Search Results (40)

Background/Objectives: For centuries, humans have employed animal models to progress biomedical science, to understand pathological and biological processes, and to develop and test drugs, vaccines, and surgical techniques. In the field of urology, Sampaio and his colleagues from Brazil were the pioneers in proposing that the porcine model is the most accurate representation of the human kidney. We aim to describe the relevant urinary anatomy of female Landrace pigs based on endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans and compare differences between the urinary anatomy of pigs and humans. Methods: Four white Landrace female pigs were used for the study: two for CT imaging and two for endoscopic assessment. CT-urograms were performed using a 64-channel tomography machine with 0.625 mm thick slices. For the endoscopic procedure, the intravaginal urethral meatus was cannulated using a cystoscope, followed by complete urethrocystoscopy. The ureteric orifices were then cannulated, and a retrograde pyelogram was performed, followed by ureterorenoscopy. The analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 28), and simulated data was created using R (version 3.5.0), with the significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The data obtained from two pigs was used to simulate an empirical data with 500 observations, using the mean and standard deviations from our n = 2 to produce a random normal distribution. Results: CT and endoscopic findings showed two multirenculate multipapillate kidneys, each receiving blood supply from a single renal artery that is further divided into cranial and caudal branches. The delayed phase of the urogram showed distal ureters passing posterior to the bladder and emptying into the bladder at the base. Urethroscopy revealed an intravaginal urethral meatus ventral to the anus, positioned midway between the mucocutaneous junction of the vulva and the cervix. Endoscopic view of the bladder neck showing patulous ureteric orifices at the bladder neck with no distinct interureteric ridge or trigone. Retrograde pyelogram showed a Group B drainage pattern in both pigs. Conclusions: While there are numerous similarities between the urinary systems of humans and pigs, there are important subtle differences that urologists and researchers need to be mindful of before using the porcine model for urological research and training. Full article

Pelagic nudibranchs exemplify evolutionary convergences towards streamlined, transparent body forms adapted for life in the planktonic environment. Here, we describe a new genera and species, designated as Pleuropyge melaquensis gen. et sp. nov. This species belongs to the family Phylliroidae and is distinguished by key diagnostic characters, including a laterally positioned anus approximately one-third of the body length from the head, the absence of a cephalic disc, and an anterior hepatic caecum that is longer than the intestine. The description of P. melaquensis contributes to the classification of a third genus and a fourth species within the Phylliroidae family. This study offers novel insights into the functional and structural traits that have enabled nudibranchs to transition from benthic to pelagic environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a recognized cause of cervical cancer and is associated with several other malignancies, including those affecting the vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and head and neck. The introduction of the HPV vaccine has enabled the prevention of HPV-related cancers. This study aimed to determine the HPV vaccination coverage and examine trends in HPV vaccination in Croatia from 2016 to 2023 in the context of the national vaccination program. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the aggregated school doctors’ data from 2016 to 2023. HPV vaccination coverages within the 2000–2008 birth cohorts were assessed based on the number of doses administrated, sex, and vaccination schedule, while for the trend analysis joinpoint regression was used. The vaccination coverage between sexes was tested using the chi-square test for trends and their ratio was calculated. Results: The HPV full-dose vaccination coverage increased significantly among the observed birth cohorts, from 4.49% in 2000 to 36.88% in 2008, with an APC = 33.97 and 95% CI: 29.37–42.43 (females from 7.74% to 44.98%, males from 1.44% to 29.14%). The highest recorded vaccination coverage was in the one-dose category (2008 female—52.78%). The vaccination coverage of females was significantly higher than that of males (the chi-square for the linear trend = 659.59, p < 0.001) and the female–male ratio decreased from 5.39 in 2000 to 1.54 in 2008. Conclusions: In Croatia, HPV vaccination coverage has increased since the introduction of the national HPV vaccination program. This positive trend was present in both sexes, and the rate ratio between female and male cohorts decreased. Full article

