bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Talc to Povidone-Iodine Pleurodesis in Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Balan Divya , Baral Tejaswini , Manu Mohan K. , Mohapatra Aswini Kumar , Miraj Sonal Sekhar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMalignant pleural effusion (MPE) poses a substantial clinical challenge, necessitating effective interventions. Pleurodesis, commonly employed in MPE management, involves inducing pleural symphysis to prevent fluid accumulation. Talc and povidone-iodine have emerged as prominent agents for pleurodesis, each with its unique characteristics and considerations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of talc powder pleurodesis (TPP) and povidone-iodine pleurodesis (PIP) in the management of MPE. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023470930). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with TPP and PIP arms for MPE were included. The information sources included electronic bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase from inception to November 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for the critical appraisal. A meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 compared outcomes. Out of 105 identified records, 3 RCTs were included in our review. Our review findings revealed a higher success rate for TPP. However, variability existed, with one study indicating better success rates in PIP groups. Adverse events were reported less frequently in the PIP group, suggesting a potentially superior safety profile. TPP showed higher overall success in comparison to PIP, emphasizing the need for cautious clinical decision-making given variability. The potential superior safety profile of povidone-iodine underscores the importance of context-specific choices, considering patient preferences and resource constraints in selecting pleurodesis interventions for MPE management.
Factor XIII Deficiency: Laboratory, Molecular, and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Dorgalaleh Akbar , Jozdani Sina , Zadeh Masoumeh Kiani 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFactor XIII-A (FXIII-A) deficiency is an ultra-rare bleeding disorder characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality, primarily resulting from intracranial hemorrhage, umbilical cord bleeding, and miscarriage, whereas patients with severe FXIII-B deficiency present with a milder phenotype. Although the estimated incidence of severe FXIII-A deficiency is one per 2 million, a high prevalence ranging from 0.8 to 3.5% has been observed for heterozygous FXIII-A deficiency. Unlike most bleeding disorders, individuals with heterozygous FXIII-A deficiency, particularly women, are more likely to experience hemorrhagic complications during hemostatic challenges. About 200 Mutations have been observed in F13A and F13B genes, with most being missense mutations, while large deletions are the rarest. There is no correlation between genotype and phenotype and a moderate to strong correlation between factor activity and clinical severity in FXIII-A deficiency, making it difficult to predict bleeding patterns based on genotype and FXIII activity levels. Primary prophylaxis is mandatory for all patients with severe FXIII-A deficiency, while those with heterozygous deficiency are generally asymptomatic and may require on-demand therapy during hemostatic challenges, most commonly in women. On the other hand, patients with severe FXIII-B deficiency may only require on-demand therapy, while heterozygotes are generally asymptomatic. Although there are general recommended therapeutic regimens for prophylaxis or on-demand therapy in different situations, personalized pharmacokinetic-based replacement therapy represents the optimal approach that can optimize intervention efficacy. In such an approach, several factors may affect the effectiveness of treatment and determine the dose and type of intervention, including the classification of FXIII deficiency, residual plasma levels of FXIII, clinical situation requiring intervention, age, weight, and also gender.
Global Burden of Testicular Cancer and Its Risk Factors
Authors: Mhamane Sharyu , Bagal Sonali , Shivshankar Samyukta , Kadam Prithviraj , Prakash Gagan , Budukh Atul 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTesticular cancer (TC) is a rare cancer accounting for 5% of total urologic tumors. It occurs in distinct age groups of adolescents and young adults unlike other cancers peaking in the older age groups. About 95% of TC arises from germ cells. The histological classification of TC consists mainly of seminomas and nonseminomas. Based on GLOBOCAN 2022, the continent with the highest incidence rate was Europe (Age-adjusted rate-6.4), while Africa (0.59) had the lowest incidence. The highest mortality rates were estimated for Latin America and the Caribbean (0.58) followed by Europe (0.35) while the lowest was for the Asian continent (0.14). The highest prevalence of TC was in Europe followed by Oceania and Northern America, while Africa had the least prevalence of TC cases among all. A myriad of risk factors is associated with TC; Cryptorchidism is the strongest associated risk factor of TC increasing the risk by fivefold. Other risk factors identified include family history increasing the risk by four- to eightfold, increased adult height, infertility (1.6- to 2.8-fold), pesticide exposure (threefold), and gr/gr deletion (threefold). Clinically, TC generally presents as a painless scrotal swelling often mistaken as a hydrocele and the bulk of disease growing in the retroperitoneum can be asymptomatic even after growing to a huge size. This article aims to present the global burden of TC and also discusses its etiological risk factors.
