bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(268) Intracavernous Prostaglandin Injection as a Predictor and Effectiveness Measure for LISWT Sessions in ED Patients: A Single Urologist's Experience
Authors: Feghali J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In recent years, therapeutic approaches for treating vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction (ED) have evolved, with Low Intensity Shock Wave Therapy (LISWT) emerging as a promising modality.

Objective
To objectively evaluate the efficacy of LISWT for ED patients and to predict the required number of sessions, we examined the effects of administering up to 10 mcg of intracavernous alprostadil injections both before and after treatment

Methods
85 vasculogenic ED patients (Average age: 57); 33 with mild to moderate ED and 52 with moderate or severe ED. Intracavernous injection (ICI) of ≤10 mcg of alprostadil was given before LISWT and one month post-treatment. Depending on ICI response, patients underwent either six (Erection Hardness Score (EHS) ≤3) or four (EHS=4) weekly LISWT sessions using PiezoWave2 from Richard WOLF. LISWT Parameters: 0.16mj/mm2 energy flux density, 8 Hz frequency, 10mm wave focus penetration depth, and 6000 shocks per session distributed among the two crura of the penis (2000 shocks), dorsum penis (2000 shocks), and lateral penis (2000 shocks).

Results
33 patients showed a robust response to the 10mcg ICI and were treated with four LISWT sessions. 52 patients exhibited a partial response to the 10mcg ICI, necessitating six LISWT sessions. 78.6% (26 out of 33) of the patients who initially responded well to 10 mcg ICI had a consistent response to 8 mcg ICI; 63.6% (33 out of 52) of those with a partial initial response to 10 mcg ICI demonstrated an improved reaction to the same dosage post-treatment (table 1) (fig. 1). No complications were reported from the ICI.

Conclusions
Intracavernous prostaglandin injection can serve as a predictor for the required number of LISWT sessions and can objectively gauge the treatment's effectiveness in ED patients. Further randomized studies, incorporating parameters such as EHS, IIEF, and the ICI dosage, are recommended to validate this method's feasibility

Disclosure
No.
(275) IGFBP5 Short Hairpin RNA (shRNA) Constructs Improve Erectile Function in a Mouse Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Ock J , Limanjaya A , Kwon M , Yin G N , Suh J , Ryu J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer not only induces cavernous nerve injury but also causes cavernous angiopathy, which is responsible for poor responsiveness to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) promotes cell death and induces apoptosis in various cell types.

Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of IGFBP5 knockdown at improving erectile function in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury.

Methods
Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used to prepare cavernous nerve injury model. Mice were divided into 4 groups: a sham operation group and three cavernous nerve injury (CNI) groups, which were administered intracavernous injections of phosphate buffered saline, scrambled control shRNA, or shRNA targeting mouse IGFBP5 (shIGFBP5) lentivirus particles. One week later, we measured erectile function by electrically stimulating the bilateral cavernous nerve.

Results
IGFBP5 expression in cavernous tissues were significantly increased in CNI mice compare to sham mice. CNI mice had reduced erectile function, but shIGFBP5 treatment resulted in significant improvements. Furthermore, in CNI mice, numbers of cavernous endothelial cells, pericytes, and neuronal cells were increased by shIGFBP5 treatment.

Conclusions
Knockdown of IGFBP5 improved erectile function in CNI mice by enhancing neurovascular regeneration. Local inhibition of IGFBP5 expression may provide a new treatment strategy for the treatment of neurovascular diseases.

Disclosure
No.
(278) The Loss of Histone Reader Phf7 Leads to Immune Pathways Activation via Endogenous Retroviruses During Spermiogenesis
Authors: Lin H , Jianxing C , Hui J , Hui J , Wenming X 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
PHF7 has been identified as playing a crucial role in germline development in animals. However, its correlation with human infertility remains ambiguous.

Objective
To ascertain if a germline mutation in the human PHF7 gene correlates with azoospermic patients and to further determine if this mutation is a potential cause of non-obstructive azoospermia.

Methods
Genetic screening of azoospermic patients for PHF7 mutations. Using Phf7 knockout mice models to simulate the human mutation, aiming to validate if these mutations are directly responsible for male infertility. Investigating the role of endogenous retroviruses related to Phf7 deletion and its link to activating the immune pathway.

