bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new nondestructive method for monitoring red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) populations in the field
Authors: Taravati Siavash , Ma Jung , Campbell Kathleen , Choe Dong-Hwan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), also known as the red imported fire ant (RIFA), is currently established in many Southern and Central Californian regions. RIFA can be managed using various insecticides, but in recent decades, granular baits have become a standard and effective management tool. To improve and maintain effective RIFA management programs, researchers and pest control experts need to perform careful population monitoring before and after treatments. Despite the availability of various RIFA monitoring methods, many are challenging to perform and are extremely time-consuming. Counting mounds is an easier-to-perform method but may not be reliable in certain places and for detecting low-density populations. Other methods of field sampling and laboratory counting can be cumbersome, destructive, and highly time-consuming. In this article, we are providing research data on a new, fast, and nondestructive field technique for RIFA monitoring using density (ants/ml) measurements. These measurements can be converted into counts and eventually to indices. On average, the density of RIFAs inside our measuring cylinder was 130.8 ± 2.3 ants/ml (Mean ± S.E.). A strong positive and statistically significant correlation was found between the volume of RIFA workers and the number of ants (r = 0.92, P &lt; 0.001).
Evidence of extensive home range sharing among mother–daughter bobcat pairs in the wildland–urban interface of the Tucson Mountains
Authors: Payne Natalie , Andersen Desiree , Davis Robert , Mollohan Cheryl , Baldwin Kerry , LeCount Albert L , Culver Melanie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Urbanization impacts the structure and viability of wildlife populations. Some habitat generalists, such as bobcats (Lynx rufus), maintain populations at the intersection of wild and urban habitats (wildland–urban interface), but the impacts of urbanization on bobcat social structure are not well understood. Although commonly thought to establish exclusive home ranges among females, instances of mother–daughter home range sharing have been documented. We combined Global Positioning System (GPS) localities with genomic relatedness inferences from double-digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing to investigate mother–daughter home range sharing in bobcats (n = 38) at the wildland–urban interface in the Tucson Mountains, Arizona, USA. We found the highest relatedness among females, which showed stronger isolation by distance than males and the population as a whole. Using mother–daughter relationships inferred from pedigree reconstruction, we found extensive mother–daughter home range sharing, compared with other females. Every mother identified as having at least one daughter, shared home ranges with one daughter, while other confirmed daughters established adjacent home ranges. Our results provide substantial support for the mother–daughter home range sharing hypothesis, as well as evidence of spatiotemporal overlap between mothers and daughters, adding to the body of research complicating the solitary felid paradigm. These results additionally challenge the notion of home range partitioning by prior-rights land tenure, suggesting a role of matrilineal land tenure in the home range establishment of daughters. Habitat fragmentation due to human population growth and urbanization thus has the potential to alter landscape genetic structure and social dynamics in bobcats.
Race and clinical outcomes in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer in the randomized RxPONDER trial
Authors: Abdou Yara , Barlow William E , Gralow Julie R , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Albain Kathy S , Hayes Daniel F , Lin Nancy U , Perez Edith A , Goldstein Lori J , Chia Stephen K L , Dhesy-Thind Sukhbinder , Rastogi Priya , Alba Emilio , Delaloge Suzette , Schott Anne F , Shak Steven , Sharma Priyanka , Lew Danika L , Miao Jieling , Unger Joseph M , Tripathy Debasish , Hortobagyi Gabriel N , Pusztai Lajos , Kalinsky Kevin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The phase III RxPONDER trial has affected treatment for node-positive (1-3), hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with a 21-gene recurrence score (RS) less than 26. We investigated how these findings apply to different racial and ethnic groups within the trial.

Methods
The trial randomly assigned women to endocrine therapy (ET) or to chemotherapy plus ET. The primary clinical outcome was invasive disease-free survival (IDFS), with distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) as a secondary outcome. Multivariable Cox models were used to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and survival outcomes, adjusting for clinicopathological characteristics, RS, and treatment.

