bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A homogeneous bioluminescent inhibition immunoassay to detect anti-interferon gamma antibodies
Authors: Bradhurst Peter , Stoyanov Alex , Nithichanon Arnone , Bundell Christine , Urriola Nicolás 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Adult-onset immunodeficiency with antibodies to interferon-γ (AOID with AIGA) is a rare, acquired immunodeficiency causing susceptibility to disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacteria and other intracellular opportunistic infections. The diagnosis depends on demonstrating the presence of endogenous anti-interferon-γ antibodies (AIGA) that suppress Th1 cell-mediated immunity. Bioluminescent immunoassays are a newly emerging immunoassay format which utilize the action of bioluminescent enzymes on a substrate for specific analyte detection. In short, detecting antibodies are conjugated with a bioluminescent enzyme. The detecting antibodies bind the analyte of interest and produce light (luminescence) after addition of a substrate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two newly developed bioluminescent immunoassays using Lumit® (Promega) technology as a diagnostic test for AOID with AIGA. Specific aims included the clinical validation of a new inhibition bioluminescent immunoassay technique to detect AIGA which block detection of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in vitro and correlation of inhibition bioluminescent immunoassay results with AOID with AIGA disease status. Two bioluminescent inhibition immunoassays were developed. One which adapted an existing kit from Promega (Lumit® Human IFN-γ Immunoassay) and the other which was developed in house. Eighty-seven healthy controls and 48 patients with previously diagnosed AOID with AIGA were recruited and tested using these two methods. Results showed both bioluminescent inhibition immunoassays were able to clearly discriminate between AOID with AIGA patients and healthy controls. The mean inhibition percentage between patient groups correlated with disease activity. Both assays appeared to be more sensitive when compared to the existing inhibition ELISA.
TPRT: a trajectory publishing scheme for the Internet of Vehicles based on radix tree
Authors: Tian Junfeng , Zhu Qi , Shen Jia wei , Xu Tengfei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The location and trajectory information generated in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) provides sufficient data support for road network planning. However, there is much sensitive information in these data, and publishing them directly will lead to serious privacy leakage risks. Therefore, this paper proposes a trajectory publishing scheme for the Internet of Vehicles based on radix tree (TPRT). Firstly, the trajectory data are divided into multiple location planes based on timestamps and processed using clustering and generalization. This approach addresses the issue of real-life trajectory data having almost no identical prefixes, making it more suitable for storage in radix tree. Then, the directed graph and the shortest path algorithm are utilized to synthesize a new trajectory dataset for publication. Subsequently, a radix tree structure that satisfies differential privacy is defined. In comparison to the research method employing a prefix tree, the radix tree not only captures the spatiotemporal characteristics of the trajectories but also reduces space consumption. Finally, a novel method of noise addition is proposed. In contrast to the traditional layer-by-layer noise addition approach, our method reduces the cost of noise addition and enhances data availability. Experimental results demonstrate that TPRT exhibits superior data availability compared to the baseline methods.
Security analysis of the MAP-T IPv6 transition technology
Authors: Al-Azzawi Ameen , Lencse Gábor 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we focus on one of the most prominent IPv6 transition technologies, namely Mapping of Address and Port using Translation (MAP-T), and we give attention to Mapping of Address and Port with Encapsulation (MAP-E) as well. We emphasize the uniqueness of MAP-T and MAP-E, and we discuss the differences between those two technologies, including their topology, functionality, and security vulnerabilities. We apply a threat modeling technique, Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege (STRIDE), to assess potential vulnerabilities in the MAP-T infrastructure. Furthermore, we build a testbed for MAP-T using the open-source software, Jool, and we conduct testing on the translation process capabilities of Jool and its port allocation per subscriber. Finally, we present various attacking scenarios against the main routers of MAP-T, such as IP address spoofing, information disclosure, and source port exhaustion, and we propose mitigation methods for several attacks.
Rare case of fecaloma requiring endoscopic intervention in a 24-year-old female
Authors: Hooda Zamaan , Higgins Sabrina Clare , Pastore Dakota , Crisafulli Gregory , Canoles Haley , Alkomos Mina , Talishinskiy Toghrul , Amer Kamal , El-Sedfy Abraham 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Fecalomas are a rare potential etiology for constipation experienced in children and the elderly. Large bowel obstructions due to fecalomas are preferably treated conservatively with laxatives and bowel rest. However, in the setting of severe corporostasis, more invasive procedures are required to prevent bowel ischemia and perforation. This case report describes a patient who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of large bowel obstruction and constipation, and she was found to have a fecaloma. Conservative interventions, including bowel rest and the administration of laxatives failed, prompting the need for more invasive therapies. During her admission, multiple flexible sigmoidoscopies were required to alleviate the obstruction. Ultimately, this case demonstrates an encounter of a patient with a sigmoid fecaloma from an unlikely demographic with few risk factors that required endoscopic intervention for treatment.
Mode of cell death in the penile cavernous tissue of type 1 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Li Jing , Jiang Qilan , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetes mellitus commonly causes endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell death in penile cavernous tissue.

