Land Use Change Consistently Reduces α- But Not β- and γ-Diversity of Bees.

Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α-diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e.

Differences on lower trapezius pressure pain threshold, muscle strength and muscle thickness in individuals with chronic neck pain and active or latent myofascial triggers points.

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the lower trapezius have been recognized as an important source of neck pain. This study aims to compare the lower trapezius muscle strength, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and muscle thickness at rest and contraction between participants and painful vs. no-painful side with active and latent MTrPs; and to examine the associations among these variables with pain intensity, duration and disability in patients with neck pain.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Enterolithotomy for Recurrent Gallstone Ileus: A Case Report.

Gallstone ileus is the mechanical obstruction of the bowel due to gallstone impaction. It forms when a fistula is created between the gallbladder and the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in small bowel obstruction. Its surgical management ranges from enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy, and fistula closure performed together (one-stage) or performed separately (two-stage), while some patients undergo simple enterolithotomy.

Development of a Model for Predicting Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 During Their Stay in a Clinical Centre.

Various tools have been proposed for predicting mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 to improve clinical decision-making, the predictive capacities of which vary in different populations. The objective of this study was to develop a model for predicting mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during their time in a clinical centre. This was a retrospective study that included 201 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Should the Faecal Microbiota Composition Be Determined to Certify a Faecal Donor?

Background/objectives: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is considered a safe and effective therapy for recurrent infection. It is the only current clinical indication for this technique, although numerous clinical research studies and trials propose its potential usefulness for treating other pathologies. Donor selection is a very rigorous process, based on a personal lifestyle interview and the absence of known pathogens in faeces and serum, leading to only a few volunteers finally achieving the corresponding certification.