bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Weight Loss Program for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with High Body Mass Index in Hepatectomy
Authors: Saito Yu , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Yamada Shinichiro , Teraoku Hiroki , Yasui‐Yamada Sonoko , Nishi Maki , Sakaue Hiroshi , Kamada Motomu , Matsuura Tetsuya , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the usefulness of a weight‐loss program (WLP) in patients with a high body mass index (BMI) prior to liver resection (Hx) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsAmong 445 patients with HCC who underwent initial Hx between 2000 and 2020, 19 with a high BMI (≥25.0) were enrolled in our WLP since 2014. For calorie restriction, the amount of energy consumed was calculated as the standard body weight (SBW) kg × 20–25 kcal/day. Protein mass was calculated as SBW kg × 1.0–1.2 g/day to maintain skeletal muscle mass. Patients also performed both aerobic and resistance exercises. The before‐and‐after changes were compared, and the effect of WLP on the short‐ and long‐term results was investigated.ResultsThe average length of WLP was 21 days, and weight loss was successfully achieved in all patients. Body fat mass was reduced during the program, while skeletal muscle mass was maintained. WLP led to improvements in liver function and fibrotic markers, without tumor progression. There were no postoperative complications (≥Clavien–Dindo [CD] III). A retrospective comparison between with and without WLP using propensity score‐matching analysis revealed that WLP group showed better NLR value, however, there were no significant differences in both short and long‐term outcomes after Hx based on participation in the WLP.ConclusionsWLP with multidisciplinary intervention improved immune‐nutrition status and liver function of obese patients. WLP had not affected both short and long‐term outcomes after Hx.
Is restoration of vertebral body height after vertebral body fractures and minimally-invasive dorsal stabilization with polyaxial pedicle screws just an illusion?
Authors: Thelen Simon , Oezel Lisa , Hilss Lena , Grassmann Jan-Peter , Betsch Marcel , Wild Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Thoracolumbar spine fractures often require surgical treatment as they are associated with spinal instability. Optimal operative techniques and treatment are discussed controversially. Aim of our prospective cohort study was to investigate the sagittal alignment after reduction, the secondary loss of reduction and the subjective outcome as well as the causal correlation of these parameters after minimally invasive stabilization of thoracic and lumbar fractures with polyaxial pedicle screws.

Materials and methods
In a single-center study, a total of 78 patients with an average age of 61 ± 17 years who suffered a fracture of the thoracic or lumbar spine were included and subjected to a clinical and radiological follow-up examination after 8.5 ± 8 months. The kyphotic deformity was measured by determining the vertebral body angle, the mono- and bi-segmental wedge angle at three time points. The patients’ subjective outcome was evaluated by the VAS spine score.

Results
After surgical therapy, a significant reduction of the traumatic kyphotic deformity was shown with an improvement of all angles (vertebral body angle: 3.2° ± 4.4°, mono- and bi-segmental wedge angle: 3.1° ± 5.6°, 2.0° ± 6.3°). After follow-up, a significant loss of sagittal alignment was observed for all measured parameters with a loss of correction. However, no correlation between the loss of reduction and the subjective outcome regarding the VAS spine scale could be detected.

Conclusion
The minimally invasive dorsal stabilization of thoracic and lumbar spine fractures with polyaxial pedicle screws achieved a satisfactory reduction of the fracture-induced kyphotic deformity immediately postoperatively with a floss of reduction in the further course. However, maybe the main goal of this surgical procedure should be the prevention of a complete collapse of the vertebral body instead of a long-lasting restoration of anatomic sagittal alignment.

Level of evidence
II.
Longitudinal predictors of health-related quality of life in isolated dystonia
Authors: Junker Johanna , Hall James , Berman Brian D. , Vidailhet Marie , Roze Emmanuel , Bäumer Tobias , Malaty Irene A. , Shukla Aparna Wagle , Jankovic Joseph , Reich Stephen G. , Espay Alberto J. , Duque Kevin R. , Patel Neepa , Perlmutter Joel S. , Jinnah H. A. ,   Dystonia Coalition Study Group, Brandt Valerie , Brüggemann Norbert 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
To determine longitudinal predictors of health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in an international multicenter cohort of patients with isolated dystonia.

Methods
Out of 603 dystonia patients prospectively enrolled in the Natural History Dystonia Coalition study, 155 were assessed three times within 2 years for HR-QoL, symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD), as well as dystonia severity and dystonic tremor. In addition, the impact of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections on HR-QoL was evaluated after 1 year.

