Multicentric low-grade glioma: A systematic review of a rare neuro-oncological disease.

Introduction: Multicentric and multifocal gliomas are rare and mainly described in high-grade gliomas, however, they have rarely been reported with LGG in about 2-10 % of all cases. This study aims to identify the reported multicentric low-grade gliomas (mLGGs) in literature and review their pathologies, management, and outcomes.

Methods: A systematic search using a pre-defined search strategy was conducted across three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus).

The Prevalence of Refractive Errors in Indian School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: Refractive errors (REs) are a significant cause of vision impairment and the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are the most prevalent forms. In developing regions, including India, the prevalence and impact of REs, particularly among school-aged children, is profound, affecting their academic performance and overall quality of life.

Role of intra-operative ultrasound in spine tumour surgeries.

Intraoperative ultrasound (IoUS) has been a time tested modality to assist surgeons in various procedures. It is inexpensive, and a highly useful intra-operative aid for neurosurgeons operating on spinal tumours as it helps confirming the limits of tumour, margins of resection and assuring gross total resection..

Nephrostomy (PCN) versus nephroureteral stent (Double JJ); An ongoing battle.

In the realm of medical procedures for urinary obstructions, a distinct division of roles is evident: the vast majority of percutaneous nephrostomies (PCNs) are the domain of Interventional Radiology (IR), while the placement of double J stents (JJ stents) falls squarely under Urology. This division, however, is not without its complexities. When confronted with a patient suffering from a urinary obstruction, the decision-making process can become intricate.

From Pixels to Prognosis: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Models in Brain Tumour Mutation Prediction.

Brain tumours are a leading cause of death and disability, impacting individuals across all ages, genders, and ethnicities. They are primarily diagnosed using MRI but a precise diagnosis is dependent on the molecular biology of the tumour studied on the pathological specimen. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are forging new paths through diagnostic obstacles, offering the intriguing benefits of non-invasive diagnosis, pattern recognition, and outcome prediction from imaging data.

Molecular and Functional Significance of Growth Differentiation Factor-15: A Review on Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Biomarker.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is the association between obesity, diabetes, CKD (chronic kidney disease), and cardiovascular disease. GDF-15 mainly acts through the GFRAL (Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor Family Receptor Alpha-Like) receptor. GDF-15 and GDFRAL complex act mainly through RET co-receptors, further activating Ras and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways through downstream signaling.

Enhancing Surgical Curriculum: Trainees' Perspectives on Laparoscopic Simulation and Assessment.

Introduction Laparoscopic simulation has been used in many curricula. The United Kingdom (UK) surgical curriculum lacks summative assessment for laparoscopic skills. This study explores surgical trainees' perceptions of using simulated laparoscopic assessment as a summative tool in the UK.

Blood transfusions in craniotomy for tumor resection: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Background: Blood transfusions (BT) are often needed in neurosurgical procedures, especially craniotomies for tumor resections, due to risks of anemia, ischemic brain injury, and hemorrhage. However, BT may increase the risk of perioperative complications. This study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of BT in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumor resection.

Radiation-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Glioma Patients.

Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) is a late complication of cerebral radiation therapy (CRT) used in treating gliomas. It involves progressive damage to the brain's white matter, seen as T2/FLAIR hyperintensity on MRI. Risk factors include age, high radiation doses, and cumulative exposure.

Mapping anti-diphtheria toxin antibody: a systematic review and meta-analysis with multi-level meta-regression.

Diphtheria is a reemerging vaccine-preventable infection of public health concern. Pooled estimates of serum IgG anti-diphtheria antibody levels can assist in estimating the susceptible population. The objective was to estimate pooled estimate of protective IgG anti-diphtheria antibodies in population globally.

International Delphi study on developing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for master's learners in health professions education.

Background: Competencies-based education has gained global recognition, emphasizing the need for educators to align educational outcomes with healthcare system requirements. However, limited literature exists on competency frameworks and Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) specific to health professions educationists, hindering the development of tailored Master's programs.

Aim: This study aimed to develop a competency framework outlining the roles and functions for Master's learners in Health Professions Education (MHPE) and identify the key EPAs that form the foundation of a task-based MHPE curriculum, along with the expected levels of entrustment.

Management of high grade primary cerebellar tumours.

Cerebellar high-grade gliomas (cHGG) are uncommon in adults, making up only about 1% of all high-grade gliomas. These tumours differ from supratentorial high-grade gliomas (sHGG) in terms of epidemiology, molecular traits, and the age of the patients. cHGG patients are typically younger and show a higher frequency of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) mutations, atypical RAS mutations, and H3K27M mutations.

Effect of Probiotics Supplementation on Cortisol Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown conflicting results on cortisol levels following probiotic administration in healthy and diseased populations. Previous analyses were inconclusive due to limited studies, and evidence is lacking on how these effects vary by health status; region; therapy duration; medications, and use of single or multiple strains. : In this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO [CRD42024538539]), we searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science Preprints until 13 August 2024, for RCTs on probiotic administration, either alone or combined, across all age groups and without specific medical condition requirements.

The Debated Issue on Tissue Copper Levels in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis and Replication Study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health problem. Several clinical studies have shown a potentially oncogenic role of copper in CRC progression, but the reports are inconsistent. To examine published evidence on the association between tissue copper status and CRC, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies reporting colon tumor and matched non-cancerous tissue copper concentrations in CRC patients for articles published till June 2023.

Mpox virus infection in women and outbreak sex disparities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Although the recent literature indicates that mpox (monkeypox) primarily affects men, there are also multiple reports in women. Estimates of the sex distribution of mpox patients and patterns will enable a better understanding of the ongoing mpox outbreak.

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, seven databases were searched for studies published in English up to January 4, 2023.

Prevalence of HIV Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Evidence Synthesis by Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) plays a significant role in addressing the health care needs of high-risk populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The present systematic review and meta-analysis provide an assessment of the prevalence of HIVST among MSM within the last 5 years. Seven databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost) were searched systematically from January 1, 2018 to March 10, 2023.