Effects of Melatonin, GM-CSF, IGF-1, and LIF in Culture Media on Embryonic Development: Potential Benefits of Individualization.

The implantation of good-quality embryos to the receptive endometrium is essential for successful live birth through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The higher the quality of embryos, the higher the live birth rate per cycle, and so efforts have been made to obtain as many high-quality embryos as possible after fertilization. In addition to an effective controlled ovarian stimulation process to obtain high-quality embryos, the composition of the embryo culture medium in direct contact with embryos in vitro is also important. During embryonic development, under the control of female sex hormones, the fallopian tubes and endometrium create a microenvironment that supplies the nutrients and substances necessary for embryos at each stage. During this process, the development of the embryo is finely regulated by signaling molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines secreted from the epithelial cells of the fallopian tube and uterine endometrium. The development of embryo culture media has continued since the first successful human birth through IVF in 1978. However, there are still limitations to mimicking a microenvironment similar to the reproductive organs of women suitable for embryo development in vitro. Efforts have been made to overcome the harsh in vitro culture environment and obtain high-quality embryos by adding various supplements, such as antioxidants and growth factors, to the embryo culture medium. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies on the effect of supplementation in different clinical situations such as old age, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and unexplained infertility; in addition, anticipation of the potential benefits from individuation is rising. This article reviews the effects of representative supplements in culture media on embryo development.

Effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is highly affected by respiratory motion; however, respiratory motion of target nodule during the PTNB and its effect on CT-guided lung biopsy have not been studied. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided PTNB. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the procedural CT scans of 426 pulmonary nodules that underwent PTNB during quiet breathing. Maximal and average respiratory motions were measured using the difference of table position of the targeted nodule between multiple procedural scans. Diagnostic performance, complications, and technical factors of PTNB in nodules with large motion (maximal motion >1 cm) were compared with those in nodules with small motion (≤1 cm). RESULTS: The mean maximal and average respiratory motions between tidal volume breathing were 5.4 ± 4.4 and 2.7 ± 2.6 mm, respectively. Sensitivity and accuracy were 93.1% and 96.1% in nodules with large motion, compared with 94.7% and 95.9% in nodules with small motion, respectively. Respiratory targeting (P < 0.001), needle modulation (P < 0.001), motion artifact of target (P < 0.001), target disappearance from scans (P < 0.001), and number of performed CT scans (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the large motion group, with no significant difference in radiation dose and complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: The respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules during CT-guided PTNB may cause technical difficulties but does not affect diagnostic performance nor complications associated with PTNB.

Clinico-radiological characteristics of anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis in children.

AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prevalence of paediatric anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis. METHOD: A total of 94 paediatric patients (46 males, 48 females, median age 9 years 5 months, range: 8 months-17 years 8 months) with autoimmune encephalitis were recruited at Seoul National University Children's Hospital. We evaluated autoantibody status and identified patients with anti-MOG antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis. Retrospective reviews of medical records were performed to describe clinical presentations, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: Eight patients (five males, three females, median age 11 years 9 months) with anti-MOG antibody-associated encephalitis were identified (8.5% of those with autoimmune encephalitis), one of whom was copositive for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies. Anti-NMDAR antibodies were identified in 23 patients (23 out of 94, 24.5%). Unilateral or bilateral cortical involvement was identified in five patients. Focal contrast enhancement was also identified in three of the five patients with cortical lesions. All patients showed favourable response to immunotherapy with a Modified Rankin Scale ≤2 at the last follow-up. Relapse was found in one patient and clinico-radiological remission was achieved with cyclic intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. INTERPRETATION: Anti-MOG antibody-associated encephalitis accounts for a significant proportion of clinically defined paediatric patients with autoimmune encephalitis. Anti-MOG antibody-associated encephalitis should be included in the clinical spectrum of anti-MOG-associated diseases.

