bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of resection in hepatocellular carcinoma BCLC stage B: A multi-institutional patient-level meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lopez-Lopez Victor , Kalt Fabian , Zhong Jian-Hong , Guidetti Cristiano , Magistri Paolo , Di Benedetto Fabrizio , Weinmann Arndt , Mittler Jens , Lang Hauke , Sharma Rohini , Vithayathil Mathew , Tariq Samir , Sánchez-Velázquez Patricia , Rompianesi Gianluca , Troisi Roberto Ivan , Gómez-Gavara Concepción , Dalmau Mar , Sanchez-Romero Francisco Jose , Llamoza Camilo , Tschuor Christoph , Deniz Uluk , Lurje Georg , Husen Peri , Hügli Sandro , Jonas Jan Philipp , Rössler Fabian , Kron Philipp , Ramser Michaela , Ramirez Pablo , Lehmann Kuno , Robles-Campos Ricardo , Eshmuminov Dilmurodjon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging schema is widely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. In the updated recommendations, HCC BCLC stage B can become candidates for transplantation. In contrast, hepatectomy is currently not recommended.

Methods
This systematic review includes a multi-institutional meta-analysis of patient-level data. Survival, postoperative mortality, morbidity and patient selection criteria for liver resection and transplantation in BCLC stage B are explored. All clinical studies reporting HCC patients with BCLC stage B undergoing liver resection or transplantation were included.

Results
A total of 31 studies with 3163 patients were included. Patient level data was available for 580 patients from 9 studies (423 after resection and 157 after transplantation). The overall survival following resection was 50 months and recurrence-free survival was 15 months. Overall survival after transplantation was not reached and recurrence-free survival was 45 months. The major complication rate after resection was 0.11 (95%-CI, 0.0-0.17) with the 90-day mortality rate of 0.03 (95%-CI, 0.03–0.08). Child-Pugh A (93%), minor resection (60%), alpha protein level less than 400 (64%) were common in resected patients. Resected patients were mostly outside the Milan criteria (99%) with mean tumour number of 2.9. Studies reporting liver transplantation in BCLC stage B were scarce.

Conclusion
Liver resection can be performed safely in selected patients with HCC BCLC stage B, particularly if patients present with preserved liver function. No conclusion can done on liver transplantation due to scarcity of reported studies.
On the Parameterized Complexity of Compact Set Packing
Authors: Gadekar Ameet 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe Set Packing problem is, given a collection of sets $$\mathcal {S}$$
S
over a ground set U, to find a maximum collection of sets that are pairwise disjoint. The problem is among the most fundamental NP-hard optimization problems that have been studied extensively in various computational regimes. The focus of this work is on parameterized complexity, Parameterized Set Packing (PSP): Given parameter $$r \in {\mathbb N}$$

r
∈
N

, is there a collection $$ \mathcal {S}' \subseteq \mathcal {S}: |\mathcal {S}'| = r$$

S

′

⊆
S
:

|

S

′

|

=
r

such that the sets in $$\mathcal {S}'$$

S

′

are pairwise disjoint? Unfortunately, the problem is not fixed parameter tractable unless $$\textsf {W[1]} = \textsf {FPT} $$

W
[
1
]
=
FPT

, and, in fact, an “enumerative” running time of $$|\mathcal {S}|^{\Omega (r)}$$

|
S
|

Ω
(
r
)

is required unless the exponential time hypothesis (ETH) fails. This paper is a quest for tractable instances of Set Packing from parameterized complexity perspectives. We say that the input $$({U},\mathcal {S})$$

(
U
,
S
)

is “compact” if $$|{U}| = f(r)\cdot \textsf {poly} ( \log |\mathcal {S}|)$$

|
U
|
=
f
(
r
)
·
poly
(
log
|
S
|
)

, for some $$f(r) \ge r$$

f
(
r
)
≥
r

. In the Compact PSP problem, we are given a compact instance of PSP. In this direction, we present a “dichotomy” result of PSP: When $$|{U}| = f(r)\cdot o(\log |\mathcal {S}|)$$

|
U
|
=
f
(
r
)
·
o
(
log
|
S
|
)