Results
A germline mutation of the human PHF7 gene was identified in azoospermic patients. In the Phf7 knockout mice model, male infertility was observed, specifically stemming from an inhibited histone-to-protamine exchange process. The absence of spermatogenesis due to the Phf7 deletion was found to be associated with the activation of the immune pathway, mediated by endogenous retroviruses. PPARα was identified as a significant factor in the testis, which is suppressed by endogenous retroviruses.

Conclusions
PHF7 is an essential gene associated with human infertility, particularly in non-obstructive azoospermic patients. Its role as an epigenetic reader became evident, and the absence of PHF7 leads to immune pathway activation. The study also highlighted that the PPARα agonist, Astaxanthin, holds promise as a therapeutic agent to treat male infertility resulting from PHF7 mutations.

Disclosure
No.
Tuberculosis among children visiting friends & relatives
Authors: Perez-Porcuna Tomas M , Noguera-Julian Antoni , Riera-Bosch Maria Teresa , Macià-Rieradevall Esperança , Santos-Santiago José , Rifà Pujol Maria Àngels , Eril Maria , Aulet-Molist Lídia , Padilla-Esteba Emma , Tórtola Maria Teresa , Gómez i Prat Jordi , Vilamala Bastarras Anna , Rebull-Fatsini Josep Sebastià , Papaleo Andrea , Rius-Gordillo Neus , Gonçalves Alessandra Q , Naranjo-Orihuela Àngels , Urgelles Marta , García-Lerín Mónica G , Jimenez-Lladser Gemma , Lorenzo-Pino Beatriz , Giuliano-Cuello Mónica Adriana , Pascual-Sánchez Maria Teresa , Marco-García Mónica , Abellana Rosa , Espiau Maria , Altet-Gómez Maria Nieves , Orcau-Palau Angels , Caylà Joan A , Soriano-Arandes Antoni 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Most paediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases in low-TB-incidence countries involve children born to migrant families. This may be partially explained by trips to their countries of origin for visiting friends and relatives (VFR). We aimed to estimate the risk of latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB in children VFR.

Methods
We conducted a prospective multicentric observational study in Catalonia (Spain) from June 2017 to December 2019. We enrolled children aged &lt; 15 years with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) at baseline and at least one parent from a high-TB-incidence country, and who had travelled to their parent’s birth country for ≥21 days. TST and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) were performed within 8–12 weeks post-return. LTBI was defined as a TST ≥5 mm and/or a positive QFT-Plus.

Results
Five hundred children completed the study, equivalent to 78.2 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). Thirteen children (2.6%) were diagnosed with LTBI (16.6/per100 PYFU, 95%CI = 8.8–28.5), including two cases (0.4%) of TB (2.5/per100 PYFU, 95%CI = 0.3–9.3). LTBI incidence rates remained high after excluding BCG-vaccinated children (9.7/per100 PYFU, 95%CI = 3.9–20.0). Household tobacco smoke exposure was associated with LTBI (aOR = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.1–13.3).

