bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the C4d, nephrin, and Wilms' tumor-1 staining pattern sensitive and specific for the differential diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease cases?
Authors: Akcali Esra , Turgutalp Kenan , Karabulut Yasemin Yuyucu , Eser Zeynep Ebru , Mistik Ozge Agtas , Yilmaz Banu Coskun , Bardak Simge , Ozturk Savas , Demir Serap , Kiykim Ahmet Alper
Published: July 2022

Background: Differential diagnosis between minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is important because prognosis and treatment response of each disease is different. However, in some cases these two diseases cannot be distinguished from each other clinically and histopathologically.The aim of this study is to determine whether glomerular complement 4d (C4d), nephrin, Renal Wilms' tumor-1 (WT1) staining can be used to differentiate FSGS and MCD.Method: Patients with primary FSGS and MCD were included in the study. Specificity and sensitivity of C4d, nephrin, WT-1 staining was calculated for the diagnosis of FSGS and MCD.Results: Glomerular focal segmental C4d positivity (C4dP) was higher in FSGS compared to MCD patients. Nephrin staining positivity (NsP) was higher in MCD than FSGS patients (p<0.05). Specificity and sensitivity of glomerular C4dP for FSGS diagnose (85% and 73.9%) was higher compared to MCD (26.1% and 15.4%). Specificity and sensitivity of nephrin staining loss (NsLo) for FSGS diagnose (87% and 69%) was higher than MCD (30.8% and 13%). Specificity and sensitivity of coexistence of NsLo and C4dP (CoNsLo-C4dP) was higher in FSGS patients. Specificity and sensitivity of coexistence of NsP and C4d negativity (CoNsP-C4dN) was higher in MCD patients (100% and 77.8%). WT-1 was found neither specific nor sensitive for the differential diagnosis of FSGS and MCD.Conclusion: Glomerular C4dP and NsLo may be a method with high specificity and sensitivity in differentiating FSGS from MCD. CoNsLo-C4dP has the highest specificity and sensitivity for FSGS and CoNsP-C4dN for MCD.
Distribution of M. tuberculosis infection and analysis of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance as determined in the region by high-resolution melting
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Guo Tengfei , Jiang Tao , Zhao Zhanqin , Zu Xiangyang , Li Long , Zhang Qing , Hou Yi , Xue Yun
Published: July 2022

Background: Identifying the transmission mode and resistance mechanism of M. tuberculosis is the key to prevent the transmission and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis. However, related data are still lacking in the region, and the purpose of this study was to investigate the transmission characteristics of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and the resistance patterns of isoniazid and rifampicin, as well as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB).Methods: We analyzed the high-resolution melting PCR results of sputum, alveolar lavage fluid and pleural fluid specimens in a total of 17,515 suspected or confirmed patients in downtown and nine counties of Luoyang City from 2019 to 2021, revealed the distribution and transmission characteristics of M. tuberculosis, and assessed the risk factors associated with rifampin and isoniazid resistance and MDR-TB.Results: Of the included study data, 82.6% were from rural areas and 96.0% were initial patients. overall, 16.8% cases diagnosed with tuberculosis(TB), with males (18.0%) having a higher positivity rate than females (14.1%). Consistent with our expectations, positive sputum smear was a positive factor for HRM positivity, with HRM positivity rates being much higher than smear-negative populations. By age, the highest rates of TB infection occurred in males aged 26-30 yearsand in females (28.1%) aged 21-25. The rates of resistance to rifampicin (20.5%), isoniazid (16.0%) and MDR detection (12.9%) in males were higher than 16.0%, 12.0% and 10.2% in females. The absolute value number of HRM positives in new patients was much higher than that of the groups with a history of tuberculosis treatment, but the HRM positive rate and tuberculosis drug resistance rate of the reteratment population were higher than those of new cases. Notably, males in new patients had higher rates of HRM positivity, isoniazid resistance(R-H), rifampicin resistance(R-R) and MDR-TB detection than females, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), but in individuals who had received TB treatment, the above indicators were just opposite, which were higher in females than in males. The rate of HRM positive and the tuberculosis resistance of urban population is much higher than that of township population. In the multivariate model, previous treatment history, age younger than 51 years, urban area and male were significantly and positively associated with tuberculosis resistance after adjusting for smear results and year testing.Conclusions: Males were a high burden group of TB infection and drug resistance, and the detection of the local MTB-positive population, R-H, R-R and MDR-TB may be younger. More comprehensive resistance pattern monitoring is needed to control the spread of TB and manage local TB resistance.
Consumption Trends in Antibiotics for Veterinary Use in Rwanda: A Retrospective Study between 2019 and 2021
Authors: Manishimwe Rosine , Ndayisenga Balthazar , Habimana Richard , Mwikarago Ivan E. , Habiyaremye Theobald , Shyaka Anselme , Kabatende Joseph , Habyalimana Vedaste , Karangwa Charles , Bienvenu Emile
Published: July 2022

