bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic management to different isolated sphenoid fungal pathologies: case series of a tertiary hospital
Authors: Alabdulaal Maria , AlMuhanna Zahra , AlNaimi Shaykhah , Alkhatib Abdulrhaman , Almomen Ali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Isolated sphenoid sinus disease (ISSD) is a rare condition that accounts for roughly 3% of all sinusitis cases. ISSD is predominantly caused by infectious and inflammation processes, with underlying fungal pathologies. This case series aims to illustrate the endonasal endoscopic management of different isolated sphenoid fungal pathologies. We described four distinct case presentations of ISSD at a tertiary hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. These cases included isolated sphenoid fungal ball, allergic fungal sinusitis, and acute invasive fungal sinusitis. The management of isolated sphenoid fungal pathologies differs depending on the type of the disease necessitating early identification and adequate treatment. The endonasal endoscopic approach is successful with minimal complications and favorable outcomes.
A multicenter evaluation of penile curvature correction in men with Peyronie’s disease undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis placement
Authors: Hammad Muhammed A M , Barham David W , Simhan Jay , Nguyen Tuan , Swerdloff Daniel , Miller Jake , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Sempels Maxime , Andrianne Robert , Hotaling James M , Hsieh Tung-Chin , Jones James M , Modgil Vaibhav , Osmonov Daniar , Pearce Ian , Perito Paul , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Suarez-Sarmiento Jr Alfredo , Yafi Faysal A , Gross Martin S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) insertion is recommended for the treatment of patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) and significant erectile dysfunction (ED); adjunctive procedures can be used for residual curvature after IPP placement.

Aim
To assess the management of penile curvature correction in PD patients undergoing IPP procedures within a large multinational, multicenter cohort.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on PD patients treated with IPP by 11 experienced prosthetic surgeons. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed to assess the improvement in penile curvature following IPP, including adjunctive correction techniques such as manual modeling, tunica albuginea plication, and grafting.

Outcomes
Curvature correction achieved after IPP placement and adjunctive procedures.

Results
For 499 PD patients treated with IPP, median age was 62.0 [30.0, 91.0] years with mean follow-up of 16.5 (SD = 12.9) months. The mean preoperative curvature was 39.4° (SD = 17.8°), with dorsal curvature being most common. Among our cohort, 17.6% had IPP-only placement, while the majority of 82.4% patients underwent IPP along with adjunctive correction procedures. Specifically, manual modeling (with/without the “scratch” technique) was used in 74.7% of cases, tunica albuginea plication in 4.8%, grafting in 2%, and combined grafting and modeling in 0.8%. Patients who underwent grafting generally had fewer preoperative comorbidities and more severe preoperative curvatures of 60.0° [45.0°, 70.0°]. Grafting also provided the highest median curvature correction of 55.0° [48.8°, 73.8°], (P &lt; .001). Plication achieved a median curvature correction of 40.0° [28.8°, 41.2°], whereas modeling resulted in a median curvature reduction of 26.0° [20.0°, 39.5°], (P &lt; .001).

Clinical Implications
We observed that grafting, though less frequently used, provided more curvature correction in severe PD cases undergoing IPP.

Strengths and Limitations
Large cohort size and multinational participation are strengths, though retrospective design and general variability in surgical techniques are limitations.

Conclusion
Adjunctive techniques, including grafting, plication, and modeling provide options for tailoring curvature correction to disease severity and patient characteristics. Future prospective studies are needed to standardize and evaluate the comparative outcomes of these techniques.
Comparative renoprotective effectiveness of allopurinol and febuxostat among hyperuricaemic patients with preserved kidney function
Authors: Takayama Atsushi , Fukasawa Toshiki , Takeuchi Masato , Kawakami Koji 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Early initiation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors may benefit patients with preserved kidney function. However, a direct comparison between the impact of allopurinol and that of febuxostat on long-term kidney function among this population is lacking.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study with a new-user, active-comparator design among patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within the reference range and no proteinuria. The primary outcome was a composite incidence of significant eGFR decline (≥40% decline from baseline) and all-cause death at 5 years. Adjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox’s proportional hazard models with inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting.