Background/Objectives: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) remains a relatively rare form of cancer linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection; however, its incidence has been increasing globally. Anal cytology and HR-HPV testing can identify precursors, though standardized screening guidelines are still lacking. This study aimed to assess the correlation between high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) findings and primary screening results through PAP-HPV co-testing in high-risk patients. Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted collecting data from the joint multidisciplinary anal cancer clinic of Piero Palagi Hospital in Florence (Italy), between August 2019 and September 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of anal cytology, HR-HPV testing, and PAP-HPV co-testing were assessed. Results: In 577 HRAs, histology revealed 31 AIN2+ lesions (5.4%) and 220 AIN1 lesions (38.1%), while 326 (56.5%) were negative. Cytology alone showed a sensitivity of 74.2% and specificity of 63.3% for AIN2+ lesions, while HR-HPV testing alone had a sensitivity of 96.8% and specificity of 38.1%. Co-testing demonstrated 100% sensitivity and a 100% NPV for AIN2+ lesions. Among men who have sex with men (MSM), no significant differences in outcomes were observed between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, likely reflecting similar high-risk behaviors and effective HIV treatments. Conclusions: Co-testing with anal cytology and HR-HPV testing provides the most reliable screening for high-grade lesions (AIN2+), surpassing the reliability of individual methods. Tailored co-testing strategies are crucial for early detection and effective prevention in high-risk groups. Full article

A two-year field trial (2021–2023) was conducted to evaluate the impacts of cover crop (CC) inclusion (cereal rye, crimson clover, mixtures of cereal rye and crimson clover, and fallow control) and nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 22, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha⁻¹) in cotton production in sandy soils. Cover crops were planted in October and terminated two weeks before cotton planting in May. The N was applied in split applications. Cover crop aboveground biomass was collected, oven dried, and weighed, and then used for C and N analyses. Soils were sampled at CC termination and analyzed for biogeochemical properties. Cotton lint yields and agronomic nutrient use efficiency (aNUE) were estimated. The CC mixtures provided higher organic C and N inputs as residue returns than individual species. Integrating CCs had limited impacts on measured soil properties. Integrating CCs resulted in positive, neutral, and adverse effects on lint yield and aNUE depending on species and growing seasons. Applying N at 22 kg ha⁻¹ increased lint yields in 2022, while higher rates did not improve the yields further. Similar patterns of impacts were observed at the N rate of 45 kg ha⁻¹ in 2023. The results indicated that integrating CC mixtures can favor long-term C and N sequestration in sandy soils. However, optimal management is essential to realize their benefits. Relevant research to better understand the decomposition of their residues would be beneficial in improving the management of desirable outcomes. Full article

A new nematode species, Bursaphelenchus ussuriensis sp. n. is described in the bark beetle–elm tree association (Scolytus jacobsoni and Ulmus davidiana var. japonica f. suberosa) in the Asian Pacific region of Russia. The new species belongs to the Hofmanni group of Bursaphelenchus and is closest to B. ulmophilus. Its characteristics are as follows: lateral field with three incisures, body length 497–771 µm, post-uterine sac 3.6–5.4 times vulval body diam, 56 (39–66)% of vulva–anus distance, and spicule length 10.3 (9.5–12.5 µm). The new species differs from all species of the Hofmanni group in the closely situated P3 and P4 male caudal papillae and the GP5 small ‘glandpapillae’ pair on the butterfly-like papillae plate, in the set of P1, P2, P3, P4, GP5; vs. in all other species, the P4 papillae pair is absent in the pattern of P1, P2, P3, GP5. The phylogenetic position of B. ussuriensis sp. n. with other species of the Hofmanni group were reconstructed using the D2–D3 expansion segments of 28S and ITS rRNA gene sequence analysis. Sequences of twelve mitochondrial protein-coding genes of B. cocophilus, B. fraudulentus, B. michalskii, B. ussurensis sp. n., and B. willibaldi were obtained in this study. Phylogenetic relationships among eighteen Bursaphelenchus species based on the analysis of the mtDNA sequence dataset are provided and discussed. A modified diagnosis of the Hofmanni group is proposed. Full article

