bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) for Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma – Case Presentations And Lessons Learned
Authors: Strauss Ido , Gabay Segev , Roth Jonathan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:

The surgical treatment of brain tumors has developed over time, offering customized strategies for patients and their specific lesions. One of the most recent advances in pediatric neuro-oncological surgery is laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). However, its effectiveness and indications are still being evaluated. The aim of this work is to review the current literature on LITT for pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) and evaluate our initial results in this context.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed our pediatric neurosurgery database for patients who received LITT treatment between November 2019 and December 2023. We collected data on the indications for LITT, technical issues during the procedure, and clinical and radiological follow-up.

Results:

Three patients underwent 5 LITT procedures for pLGG. The lesion was thalamo-peduncular in one patient, cingulate in one, and deep parietal in one patient. Two patients had a previous open resection done and were diagnosed with pLGG. One patient underwent a stereotaxic biopsy during the LITT procedure that was non-diagnostic. The same patient underwent a later open resection of the tumor in the cingulate gyrus. There were no surgical complications and all patients were discharged home on the first post-operative day. The follow-up period was between 20 and 40 months. Radiological follow-up showed a progressive reduction of the tumor in patients with LGG.

Conclusion:

Laser interstitial thermal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that shows promise in treating deep-seated pLGG in children. The treatment has demonstrated a reduction in tumor volume and the positive results continue over time. LITT can be used as an alternative treatment for tumors located in areas that are difficult to access surgically or in cases where other standard treatment options have failed.
Transparency in Computer-Aided Breast Cancer Diagnosis Tool Development: A CBIS-DDSM Case Study
Authors: Liao Ling , Aagaard Eva 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Accessible mammography datasets and innovative machine learning techniques are at the front line for computer-aided breast cancer diagnosis. However, the opacity surrounding private datasets and the unclear methodology behind the selection of subset images from publicly available databases for model training and testing, coupled with the arbitrary incompleteness or inaccessibility of code, markedly intensifies the obstacles in replicating and validating the model's efficacy. These challenges, in turn, erect barriers for subsequent researchers striving to learn and advance in this field. To address these limitations, we provide a pilot codebase covering the entire image preprocessing to model construction and evaluation pipeline, utilizing publicly available Curated Breast Imaging Subset of Digital Database for Screening Mammography (CBIS-DDSM) mass subset, including both full images and regions of interests (ROIs). The pipeline achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 86.3% [95% CI: 0.842, 0.885], representing the state of the art performance for benign and malignant classification with selected mammography images. Collectively, our efforts hold promise in accelerating global software development for breast cancer diagnosis by leveraging our codebase and structure, while also integrating other advancements in the field.
The role of short journey transportation in the spreading of swine pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
Authors: Masserdotti Marta , Formenti Nicoletta , Donneschi Anna , Guarneri Flavia , Scali Federico , Romeo Claudia , Giacomini Enrico , Bertasio Cristina , Boniotti Maria Beatrice , Alborali Giovanni Loris , Luzzago Camilla 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The transport of live pigs poses a risk to on-farm biosecurity. Trucks can carry pathogens with significant economic and health impacts, including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the microbiological contamination of trucks before and after loading, focusing on AMR bacteria and other major pathogens transmissible through faeces. Samples were collected by swabbing the internal surface of disinfected empty trucks at farm entry (‘clean’) and after loading (‘dirty’), and were tested for total plate count (TPC), specific bacteria and viruses. Escherichia coli isolates were also phenotypically and molecularly tested for the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), other β-lactamases (AmpC) and carbapenemase.
Results: Bacterial counts (both TPC and Enterobacteriaceae count) and the probability of testing positive for E. coli, ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli and Rotavirus A varied significantly depending on the truck condition, being significantly higher in “dirty” than in “clean” trucks. Despite a non-significant difference, positivity to Rotavirus B showed the same tendency. Conversely, the truck condition had no effect on Rotavirus C. Salmonella spp., PRRSV, and carbapenemase-producing E. coli were detected only in samples collected on “dirty” trucks.
