bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Totally intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis (TICA) versus classical mini-laparotomy for specimen extraction, after segmental bowel resection for deep endometriosis: a single-center experience
Authors: Ianieri Manuel Maria , De Cicco Nardone Alessandra , Greco Pierfrancesco , Carcagnì Antonella , Campolo Federica , Pacelli Fabio , Scambia Giovanni , Santullo Francesco 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The surgical approach to bowel endometriosis is still unclear. The aim of the study is to compare TICA to conventional specimen extractions and extra-abdominal insertion of the anvil in terms of both complications and functional outcomes.

Methods
This is a single-center, observational, retrospective study conducted enrolling symptomatic women underwent laparoscopic excision of deep endometriosis with segmental bowel resection between September 2019 and June 2022. Women who underwent TICA were compared to classical technique (CT) in terms of intra- and postoperative complications, moreover, functional outcomes relating to the pelvic organs were assessed using validated questionnaires [Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom (KESS) questionnaire and Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI)] for bowel function. Pain symptoms were assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores.

Results
The sample included 64 women. TICA was performed on 31.2% (n = 20) of the women, whereas CT was used on 68.8% (n = 44). None of the patients experienced rectovaginal, vesicovaginal, ureteral or vesical fistula, or ureteral stenosis and uroperitoneum, and in no cases was it necessary to reoperate. Regarding the two surgical approaches, no significant difference was observed in terms of complications. As concerns pain symptoms at 6-month follow-up evaluations on stratified data, except for dysuria, all VAS scales reported showed significant reductions between median values, for both surgery interventions. As well, significant improvements were further observed in KESS scores and overall GIQLI. Only the GIQLI evaluation was significantly smaller in the TICA group compared to CT after the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions
We did not find any significant differences in terms of intra- or post-operative complications compared TICA and CT, but only a slight improvement in the Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index in patients who underwent the CT compared to the TICA technique.
Identification and validation of neutrophils-related subtypes and prognosis model in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Shanqi , Qian Yuzhou , Xie Wanchen , Li Xinyu , Wei Jiaying , Wang Long , Ren Guosheng , Yin Xuedong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Neutrophils are considered to be crucial players in the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the complex relationship between neutrophils and cancer prognosis remains elusive, mainly due to the significant plasticity and diversity exhibited by these immune cells.

Methods
As part of our thorough investigation, we examined 38 Neutrophils-Related Genes (NRGs) and the associated copy number variations (CNV), somatic mutations, and gene expression patterns in relation to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The interactions between these genes, their biological roles, and their possible prognostic significance were then examined. With the NRGs as our basis, we applied Lasso and Cox regression analyses to create a predictive model for overall survival (OS). Furthermore, TNBC tissue and a public database were used to assess changes in MYO1D expression (MYO1D is characterized as a member of the myosin-I family, a group of motor proteins based on actin), its connection to neutrophil infiltration, and the clinical importance of MYO1D in TNBC.

Results
Four neutrophil-related genes were included in the development of a prognostic model based on neutrophils. The model was further shown to be an independent predicted factor for overall survival by multivariate Cox regression analysis. According to this study, neutrophil subtype B as well as gene subtype B, were associated with activated cancer immunity and poor prognosis of TNBC patients. Furthermore, considering that poor OS was linked to increased MYO1D expression, MYO1D was increased in TNBC tissues and associated with neutrophil infiltration. In vitro experiments also confirmed that MYO1D facilitates breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