Results
We analysed 1142 patients (287 with allopurinol and 855 with febuxostat). The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for allopurinol initiators compared to febuxostat initiators for the composite outcome at 5 years were 0.84 (0.74–0.95). The cause-specific adjusted hazard ratios for allopurinol initiators relative to febuxostat initiators were 0.82 (0.70–0.94) for significant eGFR decline &gt;5 years and 1.08 (0.91–1.24) for all-cause death &gt;5 years.

Conclusions
Allopurinol initiators preserved kidney function better than febuxostat &gt;5 years. Clinicians should exercise caution not only when prescribing but also when selecting xanthine oxidase inhibitors, even for patients with preserved kidney function.
Diversity and evolution of viroids and viroid-like agents with circular RNA genomes revealed by metatranscriptome mining
Authors: Koonin Eugene V , Lee Benjamin D 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Viroids, the agents of several plant diseases, are the smallest and simplest known replicators that consist of covalently closed circular (ccc) RNA molecules between 200 and 400 nucleotides in size. Viroids encode no proteins and rely on host RNA polymerases for replication, but some contain ribozymes involved in replication intermediate processing. Although other viroid-like agents with cccRNAs genomes, such as satellite RNAs, ribozyviruses and retrozymes, have been discovered, until recently, the spread of these agents in the biosphere appeared narrow, and their actual diversity and evolution remained poorly understood. Extensive, targeted metatranscriptome mining dramatically expanded the known diversity of cccRNAs genomes. These searches identified numerous, diverse viroid-like cccRNAs, many found in environments devoid of plant and animal material, suggesting replication in unicellular eukaryotic and/or prokaryotic hosts. Several cccRNAs are targeted by CRISPR systems, supporting their association with bacteria. In addition to small cccRNAs in the viroid size range, a broad variety of ribozyviruses and novel viruses with cccRNAs genomes, with genomes reaching nearly 5 kilobases, were discovered. Thus, metatranscriptome mining shows that the diversity of viroid-like cccRNAs genomes is far greater than previously suspected, prompting reassessment of the relevance of these replicators for understanding the primordial RNA world.
Using Anal Cytology and Human Papillomavirus DNA and E6/E7 mRNA Detection to Optimize High-Resolution Anoscopy Referrals in Men Who Have Sex With Men With HIV
Authors: Silva-Klug Ana C , Paytubi Sònia , Torres Montserrat , Trenti Loris , Baixeras Nuria , Sanchez-Llamas Monica , Pavon Miquel A , De Sanjose Silvia , Catala Isabel , Vidal August , Poljak Mario , Alemany Laia , Podzamczer Daniel , Videla Sebastian , Saumoy Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to evaluate screening procedures for anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) with anal liquid-based cytology (aLBC) and biomarkers to identify candidates for high-resolution anoscopy (HRA).

Methods
This cross-sectional study included men who have sex with men with HIV. Participants underwent HRA, aLBC, and biomarker testing. Three screening procedures were compared with aLBC: biomarker alone, cytology and biomarker in all, and cytology and reflex biomarkers (biomarkers applied if aLBC results were atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion). Biomarkers included Linear Array (LA), LA for 14 high-risk human papillomavirus (LA 14 HR-HPV) genotypes, LA HPV-16, Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2), E6/E7 mRNA, and E6/E7 mRNA HPV-16.

