Impact of parity on prepartum activities and behaviour in dromedary camels under farm conditions.

This study was conducted to assess the disparities in camel activities such as eating, drinking, sitting, standing, and sleeping between primiparous and multiparous females before parturition using computer vision. Also, any extraordinary behaviours during the final 2 h before parturition and the necessary manual interventions were meticulously recorded. Five primiparous (age: 4.5-7 years) and 7 multiparous (age: 8-14 years; parity: 2.1 ± 1.5) dromedary camels, were included in this study. Pre-partum females were housed double in a parturition pen provided with two Reolink RLC-810A cameras and the data were collected and recorded for each female. Two primiparous and 1 multiparous female required assistance in pulling the calf from both forelimbs to complete their parturition (27.3%). The drinking and sleeping activities were similar in primiparous and multiparous females during the recorded 32 h leading up to calving. Only eating activity exhibited a longer period in primiparous females compared to multiparous females specifically during the 12-h before calving. Sitting activity was longer, and standing activity was shorter in multiparous than in primiparous females during the 24, 12, and 6 h before calving. All parturient camels, whether primiparous or multiparous, exhibited signs of distress. Some extraordinary behaviours were observed, such as two multiparous females attempting to deter their primiparous counterparts from eating. Additionally, three females displayed a distinctive standing position on their knees while their hind limbs were in a complete standing position for 3-5 min before transitioning to sitting or standing positions. Furthermore, one primiparous female stood while the head and forelimbs of the calf partially protruded from her vulva. In conclusion, the application of computer vision and deep learning technology proves valuable for observing prepartum camels under farm conditions, potentially reducing economic losses stemming from delayed human intervention in dystocia cases.

Evaluation of a long-acting recombinant bovine FSH for multiple ovulation and embryo transfer in dromedary camels.

The present study was conducted to test a new super-agonist recombinant bovine FSH (rbFSH) to induce superovulation (SOV) in dromedary camels. In experiment I, a single IM injection of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 µg rbFSH was administered (4 donors per group) to determine the effective dose resulting in acceptable multiple ovulation and embryo yield. Administration of 40 µg was ineffective, while 100 and 120 µg were associated with increased numbers of developed follicles, corpora lutea, and recovered embryos compared to administration of 60 and 80 µg. In experiment II, donors were divided into treatment groups to compare rbFSH with two conventional protocols for SOV. Donors received a single dose of 2000 IU eCG in combination with 400 mg porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (pFSH; Folltropin-V®; Group 1, n = 29) or 500 µg of pFSH with 100 µg of pLH (Stimufol®; Group 2, n = 16). Group 3 (n = 19) received a single dose of 100 µg rbFSH. No difference was found in the size and number of follicles per donor. Response time, ovulation rate, and the number of corpora lutea and recovered embryos per donor were similar in all groups. The number of medium-sized and transparent embryos decreased while the number of small-sized and semi-transparent embryos increased in Group 3 (rbFSH) compared to the other two groups. The pregnancy rate of the recipients at 10 days post-ET, at two months of gestation, and the rate of early pregnancy loss (EPL) did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, a single IM administration of 100 µg rbFSH induces a successful superovulation in dromedary camels and has the advantage of reducing stress associated with multiple FSH administration of the conventional protocols.

High volume, low volume, or pills, which way should we go? a review of bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of adult cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening. Adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy is essential for good visualization, which results in higher polyp detection rates and shorter procedural times. Achieving adequate preparation prior to colonoscopy is accomplished approximately 75% of the time. This review covers current recommendations and recent updates in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS: Split-dose bowel preparation is recommended, but recent studies show that same day, low-volume preparations are noninferior. Low-volume polyethylene glycol with electrolytes + ascorbic acid can achieve high-quality bowel preparation and 1-day, low-residue diets prior to colonoscopy, particularly prepackaged low-residue diets, can lead to better outcomes. Utilizing visual aids and artificial intelligence in the form of smartphone applications and quality prediction systems can also lead to higher rates of bowel preparation adequacy. SUMMARY: An individualized approach should be used to decide on the best preparation option for patients. Lower volume, same day preparations are available and lead to better patient tolerability and compliance, along with less stringent precolonoscopy diets. Smartphone applications and artificial intelligence will allow us to better educate and guide patients with regards to following preparation instructions.

