bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood eosinophilia in adult asthmatic patients and its association with the severity of asthma
Authors: Solomon Yenealem , Malkamu Birhanemaskal , Berhan Ayenew , Eyayu Tahir , Almaw Andargachew , Legese Biruk , Woldu Berhanu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Asthma is a diverse disease with various etiologic bases. Severe asthma can be associated with increased mortality, hospitalization, and decreased quality of life for asthma patients. High blood eosinophil counts were associated with severe asthma, but recent studies have failed to confirm this as a marker of severe asthma among adult asthma patients. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the association between the severity of asthma and high blood eosinophil count.

Methodology
A simple random sampling technique was used to select 291 asthmatic patients for an institution-based cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were collected by using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from asthmatic patients for complete blood count and peripheral morphology assessment. The eosinophil count was analyzed by the Unicel DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter, Ireland) analyzer. A statistical package for social science version 20 (SPSS) software was used to analyze the data. The non-parametric (Mann-Whitney U) test was used to compare the eosinophil count with different background variables. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with eosinophilia. A p-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression analysis was considered statistically significant.

Result
In this study, the overall magnitude of eosinophilia was 19.6% (95% CI = 14.8–24.1). Being admitted to the emergency department (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.09–0.69, p = 0.007) and being female (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.26–0.9, p = 0.025) were shown to have a statistically significant association with eosinophilia. Moreover, the absolute eosinophil count was significantly higher among asthmatic patients infected with intestinal parasitic infection (p < 0.045).

Conclusion
Being female and admission to the emergency department were negatively associated with eosinophilia. Lack of eosinophilia can be related to the low-T2 asthma phenotype. The absolute eosinophil counts were higher among intestinal parasite-infected patients. Therefore, different biomarkers will be considered for the proper diagnosis and management of adult asthma patients.
Musculoskeletal pains among amateur and professional athletes of five disciplines in Senegal: a preliminary study
Authors: Malam Moussa Ahmet Hassane , Bika Lele Elysée Claude , Guessogo Wiliam Richard , Bian Wiliam Mbang , Guyot Jessica , Ahmadou  , Assomo-Ndemba Peguy Brice , Ayina Clarisse Noel , Kojom Foko Loick Pradel , Dupré Caroline , Barth Nathalie , Bongue Bienvenu , Ba Abdoulaye , Samb Abdoulaye , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Mekoulou Ndongo Jerson 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) in sport are cause of poor performances and loss of competition in athletes. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSPs with regard to sport disciplines and athletic status.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Senegalese professional and amateur athletes practicing football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, and wrestling. Rates of MSPs in the past year (MSPs-12) and week (MSPs-7d) were assessed using standard questionnaires.

Results
Overall proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were 70 and 74.2%, respectively. MSPs-12 were more frequently reported on shoulders (40.6%), neck (37.1%) and hips/thigh (34.4%), while MSPs-7d were predominant on hips/thigh (29.5%), shoulders (25.7%), and upper back (17.2%). Proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d varied significantly by sport disciplines, with highest values among basketball players. Again, highest MSPs-12 proportions on shoulders (29.7%, P = 0.02), wrists/hands (34.6%, P = 0.001), (40.2%, P = 0.0002), and knees (38.8%, P = 0.002) were seen among basketball players. High proportions of MSPs-7d were seen on shoulders (29.6%, P = 0.04) for tennis players, wrists/hands (29.4%, P = 0.03) for basketball and football players, and hips/thigh (38.8%, P < 0.00001) for basketball players. Football players had reduced risk of MSPs-12 by 75% on lower back (OR = 0.25; 95% CI. 0.10—0.63; P = 0.003) and by 72% on knees (OR = 0.28; 95% CI. 0.08—0. 95; P = 0.04). In contrast, tennis players were more at risk of MSPs-12 on shoulders (OR = 3.14; 95% CI. 1.14–8.68; P = 0.02), wrists/hands (OR = 5.18; 95% CI.1.40–11.13; P = 0.01), and hips/thigh (OR = 2.90; 95% CI. 1.1–8.38; P = 0.04). Professionals were protected from MSPs-12 on neck pain with a significant reduction of risk by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI. 0.21–0.75, P = 0.03).