Aim
The study sought to study the mode of cell death in the penile cavernous tissue in type 1 diabetic rats.

Methods
A total of 36 Sprague Dawley rats 10 weeks of age were randomly divided into 2 groups: a normoglycemic group and type 1 diabetic group (intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ), 60 mg/kg). We randomly selected 6 rats from each group for tests at the end of 11, 14, and 18 weeks of age, respectively. All rats were able to eat and drink freely. The ratio of maximum intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure, concentration of serum testosterone, level of nitric oxide in the penile cavernosum, and expression of active caspase-1 (pyroptosis) and active caspase-3 (apoptosis) were determined.

Outcomes
At the end of weeks 4 and 8 of type 1 diabetes, the proportions of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells undergoing apoptosis and pyroptosis in penile cavernous tissue are different.

Results
The ratio of maximum intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure and nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in the 4- and 8-week diabetic groups than in the normoglycemic group (P &lt; .01). Penile endothelial cell pyroptosis (5.67 ± 0.81%), smooth muscle cell apoptosis (23.72 ± 0.48%), total cell pyroptosis (9.67 ± 0.73%), and total apoptosis (10.52 ± 1.45%) were significantly greater in the 4-week diabetic group than in the normoglycemic group (P &lt; .01). The proportion of endothelial cell pyroptosis (24.4 ± 3.69%), endothelial cell apoptosis (22.13 ± 2.43%), total cell pyroptosis (14.75 ± 0.93%), and total apoptosis (14.82 ± 1.08%) in the penile tissues of the 8-week diabetic group were significantly greater than those in the normoglycemic group (P &lt; .01).The 8-week survival proportions of diabetic endothelial cells (38.86 ± 8.85%) and smooth muscle cells (44.46 ± 2.94%) was significantly lower than the 4-week survival proportions of endothelial cells (93.17 ± 8.07%) and smooth muscle cells (75.12 ± 4.76%) (P &lt; .05).

Clinical Translation
Inhibition of cell death by different methods at different stages may be the key to the treatment of type 1 diabetes–induced erectile dysfunction.

Strengths and Limitations
The effect of type 1 diabetes on other types of cell death in penile cavernous tissue needs further study.

Conclusion
The mode of death of endothelial cells in the cavernous tissue of the penis in the early stage in diabetic rats is dominated by pyroptosis, and the death of smooth muscle cells is dominated by apoptosis. Endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell death are not consistent at different stages of diabetes progression.
Early-onset and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus factors correlate with complications of Peyronie’s disease
Authors: Karakus Serkan , Unal Selman , Dai Daisy , Joseph Crystal , Du Comb William , Levy Jason A , Hawksworth Dorota , Burnett Arthur L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis and is characterized by abnormal collagen structure in the penile tunica albuginea, resulting in plaque formation and penile deformity. PD’s overall prevalence is estimated at 3.2% to 8.9%, with rates as high as 20.3% among men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the characteristics of DM associated with PD complications remain unclear.

Aim
To explore clinical associations between DM characteristics and PD complications.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with DM and PD who presented at our institution between 2007 and 2022. We examined patients’ clinical histories, DM- and PD-related clinical parameters, and complications. Penile deformities were assessed through physical examination, photographs, and penile Doppler ultrasound. Patients were categorized into subgroups based on age of DM onset: early (&lt;45 years), average (45-65 years), and late (&gt;65 years).

Outcomes
Outcomes included effects of DM characteristics on PD development, progression, and severity.

Results
In total, 197 patients were included in the evaluation. Early-onset diabetes and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels exhibited significant correlations with the early development of PD (ρ = 0.66, P &lt; .001, and ρ = –0.24, P &lt; .001, respectively). Furthermore, having DM at an early age was associated with the occurrence of penile plaque (ρ = –0.18, P = .03), and there were no significant differences in plaque dimensions (ρ = –0.29, P = .053). A rise in HbA1c levels after the initial PD diagnosis displayed positive correlations with the formation of penile plaque (ρ = 0.22, P &lt; .006).

Clinical Implications
These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with DM and PD. Enhanced management approaches can improve outcomes for those facing both challenges.

Strengths and Limitations
Limitations include the single-site retrospective design with potential selection bias, inaccuracies in medical record data, and challenges in controlling confounding variables.

