bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superiority of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Over mpMRI for Lateral Diagnosis of Intra-Glandular Prostate Cancer Lesions: Avoiding Fluke Targeting
Authors: Wang Min , Quan Zhiyong , Xin Keke , Li Guiyu , Ma Taoqi , Wang Junling , Qin Weijun , Wang Jing , Kang Fei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in detecting unilateral and bilateral intra-glandular prostate cancer lesions.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 prostate cancer patients diagnosed via biopsy, all of whom underwent both 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and mpMRI prior to surgery. Two independent readers, blinded to each other’s results and to pathology findings, evaluated the imaging modalities to make a lateral diagnosis of suspected prostate lesions. Histopathological findings from a 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy and radical prostatectomy served as reference standards. The accuracy of both imaging modalities in determining unilateral and bilateral intra-glandular prostate cancer was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Additionally, factors influencing diagnostic discordance between the two modalities were evaluated.
Results
A total of 73 patients were included in the final analysis, comprising 34 with unilateral lesions and 39 with bilateral lesions. Among these, 35 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, revealing 22 cases of bilateral lesions and 13 cases of unilateral lesions (Kappa = 0.76 (P < 0.001). The lateral diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, based on pathological results from biopsy or prostatectomy, was 80.82% (59/73) and 82.86% (29/35), respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of mpMRI, which demonstrated an accuracy of 54.79% (40/73, P<0.001) and 40% (14/35, P<0.001), respectively. Concordance between 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and mpMRI for the lateral diagnosis was poor (kappa = 0.015, P < 0.05). When both imaging modalities provided consistent lateralization results (39/73), concordance with pathological findings reached 87.18% (34/39). However, concordance with pathological results was significantly higher for 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (76.47%, 26/34) compared to mpMRI (20.59%, 7/34). Further analysis revealed that an SUVmax > 3.95 for 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and a PI-RADS score ≥ 4 for mpMRI were independent factors influencing lateral diagnostic concordance.
Conclusion
The 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than mpMRI in the lateral diagnosis of intra-glandular prostate cancer. There was considerable inconsistency in the diagnostic outcomes between 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and mpMRI, and in cases of discordance, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT was notably more accurate. SUVmax ≥ 3.95 and PI-RADS score ≥ 4 were critical factors influencing the correct lateral diagnosis when the results from 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and mpMRI were inconsistent.
Prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure, glycaemic control and associated factors among patients with diabetes and hypertension in primary health care facilities in Ghana: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hinneh Thomas , Mensah Bernard , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Bayuo Jonathan , Donkoh Emmanuel Timmy , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and are common indications for adult in-patient admissions in Ghana. Primary health facility data on blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control are needed to model the impact of strategies to reduce the high burden of NCDs in Africa.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Ghana, from January 2023 to July 2023. Glycemic control was defined as fasting blood glucose <7.0 mm/L, and BP control as <140/90 mmHg, per Ministry of Health treatment guideline. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between patient or facility-level factors and optimal BP and glycemic control.
Results
Among the 1,503 adults in the study, 1,194 (79%) were women, mean age of 63 years (±13.1). Participants were mostly females (1194; 79.1%), and had at least primary level education (324; 21.5%). Most participants (866; 57.6%) had hypertension, both hypertension and diabetes mellitus (506; 33.6%), and (131; 9%) had diabetes mellitus. Median systolic blood pressure was 141.7 mmHg (IQR: 130.0-153.6), and median diastolic blood pressure was 80.7 mmHg (IQR: 75.0 to 88.0), both higher in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Suboptimal BP and glycaemic control were found in 58% (95% CI: 55.6%–60.7%) and 72% (95% CI: 68.4%–75.6%) of participants, respectively. Complications affected 14.5% of patients, with peripheral neuropathy in 9%, higher in patients with only diabetes (17.6%), and 4% for retinopathy. In multivariate analysis, lower education (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07–2.04, p = 0.02) and having comorbidities (AOR = 5.56, 95% CI: 4.28–7.21, p < 0.001) were associated with suboptimal BP control. For suboptimal glycemic control, associated factors included the presence of complications (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02–2.89, p = 0.004), primary education (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.06–3.25, p = 0.01), and age over 60 (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01–2.08, p = 0.04)
Conclusions
Populations with hypertension and diabetes mellitus require a more patient-centered approach to intensive treatment strategies to achieve optimal BP and glycaemic levels targets.