Increased Platelet Adhesiveness in Patients with Venous Thromboembolic Disease
Authors: Diaz-Ricart Maribel , Souto Juan Carlos , Martinez-Sanchez Julia , Torramade-Moix Sergi , Moreno-Castaño Ana Belén , Llobet Dolors , Jerez-Dolz Didac , Sanchez Pablo , Carrasco Marina , Mojal Sergi , Moret Carla , Camacho Mercedes , Soria José Manuel , Palomo Marta , Martin-Fernandez Laura , Vidal Francisco , Escolar Gines 
Published: November 2024

Background Association between global platelet function and the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) has been proposed, though the mechanisms do not involve increased platelet aggregation. However, platelet adhesiveness has not been systematically explored in VTE patients.
Objectives To evaluate platelet adhesive functions in VTE patients.
Methods Platelet adhesion was evaluated by using whole blood samples from VTE patients, selected based on short closure times on the PFA-100 (n = 54), and matched healthy individuals (n = 57) in: (i) the PFA-100, (ii) a cone plate analyzer (CPA), on a plastic surface, (iii) microfluidic devices, with two- and three-dimensional evaluation, and (iv) membrane glycoprotein analysis. Intraplatelet signaling was evaluated in isolated collagen type I (Col-I) activated platelets and platelets adhered on Col-I or von Willebrand factor (VWF) coated coverslips under flow. VWF antigen and ADAMTS-13 activity were measured in plasma samples.
Results PFA-100 closure times remained significantly shorter in patients. The CPA test showed a significant increase in the platelet aggregates size when using blood from VTE patients. Platelet adhesion on Col-I revealed a higher area covered by platelets and increased aggregate volume when exposed to samples from VTE patients. Protein P-ZAP70/SYK72 showed a phosphorylation level significantly increased in patients' platelets. Plasma VWF was significantly elevated in VTE patients.
Conclusions Platelets from VTE patients exhibit a proadhesive phenotype under flow conditions potentially related to the shortened occlusion times with the PFA-100. This enhanced adhesiveness may be explained by higher intraplatelet ZAP70/SYK72 phosphorylation and increased plasma VWF in patients. Therefore, primary hemostasis plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of VTE.
Recombination landscape and karyotypic variations revealed by linkage mapping in the grapevine downy mildew pathogen Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Dvorak Etienne , Mazet Isabelle D , Couture Carole , Delmotte François , Foulongne-Oriol Marie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew, is a biotrophic oomycete engaged in a tight coevolutionary relationship with its host. Rapid adaptation of the pathogen is favored by annual sexual reproduction that generates genotypic diversity. With the aim of studying the recombination landscape across the P. viticola genome, we generated 2 half-sibling F1 progenies (N = 189 and 162). Using targeted SNP sequencing, between 1,405 and 1,894 markers were included in parental linkage maps, and a consensus map was obtained by integrating 4,509 markers. The reference genome could be assembled into 17 pseudochromosomes, anchoring 88% of its physical length. We observed a strong collinearity between parental genomes and extensive synteny with the downy mildew Peronospora effusa. In the consensus map, the median recombination rate was 13.8 cM/Mb. The local recombination rate was highly variable along chromosomes, and recombination was suppressed in putative centromeric regions. Recombination rate was found negatively correlated with repeats’ coverage and positively correlated with gene coverage. However, genes encoding secreted proteins and putative effectors were underrepresented in highly recombining regions. In both progenies, about 5% of the individuals presented karyotypic anomalies. Aneuploidies and triploidies almost exclusively originated from the male-transmitted chromosomes. Triploids resulted from fertilization by diploid gametes, but also from dispermy. Obligatory sexual reproduction each year may explain the lower level of karyotypic variation in P. viticola compared to other oomycetes. The linkage maps will be useful to guide future de novo chromosome-scale assemblies of P. viticola genomes and to perform forward genetics.