Conclusion
MSPs are a reality among athletes and their risk is modulated by sport disciplines, athletic status and gender.
Chronology of permanent teeth mineralization in Brazilian individuals: age estimation tables
Authors: Kuhnen Barbara , Fernandes Clemente Maia da Silva , Barros Franciéllen de , Scarso Filho José , Gonçalves Marcelo , Serra Mônica da Costa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Age is important in forming the uniqueness of individuals. When chronological age is not available, age estimation is required, particularly in court cases. The mineralization chronology of permanent teeth is a valuable tool for age estimation of subadults. This study aimed to evaluate the mineralization stages of permanent teeth of Brazilian subjects from imaging exams, using the classification by Moorrees et al. modified by the authors, to verify the existence of correlation between the chronology of mineralization stages and sex and to prepare numerical tables of the chronology of dental mineralization stages for Brazilian individuals.

Methods
Digital panoramic radiographs of 1100 living Brazilian individuals of both sexes, aged between 2 and 25 years, born between 1990 and 2018, from the image bank of a Dental Radiographs and Documentations clinic located in the city of Araraquara, SP, Brazil. The images were evaluated according to the level of crown and root development and classified according to the stages proposed by Moorrees et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 21: 205–213, 1963) adapted by the authors. All analyses were performed in the R software. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were performed on all data. For intra- and inter-examiner analyses, the rate of agreement and Kappa statistics at a 95% confidence interval were used. Kappa was interpreted according to Landis and Koch.

Results
Only upper and lower canines showed significant differences between the sexes (p < 0.05), with higher average ages for men. The findings were presented in tables, as well as age estimates with 95% confidence intervals for each mineralization stage and each tooth.

Conclusion
In the present study, we evaluated the mineralization stages of permanent teeth of Brazilian subjects from digital panoramic radiographs and found no correlation between the chronology of mineralization stages and sex, except for canines. From the obtained results, numerical tables of the chronology of dental mineralization stages were prepared.
Regenerative endodontic therapy in mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis using two disinfection protocols
Authors: Eldessoky Aalaa E. , Khalefa Mohammed M. , Abu-Seida Ashraf M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study compared the effect of diode laser (DL) 980 nm and double antibiotic paste (DAP) on response of mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis to regenerative endodontic therapy in a dog model.

Methods
Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 40 mature double rooted premolars in four 2-year-old mongrel dogs. These teeth were randomly divided according to disinfection protocol into four equal groups (10 teeth each/20 roots), group I: DAP; group II: DL980 nm; group III: positive control (without treatment) and group IV: negative control (untouched teeth). These groups were further subdivided into 2 subgroups (5 teeth each/10 roots) according to evaluation period, subgroup (A): one month and subgroup (B): three months. Revascularization techniques were performed using bleeding induction and application of platelet rich fibrin (PRF). The coronal cavities were sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and glass ionomer cement. The inflammatory response, vital tissue in-growth, new hard tissue formation and bone resorption were assessed. Statistical analysis was done utilizing ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc and paired t tests.