Background
Estimation of antibiotic consumption in animals is very important to guide decision-making and research related to the control of emergences and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans, animals, and the environment. This study aimed at to establishing consumption trends of antibiotics for veterinary purpose in Rwanda between 2019 and 2021. Data were collected from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority’s database. Quantities of imported antibiotic active ingredients were computed using the information extracted from the issued import licenses. These quantities were subsequently adjusted per animal biomass.
Results
In total 35 291.39 kg of antibiotics were consumed in Rwanda between 2019 and 2021 with an annual mean of 11 763.80 ± 1 486.91kg. The adjustment of imported quantities of antibiotics per animal biomass revealed that 29.82mg/kg and 25.22 mg/kg were consumed in 2019 and 2020 respectively. A decline in antibiotic consumption was noted in 2020 (p-value > 0.05). Most of the imported antibiotics were indicated for food-producing animals (35 289.36 kg or 99.99% of the imported antibiotics). Tetracycline (17 768.65 kg), followed by sulfonamides (7 864.99 kg) and aminoglycosides (4 071.12 kg) were the most imported antibiotics over the studied period. It was noted that 78.93% of the imported antibiotics were categorized as highly important antimicrobials for human medicine.
Conclusion
This study establishes a generalized overview of the consumption of antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda. Results can serve as guidance to control antibiotic misuse and to make correlation between antibiotic consumption and occurrence of antibiotic resistance.
Reusable prediction network for target 6D attitude real-time estimation
Authors: Jia Di , jin zhiyang , Wang Qian
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a rigid body 6D attitude estimation method based on a reusable prediction network. Method: First, two independent feature encoders extract the feature information matrix from taking the RGB-D image at the current time and the target rendering model at a previous time. Second, The above two characteristic information matrices are fused and introduced into the multiplexing prediction network, and the prediction rotation matrix is obtained by decoupling the feature information fusion matrix. Finally, by decoupling the fused matrix, the rotation and translation matrices are obtained. Additionally, a channel weight allocation module in conjunction with a residual network is added to improve the accuracy of real-time attitude estimation. Conclusions: Training the reusable prediction network with the YCBInEOAT dataset, the network can converge faster. In addition, the mean distance values and symmetric mean distance values in the evaluation metrics are greater than those obtained using the se(3)-TrackNet method, with a 7.29% increase in mean distance values and a 13.78% increase in symmetric mean distance values.
The potential of emerging bio-based products to reduce environmental impacts
Authors: Zuiderveen Emma , Kuipers Koen , Caldeira Carla , Hanssen Steef , Hulst Mitchell van der , de Jonge Melinda , Vlysidis Anestis , Zelm Rosalie van , Sala Serenella , Huijbregts Mark
Published: July 2022

The current debate on the sustainability of bio-based products questions the environmental benefits of replacing fossil- by bio-resources. Here, we systematically analyzed the environmental trade-offs of 86 emerging bio-based materials compared to their fossil counterparts. Although greenhouse gas (GHG) life cycle emissions for emerging bio-based products are on average 47% lower (38-54%; 95% confidence interval), we found a large variation between individual bio-based products with none of them reaching net-zero emissions. Grouped in product-categories, our findings indicate that biorefinery products may have the highest predicted GHG reduction of 73% (50, 85%) and biofibers the lowest (29%; -61, 30%). Only for eutrophication we found statistical evidence for an increase in footprint (359%; 109-906%), indicating that environmental trade-offs should not be overlooked. Our findings imply that the environmental sustainability of bio-based products should be evaluated on an individual product basis and that more radical product developments are required to reach climate-neutral targets.
Real-world observational experience with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus: a multicenter retrospective cohort study of treatment outcomes, mortality, and loss-to-follow up in Eritrea
Authors: Ghebrekidan Ghirmay , Berhe Michael , Achila Oliver Okoth , Tekle Samuel , Frezgi Rahel , Berhane Araia , Elfatih Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Background
Reliable real-world data on direct acting anti-retroviral (DAA) uptake and treatment outcomes are lacking for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study provides data on HCV DAA-based treatment outcomes, mortality, loss-to-follow up, and associated factors among patients in Eritrea.
Methodology:
A multicenter retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea. A structured checklist was used to collect data from patients’ cards. Descriptive and inferential statistics used included means, medians, chi-squire, Kaplan–Meier estimates, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
Out of 238 patients enrolled in the study, 227 were initiated on treatment. 125 patients had viral load at 12 weeks EOT whereas 102 patients had no viral load at 12 weeks EOT. Out of these patients with HCV RNA data post EOT, 116 (92.8%) had SVR12. The prevalence of death and lost-to-follow up (LTFU) were (7.5%, 95% CI: 1.7–4.1) and 67 (28.1%, 95% CI: 22.3–33.9) and 1.1 (95%CI: 0.8–1.5) per 10,000 person days, respectively. Independent predictors of LTFU included the enrollment year (2020: aHR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1-4.7; p-value = 0.04); Hospital (Hospital B: aHR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1-4.7; p-value = 0.03) and the FIB-4 score (FIB-Score < 1.45: aHR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.2–11.5; p-value = 0.02).
Conclusion
The SVR rates achieved in this cohort were high. However, high mortality, late presentation and suboptimal population screening/case finding were uncovered. These challenges can be addressed by test-and-treat programs that simultaneously prioritize programmatic screening, decentralization of care, and better patient tracking in the HCV care cascade.
Development of a smart pH-responsive nano-polymer drug, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol conjugate against the intestinal pathogen, Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Sarveswari Hema Bhagavathi , Gupta Krishna Kant , Devi Ramya , solomon adline princy
Published: July 2022