Background: Obstetric lesions of the anal sphincter (OASIS) are tears intersecting the structure of the anus after vaginal delivery. Our aim is to provide data on the incidence of OASIS and investigate potentially connected risk factors. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 464 parturient patients admitted to the AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara (Italy), in the last ten years (2013–2023), comparing 116 cases (with OASIS) versus 348 controls (with no OASIS). Results: The incidence of OASIS was 1.1%. Among the significant risk factors associated with the risk of severe perineal laceration in our sample, we observed nulliparity, previous caesarean sections, assisted reproduction technology, kilos gained during pregnancy, induced delivery, the use of oxytocin for augmentation, epidural analgesia, delivery after 40 weeks of gestation, position at delivery, the duration of labor, the application of a vacuum cup, newborn weight and head circumference. Conclusions: It was a challenge to find data on OASIS and on more preventable and modifiable risk factors. Beyond the improvement of the corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic tools, a new aim could be to stratify women giving birth based on possible risk factors. Full article

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a prevalent proctological condition that has puzzled people since ancient times, and the most common symptom is painless bleeding. Traditional treatments include conservative treatment, nonsurgical office-based treatments, and surgery. Sclerotherapy is one of the oldest forms of nonoperative intervention and is widely used to treat internal hemorrhoids with the development of endoscopy technology. However, sclerotherapy is always accompanied by complications such as bleeding, pain, abscess, etc., when the sclerosant is injected into the wrong site. Cap-assisted endoscopic sclerotherapy (CAES), a new minimally invasive technology, was first time coined in 2015 for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. The left-posterior–right-anterior (LPRA) anus positioning method under endoscopy provides reliable methodological support for advancing hemorrhoidal treatment via endoscopy. The current trend is that treatment for HD has shifted from being performed predominantly by the Department of Proctology Surgery to being managed mostly by the Department of Gastroenterology. This review reviewed the shifting paradigms of sclerotherapy for HD and discussed the emerging development of CAES. Full article

Background: This study represents a follow-up analysis of the AnusGynecology (ANGY) study. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional, single-center study recruited women for concomitant cervical and anal screening of HPV genotypes and cytology during a single appointment. All women with findings of either HPV or any type of dysplastic lesions on anal smears were offered follow-up in a specialized high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) outpatient clinic, representing the study cohort for this follow-up study. Results: Overall, 275 patients (mean age 42 ± 12) were included. Among them, 102 (37%) had cervical high-risk (HR) HPV. In total, HPV was (incidentally) revealed in 91 patients (33%) on anal smears, while any degree of anal squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) was found in 30 patients (11%), 6 if which were high-grade SIL (H-SIL). Furthermore, 10 out of 19 biopsies were positive (3 H-SIL lesions). Only half (48/91, 53%) of the women agreed to undergo the recommended specialized follow-up evaluation. Of them, 18 (38%) were diagnosed with dysplastic lesions (9 low grade (L-SIL) and 9 H-SIL, respectively) on biopsies, while the remaining visits revealed no abnormalities. Multivariable analysis revealed cervical HR-HPV infection (OR 4, 95% CI 2.2–7.5) and anal intercourse (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.7–5.9) as independent risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection. Conclusions: Close follow-up of these women is hence strongly recommended. Full article

Background: Although squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a relatively uncommon malignancy in the United States, it continues to increase in incidence. Treatment for locoregional disease includes mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil with radiation. This combination is associated with significant toxicity, limiting its use in patients who are older or have certain comorbidities. Carboplatin and paclitaxel (C/P) is an accepted treatment regimen for metastatic SCCA. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly C/P given with radiation for patients unable to receive standard chemoradiation for SCCA. Methods: From our cancer registry, adult patients who received weekly intravenous C/P concurrent with standard-dose radiation for localized SCCA were included in this study. Clinical response was determined based on the evidence of disease on imaging and/or anoscopy. Toxicities were graded according to the CTCAE v5. Results: Ten patients were included; eight were female, and the median age was 75.5 years (54–87). Six had T2 disease, and four had T3 tumors. Four had node-positive disease. The majority (70%) of patients were dosed at standard C (AUC 2) and P (50 mg/m²), with a limited subset requiring dose reduction for baseline performance status. Patients completed a mean of 78.3% (40–100%) of the intended treatments. A total of 89% of the patients achieved a complete clinical response. With a median follow-up of 25.8 months (3.4–50.4 months), 67% of the patients are alive and without recurrence. Two patients have had local recurrence, and one patient had metastatic progression. The most common toxicities of any grade included leukopenia (100%), anemia (100%), radiation dermatitis (100%), diarrhea (100%), and fatigue (100%). Grade 3 or higher toxicities included neutropenic fever (20%), neutropenia (30%), and anemia (30%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates promising tolerability and efficacy for weekly C/P chemoradiation for patients with anal cancer unable to receive mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil. This regimen merits further investigation in prospective clinical trials. Full article

Water resource shortage and unreasonable application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer have been problems in wheat production of northern China. However, the interaction effects of water regimes and N practices on wheat root growth, grain yield, soil water, and inorganic N changes as well as water-N use efficiency are still unclear under drip irrigation. A field experiment was conducted during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) growing seasons. In this study, three irrigation schedules (i.e., irrigation was applied up to 80% [D1], 75% [D2], and 70% [D3] as soon as the soil water content decreased to 65%, 60% or 55% of field capacity) and two N practices (i.e., N applied at the base, jointing, booting stages were 90, 72, 48 kg ha⁻¹ [N1], and the base, jointing, booting, filling stages were 90, 40, 40, 40 kg ha⁻¹ [N2], respectively) were considered. The decease in irrigation water amount was offset by the increase in soil water consumption. In addition, N practices significantly interacted with irrigation on soil NO₃⁻–N accumulation (2021–2022), NH₄⁺–N accumulation, SPAD value (2020–2021), N content in stems and grains at maturity, and average root length and weight density at the flowering stage. Irrigation, rather than N practices, significantly affected grain yield, total N uptake, crop N transformations (NT), the contribution of NT to grain (NTPC), water and N productivity, in which, for the value of these two seasons, D2 increased total N uptake by 18.1% (p < 0.05), and NT by 39.4% (p < 0.05) under N1 as compared to D3. Additionally, the highest WUE and ANUE were found in D2 during 2021–2022. Heavy irrigation water amount caused high a LAI; further analysis proved that the LAI was the key factor affecting grain yield, and positively and significantly correlated to yield. However, no significant difference in the LAI between D1 and D2 was found. N1 was beneficial to prevent N leaching and increase water and N use efficiency, biomass, and N transformation amount. This study recommends that D2 + N1 might be a promising system for manipulating irrigation and fertilization practices under sub-surface drip irrigation systems to improve water and N use efficiency and grain yields in semi-arid regions. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and escalating health issue in Taiwan. This nationwide study delves into the relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and CRC risk, employing population datasets from 2007 to 2017. Cox regression analyses revealed a statistically significant hazard ratio (HR) of 1.73 (95% CI: 1.63–1.83) for CRC in HPV-positive patients, indicating a considerably elevated risk compared to non-infected individuals. Further, stratification by sex showed males with HPV have a higher CRC risk (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.40–1.58) compared to females. Age-related analysis uncovered a progressive increase in CRC risk with advancing age (HR = 34.69 for over 80 years). The study of specific CRC subtypes showed varying risks: HR = 1.74 for the colon, HR = 1.64 for the rectum, and a notably higher HR = 4.72 for the anus. Comorbid conditions such as hypertension (HR = 1.26), diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.32), and abnormal liver function (HR = 1.18) also correlate with significantly increased CRC risks. These findings suggest that HPV is a significant risk factor for CRC, with disparities in risk based on anatomical location, demographic characteristics, and comorbidities, highlighting the need for intervention strategies and targeted prevention. Full article

The Buschke–Löwenstein tumor (BLT), also known as giant condyloma acuminatum, is a rare, exophytic tumor, arising from pre-existing warty lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly strains 6 and 11, which are considered to have low oncogenic potential. BLT presents as a large, cauliflower-like growth typically affecting the penis, vulva, vagina, perineum, scrotum, anus, and perianal area. Despite being a benign lesion, BLT is locally aggressive with a high recurrence rate, and can potentially undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, contributing to an overall mortality rate of 20–30%. The primary treatment is complete surgical excision with wide margins, frequently requiring complex reconstructive techniques for defect coverage. We report on a 68-year-old patient, with multiple comorbidities, who presented with a two-year history of a large exophytic tumor in the genital region, affecting the penis, along with progressive erectile dysfunction and urinary problems. The tumor was surgically excised with oncological safety margins, and reconstruction was performed using advancement and rotation flaps from the scrotum and intact penile skin. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Giant Condyloma (Buschke–Löwenstein tumor), showing acanthosis, papillomatosis, parakeratosis, and koilocytic cell collections, with positive immunohistochemical staining for p16, p63, and ki67. Postoperatively, the patient had a good clinical outcome and a complete surgical cure. This case highlights the critical need for timely intervention and comprehensive management strategies in treating giant condyloma, given its potential for local invasion and substantial impacts on patient quality of life. Early diagnosis and thorough surgical excision are crucial for effective management and to reduce the high recurrence, morbidity and malignant transformation risk associated with this condition. Full article

Fibroepithelial polyps of the anus (FEPA) are a common benign polypoid proliferation of the stroma covered by squamous epithelium. They are also an often-overlooked part of pathological practice. Currently, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 is the only recommended test for anal intraepithelial neoplasia, but the expression of p16 in stromal multinucleated atypical cells in FEPA has not been described. We aimed to evaluate the expression of p16 in stromal multinucleated atypical cells in FEPA and its role as a diagnostic biomarker to determine the origin of the atypical multinucleated cells in the stroma of FEPA and to rule out the possibility of a neoplastic process. Therefore, we researched a series of 15 FEPA in middle-aged patients histologically and by IHC. Examination of the subepithelial connective tissue from the FEPA showed bizarre, multinucleated cells, while their causal relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was rejected. In all cases, these cells showed mild to moderate atypical nuclear features and positive expression for p16, while the overlying squamous epithelium was negative. We concluded that FEPA are benign lesions in the stroma where mononuclear and multinucleated (sometimes atypical) cells showing fibroblastic and myofibroblastic differentiation can be found. Nevertheless, we believe that these cells have a practical diagnostic significance, although sometimes the presence of giant cells is difficult to establish, especially in the inflammatory context. The histological similarity between FEPA and normal anal mucosa supports the hypothesis that FEPA may represent the reactive hyperplasia of subepithelial fibrous connective tissue of the anal mucosa. Full article

This paper introduces RSoANU, a dataset of real multichannel room impulse responses (RIRs) obtained in a recording studio. Compared to the current publicly available datasets, RSoANU distinguishes itself by featuring RIRs captured using both a 32-channel spherical microphone array (mh acoustics em32 Eigenmike) and a B-format soundfield microphone array (Rode NT-SF1). The studio incorporates variable wall panels in felt and wood options, with measurements conducted for two configurations: all panels set to wood or felt. Three source positions that emulate typical performance locations were considered. RIRs were collected over a planar receiver grid spanning the room, with the microphone array centered at a height of 1.7 m. The paper includes an analysis of acoustic parameters derived from the dataset, revealing notable distinctions between felt and wood panel environments. Felt panels exhibit faster decay, higher clarity, and superior definition in mid-to-high frequencies. The analysis across the receiver grid emphasizes the impact of room geometry and source–receiver positions on reverberation time and clarity. The study also notes spatial variations in parameters obtained from the two microphone arrays, suggesting potential for future research into their specific capabilities for room acoustic characterization. Full article