Conclusion
Based on the degree of gene expression linked to neutrophils, a unique prognostic model was created. MYO1D could be a potential prognostic biomarker in TNBC patients and also a prospective target for therapy.
Advancing the resource nexus concept for research and practice
Authors: Brouwer Floor , Caucci Serena , Karthe Daniel , Kirschke Sabrina , Madani Kaveh , Mueller Andrea , Zhang Lulu , Guenther Edeltraud 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe nexus concept has considerably matured during the past decade. Numerous literature reviews have significantly contributed to taking stock of the advancements in knowledge and tool development to improve science-policy support on highly connected and interdependent resources. However, literature reviews often focus on specific sector-based nexus concepts (such as water-energy-food nexus) and analyses (such as environmental assessment, technical tools, or the management and policy dimension). Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the actual nexus and the resources it builds upon still needs to be improved. This paper aims to test the validity of the nexus construct for research and practice. Based on a systematic review of reviews, including 62 nexus-related review papers and subsequent consultation of some sixty nexus experts, we suggest a robust but flexible approach to advancing the Resource Nexus for research and practice. In doing so, the knowledge provided by nexus research may provide more substantial support to decision-makers when designing and implementing policies for the sustainable management of environmental resources.
Analyzing the 20-year declining trend of hospital length-of-stay in European countries with different healthcare systems and reimbursement models
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Sanmarchi Francesco , Toscano Fabrizio , Bucci Andrea , Nante Nicola 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe study aims to investigate the last 20-year (2000–2019) of hospital length of stay (LOS) trends and their association with different healthcare systems (HS) among 25 European countries. A panel dataset was created using secondary data from Eurostat and Global Burden of Disease study databases, with dependent and control variables aggregated at the national level over a period of 20 years. A time trend analysis was conducted using a weighted least squares model for panel data to investigate the association between LOS, HS models [National Health Service (NHS), National Health Insurance, Social Health Insurance (SHI), and Etatist Social Health Insurance], healthcare reimbursement schemes [Prospective Global Budget (PGB), Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG), and Procedure Service Payment (PSP)], and control variables. The study showed a reduction of average LOS from 9.20 days in 2000 to 7.24 in 2019. SHI was associated with a lower LOS compared to NHS (b = − 0.6327, p < 0.05). Both DRG (b = 1.2399, p < 0.05) and PSP (b = 1.1677, p < 0.05) reimbursement models were positively associated with LOS compared to PGB. Our results confirmed the downward trend of LOS in the last 20 years, its multifactorial nature, and the influence of the SHI model of HS. This could be due to the financial incentives present in fee-for-service payment models and the role of competition in creating a market for healthcare services. These results offer insight into the factors influencing healthcare utilization and can inform the design of more effective, efficient, and sustainable HS.
Inventory of School Supports-Parent Report (ISS-PR): Development and Validation with Military-Connected Families
Authors: Steggerda Jake C. , Cavell Timothy A. , Nicholson Juliann H. , Drew Alison L. , Herrera Carla , Gaffney Debby , Slep Amy M. Smith , Lorber Michael F. , Spencer Renée 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTools that assess school supports for highly mobile, military-connected students are lacking. This study describes the development and preliminary validation of the Inventory of School Supports-Parent Report (ISS-PR). Participants were 433 parents (74% female; 62.5% White, 12% Black, 6.5% Asian, 5.5% Pacific Islander, 4% Native American, and 9.5% bi/multiracial; 19% Latinx) of students (grades 3–5) from families with an active-duty military parent. Parents completed the ISS-PR and rated: (a) how welcoming schools were toward military-connected families; (b) parent-teacher relationship quality; and (c) satisfaction with their child’s school. We created three proportional index composite scores: a 26-item school supports score, a 13-item parent-focused supports score, and a 13-item child-focused supports score. Results supported the ISS-PR’s psychometric properties: summary scores were positively linked to parent-teacher relationship quality, school welcoming, and parent satisfaction with the school. We also found evidence for test-retest reliability for parents completing the inventory with students who had either moved schools or remained in their previous schools. Future studies could use the ISS-PR to assess whether parents’ perceptions of the availability and importance of school supports for military-connected families are related to other constructs such as overall school climate, student academic performance, and socioemotional functioning. Schools could use the inventory to determine which supports could potentially have the greatest impact for military-connected families and to what extent parents are aware of the supports schools offer.
Solving Maxmin Optimization Problems via Population Games
Authors: Balter Anne G. , Schumacher Johannes M. , Schweizer Nikolaus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPopulation games are games with a finite set of available strategies and an infinite number of players, in which the reward for choosing a given strategy is a function of the distribution of players over strategies. The paper shows that, in a certain class of maxmin optimization problems, it is possible to associate a population game to a given maxmin problem in such a way that solutions to the optimization problem are found from Nash equilibria of the associated game. Iterative solution methods for maxmin optimization problems can then be derived from systems of differential equations whose trajectories are known to converge to Nash equilibria. In particular, we use a discrete-time version of the celebrated replicator equation of evolutionary game theory, also known in machine learning as the exponential multiplicative weights algorithm. The resulting algorithm can be viewed as a generalization of the Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (IRLS) method, which is well known in numerical analysis as a useful technique for solving Chebyshev function approximation problems on a finite grid. Examples are provided to show the use of the generalized IRLS method in collective investment and in decision making under model uncertainty.
Patient preference on once-daily oral versus injectable androgen deprivation therapy for Asian patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Wong Ho-Ming Chris , Cheung Bernice Cheuk-Sin , Yuen Violet Wai-Fan , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Ng Chi-Fai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed at investigating prostate cancer patients’ choice of androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) and possible factors that would affect their preferences of ADT.

