bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Hernia Sac Transection and Full Sac Reduction for the Treatment of Inguinal Hernias: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Cirocchi Roberto , Popivanov Georgi I. , Cianci Maria Chiara , Morabito Antonino , Matteucci Matteo , Lauricella Sara , Cassini Diletta , Boselli Carlo , Szergyuk Ivan , Tebala Giovanni Domenico , Rizzuto Antonia , Bruzzone Paolo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe history of inguinal hernia repair has been marked by the description of several therapies over ages, each with its own approach to managing the hernial sac. An analysis of hernia sac transection (with or without high ligation) versus reduction (invagination) in adults who underwent Lichtenstein open tension‐free inguinal hernia repair and in adult and pediatric patients who underwent suture repair has been the primary aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsThe authors conducted a comprehensive review and meta‐analysis. A comprehensive literature search yielded 15 publications, consisting of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1598 patients and 3 controlled clinical trials (CCTs) including 243 patients. In total, the included patients amounted to 1.841.ResultsAnalysis of the data revealed a lower rate of recurrence in patients who had sac reduction (0.35% in randomized controlled trials and 0 in clinical trials) compared to patients who had sac excision and ligation (0.86% in randomized controlled trials and 0.93% in clinical trials). However, this difference was not statistically significant (RCTs: relative risk 2.94 [0.30, 29.24]—CCTs: relative risk 4.46 [0.18, 111.36]).ConclusionThe reduction of sacs does not result in a statistically significant decrease in recurrence compared to patients who underwent sac excision and subsequent ligation. This study has demonstrated that the various courses of treatment for the inguinal hernia sac have similar primary and secondary outcomes in both adult and pediatric patients.
Understanding the Impact of Obesity on Liver Transplant Outcomes: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Moein Mahmoudreza , Baio Stephen , Contento Robert , Essop Tasiyah , Bahreini Amin , Abedini Mahsa , Abedini Marjan , Shahri Matin Moallem , Jamshidi Abolfazl , Saidi Reza 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this investigation is to assess how effective it is to exclude individuals from the liver transplant (LT) using the body mass index (BMI) as a criterion.Methods and materialsA retrospective longitudinal analysis of patients with liver transplant outcomes from January 2001 to May 2020 was conducted using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database.ResultsA total of 118,486 LT cases included in the study. Based on their BMI, patients were split into three groups: a BMI < 35 kg/m2, a 35 ≤ BMI < 40 kg/m2, and a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. The data analysis revealed a significant improvement in 10‐year graft survival in the 2011–2020 group compared to the 2001–2010 group (mean 70% vs. 53% and P < 0.001). Interestingly, a BMI above 35 kg/m2 did not have a significant effect on the graft survival, and in both time frames, there was no clinically significant difference between the recipients of the different BMI spectrum. The patient's survival was also characterized by the same pattern. Primary graft failure was the most significant cause of allograft transplant failure in all the BMI spectrum, except recipients with a BMI < 35 kg/m2, in 2011–2020 group.ConclusionThe outcomes of LT in patients requiring a LT are not significantly affected using the BMI, considering the advancements in surgical techniques and postoperation improvements, and excluding obese patients based on the BMI alone would be inappropriate.
Current status and trends in the analysis of GMO and new genomic techniques
Authors: Broll Hermann , Bendiek Joachim , Braeuning Albert , Eckermann Kolja Neil , Gebhardt Anuscha , Grohmann Lutz , Keiss Nina , Lämke Jörn , Mankertz Joachim , Schenkel Werner , Vincent Ursula , Weidner Christopher , Querci Maddalena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The detection of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is crucial for regulatory compliance and market control. Therefore, detection methods are constantly being developed and improved. New genomic techniques (NGT) present unique challenges for detection due to the minimal genetic changes they introduce. The ‘International Conference on GMO Analysis and New Genomic Techniques’ held in March 2023 in Berlin, explored advances in detection methods, such as Next-Generation Sequencing and digital PCR, and highlighted the need for global cooperation and capacity-building initiatives. The conference emphasized international collaboration and addressed the challenges of establishing robust methods for identifying NGT-derived organisms.
Convergence in regional well-being in the European Union, 2000–2021
Authors: Gallo-Rivera Maria-Teresa , Garrido-Yserte Rubén , Boán-Garcés José-Ramón , Mancha-Navarro Tomás 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The paper examines the changes in well-being across different regions in EU countries from 2000 to 2021. It evaluates a variety of indicators related to material, personal, and community well-being. The results suggest that assuming perfect substitutability among different dimensions can lead to overestimating progress in regional well-being. Additionally, the study finds that the composite regional well-being index worsened from 2000 to 2014 but may have shown signs of improvement from 2014 to 2021. Also, no signs of convergence were found from 2000 to 2014; in contrast, the convergence path might have recovered from 2014 to 2021. However, the methods used to weigh different dimensions led to variations in regional well-being convergence or divergence patterns.
Data-driven optimisation of process parameters for reducing developed surface area ratio in laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Qin Yuchu , Shi Peizhi , Lou Shan , See Tian Long , Jamal Mikdam , Zeng Wenhan , Blunt Liam , Scott Paul J. , Jiang Xiangqian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Optimising process parameters is a key category of approaches to improve the surface quality of laser powder bed fusion parts. So far, many optimisation methods have been presented, which provide effective ideas and approaches for improving surface quality. However, these methods all focus on the improvement of