Conclusions
This study highlights that early-onset diabetes and poor diabetes control, as indicated by a subsequent rise in HbA1c levels following PD diagnosis, are significantly correlated with the onset and severity of PD. Revealing the mechanisms behind these findings will help us develop better management strategies for individuals with DM and PD.
A low testosterone level impairs erectile function by increasing endocan expression in rat penile corpus cavernosum
Authors: Chen Zhaoguo , Jiang Jun , Jiang Rui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The mechanism by which a state of low testosterone leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) has not been determined. Endocan is a novel marker of endothelial function. However, whether endocan is involved in the regulation of erectile function under low testosterone levels remains unclear.

Aim
In this study we sought to determine whether a low-testosterone state inhibits erectile function by regulating endocan expression in the endothelial cells of the rat penile corpus cavernosum.

Methods
Thirty-six male Sprague–Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 6 per group) as follows: (1) control, (2) castration, (3) castration + testosterone treatment (treated with 3 mg/kg testosterone propionate per 2 days), (4) control + transfection (4 weeks after castration, injected with lentiviral vector (1 × 108 transduction units/mL, 10 μL), (5) castration + transfection, or (6) castration + empty transfection. One week after the injection, we measured the maximal intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP), serum testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and the expression of endocan, phospho–endothelial NO synthase (p-eNOS), eNOS, phospho–protein kinase B (p-AKT), and AKT in the rat penile corpus cavernosum.

Outcomes
Under a low-androgen state, the expression of endocan in the rat penile corpus cavernosum was significantly increased, which inhibited the AKT/eNOS/NO signaling pathway and resulted in ED.

Results
In the castration group, the expression of endocan in the rat penile corpus cavernosum was significantly higher than that in the control group (P &lt; .05). Additionally, the levels of p-AKT/AKT, p-eNOS/eNOS, and NO in the rat penile corpus cavernosum and ICPmax/MAP were significantly lower in the castration group than in the control group (P &lt; .05). In the castration + transfection group compared with the castration group there was a significant decrease in the expression of endocan (P &lt; .05) and an increase in the ratios of p-AKT/AKT, p-eNOS/eNOS, and ICPmax/MAP (P &lt; .05) in the rat penile corpus cavernosum.

Clinical implications
Downregulating the expression of endocan in the penile corpus cavernosum may be a feasible approach for treating ED caused by hypoandrogenism.

Strengths and limitations
The results of this study indicte that endocan may affect NO levels and erectile function through multiple signaling pathways, but further experiments are needed to clarify the relationship between endocan and androgens.

Conclusion
A low-testosterone state inhibits the AKT/eNOS/NO signaling pathway by increasing the expression of endocan in the rat penile corpus cavernosum and impairing erectile function in rats. Decreasing the expression of endocan in the penile corpus cavernosum can improve erectile function in rats with low testosterone levels.
Association between genital gender-affirming surgery and psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with gender incongruence
Authors: Garoosi Kassra , Yoon YooJin , Hale Elijah , Kahan Riley , Kalia Nargis , Higuchi Ty , Mathes David , Hudish Tyler , Kaoutzanis Christodoulos 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous studies present mixed evidence on the relationship between psychiatric comorbidities and genital gender-affirming surgery (GGAS) in individuals with gender incongruence (GI).

Aim
This research aims to investigate the psychiatric comorbidity rates post-GGAS in the GI population—namely, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, substance abuse disorder, and suicidality.

Methods
Based on the TriNetX health care database, an international database with &gt;250 million patients, a cross-sectional study was executed comparing psychiatric comorbidity rates among cases of GI with and without GGAS. Individuals were matched for demographic and health-related variables, which included history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Outcomes
The main focus was to establish the rates and changes in psychiatric comorbidities following GGAS.

Results
Among individuals with GI, the study identified 4061 with GGAS and 100 097 without. At 1 year post-GGAS, there was a significant decrease in depression (odds ratio [OR], 0.748; 95% CI, 0.672-0.833; P &lt; .0001), anxiety (OR, 0.730; 95% CI, 0.658-0.810; P &lt; .0001), substance use disorder (OR, 0.730; 95% CI, 0.658-0.810; P &lt; .0001), and suicidality (OR, 0.530; 95% CI, 0.425-0.661; P &lt; .0001), and these reductions were maintained or improved on at 5 years, including posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 0.831; 95% CI, 0.704-0.981; P = .028).

Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that GGAS may play a crucial role in diminishing psychiatric comorbidities among individuals with GI.

Strengths and Limitations
This is the largest known study to evaluate the effect of GGAS on psychiatric comorbidities in the GI population, offering robust evidence. The reliance on the precision of CPT and ICD-10 codes for data extraction poses a limitation due to potential coding inaccuracies.

