bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive left colectomy with total intracorporeal anastomosis versus extracorporeal anastomosis. A single center cohort study. Stage 2b IDEAL framework for evaluating surgical innovation
Authors: Serra-Aracil Xavier , Gómez-Torres Irene , Torrecilla-Portoles Andrea , Serracant-Barrera Anna , García-Nalda Albert , Pallisera-Lloveras Anna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Performing intracorporeal anastomoses in minimally invasive colon surgery appears to provide better short-term outcomes for patients with colon cancer. The aim of the study is to compare surgical aspects and short-term outcomes between intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques in left colectomies with both laparoscopic and robotic approaches and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of intracorporeal anastomosis according to IDEAL framework (Exploration, stage 2b).

Methods
This is a single center, ambispective cohort study comparing total intracorporeal anastomosis (TIA) and standard surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). Patients with colon cancer treated by left colectomy, sigmoidectomy and high anterior resection by total intracorporeal anastomosis between May 2020 and January 2023 without exclusion criteria were prospectively included in a standardized database. Short-term outcomes in the group undergoing TIA were compared with a historical EA cohort. The main assessment outcomes were intraoperative complications, postoperative morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo scale and the comparison of pathological. We conducted a preliminary comparative study within the TIA group between approaches, a primary analysis between the two anastomotic techniques, and a propensity score matched analysis including only the laparoscopic approach, between both anastomotic techniques.

Results
Two hundred and forty-six patients were included: 103 who underwent TIA, 35 of them with laparoscopic approach and 68 with robotic approach, and a comparison group comprising another 103 eligible consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic EA. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. No statistically significant differences were observed in anastomotic dehiscence. Intraoperative complications are fewer in the TIA group, with a higher C-Reactive Protein levels. Relevant anastomotic bleeding and the number of retrieved lymph nodes were higher in EA group. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of overall morbidity.

Conclusion
Minimally invasive left colectomy with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis is technically feasible and safe suing either a laparoscopic or a robotic approach. Clinical data from this cohort demonstrate outcomes comparable to those achieved through the conventional EA procedure in relation to postoperative morbidity and oncological efficacy, with indications suggesting that the utilization of robotic-assisted techniques may play a contributing role in enhancing overall treatment outcomes.
Elementary Fractal Geometry. 3. Complex Pisot Factors Imply Finite Type
Authors: Bandt Christoph 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSelf-similar sets require a separation condition to admit a nice mathematical structure. The classical open set condition (OSC) is difficult to verify. Zerner proved that there is a positive and finite Hausdorff measure for a weaker separation property which is always fulfilled for crystallographic data. Ngai and Wang gave more specific results for a finite type property (FT), and for algebraic data with a real Pisot expansion factor. We show how the algorithmic FT concept of Bandt and Mesing relates to the property of Ngai and Wang. Merits and limitations of the FT algorithm are discussed. Our main result says that FT is always true in the complex plane if the similarity mappings are given by a complex Pisot expansion factor $$\lambda $$
λ
and algebraic integers in the number field generated by $$\lambda .$$

λ
.

This extends the previous results and opens the door to huge classes of separated self-similar sets, with large complexity and an appearance of natural textures. Numerous examples are provided.
Game accessibility for visually impaired people: a review
Authors: Agrimi Emanuele , Battaglini Chiara , Bottari Davide , Gnecco Giorgio , Leporini Barbara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlaying games is an important way to promote the integration, inclusion, and socialization of participants. This is especially the case of persons with disabilities, such as visually impaired people. Unfortunately, very few games are accessible to such persons. Hopefully, in many digital games, this accessibility can be enabled in principle by assistive technologies, such as screen readers. The aim of this work consists in reviewing the recent literature on game accessibility for people with visual impairment and discussing benefits, limitations, and possible improvements of currently available accessibility solutions. After providing a definition of visual impairment and describing its relationship with gaming, the work reviews general techniques for designing more accessible games. Subsequently, it focuses on specific techniques based on replacing visual stimuli with auditory stimuli (e.g., sonification and sound-source simulation), also presenting some recently proposed sonification-mapping strategies. Then, the application of machine-learning techniques to the development of accessible interfaces for online versions of board games is illustrated by a recent case study. Finally, a discussion and some conclusions are provided, with a particular focus on policy implications of improvements in game accessibility for visually impaired people.
The impact of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: results from WF-97415
Authors: Avis Nancy E. , Levine Beverly J. , Klepin Heidi D. , Mihalko Shannon L. , Brubaker Peter H. , Moore Tonya , Ladd Amy C. , Dent Susan F. , Hackney Mary Helen , Ky Bonnie , Ntim William O. , Wagner Lynne I. , Weaver Kathryn E. , Hundley W. Gregory ,   the UPBEAT study team
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To examine the differential effect of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue over 12 months post-diagnosis among breast cancer survivors.