Differences in the stability of the lesser and greater maxillary segments after cleft orthognathic surgery: A retrospective study using 3D analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine whether significant differences in postoperative stability exist between the lesser and the greater maxillary segments after cleft orthognathic surgery in patients with and without residual alveolar cleft. A retrospective study of orthognathic patients with unilateral cleft was conducted. The patients were divided into two groups according to maxillary status before surgery, with group 1 comprising single-piece maxilla and group 2 comprising two-piece maxilla. Four maxillary points were used for intra- and intergroup comparisons of movements and relapses between the two maxillary segments. In total, 24 patients were included. The intragroup comparison showed significant differences in vertical relapses between lesser and greater segments in both group 1 (anterior, p = 0.004 and posterior, p = 0.01) and group 2 (posterior, p = 0.013). With regard to intergroup comparison, the lesser segments in the two groups differed in transverse movements (anterior, p = 0.048) and relapses (posterior; p = 0.04), while the greater segments differed in transverse movements (anterior, p = 0.014 and posterior, p = 0.019), with significant differences in relapses anteriorly (vertical, p = 0.031 and sagittal, p = 0.036) and posteriorly (transverse, p = 0.022). Maxillary changes following cleft orthognathic surgery showed significant differences between the lesser and the greater segments. These findings imply that 3D images should be used to assess each maxillary segment separately with regard to planning and outcome evaluation.

Effect of the interval from GnRH administration after ovarian super-stimulation on the recovered oocytes, and effect of the transferred cloned blastocysts on the pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss in dromedary camel.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the number and maturity of the recovered oocytes after two intervals of in-vivo maturation. In addition to evaluating the effect of the developmental stage, as well as the number of cloned transferred blastocysts on the pregnancy rate and early pregnancy loss (EPL) in dromedary camel. The donor animals (n = 52) were super-stimulated using a single injection of 3000 IU of eCG followed by GnRH administration for oocyte maturation. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (OPU) either 24-26 h or 18-20 h after GnRH administration. A fewer number of COCs with a lower percentage of oocyte maturity was observed at 24-26 h in comparison to 18-20 h. The effect of the cloned blastocysts' transferred number and developmental stage on the pregnancy rate and EPL was investigated. The total pregnancy rates at 10 days post-ET, 1 and 2 months were 21.9, 12.4, and 8.6%, respectively. Transfer of two or 3-4 embryos per surrogate was accompanied with a higher pregnancy rate at 1 and 2 months than a single embryo transfer. Rates of EPL were 43.5 and 60.1% at 1 and 2 months of pregnancy, respectively. The transfer of two embryos per surrogate was associated with a lower rate of EPL than ET of a single embryo at 1 and 2 months of pregnancy. Also, the ET of 3-4 embryos per surrogate showed a higher rate of EPL than the ET of two embryos at 2 months of pregnancy. ET of hatching (HG) blastocysts showed higher pregnancy rates and fewer EPL than ET of unhatched (UH) or fully hatched (HD) cloned blastocysts at 1 and 2 months of pregnancy. In conclusion, a high number of in-vivo matured oocytes can be recovered by ultrasound-guided transvaginal OPU from super-stimulated females using 3000 IU eCG and an interval of 18-20 h after GnRH administration. The transfer of two hatching cloned blastocytes per surrogate increases the pregnancy rate and decreases EPL in dromedary camels.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Skeletal Stability following Surgery-First Orthognathic Approach: Validation of a Simple and Effective Method.