Overcoming Refractory Ischaemic Priapism: The Emergence of Penoscrotal Decompression
Authors: Mubarak Mohamed , Isa Qasim , Hayes John , Pearce Ian , Modgil Vaibhav 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Penoscrotal decompression (PSD) has emerged as a promising surgical intervention for refractory ischemic priapism, involving proximal corporotomies and the drainage of ischemic blood. Initial outcomes have shown high success rates in achieving detumescence, low recurrence rates, and relatively good preservation of erectile function. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate PSD's effectiveness across three key metrics: detumescence, prevention of recurrence, and erectile function preservation. A systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, identified 11 publications that met the inclusion criteria. They encompassed five case reports, four abstracts, and two observational cohort studies, with data on 97 patients who presented with refractory ischemic priapism. Notably, around half (44.3%) of the patients had conventional distal shunts prior to PSD. Overall following PSD, detumescence was achieved in 92% (CI 95%, 0.84 to 0.95). Post-PSD recurrence of priapism occurred in 12% (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.21). Erectile function was preserved in 51% of the patients who had follow-up (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.61). These findings inform us that PSD proves to be a viable and effective surgical option for refractory ischaemic priapism with a key feature being better sexual function preservation outcomes. Given the paucity of data, further larger scale prospective studies of robust designs are still necessary to better establish PSD’s role within the treatment algorithm for refractory ischaemic priapism.
Genotyping HPV 16 and 18 in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Uncovering HIV as a Key Risk Factor in a Ugandan Cohort
Authors: Biira Annah Margret , Kintu Christopher , Nkamba Eriab , Kamulegeya Adrian , Louis Muwazi , Odida Michael 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with oral (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) involving several risk factors in different parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with high-risk HPV 16 and HPV 18 among patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who attended Mulago Hospital, Uganda from 2010–2015.
Methods
This was a retrospective study in which 174 tissue blocks confirmed with oral and oral pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrieved from the archives. The corresponding medical charts of the patients were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Sections of the tissue blocks were reconfirmed for OSCC& OPSCC by staining with H&E. The samples were genotyped for HPV 16, 18 using Multiplex PCR techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results
All 174 samples were confirmed positive for OSCC & OPSCC. HPV DNA was positive in 128 individuals, 46 tested negative. HPV 16 occurred in 55 (32%) subjects and HPV 18 occurred in 37 (21%). Double infection was present in 36 individuals (21%). HIV was the only risk factor significantly associated with HPV 16 associated OSCC& OPSCC (p = 0.018). The overall HPV prevalence was 74%.
Conclusions
Overall, HPV 16 and 18 are key etiological factors in oral and oral pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis in the Ugandan population, with a high prevalence. The results suggest that HIV positive individuals are at a higher risk of acquiring HPV 16 associated OPSCC. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are not factors associated with HPV associated OPSCC in this study population.
Prognostic Value of Digital Pathological Features in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Jianhao , Yao Liqian , Dong Yajing , Gu Jingfeng , Min Jiarui , Xu Zijie , Su Jihao , Ning Renjie , Deng Zhiyong , Xu Song 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The traditional TNM staging system for colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited by the biological characteristics of tumors and their high heterogeneity. This study proposes a pathological signature of colorectal cancer (PScrc) based on digital pathology technology, aimed at assessing its prognostic value in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) through the analysis of various pathological features in hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained slides.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted, including 149 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from January 2000 to December 2012, randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. High-resolution images of all HE stained slides were obtained through digital scanning, and pathological features were extracted using CellProfiler software. The PScrc was constructed using a LASSO-Cox regression model to evaluate its association with OS and DFS, and independent prognostic factors were identified through Cox regression analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and R software.
Results: A total of 149 colorectal cancer patients were included, with 75 in the training cohort and 74 in the validation cohort. LASSO-Cox regression analysis identified eight key pathological features for the construction of PScrc. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients in the high PScrc group had significantly worse survival outcomes compared to those in the low PScrc group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed PScrc and other clinicopathological features as independent prognostic factors. The C-index, AUROC, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the clinical value of the nomogram that was generated based on these criteria so as to predict OS and DFS. Additionally, the predictive capability of PScrc for response to adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed, leading to the optimization of the PScrc_chemo score, which indicated that patients with low PScrc_chemo had poorer survival outcomes following adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusion: PScrc adds predictive value to the TNM staging system for colorectal cancer by acting as a prognostic predictor for CRC patients.
The role of chemotherapy in patients with H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas: a SEER-based propensity scored matching study
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Shanshan , Wang Sichen , Jiang Haowen , Zhao Yuanli , Sun Jianjun , Shen Hui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Diffuse Midline Gliomas (DMGs) represent a category of rare brain tumors with an exceedingly poor prognosis. Anatomical constraints make complete surgical resection challenging. Conventional radiotherapy is widely regarded as a means to enhance patient survival. Currently, while chemotherapy is frequently employed in clinical practice for DMGs, its full therapeutic efficacy remains incompletely understood.
