Methods and Efficacy of Processing Testicular Sperm Samples in Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: A Systematic Review.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a cornerstone in managing male infertility, especially in obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), necessitating sperm retrieval via testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or microdissection TESE (mTESE). However, the varied post-sperm extraction processing methods pose uncertainty regarding optimal approaches. To address this, a systematic review following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines was conducted, identifying 16 relevant studies.

Cell type-dependent role of transforming growth factor-β signaling on postnatal neural stem cell proliferation and migration.

Adult neurogenesis continuously produces new neurons critical for cognitive plasticity in adult rodents. While it is known transforming growth factor-β signaling is important in embryonic neurogenesis, its role in postnatal neurogenesis remains unclear. In this study, to define the precise role of transforming growth factor-β signaling in postnatal neurogenesis at distinct stages of the neurogenic cascade both in vitro and in vivo, we developed two novel inducible and cell type-specific mouse models to specifically silence transforming growth factor-β signaling in neural stem cells in (mGFAPcre-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9) or immature neuroblasts in (DCXcreERT2-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9).

Toward a biological definition of neuronal and glial synucleinopathies.

Cerebral accumulation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) aggregates is the hallmark event in a group of neurodegenerative diseases-collectively called synucleinopathies-which include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Currently, these are diagnosed by their clinical symptoms and definitively confirmed postmortem by the presence of αSyn deposits in the brain. Here, we summarize the drawbacks of the current clinical definition of synucleinopathies and outline the rationale for moving toward an earlier, biology-anchored definition of these disorders, with or without the presence of clinical symptoms.

Successful Endoscopic Management of Oxyntic Gland Adenoma: A Case Report.

Oxyntic gland adenomas (OGAs) are benign gastric neoplasms composed of gland-forming epithelial cells with predominantly chief cell differentiation resembling oxyntic glands confined to the mucosa. If the tumor has submucosal invasion, it should be classified as gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type. The OGAs can pose a diagnostic challenge, as they can resemble aggressive gastric neoplasms.

COVID-19 and influenza vaccine Hesitancy among adults hospitalized in the United States, 2019-2022.

Background: Understanding similarities and differences between hesitancy for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines could facilitate strategies to improve public receptivity toward vaccination.

Methods: We compared hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines during the first 13 months of availability (January 2021-January 2022) with hesitancy for influenza vaccines in the 15 months prior to COVID-19 vaccine availability (October 2019-December 2020) among adults hospitalized with acute respiratory illness at 21 hospitals in the United States. We interviewed patients regarding vaccination status, willingness to be vaccinated, and perceptions of vaccine safety and efficacy.

A Latent Trait-based Measure as a Data Harmonization and Missing Data Solution Applied to the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort.

Background: Collaborative research consortia provide an efficient method to increase sample size, enabling evaluation of subgroup heterogeneity and rare outcomes. In addition to missing data challenges faced by all cohort studies like nonresponse and attrition, collaborative studies have missing data due to differences in study design and measurement of the contributing studies.

Methods: We extend ROSETTA, a latent variable method that creates common measures across datasets collecting the same latent constructs with only partial overlap in measures, to define a common measure of socioeconomic status (SES) across cohorts with varying indicators in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort, a consortium of pregnancy and pediatric cohorts.

Conflicts of interest in the International Agency for Research on Cancer process of identifying carcinogenic hazards to humans.

Managing conflicts of interest (COIs) in scientific decision-making is important for minimizing bias and fostering public trust in science. Proper management of COIs has added significance when scientists are making decisions that impact public policy, such as assessing substances for carcinogenicity. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) organizes expert working groups to identify putative carcinogens and determine whether or not the hazard is likely to present significant potential harm to humans.

Characterization of Factors Associated With Death in Deceased Patients With Mitochondrial Disorders: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background And Objectives: Mitochondrial disorders are multiorgan disorders resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to characterize death-associated factors in an international cohort of deceased individuals with mitochondrial disorders.

Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter observational study used data provided by 26 mitochondrial disease centers from 8 countries from January 2022 to March 2023.

Bone Health and Linear Growth in Children with Familial Hypoparathyroidism Treated with Human Parathyroid Hormone 1-34.

Context: Our study explores the impact of human PTH 1-34 injections (PTH therapy) on growth, areal bone mineral density (BMD), and bone quality (measured by trabecular bone score, TBS) in hypoparathyroidism due to autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) or an activating variant of the calcium sensing receptor (CaR).