Background The three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery is a time-consuming and complex procedure. The complexity increases further when evaluating the surgery-first orthognathic approach (SFOA). Herein, we propose and validate a simple time-saving method of 3D analysis using a single software, demonstrating high accuracy and repeatability. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 12 patients with skeletal class 3 malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery without any presurgical orthodontics. Computed tomography (CT)/cone-beam CT images of each patient were obtained at three different time points (preoperation [T0], immediately postoperation [T1], and 1 year after surgery [T2]) and reconstructed into 3D images. After automatic surface-based alignment of the three models based on the anterior cranial base, five easily located anatomical landmarks were defined to each model. A set of angular and linear measurements were automatically calculated and used to define the amount of movement (T1-T0) and the amount of relapse (T2-T1). To evaluate the reproducibility, two independent observers processed all the cases, One of them repeated the steps after 2 weeks to assess intraobserver variability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Time required for evaluating each case was recorded. Results Both the intra- and interobserver variability showed high ICC values (more than 0.95) with low measurement variations (mean linear variations: 0.18 mm; mean angular variations: 0.25 degree). Time needed for the evaluation process ranged from 3 to 5 minutes. Conclusion This approach is time-saving, semiautomatic, and easy to learn and can be used to effectively evaluate stability after SFOA.

Artificial Intelligence in Colonoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field in gastrointestinal endoscopy, and its potential applications are virtually endless, with studies demonstrating use of AI for early gastric cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Barrett's esophagus, capsule endoscopy, as well as other areas in gastroenterology. Much of the early studies and applications of AI in gastroenterology have revolved around colonoscopy, particularly with regards to real-time polyp detection and characterization. This review will cover much of the existing data on computer-aided detection (CADe), computer-aided diagnosis (CADx), and briefly discuss some other interesting applications of AI for colonoscopy, while also considering some of the challenges and limitations that exist around the use of AI for colonoscopy. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple randomized controlled trials have now been published which show a statistically significant improvement when using AI to improve adenoma detection and reduce adenoma miss rates during colonoscopy. There is also a growing pool of literature showing that AI can be helpful for characterizing/diagnosing colorectal polyps in real time. AI has also shown promise in other areas of colonoscopy, including polyp sizing and automated measurement and monitoring of quality metrics during colonoscopy. AI is a promising tool that has the ability to shape the future of gastrointestinal endoscopy, with much of the early data showing significant benefits to use of AI during colonoscopy. However, there remain several challenges that may delay or hamper the widespread use of AI in the field.

Comparison between trans-vaginal and recto-vaginal techniques for transferring embryos in the dromedary camels.

The present study was conducted in two breeding seasons to compare the effect of two non-surgical techniques for embryo deposition intrauterine, trans-vaginal (TV) versus recto-vaginal (RV) techniques, on the pregnancy rate and early pregnancy loss (EPL) in dromedary camels. Embryos were collected from 70 donors and transferred to 210 recipients by TV (n = 256 transfers) or RV technique (n = 186 transfers). Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted on Day 10 after embryo transfer (ET) by using the progesterone-ELISA test and by trans-rectal ultrasonography at Day 60 of gestation. EPL was calculated as the recipients that were diagnosed pregnant on Day 10 post-ET and lost their pregnancy between Days 20-60 of their gestation. Using the RV technique in ET of a single embryo showed higher pregnancy rates at Day 19, especially with the embryos of folded, semi-transparent shapes, or those collected after superovulation with the recovery of >4 embryos per flush. While, the pregnancy rates at 60 days showed increases after ET with the RV technique of single, folded, transparent, and semi-transparent, medium-size embryos and/or those collected after superovulation with any number of the recovered embryos than those transferred by the TV technique. The rate of EPL was increased when the TV technique was used for ET of single, spherical, folded, semi-transparent, medium-sized embryos and those collected without or with the superovulation and recovery of >4 embryos per flush. In conclusion, using the RV technique to deposit the embryos intrauterine improves the pregnancy rate and reduces EPL compared to the TV technique.

Success of embryo transfer of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids: A first study.