Results
Of 354 participants, 179 (50.6%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse, requiring HRA (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 57.3%; area under the curve, 0.687; reference, biopsy-proven HSIL). Cytology and reflex biomarkers per E6/E7 mRNA, LA 14 HR-HPV, and HC2 and the biomarker-alone procedure with HC2 showed comparable accuracy (sensitivities: 71.6%, 78.8%, 73.1%, 75.7%; specificities: 73.5%, 67.9%, 76.1%, 65.5%; areas under the curve: 0.726, 0.734, 0.746, 0.706) with fewer HRA referrals (number needed to diagnose: 2.2, 2.1, 2, 2.4).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that E6/E7 mRNA, LA 14 HR-HPV, and HC2 in the cytology and reflex biomarkers procedure, as well as HC2 in the biomarker-alone procedure, can improve anal HSIL screening effectiveness.
Prospective Trial of a Passive Diversion Device to Reduce Blood Culture Contamination
Authors: Arnaout Sami , Stock Shannon , Clifford Julia M , Greenough Thomas C , Wedig Azalea , Mitchell Michael J , Ellison Richard T 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Blood culture contaminants can lead to inappropriate antibiotic use, prolonged length of stay, and additional hospital costs. Several devices have been developed to reduce the risk of blood culture contamination by diverting a portion of the initial blood sample from the blood culture bottle. We assessed the effectiveness of 1 blood diversion device (BDD) in a prospective trial performed at the 2 separate emergency departments (EDs) of an academic medical center.

Methods
A multiphase prospective crossover trial was performed with the BDD in use at 1 ED and standard equipment at the other ED for 10 weeks, and a second 10-week study phase was conducted with the use of the BDD and standard equipment in the EDs reversed. Contaminants were identified both by standard clinical microbiology lab criteria and by independent retrospective review by 3 infectious disease (ID) physicians. The primary analysis was performed based on intention-to-use data using the physician review of positive blood cultures.

Results
A total of 5637 blood samples were obtained, with 5625 samples analyzed after 12 blood culture results were deemed inconclusive by the ID physician review. The University ED had a higher blood culture contamination rate of 2.9% compared with the Memorial ED at 1.4%. In an intention-to-use analysis, the overall contamination rates were 2.0% and 2.9% in the BDD and standard equipment periods, respectively (P = .03), and in an actual-use analysis the contamination rates were 1.2% and 3.0% for the BDD and standard equipment, respectively (P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
The BDD was associated with significantly lower blood culture contamination rates at the institution's 2 EDs, with a stronger effect noted at the campus caring for higher acuity patients.
Identifying High-Risk Populations for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Cluster Analysis
Authors: Lu Fang , She Bingyang , Zhao Rui , Li Gaixia , Hu Yawu , Liu Yi , Zhao Min , Zhang Lei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to identify subpopulations of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) with distinct sexual behavioral patterns and explore their correlations with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Methods
We recruited 892 eligible MSM in Xi'an, China, collecting sociodemographic, sexual behavior, and STI data. Cluster analysis identified distinct sexual behavioral patterns, allowing us to examine STI differences across clusters.

Results
Among the 892 MSM analyzed, 3 clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (n = 157) exhibited high-risk sexual behavioral patterns, including the highest median number of sexual partners (5 vs 1 in cluster 2 vs 3 in cluster 3, P &lt; .001), lowest consistent condom use for insertive anal sex (0% vs 64.12% vs 99.76%, P = .004) and receptive anal sex (9.22% vs 67.71% vs 98.91%, P = .006), highest uncertainty of partners' STIs (77.07% vs 57.89% vs 64.5%, P &lt; .001), all recent partners being casual, longest length of sequential sexual acts (6 vs 5 vs 5, P = .045), and highest rates of gonorrhea (20.38% vs 10.09% vs 14.99%, P = .019) and chlamydia (16.56% vs 8.33% vs 13.21%, P = .045). Cluster 2 (n = 228) showed the lowest engagement in high-risk behaviors and STIs, characterized by the fewest sexual partners, highest certainty of partner's STIs, and all recent partners being regular. Cluster 3 (n = 507) showed moderate levels of high-risk behaviors and STIs, with the highest consistent condom use during anal sex.

