Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of dabigatran for venous thrombosis prophylaxis after knee replacement surgery in Thai patients: a prospective non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Dabigatran, a direct oral anticoagulant, has been approved for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after orthopedic surgery in many countries. The efficacy and safety of this agent were most studied in Western countries. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of dabigatran in preventing venous thromboembolic diseases after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Asian patients. Methods We conducted a prospective nonrandomized controlled study in Thai patients undergoing TKA. Thirty-two patients received 220 mg of dabigatran once daily for 14 days as thromboprophylaxis and 32 patients in the control group received none. The primary efficacy outcome was deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which was identified by color Doppler ultrasonography and/or diagnosed pulmonary embolism (PE). The primary safety outcomes were major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events. Results There were no DVTs or PEs diagnosed in either group. The difference in the composite incidence of major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleedings between the dabigatran and control groups did not reach significant (6.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.15). Conclusion Dabigatran might have no clear benefit for the prevention of VTE after TKA in Thai patients. We do not recommend the routine use of dabigatran as a chemical thromboprophylaxis after TKA in Thai patients. To determine the safety profile, further study with larger sample sizes is required.
Two-stage sector sampling for estimating small woodlot attributes

A two-stage sampling strategy is proposed to assess small woodlots outside the forests scattered on extensive territories. The first stage is performed to select a sample of small woodlots using fixed-size sampling schemes, and the second stage is performed to sample trees within woodlots selected at first stage. Usually, fixed- or variable-area plots are adopted to sample trees. However, the use of plot sampling in small patches such as woodlots is likely to induce a relevant amount of bias owing to edge effects. In this framework, sector sampling proves to be particularly effective. The present paper investigates the statistical properties of two-stage sampling strategies for estimating forest attributes of woodlot populations when sector sampling is adopted at the second stage. A two-stage estimator of population totals is derived together with a conservative estimator of its sampling variance. By means of a simulation study, the performance of the proposed estimator is checked and compared with that a.
Is the increase of uric acid associated with the components of the metabolic syndrome?

Summary Objectives: There is increasing evidence that metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be associated with increased uric acid levels. Previous studies indicate that hyperuricaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. We sought to determine the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with MetS components and other cardiovascular risk factors among middle aged Lithuanians with MetS. Design and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. A total of 705 subjects aged 40 to 65 years with MetS diagnosed using NCEP ATP III criteria were included. None of the participants had previously diagnosed cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, peripheral artery or end-stage oncological disease. Blood tests and all anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard methods. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: with hyperuricaemia and without hyperuricaemia. Results: Hyperuricaemia was found in 33.3% of subjects. Mean serum uric acid level increased as the number of metabolic factors increased. Participants with hyperuricaemia had abnormal waist circumference (p < 0.001), higher systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), higher levels of triglycerides and, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001). Subjects in hyperuricaemia group were more likely to be alcohol users (p = 0.034), to have diabetes (p = 0.02) and higher body mass index (p < 0.001). Their creatinine levels were statistically significantly higher (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our analysis showed that serum uric acid is associated with MetS and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study found a statistically significant association with the four out of five components of the MetS (excluding plasma glucose) as well as with alcohol consumption, and renal function indicators (creatinine, eGFR).
Phenotypic Stability of Single and Three-Way Hybrids of Cotton

Cytoplasmic-genetic male sterile lines of cotton, were employed to develop,30 hybrids. Thirty hybrids along with four checks were planted in kharif (rainy) season of 1984 in five environments. Stability analysis revealed that mean squares both for genotype × environment (linear) and pooled deviations were significant for seed cotton yield, number of bolls/plant, and average boll weight. Hybrids ICHB 36, ICHB 3, ICHB 10, ICHB 9, and ICH 24 were identified to have average stability for seed cotton yield. Hybrids JKHy 1 and ICHB 11 were suitable for favourable environments. Most of the stable hybrids originated from birsutum × barbadense crosses.
Multi-component communication intervention for children with autism: A randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component communication intervention on social communication for young children with autism. As many as half of children with autism are not yet talking by age 3, and up to a third of children with autism will remain minimally verbal past age 5. Spoken language outcomes are greatest when parents and clinicians are delivering language interventions to children with autism as compared to parents or clinicians alone. This study incorporates caregiver training, Discrete Trial Teaching, and JASP + EMT + SGD. A total of 68 children between ages 3 and 5 with autism, and their caregivers, participated in this study. Children were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Children in the treatment group received 36 sessions of the multi-component intervention in the clinic and at home. Children in both groups received a speech-generating device and the caregivers received an individualized training on how to program the speech-generating device. All participants were evaluated prior to intervention, immediately following intervention, and 4 months following intervention. Children in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater joint attention than those in the control group immediately following intervention. Children in the intervention group, additionally, demonstrated greater social communication with their caregivers 4 months following intervention. This brief, multi-component intervention may be effective for improving social communication in young children with autism who are at risk for remaining minimally verbal. Future research is needed to understand for whom and under what conditions this intervention is most effective. Lay abstract This study reports the results of a randomized trial for preverbal preschoolers with autism that demonstrates the effects of multiple intervention strategies including caregiver training. About 50% of children with autism are not talking by age 3 and up to 30% of children with autism will remain minimally verbal past age 5. Interventions delivered by clinicians and caregivers have the greatest effects on spoken language and may reduce the rate of those who remain minimally verbal. Sixty-eight children ages 3–5 with autism and their caregivers participated in this randomized trial comparing the communication intervention to a comparison group. A brief, multi-component, communication intervention (including a speech-generating device) for children with autism that addresses core deficits may be effective in improving joint attention skills immediately following intervention and social communication skills 4 months following intervention. Future research is needed to understand for whom and under what conditions this intervention is most effective.
Observations on Patella Vulgata. Part II. Rate of Growth of Shell