Results
In both subgroups, there were no significant differences between DAP and DL980 in terms of inflammatory cell count, vital tissue in-growth, new hard tissue formation and bone resorption (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion
Diode laser 980 nm can alternate DAP as a disinfection method of the root canal during RET for mature necrotic teeth, therefore it may accelerate regenerative endodontic therapy for both the patient and dentist and allows for RET in a single appointment.
Objective structured assessment ultrasound skill scale for hyomental distance competence – psychometric study
Authors: Gomes Sara Hora , Trindade Marta , Petrisor Cristina , Costa Dinis , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Costa Patrício S. , Pêgo José M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Ultrasound assessment of the airway recently integrates the point-of-care approach to patient evaluation since ultrasound measurements can predict a difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Because ultrasonography is performer-dependent, a proper training and assessment tool is needed to increase diagnostic accuracy. An objective, structured assessment ultrasound skill (OSAUS) scale was recently developed to guide training and assess competence. This work aims to study the psychometric properties of OSAUS Scale when used to evaluate competence in ultrasound hyomental distance (HMD) measurement. Methods: Prospective and experimental study. Volunteers were recruited and enrolled in groups with different expertise. Each participant performed three ultrasonographic HMD evaluation. The performance was videorecorded and anonymized. Five assessors blindly rated participants’ performance using OSAUS scale and a Global Rating Scale (GRS). A psychometric study of OSAUS scale as assessment tool for ultrasound HMD competence was done. Results: Fifteen voluntaries participated on the study. Psychometric analysis of OSAUS showed strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.916) and inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.720; p < 0.001). The novice group scored 15.4±0.18 (mean±SD), the intermediate 14.3±0.75 and expert 13.6±0.1.25, with a significant difference between novice and expert groups (p = 0.036). The time in seconds to complete the task was evaluated: novice (90±34) (mean±SD), intermediate (84±23) and experts (83±15), with no significant differences between groups. A strong correlation was observed between OSAUS and global rating scale (r = 0.970, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The study demonstrated evidence of validity and reliability. Further studies are needed to implement OSAUS scale in the clinical setting for training and assessment of airway ultrasound competence.
Isolation and characterisation of novel Methanocorpusculum species indicates the genus is ancestrally host-associated
Authors: Volmer James G. , Soo Rochelle M. , Evans Paul N. , Hoedt Emily C. , Astorga Alsina Ana L. , Woodcroft Benjamin J. , Tyson Gene W. , Hugenholtz Philip , Morrison Mark 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundWith an increasing interest in the manipulation of methane produced from livestock cultivation, the microbiome of Australian marsupials provides a unique ecological and evolutionary comparison with ‘low-methane’ emitters. Previously, marsupial species were shown to be enriched for novel lineages ofMethanocorpusculum, as well asMethanobrevibacter,Methanosphaera, andMethanomassiliicoccales. Despite sporadic reports ofMethanocorpusculumfrom stool samples of various animal species, there remains little information on the impacts of these methanogens on their hosts.ResultsHere, we characterise novel host-associated species ofMethanocorpusculum, to explore unique host-specific genetic factors and their associated metabolic potential. We performed comparative analyses on 176Methanocorpusculumgenomes comprising 130 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from 20 public animal metagenome datasets and 35 other publicly availableMethanocorpusculumMAGs and isolate genomes of host-associated and environmental origin. Nine MAGs were also produced from faecal metagenomes of the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) and mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis), along with the cultivation of one axenic isolate from each respective animal;M. vombati(sp. nov.) andM. petauri(sp. nov.).ConclusionsThrough our analyses, we substantially expand the available genetic information for this genus by describing the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of 23 host-associated species ofMethanocorpusculum. These lineages display differential enrichment of genes associated with methanogenesis, amino acid biosynthesis, transport system proteins, phosphonate metabolism, and carbohydrate-active enzymes. These results provide insights into the differential genetic and functional adaptations of these novel host-associated species ofMethanocorpusculumand suggest that this genus is ancestrally host-associated.
Potential health and economic impact of paediatric vaccination using next-generation influenza vaccines in Kenya: a modelling study
Authors: Waterlow Naomi R. , Radhakrishnan Sreejith , Dawa Jeanette , van Leeuwen Edwin , Procter Simon R. , Lambach Philipp , Bresee Joseph , Mazur Marie , Eggo Rosalind M. , Jit Mark 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Influenza is a major year-round cause of respiratory illness in Kenya, particularly in children under 5. Current influenza vaccines result in short-term, strain-specific immunity and were found in a previous study not to be cost-effective in Kenya. However, next-generation vaccines are in development that may have a greater impact and cost-effectiveness profile.

