bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with Behçet disease versus the general population
Authors: Choi Se Rim , Shin Anna , Ha You-Jung , Lee Yun Jong , Lee Eun Bong , Lee Eun-So , Kang Eun Ha 
Published: February 2024

Lay Summary
Behçet disease (BD) is a multisystem vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) of unknown origin that commonly results in oral and genital ulcers, uveitis (eye inflammation) and skin lesions. BD is most prevalent in people from the Mediterranean to East Asia, affecting 0.4% of people in this area. Most lesions go away with time, but more severe forms that involve the cardiovascular and neurological systems can lead to death. It is estimated that people with BD have 1.4 times the risk of dying than the general population.
Using large insurance databases in Korea, we investigated the risk of death in people with BD versus age- and sex-matched controls (i.e. people without the disease) from the general population. We found that patients with BD had a 28% greater risk of death than controls over 11.9 years of follow-up, with the highest risk being in first year after diagnosis. Top causes of death in people with BD included cancer, and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, genitourinary, respiratory and infectious disease. Further analyses of the data showed that the risk of death in BD is affected by age and sex. In particular, younger patients were more susceptible to death as a result of cardiovascular disease and women were more susceptible to dying of gastrointestinal disease.
Our study suggests that there could be an increased risk of death within the first year of being diagnosed with BD and highlights how BD is a systemic disease (i.e. the involvement of any internal organ system could lead to an increase in mortality). Finally, there were unique patterns of cause-specific deaths across subgroups of people with BD.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarker panel for synaptic dysfunction in a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Nilsson Johanna , Pichet Binette Alexa , Palmqvist Sebastian , Brum Wagner S , Janelidze Shorena , Ashton Nicholas J , Spotorno Nicola , Stomrud Erik , Gobom Johan , Zetterberg Henrik , Brinkmalm Ann , Blennow Kaj , Hansson Oskar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction and degeneration is likely the key pathophysiology for the progression of cognitive decline in various dementia disorders. Synaptic status can be monitored by measuring synaptic proteins in CSF. In this study, both known and new synaptic proteins were investigated and compared as potential biomarkers of synaptic dysfunction, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Seventeen synaptic proteins were quantified in CSF using two different targeted mass spectrometry assays in the prospective Swedish BioFINDER-2 study. The study included 958 individuals, characterized as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 205), AD dementia (n = 149) and a spectrum of other neurodegenerative diseases (n = 171), in addition to cognitively unimpaired individuals (CU, n = 443). Synaptic protein levels were compared between diagnostic groups and their associations with cognitive decline and key neuroimaging measures (amyloid-β-PET, tau-PET and cortical thickness) were assessed.
Among the 17 synaptic proteins examined, 14 were specifically elevated in the AD continuum. SNAP-25, 14-3-3 zeta/delta, β-synuclein, and neurogranin exhibited the highest discriminatory accuracy in differentiating AD dementia from controls (areas under the curve = 0.81–0.93). SNAP-25 and 14-3-3 zeta/delta also had the strongest associations with tau-PET, amyloid-β-PET and cortical thickness at baseline and were associated with longitudinal changes in these imaging biomarkers [β(standard error, SE) = −0.056(0.0006) to 0.058(0.005), P &lt; 0.0001]. SNAP-25 was the strongest predictor of progression to AD dementia in non-demented individuals (hazard ratio = 2.11). In contrast, neuronal pentraxins were decreased in all neurodegenerative diseases (except for Parkinson's disease), and NPTX2 showed the strongest associations with subsequent cognitive decline [longitudinal Mini-Mental State Examination: β(SE) = 0.57(0.1), P ≤ 0.0001; and mPACC: β(SE) = 0.095(0.024), P ≤ 0.001] across the AD continuum. Interestingly, utilizing a ratio of the proteins that displayed higher levels in AD, such as SNAP-25 or 14-3-3 zeta/delta, over NPTX2 improved the biomarkers' associations with cognitive decline and brain atrophy.
We found 14-3-3 zeta/delta and SNAP-25 to be especially promising as synaptic biomarkers of pathophysiological changes in AD. Neuronal pentraxins were identified as general indicators of neurodegeneration and associated with cognitive decline across various neurodegenerative dementias. Cognitive decline and brain atrophy were best predicted by ratios of SNAP-25/NPTX2 and 14-3-3 zeta/delta/NPTX2.
Should antituberculosis treatment be prescribed in erythema induratum? A case–control and incidence correlation study in Taiwan, 2001–2020
Authors: Chuo Hui-En , Hsiao Yu-Ching , Wu Yu-Hung 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Erythema induratum (EI) is a tuberculid associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), M. tuberculosis has been identified in Taiwan with a high percentage of EI. However, this pathogen is now rarely detected in Taiwan.

