components (lignin and polysaccharides). The STXM analysis also indicated that a torus of a bordered pit contained aromatic compounds, possibly lignin.
Enzymatic equipment of Ascosphaera apis and the development of infection by this fungus

initiated by feeding 3rd instar larvae with a known dose of spores. These larvae were extracted from their sealed cells at 2 different times during early postcapping development and processed for SEM. This study was complemented with an analysis of the enzymatic equipment of the fungus, to investigate the mechanism of penetration of the larval cuticle. This analysis was conducted on mycelium isolated from mummies produced in 47 field outbreaks of chalkbrood and on 3 reference strains. There was evidence of enzymes such as N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase in 74.4% of the isolates, which can break down the molecules of N-acetyl-glucosamine. Chitin, the main component of the cuticle, is a polymer composed of these molecules. This enzyme, assisted by a certain pressure from the hyphae, as these fungal elements are generated inside the larval body, may explain how the fungus pierces the cuticle.
Large study (283 women) on the effectiveness of Manosar®: 2 g of d-mannose + 140 mg of proanthocyanidins (PAC), of prolonged release.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety in the prophylasis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) with a food supplement that contains D-mannose like active ingredient (Manosar®), in comparison to another preparation in which the active ingredient are the proanthocyanidins (PAC), both of them, in prolonged released, after, they was administered for 24 weeks. METHODS A multicenter, randomized and double blind experimental study was carried out. 283 women with a history of recurrent UTIs without evidence of complication were included. They were randomized 1: 1 in two groups. In one group, 1 oral sachet of Manosar® a day was administered, and in the other group 1 oral sachet of a compound of 240 mg of continuous-release PAC. Prior to inclusion in the study, the episode of UTI was confirmed at least by the clinical symptoms and positivity of the Combur test. RESULTS Valid data were obtained from 184 patients with an average age of 49.5 years: 90 received Manosar® and 94 isolated PAC. A total of 72 patients suffered an UTI due to E.coli: 25 patients in the arm with Manosar® versus 47 patients in the isolated PAC group, this difference being statistically significant (p=0.002). The free time of new UTI recurrences was 98.6 days in the group treated with Manosar® and 84.6 days in the group with isolated PAC. CONCLUSION The oral taking of a daily sachet of Manosar® is effective and safe in preventing recurrent UTIs in women, being superior to the oral taking of isolated PAC.
Interactive Impact of Sleep Duration and Sleep Quality on the Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Adults

Sleep quality is important for the normal functioning of hormonal and metabolic processes in the body; however, few studies have considered the effects of both sleep duration and sleep quality on predicting metabolic syndrome risk. We examined the interactive impact of sleep duration and sleep quality on the risk of developing metabolic syndrome using logistic regression analysis with a threshold based on hours of sleep. Data were collected from 411 adults in South Korea and, according to the estimated threshold of 6 h of sleep (95% Confidence Interval, CI = 5–7 h), participants were classified as short (<6 h) or adequate-long (≥6 h) sleepers. The two groups differed significantly on various health measures. While short sleepers were more likely than adequate-long sleepers to experience adverse health conditions, which increased their risk of developing metabolic syndrome, they were not influenced by sleep quality. For adequate-long sleepers, however, a decrease in sleep quality was associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07–1.43). Our results suggest that both sleep duration and sleep quality are crucial determinants of the development of metabolic syndrome and that it is important to maintain at least 6 h of sleep.