Methods
This study is based on a prospective Wake Forest NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) multicenter cohort study (WF-97415) of women with stage I to III breast cancer and non-cancer controls. Analyses compared those: 1) receiving, or 2) not receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, 3) receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) without chemotherapy, with 4) a comparator group without a history of cancer. In-person clinic assessments were conducted at: baseline (prior to chemotherapy or start of AI therapy), and 3 and 12 months after baseline. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was the primary outcome. Estimated least squares means by group using mixed models with a random subject effect, fixed effects of time and group, and the interaction between time and group was used to compare groups across time, controlling for age, comorbidities, and treatment variables.

Results
Among 284 women (mean age = 53.4 years, sd 11.9 years), there was a significant (p < 0.0001) group by time interaction, with a sharp increase in fatigue at 3 months in the two chemotherapy groups in comparison to the non-chemotherapy and non-cancer controls. The two chemotherapy groups did not significantly differ in fatigue at any time point.

Conclusion
Women with breast cancer who receive non- or anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience similar trends in and levels of fatigue within the first year of treatment and greater fatigue than women receiving AIs alone or women without breast cancer.
Impact of postoperative spinal malalignment on postoperative health-related quality of life after long-level fixation for degenerative lumbar scoliosis: does residual coronal angularity matter?
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Yinhao , Zeng Yan , Li Weishi , Chen Zhongqiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the influence of spinal malalignment on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a long-level fusion spine.

Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of 121 consecutive patients with DLS after long-segment fusion. HRQOL and radiographic parameters were collected at final follow-up. For postoperative residual Cobb angle (CA), patients were divided as follows: group (0) (CA < 10°), group (+) (CA 10°∼20 °), and group (++) (CA > 20°). For postoperative coronal vertical axis (CVA), patients were separated as follows: group (0) (CVA < 2 cm), group (+) (CVA 2 ∼ 3 cm), and group (++) (CVA > 3 cm). Patients were also grouped by the sagittal modifiers as group (0), group (+), and group (++) according to the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab classification, respectively.

Results
Visual analog scale (VAS) for back was significantly lower in CA 10°∼20° group compared to other groups. Patients with remnant CA > 20° showed worse Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SRS-22 and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) - physical component scores (PCS). Sagittal vertical axis (SVA) showed significant correlation with HRQOLs after surgery, and the statistical significance of ODI, SRS-22 and SF-36 scores was observed among subgroups.

Conclusions
In long-level fused spine, residual CA > 20° resulted in worse clinical outcomes and was recommended to avoid during surgery. And 10° to 20° residual CA was acceptable in DLS patients and even better than Cobb angle < 10° in several HRQOLs, therefore strictly pursing upright alignment seems unnecessary. SVA also showed effectiveness in assessing HRQOL in the fixed spine.
Modified Rosi–Cahill technique after left extended colectomy for splenic flexure advanced tumors
Authors: Segura-Sampedro J. J. , Cañete-Gómez J. , Craus-Miguel A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAdvanced splenic flexure tumors are uncommon and have a higher risk of relapse. To ensure that the resection includes the entire area of lymphatic drainage with a complete mesocolic excision (CME), a left extended colectomy is needed. In peritoneal carcinomatosis, there is often extensive involvement of the sigma and splenic flexure of the colon. In many instances, total colectomies are chosen for these patients, even when a significant portion of the colon could be preserved. The potential impact on quality of life after splenic flexure colon resection is discussed, as well as the importance of anatomical knowledge and expertise in performing this type of surgery. Overall, this work presents a modified technique that aims to improve the outcomes and quality of life for patients with splenic flexure colon cancer. Creating a tension-free anastomosis after extended left-sided colorectal resection is challenging. There is a negative impact on quality of life when an ileorectal anastomosis is created. The colorectal anastomosis performed after modified Rosi–Cahill or Deloyers’ technique allows reduced small bowel bacterial overgrowth, achieves better water and sodium absorption, and altogether permits improved stool consistency. There are potential advantages of the Rosi–Cahill technique over other popular options such as Deloyers’ procedure as there is no torsion of the ileocolic vessels and no mesenteric windows. A video was recorded showing a potential pitfall during Deloyers’ technique resulting in the creation of a mesenteric window. The proper rotation of the colon during the modified Rosi–Cahill procedure was also filmed. Overall, this work presents a modified technique for reconstruction after left extended colectomy that aims to improve the outcomes and quality of life for patients with splenic flexure colon cancer.
The use of self-expanding metallic stents in the management of benign colonic obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fardanesh Armin , George Jayan , Hughes Daniel , Stavropoulou-Tatla Stavroula , Mathur Pawan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Patients presenting with large bowel obstruction (LBO) frequently undergo emergency surgery that is associated with significant morbidity. In malignant LBO, endoscopic approaches with placement is a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS), have been proposed to prevent emergency surgery and act as a bridge to an elective procedure—with the intention of avoiding a stoma and reducing morbidity. This systematic review aims to assess the quality and outcomes of data available on the use of SEMS in benign causes of colonic obstruction.