Methods
We expanded a model previously used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of seasonal influenza vaccines in Kenya to include next-generation vaccines by allowing for enhanced vaccine characteristics and multi-annual immunity. We specifically examined vaccinating children under 5 years of age with improved vaccines, evaluating vaccines with combinations of increased vaccine effectiveness, cross-protection between strains (breadth) and duration of immunity. We evaluated cost-effectiveness using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and incremental net monetary benefits (INMBs) for a range of values for the willingness-to-pay (WTP) per DALY averted. Finally, we estimated threshold per-dose vaccine prices at which vaccination becomes cost-effective.

Results
Next-generation vaccines can be cost-effective, dependent on the vaccine characteristics and assumed WTP thresholds. Universal vaccines (assumed to provide long-term and broad immunity) are most cost-effective in Kenya across three of four WTP thresholds evaluated, with the lowest median value of ICER per DALY averted ($263, 95% Credible Interval (CrI): $ − 1698, $1061) and the highest median INMBs. At a WTP of $623, universal vaccines are cost-effective at or below a median price of $5.16 per dose (95% CrI: $0.94, $18.57). We also show that the assumed mechanism underlying infection-derived immunity strongly impacts vaccine outcomes.

Conclusions
This evaluation provides evidence for country-level decision makers about future next-generation vaccine introduction, as well as global research funders about the potential market for these vaccines. Next-generation vaccines may offer a cost-effective intervention to reduce influenza burden in low-income countries with year-round seasonality like Kenya.
GlyPerA™ effectively shields airway epithelia from SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammatory events
Authors: Zaderer Viktoria , Dichtl Stefanie , Posch Wilfried , Abiatari Ivane , Bonn Günther K. , Jakschitz Thomas , Huber Lukas A. , Kurzchalia Teymuras V. , Wilflingseder Doris 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNew SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and waning immunity illustrate that quick and easy-to-use agents are needed to prevent infection. To protect from viral transmission and subsequent inflammatory reactions, we applied GlyperA™, a novel antimicrobial formulation that can be used as mouth gargling solution or as nasal spray, to highly differentiated human airway epithelia prior infection with Omicron VOCs BA.1 and BA.2. This formulation fully protected polarized human epithelium cultured in air–liquid interphase (ALI) from SARS-CoV-2-mediated tissue destruction and infection upon single application up to two days post infection. Moreover, inflammatory reactions induced by the Omicron VOCs were significantly lowered in tissue equivalents either pre-treated with the GlyperA™ solution, or even when added simultaneously. Thus, the GlyperA™ formulation significantly shielded epithelial integrity, successfully blocked infection with Omicron and release of viral particles, and decreased intracellular complement C3 activation within human airway epithelial cell cultures. Crucially, our in vitro data imply that GlyperA™ may be a simple tool to prevent from SARS-CoV-2 infection independent on the circulating variant via both, mouth and nose.
Multi-modal body part segmentation of infants using deep learning
Authors: Voss Florian , Brechmann Noah , Lyra Simon , Rixen Jöran , Leonhardt Steffen , Hoog Antink Christoph 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring the body temperature of premature infants is vital, as it allows optimal temperature control and may provide early warning signs for severe diseases such as sepsis. Thermography may be a non-contact and wireless alternative to state-of-the-art, cable-based methods. For monitoring use in clinical practice, automatic segmentation of the different body regions is necessary due to the movement of the infant.MethodsThis work presents and evaluates algorithms for automatic segmentation of infant body parts using deep learning methods. Based on a U-Net architecture, three neural networks were developed and compared. While the first two only used one imaging modality (visible light or thermography), the third applied a feature fusion of both. For training and evaluation, a dataset containing 600 visible light and 600 thermography images from 20 recordings of infants was created and manually labeled. In addition, we used transfer learning on publicly available datasets of adults in combination with data augmentation to improve the segmentation results.ResultsIndividual optimization of the three deep learning models revealed that transfer learning and data augmentation improved segmentation regardless of the imaging modality. The fusion model achieved the best results during the final evaluation with a mean Intersection-over-Union (mIoU) of 0.85, closely followed by the RGB model. Only the thermography model achieved a lower accuracy (mIoU of 0.75). The results of the individual classes showed that all body parts were well-segmented, only the accuracy on the torso is inferior since the models struggle when only small areas of the skin are visible.ConclusionThe presented multi-modal neural networks represent a new approach to the problem of infant body segmentation with limited available data. Robust results were obtained by applying feature fusion, cross-modality transfer learning and classical augmentation strategies.
An indirect comparison of 144-week efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dolutegravir plus lamivudine and second-generation integrase inhibitor–based, 3-drug, single-tablet regimens in therapy-naive people with HIV-1
Authors: Evitt Lee A. , Nanji Sakina , Grove Richard A. , Okoli Chinyere , van Wyk Jean , Snedecor Sonya J. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The long-term efficacy and safety of the 2-drug regimen dolutegravir (DTG) + lamivudine (3TC) and 3-drug single-tablet regimens recommended for antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive people with HIV-1 (PWH) have yet to be compared directly in clinical trials. This indirect treatment comparison (ITC) was conducted to compare the durability of efficacy and long-term safety of DTG + 3TC vs second-generation, integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based, 3-drug, single-tablet regimens bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and DTG/abacavir/3TC (DTG/ABC/3TC) at Week 144 after treatment initiation.