, PSP is in , while for $$|{U}| = r\cdot \Theta (\log (|\mathcal {S}|))$$

|
U
|
=
r
·
Θ
(
log
(
|
S
|
)
)

, the problem is -hard; moreover, assuming ETH, Compact PSP does not admit $$|\mathcal {S}|^{o(r/\log r)}$$

|
S
|

o
(
r
/
log
r
)

time algorithm even when $$|{U}| = r\cdot \Theta (\log (|\mathcal {S}|))$$

|
U
|
=
r
·
Θ
(
log
(
|
S
|
)
)

. Although certain results in the literature imply hardness of compact versions of related problems such as Set$$r$$
r
-Covering and Exact$$r$$
r
-Covering, these constructions fail to extend to Compact PSP. A novel contribution of our work is the identification and construction of a gadget, which we call Compatible Intersecting Set System pair, that is crucial in obtaining the hardness result for Compact PSP. Finally, our framework can be extended to obtain improved running time lower bounds for Compact$$r$$
r
-VectorSum.
Comparison of distance versus in-person laparoscopy training using a low-cost laparoscopy simulator—a randomized controlled multi-center trial
Authors: Geissler Mark Enrik , Bereuter Jean-Paul , Geissler Rona Berit , Bökkerink Guus Mattheus Johannes , Egen Luisa , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Haney Caelan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Simulation training programs are essential for novice surgeons to acquire basic experience to master laparoscopic skills. However, current state-of-the-art laparoscopy simulators are still expensive, limiting the accessibility to practical training lessons. Furthermore, training is time intensive and requires extensive spatial capacity, limiting its availability to surgeons. New laparoscopic simulators offer a cost-effective alternative, which can be used to train in a digital environment, allowing flexible, digital and personalized laparoscopic training. This study investigates if training on low-cost simulators in a digital environment is comparable to in-person training formats.

Materials and methods
From June 2023 to December 2023, 40 laparoscopic novices participated in this multi-center, prospective randomized controlled trial. All participants were randomized to either the ‟distance” (intervention) or the “in-person” (control) group. They were trained in a standardized laparoscopic training curriculum to reach a predefined level of proficiency. After completing the curriculum, participants performed four different laparoscopic tasks on the ForceSense system. Primary endpoints were overall task errors, the overall time for completion of the tasks, and force parameters.

Results
In total, 40 laparoscopic novices completed digital or in-person training. Digital training showed no significant differences in developing basic laparoscopic skills compared to in-person training. There were no significant differences in median overall errors between both training groups for all exercises combined (intervention 3 vs. control 4; p value = 0.74). In contrast, the overall task completion time was significantly lower for the group trained digitally (intervention 827.92 s vs. control 993.42; p value = 0.015). The applied forces during the final assessment showed no significant differences between both groups for all exercises. Overall, over 90% of the participants rated the training as good or very good.

Conclusion
Our study shows that students that underwent digital laparoscopic training completed tasks with a similar number of errors but in a shorter time than students that underwent in-person training. Nevertheless, the best strategies to implement such digital training options need to be evaluated further to support surgeons’ personal preferences and expectations.
Surgeon stress, anxiety, and workload: a descriptive study of participant reported responses to fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery exercises
Authors: Budden Aaron K. , Henry Amanda , Wakefield Claire E. , Abbott Jason A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Stress while operating is an important contributor to surgeon health and burnout. Measuring stress is key to improving surgeon and patient outcomes, however biological responses to stress during surgery are variable and difficult to interpret. Participant reported measures of stress have been suggested as an alternative, but the most appropriate measure has not been defined. This study’s primary aim was to assess measures of anxiety, stress, and workload before and after surgical simulation and characterize the relationship between these measures.

Methods
Surgeons completed three laparoscopic exercises from the fundamentals of laparoscopy program (peg transfer, pattern cutting, intracorporeal suturing) in a neutral environment and “stressed” environment (ergonomic, noise, or time pressure). State trait anxiety and self-reported stress on a visual analogue scale were collected prior to simulation and again immediately afterwards. The NASA task load index (TLX) was also administered post-simulation.

