bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retaining Severely Damaged Talar Body and Medial Malleolar Cartilage for Diabetic Ankle/Hindfoot Charcot Arthrodesis Using Intramedullary Nail: A Short Report
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Samaha Camille , Assi Chahine 
Published: February 2025

Background: The tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail (IMN) is a common method used to treat advanced diabetic ankle/hindfoot Charcot deformity. The talus is usually resected when severe loss of its body is present and the medial malleolar cartilage excised. We report our initial results with talar retention and absence of medial ankle gutter cartilage debridement. Methods: Four patients with type 2/3A Brodsky classification and stage 2/3 as Eichenholtz classification, presenting with a hindfoot varus deformity were treated with TTC using IMN. The talus was retained after excision of its proximal and distal cartilages while the medial malleolus cartilage was not touched. Bone union was the primary outcome. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results: Bone union was achieved radiologically in all 4 cases within 6 months. No signs of postoperative infection was noted. The mean limb length difference between the pre- and postoperative values was 0.5 ± 0.2 cm. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to walk pain-free with full weightbearing. All 4 patients were very satisfied at 12 months with a mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score of 87 ± 3.1. Conclusion: When performing TTC arthrodesis for diabetic Charcot, preserving the talus even when the body is severely damaged could add to the stability of the construct resulting in bone healing and some leg length preservation. Including the medial malleolus in the fusion surgery might not be necessary. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in adults with lower respiratory tract involvement: a retrospective study of the OrphaLung and GETIF networks
Authors: Ratsihorimanana Romy , Maitre Thomas , Dusselier Matthieu , Triet Ngo Minh , Mangiapan Gilles , Fournier Clément , Bourdin Arnaud , Jouneau Stephane , Matar Maroun , Favrolt Nicolas , Egenod Thomas , Michel Vergnon Jean , Wermert Delphine , François Boitiaux Jean , Borie Raphael , Caliandro Raffaele , Freynet Olivia , Gounant Valérie , Mankikian Julie , Camuset Juliette , Elabbadi Alexandre , Parrot Antoine , Calvani Julien , Fortin Marc , Guibert Nicolas , Cottin Vincent , Cadranel Jacques 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare respiratory disease primarily caused by chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of serotypes 6 and 11. It manifests in childhood (juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis [JoRRP]) and adulthood (adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis [AoRRP]), leading to progressive obstruction by papillomas in the upper airway and occasionally in the lower respiratory tract (LRT), including the lungs, with a potential for malignant transformation. This study aimed to delineate the characteristics of JoRRP and AoRRP with LRT involvement in adulthood.MethodsA multicenter French-speaking cohort study was conducted, coupled with a comprehensive literature review of clinical, histological, therapeutic, and prognostic features associated with RRP-LRT.ResultsAmong the 122 with LRT involvement with LRT involvement analyzed, 55 (45%) had JoRRP and 67 (55%) had AoRRP. The mean age at diagnosis was 4 years for JoRRP and 54 years for AoRRP. Ear, nose, and throat involvement was observed in all JoRRP cases and in 34 AoRRP cases (51%). Lung involvement occurred in 47 JoRRP cases (85%) and in ten AoRRP cases (15%). Malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma in the trachea (n=6) or lung (n=36) was observed in 42 patients (34%). Factors associated with lung involvement included JoRRP, repeated debulking, and malignant transformation; the only factor associated with malignant transformation was lung involvement. Overall mortality was 16%, with JoRRP, lung involvement, and malignant transformation identified as risk factors for death.ConclusionThis study highlights the prevalence of lung involvement and malignant transformation in RRP with LRT and advocates for targeted screening measures and preventive therapeutic strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 spike treatment and transfection impairs airway epithelial repair
Authors: Guo Tony , Singhera Gurpreet , Vaghri Jasmine Memar , Liang Wan Yi , Leung Janice M , Dorscheid Del 
Published: February 2025