SUMMARY Many common limpets Patella vulgata, settled and grew on the cement piles of a new wharf constructed at Plymouth. Each pile or part of this wharf provided experimental material for the determination of the maximum age of the limpets which grew thereon, as the dates of completion were known. It was found that at an age of about one year limpets grew to lengths of 26 to 35 mm. in 1912, and to at least 11 to 27 mm. in 1913 :and at an age of two years to at least 53 mm. in 1911-1913, and to 47-49 mm. in 1912-1914. The shells were of the mid-tide-level type, and were low, broad, and rather thin. It is considered that such growth in length is unusual, and is correlated with the habitat and favourable climatic conditions. In the same situation in 1913 marked limpets grew from January 27 to September 2, respectively, 20 mm. (from 21 to 41) and 15 mm. (from 38 to 53), and showed arrest of growth in midsummer. Other marked limpets showed arrest of growth in the winter period, and many at lengths of about 25 mm. an arrest of growth independent of any season of growth. Seasonal shell-growth is discussed briefly ; a postbreeding shell-growing period is general in spring and early summer, but it is not known whether a midsummer resting-period is general among individuals more than one year old. Ad hoc investigations are suggested in combination with work on sex and spawning. A preliminary notice is given of investigations into the cause of variation in shell-height, wherein it is shown that shell-height is determined probably entirely by the degree of exposure of limpets to desiccation, in such a manner that the drier the habitat the higher the shell is. Limpets submerged at neap tides have a relatively uniformly low shell, those exposed at high-water neaps have a relatively high shell, which is higher in the drier than in the damper situations, apparently irrespective of exposure to wave-action.
Effect of Apple (Malus domestica) Supplementation on Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins Level in Cholestrol-Fed Male Rat

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and high blood cholesterol continuing challenge of public health and increase of mortalities due to cardiovascular disease. High intake of fatty diet results in elevated cholesterol, LDL and down regulates LDL receptors in liver. Several evidences suggest that antioxidants consumption controls hypercholesterolemia. The health benefits of fruits and legumes are now widly recognized. It has been estimated that the fiber in apple plays a major role in its lipid lowering capacities. This study clarified the effect of apple supplementation on blood lipid level in cholestrol-fed male rat. Three groups of male rat (ten each)were used. The first(G1) was Control group, consumed chow (basic) diet. The second (G2) and third (G3)groups consumed two percent cholesterol in diet. G3 consumed apple (20%) for one month beside the fatty diet. After one month, TC, LDL, TG and HDL concentrations were measured. In G2TC, LDL and TG (but not HDL) concentrations significantly increased (p<0.05) compared with control groupG1. Supplementation of apple in G3 decreased (p<0.05) TC and LDL concentrations compared with G2. This effect of apple may be related to antioxidant effects of this agent. However, further investigation is recommended to evaluate the hyplipidemic effect of Apple is given to Obese people.
Health-related quality of life in patients with narcolepsy types 1 and 2 from a Sleep Center in Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: Narcolepsy patients have higher prevalence of comorbidities, such as obesity, depression, and pain. Narcolepsy symptoms and concomitant medical conditions can impact the daily activities of patients. The objective of this study is to describe the quality of life in a sample of patients with narcolepsy, and the influence of the nutritional status in health domains. Methods: At Unifesp, two groups of 33 patients (narcolepsy types 1 and 2 meeting 2014 criteria, concerning hypocretin-1) and 33 controls without sleepiness, matched by age and sex, filled out the SF-36. Results: Narcolepsy groups, regardless of their nutritional status, had significantly lower scores in all domains, compared to controls, mainly in Role-physical, Role-emotional, and Energy/Fatigue. Role-physical score was lower in type 1 than in type 2 and controls (37.8±1.0 vs. 50.0±1.2 vs. 85.6±1.6; p<0.0001). Obese with type 2 narcolepsy scored lower than type 1 in physical scales. Conclusion: In a Sleep Center in São Paulo, Brazil, physical and mental health were impaired in narcolepsy types 1 and 2. The first report of the poor health status in Brazilians with narcolepsy type 2 suggests that obesity negatively affects physical domains.
A DEFINITIVE ABELISAURID THEROPOD DINOSAUR FROM THE EARLY LATE CRETACEOUS OF PATAGONIA