Conclusions: Although the prevalence of most agents in ‘clean’ samples was close to zero, the relatively frequent occurrence of E. coli and some rotaviruses highlights the importance of improving sanitisation procedures. The detection of ESBL/AmpC- and carbapenemase-producing E. coli was of particular concern. These findings confirm the role of trucks in spreading pathogens of concern and AMR, highlighting the importance of effective monitoring and proper sanitisation procedures.
Characteristics of esotropia in Japanese adults: a retrospective evaluation of 105 patients who underwent esotropia surgery at Inoue Memorial Hospital
Authors: Yokoyama Akiko , Iwase Takehito , Watanabe Kana , Kurosawa Yuri 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
This study evaluated etiological factors, changes in alignment angle post-surgery, and binocular vision function improvement in Japanese adults with esotropia.
Methods
This retrospective study included 105 patients with esotropia who underwent surgery at our hospital. We reviewed the medical records to determine the causes of esotropia, patient motivation for surgery, changes in alignment angle post-surgery, improvement in binocular vision function, and correlation between the operated muscle length and corrected eye alignment angle. The alternate prism cover test was performed to assess the angle of misalignment. Binocular vision function was determined using the Titmus Stereo Test, major amblyoscope, Bagolini striated lenses test, and an afterimage test. One-to-four muscle surgery, involving medial rectus muscle recession or lateral rectus muscle resection, was performed.
Results
The etiologies included acquired progressive esotropia with myopia (n = 51); congenital esotropia (n = 6); partial accommodative esotropia (n = 5); cerebral infarction or cerebral breeding (n = 5); sagging eye syndrome (SES) (n = 5); brain tumors (n = 3); sensory esotropia (n = 2); consecutive esotropia after exotropia surgery (n = 2); face trauma (n = 1); Duane syndrome (n = 1); and unknown origin (n = 24). Eye alignment improved in all patients. However, four patients needed a second operation. Binocular vision function improved in patients with acquired progressive esotropia with myopia; partial accommodative esotropia; cerebral infarction or cerebral breeding; SES; and brain tumors. Binocular vision function was unchanged in patients with sensory and congenital esotropia.
Conclusions
Esotropia surgery in adults can lead to improved eye alignment and binocular vision function. However, the patients with sensory esotropia and congenital esotropia were unable to acquire binocular vision function.
Pediatric providers’ knowledge and practice of Metered Dose Inhalation techniques in Addis Ababa
Authors: Weldetsadik Abate Yeshidinber , Worku Edlawit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Aerosol therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for childhood respiratory disorders including asthma. Inhaled medications can be delivered by Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI), or nebulizers. There are limited data on the knowledge and practice of MDI techniques among pediatric providers in Ethiopia. We evaluated the knowledge and practice of MDI techniques in pediatric providers’ in a tertiary center in Addis Ababa.
Methods
Cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College among nurses, residents and interns working in the department of pediatrics. We assessed the knowledge and practice of the providers’ MDI techniques in children. The study was done from April 2021 to August 2021. Structured questionnaire and a standardized tool were used for data collection, and data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results
A total of 143 pediatric providers (139 (93.7%) between 24–34 years, 82(57.3%) female) were included in the study. Majority (68(48%)) were pediatric residents. Among the healthcare providers, only 81 (57%) had good knowledge on MDI medication administration techniques in children. The practice of inhalation was appropriate in 95 (66) % of the healthcare providers (HCP) with a mean practice score of 3.08 (Standard Deviation, SD 0.34). The most frequent error (54%) was failure to hold breath after inhalation. Failure to inhale appropriately for the device (29%), and not waiting for 30–60 seconds before next dose (25%) were the other common errors of practice. On multivariable analysis, no variables were associated with knowledge and practice of inhalation therapy.