Conclusion
The evidence suggests a significant association between GGAS and reduced psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with GI.
Archaea, bacteria and protists share a depth–decay relationship of community similarity in deep oceans
Authors: Wu Wenxue , Tang Wenqian , He Zhili , Wang Lei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Identifying the general patterns of biogeography is vital for a better understanding of biological communities over space. However, there is a lack of well-understood biogeographic patterns of microbial communities in pelagic ecosystems. In this study, we simultaneously investigated archaeal, bacterial and protist communities using metabarcoding in the deep Pacific Ocean. Our results showed that archaea, bacteria and protists shared a depth–decay relationship of community similarity, indicating a decrease in community similarity with increasing differences in water depth. Environmental factors were more important than water depth in shaping this relationship, indicating that the sinking process, compared to environmental conditions, might be relatively minor in driving community variations across water columns. Our study suggests that the depth–decay relationship should be primarily examined in field investigations to better interpret the vertical dynamics of marine microbial communities, and more efforts are required to determine the mechanism underlying this important relationship.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Improving Symptomatic and Functional Outcomes of Persons With Vestibular Schwannoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yap Jayden , Palmer Gretta , Graving Kate , Stone Shona , Gane Elise M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
Persons with vestibular schwannoma suffer from dizziness, imbalance, and decreased function leading to reduced quality of life. Other forms of peripheral vestibular hypofunction show improvements in these signs and symptoms with vestibular rehabilitation; however, the efficacy of this intervention for those with vestibular schwannoma is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to determine the effect of vestibular physical therapy on subjective and objective measures of vestibular symptoms and function in people with vestibular schwannoma.

Methods
Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane. Included studies were experimental or observational in design and featured patients with vestibular schwannoma who had undergone vestibular physical therapy. Screening and quality assessment was completed independently by 2 researchers. Risk of bias was assessed with a tool appropriate for study design (eg, Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized trials). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to synthesize findings.

Results
Twenty-three studies were included. Overall, the effect of vestibular physical therapy for patients with vestibular schwannoma was uncertain. Outcomes of dizziness, static and dynamic balance, and vestibular function all showed very low certainty on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment. Multimodal physical therapist interventions consistent with clinical practice guidelines (eg, gaze stability, habituation, balance training, gait training) demonstrated potential for improvement in dizziness, balance, and vestibular function, respectively. Results were mostly insignificant when a single modality was used.

Conclusion
There may be benefit in multimodal vestibular physical therapy for people with vestibular schwannoma to improve symptoms and function. More high-quality studies specific to vestibular schwannoma prehabilitation and rehabilitation are needed to increase the certainty in the evidence.

Impact
Physical therapists are encouraged to use multimodal vestibular rehabilitation for vestibular schwannoma in clinical practice in line with clinical guidelines for peripheral vestibular hypofunction.
The FLuorometholone as Adjunctive MEdical Therapy for Trachomatous Trichiasis Surgery (FLAME) Trial: Study Design
Authors: Mohammed Ahlam Awad , Abashawl Aida , Dodson Sarity , Alemayehu Wondu , Gemechu Alemu , Mengesha Aemero Abateneh , Kumsa Dereje , Succar Tony , Chen Yineng , McWilliams Kathleen , Bunya Vatinee Y. , Maguire Maureen G. , Burton Matthew J. , Ying Gui-shuang , Kempen John H. ,   FLuorometholone as Adjunctive MEdical Therapy for Trachomatous Trichiasis Surgery (FLAME) Trial Research Group
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeTo report the design ofFLuorometholone asAdjunctiveMEdical Therapy for TT Surgery (FLAME) Trial.DesignParallel design, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 1:1 randomization to fluorometholone 0.1% eyedrops twice daily or placebo twice daily for four weeks in eyes undergoing trachomatous trichiasis (TT) surgery; assessing the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of fluorometholone 0.1% in preventing recurrent postoperative trichiasis.MethodsUp to 2500 eligible persons with trachomatous trichiasis (TT) undergoing lid rotation surgery will be enrolled in Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Participants, surgeons, study field staff, and study supervisors leading operational aspects of the trial are masked to treatment assignment. Randomization is stratified by surgeon, which simultaneously stratifies by the district. The study visits are at baseline/enrollment, at four-week post-enrollment, six months, and one year (study exit). The primary outcome is cumulative one-year postoperative TT (PTT) incidence, defined as: ≥1 lashes touching the globe, evidence of epilation, and/or repeat TT surgery. Secondary postoperative outcomes include number of trichiatic lashes, location thereof (touching the cornea or not), evidence of post-operative epilation, entropion, changes in corneal opacity, IOP elevation, need for cataract surgery, visual acuity change from baseline, eyelid contour abnormality, granuloma, eyelid closure defect, and occurrence of adverse events. Health economic analyses center on calculating the incremental cost per case of PTT avoided by fluorometholone treatment.ConclusionThe FLAME Trial is designed to provide evidence of the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of adjunctive topical peri-/postoperative fluorometholone 0.1% therapy with trichiasis surgery, which is hypothesized to reduce the risk of recurrent trichiasis while being acceptably safe.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT04149210