bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mannose-binding lectin 2 gene polymorphisms and predisposition to allergic bronchial asthma in a western Romanian children population: an observational study
Authors: Borta Simona Maria , Donath-Miklos Imola , Popetiu Romana , Nica Dragos Vasile , Nitusca Diana , Crisan Adrian , Marian Catalin , Puschita Maria 
Published: July 2022

Objectives To analyse: (1) the associations between different mannose-binding lectin 2 ( MBL2) genotypes and susceptibility to bronchial asthma (BA) in Romanian children; and (2) the correlations between several patient sociodemographic variables and MBL2 polymorphisms. Methods This prospective observational case–control study included paediatric patients with symptomatic BA and healthy controls. Participants were genotyped for two MBL2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): exon 1 codon 54 A/B variant rs1800450, and -550 promoter H/L variant rs11003125 (GenBank accession). Associations between MBL2 genotypes and susceptibility to BA were determined by calculated odds ratios, and Kendall Tau’s correlations were used to investigate the associations between sociodemographic variables and SNPs. Results Among 59 patients with BA and 65 healthy controls, associations between MBL2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to BA were not found to be statistically significant. Statistically significant weak positive correlations were found between age at diagnosis and A/B genotype, and between the smoking status of biologically male and female parents. A statistically significant weak inverse association was found between male parent smoking status and family history of BA. Conclusion These results may help guide future research into paediatric BA in Romania and Eastern Europe. Due to study limitations, the results require validation in future large-scale studies.
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) as a day-case: A real-world practice and patients’ perspective from a district general hospital (DGH)
Authors: Ippoliti Simona , Bhatt Nikita R , Ilie Cristian P 
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Day-case transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is currently only performed in 18% cases across the United Kingdom. To determine 30-day readmission rate and morbidity after day-case TURBT in a district general hospital (DGH) and to report patient demographics, quality of TURBT and early recurrence rate as well as patient feedback after day-case TURBT. Methods: A retrospective audit of day-case TURBTs over a 3-year pre-COVID19 (2017–20) was performed. We only included patients who underwent a TURBT and excluded any cystoscopy and biopsy or fulguration. A day-case TURBT pathway is in place in this centre. Feedback was obtained using hospital patient feedback forms. Results: We included 77 patients who underwent TURBT in the day-case theatre, of these 5 patients required in-patient stay after the surgery. Of the remaining 72 discharged on the same day, 8 were re-admitted (11%) for Clavien-Dindo I complications. The readmission/failed discharge group had a higher rate of older patients, with higher ASA scores and longer operative times, however resection quality and tumour characteristics were not different from the day-case TURBTs. All patients reported an overall positive experience (good or very good). Conclusions: In the first of its kind audit reporting patient feedback after day-case TURBT, the data obtained can provide us and other centres adopting day-case TURBTs guidance to employ better patient selection to reduce readmission rates. Hence, day-case TURBT can be a feasible option in appropriately selected patients, with a suitable pathway in place.
Prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus infection among spouses of married men who have sex with men in India
Authors: Srikrishnan Aylur K , Ganesan Kavitha , Mehta Shruti H , Tomori Cecilia , Vasudevan Canjeevaram K , Celentano David D , Solomon Sunil S 
Published: July 2022

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) in low-to-middle-income countries bear a high burden of HIV and a significant proportion marry women to satisfy socio-cultural norms. It has previously been demonstrated that HIV prevalence is higher among married versus unmarried MSM, but limited data are available on HIV prevalence among their wives. Methods We recruited 149 married MSM couples where the husband disclosed his MSM behavior to his wife (disclosed MSM) and 150 married MSM who had not disclosed their MSM behavior to their wives (undisclosed MSM), in three Indian cities. All participants completed interviewer-administered surveys and underwent HIV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess correlates of HIV among wives of MSM. Descriptive statistics were used to compare characteristics of disclosed and undisclosed MSM. Results HIV prevalence in disclosed MSM, their wives, and undisclosed MSM was 46.9%, 27.9%, and 34.9%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of HIV prevalence among wives of MSM was husband’s HIV positive status (adjusted odds ratio: 13.4; 95% confidence interval: 5.44–33.2). Both disclosed and undisclosed MSM reported high levels of risk behavior including infrequent condom use. Most undisclosed MSM reported that they did not intend to disclose MSM behavior due to stigma. Conclusions We observed an extremely high HIV prevalence among women married to MSM despite low levels of individual risk behavior. Interventions are urgently needed in this vulnerable population particularly given the challenges related to disclosure of same sex behavior among their husbands.
Tight correlation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine expression with the scarring damage of discoid lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Qianwen , Yang Ming , Chen Kaili , Zhou Suqing , Zhou Shengnan , Wu Haijing 
Published: July 2022

Objective Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a heterogenous skin disease. The two most common subtypes are discoid LE (DLE) characterized by scarring skin damage and acute CLE (ACLE) presenting with transiently reversible skin lesions. It remains unknown what causes the difference of skin lesions. Studies have shown the existence of tissue-specific 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5 hmC)-modified regions in human tissues, which may affect the tissue-related diseases. Here, we aim to assess the expression of 5 hmc in DLE and ACLE lesions and explore the relationship of 5 hmc with scarring damage in DLE. Methods 84 CLE samples were included in the study. We evaluated the skin damage score and reviewed the histopathologic sections. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of 5 hmc in the appendage and periappendageal inflammatory cells. The 5 hmc expression in periappendageal lymphocytic cells was investigated by multi-spectrum immunohistochemistry staining. Results Scarring/atrophy was the most significant damage in differentiating the DLE from ACLE. Perifollicular inflammatory infiltration was present in all patients with DLE scarring alopecia (DLESA). The 5 hmc expression in the appendage and periappendageal inflammatory cells was significantxly increased in DLESA than ACLE. Similar expression pattern was seen in the staining of IFN-alpha/beta Receptor (IFNAR). The expression of 5 hmc in the appendage was positively correlated with that in the periappendageal inflammatory cells. There was an increased 5 hmc expression in lymphocytes cluster around hair follicle consisting of CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and CD19+ cells in DLESA lesions. Conclusion These data demonstrate a close association of the expression pattern of 5 hmc with the histopathological characteristic distribution, and with the type I interferons (IFNs) signals in DLESA, supporting the importance of 5 hmc in the amplification of appendage damage and periappendageal inflammation, thereby offering a novel insight into the scarring damage of DLE and the heterogeneity of CLE skin lesions.
Psychoneuroimmunology of Meditation
Authors: Magan Dipti , Yadav Raj Kumar 
Published: July 2022

Background: Meditation is a conscious mental discipline, that has been implicated in the relaxation response. The mechanism behind such a relaxing effect is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), based on the interaction between mind, physical health, and self-healing; that conceptualizes that stress and an individual’s emotional state led to predisposition to diseases. Research to date suggests that meditation may play an active role in remodeling the imbalance between mind and body by modulating the psychoneuroimmunological effects of stress. However, to date, the multi-dimensional psychoneuroimmune aspects of meditation together have not been completely explicated. An evidence-based mechanism has been framed for the first time in India to explain the psychoneuroimmunology of regular and long-term meditation practice. Summary: Present evidence-based mechanism confirms prefrontal cortex (PFC) acts as a ‘Functional Connectome’ where psycho-neuro-immune aspects of meditation function simultaneously to exert positive benefits in the regulation of cognitive and emotional behavior. Also, this mechanism will help us to understand how human augmentation with lifestyle modification fosters brain plasticity to overcome various neuropsychiatric illnesses. Key Message: Meditation is a scientific tool against neuro-psychiatric illnesses.
Prevalence of keratoconus in Ghana: A hospital-based study of tertiary eye care facilities
Authors: Kobia-Acquah Emmanuel , Senanu Esther Nutifafa , Antwi-Adjei Ellen Konadu , Appiah Dora Pomaa , Kumah David Ben , Abdul-Kabir Mohammed , Donkor Richard 
Published: July 2022

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of keratoconus in tertiary eye care facilities in Ghana. Methods and Analysis In this hospital-based retrospective cohort study, medical records of patients from tertiary/referral eye care facilities in Ghana were reviewed. Included in the study were records of individuals who visited the eye care facilities and were diagnosed of keratoconus within the period of January 2016 to December 2019 inclusive. Data on patients’ demographics, severity of keratoconus, mode of diagnosis, treatment, and visual acuity outcomes were analysed. Results Out of the total of 142,209 records reviewed, 75 patients were diagnosed of keratoconus in at least one eye (127 eyes; 86.8% bilateral cases), representing a prevalence estimate of 53 per 100000 (95% confidence interval (CI): 41 to 65 per 100000). The mean ± SD age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 21.1 ± 9.5 years (66.2% males). The mean ± SD keratometry in keratoconus patients was 52.1 ± 7.0: majority (76.5%) of the cases were moderate to severe keratoconus. The main primary treatment regimen was corneal transplant (58.8%) followed by spectacles (25.0%), crosslinking (8.8%) and rigid contact lens (7.3%). There was a significant association between post-treatment visual acuity outcomes and treatment type (p < 0.001). Conclusion Our study represents the first prevalence estimate of keratoconus in Ghana. The prevalence of keratoconus estimated in our study is lower than that reported in countries with tropical climates. This could be due to lower uptake of referrals, underdiagnosis and/or misdiagnosis of the condition in lower-level health facilities.
The Role of Oxidative Status in the Pathogenesis of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, Pseudoexfolyation Syndrome and Glaucoma
Authors: Ozkan Derya , Altan Cigdem , Er Mehmet Onur , Gultekin Fatih , Kuraş Sibel , Artunay Ozgur 
Published: July 2022