Conclusions
The risk of LTBI in children VFR in high-TB-incidence countries may equal, or perhaps even exceed, the infection risk of the native population. The primary associated risk factor was the presence of smokers in the household. Furthermore, the incidence rate of active TB largely surpassed that of the countries visited. Children VFR in high-TB-incidence countries should be targeted for diagnostic and preventive interventions.
Arterio-venous Anastomoses of the Sucquet–Hoyer Type: Complexity and Distribution in the Human Dermis
Authors: Moghaddam Atieh S , Reissig Lukas F , Geyer Stefan H , Weninger Wolfgang J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Our study aims at providing detailed information on numbers, form, and spatial distribution of arterio-venous anastomoses of the Sucquet–Hoyer type in the dermis of the nail bed, nail fold corner, thumb pad, arm, nose, glabella, lip, and ear. It further aims at providing a system, which relies on objective morphologic criteria for classifying Sucquet–Hoyer canals (SHCs). Using high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM), digital volume data of eight samples of each skin region were produced. Virtual three-dimensional (3D) models of the dermally located SHCs were created, and their 3D tortuosity (τ) values were determined. Dermal SHCs were identified in all 24 finger samples and in 1 lip sample. Beneath a field of 2 × 2 mm2, an average of four were located in the nail bed, three in the dermis of the thumb pad, and one in the dermis of the nail fold corner. Only a single dermal SHC was found in one lip sample. No SHCs were observed in the dermis of the other samples. The τ values of the SHCs ranged from 1.11 to 10. Building on these values, a classification system was designed, which distinguishes four SHC classes. The dermal distribution of the SHCs of different classes was similar in all specimens.
Associations Among Environmental Exposures and Physical and Psychiatric Symptoms in a Care-Seeking Sample of U.S. Military Veterans
Authors: Morse Jessica L , Acheson Dean T , Almklov Erin , Pittman James O E , Lang Ariel J , Lindamer Laurie 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent research and policy (e.g., the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act) have highlighted the potential health consequences of toxic environmental exposures. The purpose of the current study was to assess the self-reported prevalence of such exposures among a sample of U.S. military veterans seeking care at a Veterans Affairs facility and to examine associations between exposures and physical and psychiatric symptoms.

Materials and Methods
Participants were 4,647 newly enrolling post-9/11 veterans at the VA San Diego Healthcare System who completed standard clinical screening processes between January 2015 and April 2019. Electronic health screening data, including demographic information, military history, environmental exposures, and physical and psychiatric symptoms, were assessed. t-Tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables were used to compare exposed to unexposed veterans on demographic and military characteristics as well as physical and psychiatric symptoms.

Results
A total of 2,028 veterans (43.6%) reported exposure to environmental toxins during their military service. Analyses revealed a disproportionate burden of exposure on older, male, educated, combat veterans as well as Asian and Native American veterans. Exposure to any type of environmental toxin was associated with more physical symptoms, particularly pain, fatigue, and insomnia, as well as psychiatric symptoms, including moderate depressive symptomology, mild to moderate anxiety, and scores approaching the threshold for likely post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol misuse.

Conclusions
The high prevalence and detrimental health correlates of environmental exposures underscore the importance of implementing screening for exposures and providing healthcare services that address the multisystemic nature of exposure-related illness.
Preliminary Investigation Into the Effectiveness of Group webSTAIR for Trauma-exposed Veterans in Primary Care
Authors: Kim Jamie S , Prins Annabel , Hirschhorn Elizabeth W , Legrand Alison C , Macia Kathryn S , Yam Sherry S , Cloitre Marylene 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A substantial number of trauma-exposed veterans seen in primary care report significant symptoms of PTSD and depression. While primary care mental health integration (PCMHI) providers have been successful in delivering brief mental health treatments in primary care, few studies have evaluated interventions that combine mobile health resources with PCMHI groups. This pilot study assessed the potential benefits of webSTAIR, a 10-module transdiagnostic treatment for trauma-exposed individuals, supported by 5 biweekly group sessions delivered via telehealth. The transdiagnostic and mobile health nature of the treatment, as well as the therapist and peer support provided through group sessions, may offer an innovative approach to increasing access to patient-centered and trauma-informed treatment in primary care settings.

Materials and Methods
Thirty-nine male and female veterans with trauma-related symptoms (i.e., PTSD and/or depression) participated in group webSTAIR. Mixed effects analyses were conducted to assess changes in PTSD and depression at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. Baseline symptom severity was assessed as a predictor of module completion and group attendance. The project was part of a VHA quality improvement project, and IRB approval was waived by the affiliated university.

Results
Analyses revealed significant pre-to-post improvement in both PTSD and depression outcomes with a large effect size for PTSD (Hedges’ gav = 0.88) and medium to large for depression (Hedges’ gav = 0.73). Of participants who completed the baseline assessment, 90% began webSTAIR; of those, 71% completed the program. Baseline symptoms of PTSD and depression did not predict group attendance or module completion.