Methods
A systematic literature review identified 4 trials evaluating the treatment regimens of interest in ART-naive PWH (GEMINI-1, GEMINI-2, GS-US-380-1489, and GS-US-380-1490). Safety, efficacy, and tolerability results were compared using fixed-effects Bucher ITC methodology to calculate relative outcomes.

Results
Rates of virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL, US Food and Drug Administration Snapshot analysis) and virologic failure (HIV-1 RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL) as well as mean change in CD4 + cell count were similar with DTG + 3TC, BIC/FTC/TAF, and DTG/ABC/3TC at Week 144. Serious adverse events occurred less frequently with DTG + 3TC compared with both BIC/FTC/TAF (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% CI 0.29–0.87; P = 0.014) and DTG/ABC/3TC (OR, 0.38; 95% CI 0.19–0.75; P = 0.006). Discontinuations and overall adverse events were similar across all 3 regimens.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the 2-drug regimen DTG + 3TC offers comparable and durable efficacy with fewer serious adverse events vs BIC/FTC/TAF and DTG/ABC/3TC through 144 weeks of treatment in ART-naive PWH. These long-term comparative data support the therapeutic value of DTG + 3TC for PWH.
Mechanism of YAP1 in the senescence and degeneration of endplate chondrocytes induced by intermittent cyclic mechanical tension
Authors: Kong Lei , Xie Yong-Sheng , Ma Xu-Dong , Huang Yan , Shang Xi-Fu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of YAP1 in the senescence and degeneration of endplate chondrocytes induced by intermittent cyclic mechanical tension (ICMT).

Methods
According to the Pfirrmann grade evaluation classification, 30 human endplate cartilage tissues were divided into the lumbar vertebra fracture (LVF) group and lumbar disc herniation (LDH) group. Then, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, flow cytometry, hematoxylin–eosin staining, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining were performed. The difference in extracellular matrix expression between LVF and LDH endplate cartilage was detected. Second, the effect of ICMT on endplate chondrocytes degeneration was observed. Finally, the key regulatory role of YAP1 in ICMT-induced endplate cartilage degeneration was further verified.

Results
In degraded human endplate cartilage and tension-induced degraded endplate chondrocytes, the expression of YAP1, COL-2A, and Sox9 was decreased. Conversely, the expression of p53 and p21 was increased. By regulating YAP1 in vivo and in vitro, we can achieve alleviation of ICMT-induced senescence of endplate chondrocytes and effective treatment of disc degeneration.

Conclusions
ICMT could induce senescence and degeneration of endplate chondrocytes, and ICMT-induced senescence and degeneration of endplate chondrocytes could be alleviated by regulating YAP1 expression.