V. cholerae causes cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease. The virulence in V. cholerae is regulated by the quorum-sensing mechanism and response regulator LuxO positively regulates the expression of significant virulence determinants adhesion, biofilm formation, and cholera toxin production. Previous in-silico studies revealed that 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol could bind to the ATP binding site of LuxO and the complex was compact and stable in pHs like intestinal pHs. Here, we have explored the polymeric nano-formulation of 2-methoxy 4-vinyl phenol using cellulose acetate phthalate for controlled drug release and their effectiveness in attenuating the expression of V. cholerae virulence. Physio-chemical characterization of the formulation showed particles with a mean size of 91.8 + 14 nm diameter and surface charge of -14.7+0.07 mV. The uniform round polymeric nanoparticles formed displayed a 51% burst release of the drug at pH 7 within 3 hours, followed by a controlled linear release in alkaline pH. The polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated a 10-fold increase in intestinal membrane permeability ex-vivo. At lower concentrations, the 2-methoxy 4-vinyl phenol polymeric nanoparticles were non-cytotoxic to Int 407 cells. In-vitro analysis at pH 6, pH 7, pH 8, and pH 9 revealed that cellulose acetate phthalate - 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol nanoparticles were non-bactericidal at concentrations up to 500 μg/mL. At 31.25 μg/mL the nanoparticles inhibited about 50% of biofilm formation of V. cholerae MTCC 3905 and HYR14 strains. At this concentration, the adherence of V. cholerae MTCC 3905 and HYR14 to Int 407 cells were also significantly affected. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of tcp, qrr, and ct at pH 6, 7, 8, and 9 has reduced. The CAP-2M4VP nanoparticles have demonstrated the potential to effectively reduce the virulence of V. cholerae in-vitro.
Are Flexible Metaphyseal Femoral Cones Stable and Effective? A Biomechanical Study on Hinged Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Innocenti Bernardo
Published: July 2022

Background
Nowadays, cones currently available in the market are rigid and, unless they are custom-specific designed, are unable to correctly adapt to the shape of the patient’s bone. Therefore, flexible metaphyseal cones have been recently introduced to reduce potential bone trauma during implantation. Even if a preliminary clinical study on the use of such devices has shown promising results, no biomechanical study evaluates and quantifies their mechanical efficacy and safety.
Methods
Two commercial versions of flexible cones were analyzed in this study using finite element analysis, based on a previously validated model. Each cone geometry was modeled both as flexible and as rigid and implanted following surgical guidelines. Three activities were simulated in this study: surgical impaction, walking, and chair rise; the output was compared among configurations.
Results
During impaction, results show that the stress has been considerably reduced in flexible cones in comparison with rigid ones; the stress resulted also better distributed and more homogenous all over the cortical bone, with lower bone peaks. Considering the two different daily activities, the analysis didn’t show any remarkable differences between flexible and rigid cones both in terms of bone stress and implant micromotions.
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that metaphyseal flexible metal cones allow macro-deformation during impaction thanks to their flexibility, and therefore they are safer in comparison with rigid cones. However, for the daily tasks investigated results showed no major differences between rigid and flexible cones in terms of bone stress, implant stability, and micromotions. Therefore, the mechanical performances of the flexible cone can be considered similar to the rigid cone.
Intra-muscular botulinum toxin A in chronic athletic pubalgia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Orhan Julien , Garofoli Romain , Alperin Émilie , Ladauge Fabien , Zauderer Jennifer , Paris Guillaume , Rören Alexandra , Drapé Jean-Luc , Segretin François , Rannou François , Nguyen Christelle , Lefevre-Colau Marie-Martine
Published: July 2022