$$R_a$$

R
a

,

$$S_a$$

S
a

,

$$R_{sk}$$

R

sk

, or

$$R_{\Delta q}$$

R

Δ
q

. These parameters are sufficient for most applications. They are however not suitable for applications where functional performance is linked with surface area. To quantify the quality of surfaces for these applications, the developed surface area ratio (

$$S_{dr}$$

S

dr

) is a more appropriate parameter as it can be used to quantitatively express the exposed functional surface area. In this paper, a data-driven method for optimising five process parameters, namely layer thickness, laser power, hatch spacing, point distance, and exposure time, to reduce the developed surface area ratio of laser powder bed fusion parts is proposed. Firstly, experiments are designed, and actual build and measurement experiments are conducted to acquire a fixed amount of data. A Bayesian ridge regression model for predicting a developed surface area ratio from the five process parameters is then trained and tested and compared with several other machine learning models using the acquired data. After that, optimisation of the five process parameters to reduce developed surface area ratio is carried out using the genetic algorithm, in which the objective function values (developed surface area ratios) are predicted using the established Bayesian ridge regression model. Finally, an additional actual build and measurement experiment is conducted to validate the optimisation. The testing results show that the Bayesian ridge regression model can obtain an average R

$$^2$$

2

score of 0.77 and an average mean absolute error of 8.48 on the testing dataset. The validation results suggest that the developed surface area ratios generated by the optimisation are relatively small, and on average, they are 52.11% smaller than the developed surface area ratio under the process parameters recommended by the used laser powder bed fusion system.
Association of LR treatment response category with outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on explant pathology
Authors: Khurana Aman , Chai Nathan , Gibson Amanda , Owen Joseph , Sobieh Ahmed , Hawk Gregory , Lee James 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Liver transplant (LT) is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in appropriately selected patients. Locoregional therapy (LRT) is often performed to extend a patient’s eligibility for LT. Imaging has a modest sensitivity of approximately 40–77% for detecting pathologically viable HCC in post-LRT patients. The impact on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) is unclear. We hypothesize that Liver Imaging Reporting & Data Systems Treatment Response (LI-RADS TR) category is equivalently correlated with long-term survival and overall disease-free progression when compared to explant pathology findings. We additionally hypothesize that neoadjuvant LRT can improve OS and DFS in LT patients initially within MC.

Methods
Patients found to have HCC on explant between January 2005 and December 2021 were included. A total of 167 patients were divided into treatment (any pre-LT LRT except for Y-90 therapy) and control (no pre-LT LRT) groups. Of the patients who received pre-LT LRT, imaging studies were reviewed by two abdominal radiologists using 2018 LI-RADS criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models to assess OS and DFS.

Results
No statistically significant difference in OS or DFS (p = 0.23 and p = 0.22 respectively) was initially found. Given significant difference in age between the groups (p < 0.0001), Cox proportional hazard models were used to adjust for age with statistical significance reached for better OS and DFS in the treatment group (p = 0.05 and p = 0.05 respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no difference between treatment response groups regarding overall survival or disease-free survival, presumably because of low number of HCC recurrences in our patient population (4%).

