bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PReoperative very low-Energy diets for obese PAtients undergoing non-bariatric surgery Randomized Evaluation (PREPARE): a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: McKechnie Tyler , Ramji Karim , Saddik Maisa , Leitch Jordan , Farooq Ameer , Patel Sunil , Doumouras Aristithes , Parpia Sameer , Eskicioglu Cagla , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients with obesity presenting in need of surgical intervention are at 2-to-sixfold higher risk of prolonged hospitalization, infectious morbidity, venous thromboembolism, and more. To mitigate some of these concerns, prescribed preoperative weight loss via very low-energy diets (VLEDs) has become a standard of care for patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. While VLEDs have become standard prior to bariatric surgery, their application in other surgical settings remains limited. A large, definitive trial is required to resolve the uncertainty surrounding their use in these patients. Prior to a definitive trial to compare the efficacy of VLEDs in patients with obesity undergoing major non-bariatric surgery, we require a pilot trial. We argue a pilot trial will provide the following critical feasibility insights: (1) assessment of recruitment ability, (2) evaluation of adherence to VLED regimens, and (3) assessment of our ability follow patients completely.

Methods
The proposed trial will be a multi-center, surgeon, outcome assessor, and data-analyst blinded, parallel pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients older than 18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 kg/m2 undergoing major elective non-bariatric surgery will be eligible for inclusion. Consecutive patients will be allocated 1:1 according to a computer-generated randomization schedule. Randomization will be stratified by center and will employ randomly permutated blocks. All patients in the intervention group will receive standard patient counseling on weight loss and an active VLED protocol. The preoperative VLED protocol will utilize commercially available weight loss products for three weeks preoperatively. The primary outcomes (randomization percentage, recruitment rate, intervention adherence, follow-up completion, network development) will assess feasibility. Descriptive statistics will be used to characterize the study sample.

Discussion
The PREPARE pilot RCT will aim to provide feasibility and safety data that will allow for the successful completion of the definitive PREPARE trial that has the potential to provide practice changing data pertaining to the regular use of VLEDs as a means of pre-habilitation for patients with obesity undergoing major non-bariatric surgery.

Trial registration
This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (reference #NCT05918471) on June 23, 2023.
Survival and inferential analysis in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent sentinel lymph node biopsy: prospective single-center study
Authors: Espejo Niño Johanna Marcela 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The lymph node staging is the major prognostic factor in breast cancer patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) allows an exactly axillar staging in patients with early disease, but not in locally advance breast cancer (LABC). Our aim was to study, the feasibility and accuracy of the SLNB technique with and without axillar lymphadenectomy (LDN) and with lymph node clipping after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), in patients with LABC.

Patients and methods
Patients diagnosed with LABC, scheduled for NAC and subsequent surgery and SLNB. Subsequently the patients were scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy/hormonotherapy and radiotherapy according with the postsurgical results. Main end points were overall survival (OS) disease-free survival (DFS), mortality, SLNB identification rate (IR), sensitivity, false negative rate (FNR) of SLNB versus LDN, negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy.

Results
Our IR with different techniques was between 89.9 and 100%. OS was between 89 and 97%. DFS was between 89.8 and 96.8%. Sensitivity was between 75 and 100%. NPV was between 89.6 and 100%. FNR was between 0 and 25%; and accuracy was between 66 and 72%. We found that survival was lower (p < 0.05) in patients with triple negative and Luminal B/HER2 intrinsic subtype; with progression or major partial response in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results at the end of NAC and in patients with BRCA1/2 mutation.

