Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspirin and low-dose rivaroxaban – the dual pathway concept in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease: a comprehensive review

ABSTRACT Introduction Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adults in western nations. In the last decades, tremendous research has been conducted in the field of secondary prevention in order to reduce recurrent cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the novel dual pathway concept of aspirin and very low-dose rivaroxaban, from mechanisms to clinical practice. Areas covered The COMPASS trial demonstrated that in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease, very low-dose rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, when combined with aspirin, reduced the rate of recurrent ischemic events, at the cost of increased bleeding. This effect was present in patients with ischemic heart disease, as well as in patients with atherosclerosis in other beds, such as in peripheral arterial disease. Sub-studies from the COMPASS trial examined other high-risk populations who might benefit the most from this regimen. Expert opinion There are currently multiple antiplatelet and anticoagulation treatment regimens for patients with stable atherosclerotic disease. The dual pathway concept is a novel approach that combines both mechanisms. Identifying patients who might benefit the most in terms of ischemic events at the least bleeding events still remains a challenge, yet prescribing this combination to high-risk patients might be the most effective.
Gender inequalities in depression/anxiety and the consumption of psychotropic drugs: Are we medicalising women’s mental health?

Aims: Clinical studies show that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and to consume prescribed psychotropic drugs. Applying an intersectional perspective that considers age, education and social class, the present study assesses gender inequalities in the diagnosis of depression/anxiety and in psychotropic consumption. Methods: We analysed data from the 2018 Basque Country Health Survey (Spain; n=8014). Prevalence rates of poor mental health, diagnosis of depression/anxiety and psychotropic consumption were calculated for each sex by age and socio-economic status. Poisson regression models were calculated to estimate PRs of these variables in women, adjusted for age, mental health status and health-care visits, and for diagnosis of depression/anxiety in the case of psychotropic drug consumption. Results: Women were 2.48 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, and this difference remained significant after adjustments (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40–2.47). Women also took significantly more prescribed psychotropic drugs, even controlling for their poorer mental health, their higher prevalence of diagnosis and their more frequent health-care visits (PR=1.52; 95% CI 1.28–1.82). No gender inequalities were observed in those younger than 45 or with the highest level of education. Conclusions: Gender inequalities in the diagnosis and prescription of psychotropic drugs exist, and these cannot be explained by differences in mental-health status or health-care visit frequency. It seems, then, that medicalisation of mental health is occurring among women. Further evidence about the mechanisms that underlie the results is crucial to design truly gender-sensitive health policies that reduce medicalisation of women’s mental health.
Respective Effects of Oral Hygiene Instructions and Periodontal Nonsurgical Treatment (Debridement) on Clinical Parameters and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures with Respect to Smoking

Background: Oral hygiene instructions (OHI) and periodontal nonsurgical treatment (PNST) play pivotal roles in the management of periodontitis. The study aims to discern their respective effects on periodontal clinical parameters and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: Ninety-one patients were included, 34 non-smokers (NS), 25 former smokers (FS) and 32 current smoker (CS). Clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were collected, and the periodontal inflamed tissue area (PISA) was calculated. Clinical parameters and PROMs were recorded before and after receiving OHI, with electronic tooth brush and interdental brushes, as well as 3 months after debridement. Results: Smokers presented a significantly higher proportion of severe periodontitis (64.7%) with generalized extension (76.5%) and with a rapid rate of progression (97.1%) compared to NS and FS. OHI led to a significant decrease of PD, BOP, and PISA (p < 0.0001) only in NS and FS. Debridement reduced PD and the percentage of PD >6 mm in all groups (p < 0.0001). OHI induced significant improvement of oral hygiene, frequency of interdental cleaning, and PROMs (p < 0.0001). Further debridement induced significant additional improvement PROMs in FS and NS (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: OHI and debridement improved periodontal clinical parameters and PROMs in both NS and FS. Former smokers had comparable outcomes to non-smokers, suggesting that smoking cessation should be encouraged.
Mitochondrial DNA supports the identification of two endangered river sharks (Glyphis glyphis and Glyphis garricki) across northern Australia