Conclusions
Good outcomes and a satisfactory retention rate suggest that group webSTAIR may provide easily accessible, high-quality, and effective treatment for patients presenting with trauma-related problems without increasing therapist or system burdens. The results suggest the value of conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of group webSTAIR relative to PCMHI usual care or other evidence-based, disorder-specific (e.g., PTSD) treatments for trauma-exposed individuals in PCMHI.
Partial tidal disruption events by intermediate-mass black holes in supermassive and intermediate-mass black hole binaries
Authors: Wu Xiao-Jun , Yuan Ye-Fei , Luo Yan , Lin Wenbin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
In the centres of galaxies, stars that orbit supermassive black hole binaries (SMBHBs) can undergo tidal disruptions due to the Lidov–Kozai mechanism. Nevertheless, most previous researches have predominantly focused on full tidal disruption events (FTDEs). In this study, we employ N-body simulations to investigate partial tidal disruption events (PTDEs) induced by intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs) in SMBH–IMBH binaries, taking into account consideration the IMBH’s mass, semimajor axis, and eccentricity of the outer orbit. Our findings indicate that, in comparison to FTDEs, the majority of tidal disruption events are actually PTDEs. Furthermore, we find that a significant number of stars experiencing partial disruption ultimately get captured by the IMBH, potentially leading to repeating flares. By comparing the period of the periodic eruptions observed in ASASSN-14ko, we find that PTDEs in a specific SMBH–IMBH binary system can align with the observed period if the SMBH has a mass of $10^7\rm {\ M_\odot }$, the IMBH has a mass smaller than approximately $10^5\rm {\ M_\odot }$, the eccentricity of the SMBH–IMBH binary exceeds approximately 0.5, and the semimajor axis of the SMBH–IMBH binary is larger than approximately 0.001 pc. Moreover, our model effectively accounts for the observed period derivative for ASASSN-14ko ($\dot{P}=-0.0026\pm 0.0006$), and our results also imply that some quasi-periodic eruptions may be attributed to PTDEs occurring around SMBH–IMBH binaries.
Pregnancy-related issues from the perspective of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases – Results from a survey of the members of the National Association for Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Murashima Atsuko , Kaneko Kayoko , Oguro Hiroshi , Mori Yukiko , Goto Mikako , Mishima Shuko , Anzai Tatsuhiko , Takahashi Kunihiko 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
This study aimed to clarify the issues related to pregnancy in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (RDs) and to provide useful information for developing medical services from patients’ perspectives.

Methods
A survey involving approximately 5000 members of the Patients Association for Collagen Vascular Diseases Japan was conducted using a questionnaire that was sent and returned by mail. The questionnaire items included age at the time of the survey, types of RDs, association of RDs with pregnancy/childbirth outcomes, and pregnancy-related supports and hindrances.

Results
We received 491 completed questionnaires. The most common RD was systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 309). Approximately 60% of participants had a history of childbirth. Approximately 60% of participants had previously experienced pregnancy-related challenges due to RDs. These included concerns about the influence of drugs on babies, genetic transmission, and active disease. Patients with active disease at the time of conception were more likely to experience disease exacerbation during pregnancy, but this did not correlate with whether the pregnancy was planned.

Conclusion
This study revealed that many patients with RDs experienced pregnancy-related challenges and needed appropriate support based on appropriate information. The findings here should help rheumatologists, healthcare providers, and public agencies provide counselling and information.
The relationship between social determinants of health and neurocognitive and mood-related symptoms in the primary brain tumor population: A systematic review
Authors: Stockdill Macy L , King Amanda , Johnson Morgan , Karim Zuena , Cooper Diane , Armstrong Terri S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Social determinants of health (SDOH) impact cancer-related health outcomes, including survival, but their impact on symptoms is less understood among the primary brain tumor (PBT) population. We conducted a systematic review to examine the relationships between SDOH and neurocognitive and mood-related symptoms among the PBT population. PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched using PROGRESS criteria (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital) on March 8th, 2022. Two individuals screened and assessed study quality using the NHLBI Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. Of 3006 abstracts identified, 150 full-text articles were assessed, and 48 were included for a total sample of 28 454 study participants. Twenty-two studies examined 1 SDOH; none examined all 8. Four studies measured place of residence, 2 race/ethnicity, 13 occupation, 42 gender, 1 religion, 18 education, 4 socioeconomic status, and 15 social capital. Fifteen studies assessed neurocognitive and 37 mood-related symptoms. While higher education was associated with less neurocognitive symptoms, and among individuals with meningioma sustained unemployment after surgery was associated with depressive symptoms, results were otherwise disparate among SDOH and symptoms. Most studies were descriptive or exploratory, lacking comprehensive inclusion of SDOH. Standardizing SDOH collection, reducing bias, and recruiting diverse samples are recommended in future interventions.
Accurate prediction of myopic progression and high myopia by machine learning
Authors: Li Jiahui , Zeng Simiao , Li Zhihuan , Xu Jie , Sun Zhuo , Zhao Jing , Li Meiyan , Zou Zixing , Guan Taihua , Zeng Jin , Liu Zhuang , Xiao Wenchao , Wei Ran , Miao Hanpei , Ziyar Ian , Huang Junxiong , Gao Yuanxu , Zeng Yangfa , Zhou Xing-Tao , Zhang Kang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment in Asia and worldwide. However, accurately predicting the progression of myopia and the high risk of myopia remains a challenge. This study aims to develop a predictive model for the development of myopia.

