bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Bladder Microbiome Identification Protocol with Proteomics in Bladder Cancer Patients and Review of the Literature
Authors: Stamatakos Panagiotis Velissarios , Fragkoulis Charalampos , Zoidakis Ieronymos , Ntoumas Konstantinos , Dellis Athanasios 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Urine was conventionally thought to be sterile. However, recent evidence about the presence of microorganisms residing the urinary tract has led to an emerging field of investigation about the potential role of urinary microbiome in the pathogenesis of urinary bladder cancer. Urinary microbiota refers to the different microbe populations present in the urinary tract while a variety of genetic, environmental, and experimental parameters have been investigated as predisposing factors of microbial composition. Different methods of urine collection as well as experimental methodology on microbiome’s characterization consist of well-defined factors that may alter the microbial composition. Few preliminary data have been reported so far implicating microorganisms as causative and prognostic factors of bladder tumorigenesis, examining mostly midstream-voided urine samples while the most commonly used analyzing technique was 16S rRNA sequencing method. In the present study, a protocol of microbiome identification using proteomics is reported analyzing differences in microbial composition between bladder cancer patients and healthy controls while a review of the current evidence is presented. To the best of our knowledge, proteomics has not been described as a possible method of microbiome characterization before.
A Review of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Urology Residence Training
Authors: Stamatakos Panagiotis Velissarios , Glykas Ioannis , Fragkoulis Charalampos , Dellis Athanasios 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction and Objective:
Since March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, a significant strain was placed on the worldwide health-care system. Although urology does not stand at the frontline of care for patients with COVID-19, every practicing urologist has been affected by the global outbreak. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urology residency training was evaluated taking into account the residents’ point of view regarding these unprecedented circumstances.

Evidence Acquisition:
We performed a literature review on the current evidence based on urology residency training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched (until June 2021), and the main inclusion criterion was the presence of residents’ or directors’ opinion on their residency training program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence Synthesis:
The search identified 72 articles. A total of 14 studies reporting on more than 2500 residents were eligible for inclusion. The articles were analyzed, and the results are presented in the current review.

Conclusions:
This unprecedented situation has critically affected urology residency training. A decrease in operation volume, especially those in which residents were directly involved as well as in the majority of academic activities, has been reported by many studies. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a significant impact on trainees’ mental well-being and lifestyle. On the other hand, the lockdown stressed the opportunity to implement innovative training tools, such as smart training programs and surgical skill development activities monitored by expert urologists.
Exploring the Benefits of Preoperative Androgen Stimulation in Hypospadias Surgery: A Histological Analysis of Neovascularization
Authors: Nikolaraki Eleni Anastasia , Tsachouridis Georgios , Stefanidis Antonios , Alamanis Christos , Kambas Nikolaos 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The administration of androgens prior to hypospadias surgery is recommended to enhance penile growth, improve neovascularization, and facilitate surgical correction, leading to improved cosmetic results. This study aimed to investigate the histological differences in neovascularization between hypospadiac patients who received preoperative testosterone and those who did not.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 33 boys aged 1–5½ years with anterior, medial, posterior penile or scrotal hypospadias were included in the study. Eighteen patients (Group A) received testosterone at a dosage of 25 mg intramuscularly every 4 weeks for 2–4 doses, with a maximum dose of 100 mg, as directed by an endocrinologist. Fifteen patients (control Group B) underwent hypospadias repair without androgen stimulation. During surgery, tissue samples were obtained from the prepuce and urethral plate (if possible). The samples were stained using immunohistochemical methods with anti-CD31 and anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) antibodies. The number of microvessels with CD31 index and the intensity of VEGF expression in vessels, positive cells, and stroma were evaluated.

Results:
The microvessel count with CD31 index and the expression of VEGF in vessels and positive cells were significantly higher in hypospadiac patients who received preoperative testosterone compared to the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that preoperative testosterone administration may enhance neovascularization in hypospadiac patients and should be considered in preoperative treatments, especially when using prepucial flaps. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of vascularity in surgical repair and to validate these findings.
Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of Harpagophytum procumbens leaves (Devil’s claw) in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Kalabharathi H. L. , Mariam Ayesha , Doddawad Vidya Gowdappa , Shivananda S. , Sanjay C. J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The aim of this study was to examine the anticonvulsant properties of an ethanolic extract derived from the leaves of Harpagophytum procumbens (commonly known as devil’s claw) in Swiss albino mice.