The river sharks (genus Glyphis) are a small group of poorly known sharks occurring in tropical rivers and estuarine waters across northern Australia, south-east Asia and the subcontinent. The taxonomy of the genus has long been unclear due to very few individuals having been caught and examined, resulting in a paucity of data regarding their distribution, biology and ecology. Only recently has attention focussed on the two Australian species, G. glyphis and G. garricki. This study is a result of a rare opportunity to collate the few samples that have been collected from these species and the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas, which shares an overlapping range. These samples were analysed using the DNA barcoding approach (cox1 mitochondrial gene), compared with six other species of carcharhinids and evaluated in light of the current taxonomic classification. Nine species-specific nucleotide differences were found between G. glyphis and G. garricki and no intra-specific variation provides strong support for the separation into distinct species. Significant differences were also observed at the inter-generic level, with Glyphis forming a distinct clade from Carcharhinus. This study provides the basis for future molecular studies required to better address conservation issues confronting G. glyphis and G. garricki in Australia.
Are there any clinical differences between ankylosing spondylitis patients and familial Mediterranean fever patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease that is commonly present with recurrent episodes of fever, peritonitis, pleuritis or arthritis. Enthesitis and sacroilitis can also be seen in FMF. Spondylitis is a less common manifestation of joint involvement in FMF and there are controversial publications about whether this involvement is FMF‐related or coincidentally. The aim of this study was to provide a comparison between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and FMF patients with AS.
Anterior Cervical Decompression and C5 Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Three Reconstructive Surgeries.

STUDY DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed with the literature including the case of C5 palsy following anterior cervical decompression surgery. OBJECTIVE To compare 3 reconstructive procedures of anterior cervical decompression, the incidences of delayed C5 palsy and other complications were assessed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Delayed C5 palsy is now a well-known complication after cervical decompression surgery. The etiology of C5 palsy has been studied, especially after posterior surgery. However, in anterior surgery there has been a lack of investigation due to procedure variation. Additionally, limited evidence exists regarding the risk of C5 palsy in surgical procedures. METHODS We performed an extensive literature search for C5 palsy and other complications with ACDF, ACCF and their combination (Hybrid). Gross incidences of C5 palsy after these 3 procedures were compared, and specific superiorities (or inferiorities) were investigated via comparison of binary outcomes between 2 out of 3 groups using odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 3098 patients were included and 5.8% of those developed C5 palsy. Meta-analyses demonstrated that ACDF had a lower risk of palsy than ACCF (OR; 0.36, 95% confidence interval[CI] 0.16-0.78), while ACDF vs Hybrid (OR; 0.60, 95%CI 0.24-1.51) and Hybrid vs ACCF (OR; 1.11, 95%CI 0.29-4.32) were not significantly different. Although these differences were not observed in shorter lesion subgroups, there were significant differences between the 3 procedures in longer lesion subgroups (p = 0.0005). Meta-analyses revealed that in longer lesions, ACDF had a significantly lower incidence than ACCF (OR; 0.42, 95%CI 0.22-0.82). Additionally, Hybrid surgery was non-inferior for palsy occurrence compared to ACCF, and suggested a trend for reduced rates of other complications compared to ACCF. CONCLUSIONS ACDF may yield better outcomes than Hybrid and ACCF. Furthermore, Hybrid may have advantages over ACCF in terms of surgical complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Seed mass and the competition/colonization trade‐off: competitive interactions and spatial patterns in a guild of annual plants

1 We used neighbourhood modelling to estimate individual‐level competition coefficients for seven annuals growing in limestone grassland over 2 years. We calculated the relative strength of intra‐ and interspecific competition and related this to differences in seed size and plant size between targets and neighbours. 2 Significant differences in the impact of neighbours on each target species were observed in half the models fitted, allowing us to reject a null hypothesis of competitive equivalence. 3 In one year we found that as the seed size or plant size of neighbours increased relative to targets, so did their competitive effect. Although this is consistent with the competition/colonization trade‐off model the competitive interactions were not sufficiently asymmetric to allow coexistence. In a second year we found only weak interspecific competition and no relationship with plant or seed size. 4 We found no overall relationship between competition coefficients and the degree of segregation, contradicting the spatial segregation hypothesis for coexistence. However, segregation was linked to differences in plant traits: when targets were smaller than neighbours the degree of segregation increased with relative neighbour size. 5 Most species were positively associated with each other due to a shared preference for otherwise unvegetated patches. The degree of association was negatively correlated with differences in plant and seed size, particularly when interspecific competition was weak. This might reflect (i) decreasing overlap in microhabitat use with increasing trait divergence or (ii) density‐dependent mortality. 6 Seed size is a key trait within this group of species, determining both competitive and colonizing ability. The presence of such a competition/colonization trade‐off undoubtedly stabilizes community dynamics although other mechanisms may also be at work.
The Psychological Experience of Obstetric Patients and Health Care Workers after Implementation of Universal SARS-CoV-2 Testing