Methods
We first retrospectively gathered 612 530 medical records from five independent cohorts, encompassing 227 543 patients ranging from infants to young adults. Subsequently, we developed a multivariate linear regression algorithm model to predict the progression of myopia and the risk of high myopia.

Result
The model to predict the progression of myopia achieved an R2 value of 0.964 vs a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.119D [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.119, 1.146] in the internal validation set. It demonstrated strong generalizability, maintaining consistent performance across external validation sets: R2 = 0.950 vs MAE = 0.119D (95% CI: 0.119, 1.136) in validation study 1, R2 = 0.950 vs MAE = 0.121D (95% CI: 0.121, 1.144) in validation study 2, and R2 = 0.806 vs MAE = −0.066D (95% CI: −0.066, 0.569) in the Shanghai Children Myopia Study. In the Beijing Children Eye Study, the model achieved an R2 of 0.749 vs a MAE of 0.178D (95% CI: 0.178, 1.557). The model to predict the risk of high myopia achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99 in the internal validation set and consistently high area under the curve values of 0.99, 0.99, 0.96 and 0.99 in the respective external validation sets.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates accurate prediction of myopia progression and risk of high myopia providing valuable insights for tailoring strategies to personalize and optimize the clinical management of myopia in children.
OPEN STOMATA 1 phosphorylates CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE-GATED CHANNELs to trigger Ca2+ signaling for abscisic acid-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Yang , Tan Yan-Qiu , Wang Xinyong , Li Jia-Jun , Du Bo-Ya , Zhu Meijun , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Yong-Fei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Multiple cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs) are abscisic acid (ABA)-activated Ca2+ channels in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) guard cells. In particular, CNGC5, CNGC6, CNGC9, and CNGC12 are essential for ABA-specific cytosolic Ca2+ signaling and stomatal movements. However, the mechanisms underlying ABA-mediated regulation of CNGCs and Ca2+ signaling are still unknown. In this study, we identified the Ca2+-independent protein kinase OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1) as a CNGC activator in Arabidopsis. OST1-targeted phosphorylation sites were identified in CNGC5, CNGC6, CNGC9, and CNGC12. These CNGCs were strongly inhibited by Ser-to-Ala mutations and fully activated by Ser-to-Asp mutations at the OST1-targeted sites. The overexpression of individual inactive CNGCs (iCNGCs) under the UBIQUITIN10 promoter in wild-type Arabidopsis conferred a strong dominant-negative-like ABA-insensitive stomatal closure phenotype. In contrast, expressing active CNGCs (aCNGCs) under their respective native promoters in the cngc5-1 cngc6-2 cngc9-1 cngc12-1 quadruple mutant fully restored ABA-activated cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations and Ca2+ currents in guard cells, and rescued the ABA-insensitive stomatal movement mutant phenotypes. Thus, we uncovered that ABA elicits cytosolic Ca2+ signaling via an OST1-CNGC module, in which OST1 functions as a convergence point of the Ca2+-dependent and -independent pathways in Arabidopsis guard cells.