Methods
This systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered on Prospero (ID: CRD42021239363). PUBMED, MEDLINE, HMIC, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE, APA and Cochrane databases were searched. Studies were assessed for quality utilising the MINORS criteria. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using random effects models.

Results
Sixteen studies were included for analysis. 300 patients were included with an average age of 68, and a male predominance of 57%. The quality of the papers included were at risk of bias. The pooled rate of technical success of procedure was 94.4% (95% CI 90.5–96.8%) The pooled rate of clinical success was 77.6% (95% CI: 66.6–85.7%). Adverse effects were low, with perforation 8.8% (4.5–16.6%), recurrence 26.5% (17.2–38.5%) and stent migration 22.5% (14.1–33.8%).

Discussion
This systematic review demonstrated that SEMS for benign colonic obstruction can be a safe and successful procedure. The utilisation of SEMS in malignant disease as a bridge to surgery has been well documented. Whilst the limitations of the data interpreted are appreciated, we postulate that SEMS could be utilised to decompress patients acutely and allow pre-operative optimisation, leading to a more elective surgery with less subsequent morbidity.
Diabetic kidney disease: the kidney disease relevant to individuals with diabetes
Authors: Kanasaki Keizo , Ueki Kohjiro , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major comorbidity. However, it appears that there is worldwide confusion regarding which term should be used to describe CKD complicated with diabetes: diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease (DKD), CKD with diabetes, diabetes and CKD, etc. Similar confusion has also been reported in Japan. Therefore, to provide clarification, the Japanese Diabetes Society and the Japanese Society of Nephrology collaborated to update the corresponding Japanese term to describe DKD and clearly define the concept of DKD. In this review, we briefly described the history of kidney complications in individuals with diabetes and the Japanese definition of the DKD concept and provided our rationale for these changes.
Adaptive choice of near-optimal expansion points for interpolation-based structure-preserving model reduction
Authors: Aumann Quirin , Werner Steffen W. R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInterpolation-based methods are well-established and effective approaches for the efficient generation of accurate reduced-order surrogate models. Common challenges for such methods are the automatic selection of good or even optimal interpolation points and the appropriate size of the reduced-order model. An approach that addresses the first problem for linear, unstructured systems is the iterative rational Krylov algorithm (IRKA), which computes optimal interpolation points through iterative updates by solving linear eigenvalue problems. However, in the case of preserving internal system structures, optimal interpolation points are unknown, and heuristics based on nonlinear eigenvalue problems result in numbers of potential interpolation points that typically exceed the reasonable size of reduced-order systems. In our work, we propose a projection-based iterative interpolation method inspired by IRKA for generally structured systems to adaptively compute near-optimal interpolation points as well as an appropriate size for the reduced-order system. Additionally, the iterative updates of the interpolation points can be chosen such that the reduced-order model provides an accurate approximation in specified frequency ranges of interest. For such applications, our new approach outperforms the established methods in terms of accuracy and computational effort. We show this in numerical examples with different structures.
Blue rings in Bristlecone pine as a high resolution indicator of past cooling events
Authors: Siekacz Liliana , Pearson Charlotte , Salzer Matthew , Soja-Kukieła Natalia , Koprowski Marcin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study develops the use of ‘blue rings’ (BR), reflecting incomplete cell wall lignification, as a sensitive thermal indicator in bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva D.K. Bailey). Using double-stained anatomical thin-sections, we explore the climatic and topographical constraints governing BR formation by developing a time-series from 83 cores and comparing BR occurrence with the full temporal span of available climatic data (1895–2008 CE). Lignification is temperature-dependent and continues at a cellular level post-radial growth completion. As BRs reflect incomplete lignification, they can serve as a higher resolution and more sensitive proxy for past cooling than previously established tree-growth indicators. Results indicate that blue ring formation is primarily induced by low September temperatures and responds more sensitively to cooling than the well-established frost-ring record. Additionally, the occurrence and intensity of blue rings decreases gradually below the upper tree line. Bristlecone pine BRs are demonstrated to have significant capacity to enhance the reconstruction of past cooling events in North America connected with both localized and hemispheric scale forcing over multi-millennial timescales. Given its unmatched longevity, the species offers an unparalleled potential for Holocene length climate reconstruction. Findings also highlight the potential for blue rings to provide a more nuanced understanding of past temperature fluctuations across multi-millennial timescales.