Conclusion
Our study documented low level of knowledge and practice of pediatric healthcare providers towards MDI administration techniques in children but no independent predictors were identified with the knowledge and skill of the providers. Training of inhalation therapy should be provided to all pediatric providers to optimize MDI administration, and education for children and their caregivers.
A retrospective, multicentric, nationwide analysis of the impact of splenectomy on survival of pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Kießler Maximilian , Jäger Carsten , Reyes Carmen Mota , Pergolini Ilaria , Schorn Stephan , Göß Rüdiger , Safak Okan , Martignoni Marc E. , Novotny Alexander R. , Uhl Waldemar , Werner Jens , Ghadimi Michael , Hartwig Werner , Ruppert Reinhard , Keck Tobias , Bruns Christiane , Oldhafer Karl-Jürgen , Schnitzbauer Andreas , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Sommer Florian , Mees Sören Torge , Brunner Maximilian , Köninger Jörg , Glowka Tim R. , Kalff Jörg C. , Reißfelder Christoph , Bartsch Detlef K. , Kraus Thomas , Padberg Winfried , Piso Pompiliu , Lammers Bernhard J. , Rudolph Hagen , Moench Christian , Farkas Stefan , Friess Helmut , Ceyhan Güralp O. , Demir Ihsan Ekin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Splenectomy is regularly performed in total and distal pancreatectomy due to technical reasons, lymph node dissection and radicality of the operation. However, the spleen serves as an important organ for competent immune function, and its removal is associated with an increased incidence of cancer and a worse outcome in some cancer entities1–3. The impact of splenectomy in pancreatic cancer is not fully resolved4,5.
Methods
We therefore compared the outcome of 193 pancreatic cancer patients who underwent total or distal pancreatectomy with (Sp) or without splenectomy (NoSp) between 2015 and 2021 using the StuDoQ|Pancreas registry of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery. In addition, we integrated our data into the existing literature in a meta-analysis of studies on splenectomy in pancreatic cancer patients.
Results
There was no difference between the Sp and NoSp groups regarding histopathological parameters, number of examined or affected lymph nodes, or residual tumor status. We observed a significantly prolonged survival in pancreatic cancer patients who underwent total pancreatectomy, when a spleen-preserving operation was performed (median survival: 9.6 vs. 17.3 months, p = 0.03). In this group, splenectomy was identified as an independent risk factor for shorter overall survival [HR (95%CI): 2.4 (1.18–4.9)]. In a meta-analysis of the existing literature in combination with our data, we confirmed splenectomy as a risk factor for a shorter overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing total pancreatectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or pancreatic head resection [HR (95%CI): 1.53 (1.11–1.95)].
Conclusion
Whenever technically possible, preservation of the spleen should be considered during total pancreatectomy for resection of pancreatic cancer, as the spleen seems to affect the long-term survival in this subgroup. The immunological reasons behind this observation deserve further investigation.