Results
A total of 4048 women with self-reported race/ethnicity were included: Hispanic (15.1%), non-Hispanic Black (NHB) (6.1%), Native American/Pacific Islander (0.8%), Asian (8.0%), and non-Hispanic White (NHW) (70%). No differences in RS distribution, tumor size, or number of positive nodes were observed by race/ethnicity. Relative to NHWs, IDFS was worse for NHB participants (5-year IDFS 91.6% vs 87.1%, HR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.81) and better for Asians (91.6% vs 93.9%, HR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.46 to 0.91). Relative to NHW, DRFS was worse for NHB participants (5-year DRFS 95.8% vs 91.0%, HR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.17 to 2.32) and better for Asians (95.8% vs 96.7%, HR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.37 to 0.95). Adjusting for clinical characteristics, particularly body mass index, diminished the effect of race on outcomes. Chemotherapy treatment efficacy did not differ by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions
NHB women had worse clinical outcomes compared with NHWs in the RxPONDER trial despite similar RS and comparable treatment. Our study emphasizes the persistent racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes while highlighting complex interactions among contributing factors.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01272037.
Systematic measurement and calibration approach for mechanical properties of polymer thin film materials
Authors: Lin Yan-Ting , Liao Shao-Hong , Tsai Yi-Chian , Chao Yen-Chu , Zhu Jing-Ting , Huang Jung-Ren , Wang Chien-Kai , Juang Jia-Yang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the mechanical properties of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and PSA blended with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (PBP) through a series of mechanical tests. The combination of a linear-elastic and viscoelastic material model was employed and calibrated to accurately characterize their mechanical behavior. The tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) yielded contrasting results regarding the elastic properties of the two polymer thin films. The experimental data revealed that Young's modulus of PBP is significantly higher than that of PSA, whereas the shear modulus of PBP is notably lower than PSA. This behavior can be attributed to the sandwich structure of the PBP composite, where the PSA and PET components interact in different configurations either in parallel or in series during the tensile test and DMA, respectively. This paper presents a systematic approach for the precise and efficient application of material models for PSA and PBP, providing valuable insights for future use in various composite polymer film adhesives. Comprehensive calibration and finite element analysis were conducted for both PSA and PBP materials. Based on these experimental findings, we propose a systematic method for measuring and calibrating the mechanical properties of thin film composite materials. This method offers a reliable reference for future engineering applications, as it can be applied to other material systems to expedite the development process.
Prevalence and disposal of unused medicines: a systematic review of cross-sectional studies
Authors: Wang Leong Seng , Aziz Zoriah , Wang Hong Jing , Chik Zamri 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We aimed to systematically review cross-sectional studies of unused medicines that described the prevalence, types of unused medicine, disposal practices and factors associated with unused medicines.

Methods
We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We identified and selected cross-sectional studies published between database inception and June 2023 examining the prevalence of unused medicines and factors associated with their disposal.

Key findings
We included 57 studies in the review. The prevalence of unused medicines ranged from 21.4% to 98.0% (mean = 63.8%). The top reason people had unused medicines was because their conditions improved (40.0%). The most common method to dispose of unused medicines was in the environment (66.9%), while a smaller percentage (12.9%) returned them to medicine take-back facilities. We found that there was a positive correlation between returning unused medicines and knowing how to dispose of them properly [(r(29) = 0.50, P = .006)]. However, actual disposal practice did not correlate with knowing about environmental risks [r(31) = −0.17, P = .4] or willingness to return the unused medicines [r(13) = 0.40, P = .20].

Conclusions
The prevalence of unused medicines and their disposal methods vary between countries. Improper medicines cannot solely attributed to consumer knowledge about the risks and attitudes of consumers. More research is needed to understand the impact of legislation and the availability of medicine take-back facilities.
Pharmaceutical expenditure during the financial crisis: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Loupou Chrysoula , Karampli Eleftheria , Athanasakis Kostas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The pharmaceutical sector is extremely important as it is one of the cost drivers in the wider health sector. The scope of this paper is to explore the drivers of pharmaceutical expenditure in Greece by decomposing pharmaceutical spending into the impact of prices, volume, and substitution effects.

