bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteoperiosteal versus osteochondral for autologous transplantation in the treatment of large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus
Authors: Liu Lequan , Jin Jiangtao , Pan Jinping , Guo Huikang , Li Sen , Li Jisheng , Zhang Zheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) with a large subchondral cyst have been shown to have inferior clinical outcomes after reparative techniques. Replacement techniques such as autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation (AOPT) and autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOCT) are indicated for large lesions. The aim of the study was to compare the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients undergoing AOPT and those undergoing AOCT for large cystic OLTs.

Methods
Patients who underwent AOPT or AOCT for medial large cystic OLTs between May 2019 and June 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. According to their characteristics, 1:1 propensity‐score matching was performed, and 65 pairs of patients with ages ranging from 18 to 60 years old were recruited. Clinical outcomes were compared between both groups with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The Ankle Activity Score (AAS), time to return to sports activity (RTA), rate of return to sports level, complications, and results of a subjective evaluation were also collected. The integrity of subchondral bone and the quality of repaired cartilage were evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score 12 months postoperatively. Second-look arthroscopy was performed 12 months postoperatively, and the cartilage repair was assessed with the criteria of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS).

Results
The within-group comparison showed significant improvements in pain severity and function in both groups post-treatment compared with pre-treatment. Between-group analysis, however, showed no significant statistical difference between groups in any of the variables for clinical and radiographic outcomes, except for donor-site morbidity of the AOPT group, which showed a better outcome compared to the AOCT group.

Conclusions
In the treatment of large cystic OLTs, for patients with a chondral lesion of the patellofemoral joint that is unsuitable for AOCT, AOPT may be a safe and effective choice, with lower donor-site morbidity of the normal knee joint.
Genomic patterns of strain-specific genetic structure, linkage, and selection across fall armyworm populations
Authors: Tessnow Ashley E. , Nagoshi Rodney N. , Meagher Robert L. , Gilligan Todd M. , Sadd Ben M. , Carrière Yves , Davis Holly N. , Fleischer Shelby J. , Richers Kelly , Palumbo John C. , Porter Patrick , Verle Rodrigues Jose Carlos , Sword Gregory A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Molecular genetic approaches have become vital to understanding the evolutionary processes that act on insect pest populations. From mapping the development of resistance to monitoring and predicting pest movement, genomic tools can inform and enhance pest management programs. Here, we used whole genome sequencing population genomics to unravel novel patterns of population structure, linkage, and selection across the genome of a notorious agricultural pest, the fall armyworm.

Results
Our data strongly support the existence of two genetically distinct strains of fall armyworm in North America, which have previously been referred to as the C-strain and the R-strain. Although these strains have diverged genetically, we find that differentiation is not uniform across the genome. The Z-chromosome appears to drive divergence between strains with high levels of linkage observed across this chromosome. We also show that a region of the Z-chromosome containing a circadian clock gene implicated in allochronic reproductive isolation is under strain-specific selection. Our data indicates that strains differ in their geographic distributions and exhibit distinct patterns of geographic sub-structuring indicative of unique dispersal patterns. We provide the first evidence for nuclear genomic differentiation between the two major overwintering populations of fall armyworm in the US. Finally, our data reveal population-specific patterns of selection on genomic regions containing putative insecticide resistance alleles, which could relate to their biogeography.

Conclusions
Our results support the existence of the fall armyworm as a pest dyad in the US, with genetically-distinct strains differing in their population structure, dispersal patterns, and genomic signatures of selection on regions likely involved reproductive isolation and insecticide resistance. These differences should be considered when devising and implementing management strategies.
The patient perspective on transanal irrigation treatment for low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery - a qualitative and quantitative study
Authors: Rethy Boglarka , Schandl Anna , Nordenvall Caroline , Palmer Gabriella Jansson , Bergström Charlotta , Williamson Maria , Pieniowski Emil , Johar Asif , Lagergren Pernilla , Abraham-Nordling Mirna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of the study was to explore long-term experiences of transanal irrigation (TAI) in patients with major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).

Methods
The study included a qualitative and quantitative analysis of patients who developed major LARS after rectal cancer surgery between 2016 and 2019 and have undergone treatment with TAI. The patients received questionnaires. Mean scores were calculated with time-to-deterioration. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed and analyzed, according to Graneheim and Lundman with patients who performed TAI regularly for more than one year.

Results
In total 28 out of 39 patients responded to the questionnaires and 16 patients participated in the interviews. At mean 6-years follow-up, a 9.4 points difference in mean LARS score was obtained, (21.2 vs. 30.7) indicating less LARS symptoms in favor of the TAI treatment. Patients in the TAI group used less loperamide compared to the control group (36% vs. 79%). The use of bulky agents was similar. The interview text rendered into three main categories: regaining control in everyday life, need for structure and planning and becoming familiar with the procedure.

