bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery and adaptation of microbes that degrade oxidized low-density polyethylene films
Authors: Jha Amit K , Martinez Daniella V , Martinez Estevan J , Salinas Jay E , Kent Michael S , Davydovich Oleg 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

There is a growing interest in developing a methodology for effectively cleaving carbon–carbon (C–C) bonds in polymer backbones through bioconversion processes that utilize microorganisms and their enzymes. This upsurge of interest is driven by the goal of achieving a circular economy. Polyolefin post-consumer plastics are a substantial source of carbon, but the recycling potential is severely limited. Upcycling routes are needed for converting polyolefin post-consumer plastics into value-added products while concurrently mitigating adverse environmental effects. These materials contain carbon-based chemicals that can, in principle, serve as the feedstock for microbial metabolism. Some microbes have been reported to grow on polyolefin plastics, but the rate of biodegradation is insufficient for industrial processes. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were subjected to two mild ozone-based oxidation treatments, which facilitated biodegradation. The degree of oxidation was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy via analysis of the carbonyl index (1,710/1,460 cm−1), which ranged from 0.3 to 2.0, and also via analysis of the carboxylic acid content. Following oxidation of the films, studies were conducted to investigate the ability of a panel of polyvinyl alcohol-degrading microbes to degrade the oxidized films. A defined minimal medium was used to cultivate and assess microbial growth on the oxidized films. Following 45 days of cultivation, the most effective strains were further cultivated up to three additional generations on the oxidized film substrates to improve their ability to degrade the oxidized LDPE films. After these enrichments, we identified a strain from the third generation of Pseudomonas sp. Rh926 that exhibited significant cell growth and reduced the oxidized LDPE film mass by 25% in 30 days, demonstrating an enhanced capacity for degrading the oxidized LDPE films.

One-Sentence Summary
Discovery and adaptation techniques were used to enhance the metabolic capability of microorganisms for increased biodegradation of ozone-oxidized LDPE films as a step toward a future upcycling process.
Online pharmacy shopping in Southern Vietnam: a cross-sectional study
Authors: De Tran Van , Ho Thanh Phat , Nguyen Diep Huy Phong , Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi , Nguyen Phuong Nhi , Vo Quang Loc Duyen , Nguyen Thi Hai Yen , Tu Anh Vo Thi , Ngo Tran Ai Linh , Pham Duy Toan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
With the rapid internet development, online pharmacy shopping has become a popular activity worldwide. Nevertheless, limited studies have reported this issue in Vietnam. Thus, this research explored the prevalence, associated factors, attitudes, behaviors, and satisfaction related to online pharmaceutical purchasing among customers in Southern Vietnam, as well as to predict factors associated with online pharmacy use.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022 in the southern provinces of Vietnam. Participants were recruited from public health-related Facebook groups via a self-administered questionnaire link. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Key findings
Out of 557 survey respondents, 38.2% reported having purchased pharmaceuticals online, with dietary supplements (82.2%) being the most bought products. The respondents who were &gt;25 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.527; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–6.372), having prior online shopping experience for non-pharmaceutical consumer products (aOR = 3.076; 95% CI: 1.252–7.561), and possessing positive attitude toward online pharmacy shopping (aOR = 2.886; 95% CI: 2.027–4.110), were more likely to purchase online pharmaceuticals. A quarter of respondents reported experiencing adverse effects from the products bought online (25.8%). Additionally, compared with the traditional pharmacy, the respondents were more satisfied with the product diversity (77%) but less satisfied with the consultancy activities (44.6%) when buying drugs online.

Conclusions
The study revealed that purchasing pharmaceutical products online was somewhat common among the survey participants, which highlights the need for improved consultancy activities in online pharmacies in Vietnam.
Clinical Impact of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients With Cancer and Suspected Respiratory Infections
Authors: Whitehurst Daniel , Otto William , Verkamp Bethany , Paulsen Grant , Danziger-Isakov Lara , Miller-Handley Hilary 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Respiratory infections cause a significant amount of morbidity and mortality in pediatric and young adult patients with malignancy. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is frequently utilized in the diagnostic process, but which patients would most benefit is poorly understood.

Methods
A retrospective study from 2013 to 2022 examined patients with active malignancy who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL. Positive and negative clinical impacts were assessed by 3 independent reviewers according to predetermined criteria. Mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with positive and negative clinical impact.