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to describe the hospitalization and early postpartum psychological experience for asymptomatic obstetric patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as part of a universal testing program and report the impact of this program on labor and delivery health care workers' job satisfaction and workplace anxiety. Study Design This is a cohort study of asymptomatic pregnant women who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing between April 13, 2020 and April 26, 2020. Semistructured interviews were conducted via telephone at 1 and 2 weeks posthospitalization to assess maternal mental health. Depression screening was conducted using the patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). An online survey of labor and delivery health care workers assessed job satisfaction and job-related anxiety before and during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as employees' subjective experience with universal testing. Patient and employee responses were analyzed for recurring themes. Results A total of 318 asymptomatic women underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing during this 2-week period. Six of the eight women (75%) who tested positive reported negative in-hospital experiences secondary to perceived lack of provider and partner support and neonatal separation after birth. Among the 310 women who tested negative, 34.4% of multiparous women reported increased postpartum anxiety compared with their prior deliveries due to concerns about infectious exposure in the hospital and lack of social support. Only 27.6% of women, tested negative, found their test result to be reassuring. Job satisfaction and job-related anxiety among health care workers were negatively affected. Universal testing was viewed favorably by the majority of health care workers despite concerns about delays or alterations in patient care and maternal and neonatal separation. Conclusion Universal testing for SARS-CoV-2 in obstetric units has mixed effects on maternal mental health but is viewed favorably by labor and delivery employees. Ongoing evaluation of new testing protocols is paramount to balance staff and patient safety with quality and equality of care. Key Points Women with SARS-CoV-2 had a negative hospital experience. A negative SARS-CoV-2 test was not reassuring for patients. COVID-19 negatively impacts healthcare workers’ well-being.
Functional health literacy and caregiving burden among family caregivers for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Family caregivers of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience significant caregiver-related burden, yet the contribution of their functional health literacy (FHL) to caregiving burden has not been elucidated. We investigated the magnitude of FHL and caregiving burden and their association in a descriptive, correlational cross-sectional study of family caregivers of Jordanian patients with ESRD (N = 88). The short versions of the FHL for Adults and the Zarit Burden Interview were used for assessment of caregivers. Demographic and clinical information of patients and their family caregivers were self-reported. Of family caregivers, 41% had limited FHL and 38% experienced high caregiver burden. FHL and history of comorbidity in family caregivers predicted caregiving burden independent of demographic and clinical factors. Consideration of FHL in support interventions for family caregivers may minimize some of the high perceived caregiving burden, but clinical trials of such interventions are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Hounsfield Unit for Assessing Vertebral Bone Quality and Asymmetrical Vertebral Degeneration in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the correlation between degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and osteoporosis based on Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement from computed tomography (CT) scans, and to investigate the asymmetrical vertebral degeneration in DLS. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The correlation between DLS and osteoporosis measured by DEXA is debated, since T-scores measured by DEXA scan can be overestimated due to abdominal vessel wall calcification, degenerative bony spurs, and facet hypertrophy. The reliability and accuracy of HU to determine osteoporosis are shown in many reports, but it has never been used to assess the vertebral bone quality for DLS patients. METHODS Nighty-five DLS patients were retrospectively reviewed. Regions of interest for HU were measured on three coronal images of the lumbar vertebrae. HU measurement of the whole vertebrae from L1 to L5 was obtained, then HU measurement within concave and convex sides were obtained separately in L5, upper and lower end vertebrae, apex vertebrae, neutral vertebrae, stable vertebrae. RESULTS HU value presented a gradually increasing trend from L1 to L5. No correlation was detected between Cobb's angle and mean HU value of the five lumbar vertebrae, or between Cobb's angle and HU value of every lumbar vertebrae separately. HU value was higher within concavity than that within convexity of the same vertebrae both in major and compensatory curve. Asymmetric HU ratio in apex vertebrae positively correlated with Cobb's angle. Stable vertebrae was the first proximal vertebrae that presents opposite orientation of asymmetric HU ratio from the other lumbar vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS Progression of degenerative scoliosis presents no correlation with osteoporosis based on HU measurement but could increase the asymmetrical vertebral degeneration, especially in apex vertebrae. Distraction of the pedicle screws at concave side, instead of compression of pedicle screws at convex side, should be a priority to correct lumbosacral curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Physicochemical Parameters Affecting the Distribution and Diversity of the Water Column Microbial Community in the High-Altitude Andean Lake System of La Brava and La Punta

Due to the low incidence of precipitation attributed to climate change, many high-altitude Andean lakes (HAALs) and lagoons distributed along the central Andes in South America may soon disappear. This includes La Brava–La Punta, a brackish lake system located south of the Salar de Atacama within a hyper-arid and halophytic biome in the Atacama Desert. Variations in the physicochemical parameters of the water column can induce changes in microbial community composition, which we aimed to determine. Sixteen sampling points across La Brava–La Punta were studied to assess the influence of water physicochemical properties on the aquatic microbial community, determined via 16S rRNA gene analysis. Parameters such as pH and the concentrations of silica, magnesium, calcium, salinity, and dissolved oxygen showed a more homogenous pattern in La Punta samples, whereas those from La Brava had greater variability; pH and total silica were significantly different between La Brava and La Punta. The predominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The genera Psychroflexus (36.85%), Thiomicrospira (12.48%), and Pseudomonas (7.81%) were more abundant in La Brava, while Pseudospirillum (20.73%) and Roseovarius (17.20%) were more abundant in La Punta. Among the parameters, pH was the only statistically significant factor influencing the diversity within La Brava lake. These results complement the known microbial diversity and composition in the HAALs of the Atacama Desert.
High Tunnel versus Open Field: Management of Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Using Pruning and Tipping to Increase Yield and Extend the Fruiting Season