Conclusions
Treatment with TAI showed the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with major LARS. The improvements in their general well-being were valued over adjustments and time spent on TAI.

Implications for cancer survivors
Bowel dysfunction remains after 6-years with lower LARS scores favoring the TAI treatment. In the absence of a definitive treatment, survivors of rectal cancer coping with LARS have shown appreciation of the TAI treatment.
Regional insights on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of carbapenem and colistin-resistant gram-negative bacteria: an observational cross-sectional study from Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khursheed Nazia , Adnan Fareeha , Khan Moiz Ahmed , Hatif Ramlla 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Colistin is used to treat multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Rising colistin resistance worldwide has created challenges in effective treatment and raised treatment costs. Our study aimed to understand the prevalence of colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria, associated pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern at our institute, to help limit further development of resistance.

Methods
An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Microbiology laboratory of Indus Hospital & Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023. Variables extracted from the electronic patient care database included the type of patient samples, clinical diagnoses, frequency of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Microsoft Excel software (Microsoft Excel 2013 {15.0.5553.1000} 32-bit) was used for analysis. Susceptibility results were interpreted in accordance with the M100 guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

Results
A total of 1,785 carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria were isolated during the study period. Thirty (1.7%) of these exhibited colistin minimum inhibitory concentrations of ≥ 4 µg/ml and were characterized as colistin-resistant. Most patients with colistin-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections were males (57%), aged 31–49 and ≥ 50 years (37% each), and in-patients (60%). Majority had urinary tract infection (34%), followed by bloodstream infection (30%), ventilator-associated pneumonia (23%), and skin and soft tissue infection (13%). Organisms included Klebsiella species (77%), Acinetobacter baumanii (20%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3%). Tigecycline was the most susceptible antibiotic among isolates (96%) while, fosfomycin (53%), minocycline (50%), doxycycline (45%) and tetracycline (42%) exhibited moderate susceptibility.

Conclusion
Our study highlights a concerning prevalence of colistin resistance (1.7%) among carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella species, predominantly affecting male in-patients aged 31–49 and ≥ 50 years. This significant therapeutic challenge is underscored by the limited efficacy of available antibiotics, with only tigecycline showing high susceptibility (96%) and others like fosfomycin (53%) and minocycline (50%) offering moderate alternatives.
Conflict-associated wounds and burns infected with GLASS pathogens in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A systematic review
Authors: Wild Amelia , Shortall Clare , Dewachi Omar , Naim Carine , Green Alex , Hussain Sarah , Abbara Aula 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
While the relationship between conflict-associated injuries and antimicrobial resistance is increasingly being elucidated, data concerning civilian casualties is sparse. This systematic review assesses literature focused on Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) Priority Pathogens causing infections in civilian wounds and burns in conflict-affected countries within the World Health Organisation’s Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO).

Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Five databases and grey literature were searched, identifying studies published from January 2010 to June 2024. Search terms included “wounds”, “burns,” “antimicrobial resistance”, and the twelve countries of interest. Included studies reported resistance of GLASS pathogens. Two reviewers used Covidence to assess papers for inclusion. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet for analysis. Where quantitative data were available, medians, interquartile ranges and percentages were calculated by pathogen and country.

Results
621 records were identified; 19 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine of the papers were from Iraq, three from Libya, three from Lebanon, one each from Yemen and Gaza; two reported on conflict affected refugees in Jordan. A total of 1,942 distinct microbiological isolates were reported, representing all four critical and high priority GLASS pathogen categories. Among the isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent (36.3%). Median resistances identified: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 680): 55.6% (IQR:49.65–90.3%); carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 372): 22.14% (7.43–52.22%); carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 366): 60.3% (32.1–85%); carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 75): 12.65% (9.73–34.25%); ceftriaxone resistant Escherichia coli (n = 63): 76% (69–84.65%); ceftriaxone resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 40): 81.45% (76.73–86.18%). Only three studies had a low risk of bias.

Discussion
Findings imply high rates of GLASS priority pathogens among wounded civilians in conflict-affected EMRO countries. However, evidence was heterogeneous, low quality and sparse in certain countries, highlighting the necessity of effective surveillance including standardised data collection. Improving primary data will facilitate the production of large, high-quality studies throughout the EMRO, including under-represented countries.