Results
Of the 26 participants from gynecological and general surgery specialties, state anxiety increased in 98/148 simulations (62%) with a significant mean increase during simulation (32.9 ± 7.9 vs 39.4 ± 10.2, p < .001). Self-reported stress increased in 107/148 simulations (72%), with a significant increase in mean scores during simulation (38.7 ± 22.5 vs 48.9 ± 23.7, p < .001). NASA-TLX scores immediately after simulation ranged from 40 to 118 (mean 60.5 ± 28.7). Greater anxiety and stress scores were reported in “stressed” simulations (43.6 ± 23.1 vs 54.2 ± 23.3; 68.7 ± 27.0 vs 52.4 ± 28.2 respectively) with a significant interaction effect of the “stressed” environment and type of exercise. Anxiety and stress were moderately positively correlated prior to simulation (r = .40) and strongly positively correlated post-simulation (r = .70), however only stress was strongly correlated to workload (r = .79).

Conclusion
Stress and anxiety varied by type of laparoscopic exercise and simulation environment. Correlations between anxiety and stress are stronger post-simulation than prior to simulation. Stress, but not anxiety, is highly correlated with workload.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of hypertension on clinical outcomes in moyamoya disease: a multicenter, propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Musmar Basel , Roy Joanna M. , Abdalrazeq Hammam , Atallah Elias , Naamani Kareem El , Chen Ching-Jen , Jabre Roland , Saad Hassan , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Dmytriw Adam A. , Patel Aman B. , Khorasanizadeh Mirhojjat , Ogilvy Christopher S , Thomas Ajith J. , Monteiro Andre , Siddiqui Adnan , Cortez Gustavo M. , Hanel Ricardo A. , Porto Guilherme , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Piscopo Anthony J. , Hasan David M. , Ghorbani Mohammad , Weinberg Joshua , Nimjee Shahid M. , Bekelis Kimon , Salem Mohamed M. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Zetchi Akli , Matouk Charles , Howard Brian M. , Lai Rosalind , Du Rose , Abbas Rawad , Sioutas Georgios S , Amllay Abdelaziz , Munoz Alfredo , Herial Nabeel A. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Gooch Michael Reid , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive steno-occlusive changes in the internal carotid arteries, leading to an abnormal vascular network. Hypertension is prevalent among MMD patients, raising concerns about its impact on disease outcomes. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of MMD patients with and without hypertension.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study involving 598 MMD patients who underwent surgical revascularization across 13 academic institutions in North America. Patients were categorized into hypertensive (n=292) and non-hypertensive (n=306) cohorts. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for baseline differences.

Results
The mean age was higher in the hypertension group (46 years vs. 36.8 years, p < 0.001). Hypertensive patients had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (45.2% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) and smoking (48.8% vs. 27.1%, p < 0.001). Symptomatic stroke rates were higher in the hypertension group (16% vs. 7.1%; OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.39-4.40, p = 0.002) before matching. After PSM, there were no significant differences in symptomatic stroke rates (11.1% vs. 7.7%; OR: 1.5; CI: 0.64-3.47, p = 0.34), perioperative strokes (6.2% vs. 2.1%; OR 3.13; 95% CI: 0.83-11.82, p = 0.09), or good functional outcomes at discharge (93% vs. 92.3%; OR 1.1; 95% CI: 0.45-2.69, p = 0.82).

