bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Necrotizing Otitis Externa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Khokhar Zuhaib A. , Mills John F. , Nguyen Shaun A. , White David R. , Robbins Wayne K. , Meyer Ted A. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: This review sought to answer the following research question: What are the characteristics of pediatric necrotizing otitis externa (NOE)? Moreover, we wanted to highlight the clinical importance of the current limitations in the literature. Methods: A scoping review was performed to determine what is known about NOE in the pediatric population. Four databases (COCHRANE Library, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus) were queried for articles published in English between 1976 to 2022. Variables extracted included comorbidities, demographics, outcomes, and treatment. Results: A total of 20 studies (N = 439) reported sufficient measures to be included in the review. Patients with NOE had a mean age of 10.0 years (range 2 months to 14 years) with a male-to-female gender ratio of 1.1:1. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.9 days (95%CI: 2.7-3.0). Demographics included 45.4% Caucasian, 6.0% African American, and 2.7% Asian/Pacific Islander. Less than 5% of patients had diabetes, while other reported comorbidities included neutropenia (n = 6), anemia (n = 5), dehydration/malnutrition (n = 4), Stevens Johnson Syndrome (n = 2), some form of immunosuppression/organ transplantation (n = 2), thrombocytopenia (n = 2), and leukopenia (n = 2). There have been no reported deaths from NOE in children. Conclusions: In the adult population NOE most commonly affects patients with diabetes, but our review reveals that diabetes does not appear to play as big a role in children. The disease seems to commonly affect patients with immunosuppression or severe health conditions. Complications such as cranial nerve palsies appear to be more common in the pediatric population. Specifically, the role of biopsy and culture in the treatment of pediatric NOE is stressed as they are important in treatment decisions.
Natural Frequencies Improve Public Understanding of Medical Test Results: An Experimental Study on Various Bayesian Inference Tasks with Multiple Scoring Methods and Non-Bayesian Reasoning Strategies
Authors: Kim Soyun 
Published: September 2024

Background It is well established that the natural frequencies (NF) format is cognitively more beneficial for Bayesian inference than the conditional probabilities (CP) format. However, empirical studies have suggested that the NF facilitation effect might be limited to specific groups of individuals. Unlike previous studies that focused on a limited number of Bayesian inference problems evaluated by a single scoring method, it was essential to examine multiple Bayesian problems using various scoring metrics. This study also explored the impact of numeracy on Bayesian inference and assessed non-Bayesian cognitive strategies using the numerical information in problem solving. Methods In a Web-based experimental survey, 175 South Korean adults were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 format groups (NF v. CP). After completing numeracy scales, participants were asked to estimate 4 Bayesian inference problems and document the numerical information used in their problem-solving process. Four scoring methods—strict rounding, loose rounding, absolute deviation, and 50-Split—were used to evaluate participants’ estimations. Results The NF format generally outperformed the CP format across all problems, except in a chorionic villus sampling test problem when evaluated using the 50-Split method. In addition, numeracy levels significantly influenced Bayesian inference; participants with higher numeracy demonstrated better performance. In addition, participants used various non-Bayesian strategies influenced by the format and the nature of the problems. Conclusions The NF facilitation effect was consistently observed across multiple Bayesian problems and scoring methods. Individuals with higher numeracy levels benefited more from the NF format. The use of various non-Bayesian strategies varied with the formats and nature of specific tasks. Highlights The natural frequencies (NF) format is known to foster understanding of medical test results compared with the conditional probabilities (CP) format, but some studies have reported that this benefit is either nonexistent or limited to specific groups. This study aims to replicate previous empirical studies using various Bayesian problems using multiple scoring methods. The NF format fosters understanding of medical test results across all Bayesian problems by all scoring methods, except in the CVS problem when using a 50-Split scoring method. Participants with high numeracy perform better Bayesian inference than those with lower numeracy. Particularly, higher numerates benefit more in the NF format than lower numerates do. In addition, the public tend to use various non-Bayesian reasoning strategies depending on the format and the nature of the tasks.
How Much Information Is Too Much? An Experimental Examination of How Information Disclosures May Unintentionally Encourage the Withholding of Health Information
Authors: Colby Helen , Popovich Deidre , Stovall Tony 
Published: September 2024