Methods
We use a statistical approach to decompose the growth of pharmaceutical expenditure during 2009–2019 into three elements: (i) the substitution effect; (ii) the price effect; and (iii) the consumption effect.

Key findings
Pharmaceutical expenditure decreased by 37.81% and the volume of medicines increased by 4.51%. Prices decreased by 18% and the therapeutic mix index decreased by 27.43%, indicating that—on average—Greece experienced a switch to lower-priced medicines. This was enhanced by electronic prescribing, guidelines, monitoring of prescribing behaviour, and generic substitution.

Conclusion
Decomposition analysis can provide important information on the driving forces shaping the trend in pharmaceutical expenditure. To take full advantage of its potential, detailed data on consumption and expenditure need to be available to the research community.
Intrathoracic ectopic kidney with pulmonary sequestration: clinical and surgical insights: a case report
Authors: Taha Isam Ahmed Abdeljaleel , Ibrahim Mohamed Y , Helali Mohamed , Taha Sami Mohamed Elamin , Alshareif Baha Aldeen , Altayeib Hala , Idriss Razan , Abdalgadir Esra S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Intrathoracic ectopic kidney is an extremely rare congenital defect that is frequently identified by accident because it is asymptomatic. Even more unusual is its link to pulmonary sequestration alone. This case report describes the clinical presentation of a 7-month-old child with a history of recurrent respiratory distress and chest infections since birth, who had shortness of breath, failure to thrive, and delayed developmental milestones. The clinical examination and imaging revealed an ectopic right kidney in the thoracic cavity, as well as a probable sequestered lung lobe. Thoracotomy revealed a healthy right lung with a collapsed lower lobe connected to the ectopic kidney. The right lower third lobe was released to be in its normal appearance and the sequestration vessels were ligated. The patient recovered smoothly after surgery, with the exception of a brief episode of pneumonia that was treated. The patients follow up confirmed complete recovery without complications.
Failure to thrive in infant secondary to congenital colonic stenosis: a case report
Authors: Garcia Daniel Jose , Hamade Mohamad , Lin Li , Matias Matias , Sobhan Armaan , Zaritsky Mario , Thorson Chad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Congenital colonic stenosis (CCS) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, most commonly presenting in the neonatal period. We present a case of delayed CCS and describe the diagnostic challenges experienced. A 16-week-old female patient presented with persistent failure to thrive associated with signs of intestinal obstruction. Prior encounters included investigation for pyloric stenosis, gastrointestinal pathogens, acid reflux, and cow milk allergy, with no to little improvement in symptoms. Abdominal imaging showed bowel dilation with possible colonic obstruction while excluding malrotation. Exploratory laparotomy revealed abrupt reduction in caliber of the mid/distal transverse colon and extreme luminal narrowing, consistent with colonic stenosis. Extended right hemicolectomy and anastomosis resulted in returned bowel function and appropriate weight gain in follow-up. Though rare, CCS should be considered in cases of partial or subacute intestinal obstruction throughout the first year of life. Inconclusive clinical and imaging results may support exploratory laparotomy after excluding differential diagnoses.
Inferring a Population Composition From Survey Data With Nonignorable Nonresponse: Borrowing Information From External Sources
Authors: Ballerini Veronica , Liseo Brunero 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We introduce a method for inference on the composition of a heterogeneous population using survey data, accounting for the possibility that capture heterogeneity is related to key survey variables. To deal with nonignorable nonresponse, we combine different data sources and propose the use of Fisher’s noncentral hypergeometric model in a Bayesian framework. To illustrate the potentialities of our methodology, we present a case study aimed at estimating the distribution of occupation status of Italian graduates one year after graduating, cross-classified by gender and degree program. In our case study, we account for a potential dependence between occupation status and survey response, implying the nonignorable nonresponse. Our findings show that employed people are generally more inclined to answer the questionnaire. Neglecting the nonresponse bias in such contexts might lead to overestimating the employment rate.
Optimal Weights for double Many-To-One Generalized Weight Share Method
Authors: Medous Estelle 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In probabilistic sampling, a sampling frame comprising the target population may not be available. However, indirect sampling can be used when the units on a sampling frame can be linked to the target population, with the values observed in the target population used for estimation. If the target population can only be linked to the sampling frame through an intermediate population, then double indirect sampling is a viable option. In this case, the sampling weights can be obtained with the double generalized weight share method (GWSM). The double GWSM reduces the number of observed links compared to the simple GWSM but can detrimentally affect the precision of the estimator, as in the example of the French postal service (La Poste). In this article, we show the existence of a set of sampling weights that minimize the variance of the double GWSM in specific cases with La Poste as exemplar. These weights ensure that the implementation advantages of the double GWSM are not offset by a loss of precision. When these weights cannot be computed, as is the case in the French postal traffic survey, we propose alternative weights that can be used to improve the precision of the double GWSM estimator. Results are illustrated through Monte Carlo simulations and an application to the French postal traffic survey.
(010) INTERPLAY OF SEMINAL MICROBIOTA AND LEUKOSPERMIA: A ROLE FOR IMMUNOLOGIC TOLERANCE
Authors: Huang J , Hummel G , Stocks B , Oppenheimer A , Allon M , Lipshultz L 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Leukospermia is of poorly understood clinical significance. Culture-based assays have not consistently correlated leukospermia with bacteriospermia. DNA-based microbial detection has revealed a rich microbiome throughout the body, often in areas previously presumed sterile, and certain microbial populations have been linked to impaired fertility.