The airway epithelium serves as a physical and immune barrier against inhaled insults. This tissue is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and following injury, the airway epithelium undergoes repair to restore barrier function. Though components of SARS-CoV-2, such as the spike glycoprotein essential in viral entry, have been shown to alter biological functions in various tissues, it is unclear how SARS-CoV-2 can impact airway epithelial functions, such as wound repair.In this study, 16HBE14o- epithelial monolayer cultures were treated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein S1 subunit at 4 μg·mL−1or transfected with a plasmid expressing full-length spike glycoprotein. Secreted inflammatory mediators, markers of proliferation and cell-cycle arrest, culture proliferation, and wound closure measurements following mechanical injury were assessed.Spike treatment and transfection altered measures of culture proliferation and markers of proliferation and cell-cycle arrest. Secreted interleukin-6 but not interleukin-8 were significantly higher with spike S1 treatment, while both were significantly elevated with spike transfection. Wound closure was inhibited by both spike treatment and transfection, with significant reductions compared to control.SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 treatment and transfection can alter measures of proliferation, inflammation, and impair wound closure of 16HBE14o- airway epithelial cells. These results highlight how components of SARS-CoV-2 can impair functions of the airway epithelium independent of viral replication.
Monitoring and evaluation in disaster management courses: a scoping review
Authors: Voicescu George Teo , Lamine Hamdi , Loșonți Andra Elena , Lupan-Mureșan Eugenia Maria , Luka Sonia , Ulerio José García , Ragazzoni Luca , Corte Francesco Della , Caviglia Marta 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Owing to the infrequent emergence of disasters and the challenges associated with their management, responders need appropriate training beyond doubt. Ensuring the highest standard of disaster management (DM) training is of paramount importance for high-quality DM. However, the literature concerning DM training monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is scarce. The primary objective of this review was to document the existing M&E strategies for DM training.

Methods
The authors conducted a systematic literature search on June 28, 2023, on the PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases, including studies that described the learning objectives and the M&E strategy of DM training. The authors categorized the learning objectives and the evaluation methodology according to the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy and the New World Kirkpatrick model, respectively.

Results
Fifty-seven articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, described DM training targeting healthcare and non-healthcare professionals and employed diverse teaching methods and topics. Five studies reported using monitoring, while all reported an evaluation methodology. The learning objectives focused on students’ ability to “Remember” (N = 50) and “Apply”(N = 44). The evaluations centred around the second level of the New World Kirkpatrick model (N = 57), with only 7 articles investigating the third level. Sixteen authors used existing, validated M&E frameworks. When corelating the learning objectives with the evaluation methodology, the authors observed a mismatch, as skills like the students’ ability to “Apply” and “Create” were evaluated using the second level of the New World Kirkpatrick model.

Conclusions
The great heterogeneity in DM training highlights the particularity of these educational programs. The lack of monitoring and the low usage of existing M&E frameworks highlighted a lack of awareness and standardization in the field. The mismatch between the learning objectives and the evaluation process led to deceptive evaluations, which may have resulted in graduates being deemed ready to deploy despite facing hardships in real-world settings, potentially leading to unprepared responders.
Helicobacter pylori SlyD stabilizes TPT1 via hnRNPK and enhances OCT1-mediated CDX2 transcriptional activation to drive gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Zheng Shuwen , Wang Yingying , Ni Chuxuan , Guo Rui , Qiu Xunan , Chen Jijun , Wang Lu , Sun Xiaohu , Chen Moye , Liu Yunen , Yuan Yuan , Gong Yuehua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) represents an important precancerous lesion in intestinal-type gastric cancer, triggered by persistent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In a previous study, we unveiled SlyD as a novel virulence factor of H. pylori, establishing its role in GIM induction through TPT1. However, the underlying mechanism remains undetermined.