Scale-up of HIV Services for Key Population in Mozambique, 2020–2023
Authors: Malimane Inácio , Seleme Jéssica , Maibaze Gonçalves , Matsimbe Lúcio , Benech Irene , Simbine Ana Paula , Gaspar Núno , Maposse Stélio , Mazive Josefa , Sathane Isabel , Timbana António , Langa António , Couto Aleny 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionMozambique provides targeted services to reduce HIV incidence and improve clinical outcomes among key populations (KP), including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), prisoners, and people who inject drugs (PWID). KP program data were analyzed to understand achievements since 2020 and remaining gaps.MethodsWe analyzed PEPFAR Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting routine aggregate data available for 2020–2023. KPs on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were defined as clients with ≤28 days since the last missed visit. The test positivity rate was calculated as positive tests over tests conducted. The viral load suppression (VLS) rate was calculated as KP with VLS (<1,000 copies/mL) among those tested in the past 12 months. Data were analyzed by fiscal year (October–September) and KP sub-group.ResultsDuring 2020–2023, tests conducted increased by 176% (43,834 to 121,184), positive tests increased by 33% (10,412 to 13,883) and test positivity was 17% (56,494/333,194); KP newly initiated on ART increased by 198% (3,979 to 11,875); and KP on ART increased by 370% (8,042 to 37,779). Among KP on ART in September 2023, 25,900 (69%) were FSW, 6,601 (17%) were MSM, 4,078 (11%) were prisoners, and 1,200 (3%) were PWID; VLS rate was 94% (23,224/24,723); 94% among FSW (16,451/17,551), 95% among MSM (4,195/4,419), 94% among prisoners (1,837/1,956), and 93% among PWID (741/797).ConclusionThe successful scale-up of KP services in Mozambique since 2020 has increased the number of KP tested, initiated, and sustained on treatment, with high VLS rates. This indicates the positive impact of services among KP, contributing to reaching HIV epidemic control nationally.
A simple tool for Visualizing Time Sections of Transesophageal Echocardiography with Python
Authors: Fiammante Marc , Dellamonica Pierre , Mertens Emilie , De La Chapelle Arnaud , Leveille Laury , Labbaoui Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a critical tool in diagnosing and managing infectious endocarditis, providing detailed images of cardiac structures. However, identifying vegetations on valves and their dynamic behavior in ultrasound videos can be challenging. TEEs metadata often does not include scale enabling computation of speed.ObjectivesTo address this, we developed a simple Python-based tool that enhances the visualization of these dynamic characteristics. This tool reconstructs an optical flow from TEE images, capturing the motion of cardiac structures and offering deeper insights into their behavior. The tool also recovers scale from visual information on the TEES.MethodsBy leveraging the Marching Cubes algorithm and 2D Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to recover scale from images, the tool efficiently processes video frames to create a 3D representation where time is the third dimension. Wit his mouse the user can select temporal slices and a view of the dynamic evolution in that slice is created together with the speeds.ResultsThis approach allows for measurement of thicknesses and speeds, aiding in the evaluation of valvular and vegetation dynamics.ConclusionsThe tool’s user-friendly interface, built with Dash and Plotly, enables interactive analysis and visualization, making it a valuable asset for cardiologists in clinical settings to further analyze valvular behavior.
The reciprocal relationship between short- and long-term motor learning and neurometabolites
Authors: Hehl Melina , Van Malderen Shanti , Blashchuk Svitlana , Sunaert Stefan , Edden Richard A. E. , Swinnen Stephan P. , Cuypers Koen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionSkill acquisition requires practice to stimulate neuroplasticity. Changes in inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, such as respectively gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, are believed to play a crucial role in promoting neuroplasticity.MethodsMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3T, using the MEGA-PRESS sequence, and behavioral data were collected from 62 volunteers. Participants completed a four-week protocol, practicing either complex (n = 32) or simple (n = 30) bimanual tracking tasks (BTT). Neurotransmitter levels and skill levels at baseline, after two, and four weeks of motor training were compared for left and right primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and left dorsal premotor cortex (PMd). Furthermore, task-related modulations of neurotransmitter levels in left PMd were assessed.ResultsBaseline neurotransmitter levels in motor-related brain regions predicted training success. While lower GABA+ (p=0.0347) and higher Glx (glutamate+glutamine compound) levels (p=0.0234) in left PMd correlated with better long-term learning of simple and complex tasks, respectively, higher GABA+ in right SM1 correlated with complex task learning (p=0.0064). Resting neurometabolite levels changed during the intervention: left SM1 Glx decreased with complex training towards week 4 (p=0.0135), while right SM1 Glx was increased at week 2 (p=0.0043), regardless of training type. Group-level analysis showed no task-related neurometabolite modulation in the left PMd. However, individual baseline GABA+ and Glx modulation influenced short-term motor learning (interaction: p=0.0213).ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of an interplay between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters during motor learning and suggest potential for future personalized approaches to optimize motor learning.Key points-Neurotransmitter dynamics predict training success:Baseline levels of GABA+ and Glx in motor-related brain regions (left PMd and right SM1) were found to predict long-term learning success, with specific patterns correlating with better performance in both simple and complex motor tasks.-Training-induced changes in neurometabolites:Resting levels of Glx in SM1 changed significantly during the motor training, with a decrease in left SM1 Glx after four weeks of complex training, and an increase in right SM1 Glx after two weeks for both the simple and complex training group, indicating dynamic adaptations in response to motor training.-Personalized motor learning potential:The interaction between baseline levels and task-related modulation of GABA+ and Glx influenced short-term motor learning outcomes.
