bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Friends” that come with man’s best friend:
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
sepsis and meningitis in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Tao Lili , Freiberg Jeffrey A. , Humphries Romney 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus
is a commensal bacterium found in the normal oral microbiota of dogs and cats. It can cause severe systemic infections, such as bacteremia and meningitis, in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans.

Case Summary

We present a case of
C. canimorsus
bacteremia and meningitis with fever, headache, and altered mental status, which posed diagnostic challenges due to the administration of antimicrobials prior to specimen collection.

Conclusion
This case highlights the value of molecular methods in diagnosing severe infections caused by fastidious bacteria and in cases of antibiotic use before culture.
Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus and related sequelae
Authors: Hanft Wyatt , Stankiewicz Karita Helen , Khorsandi Nikka , Vohra Poonam , Plotzker Rosalyn 
Published: February 2025

SUMMARY
More than 40 types of sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infect the oropharyngeal and anogenital mucosa—high-risk types are associated with precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx, and low-risk types cause non-malignant disease, such as anogenital warts. Though most HPV infections resolve spontaneously, immunodeficiencies may result in persistent infection and increased risk of HPV-related sequelae. The mechanism by which HPV results in malignant transformation is multifaceted, involving interactions with numerous cellular pathways, the host immune system, and potentially the host microbiome. Vaccination against HPV is highly efficacious in the prevention of infection and related sequelae, and there now exist several approved formulations that protect against both high- and low-risk types. Despite the advent of vaccination, early detection and treatment of cervical and anal precancerous lesions continues to be integral to secondary prevention—molecular HPV testing, cytology, and tissue biopsy allow for triaging of patients, after which appropriate treatment with close follow-up can avert cancer development.
Prospective comparison of the digestive tract resistome and microbiota in cattle raised in grass-fed versus grain-fed production systems
Authors: Kwon Jiye , Tanner Windy , Kong Yong , Wade Martina , Bitler Chad , Chiavegato Marilia B. , Pettigrew Melinda M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Most antimicrobials sold in the United States are used in food animals. Farm management practices contribute to antibacterial resistance (AR). Controversially, grass-fed diets have been recommended over grain-fed diets to reduce AR in beef cattle. Ionophore feed additives (non-therapeutic antibiotics that enhance feed efficiency) may contribute to AR development. We used shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal swabs to prospectively compare the cattle gastrointestinal resistome and microbiota in two different production systems over five periods from pre-weaning to pre-harvest. Cattle were grass-fed and pasture-raised (system A,
n
= 33) or grain-fed with ionophore additives in feedlots (system B,
n
= 34). System A cattle averaged 639 lb and 22.8 months of age, and system B cattle averaged 1,173 lb and 12.4 months of age preharvest. In total, 367 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and 329 bacterial species were identified. The resistome of system A cattle had higher alpha diversity than system B cattle over their lifespan (
P
= 0.008). Beta-diversity estimates indicated overlap in the pre-weaning resistome and microbiota in both systems, which diverged post-weaning, with increases in several medically important ARGs when system B cattle transitioned to a grain diet. Analysis of compositions of microbiomes with bias correction indicated that levels of tetracycline, macrolide, aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, and bacitracin ARGs were significantly higher in system B cattle pre-harvest. Resistome changes were highly correlated with bacterial community changes (Procrustes,
M
2
= 0.958;
P
= 0.001). Potentially modifiable farm management strategies, including diet and ionophores, may influence abundance and diversity of ARGs in fecal samples from cattle.