Methods
This was a single-centre cross-sectional study investigating the usage and preferences of ADT. Consecutives prostate cancer patients who were receiving injectable luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist or antagonist were recruited from the prostate cancer clinic in a tertiary academic hospital. Patients who received bilateral orchidectomy or those who could not consent to the study were excluded. Disease characteristics, treatment information and patient background were documented. The survey collected information related to their change in ADT regimen, preferences on drug usage (routes and frequency of administration) and their reasons. A hypothetical set of three drug formularies was designed. Questions regarding patient preference and the contributing reasons raised in the format of questionnaire.

Results
100 patients completed the survey. Most patients started with more frequent injections (3-monthly, 54%; 1-monthly, 38%) and switched to 6-monthly injections (89%) at the time of the survey. Primary reasons for the change were healthcare opinion (72%) and less frequent treatment (51%).
Three options of ADT (oral daily, 1-monthly and 6-monthly injection) with the same efficacies and side effect profile were offered: 61% preferred 6-monthly injection, 1% preferred 1-monthly injection and 38% preferred oral regimen. When patients were informed of lower cardiovascular side effects in 1-monthly injection or daily oral drug, patients’ preference was 56% (6-monthly), 6% (1-monthly), and 39% (oral). Patients with polypharmacy (more than 5 regular medications) were more inclined to choose injections (p = 0.025). Patient age, educational background, employment status, marriage status and disease status were not found to be statistically significant contributing factors to patient preference.

Conclusion
6-monthly ADT injection was the preferred ADT despite greater cardiovascular risks. Among 1-monthly or daily oral LHRH antagonist, more patients prefer oral option. Convenience factor was highly valued.
Data-Driven Accelerated Parameter Identification for Chaboche-Type Visco-Plastic Material Models to Describe the Relaxation Behavior of Copper Alloys
Authors: Morand L. , Norouzi E. , Weber M. , Butz A. , Helm D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Calibrating material models to experimental measurements is crucial for realistic computational analysis of components. For complex material models, however, optimization-based identification procedures can become time-consuming, particularly if the optimization problem is ill-posed.

Objective
The objective of this paper is to assess the feasibility of using machine learning to identify the parameters of a Chaboche-type material model that describes copper alloys. Specifically, we apply and analyze this identification approach using short-term uniaxial relaxation tests on a C19010 copper alloy.

Methods
A genetic algorithm forms the basis for identifying the parameters of the Chaboche-type material model. The approach is accelerated by replacing the numerical simulation of the experimental setup by a neural network surrogate. The neural networks-based approach is compared against a classic approach using both, synthetic and experimental data.