Has Mutual Recognition in the EU Failed?—A Legal-Empirical Analysis on the Example of Food Supplements Containing Botanicals and Other Bioactive Substances
Authors: Warda R. , Purnhagen K. , Molitorisová M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe European Union lacks comprehensive legislation pertaining to food supplements containing botanical or bioactive substances other than nutrients, resulting in disparate regulatory frameworks among European Member States. Previous studies predominantly focused on the doctrinal analysis of these diverse regulations at both European and national levels, offering limited insights into their practical implementation by governing bodies. This research endeavours to scrutinize administrative practices governing legislation on food supplements featuring botanical or other bioactive constituents, which are subject to varying approaches across Member States. Employing a combination of doctrinal and empirical legal research methodologies, this approach involved a meticulous examination of the regulatory landscape governing food supplements at both EU and Member State levels. Simultaneously, an empirical investigation, conducted through expert interviews, aimed to elucidate whether discrepancies among national legal systems translate into discernible variations in the operational strategies of competent authorities. Additionally, this empirical inquiry shed light on the efficacy of specific EU directives aimed at harmonizing food supplement regulations at the national level. These findings delineate a fragmented regulatory environment for botanical and bioactive food supplements across Member States. Noteworthy disparities were observed not only in national legislative frameworks but also in the enforcement practices of regulatory authorities. Union-level governance efforts in particular by adopting a mutual recognition approach to mitigate fragmentation proved ineffective. Consequently, this research underscores an urgent imperative to expedite the harmonization of regulations governing botanicals and other bioactive substances present in food supplements across the European Union.
Factors that influence the criminal justice response to human trafficking: a systematic review of North American and European studies
Authors: Cooper Fallon Isabella , van Bemmel Sjoerd Robert , van der Leun Joanne Pauline , Kunst Maarten Jacob Johannes 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman trafficking, the recruitment and transportation of persons by use of force, coercion, or deception for exploitation is one of the largest illicit industries worldwide. In the execution of anti-trafficking policies to combat this phenomenon, nation-states have assigned a decisive role to criminal justice actors as they are not only responsible for the detection, investigation, and prosecution of perpetrators but also for the identification and (legal) protection of victims of human trafficking. However, research has shown that criminal justice actors encounter many challenges whilst carrying out their tasks, which is also reflected in the low numbers of successful prosecutions and identified victims. To our knowledge, the reasons behind this observation have never been studied systematically. This systematic review aims to collect and synthesise empirical literature on factors that influence the criminal justice response to human trafficking to better understand and identify gaps in knowledge. In total, 35 empirical studies were included. Findings were discussed in light of theory and previous research and were used to provide recommendations for policy and future research. These studies suggest that factors such as prevailing stereotypes, an absence of legal guidance and a lack of capacity and expertise interact and even amplify each other and that strengthening the criminal justice response to human trafficking requires a multi-layered approach that simultaneously addresses several challenges.
International higher education scholarships: a pathway for Palestinians’ academic recovery
Authors: Almassri Anas N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractScholarships offer one significant pathway for higher education recovery and development in Global South contexts. Although some research exists to illustrate this significance, the case of Palestine remains virtually unresearched. This article is a first contribution to bridging this gap. It draws on qualitative data collected through interviews with and pre-existing documents from 32 Palestinian scholarship alumni and alumnae. Four experiential themes emerged through critical realist thematic analysis of this data. Two of these themes are reported in this article. First, the participants reflected a range of negative and positive motivations for pursuing their funded graduate education abroad: escaping limited opportunities in Palestine, actualizing potential, and serving Palestine. Second, they described experiencing a mix of exciting and challenging (re)adaptations while appreciating new approaches to the content and practice of their academic learning. Together with the identified participants’ demographic and academic backgrounds, these thematic findings extend global empirical evidence of the contribution of international scholarships to higher education access, recovery, and development. They also avail a useful and timely frame of reference to inform future research and practice of higher education scholarships for Palestinians.