Methods
Gastric epithelial cells were stimulated with H. pylori 26695, a SlyD inactivated mutant (ΔSlyD), and purified HpSlyD protein, respectively. Real-time qPCR and western blot were subsequently used to assess the expression levels of hnRNPK, TPT1, OCT1, and GIM markers. RNA sequencing was employed to identify differentially expressed genes associated with H. pylori SlyD infection. Protein stability was evaluated using cycloheximide. Molecular interactions were investigated through co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Additionally, molecular docking was utilized to predict TPT1 inhibitors. Immunohistochemistry staining was conducted to validate hnRNPK, TPT1, OCT1, and CDX2 expression in gastric tissue samples from both human and Mongolian gerbils.

Results

H. pylori SlyD upregulates TPT1 and induces the expression of GIM markers through hnRNPK. The interaction between hnRNPK and TPT1 enhances TPT1 protein stability, with H. pylori SlyD intensifying this association. TPT1 promotes the expression of GIM markers mediated via OCT1, which binds to CDX2 promoter region, thereby modulating its transcriptional activity. Dihydroartemisinin has the potential to target TPT1, inhibiting the H. pylori SlyD-induced expression of GIM markers.

Conclusions
In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that H. pylori SlyD enhances TPT1 stability through hnRNPK, leading to OCT1-mediated transcriptional activation of CDX2 and the initiation of the GIM process. Our study offers novel perspectives on the pathogenesis of H. pylori-related gastric precancerous conditions.
Epitope mapping of recombinant Salmonella enterica serotype Heidelberg flagellar hook-associated protein by in silico and in vivo approaches
Authors: Yeh Hung-Yueh 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Salmonella is a leading cause of human acute bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Outbreaks of human salmonellosis have often been associated with consumption of contaminated poultry products. Various strategies have been explored to control this microorganism during poultry production and processing. Vaccination of broiler chickens is regarded as one of the effectives means to control this microorganism. The aim of the present study was to compare the epitope identification in the Salmonella enterica serotype Heidelberg FlgK protein by in silico prediction and in vivo experiment with mass spectrometry in association with immunoprecipitation proteomics.

Results
The Salmonella serotype Heidelberg FlgK protein contains 553 amino acids with a molecular mass of 61 kDa. This protein is conserved among Salmonella serotype Heidelberg isolates. The results show that both approaches identified three common shared consensus peptide epitope sequences at the positions of 77–95, 243–255 and 358–373 in the Salmonella serotype Heidelberg FlgK protein.

Conclusions
These findings provide a rational for further evaluation of these shared linear epitopes in vaccine development to cover the chicken population.
Efficient biosynthesis of β-caryophyllene by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Park Young-Kyoung , Studena Lucie , Hapeta Piotr , Haddouche Ramdane , Bell David J. , Torres-Montero Pablo , Martinez Jose Luis , Nicaud Jean-Marc , Botes Adriana , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
β-Caryophyllene, a sesquiterpenoid, holds considerable potential in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. In order to overcome the limitation of β-caryophyllene production by the extraction from plants or chemical synthesis, we aimed the microbial production of β-caryophyllene in non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica in this study.

Results
Two genes, tHMG1 from S. cerevisiae to boost the mevalonate pool and QHS1 from Artemisia annua, were expressed under different promoters and copy numbers in Y. lipolytica. The co-expression of 8UAS pEYK1-QHS1 and pTEF-tHMG1 in the obese strain yielded 165.4 mg/L and 201.5 mg/L of β-caryophyllene in single and double copies, respectively. Employing the same combination of promoters and genes in wild-type-based strain with two copies resulted in a 1.36-fold increase in β-caryophyllene. The introduction of an additional three copies of 8UAS pEYK1-tHMG1 further augmented the β-caryophyllene, reaching 318.5 mg/L in flask fermentation. To maximize the production titer, we optimized the carbon source ratio between glucose and erythritol as well as fermentation condition that led to 798.1 mg/L of β-caryophyllene.