Objectives
To explore the association between EI, the annual incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in Taiwan and treatment outcomes over the last two decades.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with EI between 2001 and 2020 were enrolled based on histopathology, tissue culture and positive M. tuberculosis PCR tests. Other cases of panniculitis with positive M. tuberculosis PCR results were used as controls. The clinical information of participants was obtained. The results were correlated with the annual incidence of TB and compared between groups.

Results
Fifty-five biopsy specimens from patients with EI met the inclusion criteria; three (5%) had positive M. tuberculosis PCR results. One patient diagnosed with erythema nodosum in the control group had a positive M. tuberculosis PCR (n = 1/27; 4%). There was no significant relationship between M. tuberculosis and EI (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval –0.964 to 3.964). The correlation between the incidence of M. tuberculosis and the number of EI cases was not statistically significant (r = –0.185, P = 0.45). Only four patients received anti-TB treatment; they all showed clinical improvement without recurrence. One patient with M. tuberculosis PCR-positive EI was not treated with anti-TB therapy; however, the skin lesion improved after 3 months. No other patients in the EI group were diagnosed with M. tuberculosis infection over a follow-up period of 508 person-years.

Conclusions
Most cases of EI in Taiwan are nodular vasculitis and not tuberculid, owing to well-controlled TB. This condition can be alleviated without anti-TB treatment.
Chronic and Neurotropic: A Paradigm-Challenging Case of Dengue Virus Encephalitis in a Patient With Advanced HIV Infection
Authors: Marinelli Tina , Masters Jeffrey , Buckland Michael E , Lee Maggie , Rawlinson William , Kim Ki Wook , Urriola Nicolas , van Hal Sebastiaan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A 32-year-old female with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection presented to an Australian hospital with subacute, worsening symptoms of encephalitis. Metagenomic sequencing and Dengue NS3 antigen staining of brain tissue confirmed active dengue virus (DENV) encephalitis. The most recent possible DENV exposure was months prior in West Africa, indicating chronicity.
Perceptions Toward Established and Novel Dietary Therapies for Crohn’s Disease Management Among Adult Patients: Results From a Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Jatkowska Aleksandra , White Bernadette , Jaskolski Paige , Nichols Ben , Brownson Emily , Clowe Jennifer , Seenan John Paul , Gerasimidis Konstantinos , MacDonald Jonathan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) and partial enteral nutrition (PEN) remain the only established dietary therapies in Crohn’s disease (CD) management. We conducted a questionnaire survey to evaluate the perceptions of adults with CD toward established and emerging food-based dietary therapies.

Methods
A 26-question anonymous survey was mailed to 300 adults receiving biologic treatment. Two researchers independently conducted a thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Machine learning with the Random Forest–Recursive Feature Elimination algorithm identified predictors of willingness to try dietary therapies.

Results
One hundred and sixty patients (53% female) completed and returned the survey. Forty-two percent were following some form of exclusion diet, with low-spice and low-fiber diets being the most popular. Although only a quarter of patients believed that EEN/PEN could help with their CD, more than half believed that diet could help, with another 13% already using diet for CD management. While half of the patients were willing to try EEN, the majority were willing to try PEN instead (51% vs. 79%; P &lt; .001). Forty-two percent of patients preferred food-based dietary plans prepared at home over EEN/PEN options. The most important predictors for willingness to try dietary therapies were age (25–65 years), recent symptoms, previous exposure to EEN/PEN, and current exclusion diet use. The top concerns about PEN were taste/palatability, satiety/hunger, and taste fatigue.