Conclusions
Our study presents excellent results of SLNB alone in patients with LABC with complete nodal response with an OS and DFS > 95%. The FNR is very high in partial responders, so we cannot recommend the SLNB alone in LABC. We recommend, in cN+ patients, axillar clipping, SLNB and LDN because in more than 50% of the patients with axillar clipping, this was not found, and because in 36% of the patients with negative LDN, the SLN (Sentinel Lymph Node) obtained was the only positive node, so these techniques together decrease the FNR and improve the node staging, OS and DFS. This study is the first prospective study that assess OS and DFS in patients with LABC, all submitted to SLNB.
Transarterial embolization to treat a massive hemothorax during mechanical circulatory support via puncturing of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit
Authors: Tsushima Ryota , Maruhashi Takaaki , Kurihara Yutaro , Hashikata Takehiro , Asari Yasushi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Current guidelines recommend the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for patients with cardiogenic shock that is refractory to medical therapy. Bleeding is the most common complication of MCS. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is often performed to treat this complication, because it is a less invasive hemostatic procedure. However, the TAE option needs to be carefully considered during MCS, as the access route may be limited during MCS.

Case presentation
A man in his 70 s was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention via venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and Impella. During treatment in the intensive care unit, he suffered damage to a branch of the internal thoracic artery during a cardiac drainage procedure, which was subsequently treated via emergency TAE.
An ECMO return cannula and an Impella sheath were inserted into the patient’s right and left femoral arteries, respectively. An approach from the left brachial artery was selected, and the left internal thoracic artery was embolized. Subsequently, the patient required re-intervention to treat re-bleeding from another artery. Because it was difficult to target the target artery from the brachial one, owing to interference from the Impella catheter, the ECMO circuit near the return cannula was punctured and a guiding sheath was inserted. The ECMO flow and the patient’s blood pressure decreased following placement of this guiding sheath. We were thus able to maintain the patient’s blood pressure by increasing the infusion fluids and Impella flow, and embolize the target artery using a gelatin sponge to achieve hemostasis.

Conclusion
When TAE is difficult to perform during MCS using an approach from the upper extremities, a lower extremity approach with a sheath inserted into the ECMO circuit may represent a viable alternative.
CO2 laser in benign vocal fold lesions: an observational study
Authors: Showkat Showkat Ahmad , Jallu Aleena Shafi , Bhat Mohd Shafi , Malik Bashir Ahmad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients having benign vocal fold lesions who were treated with carbon dioxide laser.

Methods
For this Study a total of 41 Patients who had hoarseness of voice and satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. A detailed medical history and a thorough ENT examination was performed. Voice evaluation was done using (G)rade, (R)oughness, (B)reathiness, (A)sthenia….weakness (S)train (GRBAS), voice handicap index (VHI), and maximum phonation time scores.

Results
All 41 patients reported hoarseness of voice as their primary complaint, and most of them developed their symptoms gradually. The following causes seem to have contributed to the presence of hoarseness of voice: LPR in 8 patients, smoking in 25 patients, voice abuse in 14 patients, and irritation exposure in 6 patients. The most frequent lesion in 25 (60.97 percent) of the subjects was a vocal polyp. This study showed majority of patients 35 (85.4%) had posterior phonatory gap and six (14.6%) had anterior gap preoperatively. All patients had incomplete glottic closure preoperatively, whereas glottic closure was complete at first follow-up postoperatively. The mean preoperative GRBAS score in study subjects was 10.972 with an SD (standard deviation) of 2.1724 and a median of 10.000. The mean postoperative GRBAS score at six months was 0.268 with an SD of 0.4486, median 0.000, Z score − 5.618, and p value < 0.001 which is statistically significant.