IMPORTANCE
Antibiotic resistance is a One Health threat. More antibiotics are used in agriculture than in human medicine. We compared the relative abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial species in cattle raised in two different cattle production systems (grass- and grain-fed). Fecal swab samples were collected at five time points spanning pre-weaning and prior to harvest. The antibiotic resistance gene and bacterial communities were relatively similar in the pre-weaning period when cattle in both systems were milking and on pasture. Resistance genes and bacterial communities diverged post-weaning when system B cattle were given a grain diet with feed additives for growth promotion containing non-medically important antibiotics (i.e., ionophores). The levels of medically important ARGs (e.g., macrolides) increased in system B grain-fed cattle post-weaning and were higher than in system A just prior to slaughter. These data provide additional evidence that farm management strategies impact the level of antibiotic resistance.
Performance characteristics of an automated, high-throughput RT-PCR assay for the detection of
Candida auris
on 3-point and nasal swabs
Authors: Nhan Nhi T. , Liu Tianxi , Almushajrah Abdulaala A. , Mozumder Ashish , Narlieva Momka , Szymczak Wendy A. , Thwe Phyu M. , Orner Erika P. , Goldstein Doctor Y. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Candida auris
is a multidrug-resistant yeast responsible for invasive infections with high mortality rates, primarily spread through prolonged colonization on biotic and abiotic surfaces and traveling. Effective control necessitates comprehensive screening protocols, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which endorses a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based assay for
C. auris
screening. This study evaluates the performance of this assay on the Hologic Panther Fusion System using nasal and 3-point swab specimens (nares/axilla/groin) compared with culture. The assay was assessed for accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, alongside an evaluation of probe primer reagent (PPR) onboard stability over 30 working days. Analytical sensitivity studies determined limits of detection of 1.95 Log CFU/mL for nasal swabs and 2.18 Log CFU/mL for 3-point swabs, both with >95.0% confidence intervals. The assay demonstrated 100% specificity (
n
= 25), with no false positives from genetically similar or clinically relevant species, and no significant interference from co-infecting microbes on cycle threshold (CT) values. Both swab types exhibited high intra- and inter-reproducibility, with low coefficients of variation (1.79% and 1.06%, respectively). The assay detected
C. auris
in 100% of 108 spiked-positive samples across both swab types. Clinical analysis showed 100% concordance with culture for 3-point swabs. Additionally, the nasal swab method showed 96.0% overall agreement, with 86.2% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. The PPR mixes remained stable over 30 working days, with no significant CT value changes. This study confirms the assay’s robust sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and accuracy for both nasal and 3-point screening swabs.

IMPORTANCE

Candida auris
is a multidrug-resistant yeast responsible for severe infections with high mortality rates. Rapid and accurate detection is critical for preventing the spread of this pathogen in healthcare settings. This study assesses the performance of an automated real-time PCR screening assay for detecting
C. auri
s using nasal and 3-point swabs. The findings demonstrate the assay's high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, making it a valuable tool for infection control. By providing a reliable and efficient screening method, this assay can significantly enhance efforts to control
C. auris
outbreaks, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of this dangerous pathogen.
Interventional Retrospective Case Series of Patients Undergoing Treatment Intervals of More Than Twenty‐Four (24) Weeks With Faricimab
Authors: Babel Adrian , Chin Eric K. , Almeida David 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal faricimab dosing interval at and beyond 24 weeks in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of eight patients with persistent DME and nAMD who received intravitreal faricimab at and beyond the 24‐week (6‐month) dosing interval regimen.Results: The majority of patients experienced an improved mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 9.9 letters; congruent anatomical improvement (mean central macular thickness (CMT)) decrease of 44 μm on optical coherence tomography (OCT) is demonstrated at 6 months despite extended faricimab dosing intervals.Conclusions: Extended intravitreal faricimab dosing intervals at and beyond 24 weeks maintained visual and anatomical outcomes in patients over 1 year. This suggests the feasibility of personalized extended dosing tailored to each patient’s disease activity, potentially reducing treatment burden.
Impact of Otologic Surgery on Medical and Social Outcomes in Adults With Hearing Loss
Authors: Perlov Natalie M. , Li Marwin , Patel Jena , Kumar Ayan T. , Urdang Zachary D. , Willcox Thomas O. , Chiffer Rebecca C. 
Published: February 2025

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that surgical otologic intervention for any type of adult hearing loss decreases the odds for incident adverse life events (ALEs) and medical comorbidities (MCBs). Study Design: Retrospective cohort database study. Methods: Electronic medical record data from the TriNetX Research Network were queried for adults (age ≥18 years) with congenital, sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss (HL). Patients were further stratified into 3 groups by presence or absence (HL-surgery) of surgical intervention at any point following diagnosis, including (1) stapes surgery (HL + stapes); (2) cochlear implantation and bone-anchored hearing aid (HL + CI); and (3) mastoidectomy alone and tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy (HL + TM). Primary outcomes were defined as odds for new ALEs or MCBs at any point given HL treatment status [Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, (OR; 95% CI, P-value)]. Cohorts were balanced using propensity-score matching (PSM) based on US census-defined demographics and congenital comorbidities. Results: There were 2 577 153 patients included in this study. Matched analysis demonstrated that HL + stapes adults (n = 7985) had 0.37-lower odds (95% CI = 0.30-0.47, P < .0001) of experiencing any incident ALE versus HL-surgery adults (n = 2 518 409). Adults in the HL + CI cohort (n = 17 129) had 0.58-lower odds (0.52-0.66, P < .0001) of experiencing any incident MCB versus HL-surgery adults. Conclusions: This study highlights the benefit of surgical intervention for adult hearing loss on social and medical phenomes. These findings represent the largest cohort study to date demonstrating this association and further support that hearing restoration improves patient socioeconomic and medical outcomes.
Association of Factors Related to the Size and Hepple Classification of Medial Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Guo Changjun , Cao Yongxing , Yang Chonglin , Lim SooMay , Li Xingchen , Xu Yang , Huang Jianping , Yang Liying , Xu Xiangyang 
Published: February 2025