Conclusions
A biosynthetic pathway of β-caryophyllene was firstly investigated in Y. lipolytica in this study. Through the modulation of key enzyme expression, we successfully demonstrated an improvement in β-caryophyllene production. This strategy suggests its potential extension to studies involving the microbial production of various industrially relevant terpenes.
Using the WHO building blocks to examine cross-border public health surveillance in MENA
Authors: Buback Laura , Martin Shayanne , Pardo Esbeydy , Massoud Farah , Formigo Jesus , Bonyani Atousa , Farag Noha H. , Almayahi Zayid K. , Ishii Kenta , Welty Susie , Schneider Dana 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations has set a global target for achieving Universal Health Coverage, requiring resilient health systems capable of addressing public health emergencies and ensuring health security. Public health surveillance, crucial for detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks, is key to building health system resilience. Due to the high levels of mobility and political instability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, unique challenges arise in cross-border health surveillance. This review aims to highlight the importance of cross-border public health surveillance in strengthening health systems across MENA to achieve equitable health outcomes.
A mixed-methods approach was utilized, combining a systematic literature review with semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) involving 28 stakeholders from seven MENA countries. The literature review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, while the IDIs provided qualitative insights into current surveillance practices and challenges. Findings from the literature review and IDIs were triangulated and analyzed using the WHO Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Building Blocks Framework to identify key challenges and recommendations for improving cross-border surveillance.
Results indicate that existing cross-border surveillance systems in MENA face challenges in data collection, analysis, and sharing, with disparities across countries based on income levels and political contexts. Key challenges include delayed and incomplete data sharing, insufficient funding across sectors, inadequate training, inconsistent data definitions, and limited integration of health data for mobile populations. Recommendations emphasize strengthened governance and leadership to facilitate regional cooperation and information sharing, sustainable financing for implementing a One Health approach, utilizing innovative information systems, workforce development to enhance data collection and analysis, and secure supply chains for medicines and vaccines and equitable service delivery for all mobile populations.
In conclusion, the WHO HSS Building Block Framework provides a comprehensive approach to assessing and improving cross-border public health surveillance and enhancing health security and equity in MENA. Strengthening cross-border surveillance systems may help MENA countries meet IHR requirements, achieve greater health security, and advance health equity among all types of mobile populations. Despite limitations, the study offers critical insights for improving cross-border surveillance strategies in the region.
Is it beneficial to use lateral protective crossing K-wires during medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy? A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Mahmoud Hossam Fathi , Farhan Ahmed Hatem , Abdelwahab Ahmed Mohamed , Elshaer Ahmed Mohamed , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdo , Fahmy Fahmy Samir 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
An iatrogenic lateral hinge fracture is a common intraoperative problem that may occur during medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). This study aims to assess the significance of using additional crossing lateral K-wires and their advantage in protecting the lateral hinge during MOWHTO procedures.

Methods
The data of patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria who underwent MOWHTO between May 2021 and August 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. One group had additional lateral hinge crossing K-wires (+ MOWHTO group), while the other did not (-MOWHTO group). Both groups were assessed for rate of intraoperative lateral hinge fractures, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score − 12 (KOOS-12), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), time of union, and time to return to work. The outcomes were compared using the independent T-test for continuous variables and the Fisher Exact test for nominal variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for both tests.

Results
The study included forty-eight patients; twenty-four in each treatment group. The mean follow-up durations were 30.5 ± 3.6 months for + MOWHTO and 31.6 ± 3.2 months for –MOWHTO (p = 0.26). There was no statistically significant difference regarding mean age, sex, KOOS-12, MPTA, and time of surgery between both groups. The + MOWHTO group had a faster time of union (p = 0.001), an earlier return to work (p = 0.002), and a lower rate of intraoperative lateral hinge fractures (p = 0.04).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that using additional crossing lateral K-wires during MOWHTO had a beneficial effect on reducing the rate of iatrogenic lateral hinge fractures, with a faster time of union, and an early return to work. The KOOS-12, MPTA, and mean operative time did not reveal significant differences between treatment groups.

