Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score predicts longer dissection time during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND To examine the impact of the Mayo adhesive probability (MAP) score on the surgical complexity of exposing the tumor during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS Our study included 318 patients who underwent LPN from January 2017 to December 2018 at our institution. Patients were divided into a lower MAP score group (≤2, n=172) and a higher MAP score group (≥3, n=146). Perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. The operative time was predominantly occupied by the dissection time and the warm ischemia time (WIT). RESULTS A higher MAP score was associated with a longer operative time (131 vs 110 min, p<0.001) and longer dissection time (71 vs 54 min, p<0.001), respectively. The estimated blood loss (EBL) increased in patients with a higher MAP score (50 vs 20 mL, p<0.001). No significant difference was found with respect to the WIT (21 vs 20 min, p=0.370). In the multivariate linear regression model, male gender (β=11.199, p=0.001), BMI (β=1.197, p=0.008) and MAP score (β=9.958, p=0.002) were significantly associated with the prolongation of dissection time. CONCLUSIONS The MAP score was significantly associated with the prolongation of dissection time during LPN. In addition, the EBL increased in patients with a higher MAP score. Therefore, the MAP score can predict surgical complexity of exposing the tumor in patients undergoing LPN.
Insights into Thermophilic Plant Biomass Hydrolysis from Caldicellulosiruptor Systems Biology

Plant polysaccharides continue to serve as a promising feedstock for bioproduct fermentation. However, the recalcitrant nature of plant biomass requires certain key enzymes, including cellobiohydrolases, for efficient solubilization of polysaccharides. Thermostable carbohydrate-active enzymes are sought for their stability and tolerance to other process parameters. Plant biomass degrading microbes found in biotopes like geothermally heated water sources, compost piles, and thermophilic digesters are a common source of thermostable enzymes. While traditional thermophilic enzyme discovery first focused on microbe isolation followed by functional characterization, metagenomic sequences are negating the initial need for species isolation. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the extremely thermophilic genus Caldicellulosiruptor, including genomic and metagenomic analyses in addition to recent breakthroughs in enzymology and genetic manipulation of the genus. Ten years after completing the first Caldicellulosiruptor genome sequence, the tools required for systems biology of this non-model environmental microorganism are in place.
Association Between Back Muscle Strength and Proprioception or Mechanoreceptor Control Strategy in Postural Balance in Elderly Adults with Lumbar Spondylosis

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between back muscle strength and proprioception or mechanoreceptor control strategies used for postural balance in elderly adults with lumbar spondylosis. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) excursion was determined in 24 elderly adults with lumbar spondylosis and 24 healthy young adults while the participants were standing upright on a balance board with their eyes closed. Vibratory stimulations of 30, 60, and 240 Hz were applied to the gastrocnemius (GS) and lumbar multifidus (LM) muscles to evaluate the effect of different proprioceptive signals on postural control. Back muscle strength was evaluated. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between back muscle strength and significant COP excursion. Compared with young adults, elderly adults with lumbar spondylosis showed an increase in COP excursion displacement when a vibratory stimulation of 240 Hz was applied to the GS (P = 0.002) and LM muscles (P < 0.001). LM stimulation at 240 Hz was significantly associated with back muscle strength (P = 0.038). Postural control assessment with 240-Hz mechanoreceptor stimulation of the trunk could be a good indicator of postural instability due to over-dependence on mechanoreceptors and back muscle weakness in elderly adults with lumbar spondylosis.
Reinfection following successful direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs.

BACKGROUND The aim of this analysis was to calculate the incidence of HCV reinfection and associated factors among two clinical trials of HCV DAA treatment in people with recent injecting drug use or currently receiving OAT. METHODS Participants who achieved an end-of-treatment response in two clinical trials of people with recent injecting drug use or currently receiving OAT (SIMPLIFY and D3FEAT) enrolled between March 2016 and February 2017 in eight countries were assessed for HCV reinfection, confirmed by viral sequencing. Incidence was calculated using person-time of observation and associated factors were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Seventy-three percent of the population at risk for reinfection (n=177; median age 48 years, 73% male) reported ongoing injecting drug use. Total follow-up time at risk was 254 person-years (median 1.8 years, range 0.2-2.8). Eight cases of reinfection were confirmed for an incidence of 3.1/100 person-years (95% CI 1.6-6.3) overall and 17.9/100 person-years (95% CI 5.8-55.6) among those who reported sharing needles/syringes. Younger age and needle/syringe sharing were associated with HCV reinfection. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the need for ongoing monitoring and improved strategies to prevent HCV reinfection following successful treatment among people with ongoing injecting drug use to achieve HCV elimination.
The Efficiency of Multi-Faceted Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Perceived Behavior, and Practice Skills towards Pharmacovigilance among Undergraduate Pharmacy Students of India