Methods
We conducted a SEER-based propensity scored matching (PSM) study on patients with H3K27M-mutant DMGs to evaluate the role of chemotherapy in the treatment benefit of DMGs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model were used to evaluate the relevant factors affecting cancer specific survival (CSS). Stratification and interaction analyses were conducted to delineate the impact of demographic and clinicopathological variables.
Results
Patients underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy concurrently achieved notably longer survival times compared to those who received only radiotherapy. The CSS among patients who received chemotherapy regimens was significantly prolonged in both the PSM and non PSM cohort. Univariable Cox regression suggested that age, primary site and chemotherapy were potential prognostic factors for CSS. Multivariate Cox regression indicated patients who received radiotherapy or chemotherapy exhibited a reduced risk of mortality. Multitude demographic factors, including gender, race, marital status, household income and rural urban, as well as clinicopathological variables could affect the chemotherapy benefits of DMGs patients.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy as an adjuvant therapy could significantly improve the prognosis of DMGs patients under comprehensive treatment conditions. The nature of multiple factors affecting chemotherapy benefits emphasizes the necessity of tailored treatment strategies.
Development and validation of an US-based clinical prediction model to estimate the probability of metastasis in lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zheng Yiman , He Jiamei , Wang Xinyue , Cao Kunpeng , Deng Hongyan , Ma Wenting , Xu Chaoli , Ye Xinhua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The dissection of lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (LN-prRLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial due to the postoperative complications. Estimating the clinical probability of metastasis in LN-prRLN can facilitate the selective dissection.
Objective
To develop a clinical prediction model based on clinical and sonographic features for estimating the probability of metastasis of LN-prRLN in PTCs. This model was then validated.
Methods
A total of 601 patients with surgical-proved PTCs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data, preoperative sonographic features based on ACT TI-RADS categories, and pathological data were used to develop an US-based clinical prediction model. Performance of the model was calculated, compared and then validated by using a test set of 144 patients.
Results
LN-prRLN metastasis was confirmed in 133 (22.1%) patients. The US-based clinical prediction model identified age < 45 years (odds ratio [OR]:1.752), horizontal diameter > 5mm (OR:1.061), dorsal side (OR:2.185), US-suspicious RLLNM (OR:2.488), pathological size > 5mm (OR:3.697), mulifocality in the right robe (OR:2.584), other CLN metastasis (OR:2.185) and LN-arRLN metastasis ≥ 1 (OR:3.915) were independent risk factors for LN-prRLN metastasis. The AUCs of the clinical prediction model was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.803–0.864). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 76.69%, 78.42%, 50.20%, and 92.22%, respectively. The clinical prediction model applied to the test dataset demonstrated an AUC of 0.804 (95% CI:0.722–0.886), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 78.79%, 72.07%, 43.88% and 92.46%.
Conclusions
The clinical prediction model based on clinical and sonographic characteristics can effectively assess LN-prRLN metastasis preoperatively and do help in selective LN-prRLN dissection of PTC.
Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq unravels the molecular feature of tumor-associated neutrophils of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Haiyang , Li Zhikai , Liu Yukun , Yang Yuchuan , Huangfu Linkuan , Kong Jinglin , Sun Xiaocong , Gao Shibo , Yang Daoke , Zheng Yingjuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a lethal malignancy with a high recurrence and distant metastasis rate, posing significant challenges to patient prognosis. Recent studies suggest that tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can modulate immune cell infiltration and influence tumor initiation and progression. However, the potential clinical significance of TANs in HNSCC remains insufficiently explored.
Methods: TANs-specific marker genes were identified via single-cell sequencing data from HNSC. Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a prognostic risk model was constructed using TANs cell marker genes, and the model was validated with data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The associations between the TANs signature and clinical characteristics, functional pathways, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, were then investigated. CCK-8, Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to assess the functional role of TANs marker molecules.
Results: TANs characteristic genes were identified from single-cell sequencing data from HNSCC patients. On the basis of these characteristic genes, a tumor-associated neutrophils-associated signature (NRS) was developed and validated across internal and external cross-platform cohorts through comprehensive procedures. The NRS demonstrated robust and reliable performance in predicting overall survival. Additionally, patients with a low NRS showed enhanced immune cell infiltration, active lipid metabolism, and increased sensitivity to immunotherapy. In contrast, patients with a high NRS exhibited poor prognostic outcomes, advanced clinical stages, and significant associations with HNSCC metastasis and progression. Furthermore, we identified a TANs-associated biomarker, OLR1, and validated that OLR1 promotes HNSCC proliferation, invasion, and migration through CCK-8, Transwell invasion, and wound healing assays.
Conclusion: This study has developed a promising TANs-based tool that may aid in personalized treatment and prognostic management for patients with HNSCC.