The TELEhealth Shared decision-making Coaching and Navigation in Primary carE (TELESCOPE) intervention: a study protocol for delivering shared decision-making for lung cancer screening by patient navigators
Authors: Tan Naomi Q. P. , Lowenstein Lisa M. , Douglas Elisa E. , Silva Jeanne , Bershad Joshua M. , An Jinghua , Shete Sanjay S. , Steinberg Michael B. , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Clark Elizabeth C. , Natale-Pereira Ana , Sahu Novneet N. , Hastings Shirin E. , Hoffman Richard M. , Volk Robert J. , Kinney Anita Y. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce lung cancer mortality but has potential harms for patients. A shared decision-making (SDM) conversation about LCS is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for LCS reimbursement. To overcome barriers to SDM in primary care, this protocol describes a telehealth decision coaching intervention for LCS in primary care clinics delivered by patient navigators. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and its implementation potential, compared with an enhanced usual care (EUC) arm. Methods Patients (n = 420) of primary care clinicians (n = 120) are being recruited to a cluster randomized controlled trial. Clinicians are randomly assigned to 1) TELESCOPE intervention: prior to an upcoming non-acute clinic visit, patients participate in a telehealth decision coaching session about LCS delivered by trained patient navigators and nurse navigators place a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) order for each TELESCOPE patient wanting LCS, or 2) EUC: patients receive enhanced usual care from a clinician. Usual care is enhanced by providing clinicians in both arms with access to a Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinar about LCS and an LCS discussion guide. Patients complete surveys at baseline and 1-week after the scheduled clinic visit to assess quality of the SDM process. Re-navigation is attempted with TELESCOPE patients who have not completed the LDCT within 3 months. One month before being due for an annual screening, TELESCOPE patients whose initial LCS showed low-risk findings are randomly assigned to receive a telehealth decision coaching booster session with a navigator or no booster. Electronic health records are abstracted at 6, 12 and 18 months after the initial decision coaching session (TELESCOPE) or clinic visit (EUC) to assess initial and annual LCS uptake, imaging results, follow-up testing for abnormal findings, cancer diagnoses, treatment, and tobacco treatment referrals. This study will evaluate factors that facilitate or interfere with program implementation using mixed methods. Discussion We will assess whether a decision coaching and patient navigation intervention can feasibly support high-quality SDM for LCS and guideline-concordant LCS uptake for patients in busy primary care practices serving diverse patient populations. Trial Registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05491213) on August 4, 2022.
Assessing Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases After Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Before and After the Start of the Targetable Mutation Era
Authors: Cole Kyril L. , Earl Emma R. , Findlay Matthew C. , Sherrod Brandon A. , Tenhoeve Samuel A. , Kunzman Jessica , Cannon Donald M. , Akerley Wallace , Burt Lindsay , Seifert Seth B. , Goldman Matthew , Jensen Randy L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Targeted treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases (BM) may be combined with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to optimize survival. We assessed patient outcomes after SRS for NSCLC BMs, identifying survival trajectories associated with targetable mutations.
Methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we reviewed patient charts from 2001–2021. We analyzed median overall survival of patients who received ≥ 1 SRS courses for BM from NSCLC with and without targetable mutations. We evaluated patient demographics, targetable mutations, and all treatments performed and their relationship on survival.
Results
Among the 235 patients included, 88 (37.5%) had targetable mutations—primarily EGFR (39.4%), KRAS (23.4%), and ALK (15.9%)—and 147 (62.5%) did not. Patients with targetable mutations were more often female (63.6%, p < .001) and nonsmokers (59.1%, p < .001) and received more systemic therapies (median 3 vs. 2, p < .001) and SRS courses (mean 1.56 vs. 1.32, p = .020). Patients with targetable mutations had lower mortality rates (72.7% vs. 90.5%, p < .001) and longer median overall survival (23.2 vs. 7.4 months, p < .001). Long-term survival was best predicted by SRS with resection in patients with non-targetable mutations (OR 3.284 [95% CI 1.075–10.03], p = .037), whereas systemic therapy with SRS appeared the best option for targetable mutation patients.
Conclusion
The presence of targetable mutations enhances survival in patients receiving SRS for NSCLC BM, particularly when used with systemic therapies. Long-term survival for patients without targetable mutations was greatest when SRS was used with surgical resection. These results inform best practices for managing NSCLC BM patients based on driver mutation status.