BACKGROUND: The primary reason for poor adverse drug reaction (ADR) signal detection worldwide is the under-reporting of ADRs by healthcare professionals. Multidisciplinary teams, including pharmacists, may play an essential role in targeting this issue. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of a multi-faceted educational intervention (MEI) on the knowledge, perception, and practice skills of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate pharmacy students. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective study using a single group before-and-after intervention design was conducted among 100 undergraduate pharmacy students at Togari Veeramallappa Memorial College of Pharmacy, Ballari, India (TVMCP), affiliated to Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, India. The questionnaire was structured using previous studies and standardized. It had three groups of questions. Group 1 questions evaluated the knowledge (K1-K8), group 2 tested perceptions (A1-A6), and group 3 tested the practice skills of pharmacovigilance (P1-P5) of the participant. The participants were graded in 3 categories as poor, unsatisfactory, and satisfactory, depending upon the mean score. Matched pairs student t-test and The Wilcoxon Signed rank statistical test was used to assess the impact of the MEI on the participants’ knowledge, perception, and practice skills score, along with recording different factors preventing them from being actively involved in the pharmacovigilance program. RESULTS: The educational intervention improved the pharmacovigilance knowledge, perception, and practice skills scores of our pharmacy students. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that knowledge, perception, and practice skills scores increased after MEI highlighting the need for regular educational campaigns to healthcare professions.
Analysis of factors for post–percutaneous transluminal angioplasty primary patency rate in hemodialysis vascular access

Background: Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has been established as a first-line therapy for access failure in dialysis, there are few reports on primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. We investigated factors associated with primary patency following the first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty performed after vascular access construction in patients with arteriovenous fistula, including blood flow volume before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and previously reported factors. Methods: We used medical records at six dialysis centers to retrospectively identify and analyze prognostic factors for primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 159 patients with arteriovenous fistula who underwent initial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty after vascular access construction. Results: Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazard model showed that primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with arteriovenous fistula was significantly associated with lesion length (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.07; P = 0.045), and blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.84; P < 0.001). When blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was classified into three categories, risks of outcome events defining the end of primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were significantly lower for 400–630 mL/min (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.68; P = 0.001) and >630 mL/min (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.40; P < 0.001) compared with <400 mL/min. Conclusion: Our study showed that blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an important prognostic factor for primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with arteriovenous fistula.
The prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from raw bovine milk in the Morogoro municipality, Tanzania

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have the ability to cause superficial skin infections and occasionally causes invasive and serious diseases. This study was performed in a cross sectional design to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of MRSA in raw bovine milk in the Morogoro Municipality. Raw milk samples (117) were collected from 18 administrative wards and cultured on Baird-Parker agar to isolate S. aureus. Presumptive colonies were analyzed byslide microscopy and biochemically for catalase and coagulase production. PCR was used to determineS. aureus species,mecA and coagulase gene. Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method was used for the susceptibility test and multiplex PCR for the SCCmec typing of the MRSA isolates. A total of 75 (64.10%) isolates were positive for catalase and coagulase reactions, and 42 (35.90%) were positive for catalase but negative for coagulase reactions.PCR test of the 75 isolates todetect species-specific gave 46S. aureus identified from the coagulase-positve and two from the coagulase-negative isolates. The susceptibility test for S. aureus on oxacillin (1μG), cefoxitin (30μg), clindamycin (2μg), vancomycin (30μg), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (25μg), tetracycline (30μ) and penicillin G (10 IU) revealed a resistance of 6.52%, 4.35%, 23.91%, 2.17%, 30.43%, 41.30%, and 71.74% respectively to these antibiotics. The coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates also recorded the resistance to oxacillin and cefoxitin as 19.05% and 2.40% respectively. Multi-drug resistance was found in 12 (26.09%)S. aureus and none in coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates. PCR screening for methicillin-resistance in both coagulase-positiveS. aureusand coagulase-negativestaphylococci isolates detectedmecA gene in three isolates;one from coagulase-negative staphylococci and two from coagulase-negative S. aureus.The three isolates were coa gene negative and their SCCmec type could not be determined by multiplex PCR. This gives theMRSA
Post-Fire Characteristics of Concrete Beams Reinforced with Hybrid FRP Bars