Background: Chronic athletic pubalgia is a frequent sport condition in which the effectiveness of medical treatment has not been proven. Intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A may have positive effects on pain in some chronic tendinitis. We aimed to describe the short-term evolution of pain, activity limitations and quality of life, after an injection of the adductor longus with botulinum toxin A, in individuals with chronic athletic pubalgia, for whom medical and/or surgical treatments have failed.Method: We conducted a retrospective observational single-centered study. We included consecutive individuals with chronic athletic pubalgia for whom medical and/or surgical treatments have failed and who were treated with an intra-muscular injection of botulinum toxin A injection (100 International Unit (IU) of botulinum toxin A in the adductor longus) under ultrasound guidance. Participants were assessed 50 days after injection for pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS) (0, no pain, and 100, maximal pain) and for activity limitations and quality of life using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) (0, worse outcome, and 100, most favorable outcome). Participants were also asked to self-report adverse events.Results: We included 20 participants. Mean age was 34.3 (11.7) years and mean symptom duration was 48.9 (61.6) months. Mean pain decreased from 55.3 (SD [22.4] before injection to 38.3 [21.7], 50 days after injection (p=0.027). Mean HAGOS total score increased from 47.0 (12.1) to 58.6 (10.7). No adverse events were self-reported in participants included in analyses. Serious adverse events were reported in 3 individuals who were not included in analyses because of missing data.Conclusion: We observed a numerical decrease in pain intensity in individuals with chronic athletic pubalgia 50 days after intra-muscular botulinum toxin A injection in the adductor longus. Trial registration number: Clinical Trial: NCT05430893 (24/06/2022)
Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of F16 derivatives pentacyclic triterpenoid acids possessing a polyhydroxylated ring A
Authors: Spivak Anna , Nedopekina Darya , Davletshin Eldar , Shuvalov Oleg , Kirdeeva Yuilia , Belsky Yuri
Published: July 2022

Pentacyclic triterpenoid acids bearing a polyhydroxylated A ring have been found in many plants and are of interest for their biological properties, including antitumor activity. The present article reports on the design and synthesis of a series of conjugates of a cationic mitochondria-targeted compound, 4-(1-H-indol-3-ylvinyl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (F16), with maslinic, corosolic, and asiatic acids and with a tri-hydroxylated analogue of betulinic acid. In the new hybrid compounds, the triterpenoids bearing a polyhydroxylated ring A were linked to the cationic fragment F16 in the C-28 side chain through a butyl spacer. The results of in vitro bioscreening in two human tumor cell lines (H1299 and A549) and noncancer fibroblasts (MEFs) revealed that all the studied conjugates demonstrated a significantly stronger antitumor effect than the original natural triterpenoid acids. In particular, the antitumor activity of the corosolic acid conjugate against A549 and H1299 cell lines was 36 and 24 times higher than the activity of ursolic acid. Conjugates of oxygenated triterpenoids containing hydroxyl or acetyl groups at the C-2 atom or C-1/C-2 atoms of the triterpene core exhibited a slight decrease in antitumor activity compared to the corresponding F16-derivatives of betulinic, ursolic and oleanolic acids. Among the studied compounds, acceptable selectivity in relation to tumor and non-malignant cell lines was shown only by the F16 derivatives of the maslinic and asiatic acids, since they were not the active agents against fibroblasts MEFs within the assay.
Identifying QTLs involved in hybrid performance and heterotic group complementarity: new GWAS models applied to factorial and admixed diallel maize hybrid panels
Authors: Beugnot Aurelien , Mary-huard Tristan , Bauland Cyril , Combes Valerie , Madur Delphine , Lagardère Bernard , Palaffre Carine , Charcosset Alain , Moreau Laurence , Fievet Julie B.
Published: July 2022

Maize genetic diversity is structured into genetic groups selected and improved relative to each other. This process increases group complementarity and differentiation over time and ensures that the hybrids produced from intergroup crosses exhibit high performances and heterosis. To identify loci involved in hybrid performance and heterotic group complementarity, we introduced an original association study model that disentangles allelic effects from the heterotic group origin of the alleles and compared it with a conventional additive/dominance model. This new model was applied on a factorial between Dent and Flint lines and a diallel between Dent-Flint admixed lines with two different layers of analysis: within each environment and in a multiple environment context. We identified several strong additive QTLs for all traits, including some well-known additive QTLs for flowering time (in the region of Vgt1/2 on chromosome 8). Yield trait displayed significant non-additive effects in the diallel panel. Most of the detected Yield QTLs exhibit overdominance or, more likely, pseudo-overdominance effects. Apparent overdominance at these QTLs explains part of the genetic group complementarity. The comparison between environments revealed a higher stability of additive QTL effects than non-additive ones. Several QTLs showed variations of effects according to the local heterotic group origin. We also revealed large chromosomic regions that display genetic group origin effects. Altogether, our results illustrated the interest of admixed panels and our GWAS model to reveal new QTLs involved in group differentiation that were inaccessible in classical factorial hybrid panels with traditional modelling.
Is the African Great Green Wall greening? Some positive signs from a 20-years’ time-series of satellite observations
Authors: Giuliani Gregory , Lucas Descombes , Sy Bocar
Published: July 2022