Primocane-fruiting blackberries (Rubus subgenus Rubus Watson) may offer opportunities for season extension and off-season fruit production, particularly in mild climates with protected culture. In May 2005, plants of 'Prime-Jan' ® were established at the Oregon State University-North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Aurora, OR. Half of the planting was established under a high tunnel and the remainder planted in an adjacent open field. In 2006 to 2007, primocanes were subjected to four treatments to promote branching and/or delay harvest: 1) all primocanes within the plot were cut to the ground when averaging 0.25 m tall, then later emerging canes soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m tall (C0.25m/T0.5m); 2) all primocanes within the plot were cut to the ground when averaging 0.5 m tall, then later emerging canes soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m (C0.5m/T0.5m); 3) primocanes double-tipped: all primocanes within the plot were soft-tipped when averaging 0.5 m tall with subsequent lateral branches then soft-tipped when reaching 0.5 m long (T0.5m/Tb0.5m); and 4) primocanes were soft-tipped when averaging 0.5 m tall (T0.5m; control). The tunnel was covered with plastic from 5 Sept. 2006 and 31 Aug. 2007, ≈1 to 2 weeks before harvest until the end of harvest to protect fruit from inclement weather. On average, fruit harvest began on 12 Sept. in the open field and tunnel, but lasted ≈3 weeks longer in the tunnel, ending on 16 Nov., on average. Primocanes that were double-tipped had nearly twice the flowers and fruit than canes that were soft-tipped only once (T0.5m; control). In the tunnel, cumulative yield of double-tipped primocanes averaged 10.7 t·ha ―1 in 2006 and 19.3 t·ha ―1 in 2007, a 267% and 159% increase compared with the control, respectively. On average, cumulative yield for all treatments was less in the open field than in the tunnel, although cultural systems could not be compared statistically. Harvest was not delayed in the C0.25m/ T0.5m treatment in 2006 compared with the control and the double-tipped treatments; however, in 2007, harvest was delayed by 2 weeks in C0.25m/T0.5m. In contrast, harvest was delayed by ≈4 weeks when primocanes were cut to the ground at 0.5 m (C0.5m/ T0.5m). Primocanes that were double-tipped produced heavier fruit than other treatments (33% heavier than the control, on average). Double-tipped primocanes did not have more ovules per flower, but had significantly more drupelets set compared with the control. In addition, plants growing under the tunnel tended to produce heavier fruit (32%, on average) than those grown in the open field. Harvest date affected fruit pH in 2006, but not in 2007. In 2006, fruit pH was highest in the early season. All other differences in fruit chemistry were not significant. The pruning and tipping systems used here increased yield and offered options for season extension.
Bioconversion of Milk Permeate with Selected Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Apple By-Products into Beverages with Antimicrobial Properties and Enriched with Galactooligosaccharides

The present research study aims to prepare prototypes of beverages from milk permeate (MP) using fermentation with 10 different strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) showing antimicrobial properties (L. uvarum LUHS245, L. casei LUHS210, L. curvatus LUHS51, L. plantarum LUHS135, P. acidilactici LUHS29, L. plantarum LUHS122, L. coryniformins LUHS71, L. paracasei LUHS244, P. pentosaceus LUHS183, L. faraginis LUHS206) and MP with (AppMP) or without (MP) the addition of 8% (w/w) apple by-products (App). Two groups of prototypes of beverages were prepared: fermented MP and fermented MP with App (AppMP). Acidity parameters, LAB viable counts, lactose and galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) content, antimicrobial properties against 15 pathogenic and opportunistic bacterial strains, overall acceptability and emotions induced of the final fermented beverages for consumers were evaluated. Results showed that all LAB grew well in MP and LAB strain exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) influence on galactobiose and galactotriose synthesis in the fermentable MP substrate. The highest total content of GOS (26.80 mg/100 mL) was found in MPLUHS29 fermented beverage. In addition, MPLUHS245, MPLUHS210 and AppMPLUHS71 fermented beverages showed high antimicrobial activity, inhibiting 13 out of 15 tested microbial pathogens. The overall acceptability of AppMP fermented beverages was 26.8% higher when compared with fermented beverages without App (MP), and the most intensive “happy” emotion was induced by MPLUHS71, MPLUHS24, MPLUHS183 and MPLUHS206 samples. Finally, very promising results were also attained by the bioconversion of MP with selected LAB and App addition into the prototypes of antimicrobial beverages enriched with GOS.