Evaluation of Baja Peninsula seaweeds against plant pathogens
Authors: González-Castro Ana Laura , Rojas-Contreras Maurilia , Romero-Bastidas Mirella , Águila-Ramírez Ruth Noemí , Rangel-Dávalos Carlos , Arce-Amezquita Pablo Misael 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides to control pests has generated serious consequences on the environment and human health. Currently, efforts focused on the search for new pesticides with less impact on the environment have been doubled. Marine algae synthesize compounds with activity against various agricultural pests (insects, nematodes, and fungi); however, marine pesticides are an underdeveloped alternative. This represents an opportunity to explore new sources of compounds. The objective of this work is to evaluate the antimicrobial, nematicidal and insecticidal activity of seaweed extracts against pathogens of agricultural importance. Therefore, seaweeds were collected from different locations at the Baja California peninsula, Mexico, and ethanolic extracts were obtained. The antibacterial and antifungal activity against five phytopathogenic strains and Fusarium oxysporum was evaluated by disc diffusion on agar. Nematicidal activity was assessed by egg hatching inhibition on Meloidogyne incognita and insecticidal activity against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. Regarding the antibacterial potential, Laurencia johnstonii, Asparagopsis taxiformis and Dictyota dichotoma showed higher inhibition against all the strains. Padina concrescens exhibited the highest percentage of egg hatching inhibition against M. incognita (59%) followed by L. johnstonii (48%). All the seaweeds cause mortality of S. zeamais. However, the highest insecticidal activity was found on L. johnstonii (71.9%). Red and brown seaweeds showed in general higher content of total phenolic compounds. Red and brown seaweed showed great potential for the control of phytopathogens through appropriate agricultural practices. However, further research is necessary to identify the active compounds.
Test-Retest performance of [18F]MK-6240 tau burden and relative delivery indices in cognitively normal older subjects using PET/MRI
Authors: Lois Cristina , Fu Jessie Fanglu , Salvatore Andrew N. , Garimella Arun H , Huell Derek , Sari Hasan , Garcia David Izquierdo , Mercaldo Nathaniel A , Dickerson Bradford , Johnson Keith A , Catana Ciprian , Price Julie C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Accurate interpretation of quantitative PET outcomes hinges on understanding the test-retest variability (T-RT). Previous studies of the tau-PET ligand [18F]MK-6240 reported adequate T-RT performance of tau burden estimates over a short-term 21-day and over a longer-term 6-month T-RT period, primarily involving Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitively normal (CN) subjects, respectively. However, several T-RT characteristics have not yet been reported, particularly in older CN (oCN) subjects. Here, we investigate the short-term T-RT performance of dynamic [18F]MK-6240 outcomes in a group largely consisting of oCN. We report T-RT for uptake in potential reference regions, for extracerebral off-target signal, and for estimates of tau burden and relative delivery indices in tau-bearing target regions.
Eight participants (7 oCN, 1 AD) underwent baseline dynamic [18F]MK-6240 PET/MRI (Biograph mMR) and a retest follow-up PET/MRI scan within approximately 3 weeks. T-RT was evaluated using absolute percentage differences and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in three groups of regions: 1) potential reference regions using standardized-uptake-values 90-110 minutes post-injection (SUV90-110min); 2) target regions using SUV ratios (SUVR90-110min), distribution volume ratios (DVR), and relative delivery (R1); and 3) extracerebral region using SUVR90-110min. A voxel-based partial volume correction (PVC) was applied. T-RT was evaluated with and without PVC.
Results: In oCN subjects, the SUV90-110min T-RT in the evaluated reference regions ranged from 6-11% (ICC > 0.9); target region T-RT was similar for SUVR90-110min (4-9%, ICC: 0.62-0.97), DVR (3-6%, ICC: 0.66-0.92), and R1 (3-11%, ICC: 0.77-0.92). PVC had minimal impact on reference region SUV90-110min T-RT, but increased target region T-RT variability (SUVR90-110min: 10-26%; DVR: 6-15%; R1: 4-14%). Extracerebral SUVR90-110min exhibited higher T-RT variability (~12%, ICC: 0.85) than other target regions (average 6%) and increased to ~15% after PVC.
Conclusion: Our findings are consistent with previous reports and provide further evidence of acceptable [18F]MK-6240 T-RT in low-signal oCN subjects. Our results suggest [18F]MK-6240 is suitable for detecting early tau deposition and longitudinal changes over time, and further support the viability of [18F]MK-6240 R1 to evaluate longitudinal changes in perfusion. However, the extracerebral signal exhibited higher T-RT variability than other target and reference regions and may affect their signal.