Background: Few studies have analyzed the association of factors contributing to the morphologic changes of medial osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Methods: Two hundred eighty consecutive patients who underwent surgery for OLTs from January 2010 to December 2022 were enrolled. The potential association of factors were age, gender, side of injury, duration of symptoms, body mass index, history of ankle sprain, chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI), and ankle varus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between these factors and both the size and Hepple classification of OLTs. Results: Size of OLTs was associated with age 40-60 years (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.08-4.25; P = .029), age >60 years (OR 3.78, 95% CI 1.61-8.89; P = .002), duration of symptom 1-3 years (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.03-4.15; P = .042), and duration of symptoms ≥3 years (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.71; P = .028). CLAI was negatively correlated with the size of OLTs (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17-0.54; P < .001). Age >60 years was associated with Hepple V classification (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.50-8.89; P = .004). Conclusion: In our cohort we found older age positively correlated with Hepple V classification. Increasing age and duration of symptom are positively associated with increasing size of medial OLTs, whereas CLAI was negatively correlated with the lesion size.
Medication overuse in patients with migraine: Severity of dependence and personality characteristics
Authors: Reis Marques Sofia Alexandra , Silva Gomes Matilde , Ferreira Andreia , Costa Luís , Lopes Sofia , Varanda Sara Dias 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Factors associated with the development of medication overuse (MO) are not fully understood. The aim of this article is to investigate whether patients diagnosed with migraine with and without MO differed in personality characteristics. Methods The study was a single-center observational study of patients with migraine, as defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders III (ICHD-III). After written consent, patients were given access to an online survey. Scores obtained in the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) and NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), namely openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, from both patients with and without MO were compared applying Mann–Whitney U-test. Results A total of 128 patients completed the survey, of which 46 (35.9%) were migraine patients with analgesic overuse. Patients with migraine and MO were significantly older (41.2 ± 8.6 vs. 37.5 ± 11.4, p = 0.015), while the percentage of female patients was equivalent between groups (73.3% vs. 86.4%, p = 0.068). Migraine patients with MO reported more frequent past or current visits to mental care providers (52.2% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.015). Scores obtained in the SDS were comparable between groups (2.8 ± 3.8 vs. 2.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.756). Patients with migraine without MO scored significantly higher on agreeableness ( p = 0.016). No differences were observed between groups regarding the remaining personality characteristics. Conclusions Migraine patients with MO were significantly more likely to report past or current visits to mental health care providers compared to those without MO. Differences in personality traits were minimal, with only agreeableness being significantly higher in migraine patients without MO.
Equalising power imbalances or a trail of broken promises? A qualitative study on engaging people with diverse lived experience of marginalisation in food policymaking in Australia
Authors: Venegas Hargous Carolina , Kapeke Kevin , Backholer Kathryn , Jeyapalan Dheepa , Nunez Veronica , Browne Jennifer , Peeters Anna , Chung Alexandra , Allender Steven , Stead Victoria , Paradies Yin , Zorbas Christina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Achieving nutrition and health equity warrants understanding lived experiences of marginalisation. Yet, people with diverse lived experiences are often inadequately included in food policy advocacy, agenda setting, and development. We aimed to explore cross-sectoral perceptions of engaging people with lived experiences of marginalisation in food policymaking in Australia, specifically in terms of challenges, enablers, required actions, and potential outcomes of doing so.

Methods
In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 people with expertise in food policy and/or community engagement from academic, government, advocacy, and community sectors. Interviews were inductively and deductively coded using the Knowledge-to-Action framework.

Results
Participants identified few food policymaking examples where people with lived experience have been meaningfully engaged. Reported barriers included the lack of time, resources, and prioritisation across sectors and the lack of political commitment to inclusive policymaking. Having access to successful examples, existing networks of actors and flexible funding were among the few enablers identified. Several actions were deemed necessary to effectively engage people with lived experience in food policymaking and improve current practice: (1) having a dedicated budget; (2) enabling true collaboration where people with lived experience are valued, effectively engaged, sufficiently represented, have the opportunity to work alongside decision-makers, and where power is equalised; (3) striving to do no harm to the people engaged; and (4) ensuring results from engaging people with lived experience are effectively disseminated.