Purpose To investigate the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant system in the etiopathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation and progression of pseudoexfoliation syndrome to glaucoma. Material and method A total of 20 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, 20 with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, 20 with primary open-angle glaucoma, and 20 without pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma as a control group, who underwent cataract or glaucoma surgery between December 2020 and March 2021 in the Health Sciences University Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital, 80 patients were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure with applanation tonometry, detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations with biomicroscopy were performed in all patients included in the study. Approximately 0.1 cc of anterior chamber fluid was taken from all patients at the beginning of surgery. Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels were measured by keeping the samples taken in the deep freezer of the cornea bank at −80 degrees, transferring them with cold chain transport rules, and examining them with automatic measurement method in the laboratories of the Medical Biochemistry Department of the University of Health Sciences. Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) value was calculated to measure the degree of oxidative stress. Results TAS averages of the control and POAG groups were found to be statistically significantly higher than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). The TOS averages of the control and POAG groups were found to be statistically significantly lower than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.0001; p = 0.01, p = 0.001), no statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). The OSI mean of the control and POAG groups was found to be statistically significantly lower than the PES and PEG groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001; p = 0.002, p = 0.0001), no statistically significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Increased TOS and OSI and decreased TAS levels in the aqueous humour of patients with PES and PEG suggest that increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidative defense system play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
Bacterial Removal Efficiency of Moringa stenopetala and Cadaba farinosa From Surface Water: Laboratory-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tagele Haligamo Demamu , Ejeso Amanuel , Mengistie Beyene Embialle 
Published: July 2022

Background: Consumption of polluted surface waters are leading to waterborne diseases, especially in developing countries, which results in the deaths of millions of people annually around the world. Ethiopia, like the rest of developing countries, suffers a lot of water-associated health problems. Chemical disinfectants are in use to disinfect water with some drawbacks like expensiveness, unavailability, and detrimental effect on human health. Researchers are on the search for non-expensive and locally available methods, and natural plants are the ones in the study. Thus, this study is designed to test Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal efficiency of Moringa stenopetala ( M. stenopetala) and Cadaba farinosa ( C. farinosa) from surface water. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021. A 14 L water sample was collected from Lake Hawassa. A 30, 60, and 100 mg weights of the leaf and seed powder dosages of M. stenopetala and C. farinosa at contaminant settling times of 30, 60, and 90 minutes were used. Each 1-L water sample was treated with each of the dosages. E. coli count, temperature, pH and turbidity were measured using standard methods for water and wastewater analysis. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version.23 was used for analysis. Treatment differences between plant parts and association between variables were also tested. Result: The result indicated that raw water samples having 18 initial E. coli colonies per 100 mL of water showed zero E. coli colonies per 100 mL of water after treatment with 30 mg dosage of M. stenopetala seed, 30 mg dosage of C. farinosa seed, and 60 mg dosage of M. stenopetala leaf after 90 minutes of settling time, but C. farinosa leaf was unable to reduce E. coli colonies to 0 per 100 mL of water. M. stenopetala leaf showed the highest turbidity reduction of 83.3% at 60 mg dosage. A pH of 7.30 and 8.50 and a temperature of 20°C to 23.5°C were recorded. There was a significant difference in E. coli removal between C. farinosa seed and leaf. Turbidity was identified as a factor that positively affects E. coli removal during M. stenopetala seed and leaf. Dosage and settling time were also identified as predictors of E. coli removal. Conclusion: M. stenopetala and C. farinosa have antimicrobial properties against E. coli, but only M. stenopetala showed E. coli, turbidity, and pH values within the recommended World Health Organization standards. So, we suggest M. stenopetala as a promising natural disinfectant that needs attention from organizations working on the water.
On Developments in Ethnographic Research: The Case of Two Swedish Universities
Authors: Beach Dennis , Larsson Staffan 
Published: July 2022