Objective: To assess associations of 1) age and PTH therapy duration with age-standardized Z-scores for height (HAZ), BMD (BMD-Z), and TBS (TBS-Z) in CaR or APS-1, and 2) APS-1 disease severity with BMD-Z and TBS-Z.

Methods: This secondary analysis pooled linear growth and lumbar spine (LS) DXA data from studies of hypoparathyroidism with mean baseline age of 13.

Multivalvular vs single-valve infective endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Infective endocarditis is characterized by the colonization of heart valves by virulent microorganisms. It commonly manifests as involvement of a single heart valve -single-valve infective endocarditis (SIE), while in some patients, two or more heart valves are concomitantly infected -multivalvular infective endocarditis (MIE). The risk of complications and prognosis of MIE as opposed to SIE are unknown.

Modelling a pathological GSX2 variant that selectively alters DNA binding reveals hypomorphic mouse basal ganglia and hindbrain defects.

Gsx2 is a homeodomain transcription factor critical for development of the ventral telencephalon and hindbrain of the mouse. Loss of Gsx2 function results in severe basal ganglia dysgenesis as well as defects in the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS) of the hindbrain together with respiratory failure at birth. De Mori et al.

Impaired Exercise Capacity in High-Risk Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The ARISE-HF Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Subanalysis.

Background: Objective indices of functional capacity in patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy and stage B heart failure (HF) have not been comprehensively defined. We sought to characterize the cardiopulmonary exercise characteristics of individuals with diabetic cardiomyopathy at high risk for overt HF.

Methods: The relationships from cardiopulmonary exercise testing with clinical and laboratory characteristics of participants with diabetic cardiomyopathy were evaluated using baseline data from the ARISE-HF trial (Aldose Reductase Inhibition for Stabilization of Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure).

Cost-effectiveness of semaglutide in people with obesity and cardiovascular disease without diabetes.

AimsThe cardioprotective effects of semaglutide 2.4 mg reported in the SELECT cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03574597) provide clinical benefit for subjects with overweight or obesity and established CV disease without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Career Planning and Maintaining Well-being in Academic Plastic Surgery.

Success in academic plastic surgery is based on the traditional pillars of promotion: clinical excellence, teaching, research, leadership, and service to the university and community. The time commitment and workload for career advancement are highly demanding and, therefore, well-being is essential to avoid burnout. A congruent healthy work environment that meets institutional goals and surgeons' objectives can be established through inclusive, transparent, strategic, and operational planning.

Correction to: Imaging Procedure and Clinical Studies of [F]FP‑CIT PET.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s13139-024-00840-x.].

Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Summary of the Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines 2024 from Nuclear Medicine Perspective, Part-II.

Thyroid cancer, one of the most common endocrine tumors, generally has a favorable prognosis but remains a significant medical and societal concern due to its high incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) significantly affect long-term outcomes, requiring the selection and application of appropriate initial treatments to improve prognosis and quality of life. Recent advances in technology and health information systems have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer, facilitating the identification of aggressive subgroups and enabling the accumulation of research on risk factors through big data.

Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Summary of the Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines 2024 from Nuclear Medicine Perspective, Part-I.

Thyroid cancer, one of the most common endocrine tumors, generally has a favorable prognosis but remains a significant medical and societal concern due to its high incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) significantly affect long-term outcomes, requiring the selection and application of appropriate initial treatments to improve prognosis and quality of life. Recent advances in technology and health information systems have enhanced our understanding of the molecular genetics of thyroid cancer, facilitating the identification of aggressive subgroups and enabling the accumulation of research on risk factors through big data.

F-FDG PET/CT in Inflammation and Infection: Procedural Guideline by the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Abstract: This guideline outlines the use of F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography for the diagnosis and management of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It provides detailed recommendations for healthcare providers on patient preparation, imaging procedures, and the interpretation of results. Adapted from international standards and tailored to local clinical practices, the guideline emphasizes safety, quality control, and effective use of the technology in various conditions, including spinal infections, diabetic foot, osteomyelitis, vasculitis, and cardiac inflammation.

Comparative main effects, mediators, and moderators of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and emotional awareness and expression therapy for chronic spinal pain: Randomized controlled trial rationale and protocol.

Background: Chronic spinal (back/neck) pain is common and costly. Psychosocial treatments are available but have modest effects. Knowledge of treatment mechanisms (mediators and moderators) can be used to enhance efficacy.