Abstract A nearly complete, well-preserved maxilla of an abelisaurid theropod from the early Late Cretaceous (middle Cenomanian-Turonian) Lower Member of the Bajo Barreal Formation of Chubut, Argentina represents the first definitive member of the abelisaurid clade from pre-Senonian (Coniacian–Maastrichtian) deposits. The new maxilla shares derived characters with the maxillae of Carnotaurus and Majungatholus, and with AMNH 1955, a maxilla previously referred to Indosuchus, suggesting that it pertains to the abelisaurid subclade Carnotaurinae. Abelisaurus shares apomorphic characters with Carnotaurinae, but many of these characters are also found in the carcharodontosaurid allosauroid Giganotosaurus. As it is known only from cranial material lacking carnotaurine synapomorphies, Abelisaurus may represent a late-surviving carcharodontosaurid derivative. The presence of the Bajo Barreal predator in the early Late Cretaceous indicates that the origin of Abelisauridae had occurred by then. The occurrence of the new maxilla is nearly concurrent with the accepted interval of tectonic divergence between South America and Africa. Its discovery thus weakens support for the recent hypothesis that the abelisaurid clade could not have penetrated Africa. The known occurrence of Abelisauridae may reflect a former pan-Gondwanan distribution, and is thus of limited utility in the support of Late Cretaceous paleogeographic hypotheses.
Plant life-history attributes: their relationship to disturbance response in herbaceous vegetation.

I Species composition and disturbance state (level of soil disturbance, grazing and water addition) were recorded for 120 (30-m2) plots in temperate grassland of the New England Tablelands (Australia). Three different classificatory schemes were used, based on (a) life-form (sensu Raunkiaer); (b) dispersal unit morphology and (c) vegetative reproduction. We analysed the effects of the different disturbance types and intensities on number and proportion of species belonging to these groups. The results were used to describe the spectrum of life-histories likely to be present at sites in different states of exogenous disturbance. 2 Soil disturbed sites had proportionately more therophytes, versatile/flat rosettes and wind dispersed species. Two features are likely to lead to success in soil disturbed sites: ability to colonize open space (e.g. therophytes, wind dispersal) and capacity to capture resources effectively (e.g. flat architecture of rosettes). Non-disturbed sites had more geophytes, chamaephytes, phanerophytes, proto-hemicryptophytes and erect rosettes, with greater numbers of vegetatively reproducing species. 3 Heavily grazed sites had higher proportions of therophytes and versatile/flat rosettes and species with mobile seeds than sites with light grazing. Moderately grazed sites had increased proportions of versatile and erect rosettes and more species with adhesive seeds (mainly grasses). Lightly grazed sites had a greater diversity in terms of evenness of all life-forms, dispersal morphologies and reproductive modes. 4 Water enriched sites had fewer geophytes and phanerophytes and some chamaephytes, erect rosettes and proto-hemicryptophytes. This loss was only partially compensated by a gain in versatile and partial rosettes but richness decreased overall. Water enrichment was unrelated to dispersal unit morphology or the potential for vegetative reproduction. 5 Of the three attributes examined, life-form was most useful in characterizing community response to different disturbance types. Traits related to regeneration (seed morphology and capacity of vegetative reproduction) were relevant to soil disturbance only. Our results support the use of such classifications for monitoring the effects of disturbance.
Population dynamics of the yew gall midge Taxomyia taxi and its chalcid parasitoids: a 24‐year study

Abstract. 1 The dynamics of three populations of Taxomyia taxi (Inchbald) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its chalcid parasitoids have been studied over a 24‐year period. Most individuals have a 2‐year life cycle but some develop in 1 year. Details of within‐generation mortalities in T.taxi are used for life table analyses. 2 Mortality in the period between emergence of adult T.taxi and larval infestation of buds appears to be density‐dependent and is the largest component of overall mortality. In 2‐year life cycles, this mortality and that caused by Torymus nigritarsus (Walker) contribute equally to variance in overall mortality. In 1‐year cycles, mortality caused by Mesopolobus diffinis (Walker) is density‐dependent and accounts for most within‐gall losses. 3 T. nigritarsus, which attacks only 2‐year galls, is absent from all populations for a number of years in the middle of the study period. Its searching efficiency declines as its density and that of its host increase. 4 Densities of M.diffinis are strongly correlated with those of available hosts. Percentage parasitism of 2‐year galls is less than that of 1‐year galls, suggesting the occurrence of enemy‐free space. 5 Although there are some correlations in densities and mortality between trees, the dynamics of populations on each are frequently different. 6 An earlier analysis of 10 years' data failed to demonstrate density‐dependent effects. The extension to a 24‐year run has revealed such effects, but also demonstrates long‐term fluctuations in population densities, with corresponding changes in the balance of advantage between 1‐ and 2‐year life cycles of T.taxi.
Key Challenges in Modelling an Epidemic – What have we Learned from the COVID-19 Epidemic so Far