Conclusion
No significant differences in symptomatic stroke rates, perioperative strokes, or functional outcomes were observed between hypertensive and non-hypertensive Moyamoya patients. Appropriate management can lead to similar outcomes in both groups. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.
Methods for calculating gliding-box lacunarity efficiently on large datasets
Authors: Kovács Bálint Barna H. , Erdélyi Miklós 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLacunarity has proven to be a useful, multifaceted tool for image analysis in several different scientific fields, from geography to virology, which has lent increasing importance to the lacunarity analysis of large datasets. It can be most reliably calculated with the so-called gliding-box method, but the evaluation process can be exceedingly time-consuming and unviable as this algorithm is not designed to operate on large datasets. Here we introduce two novel methods that can calculate gliding-box lacunarity orders of magnitude faster than the original method without any loss of accuracy. We compare these methods with the original as well as with two already existing optimized methods based on runtime memory usage and complexity. The application of all five methods for both 2D and 3D datasets analysis confirms that each of the four optimized methods are orders of magnitude faster than the original one, but each has its advantages and limitations.
Meningitis and intracranial abscess due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a B cell-depleted patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Madžar Dominik , Nickel Florian T. , Rothhammer Veit , Goelitz Philipp , Geißdörfer Walter , Dumke Roger , Lang Roland 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMycoplasma pneumoniae, a frequent respiratory pathogen, can cause neurological disease manifestations. We here present a case of M. pneumoniae as cause of meningitis and occurrence of an intracranial abscess as a complication of mastoiditis with septic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient with multiple sclerosis on anti-CD20 therapy.
Otoacoustic Estimate of Astronauts’ Intracranial Pressure Changes During Spaceflight
Authors: Moleti Arturo , Minniti Triestino , Sharma Yoshita , Russo Altea , Civiero Andrea , Orlando Maria Patrizia , MacGregor Robert , Lucertini Marco , D’Amico Arnaldo , Pennazza Giorgio , Santonico Marco , Zompanti Alessandro , Crisafi Alessandro , Deffacis Maurizio , Sapone Rosa , Mascetti Gabriele , Vadrucci Monia , Valentini Giovanni , Castagnolo Dario , Botti Teresa , Cerini Luigi , Sanjust Filippo , Sisto Renata 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the potential correlation between prolonged exposure to microgravity on the International Space Station and increased intracranial fluid pressure, which is considered a risk factor for the astronauts’ vision, and to explore the feasibility of using distortion product otoacoustic emissions as a non-invasive in-flight monitor for intracranial pressure changes.

Methods
Distortion product otoacoustic emission phase measurements were taken from both ears of five astronauts pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. These measurements served as indirect indicators of intracranial pressure changes, given their high sensitivity to middle ear transmission alterations. The baseline pre-flight ground measurements were taken in the seated upright position.

Results
In-flight measurements revealed a significant systematic increase in otoacoustic phase, indicating elevated intracranial pressure during spaceflight compared to seated upright pre-flight ground baseline. Noteworthy, in two astronauts, strong agreement was also observed between the time course of the phase changes measured in the two ears during and after the mission. Reproducibility and stability of the probe placement in the ear canal were recognized as a critical issue.