Conclusion
Precision, hemostasis, and minimal postoperative edema are benefits of using carbon dioxide laser. This research therefore supports the idea that benign vocal fold lesions might be successfully treated with the super-pulsed microspot carbon dioxide laser, which offers good voice outcomes.
Culinary practices of the Bidayuhs in Sarawak, Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sageng Christopher Wan , Quee-Ling Leong , Mikal Ivy Irvine , Sandhu Mukvinder Kaur , Pudun Joseph Martin , Umadi Muhammad Fikri Bin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Bidayuh cuisines and culinary practices epitomize an inherent part of the cultural profile of the Sarawak community. This indigenous group (Bidayuh) is the second-largest group contributing to the Sarawak’s distinctive identity after the Iban. The distribution of the Bidayuh community is predominantly across the districts of Lundu, Bau, Kuching and Serian in Sarawak. There are concerns that the Bidayuh traditional culinary culture will gradually beset by modernization. Many prefer convenience over the hassle of cooking using the traditional manner, hence diluting the traditional culinary knowledge among the younger generations. Therefore, ethnomethodology, a qualitative research approach, was utilized to explore the traditional culinary practices and the connotation of food among the Bidayuh indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia. The data were collected from nine informants [Kampong Gumbang in Bau District (n = 5) and Kampung Mongkos in Serian District (n = 4)] who had voluntarily participated in this study. Through the ethnomethodological lens, this study documented eight traditional Bidayuh recipes and the collective development of the gastronomic culture of this community that are still remembered and practiced today.
The proximate composition of Nappi and its marketing methods in Bangladesh
Authors: Monwar Md. Mostafa , Islam Md. Royhanur , Nirjar Sawmor Dey , Khan Mohammed Ashraful Azam , Alam Mohammed Shahidul , Ali Ataher , Ahmed Istiak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNappi, fermented shrimp, is a traditional diet that is widely consumed by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries, especially in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of Nappi collected from two different places, i.e., the Moheshkhali and Chaufaldandi areas of Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Traditional methods were used to prepare Nappi, and the standard procedure was followed to determine the proximate composition. The proximate composition of Nappi varied from place to place depending on the raw materials, preparation techniques, and surrounding conditions of the formulation places. Associated statistical analysis was conducted by r-programming (version 4.2.3). Proximate composition includes moisture, protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate contents, amounting to 37.66 ± 1.51%, 34.34 ± 0.68%, 17.49 ± 0.46%, 8.53 ± 0.45%, and 1.39 ± 0.10%, respectively, for the Moheshkhali sample and 35.44 ± 1.37%, 37.23 ± 1.78%, 18.46 ± 0.59%, 6.00 ± 0.40%, and 2.66 ± 0.21%, respectively, for the Chaufaldandi sample. The study showed that moisture and fat content were significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Moheshkhali sample. In contrast, protein, carbohydrate, and ash content were substantially higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Chaufaldandi sample. Nappi’s marketing strategy, supply channel, and value chain were also analyzed. The study’s findings revealed that the quality of Nappi relied on fresh raw materials, the hygienic condition of the processing places, and suitable techniques. Moreover, good-quality Nappi has a significant market demand among the local ethnic communities in Bangladesh and the ethnic communities living abroad. So, it is recommended that interventions be provided on proper preparation techniques and marketing channels for Nappi.
Identification of plasma and urinary inflammatory markers in severe knee osteoarthritis: Relations with synovial fluid markers
Authors: Shin Ji-Sun , Lee Hyobeom , Kim Seong Hyeon , Noh Kyu-Cheol , Kim Sung Jae , Kim Hyong Nyun , Choi Jae‑Young , Song Si Young 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to identify plasma and urinary cytokines as potential biomarkers for severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). It also investigated associations between these cytokines and cartilage markers, as well as their connections with synovial fluid (SF) markers.

Methods
Samples of plasma, urine, and SF were obtained from patients (n = 40) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) due to severe knee OA. Control samples of plasma and urine were collected from non-OA individuals (n = 15). We used a Luminex immunoassay for the simultaneous measurement of 19 cytokines, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. COMP, CTX-II, and hyaluronan (HA) levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to analyze each biomarker’s performance. Correlations among these biomarkers were evaluated via Spearman’s correlation.