Conclusion
Despite not reaching statistical significance, LI-RADS TR categorization demonstrates a good interreader agreement (Kappa 0.6), helping radiologists feel comfortable that modest sensitivity of the LI-RADS TR treatment response category for detecting pathologically active malignancy does not confer a negative clinical outcome.
What Kills Mature Street and Park Trees in Cities? Systematic Quantitative Review of Published Case Studies
Authors: Petrova Anna , Michael Ruby Naomi , Pratt Chris 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Street and park trees often endure harsher conditions, including increased temperatures and drier soil and air, than those found in urban or natural forests. These conditions can lead to shorter lifespans and a greater vulnerability to dieback. This literature review aimed to identify confirmed causes of street and park tree dieback in urban areas from around the world. Peer-reviewed case studies related to urban tree decline were scanned for the words “urban”, “city”, “cities”, “tree*”, “decline”, “dieback”, “mortality”, and “survival”. From an initial pool of 1281 papers on Web of Science and 1489 on Scopus, 65 original peer-reviewed research papers were selected for detailed analysis. Out of all species reported to decline, 46 were native, while non-natives were represented by 35 species. The most commonly affected trees were Platanus, Fraxinus, Acer, and Ficus. Most studies were conducted in Mediterranean, humid subtropical, and humid continental climates, with the greatest representation from the United States, followed by Australia, Brazil, Iran, Italy, and Russia. Many authors focused on either biotic or abiotic causes of dieback; some explored both, and some also discussed underlying environmental and urban stresses as potential predisposing factors. The majority (81% of the papers) concluded that a decline was caused by either an arthropod or a microorganism. Overall, it was suggested that changing management strategies to improve water availability and soil health might help with tree resilience. Additionally, regular monitoring and research, along with improving tree species selection and implementing biological and chemical control methods, can help prevent or slow down tree decline. Increasing awareness and adopting preventative approaches could help to extend the lifespan of street and park trees in urban environments and mitigate some of the biological threats, especially considering the challenges we may be facing due to the changing climate.
Arginine metabolism in myeloid cells in health and disease
Authors: Karadima Eleftheria , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Alexaki Vasileia Ismini 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Metabolic flexibility is key for the function of myeloid cells. Arginine metabolism is integral to the regulation of myeloid cell responses. Nitric oxide (NO) production from arginine is vital for the antimicrobial and pro-inflammatory responses. Conversely, the arginase 1 (ARG1)-dependent switch between the branch of NO production and polyamine synthesis downregulates inflammation and promotes recovery of tissue homeostasis. Creatine metabolism is key for energy supply and proline metabolism is required for collagen synthesis. Myeloid ARG1 also regulates extracellular arginine availability and T cell responses in parasitic diseases and cancer. Cancer, surgery, sepsis and persistent inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as neuroinflammatory diseases or arthritis, are associated with dysregulation of arginine metabolism in myeloid cells. Here, we review current knowledge on arginine metabolism in different myeloid cell types, such as macrophages, neutrophils, microglia, osteoclasts, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). A deeper understanding of the function of arginine metabolism in myeloid cells will improve our knowledge on the pathology of several diseases and may set the platform for novel therapeutic applications.
Effect of artificial intelligence-aided differentiation of adenomatous and non-adenomatous colorectal polyps at CT colonography on radiologists’ therapy management
Authors: Grosu Sergio , Fabritius Matthias P. , Winkelmann Michael , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Ingenerf Maria , Maurus Stefan , Graser Anno , Schulz Christian , Knösel Thomas , Cyran Clemens C. , Ricke Jens , Kazmierczak Philipp M. , Ingrisch Michael , Wesp Philipp 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Adenomatous colorectal polyps require endoscopic resection, as opposed to non-adenomatous hyperplastic colorectal polyps. This study aims to evaluate the effect of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted differentiation of adenomatous and non-adenomatous colorectal polyps at CT colonography on radiologists’ therapy management.

Materials and methods
Five board-certified radiologists evaluated CT colonography images with colorectal polyps of all sizes and morphologies retrospectively and decided whether the depicted polyps required endoscopic resection. After a primary unassisted reading based on current guidelines, a second reading with access to the classification of a radiomics-based random-forest AI-model labelling each polyp as “non-adenomatous” or “adenomatous” was performed. Performance was evaluated using polyp histopathology as the reference standard.

Results
77 polyps in 59 patients comprising 118 polyp image series (47% supine position, 53% prone position) were evaluated unassisted and AI-assisted by five independent board-certified radiologists, resulting in a total of 1180 readings (subsequent polypectomy: yes or no). AI-assisted readings had higher accuracy (76% +/− 1% vs. 84% +/− 1%), sensitivity (78% +/− 6% vs. 85% +/− 1%), and specificity (73% +/− 8% vs. 82% +/− 2%) in selecting polyps eligible for polypectomy (p < 0.001). Inter-reader agreement was improved in the AI-assisted readings (Fleiss’ kappa 0.69 vs. 0.92).

Conclusion
AI-based characterisation of colorectal polyps at CT colonography as a second reader might enable a more precise selection of polyps eligible for subsequent endoscopic resection. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding and histopathologic polyp evaluation is still mandatory.

Key Points

Question

This is the first study evaluating the impact of AI-based polyp classification in CT colonography on radiologists’ therapy management.

Findings

Compared with unassisted reading, AI-assisted reading had higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in selecting polyps eligible for polypectomy.

Clinical relevance

Integrating an AI tool for colorectal polyp classification in CT colonography could further improve radiologists’ therapy recommendations.

Graphical Abstract
Deep learning for forensic age estimation using orthopantomograms in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Koch Rahel Mara , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Heinrich Andreas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Forensic age estimation from orthopantomograms (OPGs) can be performed more quickly and accurately using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), making them an ideal extension to standard forensic age estimation methods. This study evaluates improvements in forensic age prediction for children, adolescents, and young adults by training a custom CNN from a previous study, using a larger, diverse dataset with a focus on dental growth features.