Materials and Methods:
The ethanolic extract of H. procumbens leaves (EHPL) was administered orally at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight, and two animal models were used to assess its anticonvulsant activity: the maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) models of convulsions. The duration of tonic phase of hind limb extension and extended seizure latency period were recorded.

Results:
The results showed that the EHPL at a dosage of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of tonic convulsions in the hind limbs in the MES-induced seizures model, while EHPL at 800 mg/kg significantly increased the latency period of clonic convulsions in the PTZ-induced seizures model.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that EHPL may be useful in managing grand mal epilepsy and absence seizures as it displayed significant antiepileptic activity in both models at 400 and 800 mg/kg p.o. The study is important as it will help to identify new sources of anticonvulsant drugs and contribute to the development of alternative treatment options for seizure disorders.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article:
Medical knowledge.
Evaluation of Hemorrhage Immediately after Extraction and Postextraction in Patients on Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for Last 5 Years
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Ahmad Tahir , Bhat Tariq Ah , Khadase Priyadarshani , Kaur Amandeep 
Published: September 2024

Aim and Objective:
The aim of our study was to evaluate hemorrhage immediately after extraction and postextraction in patients on oral anticoagulant therapy for the past 5 years.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 100 patients, equally divided into study group and control group of 50 patients each, who were on anticoagulant therapy for the past 5 years were included in the study and were assessed for general medical status, drug dosage, indication for anticoagulant therapy, and duration of treatment before being included in the study. Before undertaking any procedure, the international normalized ratio (INR) for each of the patient under study was requested and the study was only performed if INR was within the therapeutic range of 2.0–4.0 for each patient. Any patients with INR outside the therapeutic range, patients with liver disease, patients on other drugs that affect the hemostasis (long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressant drugs), and patients who refused to sign the consent for the study were excluded from the study.

Results:
None of the patients, in study group, had any immediate postoperative bleeding during the 30 min that they were observed after the extractions, and no patient in study group had any bleeding during the first 24 h. One patient from the study group (50-year-old female, INR 3.2) had intermittent oozing on the 3rd day postoperatively, after extractions of lower right 2nd molar.

Conclusion:
We conclude that hemorrhagic episodes postextraction in patients on anti-coagulant therapy is manageable following atraumatic extraction, hemostatic agents and sutures. Its also concluded that patients on anticoagulant are at high risk of thromboembolic events than postextraction hemorrhage so anticoagulant therapy should be continued without any alteration.
Retrospective Analysis on the Incidence and Pattern of Facial Bone Fractures in a Major Trauma Center of Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Mishra Nitesh , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Janani T. , Sharma Naresh Kumar , Priya Aditi 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Maxillofacial trauma is one of the growing concerns in the field of health sector around the world. Fractures of the maxillofacial region often lead to considerable morbidity of esthetics and function.

Aim:
This study aims to establish the incidence and pattern of facial bone fractures as well as to present their etiology, frequency, and distribution among the cases reporting in the major trauma center of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Materials and Methods:
The total number of patients included in this study was 575. The data were obtained from previous documented records. Proportions and relations of data are compared with the help of the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 suggests results are significant.

Results:
Of 575 patients, 376 patients had isolated fractures and 199 patients had mixed fractures. The mandible is the most commonly affected bone. The most commonly involved anatomical site was parasymphysis of the mandible (25.6% [202/790]), followed by zygomatic complex 14.9% (118/790). The mean age of patients was 28.92 years with a male predilection. The mean age for males and females was 29.44 years and 24.29 years, respectively. The most common age group involved in maxillofacial injury was 21–30. The correlation of anatomical sites of maxillofacial fractures according to age group was inferred to be statistically insignificant as P > 0.05. The most common mode of injury was inferred to be road traffic accidents (85.7% [493/575]). The correlation between anatomical site and mode of injuries was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
This study concludes that road traffic accident is the most common mode of injury and the most common bone involved is the mandible, with parasymphysis being the most affected anatomical site. The current study also demonstrates a significant correlation between the anatomical site of injury and the mode of injury.
Tuberculosis Cases Related to Tertiary Care Cardiac Center Experiences in the Last 10 Years
Authors: Kaya Sibel Doğan , Evik Güliz , Deniz Münire 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest and deadliest infectious diseases known to affect human health, which is gaining renewed importance today.

Methods:
In our center, which is a tertiary research hospital, the data of patients hospitalized due to TB between 2011 and 2022 were retrospectively identified by searching the database.