One of the main concerns of experimental and numerical investigations regarding the behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) members is their fire resistance to elevated temperatures and structural performance at and after fire exposure. However, the data currently available on the behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced members related to elevated temperatures are scarce, specifically relating to the strength capacity of beams after being subjected to elevated temperatures. This paper investigates the residual strength capacity of beams strengthened internally with various (FRP) reinforcement types after being subjected to high temperatures, reflecting the conditions of a fire. The testing was made for concrete beams reinforced with three different types of FRP bars: (i) basalt-FRP (BFRP), (ii) hybrid FRP with carbon and basalt fibers (HFRP) and (iii) nano-hybrid FRP (nHFRP), with modification of the epoxy matrix of the rebar. Tested beams were first loaded at 50% of their ultimate strength capacity, then unloaded before being heated in a furnace and allowed to cool, and finally reloaded flexurally until failure. The results show an atypical behavior observed for HFRP bars and nHFRP bars reinforced beams, where after a certain temperature threshold the deflection began to decrease. The authors suggest that this phenomenon is connected with the thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon fibers present in HFRP and nHFRP bars and therefore creep can appear in those fibers, which causes an effect of “prestressing” of the beams.
Symbol Digit Modalities Test-Oral Version: An Analysis of Culture Influence on a Processing Speed Test in Argentina, Mexico, and the USA

ABSTRACT The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is an information processing speed test. The aim of this study was to compare the SDMT across three samples: the USA, Mexico, and Argentina. The hypothesis is that performance will vary based on native language and cultural differences between these countries. The SDMT was administered to 129 healthy volunteers. Participants from the USA performed better than participants from Argentina and Mexico (p < .01), and no differences were observed between the latter groups (p = .15). Processing speed differs between the studied populations of Latin America and Anglo-America. Possible interpretations of this result are presented.
Three New Butenolides from the Green Alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata

Three new butenolides, caulerpalide A and a pair of enantiomers, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B, together with seven known compounds, have been isolated from the green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. turbinata. All these structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques. The absolute configurations of caulerpalide A, (+)‐caulerpalide B and (−)‐caulerpalide B were elucidated by the method of ECD calculation. This is the first separation of butenolides from the algae of genus Caulerpa. Additionally, the antibacterial activities of the nine isolated compounds were also evaluated.
Docosahexaenoate-enriched fish oil and medium chain triglycerides shape the feline plasma lipidome and synergistically decrease circulating gut microbiome-derived putrefactive postbiotics

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of medium-chain fatty acid-containing triglycerides (MCT), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing triglycerides, and their combination on the plasma metabolome of cats (Felis catus), including circulating microbiome-derived postbiotics. After a 14-day lead-in on the control food, cats were randomized to one of four foods (control, with 6.9% MCT, with fish oil [FO; 0.14% eicosapentaenoate, 1.0% docosahexaenoate], or with FO+MCT; n = 16 per group) for 28 days. Analysis of plasma metabolites showed that the addition of FO and MCT led to synergistic effects not seen with either alone across a number of lipid classes, including fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and acylated amines including endocannabinoids. Notably, the FO+MCT group had an increase in ketone body production relative to baseline and beyond that seen with MCT alone. N-acyl taurines, the accumulation of which has been implicated in the onset of type 2 diabetes, were significantly decreased in the FO+MCT group. Significant decreases in the gut microbiome-derived postbiotic classes of indoles/indolic sulfates and phenols/phenolic sulfates were observed only the FO+MCT group. Overall, the combination of MCT and FO led to number of changes in plasma metabolites that were not observed with either oil alone, particularly in postbiotics.
Predation risk shapes the degree of placentation in natural populations of live‐bearing fish

Abstract The placenta is a complex life‐history trait that is ubiquitous across the tree of life. Theory proposes that the placenta evolves in response to high performance‐demanding conditions by shifting maternal investment from pre‐ to post‐fertilisation, thereby reducing a female’s reproductive burden during pregnancy. We test this hypothesis by studying populations of the fish species Poeciliopsis retropinna in Costa Rica. We found substantial variation in the degree of placentation among natural populations associated with predation risk: females from high predation populations had significantly higher degrees of placentation compared to low predation females, while number, size and quality of offspring at birth remained unaffected. Moreover, a higher degree of placentation correlated with a lower reproductive burden and hence likely an improved swimming performance during pregnancy. Our study advances an adaptive explanation for why the placenta evolves by arguing that an increased degree of placentation offers a selective advantage in high predation environments.
Vital Signs: Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Use — United States, 2018