Is Free Breathing Possible During Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Lung Biopsy? The Clinical Experience in 585 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of lung lesions during quiet breathing. METHODS: We investigated the diagnostic performance and complication rate of 585 procedures in 563 patients (357 men; mean age, 67.7 years), who underwent CT-guided PTNBs during quiet breathing, aided by a respiratory targeting technique from May 2017 to July 2019. Differences between the cases with and without respiratory targeting were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the development of pneumothorax and hemoptysis. RESULTS: Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy samples were successfully obtained in 574 of 585 procedures (98.1%). Final diagnoses included: 410 malignant cases, 119 benign cases, and 45 indeterminate cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis were 94.4%, 100%, and 95.7%, respectively. Use of respiratory targeting was associated with younger age (P = 0.004), smaller lesion size (P < 0.001), peripheral location (P = 0.003), shorter distance from the diaphragm (P < 0.001), lower lobe location (P < 0.001), prone position (P = 0.004), and visible motion artifact (P < 0.001). Pneumothorax and hemoptysis rates were 22.9% and 7.9%, respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, emphysema (P = 0.002) was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax, whereas distance from the pleura greater than 2 cm (P < 0.001), tissue sampling 3 times or more (P = 0.003), and a less experienced operator (P < 0.001) were risk factors for hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography-guided PTNB during quiet breathing with respiratory targeting yielded high diagnostic performance with a slightly higher rate of complications. Free-breathing PTNB can be applied in clinical practice, based on lesion location and risk factors for complications.

Impact of BRCA mutations and hormone receptor status on reproductive potential in breast cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether the BRCA mutations and hormone receptor status affect the ovarian reserve and ovarian stimulation outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation. METHODS: A total of 117 women diagnosed with breast cancer who were referred to the fertility preservation clinics at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital between September 2012 and July 2019 undergone ovarian stimulation for oocyte retrieval. Basal characteristics including age, BMI, basal AMH, basal FSH, and fertility preservation outcomes such as the number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: BRCA1 mutation was noted in 25 women, and BRCA2 mutation was observed in 35 women. Positive estrogen receptor status was noted in 87 women, and positive progesterone receptor status was noted in 69 women. HER2 was positive in 55 women, and 19 women were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancers. The number of total oocytes retrieved was lower in patients with BRCA mutation (8.3 ± 5.4 vs. 15.3 ± 8.7, p = .002). The number of mature oocytes retrieved was also lower in BRCA carriers (4.7 ± 4.2 vs. 8.7 ± 7.9, p = .025). Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients were younger than non-TNBC patients (30.3 ± 4.8 vs. 33.9 ± 5.0, p = .007). The rate of mature oocyte rate was higher in TNBC patients (68.6%±20.6 vs. 52.5%±29.7, p = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that BRCA carriers with breast cancer had comparable ovarian reserve to non-carriers but the response to ovarian stimulation was lower. We also observed that oocyte maturity was higher in TNBC patients, however age might be a confounding factor of this result.

Aquabacterium terrae sp. nov., isolated from soil.

A yellow-colored bacterial strain, designated S2T was isolated from soil in South Korea. Cells of strain S2T were strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile with single polar flagellum, rod-shaped, oxidase and catalase-negative. Growth occurs at 10-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-7.0) and 0-3% NaCl (w/v). Strain S2T consisted of summed feature 3 (iso-C15:0 2-OH and/or C16:1 ω7c), C16:0 and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) as major fatty acids. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-8. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain S2T is phylogenetically closest to Aquabacterium pictum W35T (98.4% sequence similarity). The genome of strain S2T was 8,039,486 bp with 56 scaffolds. The genome consisted of 10 putative biosynthetic gene clusters that are responsible for various secondary metabolites. Genomic DNA G + C content of strain S2T was 69.4%. The average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain S2T and phylogenetically related taxa were ≤ 77.9 and ≤ 21.4%, and respectively. The results of genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strain S2T could be distinguished from its phylogenetically related species and represents a novel species in the genus Aquabacterium, for which the name Aquabacterium terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2T (= KCTC 72741 T = NBRC 114609 T).

Computed tomography arthrography of the shoulder with tin filter-based spectral shaping at 100 kV and 140 kV.