Abstract Mathematical modelling can be useful for predicting how infectious diseases progress, enabling us to show the likely outcome of an epidemic and help inform public health interventions. Different modelling techniques have been used to predict and simulate the spread of COVID-19, but they have not always been useful for epidemiologists and decision-makers. To improve the reliability of the modelling results, it is very important to critically evaluate the data used and to check whether or not due regard has been paid to the different ways in which the disease spreads through the population. As building an epidemiological model that is reliable enough and suits the current epidemiological situation within a country or region, certain criteria must be met in the modelling process. It might be necessary to use a combination of two or more different types of models in order to cover all aspects of epidemic modelling. If we want epidemiological models to be a useful tool in combating the epidemic, we need to engage experts from epidemiology, data science and statistics.
Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism in Routine Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND The efficacy and bleeding complications of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) in routine clinical practice remain unclear. Moreover, data on long-term outcomes in patients with cancer-associated VTE who received DOAC therapy are limited.Methods and Results:This retrospective study enrolled 1,096 consecutive patients with acute VTE who received warfarin or DOAC therapy between April 2014 and May 2017. The mean follow-up period was 665±490 days. The number of cancer-associated VTE patients who received DOAC therapy was 334. Patients who could not be followed up and those prescribed off-label under-dose DOAC were excluded. Finally, 303 patients with cancer-associated VTE were evaluated. The number of cases of major bleeding and VTE recurrence was 54 (17.8%) and 26 (8.6%), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the factors correlated with major bleeding were high cancer stage, high performance status, liver dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and stomach cancer; those correlated with recurrent VTE were initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, uterine cancer, and previous cerebral infarction. Major bleeding was an independent risk factor of all-cause death. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, those who received prolonged DOAC therapy had lower composite major bleeding and recurrent VTE risks than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS In DOAC therapy for cancer-associated VTE, major bleeding prevention is important because it is an independent risk factor of death.
Activin receptor 2A and activin receptor 2B genes in chicken: effect on carcass traits

ABSTRACT Carcass traits are of immense importance in chicken as some parts of the carcass particularly breast muscle and legs are mostly preferred by the consumers with good market price while the remaining parts have a lower price. Carcass traits primarily depend on the growth of the birds, which are controlled by the candidate genes. Activin receptor type 2A and 2B act as receptors for binding with the members of transforming growth factor superfamily like myostatin to expedite its biological functions. We analysed exon2 and exon4 of activin receptor type 2A and 2B genes in six chicken populations. Both the genes revealed the presence of four haplotypes in these chicken populations. Association studies revealed a significant effect of genotypes and haplotypes on certain carcass traits such as carcass weight, dressing %, back and neck weight, giblet weights, etc. It is concluded that the exons of ACVR2A and ACVR2B genes were polymorphic and potentially associated with certain carcass traits in chicken.
Effect of some factors on relationships between milk urea levels and cow fertility

The effect of some factors on relationships between milk urea levels and fertility of 19 028 cows was analysed. The generalized linear model (GLM) of the SAS package (SAS 2004) was used in the statistical calculations. The increase in milk urea concentration was found to increase calving interval (r=0.05, P≤0.01), rest period (r=0.07, P≤0.01), service period (r=0.01, P≤0.01) and the number of services per conception (r=0.02, P≤0.01). Therefore, dairy breeders may find it advantageous to monitor urea concentrations, which could help to improve cow fertility. Herd milk production level, age of cow and lactation period were the factors that had the greatest effect on the relationship between milk urea levels and cow fertility parameters. The relationship between milk urea level and fertility was stronger in cows from herds with >6 000 kg milk yield, in first-calf heifers and in cows at 3 months of lactation.
Soil respiration in a Mediterranean oak forest at different developmental stages after coppicing

To assess the variation of soil respiration at different forest stages we measured it in a coppiced oak (Quercus cerris L.) chronosequence in central Italy during two campaigns, spanning 2 successive years, in four stands at different stages of the rotation: 1 year (S1), 5 years (S5), 10 years (S10) and 17 years (S17) after coppicing. The contribution of the different components of soil respiration flux (aboveground litter, belowground decomposition soil organic matter and root respiration) was estimated by a paired comparison of manipulative experiments between the recently coppiced stand (S1) and mature stand (S17).