Results
The results show that on the one hand, a sufficiently accurate identification of the material model parameters can be achieved by a classic but time-consuming genetic algorithm. On the other hand, it is shown that machine learning enables a much more time-efficient identification procedure, however, suffering from the ill-posedness of the identification problem.

Conclusion
Compared to classic parameter identification approaches, machine learning techniques can significantly accelerate the identification procedure for parameters of Chaboche-type material models with acceptable loss of accuracy.
Establishing healthy longevity clinics in publicly funded hospitals
Authors: Bonnes Sara L. R. , Strauss Tzipora , Palmer Allyson K. , Hurt Ryan T. , Island Louis , Goshen Abigail , Wang Laureen Y. T. , Kirkland James L. , Bischof Evelyne , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHealthy longevity medicine integrates geroscience and other disciplines into clinical settings, aiming to optimize health throughout one’s lifespan. Multiple factors have led to increased consumer engagement, with private clinics currently meeting the demand for guidance to improve healthy longevity. The establishment of healthy longevity clinics in publicly funded hospitals is a significant development, making longevity-focused healthcare more accessible. These clinics rely on multidisciplinary teams of physicians and allied health professionals. Diagnostics involve comprehensive evaluations of medical history, physical examinations, and various clinical tests to detect early signs of age-related functional decline. Interventions in healthy longevity medicine encompass lifestyle modifications, supplements, repurposed drugs, and social and environmental interventions. Collaboration with research institutions and industry partners is crucial for advancing healthy longevity medicine and creating standardized protocols. In this article, we review the process of creating healthy longevity clinics in public hospitals to ensure the best possible care for individuals pursuing healthy longevity.
Computed tomography-based 3D convolutional neural network deep learning model for predicting micropapillary or solid growth pattern of invasive lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huo Jiwen , Min Xuhong , Luo Tianyou , Lv Fajin , Feng Yibo , Fan Qianrui , Wang Dawei , Ma Dongchun , Li Qi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the value of a computed tomography (CT)-based deep learning (DL) model to predict the presence of micropapillary or solid (M/S) growth pattern in invasive lung adenocarcinoma (ILADC).

Materials and Methods
From June 2019 to October 2022, 617 patients with ILADC who underwent preoperative chest CT scans in our institution were randomly placed into training and internal validation sets in a 4:1 ratio, and 353 patients with ILADC from another institution were included as an external validation set. Then, a self-paced learning (SPL) 3D Net was used to establish two DL models: model 1 was used to predict the M/S growth pattern in ILADC, and model 2 was used to predict that pattern in ≤ 2-cm-diameter ILADC.

Results
For model 1, the training cohort’s area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score were 0.924, 0.845, 0.851, 0.842, and 0.843; the internal validation cohort’s were 0.807, 0.744, 0.756, 0.750, and 0.743; and the external validation cohort’s were 0.857, 0.805, 0.804, 0.806, and 0.804, respectively. For model 2, the training cohort’s AUC, accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score were 0.946, 0.858, 0.881,0.844, and 0.851; the internal validation cohort’s were 0.869, 0.809, 0.786, 0.794, and 0.790; and the external validation cohort’s were 0.831, 0.792, 0.789, 0.790, and 0.790, respectively. The SPL 3D Net model performed better than the ResNet34, ResNet50, ResNeXt50, and DenseNet121 models.

Conclusion
The CT-based DL model performed well as a noninvasive screening tool capable of reliably detecting and distinguishing the subtypes of ILADC, even in small-sized tumors.
Value of virtual non-contrast images to identify uncomplicated cystic renal lesions: photon-counting detector CT vs. dual-energy integrating detector CT
Authors: Rau Stephan , Rau Alexander , Stein Thomas , Hagar Muhammad Taha , Faby Sebastian , Bamberg Fabian , Weiss Jakob 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the value of photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) derived virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstructions to identify renal cysts in comparison with conventional dual-energy integrating detector (DE EID) CT-derived VNC reconstructions.