Results
Depressive symptoms at baseline predicted lower HR-QoL on all subscales after 2 years (all p ≤ 0.001). Higher GAD scores at baseline predicted lower HR-QoL related to general health, pain and emotional well-being, whereas higher SAD scores predicted higher pain-related QoL after 2 years (all p ≤ 0.006). Dystonia severity at baseline predicted social functioning (p = 0.002). Neither dystonic tremor, age, or sex predicted HR-QoL at 2 years. Two latent categories were revealed across the three-time points: Category 1 with higher total HR-QoL scores (mean HR-QoL = 74.4% ± 16.1), susceptible to symptoms of depression and SAD, and Category 2 with lower total HR-QoL scores (mean HR-QoL = 45.5% ± 17.6), susceptible to symptoms of GAD. HR-QoL improved over the course of 1 year irrespective of the use of BoNT.

Conclusion
The longitudinal impact of psychiatric symptoms on HR-QoL emphasizes the importance of incorporating mental health treatment, in particular also the therapy of anxiety disorders, into treatment regimens for dystonia.
The use of generative adversarial networks in medical image augmentation
Authors: Makhlouf Ahmed , Maayah Marina , Abughanam Nada , Catal Cagatay 
Published: October 2023

AbstractGenerative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have been widely applied in various domains, including medical image analysis. GANs have been utilized in classification and segmentation tasks, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of diseases and disorders. However, medical image datasets often suffer from insufficiency and imbalanced class distributions. To overcome these limitations, researchers have employed GANs to generate augmented medical images, effectively expanding datasets and balancing class distributions. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines and systematically collects peer-reviewed articles on the development of GAN-based augmentation models. Automated searches were conducted on electronic databases such as IEEE, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed, along with forward and backward snowballing. Out of numerous articles, 52 relevant ones published between 2018 and February 2022 were identified. The gathered information was synthesized to determine common GAN architectures, medical image modalities, body organs of interest, augmentation tasks, and evaluation metrics employed to assess model performance. Results indicated that cGAN and DCGAN were the most popular GAN architectures in the reviewed studies. Medical image modalities such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, along with body organs like the brain, chest, breast, and lung, were frequently used. Furthermore, the developed models were evaluated, and potential challenges and future directions for GAN-based medical image augmentation were discussed. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in GAN-based medical image augmentation and emphasizes the potential advantages and challenges associated with GAN utilization in this domain.
The Headache Psychologists’ Role in Pediatric and Adult Headache Care: A Qualitative Study of Expert Practitioners
Authors: Grinberg Amy S. , Damush Teresa M. , Lindsey Hayley , Burrone Laura , Baird Sean , Takagishi Stanley Curtis , Snyder Ivy , Goldman Roberta E. , Sico Jason J. , Seng Elizabeth K. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
We examined the perspectives of expert headache psychologists to inform best practices for integrating headache psychologists into the care of children and adults with headache disorders within medical settings.

Background
Headache disorders are prevalent, chronic, and disabling neurological conditions. As clinical providers trained in evidence-based behavior change interventions with expertise in headache disorders, headache psychologists are uniquely positioned to provide behavioral headache treatment.

Methods
In 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of expert headache psychologists working across the United States. Open–ended questions focused on their roles, clinical flow, and treatment content. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis method.

Results
We interviewed seven expert headache psychologists who have worked for an average of 18 years in outpatient settings with pediatric (n = 4) and adult (n = 3) patients with headache. The themes that emerged across the clinical workflow related to key components of behavioral headache treatment, effective behavioral treatment referral practices, and barriers to patient engagement. The expert headache psychologists offered evidence-based behavioral headache interventions such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizing lifestyle modification as standalone options or concurrently with pharmacological treatment and were of brief duration. Participants reported many of their patients appeared reluctant to seek behavioral treatment for headache. Participants believed referrals were most effective when the referring provider explained to the patient the rationale for behavioral treatment, treatment content, and positive impact on headache activity, functioning, and quality of life. Barriers cited by participants to integrating headache psychology into headache care included the paucity of psychologists with specialized headache training, lack of insurance reimbursement, limited patient time to seek behavioral treatment, and inadequate patient knowledge of what behavioral treatment entails.

Conclusion
Headache psychologists are often core members of multidisciplinary headache teams offering short-term, evidence-based behavioral interventions, both as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. However, barriers to care persist.
Enhancing referring providers’ familiarity with psychologists’ role in headache care may aid successful referrals for behavioral interventions for headache.
Antiapoptotic and chemotaxis-stimulating effects of poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan and whey proteins against aflatoxicosis-induced splenic and thymic atrophy
Authors: Ezzat Ghada M. , Meki Abdel-Raheim M. A. , Meligy Fatma Y. , Omar Hend , Nassar Ahmed Y. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Aflatoxin B (AFB) induces toxicological effects on the liver and immune organs. The whey proteins can modulate the immune response during aflatoxicosis. Our work evaluates the novel polylactic acid-glycolic acid-chitosan-encapsulated bovine and camel whey proteins against AFB-induced thymic and splenic atrophy in rats.