Conclusions
Most adults preferred to follow a food-based dietary therapy over EEN/PEN. The majority would try PEN though which allows for more flexibility to incorporate in habitual diet and may be easier to comply with than the EEN.
Sex determination based on features of the craniofacial bones in a sample of the central Chinese population using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Shuang , Li Shangxun , Wang Haisheng , Deng Mohong , Ren Liang , Liu Liang , Dong Hongmei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Accurate determination of sex from the skeletal remains of unidentified individuals is challenging in forensic practice. The bone standards for sex determination are population and generation specific. The present study investigated the potential utility of the craniofacial bones as an indicator of sex in a contemporary sample of the central Chinese population. A total of 171 adults (75 male, 96 female) of known age and sex underwent cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A three-dimensional image from skull CBCT was reconstructed using specialized software (SimPlant Pro, version 11.04). Eleven linear measurements were selected to be measured, nine of which were sexually dimorphic. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) and logistic regression analysis (LRA) were used to develop mathematical models for sex determination. The equations of various variable combinations achieved classification rates of 83.6% in DFA and 84.8% in LRA, with cross-validation rates &gt;80%. Results of the present study indicated that the accuracy of the craniofacial bones to determine sex could reach &gt;80%, and bizygomatic breadth was the most sexually dimorphic variable among the craniofacial bones.

Key points
Life cycle CO2 emission assessment of an organic Rankine cycle based geothermal power plant
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Shi Leiming , Zhang Xiang , Gao Jun , Luo Guanqun , Ye Chao , Tang Yuanjun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Geothermal resources are well-recognized as a clean and low-carbon emission energy resource for power generation and heat supply. However, CO2 emissions occur during the construction, operation, and decommission stages of geothermal power plants. In this work, the life cycle CO2 emission characteristics of a geothermal power plant based on the organic Rankine cycle are systematically evaluated. The effect of the organic working medium and the recuperative cycle on CO2 emissions of the whole system are analyzed. Sensitivity analysis is conducted by varying the parameters of output power and the sources of the substituted electricity. Results reveal that a considerable amount of CO2 would be released due to the construction of geothermal wells and plants; however, the production of electricity could offset a much larger amount of CO2 emission. The net CO2 emission of the considered geothermal system during its lifespan reaches approximately −300 thousand tCO2e. In addition, the total amount of CO2 emission reduction relies heavily on the output power and the substituted electricity sources.
Novel multidrug resistance genomic islands and transposon carrying blaVEB-1 identified in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains from raw meat in China
Authors: Mao Ling-Ya , Wang Qin , Lin Heng , Wang Hong-Ning , Lei Chang-Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To characterize the genetic environments of ESBL gene blaVEB-1 in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains from raw meat in China.

Methods
Whole genomes of Aeromonas strains were sequenced using the Illumina or Nanopore platforms. Genetic environments of blaVEB-1 were analysed using the BLAST program.

Results
The blaVEB-1 gene was detected in five Aeromonas strains carrying the mcr-7-like gene. WGS revealed that all blaVEB-1 genes were located on Aeromonas chromosome, and were carried by two novel different genomic islands named Aeromonas veronii genomic islands AveGI1 and AveGI2, as well as one transposon named Tn7690. AveGI1 is a new member of the Salmonella genomic island 1 family, incorporated into the 3′-end of mnmE (trmE). AveGI2 is a novel genomic island that has a size of 23 180 bp and is incorporated into the 3′-end of syd. The MDR regions of AveGI1 and AveGI2 are two different class 1 integrons containing 10 and five resistance genes, respectively. Tn7690 is a Tn1722 derivative containing In4-type integron and Tn5393, which harbours 10 resistance genes and integrates into different positions on the chromosomes of three strains with the capacity for mobility.