Results:
Six women (30.0%) and 14 men (70.0%) were included in the study. When analyzed by age grouping, four patients between the ages of 19 and 34 years (20.0%), five patients between the ages of 38 and 58 years (25.0%), five patients aged 61–69 years (25.0%), and six patients aged 70–81 years (30.0%). Radiographs showed cavitation in 9 (45.0%) patients, and 11 (55.0%) patients had no radiologic findings. The ARS results of the participants showed that there were 7 (35.0%) patients positive and 13 (65.0%) patients negative. When the TB culture variables of the participants were analyzed, it was found that there were 5 (25.0%) people with no growth and 15 (75.0%) people with growth. Concurrent diseases were noted in patients including 5 (25.0%) with organ transplantation, 3 (15.0%) with diabetes mellitus, 2 (%10) with cancer, and 2 (10%) with chronic renal failure according to the chart records. The distribution of cases was as follows: 19 (95.0%) pulmonary TB and 1 (5.0%) pleural TB. It was found that there were 5 (25.0%) people with a history of TBC and 15 people (75.0%) without a history of TBC. Moreover, drug susceptibility tests showed that 5 (25%) patients of the isolates were identified as multidrug resistant with first-line drug susceptibility testing.

Conclusion:
The study was not financially supported by any individual/organization, and the authors have no vested interests.
Bioinformatic Approach for Repurposing Immunomodulatory Drugs for Lepromatous Leprosy
Authors: Espitia Gary J. , Arenas Nelson Enrique , Gutiérrez-Castañeda Luz Dary , Guerrero Martha Inírida 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
The lepromatous leprosy (LL) disease is caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis which is characterized by inadequate response to treatment, a propensity to drug resistance, and patient disability. We aimed to evaluate current immunomodulatory medicines and their target proteins collectively as a drug repurposing strategy to decipher novel uses for LL.

Methods:
A dataset of human genes associated with LL-immune response was retrieved from public health genomic databases including the Human Genome Epidemiology Navigator and DisGeNET. Retrieved genes were filtered and enriched to set a robust network (≥10, up to 21 edges) and analyzed in the Cytoscape program (v3.9). Drug associations were obtained in the NDEx Integrated Query (v1.3.1) coupled with drug databases such as ChEMBL, BioGRID, and DrugBank. These networks were analyzed in Cytoscape with the CyNDEx-2 plugin and STRING protein network database.

Results:
Pathways analyses resulted in 100 candidate drugs organized into pharmacological groups with similar targets and filtered on 54 different drugs. Gene-target network analysis showed that the main druggable targets associated with LL were tumoral necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1B, and interferon-gamma. Consistently, glucosamine, binimetinib, talmapimod, dilmapimod, andrographolide, and VX-702 might have a possible beneficial effect coupled with LL treatment.

Conclusion:
Based on our drug repurposing analysis, immunomodulatory drugs might have a promising potential to be explored further as therapeutic options or to alleviate symptoms in LL patients.
Comparison of Antiphenolic Glycolipid-1 Antibody Levels in Seropositive Contacts of Leprosy after 2 Years of Single-dose Rifampicin as Postexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Fantoni Odelia Jovita Jusuf , Rusmawardiana  , Yahya Yulia Farida , Bahar Erial , Toruan Theresia Lumban , Purwoko Muhammad Izazi Hari 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Leprosy is still a global problem, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. Ineffective prevention of leprosy leads to active transmission of the disease. World Health Organization (WHO) recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with single dose of rifampicin (SDR) for leprosy patients. Previous study showed protective effect of SDR against leprosy, especially for the first 2 years. Hence, the use of PEP and IgM anti PGL-1 examination are required to suspend the chain of leprosy transmission. This study evaluated the effectiveness of SDR administration by comparing IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels in seropositive household contacts before and after 2 years of SDR administration.

Methods:
Analytical observational laboratory study comparing IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels before and after 2 years of SDR administration in leprosy contacts, with a prospective follow-up study design. We conducted this study from December 2022 to January 2023 at Dr. Mohammad Hoesin General Hospital Palembang. All seropositive household contacts of leprosy who had been administrated SDR 2 years ago were included, then PGL-1 antibody levels were examined.