Material and methods
We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients with simple renal cysts (Bosniak classification—Version 2019, density ≤ 20 HU and/or enhancement ≤ 20 HU) who underwent multiphase (non-contrast, arterial, portal venous phase) PCD-CT and for whom non-contrast and portal venous phase DE EID-CT was available. Subsequently, VNC reconstructions were calculated for all contrast phases and density as well as contrast enhancement within the cysts were measured and compared. MRI and/or ultrasound served as reference standards for lesion classification.

Results
19 patients (1 cyst per patient; age 69.5 ± 10.7 years; 17 [89.5%] male) were included. Density measurements on PCD-CT non-contrast and VNC reconstructions (arterial and portal venous phase) revealed no significant effect on HU values (p = 0.301). In contrast, a significant difference between non-contrast vs. VNC images was found for DE EID-CT (p = 0.02). For PCD-CT, enhancement for VNC reconstructions was < 20 HU for all evaluated cysts. DE EID-CT measurements revealed an enhancement of > 20 HU in five lesions (26.3%) using the VNC reconstructions, which was not seen with the non-contrast images.

Conclusion
PCD-CT-derived VNC images allow for reliable and accurate characterization of simple cystic renal lesions similar to non-contrast scans whereas VNC images calculated from DE EID-CT resulted in substantial false characterization. Thus, PCD-CT-derived VNC images may substitute for non-contrast images and reduce radiation dose and follow-up imaging.
Hug sign in intraprocedural cone-beam-CT to predict short-term response to combined treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Iezzi Roberto , Posa Alessandro , Valente Iacopo , Contegiacomo Andrea , Zocco Maria Assunta , Pompili Maurizio , Annicchiarico Brigida Eleonora , Ponziani Francesca Romana , Basso Michele , Goldberg Shraga Nahum , Giuliante Felice , Gasbarrini Antonio , Sala Evis ,   HepatoCatt Study Group, Genco Enza , Brizi Gabriella , Cellini Francesco , Riccardi Laura , De Matthaeis Nicoletta , Biolato Marco , Miele Luca , Cerrito Lucia , Pizzolante Fabrizio , Grieco Antonio , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Marrone Giuseppe , Garcovich Matteo , Avolio Alfonso Wolfango , Ardito Francesco , Spoletini Gabriele , Agnes Salvatore , Vellone Maria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Combined treatment of ablation and chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma represents a promising therapy to increase treatment efficacy and improve patient survival. The “hug sign” is a recently introduced radiological sign consisting in deposition of beads/contrast agent during transarterial chemoembolization in the hyperemic area surrounding the post-ablation volume, seen during intraprocedural unenhanced cone-beam CT, that may indicate intraprocedural success. Aim of our retrospective study was to analyze the usefulness of the “hug sign” at the intraprocedural unenhanced cone-beam CT as an early predictor of response to combined treatment, based on the hug sign angle.

Materials and methods
Between January 2017 and September 2021 all patients with hepatocellular carcinoma which underwent a combined treatment of thermal ablation followed by chemoembolization were enrolled. All treated patients underwent immediate post-procedural unenhanced cone-beam CT to evaluate the deposition of contrast agent, lipiodol or radiopaque beads and to assess the percentage of coverage of the ablated area with the contrast agent (hug sign angle). Patients with missing pre-procedural, intra-procedural and/or post-procedural data/imaging, or with poor-quality post-procedural cone-beam CT images were excluded.

Results
128 patients (mean age, 69.3 years ± 1.1 [standard deviation]; 87 men) were evaluated. Our study evidenced that 84.4% (81/85) of patients with a hug sign angle of 360° had no residual tumor at the first 1-/3-months follow-up examination. A hug sign angle of 360° also showed to be an independent protective factor against residual tumor at multivariate analysis.

Conclusion
Unenhanced cone-beam CT performed at the end of a combined treatment with ablation plus chemoembolization can effectively predict an early treatment response on radiological images, when a hug sign angle of 360° was detected.