Conclusions
We provide a list of practical recommendations to guide more inclusive, equitable and fit-for-purpose food policymaking into the future. These recommendations seek to challenge dominant systems of discrimination by demonstrating how we can tangibly shift to ways of working that value and elevate the power of people who are often excluded from many decision-making systems, specifically when it comes to food and nutrition.
The correlation between bone mineral density measured at the forearm and at the lumbar spine or femoral neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Papa Mario Virgilio , Ceolin Chiara , Simonato Cristina , Termini Giulia , Vilona Federica , Ruggiero Alessandro , Bertocco Anna , Curreri Chiara , Talomo Rocco , Coin Alessandra , Sergi Giuseppe , De Rui Marina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Current guidelines for osteoporosis diagnosis do not recommend forearm dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a standard tool, except in specific cases. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the potential correlation between forearm BMD and BMD at the lumbar and/or hip sites.

Methods
The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024568756), and the study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were systematically searched from their inception until August 2024 to identify studies evaluating the ability of forearm DXA scans to detect osteoporosis, particularly in comparison to central sites like the femoral neck and lumbar spine. A meta-analysis was conducted on studies that reported correlation coefficients between these measurements. Quality assessment was conducted independently by 3 reviewers following Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) criteria. Additionally, a narrative synthesis of the main findings across different patient groups was performed.

Results
Thirteen studies were included. Published between 1992 and 2023, these studies involved 5941 participants. Forearm scans exhibited strong correlations with lumbar and femoral sites (pooled effect size 0.603, 95%CI 0.579–0.627 and 0.641, 95%IC 0.600–0.680, respectively) demonstrating good predictive value for central osteoporosis. Despite some result variations, forearm DXA scanning emerged as a valid method, especially when lumbar and femoral measures are challenging.

Conclusions
A DXA scan of the distal forearm proves to be a valuable supplementary tool for identifying osteoporotic conditions. This could be particularly relevant in older patients, where conducting lumbar or hip scans is often challenging or not feasible.
Key mechanisms of angiogenesis in the infarct core: association of macrophage infiltration with venogenesis
Authors: Xue Luping , Ouyang Wei , Qi Peiyun , Zhu Yan , Qi Xiaoru , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Xiangjian , Wang Lina , Cui Lili 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Angiogenesis in the ischemic penumbra compensates for microcirculatory dysfunction and promotes neuronal plasticity after stroke. However, the current understanding may be highly biased because the contribution of veins to angiogenesis has been overlooked. This study revealed that the remodeling processes of veins differ from those of arteries after ischemia. Ligation of the right jugular vein increased the infarct volume, decreased cerebral blood flow and impaired long-term functional restoration after stroke. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant upregulation of the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis in the infarct core during the recovery period. By using gelatin ink-alkaline phosphatase-oil red O (GIAO) staining, we found that venogenesis, the process of creating new veins, was the predominant angiogenic event in the infarct core. Macrophage infiltration and transformation are closely associated with venogenesis in the infarct core. However, depletion of macrophages in the circulation by clodronate liposomes in the acute phase inhibited the proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells and decreased the vascular density in the infarct core. This study demonstrated that dynamic vein remodeling is crucial for cerebral ischemic damage and subsequent neuronal restoration. Angiogenesis occurs in the infarct core during the recovery period, promotes the absorption of necrotic tissue and facilitates functional recovery after stroke.
Soluble TIM-3, likely produced by myeloid cells, predicts resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pourmir Ivan , Benhamouda Nadine , Tran Thi , Roux Hugo , Pineau Joséphine , Gey Alain , Munoz Andyara , Mabrouk Nesrine , Epaillard Nicolas , Verkarre Virginie , Vano Yann-Alexandre , Tartour Eric , Oudard Stéphane 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Immunotherapies targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 are key components of the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). However, they have distinct safety profiles and resistance to treatment can occur. We assess soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3) in the plasma of mccRCC patients as a potential theranostic biomarker, as well as its source and biological significance.

Methods
We analyzed the association between sTIM-3 and overall survival (OS), tumor response, and common clinical and biological factors in two mccRCC cohorts treated with anti-PD-1 (nivolumab, n = 27), anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4 (nivolumab + ipilimumab – N + I, n = 124). The origin and role of sTIM-3 are studied on tumor and blood samples, using multiplex immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, as well as analyses of publicly available single-cell transcriptomic (scRNAseq) and mass cytometry data.

Results
sTIM-3 is significantly elevated in the plasma of treatment-naive mccRCC. It shows distinct associations with survival on anti-PD-1 vs anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4: under nivolumab monotherapy, sTIM-3-high patients have a significantly reduced survival compared to sTIM-3-low patients, while they have similar survival probabilities under N + I. sTIM-3 is independent from other clinical and biological factors. Myeloid immune cells appear as the prominent source of sTIM-3, which may indicate their dysfunctional role in the antitumor immune response.

Conclusions
sTIM-3 appears to be a promising biomarker for optimizing treatment strategies in ccRCC as well as a potential therapeutic target, linked with to the immune myeloid compartment. Future investigations are warranted in patients treated with anti-PD-1 + antiangiogenic therapies.