Results
The levels of plasma (p)CCL11, pCXCL16, pIL-8, pIL-15, pHA, urinary (u)CCL2, uCCL11, uCCL19, uCXCL16, uIL-1β, uIL-6, uIL-8, uIL-12p70, uIL-15, uIL-33, uMMP-3, uHA, uCTX-II, and uCOMP were significantly elevated in individuals with severe knee OA. Notably, specific correlations were observed between the plasma/urine biomarkers and SF biomarkers: pCCL11 with sfHA (r = 0.56) and sfTNF-α (r = 0.58), pIL-15 with sfCCL19 (r = 0.43) and sfCCL20 (r = 0.44), and uCCL19 with sfCCL11 (r = 0.45) and sfIL-33 (r = 0.51). Positive correlations were also observed between uCCL11 and its corresponding sfCCL11(r = 0.49), as well as between sfCCL11 and other cytokines, namely sfCCL4, sfCCL19, sfCCL20, sfIL-33, and sfTNF-α (r = 0.46–0.63).

Conclusion
This study provides an extensive profile of systemic inflammatory mediators in plasma of knee OA and identified four inflammatory markers (pCCL11, pIL-15, uCCL11, and uCCL19) reflecting joint inflammation.
Left and right ventricular strain-volume/area loops: a narrative review of current physiological understanding and potential clinical value
Authors: Kerstens Thijs P , Donker Stijn CM , Kleinnibbelink Geert , van Dijk Arie PJ , Oxborough David , Thijssen Dick H.J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTraditionally, echocardiography is used for volumetric measurements to aid in assessment of cardiac function. Multiple echocardiographic-based assessment techniques have been developed, such as Doppler ultrasound and deformation imaging (e.g., peak global longitudinal strain (GLS)), which have shown to be clinically relevant. Volumetric changes across the cardiac cycle can be related to deformation, resulting in the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop. These Loops allow assessment of the dynamic relationship between longitudinal strain change and volumetric change across both systole and diastole. This integrated approach to both systolic and diastolic function assessment may offer additional information in conjunction with traditional, static, measures of cardiac function or structure. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop, describe how acute and chronic exposure to hemodynamic stimuli alter Loop characteristics, and, finally, to outline the potential clinical value of these Loops in patients with cardiovascular disease. In summary, several studies observed Loop changes in different hemodynamic loading conditions and various (patho)physiological conditions. The diagnostic and prognostic value, and physiological interpretation remain largely unclear and have been addressed only to a limited extent.
Bankruptcy mechanism based on accumulated payoff and age promotes cooperation in coevolutionary games
Authors: Lu Junbiao , Zhang Liming , Li Haihong , Dai Qionglin , Yang Junzhong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
When individuals or companies are unable to meet their financial obligations, they may undergo the process of bankruptcy and go out of business. At the same time, new companies may arise. In this work, we propose a coevolutionary game model incorporated with bankruptcy. In the model, each agent represents a company. Two factors, accumulated payoff and age, are taken into account to determine its bankrupt probability. We assume two possible bankrupt mechanisms, procedural bankruptcy and age-dependent bankruptcy. Through numerical simulations, we show that the bankruptcy can effectively promote cooperation. Moreover, we find the non-monotonic behavior of the cooperation level with the increase of noise intensity in procedural bankruptcy. By investigating the strategy patterns and the distributions of the bankruptcy probabilities for cooperators and defectors, we provide explanations for the promotion of cooperation and the optimization of the cooperation level. This work highlights the positive effects of bankruptcy mechanism on cooperation in the real business world.
Perturbation theoretical approach to determine optomechanical entanglement in mirror-field systems
Authors: Chiangga S. , Sunpatanon T. , Frank T. D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An analytical method is developed that can be applied to a large variety of optomechanical systems to study entanglement between two subsystems of interest. The method is based on a system parameter that can be considered as perturbation parameter. It is shown that the method allows researchers to draw both qualitative and quantitative conclusions about the perturbation parameter at hand. First, the conclusion can be drawn whether or not the parameter when scaled up slightly induces entanglement between the subsystems. Second, physical insights into the role of model parameters for the emergence of entanglement can be obtained based on the perturbation theoretical analytical expressions. Third, quantitative predictions of numerical simulations that so far dominate the literature in the field of optomechanical entanglement can be validated at least in the limit of the vanishing perturbation parameter.