Conclusions
We report chromosomally located novel MDR genomic islands and transposon that carry blaVEB-1 in mcr-positive Aeromonas strains. These genetic elements may mediate the spread of blaVEB-1 in Aeromonas, and may also evolve by capturing new antimicrobial resistance genes or other mobile genetic elements.
Lymphocyte B Subtypes in Peripheral Blood: A Prognostic Biomarker for COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Felisberto Mariano , Walter Laura Otto , Cardoso Chandra Chiappin , Santos-Pirath Íris Mattos , Costa Heloisa Zorzi , Gartner Rafaela , Werle Isabel , Mohr Eduarda Talita Bramorski , Salvan da Rosa Julia , Lubschinski Tainá Larissa , Kretzer Iara Fabricia , Masukawa Ivete Ioshiko , de Almeida Vanny Patrícia , Luiz Magali Chaves , Rabello de Moraes Ana Carolina , Santos-Silva Maria Claudia , Dalmarco Eduardo Monguilhott 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
In view of the scientific gap in knowledge of the involvement of the B-cell compartment and clinical prognostic in SARS-CoV-2 infection, this work aims to evaluate the B-cell subsets and the presence of specific IgM and IgG, as well as neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, in unvaccinated patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods
This study included 133 patients with COVID-19. Cellular components were assessed by flow cytometry, and immunoglobulin levels and reactivity were measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Our results showed no changes in less differentiated B cells. However, non-switched memory B cells (NS-MBCs) and class-switched memory B cells (CS-MBCs) were reduced in the patients with moderate disease. Also, plasmablasts and double-negative (DN) or “atypical” memory B cells were increased in groups of patients with moderate to critical conditions. In addition, the production of IgM, IgG, and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated a positive correlation between the positivity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and disease severity. Besides being related to the development of a more severe course of the disease, the increase in DN B-cell count also contributed to a poorer disease outcome in patients with a higher percentage of these cells. On the other hand, we observed an increase in the absolute number of CS-MBCs in patients with greater chances of survival.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that the B-cell compartment may contribute to the development of clinical symptoms of COVID-19, with changes in B-cell subset counts linked to disease course and patient prognosis.
(036) Understanding Prostate Cancer Disparities in Transgender Women: A Scoping Review
Authors: Irani S , Zebib L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Prostate cancer is a significant driver of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with growing awareness of the unique challenges of navigating the diagnosis in transgender/non-binary patients. Current evidence shows that although prostate cancer in transgender women is a relatively rare occurrence, it often involves a significant disease burden. As in many diagnoses, gender minorities may face significant barriers in accessing urological care including fear of stigmatization of gender identity by medical personnel and institutions. Although urologists will need to provide unique counseling to this marginalized group, there remains little understanding of the experience of prostate cancer within the transgender/non-binary community.

Objective
To provide an overview of the current literature on disparities transgender individuals face in accessing care for prostate cancer, to identify gaps in the existing literature, and to provide a framework for urologists to best address gender minorities.

Methods
A scoping review was undertaken according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, LGBTQ+ Source, and EMBASE. Search terms included “prostate cancer,” “prostate specific antigen,” “transgender persons,” “sexual minorities,” “non-binary individuals,” and “transgender women,”. Articles were included if they discussed the experience of prostate cancer in transgender patients and information sharing, screening, and treatment of prostate cancer in transgender women. Articles were excluded if they did not specifically pertain to prostate cancer or included all LGBTQ+ identities.

Results
A total of 871 titles and abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers. 128 full-text studies were reviewed, with 42 eligible for inclusion. The included studies encompassed several themes, including descriptions of the epidemiology of prostate cancer in transgender women, current recommendations for screening and treatment, and how physicians can offer appropriate and compassionate care to transgender women.

Conclusions
The current literature on the barriers transgender women face in obtaining prostate cancer screening is characterized. Given the use of hormone therapy, transgender women are at significantly lower risk of prostate cancer when compared to cis-gender men. However, there are many documented cases of prostate cancer in transgender women. Although there are no current screening recommendations, the literature supports physicians engaging in shared decision making with their patients to agree on acceptable prostate cancer screening. Further studies should be aimed at characterizing transgender women’s experiences with and desires for prostate cancer.