Results
In total, 145 bronchoscopies met inclusion criteria with a median patient age of 12 years (interquartile range 5-17). A total of 30.3% of bronchoscopies had a positive clinical impact with 17.2% leading to a new diagnosis, most commonly Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) (7.6%). Comparatively, 18.6% had a negative clinical impact, most commonly from a procedural complication (13.1%). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) initiation for treatment of suspected PJP prior to BAL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.20, 95% CI 1.32-95.29) was associated with positive clinical impact. Requirement for ICU-level care (aOR 18.85, 95% CI 3.60-98.69) or oxygen supplementation by nasal cannula prior to BAL (aOR 18.41, 95% CI 4.78-70.95) were associated with negative clinical impact while prior invasive ventilation (aOR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.58) was associated with the absence of negative clinical impact.

Conclusions
Patients with potential respiratory infections with high clinical suspicion for PJP who had been started on treatment TMP-SMX prior to BAL benefit most from bronchoscopy with BAL. Patients intubated prior to BAL who were deemed clinically safe for bronchoscopy tolerated the procedure better than those in the ICU not requiring intubation or those requiring supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula.
Living long and prospering: a Q&A special
Authors: Britten Anna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This issue we decided to expand our usual back page Q&A into a celebration of some of the oldest statisticians we could find. The four formidable interviewees, drawn from the memberships of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), American Statistical Association (ASA) and Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), grew up during the Second World War, witnessed some of the world’s most seismic shifts, and through their brilliance and dedication to their work have made a positive difference not just to the discipline of statistics but to the wider world – from democracy to health care. We thank them all.
(168) SPURIOUS SPOUT: ANTIMICROBIAL PRACTICES DURING IPP INSERTION – SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Calopedos R , Suarez-Sarmiento A , Perito P 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Penile prosthesis infection (PPI) remains a serious complication for men undergoing implant surgery with potentially devastating sequelae. Historically, PPI were noted to be predominantly gram-positive, such as coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species. More recently, top 3 PPI-isolated pathogens identified were Escherichia coli (18.3%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (15%), and Candida (11.1%). Fear that inhibizone and liberal use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be contributing to a new PPI organism profile and resistance patterns, antiseptic solutions have recently re-emerged. Irrisept is an FDA-approved off-the-shelf product, containing 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), has recently been heavily marketed. Promising in-vitro results have swayed some implanting surgeons to change their practice.

Objective
To detail our experience and results after completely switching to Irrisept during virgin IPP implantation.

Methods
This is a retrospective review of primary IPP cases that were performed by one surgeon in the same outpatient center. Between September and November 2023, Irrisept completely substituted the usual solution of Gentamicin, Vancomycin and Amphotericin B or Fluconazole for both device “dipping” and intraoperative irrigation. All other procedures, including pre-operative scrub and IV antibiotics on induction, remained unchanged. The outcomes of these patients were compared to those undergoing primary IPP in the preceding 9 months when the routine protocol was used (November 2022 – August 2023). Presented outcomes represent follow-up from date of primary implant to 31st May 2024.

Results
In the 3 months that Irrisept was used, 60 primary implants were performed and two became infected (3.3%). Both manifested with pain and purulent exudate egress from their infrapubic wounds. Both underwent successful salvage to malleable prosthesis. Only one case yielded a positive wound culture, growing Klebsiella pneumoniae (pan-sensitive, except to Ampicillin). In contrast, 243 primary implants were performed in the 9 months prior without any infection (0%).

Conclusions
The in-vitro claims of Irrisept, with respect to Kinetic-Kill Time and logarithmic reduction in bacterial/fungal colony counts, did not translate to our in-vivo experience. Further multicenter studies are necessary to interrogate the use of this product in prosthetic urology.

Disclosure
No.
(174) THE USE OF THE 75CC CLOVERLEAF PENILE IMPLANT RESERVOIR AS A STANDARD FOR ALL CYLINDER LENGTHS, INCLUDING LONG CYLINDERS
Authors: Mahdi M , Majzoub A , Wang R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The Titan inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) utilizes a Cloverleaf reservoir system that comes in two different sizes: 75 cc and 125 cc. The larger reservoir is used for longer cylinders, and in such cases, patients need more time and efforts to inflate the device. Moreover, Larger reservoirs might be associated with higher incidence of reservoir palpability and discomfort especially in the cases of ectopic placement.

Objective
We aim to evaluate the outcome of a technique utilizing the 75 cc reservoir for all cylinder sizes, in which larger cylinders are partially filled with 10-30 cc of saline to compensate for the needed amount of saline.