BACKGROUND: Tin filter-based spectral shaping has been used for low-dose and ultra-low-dose computed tomography (CT) in several body parts. However, studies of shoulder CT arthrography with spectral shaping are limited. PURPOSE: To investigate image quality and radiation dose of shoulder CT arthrography with tin filter-based spectral shaping at 100 kV (Sn 100 kV) and 140 kV (Sn 140 kV) in comparison with the conventional protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-nine shoulder CT arthrographies with protocols of Sn 100 kV (n = 32), Sn 140 kV (n = 25), and conventional 120 kV (n = 42) were retrospectively evaluated. Qualitative image quality, CT attenuations of intra-articular contrast mixture and tissues, background noise, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and figures of merit were assessed. Radiation doses were compared. RESULTS: CT arthrographies with Sn 100 kV and Sn 140 kV yielded approximately 70% and 60% radiation dose reduction, respectively, compared with the conventional 120 kV (P < 0.001). Qualitative image noise and quantitative background noise of Sn 100 kV and Sn 140 kV were significantly less than those of the conventional protocol. Qualitative image contrast, CT attenuations of intra-articular contrast mixture and tissues, and CNRs for Sn 100 were similar to those of the conventional 120 kV. However, Sn 140 kV showed significantly lower qualitative contrast and CNRs than 120 kV. Sn 100 kV was the most dose efficient among the three protocols. CONCLUSION: Shoulder CT arthrography with Sn 100 kV substantially reduced radiation dose and image noise and maintained image contrast, compared with the conventional protocol.

Usefulness of pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition sequence in subtraction-based magnetic resonance angiography for follow-up of the Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for cerebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Although time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) is widely used, it has limited usefulness for follow-up after stent-assisted coil embolization. Contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) and ultrashort echo time MRA have been suggested as alternative methods for visualization after this procedure. PURPOSE: To compare efficacy and usefulness of pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA (qMRA), TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA during the follow-up after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 23 patients with 24 aneurysms who underwent Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization for intracranial aneurysms. All patients were evaluated with PETRA qMRA, TOF-MRA, and CE-MRA at the same follow-up session. The flow within stents, occlusion status, and presence of pseudo-stenosis were evaluated; inter-observer and intermodality agreements for the three methods were also graded. RESULTS: The mean score for flow visualization within the stents was significantly higher for PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA than for TOF-MRA (although no significant difference was found between PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA). Good inter-observer agreement was observed for each modality. PETRA qMRA and CE-MRA were more consistent with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) than TOF-MRA for aneurysm occlusion status. The intermodality agreement was better between PETRA qMRA and DSA, and between CE-MRA and DSA, than between DSA and TOF-MRA. Pseudo-stenosis was most frequently observed in TOF-MRA, followed by CE-MRA and PETRA qMRA. CONCLUSION: PETRA qMRA is useful for evaluating the parent artery patency and occlusion status of aneurysms after Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization.

Use of haemostatic gel in the management of cervical pregnancy: a case report.

PURPOSE: This case report aimed to describe haemostatic agents with systemic methotrexate (MTX) as an effective management for cervical pregnancy with bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old nulligravida patient was referred due to vaginal spotting and lower abdominal discomfort, and was diagnosed with a cervical pregnancy at 6 weeks of gestation. The patient was treated with a multi-dose MTX regimen, and the bleeding was successfully controlled with haemostatic agents, which were applied at the bleeding site of the cervix. After completion of MTX treatment, beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) decreased to undetectable range. Furthermore, patients could preserve her uterus and maintain fertility. CONCLUSION: Haemostatic agents can be regarded as an effective option for vaginal bleeding due to cervical pregnancy.

Initial multicentre experience using the neuroform atlas stent for the treatment of un-ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysms.

Purpose: The Neuroform Atlas is a self-expandable and low-profiled stent that is used for aneurysm neck scaffolding and has been recently approved for clinical practice in Korea. We present our initial experiences of endovascular coiling using the Neuroform Atlas stent.Materials and methods: All cerebral aneurysms treated by stent-assisted coiling with a Neuroform atlas stent in two institutions between February and May 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Fifty-one patients with 55 un-ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysms (mean size: 4.72 ± 1.81 mm, mean neck diameter: 3.82 ± 1.23 mm, mean dome-to-neck ratio: 1.21) were included in our study (40 females, mean age: 59.29 ± 11.96 years). Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, initial angiographic post procedural outcomes, and clinical and angiographic follow-up data were analysed.Results: There was one case of procedural failure due to a downward slip during stent deployment. The technical success rate was 98.2% (54/55). A post-procedure control angiogram showed complete occlusion in 27 (50%), residual neck in 16 (29.6%) and residual sac in 11 (20.4%) aneurysms. There were no procedure-related complications. In one case, a symptomatic thromboembolism with left hand grip weakness (grade IV) was observed two days after the procedure and resolved at discharge. The modified Rankin scale score at discharge was 0 in all patients. Angiographic follow-up data at a mean of 4.8 months were available for 51/54 (94.4%) aneurysms. Among them, 27 aneurysms (52.9%) were stable, 20 aneurysms (39.2%) showed progressive occlusion and 4 aneurysms showed an increased modified Raymond Roy occlusion classification score (only one of these patients was included in the recanalization criteria).Conclusion: Our findings suggest the Neuroform Atlas stent can be useful for the coiling of cerebral aneurysms without significant complications regardless of aneurysm location.