Methods and results
Seventy adult male Wister albino rats were divided into a control healthy group (G1) and six AFB1-intoxicated groups (G2–G7). One of the following supplements: distilled water, camel whey proteins (CWP), bovine whey proteins, poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- chitosan-loaded with camel whey protein microparticles (CMP), PLGA-chitosan loaded with bovine whey protein microparticles (BMP), and PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were administered as prophylactic supplements to AFB1-intoxicated groups. The AFB-treated group showed significantly higher hepatic levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants. In the aflatoxicated group, atrophy of the splenic lymphatic nodules and disfigurement in the organisation with an apparent decrease in the thickness of the cortex in the thymus were observed, as well as a decrease in splenic and thymic CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes. Moreover, CXCL12 levels were downregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were upregulated. CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements markedly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as significantly raised CXCL12, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells.

Conclusions
The CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements rescue the liver and immune tissues from the toxic effects of AFB through their antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and chemotaxis-enhancing roles.
Pulmonary Histoplasmosis in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in French Guiana: Clinical Epidemiology, Medical Imaging and Prognostic
Authors: Bourne-Watrin Morgane , Adenis Antoine , Doppelt Gary , Zappa Magaly , Epelboin Loïc , Nacher Mathieu , Bigot Jeanne , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Blaizot Romain , Blanchet Denis , Demar Magalie , Guillot Geneviève , Djossou Félix , Couppié Pierre 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Histoplasmosis is mainly described as a disseminated disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Compared to historical descriptions in immunocompetent individuals, knowledge is lacking on the detailed clinical and radiological findings and outcomes of pulmonary histoplasmosis (PH). Overlooked or misdiagnosed with other AIDS-defining condition, prognostic of PLHIV may be at risk because of inappropriate care.

Methods
A retrospective multicentric study was conducted in PLHIV from French Guiana between January 1988 and October 2019. Proven PH were documented through mycological direct examination, culture, or histology. Patients with concomitant respiratory infections were excluded.

Results
Among 65 patients, sex ratio M:F was 2.4 with a median age of 39 years [IQR 25–75%: 34–44]. Median CD4 count was 24 cells/mm3 [11–71], with histoplasmosis as the AIDS-defining condition in 88% and concomitant AIDS-defining conditions in 29%. Clinical findings were fever (89%), cough (58%), dyspnea (35%), expectoration (14%), and hemoptysis (5%). Sixty-one X-rays and 24 CT-scans were performed. On X-rays, an interstitial lung disease was mainly found (77%). On CT-scans, a nodular pattern was predominant (83%): mostly miliary disease (63%), but also excavated nodules (35%). Consolidations were present in 46%, associated with miliary disease in 21%. Thoracic lymphadenopathies were found in 58%, mainly hilar and symmetric (33%). Despite antifungal treatment, case-fatality rate at one month was 22%.

Conclusion
When faced with an interstitial lung disease on X-rays or a miliary pattern on CT-scans in advanced PLHIV, physicians in endemic areas, apart from tuberculosis or pneumocystosis, should include histoplasmosis as part of their differential diagnoses.
Erosion mitigation with biocementation: a review on applications, challenges, & future perspectives
Authors: Dubey Anant Aishwarya , Dhami Navdeep Kaur , Ravi K. , Mukherjee Abhijit 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSoil erosion is a complex natural process that occurs by either individual or combined actions of wind, hydraulic currents, waves, and rain. This study comprehensively reviews biocementation-based soil stabilisation techniques for developing erosion-resilient landforms through an ecologically conscious strategy. The different pathways for biocementation occurring in nature are discussed with a focused view on the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique. MICP relies on biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation via the urea hydrolysis route to bind the soil grains. The kinetics and factors affecting MICP are succinctly discussed to highlight the practical challenges associated with biocementation. This study emphasises the influence of MICP on erosion resistance (aeolian and hydraulic) and geotechnical properties of soils. The critical assessment of the previous studies revealed that aeolian and hydraulic erosion can be effectively controlled with a small to moderate quantity of biogenic CaCO3 (2% to 10% of soil weight). MICP marginally influences the hydraulic conductivity of soils with a substantial improvement in compressive strength, making it desirous over traditional soil cementation agents for erosion control due to the limited intervention to natural groundwater flow. However, the scientific design and findings of the previous laboratory-scale and pilot-scale research are still inconsistent for standardising biocementation techniques to transition towards upscaling. This study presents critical insights to the researchers of the environmental, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering domains to design their upcoming studies to tackle the challenges required for upscaling biocementation technology.
Urban Agglomeration and Income Inequality: Is Kuznets Hypothesis Valid for Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Maket Isaiah , Kanó Izabella Szakálné , Vas Zsófia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality. The World Bank and the United Nations place Sub-Saharan Africa among the leading urbanizing regions with sizable urban agglomeration inequality challenges. Therefore, the main research question of this study was whether there is a significant relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality. This study also aimed to determine whether the relationship is nonlinear, estimated using a dynamic panel model, an inverted U-shaped Kuznets hypothesis, and balanced panel data from 2000 to 2020 for 22 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings revealed a nonlinear relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings showed that income inequality increases with urban agglomeration in the first stage and decreases in the later stages of urbanization. Based on the findings, our recommendations are to enhance governance capacity in providing urban infrastructural investment, improve industrialization capacity, and open up the peri-urban connecting rural regions through public–private development partnerships to shorten the urbanization-driven income inequality inverted U-shaped Kuznets’ turning point in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Computing in Scilab
Authors: Jain Chetana 
Published: October 2023