Disclosure
No.
(062) The Physiological Health of the Penile Fibro-Vascular Assembly Requires the Integrity of Ten Fibro-ligaments in the Human Penis
Authors: Chueh J , Chueh J , Tsai M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Although the human penis has existed on earth for 3000 centuries and extensive studies have been conducted for many recent centuries, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the fibro-ligaments' role in maintaining physiological sexual health. Thus far, there needs to be more interpretation concerning these ligaments.

Objective
We aimed to explore the penile fibrous ligaments thoroughly to fill this research gap.

Methods
We excluded cadaveric penises that had both sides of the corpora cavernosa (CC) and corpus spongiosum (CS) damaged. However, penises with one undamaged side of the CC, including the Colles' fascia and the corpus spongiosum, were included. A total of 15 out of 46 penises were meticulously examined. Dissection findings were supplemented with 101 cadaveric photos and data from 263 penile vascular surgeries, 11 CT imaging scans, 8 MRI imaging scans, eight hypospadias surgeries, and eight penile elongation surgeries performed elsewhere internationally.

Results
Bilaterally, the penile CC is primarily anchored to the pelvis wall through the unilateral cavernosal ligament bilaterally (CL=2), while the CS is connected to the urinary sphincter. The suspensory, fundiform, and arcuate pubic ligament (two anatomically and one functionally) assist in stabilizing and holding the penile shaft to the pelvic wall. Distally, a distal ligament (DL=1) and spongiosal ligament (SL=1) extend the CC and CS to the glans penis and frenulum, ensuring urethra patency when required. The CC is encircled by a bi-layered tunica consisting of a 360° inner circular tunica and a 300° outer longitudinal coat. The ischiocavernosus muscle wraps around the penile crus and envelops the CL connecting to the ischial tuberosity. The CS is partially secured by the bulbospongiosus muscle proximally and receives the SL distally. The entire penis interconnects with the skeletal muscle of the urogenital diaphragm eventually.

Conclusions
The physiologically sexual health of the human penis's hydraulic system relies on the integrity of ten anatomically and six functionally fibro-muscular ligaments.

Disclosure
No.
(079) Stripping vs Ligation of Vas Deferens in Microscopic Denervation of Spermatic Cord in Men with Chronic Orchialgia: A Multicenter Study
Authors: El-Achkar A , Hammad M , Barham D , Hsieh M , Mills J , Ziegelmann M , Smith R , Bernie H , Raheem O , Fendereski K , Hotaling J , Yafi F 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MSCD) is an effective treatment modality for men with intractable scrotal content pain. For patients not interested in preserving fertility, some centers advocate ligation of the vas during denervation while others perfer stripping of the Vas deferens to preserve the vasal artery, hence preserving vasculature to testis and possibly decreasing post operative congestion pain.

Objective
This multicenter study analyzes outcomes of patients that underwent MSCD by either stripping or ligating the vas deferens

Methods
A retrospective chart review of 85 patients who underwent MSCD from 2020-2023 was performed. Patients’ demographics including history of prior surgical procedures was recorded. Response to surgery was evaluated as either complete resolution of pain, partial resolution of pain or no improvement in pain.

Results
85 patients underwent MSCD with a median (IQR) age of 36 (25.5-46.5) years and median duration of pain of 16 months. 37 patients underwent stripping of vas while 48 underwent ligation of vas during MSCD. Median follow up was 12 months. 21(43.5%) patients had prior inguinal scrotal surgery in ligation group compared to 5 (13.5%) in the stripping group p=0.003. The etiology of pain was similar between the groups. The response to MSCD between the 2 groups was similar (p=0.968), with similar post op complications (Table 1).

Conclusions
In men with intractable chronic scrotal content with no interest in preserving fertility, ligation or stripping of the vas deferens yields similar outcomes with regards to pain resolution. Both techniques are safe with no reports of any testicular atrophy.

Disclosure
No.