Methods
Patients who underwent Titan Coloplast IPP using 75 cc reservoir were included. They were classified into group 1 {cylinders shorter than 20 cm (n = 104)} and group 2 {cylinders of 20 cm and longer (n = 107)}. Data regarding patients’ characteristics, surgical details and procedure outcomes including complication rates and patient satisfaction were retrieved. Patients’ satisfaction was reported using The Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) score. Baseline characteristics and complication rates were compared using Chi-square test. T-test was used to evaluate the difference in the satisfaction rate between the 2 groups.

Results
There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regards to patients’ baseline data. (table 1). During follow up, the overall early and late complication rates among both groups were 1.5% and 7.6% respectively. 16 patients developed late complications, including mechanical failure (n = 11), corporal erosion (n = 2), cold glans (n = 2) and chronic pain (n = 1). Comparing the early & late complication rates between the two groups, there was no statistically significant differences (P = 0.386 and P = 0.753 respectively). While the mechanical failure rate was higher among group1 (6.7% vs. 3.7%), the difference was not statistically significant. The satisfaction score means were 93.5% and 87% for patients in group 1 and group2 respectively, the difference didn’t reach a statistically significance level. (P = 0.25).

Conclusions
Using 75 cc IPP reservoir for large cylinders with the addition of extra amount of saline to the cylinders is feasible with no significant negative outcome. Using such technique achieves easier and faster device inflation, associated with less chance of reservoir palpability and bothersome, and might help to give more options for reservoir placement location.

Disclosure
No.
(183) MACROPHAGE-DERIVED TLR9 ACTIVATION ON INFLAMMATION, VASCULAR AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: PERSPECTIVES FOR TREATING COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY AND DIABETES
Authors: Tomazini Goncalves T , Vieira Dos Santos C , Rodrigues Dos Passos R , Dos Anjos Moraes R , Atube K , S Carneiro F , Clinton Webb R , Michael Gower R , Priviero F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Obesity represents a significant risk factor for various ailments like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, alongside complications such as sexual dysfunction, which is linked to inflammation even in the absence of cardiovascular problems. Recently our group described that inhibiting TNF-α production in macrophage-specific-TLR9-mutant mice subjected to a high-fat diet prevented sexual dysfunction, underscoring the involvement of macrophage-derived TLR9 activation on the etiology of obesity-induced ED. The augmented adipose tissue levels in obesity result in increased macrophage levels, indicating that modulation of the inflammatory response of these macrophages could serve as an alternative therapeutic approach for sexual dysfunction.

Objective
This investigation tested the hypothesis that TLR9 activation through the agonist ODN2395 will increase the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in macrophages, and in turn, these cytokines negatively alter vascular reactivity and corpus cavernosum functionality in mice.

Methods
The cytokine profile secreted by macrophages was evaluated by culturing mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) incubated with 1uM of ODN2395. After 24 hours of incubation, the supernatant was collected for Elisa analysis. To address vascular and cavernosal reactivity, the pudendal artery and corpus cavernosum were harvested from C57BL/6 J mice and incubated with ODN2395, in the presence or the absence of BMDM. After 24 hours of incubation, dose–response curves were generated for acetylcholine and phenylephrine.

Results
Stimulation of BMDM with ODN2395 led to a dose-dependent increase in TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, with the highest concentration (1uM) elevating the expression of inflammatory proteins derived from macrophages. In the pudendal artery, there was an enhancement in the maximal contractile response to phenylephrine in the presence of ODN2395 (VHC 8.114 +/- 0.71 vs ODN 12.515 +/-1.228; Mφ 10.113 +/- 0.674 vs Mφ + ODN 13.983 +/- 0.916), while no impact was observed on vascular relaxation. Within the corpus cavernosum, there was a tendency towards an increased maximal contractile response to phenylephrine following incubation with ODN2395, yet no effect was noted on acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Incubation with BMDM did not affect pudendal artery or cavernosal reactivity.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that macrophage-derived TLR9 activation by ODN2395 induces cytokine release from macrophages, however, vascular and cavernosal reactivity were impaired by ODN2395 independent of macrophages, suggesting that tissue activation of TLR9 may also play a role in the pathophysiology of ED.