SciLab is a free open-source computing and graphics tool that allows students to learn physical and mathematical concepts with ease. Computing in SciLab has been designed for undergraduate students of physics and electronics following the CBCS-LOCF syllabus, and with extensive coverage of concepts, it focuses primarily on the applications of SciLab in improving the problem-solving skills of readers. All these tools are classroom-tested and focus on data visualization and numerical computing with SCILAB. The book covers important topics like linear algebra, matrices, plotting tools, curve fitting, differential equations, integral calculus, Fourier analysis, and equation solving.
The Mojave Section of the San Andreas Fault (California), 2: Pleistocene Records of Near‐Field Transpression Illuminate the Atypical Evolution of the Restraining “Big Bend”
Authors: Moulin Adrien , Cowgill Eric 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWith an obliquity of ∼30° relative to plate motion direction, the ∼300‐km‐long Big Bend of the San Andreas Fault is one of the world's largest restraining bends. The 5–6 Ma (∼160 km of total displacement) longevity of this mechanically inefficient structure and the lack of evidence for associated widespread uplift both challenge existing models of transpression and bend evolution. We focus on the structurally simplest section of the Big Bend (the Mojave section of the San Andreas: MSAF) to characterize the pattern of near‐field (<5 km from the San Andreas trace) uplift over two different timescales. The topography of vertically deformed alluvial surfaces is used to demonstrate that near‐field uplift along the least oblique segment of the MSAF has been significant over the last ∼40 ka (∼1–2 mm/yr), and driven by slip on two oppositely dipping blind reverse faults. Topographic and structural analyses of the MSAF near‐field are conducted at the scale of the entire fault to show that, at least on the NE side of the MSAF, these blind structures coincide with the front of a fault‐parallel bedrock ridge with clear characteristics of a young transpressive ridge. Structural, sedimentary, and geomorphic arguments converge to suggest that these blind structures were activated ∼315 ka ago and record a Mid‐Pleistocene kinematic reorganization of the MSAF fault‐zone. This reorganization is tentatively interpreted as a shift in the mode of accommodation of the transpressive component of plate motion, in turn driven by the strike‐slip advection of crustal strength gradients along the Big Bend.
Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial
Authors: Wadden Thomas A. , Chao Ariana M. , Machineni Sriram , Kushner Robert , Ard Jamy , Srivastava Gitanjali , Halpern Bruno , Zhang Shuyu , Chen Jiaxun , Bunck Mathijs C. , Ahmad Nadia N. , Forrester Tammy 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe effects of tirzepatide, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on weight reduction after successful intensive lifestyle intervention are unknown. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized (1:1) adults with body mass index ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 and at least one obesity-related complication (excluding diabetes), who achieved ≥5.0% weight reduction after a 12-week intensive lifestyle intervention, to tirzepatide maximum tolerated dose (10 or 15 mg) or placebo once weekly for 72 weeks (n = 579). The treatment regimen estimand assessed effects regardless of treatment adherence in the intention-to-treat population. The coprimary endpoint of additional mean per cent weight change from randomization to week 72 was met with changes of −18.4% (standard error (s.e.) 0.7) with tirzepatide and 2.5% (s.e. 1.0) with placebo (estimated treatment difference −20.8 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) −23.2%, −18.5%; P < 0.001). The coprimary endpoint of the percentage of participants achieving additional weight reduction ≥5% was met with 87.5% (s.e. 2.2) with tirzepatide and 16.5% (s.e. 3.0) with placebo achieving this threshold (odds ratio 34.6%; 95% CI 19.2%, 62.6%; P < 0.001). The most common adverse events with tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, with most being mild to moderate in severity. Tirzepatide provided substantial additional reduction in body weight in participants who had achieved ≥5.0% weight reduction with intensive lifestyle intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04657016.