Conclusions
This study identified 3 subpopulations of Chinese MSM with distinct sexual behavioral patterns. Targeted public health interventions to the most at-risk subpopulations of MSM are essential for STI prevention.
Updated overall survival in patients with prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the phase III TIVO-3 study
Authors: Zugman Miguel , McDermott David F , Escudier Bernard J , Hutson Thomas E , Porta Camillo , Verzoni Elena , Atkins Michael B , Rini Brian , Pal Sumanta K 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The phase III TIVO-3 study demonstrated improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with tivozanib compared with sorafenib in patients with 2-3 prior systemic regimens for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Methods
The TIVO-3 trial enrolled patients with measurable mRCC who had received 2 or more prior systemic therapies, including a vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGF-TKI). Patients were stratified by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium risk score and type of prior treatment and were randomized 1:1 to receive tivozanib or sorafenib. Efficacy was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 criteria, with PFS as the primary endpoint. Safety was evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version v4.03, and statistical analyses included Cox regression for overall survival (OS) and descriptive statistics for duration of response (DOR). The current post-hoc long-term follow-up analysis consists of an assessment of OS in the previously stratified subpopulation of patients with prior CPI exposure.

Results
Between May 2016, and August 2017, 350 patients were randomized, of which 26% had prior CPI exposure, with final analysis data cut off on June 21, 2021. In patients previously treated with CPIs (n = 91), the median PFS of tivozanib was 7.3 months versus 5.1 months with sorafenib and hazard ratio (HR) of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.32-0.94). The OS HR in the CPI-treated subset was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.43-1.11, P =.0992) favoring tivozanib, although with a median OS of 18.1 and 20.9 months, for tivozanib and sorafenib, respectively. Tivozanib demonstrated a longer median DOR of 20.3 versus 5.7 months for sorafenib in the subset previously treated with CPIs. The safety profile favored tivozanib, with lower rates of VEGF-TKI class-related grade ≥3 adverse events compared with sorafenib. However, in the subset of patients previously treated with CPIs, the incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events was higher, at 58% for tivozanib and 67% for sorafenib, compared with the ITT population, at 46% and 55%, respectively.

Conclusions
In this long-term post-hoc update of the TIVO-3 trial, we show that in CPI-resistant mRCC, the PFS benefit of tivozanib over sorafenib is accompanied with improved OS data, although not statistically significant, and durable responses.
InsectNet: Real-time identification of insects using an end-to-end machine learning pipeline
Authors: Chiranjeevi Shivani , Saadati Mojdeh , Deng Zi K , Koushik Jayanth , Jubery Talukder Z , Mueller Daren S , O’Neal Matthew , Merchant Nirav , Singh Aarti , Singh Asheesh K , Sarkar Soumik , Singh Arti , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Insect pests significantly impact global agricultural productivity and crop quality. Effective integrated pest management strategies require the identification of insects, including beneficial and harmful insects. Automated identification of insects under real-world conditions presents several challenges, including the need to handle intraspecies dissimilarity and interspecies similarity, life-cycle stages, camouflage, diverse imaging conditions, and variability in insect orientation. An end-to-end approach for training deep-learning models, InsectNet, is proposed to address these challenges. Our approach has the following key features: (i) uses a large dataset of insect images collected through citizen science along with label-free self-supervised learning to train a global model, (ii) fine-tuning this global model using smaller, expert-verified regional datasets to create a local insect identification model, (iii) which provides high prediction accuracy even for species with small sample sizes, (iv) is designed to enhance model trustworthiness, and (v) democratizes access through streamlined machine learning operations. This global-to-local model strategy offers a more scalable and economically viable solution for implementing advanced insect identification systems across diverse agricultural ecosystems. We report accurate identification (&gt;96% accuracy) of numerous agriculturally and ecologically relevant insect species, including pollinators, parasitoids, predators, and harmful insects. InsectNet provides fine-grained insect species identification, works effectively in challenging backgrounds, and avoids making predictions when uncertain, increasing its utility and trustworthiness. The model and associated workflows are available through a web-based portal accessible through a computer or mobile device. We envision InsectNet to complement existing approaches, and be part of a growing suite of AI technologies for addressing agricultural challenges.
The Role of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, a Key Regulatory Endocannabinoid Enzyme, in Domain-Specific Cognitive Performance in Psychosis
Authors: Weidenauer Ana , Garani Ranjini , Lalang Nittha , Watts Jeremy , Lepage Martin , Rusjan Pablo M , Mizrahi Romina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis
Cognitive impairments are particularly disabling for patients with a psychotic disorder and often persist despite optimization of antipsychotic treatment. Thus, motivating an extension of the research focus on the endocannabinoid system. The aim of this study was to evaluate group differences in brain fatty acid amid hydrolase (FAAH), an endocannabinoid enzyme between first-episode psychosis (FEP), individuals with clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis and healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, to test the hypothesis that FAAH is linked with cognition using positron emission tomography (PET).