Conclusion
Laboratory diagnostic capacity building and improved surveillance in conflict-affected settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region are required to assess the burden of GLASS priority pathogens in vulnerable non-combatant populations.
Evaluation of three novel antigens and costimulatory agents for improvement of M. Tuberculosis specific interferon gamma release assays
Authors: Schwarzlose-Schwarck Sandra , Reinwald Mark , Bauer Torsten , Hentschel Florian , Kiderlen Til , Zapf Dorinja , Herbst Victor , Lüth Stefan , Krieger David , Dammermann Werner 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) infections represent a global health problem and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) affects an estimated 25% of the world population. 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide in 2021 and a total of 1.6 million TB-associated deaths were reported. Thus, reliable diagnosis of LTBI is crucial to ensure adequate treatment. We tested three novel MT antigens of the dormancy survival regulator (DosR) complex, ACR, Rv1733, Rv2626, for improvement of MT specific interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) for diagnosing TB. Furthermore, we specifically investigated the potential of the complement factor C5a and the toll like receptor (TLR) agonists CpG ODN as well as Poly(I: C) as costimulators in order to increase diagnostic quality of MT IGRAs. Three MT IGRAs were evaluated, i.e. our in-house IGRA, a prototypic EUROIMMUN Quan-T-Cell TB assay and the gold standard QuantiFERON Tb-Gold Plus assay.

Methods

In this single-center, prospective trial, whole blood from 71 patients with tuberculosis disease was stimulated using our in-house IGRA with ACR, Rv1733, Rv2626 compared to the current gold standard MT antigen formulation encompassing MT antigens ESAT-6, CFP-10 and TB10.4. Further, C5a, CpG ODN and Poly(I: C) were tested as co-stimulators. IFN-γ levels in plasma were quantified using ELISA.

Results
The three novel antigens ACR, Rv1733 and Rv2626 failed to elicit equal or stronger IFN-γ-responses compared to the gold standard antigen formulation with ESAT-6, CFP-10 and TB10.4. The TLR9 agonist CpG ODN increased IFN-γ responses in whole blood of tuberculosis patients using our in-house assays (6,768 ± 21,097 mlU/ml vs. 2,971 ± 4,780 mlU/ml, p = 0.31), yet not significantly. The same trend was found for the prototypic EUROIMMUN Quan-T-Cell TB assay (3,355 ± 5,425 mlU/ml vs. 2,548 ± 4,145 mlU/ml, p = 0.1) and the QuantiFERON Tb-Gold Plus assay (3,627 ± 5,992 mlU/ml vs. 2,635 m ± 4,475 mlU/ml, p = 0.08, for tube 1; 3,257 ± 5,349 vs. 2,759 ± 4,446 mIU/ml, p = 0.25, for tube 2). No increase of IFN-γ release was seen using Poly(I: C) or C5a in all three assays.

Conclusions
ACR, Rv1733 and Rv2626 failed to elicit equal or even better IFN-γ responses in our in-house IGRA compared to ESAT-6, CFP-10 and TB10.4 in patients with MT infection. The TLR9 agonist CpG ODN might be useful as co-stimulator in MT IGRAs.
Neuroborreliosis with encephalitis: a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations
Authors: Hudasch Dominica , Konen Franz Felix , Möhn Nora , Grote-Levi Lea , Wurster Ulrich , Welte Gabriel , Conzen Josef , Mahmoudi Nima , Skripuletz Thomas , Schwenkenbecher Philipp 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Lyme neuroborreliosis is the disseminated stage of an infectious disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (BB). The most prevalent clinical manifestations include meningoradiculitis and involvement of the cranial nerves with lymphocytic meningitis. Facial nerve is the most frequently affected cranial nerve. Neuroborreliosis presenting as encephalitis is only scarcely described in the literature.

Methods
Medical records of patients between 2014 and 2024 were screened and reviewed for neuroborreliosis. Patients were only included if they met the diagnostic criteria for definite neuroborreliosis.

Results
A total of seven patients with neuroborreliosis induced encephalitis were identified. The median age was 72 years, and except for one man, all patients were women. Clinical manifestations ranged from cognitive impairments resembling primary dementia to movement disorders mimicking Parkinson's disease, tremor, and epileptic seizures. In 5/7 patients (71%) they occurred between August to September. In addition to central nervous system involvement, all patients exhibited characteristic features of neuroborreliosis like painful meningoradiculitis or peripheral facial palsy. An elevated cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), positive oligoclonal bands, and blood-CSF barrier dysfunction indicated by an elevated albumin quotient (QAlb) was found in all patients. Advanced age, in which immunosenescence can occur, might contribute in developing encephalitis caused by neuroborreliosis in the patients of this cohort.