This is the first study to test the embryo transfer (ET) of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids and produces a live calf from a dromedary recipient. Hybrid embryos were collected from 7 dromedary and 10 Bactrian donors, with or without ovarian super-stimulation, and transferred to dromedary recipients. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted on Day 10 post-ET by using the progesterone-ELISA test and trans-rectal ultrasonography at 1 and 2 months of gestation. The date of abortion, stillbirth, or normal calving for each pregnant recipient was recorded. Without ovarian super-stimulation, two and one recipients were pregnant at 10 days post-ET, from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary and ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian, respectively. While at 2 months of gestation, only one recipient was diagnosed pregnant from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary. Response to ovarian super-stimulation was successful in all 4 of the tested dromedary donors and in 8 out of 10 Bactrian donors. Additionally, 4 super-stimulated Bactrian donors (40%) showed failure of ovulation. The number of super-stimulated developed follicles and recovered embryos was higher in dromedary donors compared to Bactrian donors. Ten and two recipients were diagnosed pregnant at 10 days post-ET for ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary and ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian, respectively. At 2 months of gestation, the number of pregnant recipients from ♂ Bactrian X ♀ dromedary was reduced to eight, while the two pregnant recipients from ♂ dromedary X ♀ Bactrian remained pregnant. Total early pregnancy loss at 2 months gestation for all transferred hybrid embryos, obtained with or without ovarian super-stimulation, was 4/15 (26.6%). One healthy male calf was born from a recipient, with a total gestation period of 383 days, that received an embryo from a Bactrian male and a dromedary donor. Stillbirth was observed in six cases after 10.5-12 months of gestation and three cases aborted between 7 and 9 months of gestation due to trypanosomiasis. In conclusion, ET of hybrid embryos in Old World camelids is successful. However, further studies are required to improve the outcome of this technology to be used for meat and milk production in camels.

Are We Correctly Measuring Mandibular Stability After Surgery-First Approach? A Comparative Study Based on Novel 3-Dimensional Measurements.

Using traditional measures to assess mandibular stability after the surgery-first approach (SFA) may produce inaccurate results because unlike the conventional orthodontic-first approach (OFA), the main dental movements occur after surgery in SFA, which produce unavoidable mandibular movements, especially in cases with postsurgical premature dental contact. As these movements are part of the surgical-orthodontic plan, they should not be considered an actual relapse. In this study, to avoid postsurgical dental movement effects, the authors used the relationship between proximal and distal mandibular segments to evaluate stability after SFA. Four easily located points on computerized tomography/cone-beam computerized tomography reconstructed 3-dimensional images were used to calculate 4 measurements between proximal and distal mandibular segments across the osteotomy line in two matched groups of patients (SFA and OFA) at 3 different time points (before, immediately after, and 1 year after the surgery). A high level of skeletal stability was found in the SFA group, with changes 1 year after surgery not exceeding 0.5 mm. The SFA was as skeletally stable as OFA, and the mandibular counterclockwise rotation after surgery was related to the planned dental movements and not the instability of the surgery itself. To avoid the illusion of this preplanned relapse, stability should be measured as a relation between proximal and distal mandibular segments, across the osteotomy and fixation line, and not as a relation between maxillary and mandibular landmarks or between the mandible and facial planes as classically described.

A novel, patented method for semen collection in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