Study Design
We analyzed 80 PET scans with the highly selective FAAH radioligand [11C]CURB, including 30 patients with FEP (6 female), 15 CHR (5 female), and 35 HC (19 female). The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Berg Card Sorting Test (BCST) were applied to test cognitive performance.

Study Results
There was no difference in FAAH activity between groups (F2, 75 = 0.75, P = .48; Cohen’s f = 0.141; small effect). Overall, there was a difference in the association between groups regarding FAAH activity and the domain visuospatial construction (F2, 72 = 4.67, P = .01; Cohen’s f = .36; medium effect). Furthermore, across the sample, lower FAAH activity was associated with a higher percentage of perseverative responses (F1, 66 = 5.06, P = .03; Cohen’s f = 0.28, medium effect).

Conclusions
We report evidence for associations between endocannabinoid alterations in FEP and CHR with specific domains of cognition (visuospatial construction and perseverative response), not overall cognition.
The National Early Warning Score 2 versus the New-Poisoning Mortality Score System for Predicting Clinical Outcomes After Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning
Authors: Nafea Ola Elsayed , Ibrahim Fatma , Abdelhamid Walaa G 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Acute aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is one of the leading causes of suicide, particularly in the developing world. In cases of scarce and/or high-cost resources, it is advisable to prioritize critically ill patients who will benefit from available resources and improve their prognosis. Despite numerous scores, a dependable, easy-to-use, and quick approach to assessing the degree of poisoning is lacking. This study is designed to compare the prognostic performance of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) versus the new-poisoning mortality score system (new-PMS) for predicting the clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation placement after acute AlP poisoning. This study was a retrospective observational study that included patients with acute AlP poisoning with retrieving the required data from the patients' medical records. A total of 90 acutely AlP-intoxicated patients were enrolled in the study. The in-hospital mortality rate was 42.2%. Additionally, in-hospital mortality, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation placement were significantly higher in patients with higher NEWS2 and new-PMS scores. The new-PMS showed excellent prognostic performance, particularly in-hospital mortality prediction; however, NEWS2 demonstrated a more helpful predictive performance compared to the new-PMS particularly for the need for mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.991 versus 0.851 and 0.949 versus 0.874, respectively. We concluded that NEWS2 and new-PMS are simple, easily calculated, and lab-independent scoring systems. The NEWS2 is a more effective tracking and triggering tool than the new-PMS in the evaluation of AlP acutely intoxicated patients.
CRISPR/Cas system and its application in the diagnosis of animal infectious diseases
Authors: Rasool Hafiz Muhammad Hamza , Chen Qiwei , Gong Xiaowei , Zhou Jizhang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractInfectious diseases are a serious threat to the existence of animals and humans' life. In the 21st century, the emergence and re‐emergence of several zoonotic and non‐zoonotic global pandemic diseases of socio‐economic importance has affected billions of humans and animals. The need for expensive equipment and laboratories, non‐availability of on‐site testing abilities, with time‐consuming and low sensitivity and specificity issues of currently available diagnostic techniques to identify these pathogenic micro‐organisms on a large scale highlighted the need for developing cheap, portable environment friendly diagnostic methods. In recent years, these issues have been addressed by clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based diagnostic platforms that have transformed the molecular diagnostic field due to their outstanding ultra‐sensitive nucleic acid detecting capabilities. In this study, we highlight the types, potential of different Cas proteins, and amplification systems. We also illuminate the application of currently available CRISPR integrated setups on the diagnosis of infectious diseases, majorly in food‐producing animals (pigs, ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture), domestic pets (dogs and cats), and diseases of zoonotic importance. We conclude the challenges and future perspectives of using these systems to rapidly diagnose and treat other infectious diseases and also develop control strategies to prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms.