Citations

Abstract Background Babesia and Plasmodium are intraerythrocytic parasites that cause babesiosis and malaria, respectively. Significant associations between human blood group antigens and malaria are known; however, few studies have examined the relationship between blood group antigens and babesiosis. Study Design and Methods From June to August 2025, 100 Babesia polymerase chain reaction (PCR)− and 100 B. microti PCR+ human patient samples tested at a national reference laboratory underwent ABO and D phenotyping and red blood cell (RBC) genotyping of 37 antigens. Results The predicted phenotype of S‐s+ was found in 32% and 50% of Babesia − and B. microti + patients, respectively (χ 2 = 5.97, p = .015, odds ratio = 2.125, 95% confidence interval 1.18–3.78). Two B. microti + patients had the predicted phenotype of Fy(a‐b‐), meaning that Duffy is unlikely to be an essential invasion receptor. There were no statistically significant differences in ABO or D expression between the groups. Discussion Because multiple testing corrections were not applied to the statistical analyses, the S/s predicted phenotype results must be viewed as hypothesis‐generating. This may be the first study to link B. microti infection to human RBC S/s antigens, which are known to impact B. divergens and P. falciparum . Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of the babesiosis patient's blood type on B. microti infection and whether the transfusion of RBCs expressing specific antigens can impact the disease.

Abstract Glans hypermobility (GH) is a well-described clinical entity that can have significant implications for cosmesis and function, resulting in sexual dissatisfaction, penile pain, and early device erosion, with an estimated incidence of 0.04–10%. We developed a novel grading scale to assess GH severity intraoperatively during primary inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement and describe a modified glanspexy technique to correct GH when encountered during IPP placement. A total of 530 patients underwent primary device implantation. Of these, 139 (26%) had hypermobility. Employing our new scaling system, grade 1, 2, and 3 GH was seen in 86 (16%), 29 (5.5%), and 24 (4.5%) cases, respectively. Increased implant size correlated with decreased likelihood of GH incidence. Each increase in implant size by 1 cm decreased the incidence of detecting GH by 11% (OR = 0.89; p = 0.015). 11 patients underwent primary GH repair using our described technique. At one-year follow-up, one patient required repeat glanspexy for recurrent bothersome GH and a second patient developed a suture granuloma at the glanspexy incision requiring unilateral cylinder explant. Our modified glanspexy technique can be used to correct GH in any direction and is a useful tool for the prosthetic surgeon’s armamentarium.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a risk score utilizing C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin to better predict a clinical infection for patients with obstructive urolithiasis. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients presenting to the emergency room from December 2017 to February 2019 and who underwent upper urinary tract decompression due to concern for infection in the setting of obstructing urolithiasis. Over 30 clinical parameters were assessed and a composite risk score was created. Univariate and multivariate, forward, stepwise regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of true urinary tract infection (UTI). Results: Ninety-eight patients met inclusion criteria, of which a true UTI was identified in 50 (51%). The standard model of serum white blood cells >15 or temperature >38°C had an area under curve (AUC) of only 0.67 to predict UTI. A multivariable regression-based 4-point risk score (1 point for each of the following: positive urinary Gram stain, perinephric fat stranding on CT, serum CRP >21.95, and serum procalcitonin >0.36) had an AUC of 0.91 to predict UTI. Individually, these components had an AUC of 0.68, 0.68, 0.80, and 0.77, respectively. The chances of confirmed UTI were 8%, 11%, 68%, and 100% for risk scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 to 4, respectively ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Only 50% of patients with a suspected UTI and an obstructing stone were ultimately confirmed to have a UTI. A risk score consisting of Gram stain, perinephric fat stranding, CRP, and procalcitonin can improve UTI prediction and warrants further study.