Patterns and predictors of Hunner lesion recurrence in patients with interstitial cystitis.

AIMS: To evaluate the patterns and predictive factors associated with Hunner lesions (HLs) recurrence in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of data from patients with IC who underwent transurethral resection and cauterization (TUR-C) of HLs between October 2011 and December 2017. Symptoms were evaluated using the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale (PUF), O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Patients attended follow-up visits every 3 months; cystoscopy was performed immediately in patients with aggravated symptoms. Recurrence was defined as a VAS score greater than or equal to 4 and HLs recurrence on cystoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were enrolled (25 male, 66 female): median follow-up was 30.6 months. HLs recurrence occurred in 101 sites (53 patients), 21.8% in the previous TUR-C site, 18.8% de novo, and 59.4% at both previous and de novo sites. The recurrence rate was approximately 12.7%, 40%, and 55.2% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. A higher PUF bother score was the only predictive factor of recurrence (odds ratio: 1.142, 95% confidence interval: 1.016-1.284, P = 0.026), with a cut-off value of 7.5 (sensitivity: 67.9%, specificity: 62.5%). In case of late recurrence (>18 months), there was no predictive factor. CONCLUSIONS: The HLs recurrence pattern was unpredictable, involving both previous TUR-C and de novo areas. More accurately defining the HLs resection margin may lead to better surgical outcomes but this remains to be proven.

Coexistence of Radiation-Induced Meningioma and Moyamoya Syndrome 10 Years after Irradiation against Medulloblastoma: a Case Report.

Radiotherapy is one of the standard treatments for medulloblastoma. However, therapeutic central nervous system irradiation in children may carry delayed side effects, such as radiation-induced tumor and vasculopathy. Here, we report the first case of coexisting meningioma and moyamoya syndrome, presenting 10 years after radiotherapy for medulloblastoma. A 13-year-old boy presented with an enhancing mass at the cerebral falx on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after surgery, radiotherapy (30.6 Gy craniospinal axis, 19.8 Gy posterior fossa) and chemotherapy against medulloblastoma 10 years ago, previously. The second tumor was meningioma. On postoperative day 5, he complained of right-sided motor weakness, motor dysphasia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. MRI revealed acute cerebral infarction in the left frontal lobe and both basal ganglia. MR and cerebral angiography confirmed underlying moyamoya syndrome. Four months after the meningioma surgery, the patient presented with headaches, dysarthria, and dizziness. Indirect bypass surgery was performed. He has been free from headaches since one month after the surgery. For patients who received radiotherapy for medulloblastoma at a young age, clinicians should consider the possibility of the coexistence of several complications. Careful follow up for development of secondary tumor and delayed vasculopathy is required.

Breast US in patients with breast cancer presenting as only microcalcifications on mammography: can US differentiate ductal carcinoma in situ from invasive cancer?

PURPOSE: To retrospectively review sonographic findings of breast cancers presenting as only microcalcifications on mammography and to evaluate factors essential for differentiating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) from invasive cancers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 620 consecutive patients with confirmed breast cancer according to surgery performed between March 2008 and October 2011 at our institution. Of these, 53 lesions from 52 patients who had only microcalcifications without a mass or other associated findings on mammography were selected. Sonographic findings of microcalcification areas were analyzed and correlated with the histopathological findings. RESULTS: Of the 53 lesions, 26 (49.18 %) were classified as invasive cancer and 27 (50.9 %) as DCIS. Ultrasonography (US) showed only echogenic calcifications in five (9.4 %), calcifications within hypoechoic parenchymal thickening in 14 (26.4 %), calcifications within ductal changes in three (5.7 %), and calcifications within a mass in 14 (26.4 %). Seventeen (32.1 %) lesions were not visible on US. Negative findings in US were more frequently observed for DCIS (n = 15, 55.6 %) than for invasive cancers (n = 2, 7.7 %) (p < 0.001). Masses (n = 11, 42.3 % of invasive cancer; n = 3, 11.1 % of DCIS; p = 0.01) were more frequently observed in invasive cancers than in DCIS. CONCLUSIONS: US findings of breast cancers presenting as only mammographic microcalcifications were significantly different between DCIS and invasive cancers. Targeted US of microcalcifications might be helpful for predicting invasive cancers and for determining the clinical preoperative work-up, including axillary staging.