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States of cancers that affect both men and women. Despite strong evidence that screening for CRC reduces incidence and mortality, CRC screening prevalence is below the national target. This report describes current CRC screening prevalence by age, various demographic factors, and state. Methods Data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were analyzed to estimate the percentages of adults aged 50–75 years who reported CRC screening consistent with the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation. Results In 2018, 68.8% of adults were up to date with CRC screening. The percentage up to date was 79.2% among respondents aged 65–75 years and 63.3% among those aged 50–64 years. CRC screening prevalence was lowest among persons aged 50–54 years (50.0%) and increased with age. Among respondents aged 50–64 years, CRC screening prevalence was lowest among persons without health insurance (32.6%) and highest among those with reported annual household income of ≥$75,000 (70.8%). Among respondents aged 65–75 years, CRC screening prevalence was lowest among those without a regular health care provider (45.6%), and highest among those with reported annual household income ≥$75,000 (87.1%). Among states, CRC screening prevalence was highest in Massachusetts (76.5%) and lowest in Wyoming (57.8%). Discussion CRC screening prevalence is lower among adults aged 50–64 years, although most reported having a health care provider and health insurance. Concerted efforts are needed to inform persons aged <50 years about the benefit of screening so that screening can start at age 50 years.
Effect of durotomy in dogs with thoracolumbar disc herniation and without deep pain perception in the hind limbs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of durotomy as an adjunct to surgical decompression in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL-IVDH) and loss of deep pain perception (DPP) in the hind limbs. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 116) with TL-IVDH and loss of DPP treated with hemilaminectomy. METHODS Signalment, surgical site, recovery rate, incidence of progressive myelomalacia (PMM), time elapsed from onset of paraplegia of the hind limbs to surgery (TPS), and the length of area of hyperintensity of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance T2-weighted images compared with L2 vertebral body length (LHT2) were compared between dogs treated with hemilaminectomy alone and those treated with adjunct durotomy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between outcomes and the external view of the spinal cord parenchyma after durotomy. RESULTS The percentage of dogs regaining ambulation was greater when durotomy was performed (56.9%) than when dogs were treated with hemilaminectomy alone (38.5%; P = .04). In the hemilaminectomy group, 14 dogs died of suspected PMM, while no PMM was detected in the durotomy group. Durotomy, breed, surgical site, and LHT2 influenced recovery. No association was detected between age, sex, body weight, and TPS and recovery. CONCLUSION Performing a durotomy in combination with decompression improved the return to function and prevented PMM in our clinical setting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Surgeons should consider durotomy in dogs with TL-IVDH and loss of DPP in hind limbs to improve surgical outcome.
Investigation of pyrimidine nucleoside analogues as chemical probes to assess compound effects on the proliferation of Trypanosoma cruzi intracellular parasites

Trypanosoma cruzi parasites utilise de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis to produce DNA and survive within mammalian host cells. This pathway can be hijacked to assess the replication of intracellular parasites with the exogenous addition of a DNA specific probe. To identify suitable probe compounds for this application, a collection of pyrimidine nucleoside analogues was assessed for incorporation into T. cruzi intracellular amastigote DNA using image-based technology and script-based analysis. Associated mammalian cell toxicity of these compounds was also determined against both the parasite host cells (3T3 cells) and HEK293 cells. Incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) into parasite DNA was the most effective of the probes tested, with minimal growth inhibition observed following either two or four hours EdU exposure. EdU was subsequently utilised as a DNA probe, followed by visualisation with click chemistry to a fluorescent azide, to assess the impact of drugs and compounds with previously demonstrated activity against T. cruzi parasites, on parasite replication. The inhibitory profiles of these molecules highlight the benefit of this approach for identifying surviving parasites post-treatment in vitro and classifying compounds as either fast or slow-acting. F-ara-EdU resulted in <50% activity observed against T. cruzi amastigotes following 48 hours incubation, at 73 μM. Collectively, this supports the further development of pyrimidine nucleosides as chemical probes to investigate replication of the parasite T. cruzi.