In the current article, a developed, patented method denoted the 'Camel Semen Collection Kit-CSCK', was designed to solve the problem of semen collection in dromedary camels. CSCK is composed of three main parts: (1) Semen collection sac: made from supersensitive flexible low-density polyethylene- (LDPE); (2) Metal stainless steel applicator: designed to introduce the collection sac intravaginally and fixate it to the vaginal wall of a female camel through air insufflation; (3) Fixation sticker: a cushion sheet sticker is used to secure the outer portion of the collection sac to the female's perineal area. Semen was collected twice a week from eight dromedary bulls by using electroejaculation (EJ), artificial vagina (AV) and CSCK. Successful semen collections were 81.3%, 84.4% and 43.8% using EJ, CSCK and AV techniques respectively. Semen obtained by EJ technique showed lower semen volume, gross activity, sperm concentration, total sperm motility and percentage of live sperm cells compared to the other two techniques. Semen collected by CSCK showed a longer collection period and higher volume, gross activity, sperm motility and percentage of live spermatozoa and a lower rate of visible contamination compared to AV technique. The advantages and disadvantages of the three techniques were compared and discussed. In conclusion, CSCK represents a practical and easy method to reliably collect high-quality semen from any untrained male dromedary camel and may facilitate the widespread application of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) on a large scale in this species.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Colonoscopy Surveillance After Polyp Removal: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at improving polyp detection have been shown to increase the adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy. However, it is unknown how increased polyp detection rates by AI affect the burden of patient surveillance after polyp removal. METHODS: We conducted a pooled analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (5 in China, 2 in Italy, 1 in Japan, and 1 in the United States) comparing colonoscopy with or without AI detection aids. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients recommended to undergo intensive surveillance (ie, 3-year interval). We analyzed intervals for AI and non-AI colonoscopies for the U.S. and European recommendations separately. We estimated proportions by calculating relative risks using the Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: A total of 5796 patients (51% male, mean 53 years of age) were included; 2894 underwent AI-assisted colonoscopy and 2902 non-AI colonoscopy. When following U.S. guidelines, the proportion of patients recommended intensive surveillance increased from 8.4% (95% CI, 7.4%-9.5%) in the non-AI group to 11.3% (95% CI, 10.2%-12.6%) in the AI group (absolute difference, 2.9% [95% CI, 1.4%-4.4%]; risk ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.57]). When following European guidelines, it increased from 6.1% (95% CI, 5.3%-7.0%) to 7.4% (95% CI, 6.5%-8.4%) (absolute difference, 1.3% [95% CI, 0.01%-2.6%]; risk ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.01-1.47]). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AI during colonoscopy increased the proportion of patients requiring intensive colonoscopy surveillance by approximately 35% in the United States and 20% in Europe (absolute increases of 2.9% and 1.3%, respectively). While this may contribute to improved cancer prevention, it significantly adds patient burden and healthcare costs.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for nodular Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Although Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) was proven superior to Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) in achieving higher complete remission rates for neoplastic Barrett's Esophagus (BE), its safety with Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) remains unstudied. We share our experience with ESD + RFA for nodular BE eradication. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients ≥18-years with nodular BE who underwent ESD + RFA between September 2015 and December 2020 at our tertiary center. Patients with advanced adenocarcinoma requiring esophagectomy were excluded. Primary outcomes included adverse events (AE) rates and complete eradication rates for adenocarcinoma (CE-EAC), dysplasia (CE-D), and intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). Secondary outcomes included local recurrence rates following eradication. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included with a total of 22 ESDs performed and a median of 2 RFA sessions-per-patient [IQR: 1.25, 3]. Sixteen patients were males and/or white (88.9%) with a median BMI of 29.75 kg/m2 [IQR: 26.9, 31.5]. Fourteen patients had long-segment BE (77.7%) while 16 had hiatal hernias (88.9%). Median resection size was 12.1 cm2 [IQR: 5.6, 20.2]. AEs included one intraprocedural micro-perforation (4.5%) and 4 strictures (22.2%), only one of which developed post-RFA. All AEs were successfully treated endoscopically. Over a median of 42.5 months [IQR: 28, 59.25], CE-EAC was achieved in 13 patients (100%), CE-D in 15 patients (100%), and CE-IM in 14 patients (77.8%). Following eradication, 2 patients had recurrent dysplasia (2/15, 13.3%) and one had recurrent intestinal metaplasia (1/14, 7.1%). CONCLUSION: In high-risk patients with long-segment neoplastic BE requiring extensive endoscopic resection, ESD + RFA offers excellent complete eradication rates with rare additional adverse events by RFA. Standard endoscopic surveillance following eradication remains important.