Objective
We aim to evaluate the relationship of leukospermia and male infertility by conducting a retrospective study in infertile men with high numbers of seminal round cells, using a DNA-based bacterial detection assay and flow cytometry.

Methods
We identified all patients within our semen repository with at least 10 round cells per high-power field (or 2 million cells/mL) from January 2022 to October 2023. Microbiome profiling was performed with real-time PCR using one of the only commercial assays of the genital microbiome, which, although not specific to semen, has significant overlap with seminal microbial communities and the capacity to detect clinically relevant microbial taxa (Applied BiosystemsTM TaqMan® Vaginal Microbiota assay). Seminal leukocyte analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Chart review was performed to abstract demographic and clinical data.

Results
Of 850 patients screened, 17 met inclusion criteria. 7 samples contained detectable bacterial DNA, which did not correlate with round cell count nor motility (P ≥ 0.11). The most common species identified were Lactobacillus iners (4 patients) and Enterococcus faecalis (4 patients), both of which have been linked with impaired fertility. Leukocyte analysis revealed lower frequencies of tolerogenic CD4 T regulatory cells in samples with detectable microbes (10.0%) vs. undetectable (26.9%), although this was not significant (P ≥ 0.18).

Conclusions
We present microbiota data on a relatively large series of patients with seminal round cells. Despite DNA-based testing, our results do not correlate leukospermia with bacteriospermia. This suggests a possible non-microbial, immunological etiology of impaired fertility. Although preliminary, our complementary leukocyte data suggest bacterial colonization may impair immunologic tolerance in the reproductive tract and subsequently impair fertility. Prospective studies of leukospermia samples utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing are needed to comprehensively characterize this subset of the seminal microbiome.

Disclosure
No.
(033) DO PEYRONIE’S DISEASE PATIENTS WITH CONCOMITANT DUPUYTREN’S CONTRACTURES RESPOND BETTER TO INTRALESIONAL INJECTION OF COLLAGENASE CLOSTRIDIUM HISTOLYTICUM?
Authors: Lumbiganon S , A Moukhtar Hammad M , Nakamura H , Abou Chawareb E , Azad B , Yafi F 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Dupuytren's contractures (DC) are prevalent in men with Peyronie's disease (PD). There is, however, limited data regarding the impact of DC on the efficacy of intralesional injection of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum (CCH) for the management of PD.