Land degradation has been recognized as a critical issue requiring urgent actions to cope with climate change and biodiversity loss impacts. The Sahel is probably among the most severely affected region in the World by land degradation, impacting many ecosystem services that are critical for wellbeing and livelihoods. In response to this issue, 11 countries have decided, in 2007, to create the Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative, an ambitious land-restoration program to mitigate the effects of land degradation as well as reducing poverty and improving population livelihoods. Despite initial positive results, the project has difficulties to reach its key objectives. Among the primary obstacles, effective and efficient monitoring, reporting, and verification mechanism has been identified. Here, we used a 20-year satellite derived annual time-series of vegetation biomass estimates to investigate the evolution of the entire GGW. Findings suggest that vegetation biomass has increased of about 22% in the region between 2007 and 2020; almost all countries have significative positive trends in above-ground biomass with noticeable differences between countries; however, precipitation patterns have not yet significantly changed. Results indicate that using satellite EO data can be a valid complement to provide consistent, reliable, timely and continuous information on the GGW.
Lateral dorsal infundibular approach: an alternative option for the safe completion of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Song Juxian. , Chen Jian. , Zheng Shuguo.
Published: July 2022

Background
Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) due to acute cholecystitis (AC) increases the risk of bile duct injuries and postoperative complications. Here, we added the lateral dorsal infundibular approach as an initial surgical maneuver during LC to improve outcomes.
Methods
We describe the detailed technical procedure of the lateral dorsal infundibular approach in patients with AC resulting in difficult LC. This technique was developed after nearly 10 years of experience in laparoscopic surgery, and has been routinely used in the past 5 years. We also retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data for 469 patients with difficult LC.
Results
A total of 469 patients with AC received difficult LC between July 2016 and June 2021, of which 438 (93.4%) performed a lateral dorsal infundibular approach. Sixty-four patients (13.6%) had variations of the hepatic bile duct and cystic duct according to preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, 438 patients (93.4%) received elective surgery, 31 (6.6%) received emergency surgery, and 10 (2.1%) underwent conversion. There was no postoperative bile leaks and no bile duct injuries in the described technique.
Conclusion
During difficult LC, the critical view of safety can be gradually achieved by changing the surgical approach to achieve cholecystectomy. The improved postoperative outcomes highlights the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
A case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis developed after dupilumab administration in patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma
Authors: Suzaki Isao , Tanaka Akihiko , Yanai Ryo , Maruyama Yuki , Kamimura Sawa , Hirano Kojiro , Kobayashi Hitome
Published: July 2022

Background:Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a form of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis characterized by eosinophil-rich granulomatous inflammation and small-to-medium vessel vasculitis associated with asthma, rhinosinusitis and eosinophilia. EGPA is often difficult to distinguish from severe asthma and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in cases when there are no findings that clearly suggest vasculitis. Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4Rα monoclonal antibody, is expected to be effective in eosinophilic airway inflammatory diseases, such as severe asthma and refractory chronic rhinosinusitis. Although transient eosinophilia and eosinophilic pneumoniae have been reported in patients with severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after the administration of dupilumab, few studies have examined the development of EGPA.Case presentation:We report a case of 61-year-old woman treated with dupilumab for refractory eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and eosinophilic otitis media complicated by severe asthma. Although she had a previous history of eosinophilic pneumoniae and myeloperoxidase (MPO) ANCA positivity, there were no apparent findings of vasculitis suggesting EGPA before the initiation of dupilumab therapy. After the second administration of dupilumab, several adverse events developed, including worsening of ECRS, EOM and asthma, and neuropathy. Blood test showed an increase in the levels of eosinophils and re-elevation of MPO-ANCA levels after the administration of dupilumab therapy. Therefore, dupilumab therapy was discontinued owing to the development of EGPA, and prednisolone and azathioprine administration was initiated for a remission induction therapy. Conclusion:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report that suggests that dupilumab may directly trigger the manifestation of vasculitis in patients who were previously MPO-ANCA-positive. Although the precise mechanism of how dupilumab could trigger the development of EGPA requires further elucidation, to measure MPO-ANCA in patients with multiple eosinophilic disorders prior to the initiation of dupilumab might be helpful when considering the possibility of a latent EGPA. When administering dupilumab to patients with previous history of MPO-ANCA positivity, clinicians must carefully monitor and collaborate with other specialists in the pertinent fields of study for appropriate usage.
WITHDRAWN: Strengthening our understanding of enablers and barriers for breastfeeding to the WHO recommended guidelines of two years and beyond – a global sample using a cross-sectional design
Authors: Jackson Jessica , Hallam Jenny , Safari Reza
Published: July 2022