Using Natural Language Processing to Automatically Identify Dysplasia in Pathology Reports for Patients With Barrett's Esophagus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Identifying dysplasia of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in the electronic medical record (EMR) requires manual abstraction of unstructured data. Natural language processing (NLP) creates structure to unstructured free text. We aimed to develop and validate an NLP algorithm to identify dysplasia in BE patients on histopathology reports with varying report formats in a large integrated EMR system. METHODS: We randomly selected 600 pathology reports for NLP development and 400 reports for validation from patients with suspected BE in the national Veterans Affairs databases. BE and dysplasia were verified by manual review of the pathology reports. We used NLP software (Clinical Language Annotation, Modeling, and Processing Toolkit; Melax Tech, Houston, TX) to develop an algorithm to identify dysplasia using findings. The algorithm performance characteristics were calculated as recall, precision, accuracy, and F-measure. RESULTS: In the development set of 600 patients, 457 patients had confirmed BE (60 with dysplasia). The NLP identified dysplasia with 98.0% accuracy, 91.7% recall, and 93.2% precision, with an F-measure of 92.4%. All 7 patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia were classified by the algorithm as having dysplasia. Among the 400 patients in the validation cohort, 230 had confirmed BE (39 with dysplasia). Compared with manual review, the NLP algorithm identified dysplasia with 98.7% accuracy, 92.3% recall, and 100.0% precision, with an F-measure of 96.0%. CONCLUSIONS: NLP yielded a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy for identifying dysplasia from diverse types of pathology reports for patients with BE. The application of this algorithm would facilitate research and clinical care in an EMR system with text reports in large data repositories.

Deep Learning Computer-aided Polyp Detection Reduces Adenoma Miss Rate: A United States Multi-center Randomized Tandem Colonoscopy Study (CADeT-CS Trial).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided polyp detection (CADe) systems are intended to address the issue of missed polyps during colonoscopy. The effect of CADe during screening and surveillance colonoscopy has not previously been studied in a United States (U.S.) population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multi-center, single-blind randomized tandem colonoscopy study to evaluate a deep-learning based CADe system (EndoScreener, Shanghai Wision AI, China). Patients were enrolled across 4 U.S. academic medical centers from 2019 through 2020. Patients presenting for colorectal cancer screening or surveillance were randomized to CADe colonoscopy first or high-definition white light (HDWL) colonoscopy first, followed immediately by the other procedure in tandem fashion by the same endoscopist. The primary outcome was adenoma miss rate (AMR), and secondary outcomes included sessile serrated lesion (SSL) miss rate and adenomas per colonoscopy (APC). RESULTS: A total of 232 patients entered the study, with 116 patients randomized to undergo CADe colonoscopy first and 116 patients randomized to undergo HDWL colonoscopy first. After the exclusion of 9 patients, the study cohort included 223 patients. AMR was lower in the CADe-first group compared with the HDWL-first group (20.12% [34/169] vs 31.25% [45/144]; odds ratio [OR], 1.8048; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0780-3.0217; P = .0247). SSL miss rate was lower in the CADe-first group (7.14% [1/14]) vs the HDWL-first group (42.11% [8/19]; P = .0482). First-pass APC was higher in the CADe-first group (1.19 [standard deviation (SD), 2.03] vs 0.90 [SD, 1.55]; P = .0323). First-pass ADR was 50.44% in the CADe-first group and 43.64 % in the HDWL-first group (P = .3091). CONCLUSION: In this U.S. multicenter tandem colonoscopy randomized controlled trial, we demonstrate a decrease in AMR and SSL miss rate and an increase in first-pass APC with the use of a CADe-system when compared with HDWL colonoscopy alone.

Risk prediction rule for advanced neoplasia on screening colonoscopy for average-risk individuals.