Usability and feasibility assessment of the Huntington Support App (HD-eHelp study): a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lonkhuizen Pearl J. C. van , Slutter Leanne , Meijer Eline , Duijn Erik van , de Bot Susanne T. , Vegt Niko J. H. , Chavannes Niels H. , Heemskerk Anne-Wil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: eHealth holds great promise for managing rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD). To address this potential, the Huntington Support App (HSA) was developed to provide reliable information on HD, news updates, and contact possibilities tailored primarily to the needs of HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and their partners. Building on prior research outlining the HSA’s co-creation process with HDGECs, partners and health care providers (HCPs), the present study offers an in-depth mixed-methods evaluation of the HSA in practice in the Netherlands.
Methods:This research comprises a multi-study report assessing the usability of the HSA through a think-aloud method (Study 1) and subsequent feasibility testing in a real-world setting (Study 2). In the first study, 4 HDGECs, 4 partners, and 4 HCPs, who themselves were not involved in the HSA co-design, provided real-time feedback on usability while using the HSA. In the feasibility study the HSA was publicly launched and made available to the larger HD community for feedback (including HDGECs, partners, HCPs and family/friends, n=13). In both studies, the System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered, and quantitative data were triangulated with qualitative findings.
Results: Overall, participants were positive about the app’s usability in both studies. App ratings in the first study were notably higher than those in the second study, with participants’ SUS scores in the first study far exceeding the benchmark usually seen in usability testing for healthcare apps. Furthermore, in both studies there were variations in ratings among participant groups, with HDGECs, partners and family/friends viewing the app more favorably than HCPs, who generally expressed a more neutral opinion. Qualitative responses further complemented these findings and highlighted suggestions for the app’s improvement, particularly in terms of content and navigation.
Conclusions:The HSA was well-received by members of the HD community, indicating alignment with their needs. Future efforts should address identified areas for improvement of the app. Our findings underscore the importance and feasibility of a participatory, human-centered design approach for complex and rare diseases like HD and highlight its relevance for future co-design initiatives of eHealth services for other rare neurodegenerative diseases.
Optimisation of integrated control of ticks and tsetse flies in mixed game and livestock interfaces in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Authors: Ocaido Michael , Sente Celsus , Nagasha Judith , Kizza Daniel , Edyangu William , Kanyike Fred , Namirimu Solome 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Mixed Game and Livestock Interfaces (MGLIs) in and around conservation areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) have typanosomosis, tsetse flies, Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases (TTBDs) as major constraints to livestock productivity. There were no cheaper community-based methods for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies. It was against this background that this study was done.
Methods
A weekly restricted spraying of cattle using vectocid ® for 6 months was done in MGLIs in QENP for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies Before technology introduction, a baseline survey was done to establish livestock productivity, tsetse and tick infestation burdens, prevalence to tick borne diseases (TBDs) and trypanososmosis, moribidity and mortality rates due to TBDs and trypanososmosis; and economic cost due to TTBDs, tstetse flies and trypanosomosis. Later the above parameters were monitored to quantify the impact.
Results
After intervention, infestations by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (14.8 ± 0.8 / cattle), Ambylloma variegatum (0.8 / cattle) and Rhipicephalus evertsi (0.2/ cattle) decreased by 43.2%, 50% and 100% respectively. However, Rhipicephalus micropilus and Rhipicephalus decoloratus infestations grew by 1000% and 400% respectively. The tsetse fly catches per trap after 72 hours decreased from 14.2 to 0. The trypanosomosis prevalence in cattle decreased from 7.3% to none. The farmer reported prevalence of tryapanosomosis reduced from 31.6–1.1%; East Coast Fever (ECF) reduced from 12.3–4.3%; heartwater and anaplasmosis reduced from 4.5% and 0.7% respectively to 0. The mortality rate of cattle due to tryapnosomosis was reduced from 7.2% to 0; ECF reduced from 3.2% to 0.6; anaplasmosis and heartwater reduced from 0.1% and 1.1% respectively to 0. Annual mortality loss per herd due to trypanosomosis and TBDs reduced by 88.3% from USD 1,571.3 to USD 184.1 after intervention. Before intervention tryapnosomosis, ECF, anaplasmosis and heartwater constituted 70,6%, 17.7%, 11.1% and 0.6% of this loss respectively. However, after intervention there was mortality loss of only USD 35.9 due to ECF. The annual economic cost of ticks, tsetse flies, TBDs and trypnosomosis decreased from USD 1,916.8 to USD 302, with return of investment of 23.
Conclusions
The introduced technology was effective for control of R. appendiculatus, R. evertsi, A. variegatum and tsetse flies; but not for R. decoloratus and R. micropilus.