Disclosure
No.
(193) HOW MUCH OF THE GENITAL AREA CAN PEOPLE ACTUALLY SEE DIRECTLY WITH THEIR OWN EYES? AN ASSESSMENT OF GENITAL VISUAL FIELDS IMPORTANT FOR CISGENDER AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE
Authors: Lin J , Dadashian E , Sandhu S , Mallavarapu S , Smith S , Garcia M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The genitals are an area which can be predisposed to the development of a variety of lesions. Many conditions such as infections, genital pain and wound care require patients to assess their genitalia. Urologic, Gynaecologic, and other surgeons who operate on the genital area, as well as Primary Care Physicians assume that patients can see this area clearly to monitor this area for changes. However, no literature to date assesses how much of the genital area is commonly visible.

Objective
We aimed to: 1) Query both individuals with natal birth anatomy and transgender individuals post-gender-affirming surgery the extent of genital visibility on their own bodies without the aid of a mirror or camera, and: 2) Query whether patient age and BMI predict visibility in genital sub-fields.

Methods
195 individuals completed an anonymous survey (82 cisgender women; 89 cisgender men; and 12 transgender women; 12 transgender men) for this study. No subjects had visual or physical deficits. Each was shown an anatomic illustration with genital anatomy subdivided into various subfields (Fig. 1a, b). Subjects identified each field they are able to see with their own eyes, on their body, without the aid of a camera or mirror. Age, and BMI were recorded. Logistic regression was performed for visibility based upon age and BMI.

Results
Average visibility decreased more posteriorly on the visual field for all genders. A majority of men were able to see to the level of their scrotum, and visibility precipitously decreased posterior to the clitoris for women. For cisgender women, 44-91% could not see their vulva below their clitoris. For cisgender men, 23-82% could not see below their scrotum. With increasing BMI, visibility significantly decreased starting at the penile glans for men. Interestingly, BMI was not a significant predictor of field-visibility for women (Fig. 1c, d).

Conclusions
Visibility of the genital area is limited posterior to the clitoris among women and posterior to the lower half of the scrotum among men respectively. BMI is only noted to be significant in cisgender men. This is the first study to describe how much of the genital area is directly visible to patients.

Disclosure
No.
(204) INITIATING HIGH-DOSE ORAL TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE THERAPY IN HYPOGONADAL MEN: SAFETY, EFFICACY, AND PATIENT SATISFACTION
Authors: Vo J , Yoon G , Sun AY 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Hypogonadism in men is commonly treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Kyzatrex (Marius Pharmaceuticals), a novel oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) formulation, is conventionally initiated at a dose of 200 mg BID. However, many patients attain greater symptomatic benefit at higher doses. In our practice we often initiate therapy at a starting dose of 400 mg BID. This retrospective chart review examines the outcomes of initiating therapy at 400 mg BID.

Objective
Retrospectively report the safety, efficacy, patient satisfaction, and adherence of starting hypogonadal men on oral TU at the maximum available dose of 400 mg BID.

Methods
This retrospective, single-center chart review included hypogonadal men treated with oral TU at 400 mg BID from August 2023 to April 2024. Medical records were reviewed for baseline and follow-up levels of serum total testosterone (TT), sex hormone binding globin (SHBG), calculated free testosterone (fT), Estradiol, Hematocrit (Hct), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Satisfaction was subjectively recorded in the medical record and adherence was measured by prescription refill records.

Results
A total of 27 patients met the inclusion criteria and had complete data. At a mean follow up time of 6 months, patients demonstrated a significant increase in TT (263 to 798 ng/dL), drop in SHBG (32.4 to 17.83 nmol/L), and increase in calculated fT (7.24 to 26.74 ng/dL). FSH and LH, while lower, were maintained at non-zero levels (FSH from 5.7 to 2.9 mIU/mL and LH from 3.3 to 1.9 mIU/mL). Estradiol modestly increased (20.5 to 24.7 pg/mL) while hematocrit did not significantly increase (44.9% to 47.4%). No patients reported testicular atrophy or were initiated on aromatase inhibitors. One patient had a hematocrit rise above 52% (53.2%) and was reduced to 300 mg BID. Patient reported side effects were rare with 2 patients (7.4%) reporting transient GI upset. Subjective patient satisfaction was high, with 26/27 (96%) of patients reporting improvement in symptoms and continuing on therapy. One patient opted to convert to testosterone cypionate injections instead.

Conclusions
Initiating oral TU therapy with Kyzatrex at 400 mg BID is safe and effective in achieving therapeutic serum testosterone levels. The high dose was well-tolerated and resulted in substantial symptom improvement, high patient satisfaction, and adherence. These findings support considering a higher starting dose for hypogonadal men considering oral TU therapy.

Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Senior author serves as consultant for Marius Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific, Endo Pharmaceuticals.