Focal Seizures in a Patient With Chronic Basal Ganglia Calcifications Secondary to Idiopathic Primary Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Jennifer , Van Karen , Carney Patrick , Gilfillan Christopher , Grossmann Mathis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Patients with hypoparathyroidism can present with concurrent basal ganglia calcifications (BGCs). The exact pathogenesis is unknown, although it is thought to relate to calcium-phosphate deposition from chronic hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with known idiopathic primary hypoparathyroidism and concurrent extensive BGC. Thirty years after diagnosis, he presented with focal seizures despite a decade of stable intracranial calcifications on imaging. Serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels were well controlled during this period. He was commenced on lifelong levetiracetam with subsequent seizure remission. Given the scarcity of literature surrounding focal seizures and BGC, it is essential to raise awareness in this area.
The Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis, Out-Migration, and Household Change Among Venezuelans in Venezuela and Abroad
Authors: Weitzman Abigail , Huss Katarina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
International migration is increasingly characterized by the need to evade threats to survival. Nevertheless, demographic understandings of how families—rather than individuals alone—decide to migrate or separate in response to threats remain limited. Focusing on the recent humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, we analyze 2012–2016 data on Venezuelans in Venezuela and 2018–2020 data on UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)-registered Venezuelans in nine receiving countries to illuminate the evolution of threats Venezuelans sought to evade, how threat evasion transformed households away from previous norms, the selection of migrants into different receiving countries and household structures, and demographic disparities in migrants’ odds of reporting changes to their household because of specific migration-related processes (e.g., leaving someone in Venezuela, leaving someone in another country). Results underscore a simultaneous escalation of economic, safety, and political concerns that informed Venezuelans’ increasing intentions to out-migrate. Where Venezuelans migrated and who ended up in their households abroad varied by demographic background and migration experiences. Among UNHCR-registered Venezuelans, 43% left family members in Venezuela, and more than 10% left or were left behind by members in another country. Such household separations, however, were unevenly distributed across factors such as age, gender, and country of reception.
Dear Program Director: An Evaluation of Implicit Bias in Letters of Recommendation for Neurosurgery Residency
Authors: Coyle Anne , Graves Erin K. M. , Hannah Theodore C. , Yong Valeda , Rostmeyer Kaleb , Erkmen Cherie P. , Erkmen Kadir 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Despite comprising half of medical students, women represent only 29.6% of neurosurgery applicants and 17% of residents, suggesting a “leak” in the career pipeline for women neurosurgeons. Surveys persistently show that neurosurgery programs identify United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) Step 1 score and letters of recommendation (LORs) as the most important factors in selecting applicants to interview. A previous study in neurosurgery found no differences in LORs. However, multiple studies in other specialties have demonstrated implicit gender bias in LORs, which may influence resident selection. Our objective is to evaluate neurosurgery residency LORs for evidence of implicit gender bias.

METHODS:
Retrospective analysis of LORs for interviewed neurosurgery applicants at a single institution during the 2014 to 2020 National Residency Matching Program (NRMP®) match cycles. Letters were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry & Word Count (LIWC) software (Pennebaker Conglomerates), and additional applicant data were obtained from candidate applications. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) output data included custom dictionary categories and terms that were analyzed using Prism 10 and Rstudio.

RESULTS:
Two hundred eighteen applications were reviewed for a total of 827 letters. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) analysis showed significant differences in word count (331 vs 297, difference = 34, 95% CI: 9-61, P = .008). LORs for applicants who were men were more likely to mention Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1.17 vs 0.778, difference = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.13-0.67, P = .023). USMLE® Step 1 scores were significantly lower for women (241 vs 247, difference = 6, 95% CI: 2-10, P = .004). There was no significant difference between letters for men and women for all categories evaluated in the linguistic evaluation.

CONCLUSION:
LORs are vital to the neurosurgical residency application process. The data exhibit some differences between the men and women applicants but few differences in their LORs, consistent with the results of the previous neurosurgical study.