Objective
This study aimed to examine the demographics of patients undergoing CCH therapy for PD and compare the outcomes between DC and non-DC patients.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of PD patients attending a tertiary care men's health center between October 1, 2017 and September 30, 2023. Demographic information, treatment modalities, and outcomes were systematically collected. A comparative analysis was performed between PD patients with and without DC.

Results
Among the 573 patients in this cohort, 43 with history of DC. Two hundred and ninety-two opted for CCH as first line therapy. One hundred eighty-seven patients had at least 4 cycles of treatment. Of those, 17 patients (9.1%) had a history of DC, and 170 (90.9%) did not. Mean ages were 66.7 ± 5.0 (DC) and 57.1 ± 11.3 years (non-DC), P &lt; 0.001 (table 1). The pre-treatment composite degrees of curvature were 47.5 ± 14.4 (DC) and 43.2 ± 13.4 degrees (non-DC), P = 0.210. Number of injection cycles administered were 4.6 ± 0.9 (DC) and 4.6 ± 1.2 (non-DC), P = 0.904. Post-treatment, the composite degree of improvement was significantly higher in the DC group 29.3 + 12.8 degrees, 63.5 + 27.9 % improvement vs 20.8 + 13.9 degrees, 48.1 + 27.9 % improvement in the non-DC group, with a mean difference of 8.6 + 3.7 degrees (95% CI 1.4, 15.8; P = 0.020), and 15.5 + 7.3% improvement (95% CI 1.1, 29.9; P = 0.036).

Conclusions
Our study suggests that the concomitant presence of DC is a predictor of better response to intralesional injection of CCH in men with PD. Despite the limited sample size and the retrospective design, these findings merit further exploration.

Disclosure
No.
(043) IS DAILY PDE5I SUPPLEMENTATION WITH TRIMIX ICI INJECTIONS BENEFICIAL IN POST-PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT? AN EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY DATA
Authors: Khalaf Alla K , Mahdi M , Majzoub A , Jacob J , Slovacek H , Wang R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Trimix intracorporeal injections (ICI) are considered a dependable treatment option for men who have undergone radical prostatectomy, often resulting in satisfactory erections suitable for penetration. However, higher doses of Trimix ICI can cause penile pain and are linked to an increased incidence of priapism.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate whether daily use of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (PDE5i) can enhance the effectiveness of ICI, enabling patients to achieve the desired response with lower Trimix ICI dosages.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of our institutional database to identify patients experiencing erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment. Data from 233 patients who underwent Ultrasound Penile Doppler (US PD), used Trimix ICI with or without daily PDE5i between 2020 and 2023, and had a follow-up period of at least one year were included. Correlation was drawn between the changes in Trimix dosage required to attain a satisfactory erection and the different variables including demographic data and ultrasound penile doppler readings. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their PDE5i usage: group 1 (no PDE5i intake, n = 128) and group 2 (PDE5i intake, n = 105). To assess the impact of PDE5i on changes in ICI dosage, a chi-squared test was utilized.

Results
In the overall patient cohort, 17.2% had diabetes, 51.9% had hypertension, 71.7% had undergone prostatectomy, 24.5% had a history of radiation treatment, 18.5% had received androgen deprivation therapy, and 15.9% reported using beta blockers. Additionally, 55.8% of the patients used vacuum erection devices. One observation found, most of the patients who took daily PDE5i were from the non-radiation therapy group. (P = 0.03) The correlation between changes in intracorporeal injection dosage and various parameters is detailed in Table 1. Most parameters were not statistically significant, with the exceptions of patient age (P = 0.01) and the initial prescribed Trimix injection dose, which was determined based on the patient's response to initial ICI given during penile Doppler ultrasound. A significantly higher proportion of patients in group 1 reported an increase in Trimix ICI dosage during follow-up compared to group 2 (78.4% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.01). Importantly, no cases of priapism were observed among the 233 patients throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions
Although additional comprehensive follow-up is warranted, these preliminary findings suggest that regular daily administration of PDE5 inhibitors is both safe and may effectively reduce the necessity for escalating Trimix ICI dosages in this particular patient cohort.

Disclosure
No.