Conclusions
The study suggests that distortion product otoacoustic emissions hold promise as a non-invasive tool for monitoring intracranial pressure changes in astronauts during space missions. Pre-flight measurements in different body postures and probe fitting strategies based on the individual ear morphology are needed to validate and refine this approach.
Computational analysis of heart valve growth and remodeling after the Ross procedure
Authors: Middendorp Elmer , Braeu Fabian , Baaijens Frank P. T. , Humphrey Jay D. , Cyron Christian J. , Loerakker Sandra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDuring the Ross procedure, an aortic heart valve is replaced by a patient’s own pulmonary valve. The pulmonary autograft subsequently undergoes substantial growth and remodeling (G&R) due to its exposure to increased hemodynamic loads. In this study, we developed a homogenized constrained mixture model to understand the observed adaptation of the autograft leaflets in response to the changed hemodynamic environment. This model was based on the hypothesis that tissue G&R aims to preserve mechanical homeostasis for each tissue constituent. To model the Ross procedure, we simulated the exposure of a pulmonary valve to aortic pressure conditions and the subsequent G&R of the valve. Specifically, we investigated the effects of assuming either stress- or stretch-based mechanical homeostasis, the use of blood pressure control, and the effect of root dilation. With this model, we could explain different observations from published clinical studies, such as the increase in thickness, change in collagen organization, and change in tissue composition. In addition, we found that G&R based on stress-based homeostasis could better capture the observed changes in tissue composition than G&R based on stretch-based homeostasis, and that root dilation or blood pressure control can result in more leaflet elongation. Finally, our model demonstrated that successful adaptation can only occur when the mechanically induced tissue deposition is sufficiently larger than tissue degradation, such that leaflet thickening overrules leaflet dilation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that G&R based on mechanical homeostasis can capture the observed heart valve adaptation after the Ross procedure. Finally, this study presents a novel homogenized mixture model that can be used to investigate other cases of heart valve G&R as well.
Sexual Affectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Bibliometric Profile of Scientific Production
Authors: Torralbas-Ortega Jordi , Valls-Ibáñez Victòria , Roca Judith , Campoy-Guerrero Carme , Sastre-Rus Meritxell , García-Expósito Judith 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to describe the scientific production on sexuality and affectivity of autistic people. The inclusion criteria were articles published in all languages from the year 2000 to 2023, excluding reviews, proceedings, and other works not considered original. The search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection and RStudio was utilized to analyze the records, with the “Bibliometrix 4.1.0” package and the VOSviewer software. A total of 314 articles were included, from the USA, Australia, and parts of Europe. The production peak was found in the year 2020, the most cited articles referred to the children’s population, and the most important journals were specialized on the subject. As for the thematic content, 29 keywords emerged that were grouped into three clusters. In the first group, children associated with vulnerability and victimization were underlined, in which multifocal interventions were needed to prevent risk; in the second, we found adolescents and the need for sex education that is adapted and comprehensive; and lastly, adults who must be able to perform an adequate transition that eases the adaptation of neurodivergent individuals.
Design and Development of a Robust Control Platform for a 3-Finger Robotic Gripper Using EMG-Derived Hand Muscle Signals in NI LabVIEW
Authors: Loskutova Aleksandra , Roozbahani Daniel , Alizadeh Marjan , Handroos Heikki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRobots are increasingly present in everyday life, replacing human involvement in various domains. In situations involving danger or life-threatening conditions, it is safer to deploy robots instead of humans. However, there are still numerous applications where human intervention remains indispensable. The strategy to control a robot can be developed based on intelligent adaptive programmed algorithms or by harnessing the physiological signals of the robot operator, such as body movements, brain EEG, and muscle EMG which is a more intuitive approach. This study focuses on creating a control platform for a 3-finger gripper, utilizing Electromyography (EMG) signals derived from the operator’s forearm muscles. The developed platform consisted of a Robotiq three-finger gripper, a Delsys Trigno wireless EMG, as well as an NI CompactRIO data acquisition platform. The control process was developed using NI LabVIEW software, which extracts, processes, and analyzes the EMG signals, which are subsequently transformed into control signals to operate the robotic gripper in real-time. The system operates by transmitting the EMG signals from the operator's forearm muscles to the robotic gripper once they surpass a user-defined threshold. To evaluate the system's performance, a comprehensive set of regressive tests was conducted on the forearm muscles of three different operators based on four distinct case scenarios. Despite of the gripper’s structural design weakness to perform pinching, however, the results demonstrated an impressive average success rate of 95% for tasks involving the opening and closing of the gripper to perform grasping. This success rate was consistent across scenarios that included alterations to the scissor configuration of the gripper.
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse and the Use of Child Sexual Abuse Materials: Following up on the German Prevention Project Dunkelfeld
Authors: Beier Klaus M. , Nentzl Julia , von Heyden Maximilian , Fishere Mariam , Amelung Till 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSexual interest in minors (i.e., pedophilia and hebephilia) is considered a risk factor for Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the use of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This study examined the long-term development of CSA, CSAM use, associated cognitions, and quality of life among self-referred, help-seeking individuals diagnosed with pedophilic or hebephilic disorder (PHD) outside the judicial system. Of the 110 eligible men who had undergone therapy for PHD due to psychological distress or risk of offending, 56 were available for follow-up assessment 1–11 years after treatment. Behavioral manifestations, offense-supportive cognitions, and quality of life were evaluated using interviews and psychometric measures. At follow-up, 7.7% of participants with a history of CSA had re-offended, whereas 89.1% of previous CSAM users reported recidivism, although with less severe material. No new CSA offenses occurred among those without prior CSA. Treatment led to increased cognitive victim empathy and reductions in CSA-supportive and CSAM-supportive attitudes, but only the latter improvement persisted through follow-up. Participants exhibited elevated CSA-supportive attitudes relative to community norms at all time points and diminished quality of life at follow-up. Pedophilic and hebephilic disorder carry a persistent risk of sexual offending, particularly regarding CSAM use. Therapeutic gains in offense-supportive cognitions may erode over time without ongoing care. A comprehensive public health approach encompassing early detection, prevention, and expanded treatment access that addresses both the risk of reoffending and overall well-being is crucial for reducing sexual victimization and improving mental health outcomes for individuals from this target group.