Caplan Syndrome Mimicking Progressive Massive Fibrosis on CT: A Case Report.

This report presents a unique case of Caplan syndrome that mimicked accelerated progressive massive fibrosis. The patient, a former coal miner, had been diagnosed with coal worker's pneumoconiosis 15 years prior and had been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years. Accelerated progressive massive fibrosis and the development of multiple nodules with cavitation in the basal lungs were subsequently observed on serial CT scans. Here, the CT manifestations of Caplan syndrome are highlighted in a case in which Caplan syndrome mimicked accelerated progressive massive fibrosis.

Intraretinal microvascular alterations in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy using optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively evaluate macular and peripapillary microvascular alterations in patients with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) compared to normal controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and determine their associations with other ocular parameters. METHODS: We enrolled 33 eyes of 33 patients with TON and 34 eyes of 34 healthy controls. OCT-A was used to generate microvascular structure images of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary area. Functional and structural parameters such as best-corrected visual acuity, visual field, peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness, macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness, OCT-A variables were compared between TON patients and controls. Age, gender, and spherical equivalent refractive errors were statistically adjusted for the analysis. RESULTS: OCT-A revealed a significant reduction of the average vessel density in the RPC segment in TON patients compared to controls (48.5% ± 6.28 vs. 57.88% ± 3.06%, P < 0.0001, corrected P < 0.0001). When comparing sectors, the vessel density of the RPC segment in TON patients was also significantly lower in all four quadrants compared to healthy controls. The inferior sector vessel density of the RPC segment was significantly associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0253) and visual acuity (P = 0.0369). The temporal sector vessel density of DRCP was also associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0377). The RPC segment in the superior and inferior sector vessel density displayed a significant association with the corresponding regional pRNFL thickness (P = 0.0248 and <0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with indirect TON exhibit significant microvascular alterations compared to controls. This study confirms that TON can induce intraretinal microvascular changes and suggests that OCT-A may serve as a useful biomarker for assessing visual functional and structural changes.

Current Position of Oncofertility in Adolescent Female Cancer Patients: A Comparative Review on Society Guidelines.

Fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric and adolescent oncology patients presents a complex interplay between cancer treatment imperatives and reproductive aspirations, demanding a multi-disciplinary approach. Essential guidelines emphasize the importance of early referrals to FP specialists, ensuring timely counseling on oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation options. Proper patient selection and risk assessment, considering intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is crucial for judicious resource utilization and optimal outcomes. Gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatments pose significant threats to reproductive capabilities. Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) is preferred in post-pubertal adolescents without partners. Cultural and religious concerns, especially regarding hymenal integrity, influence FP decisions, necessitating culturally sensitive consent processes. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) offers an alternative for those unfit for OC. Despite its experimental label in some societies, emerging data support the efficacy of OTC, with ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) showing promise in restoring ovarian function. However, the reintroduction of potentially malignant cells during transplantation remains a concern. Overall, while FP offers hope for future parenthood, the intricacies of decision-making and the potential medical, ethical, and cultural challenges underscore the importance of a personalized, multi-disciplinary approach. In this review, guidelines from various societies have been comprehensively reviewed and analyzed to provide insight into the clinical practice of oncofertility.

Advancements in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Clinical Applications and Ethical Issues.