Background
There are major global disparities for women breastfeeding to the WHO recommendations of two years and beyond for optimal health benefits. This could be explained by multifaceted enablers and barriers within diverse cultural and social spheres. However, the majority of research examining continued breastfeeding is conducted with women breastfeeding under one year. Research which has explored the experiences of women breastfeeding longer is limited to a small homogenous sample. Therefore, this study aimed to strengthen the knowledge, specifically for women breastfeeding beyond one year, of enablers and barriers for continuing to breastfeed to the recommended age of two years and beyond.
Methods
A cross-sectional online questionnaire recruited 19,006 participants using social media. The statistical analysis and null hypothesis testing were conducted using non-parametric statistics and a multivariate logistical regression to explore relationships between the independent variables (enablers and barriers) against the dependent variable (duration of breastfeeding).
Results
The results indicated that mothers with multiple children appeared to be breastfeeding for a longer duration. Where the participants resided globally did not make a significant difference, participants belonging to different ethnic groups did. Those participants who identified as Asian, First Nation, Indigenous or Pacific Islander or were from the religious group Hindu were more likely to breastfeed to the recommend age. Participants who identified as Black (African or Caribbean decent) or were from the religious group Jewish were less likely to breastfeed to the recommend age. Age, level of education, geographic location, initial breastfeeding experience, multiple births, partner, family, social support, healthcare support and experience of breastfeeding in public were not significant when all other variables were considered. Those tandem feeding, Muslim ethnic group and views on specific health support where retained as covariates and confounders due to sensitivity to the other variables.
Conclusions
This study is the first to look at variables across different demographic groups and geographical location specifically of those breastfeeding beyond one year. It highlights that different ethnic and religious groups continue to have different outcomes for breastfeeding duration. These differences cannot be ignored when planning in national policy and intervention design.
A Comparative Study of Apical Root Resorption During Intrusion of Maxillary Anterior Teeth Treated With Intrusion Arch and Mini-Implants – A CBCT Study
Authors: Suthar Hetvi , Trivedi Kalyani , Shah Alap , Mistry Rushvi , Nathwani Niyati , Bhatt Maulik
Published: July 2022

Background
To evaluate and compare relationship between amount of root resorption after intrusion of maxillary anterior teeth using two different intrusion mechanics i.e. Intrusion arch (Utility arch) and Mini-implants through CBCT scans. 20 patients randomly selected were divided into 2 groups: Group A: 10 patients with intrusion arch mechanics and Group B: 10 patients with mini-implant mechanics. Pre- and post-intrusion sectional CBCT scans of maxillary anterior teeth were taken. Change in volumetric measurements (in mm3), linear measurements (in mm) and angular measurements (in degree) between pre- and post-intrusion scans were measured for each incisor in both groups using paired t-test. Independent t-test was used for comparing change in all three parameters between both groups. Pearson’s correlation test was done for correlating amount of root resorption with amount of intrusion for each incisor in both groups.
Results
Changes in all three parameter between pre- and post-treatment CBCT scans for all incisors for each group and between both groups were statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation shows statistically non-significant correlation for all incisors in both groups except lateral incisors in group B.
Conclusion
Clinically significant root resorption is observed with intrusion of maxillary anterior teeth either with utility arch or mini-implants. Amount of root resorption and range of intrusion is more with mini-implants, while amount of proclination is more with use of utility arch. More amount of root resorption is seen in lateral incisors than central incisors in both groups.
Trichloroethylene Intoxication: A Case of Acute Altered Mental Status Which Required Intensive Resuscitation
Authors: Tanaka Atsuhito , Huh Ji Young , Ariyoshi Koichi
Published: July 2022

BackgroundTrichloroethylene is a hydrocarbon commercially used as a degreasing solvent. It has gradually become obsolete due to is carcinogenic properties meanwhile, many industries still use it due to its cost effectiveness. Although there are reports and studies regarding chronic exposures to trichloroethylene there are very few acute cases reported that have caused altered mental status and required intensive care. This paper aims to report the course of an acute case of trichloroethylene intoxication with coma and summarize its characteristics.Case PresentationA 50-year-old male with no particular medical history presented with acute altered mental status due to inhalation of volatile trichloroethylene in a factory. He was given brief cardiopulmonary resuscitation for suspected cardiac arrest however was found to have a pulse when emergency medical services had intervened. On arrival to our emergency department, he showed marked central nervous system depression due to suspicion of acute trichloroethylene intoxication. Head computed tomography showed no signs of hypoxic ischemia encephalitis, however the possibility of loss of consciousness from a cardiac event could not be denied. The patient was intubated promptly, elicited by impending respiratory arrest and received supportive treatment. Trichloroethylene metabolite urinary concentrations were taken during admission. He regained consciousness readily, was extubated the next day and then discharged, showing full recovery on day 3.ConclusionWe reported a case of acute trichloroethylene intoxication which required intensive care but was discharged with full recovery and no neurological deficits. There have been few reports describing acute intoxication which needed intubation and its neurological outcomes. Furthermore, this report suggests urine metabolite concentration as a possible guide to predict clinical outcome.
Unearthing of key genes driving the infertility risk of cryptorchidism via weighted gene co- expression network
Authors: Lao Yongfeng , Zhang Wenhao , Li Xiaoxue , He Lijuan , Bai Yanan , Li Xiaolong , Guan Xin , Wang Wenyun , Dong Zhilong
Published: July 2022

Background: Boys with cryptorchidism are susceptible to infertility. However, there are few known molecular markers of cryptorchidism-related infertility. Potential genes and molecular pathways to drive cryptorchidism-related infertility were investigated in this study via bioinformatics methods.Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized to download raw GSE25518 (training set) and GSE16191 (validation set) datasets. GSE25518 was used for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identification and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Hub genes were identified from the intersection of key genes from DEGs and the key module in WGCNA. Hub genes’ expression differences and diagnostic value were subsequently verified via GSE16191. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were deployed for functional annotation.Results: 761 definitive DEGs were identified while 12 hub genes (CHRM4, CCR4, LMNB1, MTNR1B, TAC3, TRHR, RAD54L, CCNA1, SMC1B, GPRC6A, SYCE2, TAS2R19) were identified finally. The hub genes were also differentially expressed and showed excellent diagnostic value to distinguish cryptorchidism from normal testes in GSE16191. Additionally, they were well correlated with genes from the hallmark_spermatogenesis gene set. And they might be involved in oxidative phosphorylation, MYC targets V1, cholesterol homeostasis, KRAS activation, etc. Hallmark_spermatogenesis gene set was significantly enriched by five hub genes (RAD54L, CCNA1, SMC1B, TAC3, MTNR1B).Conclusion: We have identified 12 genes that might become new biomarkers for cryptorchidism-related infertility while five genes (RAD54L, CCNA1, SMC1B, TAC3, MTNR1B) deserve more attention.
Chlorhexidine Antimicrobial Activity in Self-ligating and Conventional Orthodontic Brackets Infected with Porphyromonas Gingivalis Biofilm
Authors: Kachuie Marzie , Naghsh Narges , Dehnavi Neda , Narimani Tahmineh
Published: July 2022

Objectives
The formation of biofilms on orthodontic brackets is still problematic in orthodontic patients. Among the many types of available orthodontic brackets, self-ligating (SL) brackets are claimed to be more effective than conventional ligating (CL) brackets in maintaining oral hygiene. The present study was conducted to evaluate the adhesion of Porphyrmonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) biofilms formed on SL and CL brackets and their bacterial viability after treatment with 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash.
Materials and Methods
In this experimental study, 48 commercial metal brackets were divided into two equal groups based on their types (CL with elastomeric ligature and SL). The brackets were first coated with saliva, then placed in the suspension of P.gingivalis for 3 days to grow bacterial biofilms on their surfaces. Half of the brackets in each group were randomly treated with CHX mouthwash or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for one minute. Quantitative analysis was performed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05).
Results
There was a statistically significant difference between the two types of brackets in biofilm formation; SL brackets were colonized more than CL brackets (P < 0.024). In both groups, CHX-treated brackets exhibited a significant reduction in P.gingivalis viability compared to PBS-treated brackets (P < 0.001). Comparison of antimicrobial activity of CHX in two types of brackets showed that more bacteria were survived on the surface of SL brackets (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Seemingly, bracket design can have a significant effect on the adhesion and viability of potential periopathogens.
Clinical Relevance:
Use of CL brackets is preferred over SL brackets and is recommended to use SL brackets with caution in people who have poor oral health or are prone to periodontal disease.
Construction of A Novel Prognostic Immune-Related LncRNA Risk Model for Gastric Cancer Running title: Immune-related lncRNAs for GC
Authors: Yang Gen-hua
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim
Studies have recently shown that immune-related lncRNAs play a vital role in the occurrence and development of human malignancies. However, the study in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to identify immune-related lncRNAs and construct a risk score model to predict the prognosis of GC patients.
Methods:
RNA expression data and clinical characteristics of GC were download from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Immune-related lncRNAs were acquired by correlation coefficient between the immune genes and lncRNAs using “limma R” package and Cytoscape 3.6.1. The risk score model was constructed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and its prognostic value was verified in TCGA cohort.
Results:
A total of 146 immune-related lncRNAs were obtained compared 375 GC samples with 32 normal samples. A five immune-related lncRNA (AP001528.2, LINC02542, LINC02526, PVT1 and LINC01094) risk score model was constructed to predict prognosis of GC patients by Cox regression analysis. Moreover, GC patients with higher risk score had a poorer overall survival than that with lower risk score (P < 0.001). Furthermore, ROC analysis revealed that the risk score model had the best predictive effect compared with clinicopathological features during 5 years followed-up (AUC = 0.679). Indeed, PCA analysis showed that the patients in the low- and high- group were significantly distinguished in different directions based on the risk score model.
Conclusion:
This study indicated that a five immune-related lncRNA risk score model possessed a satisfactory predictive prognosis, which might be potential prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapy targets for GC patients in future.
Exudate Identification in Retinal Fundus Images Using Precise Textural Verifications
Authors: Monemian Maryam , Rabbani Hossein
Published: July 2022