Introduction Information disclosures are used in medicine to provide patients with relevant information. This research examines whether patients are less likely to discuss medical conditions with their physicians after seeing an insurance information disclosure. Methods Three experimental studies with nonprobability online samples (ntotal = 875 US adult participants) examined the impact of information disclosures on patients’ likelihood of disclosing symptoms to providers, using new symptoms and preexisting chronic conditions. The effects of insurance disclosures were also compared to those of pharmaceutical discount disclosures. Results These studies demonstrate that information disclosures can result in unintended consequences for patients and providers. Results showed that information disclosures about insurance claims significantly negatively affected willingness to discuss health information with providers. This effect was consistent for both new health concerns, b = −0.661, P < 0.001 (study 1, n = 250) and b = −0.893, P < 0.001 (study 3, n = 375), as well as chronic conditions, b = −1.175, P < .001 (study 2, n = 250); all studies were conducted in January 2023. Information provided to patients about pharmaceutical savings did not similarly affect willingness to discuss symptoms with providers. Limitations These were experimental studies with hypothetical scenarios. Future research is needed to understand how patients react to information disclosures in a physician’s office. Future research is also needed to examine the role of specific wording and tone used in information disclosures. Conclusions Prior research has shown that patients prefer more information and to be involved in their medical decisions; however, these studies demonstrate that some information disclosures can discourage full communication between patients and physicians. Implications This research has important implications for the potential consequences of information disclosures in health care settings. Information disclosures should be presented in a way that will not discourage candid discussions of patient symptoms. Highlights This research found that information disclosures about insurance claims can negatively affect patient willingness to discuss health information with providers. Information disclosures may sometimes fall short of their intended purpose of aiding patient decisions with the goal of improved well-being. When information disclosures are focused on warning about potential new costs, patients may feel uncomfortable discussing new symptoms with their providers. Findings suggest patients may often be more concerned with costs than with addressing their ongoing health problems.
Risk factors and nomograms for diagnosis and early death in patients with combined small cell lung cancer with distant metastasis: a population-based study
Authors: Yin Hui , Hu Zhi , Yang Jie 
Published: September 2024

Objective Combined small cell lung cancer (CSCLC) with distant metastasis (DM) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Effective nomograms are needed to predict DM and early death in patients with CSCLC and DM. Methods This retrospective study included patients with CSCLC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015. Risk factors for DM and early death were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Nomograms were constructed based on the results in a training cohort and confirmed in a validation cohort, and their performances were assessed by concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 788 patients with CSCLC were selected, including 364 patients with metastatic CSCLC. Sex, tumor site, T stage, and N stage were independent risk factors for DM, while age, surgery, chemotherapy, and liver metastasis were independent risk factors for early death. C-index, ROC, calibration, and DCA curve analyses all showed good predictive performances for both nomograms. Conclusions These nomograms could reliably predict DM risk in CSCLC patients and early death in CSCLC patients with DM, and may thus help clinicians to assess these risks and implement individualized therapies.
Sexual Dysfunction, Marital Adjustment, and Quality of Life Among Male Persons with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Attending Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sarkar Bubul , Ali Arif , Paul Fayaz Ahmad 
Published: September 2024

Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the major problems associated with the chronic use of alcohol. Sexual dysfunction is also significantly associated with marital adjustment and quality of life. Aim and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its association with marital adjustment and quality of life among persons with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and to compare with the healthy control group. Materials and Methods: The present study used a cross-sectional, comparative, and descriptive research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample of 128 (64 patients with ADS and 64 healthy control persons) between the ages of 21 and 50, from the Department of Addiction Medicine, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH), Tezpur, Assam. Sociodemographic and clinical data sheet, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SDAQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIED), and The Drug Abuse Screening Test scales (DAST) were used. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the ADS group (64%) compared to the healthy control group (35.9%) (Chi-square = 46.916; p < .001). Marital satisfaction was significantly lower in the ADS group than in the healthy control group (Fisher’s exact test = 76.932; p < .001). Quality of life was also diminished in the ADS group, particularly in the physical ( t = −5.310; p <.001), social ( t = −4.481; p < .001), and environmental domains ( t = −4.250; p < .001). Furthermore, sexual dysfunction exhibited a significant negative correlation with marital adjustment ( r = −0.676; p < .01) and all domains of quality of life [physical domain ( r = −0.235; p < .001), social domain ( r = −0.383; p < .001), and environmental domain ( r = −0.383; p < .001)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction was high in persons with alcohol dependence syndrome as compared to the healthy control group and it has a relationship with marital adjustment and quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of screening and evaluating sexual dysfunction in individuals with alcohol dependence. Comprehensive pharmacological and nonpharmacological services are warranted to address the unique needs of this population, promoting both recovery from alcohol dependence and improvement in overall quality of life.
Increased CCL2/CCR2 axis promotes tumor progression by increasing M2 macrophages in MYC/BCL2 double-expressor DLBCL
Authors: Kim Sehui , Jeong Hyein , Ahn Hyun Kyung , Han Bogyeong , Lee Ki-Chang , Song Young Keun , Lim Sojung , Yim Jeemin , Koh Jaemoon , Jeon Yoon Kyung 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The pathogenesis of myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DE-DLBCL) remains unclear. To investigate how MYC and BCL2 contribute to tumor aggressiveness, we analyzed tumors from 14 patients each with DE-DLBCL and non–DE-DLBCL using whole transcriptome sequencing. Validation was performed using publicly available data sets, tumor tissues from 126 patients, DLBCL cell lines, and a syngeneic mouse lymphoma model. Our transcriptome analysis revealed significantly elevated messenger RNA levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) in DE-DLBCLs when compared with non–DE-DLBCLs (adjusted P value &lt; .05). Transcriptomic analysis of public data sets and immunohistochemistry corroborated these findings, indicating increased levels of M2 macrophages but a reduction in T-cell infiltration in DE-DLBCLs when compared with non–DE-DLBCLs (all P &lt; .05). CCR2 expression was observed mainly in tumor-infiltrating macrophages and not in DLBCL cells. Increased expression of CCL2 and CCR2 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with DLBCL. In the in vitro analyses, MYChigh/BCL2high DLBCL cells showed higher CCL2 expression and secretion than MYClow/BCL2low cells. MYC and BCL2 increased CCL2 expression and secretion by upregulation of nuclear factor κB p65 in DLBCL cells, and CCL2 promoted M2 polarization of macrophages. In a mouse lymphoma model, CCL2 contributed to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor growth of MYChigh/BCL2high tumors. We demonstrated that the increased CCL2/CCR2 axis confers aggressiveness to DE-DLBCL by increasing M2 polarization and can be a potential therapeutic target.
Identification of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphomas with higher clonal dominance and poorer outcome using 5′RACE
Authors: Camus Vincent , Viennot Mathieu , Viailly Pierre-Julien , Drieux Fanny , Veresezan Elena-Liana , Bobée Victor , Rainville Vinciane , Bohers Elodie , Sesques Pierre , Haioun Corinne , Durot Eric , Bayaram Michael , Rossi Cédric , Martin Laurent , Penther Dominique , Kaltenbach Sophie , Bruneau Julie , Paillassa Jérôme , Tournilhac Olivier , Gower Nicolas , Willaume Alexandre , Antier Chloé , Renaud Loïc , Lévêque Emilie , Decazes Pierre , Becker Stéphanie , Tonnelet David , Gaulard Philippe , Tilly Hervé , Molina Thierry Jo , Traverse-Glehen Alexandra , Donzel Marie , Ruminy Philippe , Jardin Fabrice 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
There is a scarcity of data on the tumor B-cell receptor (BCR) repertoire and lymphoid microenvironment in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). We applied 5ʹ rapid amplification of complimentary DNA ends (5′RACE) to tumor RNA samples from 137 patients with PMBL with available gene expression profiling and next-generation sequencing data. We obtained 5′RACE results for 75 of the 137 (54.7%) patients with the following clinical characteristics: median age (range), 33 years (18-64); female, 53.3%; performance status score 0 to 1, 86.7%; stage I to II, 57.3%; first-line treatment with anti-CD20 plus doxorubicin-based chemotherapy, 100%. Among the 60 biopsies that expressed a productive BCR, we highlighted a strong somatic hypermutation profile, defined as &lt;98% identity to the germ line sequence, with 58 (96.7%) patients carrying mutated IgVH. We then identified a subgroup of 12 of the 75 patients (16%) with a worse prognosis (progression-free survival [PFS]: hazard ratio [HR], 17; overall survival [OS]: HR, 21) that was associated with the highest clonal dominance (HCD) status, defined as the dominant clonotype representing &gt;81.1% and &gt;78.6% of all complementarity-determining region 3 sequences for IgVH and IgVL, respectively. When compared with other patients, this subgroup had similar clinical characteristics but a greater median allele frequency for all somatic variants, a decreased BCR diversity, and greater expression of PDL1/PDL2 and MS4A1 genes, suggesting greater tumoral infiltration. We confirmed this poorer prognosis in a multivariate model and in an independent validation cohort in which 6 of 37 (16%) PMBL patients exhibited HCD (PFS: HR, 12; OS: HR, 17).
Antithrombotic efficacy and bleeding risks of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia treatments
Authors: Leung Halina H. L. , Ahmadi Zohra , Lee Brendan , Casey John , Ratnasingam Sumita , McKenzie Steven E. , Perdomo Jose , Chong Beng H. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Current guidelines for treating vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) recommend nonheparin anticoagulants and IV immunoglobulin (IVIg). However, the efficacy of these treatments remains uncertain due to case studies involving small patient numbers, confounding factors (eg, concurrent treatments), and a lack of animal studies. A recent study proposed danaparoid and heparin as potential VITT therapies because of their ability to disrupt VITT IgG-platelet factor 4 (PF4) binding. Here, we examined the effects of various anticoagulants (including unfractionated [UF] heparin, danaparoid, bivalirudin, fondaparinux, and argatroban), IVIg, and the FcγRIIa receptor-blocking antibody, IV.3. Our investigation focused on VITT IgG-PF4 binding, platelet activation, thrombocytopenia, and thrombosis. Danaparoid, at therapeutic doses, was the sole anticoagulant that reduced VITT IgG-PF4 binding, verified by affinity-purified anti-PF4 VITT IgG. Although danaparoid and high-dose UF heparin (10 U/mL) inhibited platelet activation, none of the anticoagulants significantly affected thrombocytopenia in our VITT animal model and all prolonged bleeding time. IVIg and all anticoagulants except UF heparin protected the VITT mice from thrombosis. Direct FcγRIIa receptor inhibition with IV.3 antibody is an effective approach for managing both thrombosis and thrombocytopenia in the VITT mouse model. Our results underscore the necessity of animal model investigations to inform and better guide clinicians on treatment choices. This study provides compelling evidence for the development of FcγRIIa receptor blockers to prevent thrombosis in VITT and other FcγRIIa-related inflammatory disorders.
A prospective study of the association between varicoceles and semen quality in men with infertility
Authors: Ogunjimi Moses Adebisi , Abudu Olalekan Abdul-Rafiu , Jeje Emmanuel Ajibola , Ojewola Rufus Wale , Arogundade Rasheed Ajani 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Male infertility is a global problem, and varicoceles are a common and treatable cause of male infertility. This study prospectively evaluated the effects of varicoceles on the fertility status and potential among Nigerian men. The consequences of the presence, location, and grades of varicoceles on the fertility status of infertile men with varicoceles were determined using a Doppler scrotal ultrasound scan and their seminal fluid parameters.