BACKGROUND: The development and use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine have been revolutionary, offering significant advancements in treating various diseases. These pluripotent cells, derived from early human embryos, are central to modern biomedical research. However, their application is mired in ethical and regulatory complexities related to the use of human embryos. METHOD: This review utilized key databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, PubMed, and Google Scholar to gather recent clinical trials and studies involving hESCs. The focus was on their clinical application in regenerative medicine, emphasizing clinical trials and research directly involving hESCs. RESULTS: Preclinical studies and clinical trials in various areas like ophthalmology, neurology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine have demonstrated the versatility of hESCs in regenerative medicine. These studies underscore the potential of hESCs in treating a wide array of conditions. However, the field faces ethical and regulatory challenges, with significant variations in policies and perspectives across different countries. CONCLUSION: The potential of hESCs in regenerative medicine is immense, offering new avenues for treating previously incurable diseases. However, navigating the ethical, legal, and regulatory landscapes is crucial for the continued advancement and responsible application of hESC research in the medical field. Considering both scientific potential and ethical implications, a balanced approach is essential for successfully integrating hESCs into clinical practice.

Planned Immediate Chemotherapy and Cryopreservation of Oocytes or Embryos for Fertility Preservation in Women with Malignancies.

Purpose: Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation before gonadotoxic treatment are established methods to increase the likelihood of live births. Although several sociodemographic factors were found to be associated with undergoing fertility preservation (FP) treatment, clinical characteristics such as planned immediate chemotherapy were not fully investigated. We aimed to investigate whether the planned immediate chemotherapy is related to the decision to undergo oocyte/embryo cryopreservation for FP with adjustment for other clinical characteristics. Methods: This institutional cohort study included 491 premenopausal women aged 19 years or older who visited the FP clinic at a tertiary medical center between 2006 and 2019. The primary outcome was whether the participants underwent oocyte/embryo cryopreservation. We evaluated the odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of undergoing oocyte/embryo cryopreservation according to whether immediate chemotherapy was planned using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Women scheduled for immediate chemotherapy were much less likely to undergo oocyte/embryo cryopreservation than women not scheduled for immediate chemotherapy (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.76) in univariable logistic regression analysis. After adjustment for covariates such as marital status, type of malignancies, and calendar year period, women scheduled for immediate chemotherapy were still less likely to undergo oocyte/embryo cryopreservation than women not scheduled for immediate chemotherapy (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.56). The association was not different according to the type of malignancies (p for interaction = 0.13). Regarding breast cancer, the OR for undergoing oocyte/embryo cryopreservation in women scheduled for immediate chemotherapy was robust compared with those not planned for immediate chemotherapy (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12-0.53). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that planned immediate chemotherapy was negatively associated with undergoing oocyte/embryo cryopreservation. This information can be helpful for FP counseling.

Drug trials are more likely to disclose full placebo control information than non-drug trials: A cross-sectional study of participant information leaflets of placebo-controlled trials.

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether placebo control is differently disclosed in drug and non-drug randomised clinical trial (RCT) participant information leaflets (PILs) and how this might affect participant blinding and direction of study outcomes. Methods: PILs were obtained from trials registered in the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number database via email. Placebo descriptions in PILs were categorised as Full Disclosure (FD), Partial Disclosure (PD), or Missing Information (MI). Associations between intervention type (drug or non-drug)/placebo disclosure (FD or PD/MI) and participant blinding success/trial outcome direction (positive or non-positive) were examined using a two-sided Fisher's exact test. Results: Of 116 collected PILs, 56 % were for drug trials and 44 % were for non-drug trials. Among them, 88 PILs had the corresponding publications available and 68 reports specified primary outcomes. Drug trials were more likely to fully disclose placebo information than non-drug trials (92.3 % vs. 74.5 %, p < 0.05). However, the success rate of blinding was only reported in 3 out of 88 trial publications (3.4 %), precluding further analysis. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the direction of trial results and the type of intervention or placebo disclosure. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that drug and non-drug RCTs might differ in the way they reveal placebo control information. Further research is warranted to understand what leads to more common PD of placebo information in non-drug trials than drug trials and to determine the optimal placebo control disclosure in specific trial context.

Tuberculous Pericarditis Mimicking a Malignant Pericardial Tumor: A Case Report.

Tuberculous pericarditis is an extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis that is most commonly associated with pericardial thickening, effusion, and calcification. We present a case of tuberculous pericarditis mimicking a malignant pericardial tumor in a 77-year-old male. CT revealed an irregular and nodular pericardial thickening. MRI revealed high signal intensity on T1-weighted fat-suppressed images and peripheral rim enhancement after gadolinium administration. MRI can be helpful in determining the differential diagnoses in cases of tuberculous pericarditis with nonspecific imaging findings.