One of the most salient diseases of retina is Diabetic Retinopathy which may lead to irreparable damages to eye vision in the advanced phases. Hard Exudates (HE) are bright lesions appeared in retinal fundus images of DR patients. Thus, the detection of HEs is an important task preventing the progress of DR. However, the detection of HEs is a challenging process due to their different appearance features. In this paper, an automatic method for the identification of HEs with various sizes and shapes is proposed. The method works based on a pixel-wise approach. It considers several semi-circular regions around each pixel. For each semi-circular region, the intensity changes around several directions and non-necessarily equal radiuses are computed. All pixels for which several semi-circular regions include considerable intensity changes are considered as the pixels located in HEs. In order to reduce false positives, an optic disc localization method is proposed in the post-processing phase. The performance of the proposed method has been evaluated on DIARETDB0 and DIARETDB1 datasets. The experimental results confirm the improved performance of the suggested method in term of accuracy.
Effect of Ethiopian Orthodox fasting practice on appetite hormones and β-cell function of diabetic patients and healthy subjects.
Authors: Michael Alemayehu , Baye Kaleab
Published: July 2022

Background: Dietary pattern such as energy restriction, abstinence from animal products and consumption of vegetarian diet was seen in free living Ethiopian Orthodox followers. However, little is known about its effect on appetite hormones, insulin sensitivities and β-cell function of diabetic patients and healthy subjects. MethodA prospective cohort study design was conducted from February 27 to April 30, 2019 among 46 healthy subjects and 52 diabetic patients. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics, physical activities and information about fasting regime. Measurements were taken at two time points: at week 0 and week 8. ELISA analyzer were used for measuring hormones activities. The presence of any changes from the baseline was evaluated using the t-test, and the presence of any correlation was evaluated using multiple linear regression. Results: Vegan diet practice and energy restriction significantly lower body weight (p=0.004/0.041) and BMI (p=0.014/0.006), glucagon (p<0.0001, p=0.001), leptin (p=0.002, p=0.046 significantly changed in diabetic and healthy subject respectively. Insulin (p=0.002) increased significantly in diabetic patients while insulin (p=0.003) significantly decreased in healthy subjects. The concentration of ghrelin (p=0.030) increased significantly in diabetic but insignificantly (p=0.135) in healthy subjects compared to non-fasting. Insulin sensitivities and β-cell function significant improved in diabetic patients.Conclusion Simultaneous consumption of vegan diet and energy restriction in Lenten fasting improved body weight, BMI, blood pressure, activities of appetite hormones, insulin sensitivities and β-cell function. As a result, fasting practice is recommended as effective non-medicinal treatment option for prevention/treatment of chronic diseases.
An Active Speaker Detection Method in Videos using Standard Deviations of Color Histogram
Authors: Akinrinmade Adekunle , Adetiba Emmanuel , Badejo Joke A.
Published: July 2022

Active Speaker Detection (ASD) refers to the process of predicting who amongst a number of speakers whose faces appear on screen is speaking (if any) at any given time within the duration of a video. This paper proposes a novel method for determining active speakers in videos based on the standard deviations of Color Histograms (CHs) of the mouth region from frame-to-frame. The reasoning behind this is that the lips of an active speaker will open and close exposing and concealing the inner contents of the mouth such as the vocal cavity, teeth and tongue at fairly regular intervals in the process which are of different colors. Therefore, if the mouth region can be accurately localized and the changes in the color activities in that region analyzed during speaking such information can be used to detect if a person is actively speaking or not. The lips of a non-speaker are usually closed and at rest, so the CHs for such mouth region are expected to be fairly constant and as such the standard deviations should be low. If an experimentally determined threshold could be set, it can draw the line between active and non-active speakers. In this work, 53 videos available online from Channels TV news, one of Nigeria’s most popular TV stations were used to create 250 video clips totaling 3.6 hours, each ranging from between 15 seconds to 1 minute in such a way that the faces of two speakers were always simultaneously visible in any order in the duration of each video clip. The active speakers in each second of the video clips were manually labeled and used to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology which achieved a prediction accuracy of up to 99.19%.