Inconsistency of AI in Intracranial Aneurysm Detection with Varying Dose and Image Reconstruction
Authors: Goelz Leonie , Laudani Angelo , Genske Ulrich , Scheel Michael , Bohner Georg , Bauknecht Hans-Christian , Mutze Sven , Hamm Bernd , Jahnke Paul 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundScanner-related changes in data quality are common in medical imaging, yet monitoring their impact on diagnostic AI performance remains challenging.PurposeTo assess the consistency of an FDA-approved AI solution for intracranial aneurysm detection across changes in image data quality caused by dose and image reconstruction.MethodsConsistency testing was performed using a head CT phantom designed for AI evaluation, replicating a patient with three intracranial aneurysms in the anterior communicating artery (ACoA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and basilar artery (BA). The phantom was examined three times at 21 doses ranging from 0.47 to 20.09 mGy using iterative reconstruction (IR) and filtered back projection (FBP). Aneurysm labeling by an AI solution approved for triage and notification of intracranial aneurysms was analyzed. Five neuroradiologists evaluated all examinations for aneurysm visibility.ResultsThe AI solution labeled 74.6% of ACoA, 92.9% of MCA, and 2.4% of BA aneurysms, while reader experiments yielded aneurysm visibility rates of 98.6%, 99.8%, and 95.4%, respectively. The AI demonstrated stable performance within the medium dose range but produced inconsistent results at doses below 8 mGy with IR, 7 mGy with FBP, and also above 14 mGy with FBP. Doses below 1 mGy with IR and 2 mGy with FBP led to a complete lack of AI response to any aneurysm. Readers noted at least one visible aneurysm in every case and reported 100% visibility for all aneurysms at doses above 2 mGy.ConclusionsDiagnostic AI shows inconsistent performance when image data quality is not optimal and requires more stringent quality standards than radiologists. Standardized consistency testing reveals AI performance issues when these quality requirements are not achieved.
Systematic differences in TB treatment outcomes across in Brazil by patient- and area-related factors: an analysis of national disease registry data
Authors: Ryuk Do Kyung , Pelissari Daniele M , Alves Kleydson , Harada Luiza Ohana , Oliveira Patricia Bartholomay , Johansen Fernanda D C , Maciel Ethel L N , Castro Marcia C , Cohen Ted , Sanchez Mauro , Menzies Nicolas A 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundA substantial fraction of individuals initiating tuberculosis (TB) treatment do not successfully complete the regimen. Understanding variation in TB treatment outcomes could reveal opportunities to improve the effectiveness of TB treatment services.MethodsWe extracted data on TB treatment outcomes, patient covariates, and location of residence from Brazil’s National Disease Notification Information System, for all new TB patients diagnosed during 2015-2018. We analyzed whether or not patients experienced an unsuccessful treatment outcome (any death on treatment, loss to follow-up, or treatment failure). We constructed a statistical model predicting treatment outcome as a function of patient-level covariates, including socio-demographic factors, co-prevalent health conditions, health behaviors, membership of vulnerable populations, and diagnosed form of TB disease. We used this model to decompose state- and municipality-level variation in treatment outcomes into differences attributable to patient-level factors and area-level factors, respectively.ResultsTreatment outcomes data for 259,449 individuals were used for the analysis. Across Brazilian states, variation in unsuccessful treatment due to patient-level factors was substantially less that variation due to area-level factors, with the difference between best and worst performing states 7.1 and 13.3 percentage points for patient-level and area-level factors, respectively. Similar results were estimated at the municipality-level, with 9.3 percentage points separating best and worst performing municipalities according to patient-level factors, and 20.5 percentage points separating best and worst performing municipalities according to area-level factors. Results were similar when we analyzed loss to follow-up as an outcome.ConclusionsThe results of this analysis revealed substantial variation in TB treatment outcomes across states and municipalities in Brazil, which could not be explained by differences in patient-level factors. This area-level variation likely reflects the consequences of differences in health system organization, clinical practices, and other socio-environmental factors not reflected in patient-level data. Further research to reveal the reasons for these differences is urgently needed to identify effective approaches to TB care, reduce geographic disparities in treatment effectiveness across Brazil, and increase the fraction of patients who successfully complete TB treatment.