Methods
One hundred infertile males with clinical varicoceles (study group) and 100 infertile males without varicocele (control group) were recruited. Varicoceles were confirmed/excluded and graded with an ultrasound scan in each subject. They also all had a seminal fluid analysis to measure their fertility potential. The findings were compared and correlated in the two groups.

Results
Most subjects in the study group (67%) had bilateral varicoceles, 31% had isolated left varicoceles, and only 2% had isolated right varicoceles. The majority of the participants (61%) in the study group had secondary infertility, while the majority (63%) in the control group had primary infertility (p = 0.001). There were significant increases in the prevalence of azoospermia (p = 0.008) and oligospermia (p = 0.030) with the higher grades of left varicoceles.

Conclusion
Bilateral varicoceles were significantly present in males with infertility in the study group. Varicoceles were more common in males with secondary infertility, and higher grades of varicoceles were significantly more associated with azoospermia and severe oligospermia. We recommend the routine use of ultrasound scans to diagnose varicoceles for the optimal management of infertile male patients.
The storage time of cryopreserved human spermatozoa does not affect pathways involved in fertility
Authors: Stigliani Sara , Amaro Adriana , Reggiani Francesco , Maccarini Elena , Massarotti Claudia , Lambertini Matteo , Anserini Paola , Scaruffi Paola 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a widely used technique in the assisted reproduction technology laboratory for the storage of gametes for later use, for the fertility preservation and for sperm donation programs. Cryopreservation can cause damage to membrane, cytoskeletal, acrosome and increased oxidative stress, sperm DNA damage and transcriptome changes. To assess the impact of storage time on the transcriptome of frozen human spermatozoa, semen samples were collected from 24 normospermic donors of whom 13 had cryostored semen for a short-time (1 week) and 11 had cryostored semen for a long-time (median 9 years).

Results
RNA was extracted from each frozen-thawed sperm sample, randomized in pools, and analyzed by microarrays. Five transcripts were in higher abundance in the long-time respect to the short-time storage group. Functional annotation enrichment disclosed that that the length of cryostorage has no effect on critical pathways involved in sperm physiology and function.

Conclusions
The storage time of cryopreserved human spermatozoa does not affect pathways involved in fertility.