BACKGROUND: In resource-limited countries, risk stratification can be used to optimize colorectal cancer screening. Few prospective risk prediction models exist for advanced neoplasia (AN) in true average-risk individuals. AIM: To create and internally validate a risk prediction model for detection of AN in average-risk individuals. METHODS: Prospective study of asymptomatic individuals undergoing first screening colonoscopy. Detailed characteristics including diet, exercise and medications were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to elucidate risk factors for AN (adenoma ≥1 cm, villous histology, high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma). The model was validated through bootstrapping, and discrimination and calibration of the model were assessed. RESULTS: 980 consecutive individuals (51% F; 49% M) were enrolled. Adenoma and AN detection rates were 36.6% (F 29%: M 45%; P < 0.001) and 5.1% (F 3.8%; M 6.5%) respectively. On multivariate analysis, predictors of AN [OR (95%CI)] were age [1.036 (1.00-1.07); P = 0.048], BMI [overweight 2.21 (0.98-5.00); obese 3.54 (1.48-8.50); P = 0.018], smoking [< 40 pack-years 2.01 (1.01-4.01); ≥ 40 pack-years 3.96 (1.86-8.42); P = 0.002], and daily red meat consumption [2.02 (0.92-4.42) P = 0.079]. Nomograms of AN risk were developed in terms of risk factors and age separately for normal, overweight and obese individuals. The model had good discrimination and calibration. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of adenoma and AN in average-risk Lebanese individuals is similar to the West. Age, smoking, and BMI are important predictors of AN, with obesity being particularly powerful. Though external validation is needed, this model provides an important platform for improved risk-stratification for screening programs in regions where universal screening is not currently employed.

Factors affecting pregnancy rates and pregnancy losses after embryo transfer in dromedary camels.

The present study was conducted to estimate incidence of late embryonic and early fetal mortalities (LEM/EFM) after embryo transfer (ET) and to investigate factors that could affect proportions of LEM/EFM in dromedary camels. The uteri of 180 donors were flushed at Day 9 post-mating and 1309 ETs were conducted in 886 recipient females in two breeding seasons (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted at Day 10 after ET (Day 19 of gestation) by using the progesterone-ELISA test and by transrectal ultrasonography at Day 60 of gestation. Pregnancy rates at Days 19 and 60 and proportions of LEM/EFM were 54.5%, 34.1%, and 37.5%, respectively. Using logistic regression analysis for evaluations, shape of embryos had an effect (P < 0.01) on pregnancy rates at Days 19 and 60. Also, number of recovered embryos per uterine flushing and breeding season (year) had an effect (P < 0.05) on pregnancy rates at Day 19 and 60, respectively. Regarding rate of LEM and EFM, size of embryos and year of ET had effects (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) on the values for these variables. In conclusion, there is a marked occurrence of LEM/EFM in recipient females between Days 20 and 60 of gestation in dromedary camels. The pregnancy rate after ET might be affected by the shape and number of recovered embryos and the year. In addition, the rate of LEM/EFM after ET might be affected by the year and size of the embryos.

Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in 2020: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future.

PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the USA. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and can offer both diagnosis and therapy. The bowel preparation remains a significant barrier for patients who need to undergo colonoscopy and is often cited as the most dreaded aspect of the colonoscopy process. Inadequate bowel preparations still occur in 10-25% of colonoscopies, and this in turn can lead to increased procedural times, lower cecal intubation rates, and shorter interval between colonoscopies. From a quality standpoint, it is imperative that we do what we can to decrease the rate of inadequate bowel preparations. This review will focus on recent data regarding bowel preparation and offers a glimpse into what may be coming in the future. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in the field have been made to improve tolerability of bowel preparations and allow for more adequate colonoscopies. Newer, lower volume, flavored preparations, the use of adjuncts, and using split-dose preparations all can help with tolerability, compliance, and, in turn, preparation quality. Edible bowel preparations may become available in the near future. Early data on the use of artificial intelligence for assessment of preparation quality has been promising. Additionally, utilization of smartphone technology for education prior to the bowel preparation has also been shown to improve the adequacy of bowel preparations. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing efforts to improve the tolerability and palatability of colonoscopy bowel preparations are important from a quality improvement standpoint to ensure the adequacy of colonoscopy. Incorporating patient-specific factors and comorbidities is also an essential aspect of improving the quality of bowel preparation. Leveraging technology to better communicate with and educate patients on the bowel preparation process is likely to play a larger role in the coming years.