Level of evidence
retrospective cohort comparative study; level III.
Sorghum surpasses wheat as a feed grain for broiler chickens following dietary crude protein reductions
Authors: Wang Mengzhu , Toghyani Mehdi , Macelline Shemil P. , Lemme Andreas , Holmes Andrew J. , Selle Peter H. , Liu Sonia Y. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Wheat and, to a lesser extent, sorghum are the dominant feed grains in Australian chicken-meat production. There is considerable local interest in the development of reduced-crude protein (CP) broiler diets in part because this would decrease the need to import soybean meal into the country. Maize is rarely included in Australian broiler diets, but birds appear better able to accommodate dietary CP reductions with maize than with wheat-based diets. Sorghum is more similar to maize than wheat and for this reason wheat- and sorghum-based diets, with standard and reduced-CP concentrations, were evaluated in broiler chickens in a direct comparison.

Results
Reducing dietary CP from 205 to 175 g/kg CP did not statistically influence weight gain and FCR in broilers offered sorghum-based diets from 14 to 35 d post-hatch. In contrast, the 30 g/kg CP reduction compromised weight gain by 10.1% (1,964 versus 2,187 g/bird) and FCR by 9.68% (1.575 versus 1.436), in broilers offered wheat-based diets. Consequently, treatment interactions (P < 0.001) were observed for dietary CP levels grain type for both weight gain and FCR. Another treatment interaction (P < 0.001) was observed for starch digestibility coefficients in the distal jejunum. Birds offered 205 g/kg CP, wheat-based diets had superior starch digestibility by 11.6% (0.914 versus 0.819), but sorghum supported superior starch digestibility by 9.70% (0.837 versus 0.763) in the context of 175 g/kg CP diets.

Conclusions
Under the condition of thid study, broiler chickens offered sorghum-based diets had a greater capacity to accommodate dietary CP reductions than their counterparts offered wheat-based diets. This study confirmed that wheat-based diets are not conducive to CP reductions, but the causal factors have yet to be identified precisely.
An automated adaptive trading system for enhanced performance of emerging market portfolios
Authors: Tudor Cristiana , Sova Robert 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
One of the most notable developments in the asset management industry in recent decades has been the growth of algorithmic trading. At the same time, significant structural changes in the industry have occurred, with passive investing gaining momentum. The intersection of these two major trends poses special challenges during market downturns, magnifying portfolio losses and leading to significant outflows. Emerging market (EM) investors have seen two major downturn events in the 2020s, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both of which have strongly affected EM portfolios’ risk-return profiles and increased their correlations with their developed market counterparts, eliminating much or all of EMs’ diversification benefits. This has led to major capital outflows from EM countries, further destabilizing these fragile economies. Against this backdrop, we argue that capital need not exit these riskier markets during periods of turmoil and support this by developing a second-generation Automated Adaptive Trading System (AATS) back-tested on a relevant, diversified EM portfolio that tracks the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index during a volatile period characterized by negative returns, high risk, and a high correlation with global markets for the buy-and-hold EM portfolio. The system incorporates an Autoregressive Moving Average-Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model that offers an interpretability advantage over machine-learning methods. The main strength of the AATS is its ability to allow the embedded hybrid forecasting model to adapt to the changing environments that characterize EMs. This is done by implementing a recursive window technique and running a user-specified fitness function to dynamically optimize the mean equation parameters throughout the lead time. Back-testing several configurations of the flexible AATS consistently reveals its superiority while assuring the robustness of the results. We conclude that with the right investment tools, EMs continue to offer compelling opportunities that should not be overlooked. The novel AATS proposed in this study is such a tool, providing active EM investors with substantial value-added through its ability to generate abnormal returns, and can help to enhance the resilience of EMs by mitigating the cost of crises for those countries.