Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Characterization and Genomics of Pectinolytic Bacteria Isolated from Soft Rot Symptomatic Produce.

Bacterial soft rot causes major crop losses annually and can be caused by several species from multiple genera. These bacteria have a broad host range and often infect produce through contact with soil. The main genera causing bacterial soft rot are and , both of which have widespread geographical distribution.

MRI characteristics predict risk of pathological upgrade in patients with ISUP grade group 1 prostate cancer.

Objective: This study aims to analyse multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) characteristics of patients diagnosed with ISUP grade group (GG) 1 prostate cancer (PC) on initial target plus systematic MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy and investigate histopathological progression during follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective single-centre cohort analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with mpMRI visible lesions (PI-RADS ≥ 3) and detection of ISUP-1-PC at the time of initial biopsy. The study assessed clinical, mpMRI, and histopathological parameters.

A summary of the main themes and findings presented at the ASM Intermountain Branch meeting (2024).

The annual meeting for the Intermountain Branch was held in April 2024 on the campus of Brigham Young University. There were 127 branch members from Utah, Idaho, and Nevada who attended the meeting and were composed of undergraduate students, graduate or medical students, and faculty. This report highlights the diversity of, and the emerging trends in, the research conducted by American Society for Microbiology members in the Intermountain Branch.

Sodium MRI of the Lumbar Intervertebral Discs of the Human Spine: An Ex Vivo Study.

Background: Lower back pain affects 75%-85% of people at some point in their lives. The detection of biochemical changes with sodium (Na) MRI has potential to enable an earlier and more accurate diagnosis.

Purpose: To measure Na relaxation times and apparent tissue sodium concentration (aTSC) in ex-vivo intervertebral discs (IVDs), and to investigate the relationship between aTSC and histological Thompson grade.