Conclusion
Neuroborreliosis can present with symptoms that mimic various neurological disorders, such as dementia, movement disorders, and epilepsy. Radiculitis, peripheral facial palsy or meningitis are an additional hint for this infectious disease. Analysis of CSF, which includes testing for intrathecally produced BB antibodies, is crucial for the diagnosis.
Exploring RNA cargo in extracellular vesicles for pleural mesothelioma detection
Authors: Kraft Agnieszka , Kirschner Michaela B. , Orlowski Vanessa , Ronner Manuel , Bodmer Caroline , Boeva Valentina , Opitz Isabelle , Meerang Mayura 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pleural Mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive cancer, for which effective early detection remains a challenge due to limited screening options and low sensitivity of biomarkers discovered so far. While extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising candidates for blood-based biomarkers, their role in PM has not been studied yet. In this study, we characterized the transcriptomic profile of EVs secreted by PM primary cells and explored their potential as a biomarker source for PM detection.

Methods
We collected cell culture supernatant from early-passage PM cell cultures derived from the pleural effusion of 4 PM patients. EVs were isolated from the supernatant using Qiagen exoEasy Maxi kit. RNA isolation from EVs was done using the mirVana PARIS kit. Finally, single-end RNA sequencing was done with Illumina Novaseq 6000.

Results
We identified a range of RNA species expressed in EVs secreted by PM cells, including protein-coding RNA (80%), long non-coding RNA (13%), pseudogenes (4.5%), and short non-coding RNA (1.6%). We detected a subset of genes associated with the previously identified epithelioid (32 genes) and sarcomatoid molecular components (36 genes) in PM-EVs. To investigate whether these markers could serve as biomarkers for PM detection in blood, we compared the RNA content of PM-EVs with the cargo of EVs isolated from the plasma of healthy donors (publicly available data). Majority of upregulated genes in PM-EVs were protein-coding and long non-coding RNAs. Interestingly, 25 of them were the sarcomatoid and epithelioid marker genes. Finally, functional analysis revealed that the PM-EV RNA cargo was associated with Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition, glycolysis, and hypoxia.

Conclusions
This is the first study to characterize the transcriptomic profile of EVs secreted by PM primary cell cultures, demonstrating their potential as biomarker source for early detection. Further investigation of the functional role of PM-EVs will provide new insights into disease biology and therapeutic avenues.
Improving NGOs’ participation in implementing HIV preventive interventions: a case of adolescents with high-risk behaviors in Iran
Authors: Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Ghadirian Laleh , Sayarifard Azadeh , Rajabi Fatemeh , Nazari Maryam , Rostamigooran Narges , Loori Nina , Abolhasan Memar Haniyeh Haji , Farshadi Mojgan , Kazerooni Parvin Afsar , Sargolzaeemoghaddam Maryam , Majdzadeh Reza 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to identify the obstacles that NGOs face in their participation in implementing HIV preventive interventions among adolescents with high-risk behaviors in Iran and to propose interventions to enhance their involvement.

Methods
The study employed a qualitative approach in three phases to identify barriers and solutions to NGOs’ participation in HIV preventive interventions. First, 56 semi-structured interviews, four focus group discussions (FGDs), and a document review were conducted with diverse stakeholders, using a purposive sampling strategy combining maximum variation sampling with a snowballing approach. Participants were sampled from relevant backgrounds in health policymaking, public participation, or communicable disease. Data from interviews and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive content analysis. Second, a scoping review was performed, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. A policy brief from the first two phases informed a one-day multi-stakeholder policy dialogue with 16 selected policy actors. This session was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through content analysis.

Results
We identified various challenges faced by NGOs, including those related to the unique features of HIV services, such as difficulty in case finding and constant provision of preventive care. Severe challenges included weak NGOs’ performance, insufficient capabilities, and insufficient support from the government, resulting in undesirable constructive collaboration. Tailored strategies were developed, such as the empowerment of NGOs, enhancing public health literacy, modifying the process of identifying eligible NGOs, clarifying key processes for NGOs’ involvement, response to COVID-19, increasing adolescent engagement, advocating for removing the stigma from active NGOs, increasing support for active NGOs, organizing communication networks and collaboration, and strengthening governance arrangements.

Conclusions
NGOs’ participation in HIV prevention can facilitate the alignment of interventions with the specific needs of at-risk populations. However, there are obstacles to full NGOs’ participation from both NGO and government perspectives, necessitating several measures to address these challenges. These measures are imperative for fostering constructive and sustained collaboration between NGOs and the government. The significance of this study lies in its emphasis on such collaboration, particularly in low-resource settings, which is crucial for nations committed to authentically realizing the goal of ‘health for all, by all,’ alongside genuine community participation.

Trial registration
NA.