Results:
The use of SDR showed significant improvement in leprosy contacts after 2 years (P=0.000). The median antibody level before SDR administration was 1,209.20 (615.81 – 4,353.60), which decrease to 146.03 (0 – 2,487.80) U/mL after 2 years. There was statistically significant relationship between history of BCG vaccination (P=0.003) and IgM PGL-1 antibody levels after 2 years of SDR administration.

Conclusion:
There is a significant decrease in IgM anti PGL-1 antibody levels among leprosy contacts after 2 years of SDR chemoprophylaxis administration.
Proteomic Analysis of Nontuberculous Bacteria Protein Spectra as the Element of Subtyping of Strains
Authors: Lyamin Artem Viktorovich , Sizova Arina Ilinichna , Antipov Vladimir Alexandrovich , Ismatullin Danir Damirovich , Milyutkina Yuliya Sergeevna , Kokorev Daniil Andreevich 
Published: September 2024

Background:
For the present, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry is the fastest and the most correct method for species identification of microorganisms. Apart from species-level identification, it allows to use a variety of approaches for the analysis and comparison of protein spectra of microorganisms of the same species, which are isolated from a patient at various disease states, that can be used in routine microbiological practice in laboratories fitted with mass analyzers.

Methods:
Two strains of Mycobacterium fortuitum and two strains of Mycobacterium peregrinum were isolated from sputum samples, which were obtained from patients with different clinical aspects of mycobacteriosis, whereat were reinoculated on the universal chromogenic culture medium “UriSelect 4.” Further, the MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry method was used, aiming to obtain protein profiles, which were analyzed using the FlexAnalysis 3.0 software package. Results of the statistical proteomic comparison of mass spectra were visualized using MALDI Biotyper 3.0 Offline Classification software.

Results:
Presented clinical examples demonstrate that strains of the same species, which are isolated from the same patient at different times of infection, change their cultural properties. Dynamic changes in cultural properties are reflected in changes in protein profiles by comparison spectra of isolates at different stages of colonization, which is reflected in the correlation with the clinical condition of the patient.

Conclusion:
Thus, the mentioned examples of proteomic analysis, using MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry, demonstrate the possibility of subtyping of strains, that are isolated on a universal chromogenic culture medium, in case of detection in the culture signs of population’s heterogeneity, based on cultural properties.
Ten Years' Experience with the Discontinuation of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Vaccination in the Czech Republic
Authors: Doležalová Karolína , Göpfertová Dana 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination programs were introduced in Czechoslovakia more than 60 years ago under a quite different epidemiological situation than that of today. Compulsory mass BCG vaccination was abolished in November 2010 and changed to a selective vaccination program for infants at high risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB).

Methods:
This work sets out to ascertain the risk of TB and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in the 10-year period following the change to the vaccination program and to compare this with the same period of time when mass BCG vaccination was compulsory. Descriptive study. Statistical analysis of the incidence of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis as reported in the TB register in years 2001-2020.

Conclusions:
The incidence trend of TB in children in both monitored time periods is identical and statistically significantly decreasing (P < 0.001). In the first monitored period, the incidence trend of NTM cervical lymphadenitis in children is degressive and is not statistically significant (P = 0.561). However, in the second monitored period, the trend increases and is statistically significant (P < 0.001); in every compared 2-consecutive year period, there is an increase of 8%. These findings indicate that the change from mass BCG vaccination to selective vaccination of high-risk newborns and the abolishment of BCG revaccination can be recommended, so long as a keen eye is kept on NTM caused lymphadenitis.
Synchronous multiple primary malignancies or transdifferentiation?—A diagnostic challenge in a case of Xeroderma pigmentosum
Authors: Kanna Sandhyarani M. , Sandeepa Supriya , Mukund K. N. , Nirupama M. , Bhargavi K. N. , Minal Jessica 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
A diagnosis of synchronous tumors is always questionable when they show similar histology. We present a case of synchronous tumors, i.e. melanoma (MM) arising from the scalp and angiosarcoma (AS) from the cheek in a patient of Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). The presence of melanin in AS of the cheek led to a differential diagnosis and a possibility of transdifferentiation of malignant melanoma in the first instance. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was negative for melanoma markers (Melan A, SOX-10 & S 100) and positive for vascular markers (ERG, CD31 & CD34) ruling out transdifferentiation and concluding the cheek swelling as angiosarcoma. The presence of non-cutaneous malignancies is rare in XP and the presence of MM in a nearby site and the melanin pigment in the cutaneous malignancy mislead the diagnosis. The morphology of the tumor was the key which led to the further workup of the case.