The past 40 years have formed a transitional period in Sweden’s education and political history. The social democratic reforms from the 1940s that aimed to create a centralised, expanded and integrated comprehensive education system came to an end. Decentralisation, neoliberal governance and the introduction of new public management with the creation of private schools and competition have shaped the policy regime since then. Ethnography emerged in Swedish educational research as a significant research methodology during this transitional period. Using a qualitative and quantitative investigation of research dissertations that classified and counted the use of ethnography as either classical (using core references and long-term participation research at one or a limited number of sites), or adapted (used within adaptations to other research methods), the present article explores these developments at two universities. It suggests that Swedish education ethnography has developed along similar kinds of historical trajectories to ethnography in other places, with roots similar to those in other European countries, though also with some variations. For instance, as elsewhere, ethnography needed a breakthrough point in Swedish education research. It got this in the 1980s. However, it quickly became an important part of educational research from the 1990s onwards and a strong quantitative take off early in the new millennium followed. Presently more than half of all PhD dissertations in Education at the two universities have some kind of participant observation, over half of which are also classically ethnographic. This leads us to conclude that education ethnography in Sweden has changed across its period of growth and that though configured in contemporary social science as having originated in anthropology as a methodology that employed long-term embedded participant observation, this does not limit the variations of ethnography’s development or its application.
Understanding Biosimilar Insulins - Development, Manufacturing, and Clinical Trials
Authors: Heinemann Lutz , Davies Melanie , Home Philip , Forst Thomas , Vilsbøll Tina , Schnell Oliver 
Published: July 2022

Background: A wave of expiring patents for first-generation insulin analogues has created opportunities in the global insulin market for highly similar versions of these products, biosimilar insulins. Biologics are generally large, complex molecules produced through biotechnology in a living system, such as a microorganism, plant cell, or animal cell. Since manufacturing processes of biologics vary, biosimilars cannot be exact copies of their reference product but must exhibit a high degree of functional and structural similarity. Biosimilarity is proven by analytical approaches in comparative assessments, preclinical cell-based and animal studies, as well as clinical studies in humans facilitating the accumulation of evidence across all assessments. The approval of biosimilars follows detailed regulatory pathways derived from those of their reference products and established by agencies such as the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Regulatory authorities impose requirements to ensure that biosimilars meet high standards of quality, safety, and efficacy and are highly similar to their reference product. Purpose: This review aims to aid clinical understanding of the high standards of development, manufacturing, and regulation of biosimilar insulins. Methods: Recent relevant studies indexed by PubMed and regulatory documents were included. Conclusions: Driven by price competition, the emergence of biosimilar insulins may help expand global access to current insulin analogues. To maximize the impact of the advantage for falling retail costs of biosimilar insulins compared with that of reference insulins, healthcare professionals and insulin users must gain further awareness and confidence.
Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Neurolysis of the Posterior Nasal Nerve (RhinAer) for Treatment of Chronic Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Jivianne T. , Abbas Gregory M. , Charous Daniel D. , Cuevas PD Dr. med. Mandy , Göktas Prof. Dr. med. Önder , Loftus Patricia A. , Nachlas Nathan E. , Toskala Elina M. , Watkins Jeremy P. , Brehmer Prof. Dr. med. Detlef 
Published: July 2022

Background Temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN; RhinAer) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic rhinitis. Objective To determine clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) following TCRF neurolysis of the PNN. Methods A prospective single-arm study of 129 patients with chronic rhinitis at 16 medical centers in the United States and Germany. Results The mean 24-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) improved from 7.8 (95% CI, 7.5-8.1) at baseline to 3.6 (95% CI, 3.2-4.0) at 3 months and continued to improve to 2.9 (95% CI, 2.5-3.3) at 6 months ( p < .001 comparing follow-up to baseline and p = .002 comparing 3 and 6 months). This represents 53.8% improvement over baseline at 3 months and 62.8% improvement at 6 months. Rhinorrhea, congestion, sneezing, and itching subscores and postnasal drip and cough scores were all significantly improved over baseline at both timepoints. At 3 months, 76.2% (95% CI, 68.1%-82.8%) of patients achieved a minimal clinically important difference of ≥30% improvement in rTNSS over baseline and the percentage was higher at 6 months (83.5% [95% CI, 75.8%-89.0%]). At 3 months, 80.3% (95% CI, 72.6%-86.3%) reported a minimal clinically important difference of ≥0.4-point improvement in the mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire score, and the percentage was higher at 6 months; 87.7% (95% CI, 80.7%-92.4%). There were no serious adverse events with a relationship to the device/procedure reported through 6 months. Conclusion In this large, multicenter study, TCRF neurolysis of the PNN was safe and resulted in a significant reduction in rhinitis symptom burden at 3 months that was sustained/improved through 6 months. The majority of patients reported a clinically relevant improvement in QoL at 3 and 6 months postprocedure.