Methods
21,814 OPGs from 13,766 individuals aged 1 to under 25 years were utilized. The custom CNN underwent 1000 epochs of training and validation using 16,000 and 4000 OPGs, respectively. The best model was chosen by the least mean absolute error (MAE) and evaluated with an additional test dataset of 1814 independent OPGs. Furthermore, the CNN was applied to OPGs from 15 available forensic age estimations conducted by experts certified by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD), and the results were compared.

Results
A MAE of 0.93 ± 0.81 years and a mean-signed error (MSE) of −0.06 ± 1.23 years were achieved in the test dataset. 63% of predictions were accurate within 1 year, and 95% within 2.5 years. Results of the CNN were comparable to those obtained by experts, effectively highlighting discrepancies in the reported ages of individuals.

Conclusion
Using a large and diverse dataset along with custom deep learning techniques, forensic age estimation can be significantly improved, often providing predictions accurate to within 1 year. This approach offers a reliable, robust, and objective complement to standard forensic age estimation methods.

Key Points

Question

The potential of custom convolutional neural networks for forensic age estimation, along with a large, diverse dataset, warrants further investigation, offering valuable support to experts.

Findings

For 1814 test-orthopantomograms, 63% of predictions were accurate within 1 year and 95% within 2.5 years, similar to expert estimates in 15 forensic cases.

Clinical relevance

Many individuals’ fates depend on accurate age estimation. Forensic age estimation can benefit from applying CNN-based methods to further enhance reliability and accuracy.
Surviving on the edge: the role of medieval and modern age charcoal production in the stand composition of colline beech woodlands in NE Hungary (EC Europe)
Authors: Darabos Gabriella , Korponai János , Moskal-del Hoyo Magdalena , Bobek Přemysl , Bede-Fazekas Ákos , Rédei Tamás , Szmorad Ferenc , Standovár Tibor , Magyari Enikő K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines historical forest compositional changes in the Aggtelek Karst region, Hungary, focusing on the relationship between medieval and modern age charcoal burning sites (32 kilns) and the current vegetation. Our aim was to determine woodland composition during the intensive charcoal burning period using wood charcoal analysis and compare it with the present canopy composition to understand Fagus sylvatica (European beech) population dynamics at the margin of its range. Heat map visualization, cluster analysis and Procrustes analyses were used for comparison. The results show European beech as dominant taxon in charcoal spectra in some places, while Quercus, possibly Quercus petraea (sessile oak), and Carpinus betulus (European hornbeam) dominated in others. The findings suggest that beech had varying abundance in the potential beech habitats during the medieval and modern age coppice phases. We found multidirectional changes in canopy composition. Carpinus betulus and Q. petraea dominated the current stands in most cases with F. sylvatica being subordinate. These results suggest that historical forest use and management practices took place in already mixed canopy forests, where Fagus dominance was confined to a few stands only. We demonstrate that the forest stands plausibly represent different stages of secondary succession after last coppice management, leading to varying Carpinus abundance. We discuss the possible role of climate change (summer heat waves, increasing mean annual temperature) and conclude that F. sylvatica and Q. petraea compete with each other in the study region, confirming a transitional zone between the classical Fagus and Quercus climate.
Unveiling the relation between swallowing muscle mass and skeletal muscle mass in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Hurtado-Oliva Javier , Núñez-Miranda Lucy , Zwart Aniek T. , Vister Jeroen , Plaat Boudewijn E. C. , Steenbakkers Roel J. H. M. , van der Hoorn Anouk , Wegner Inge , Halmos Gyorgy B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and strength, often leads to dysphagia in the elderly. This condition can also worsen treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, who are susceptible to swallowing difficulties. This study aimed to establish the correlation between swallowing muscle mass (SwMM) and SMM in HNC patients.

Methods
Data from 157 HNC patients in the OncoLifeS biobank of the University Medical Center Groningen were analyzed using pre-treatment neck CT scans. The SwMM was assessed by the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tongue complex muscles (TCM), and SMM was indicated by the skeletal muscle index (SMI), calculated from corrected CSA at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Correlations between SwMM and SMM were analyzed using Pearson or Spearman tests, and multivariable linear regression with SMI as dependent variable was performed.

Results
SwMM was moderately correlated with SMI (r = 0.600, p < 0.001), CSA at C3 (r = 0.538, p < 0.001), and CSA at L3 (r = 0.651, p < 0.001). The CSA at C3 strongly correlated with SMI (r = 0.871, p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, age, sex, and weight were strong predictors of SMI, while the TCM area was a less robust predictor (p = 0.059). Models with CSA at C3 and L3 showed all variables as significant predictors (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Although SwMM was significantly correlated with SMI and holds clinical utility, it is not strong enough to be considered interchangeably with C3 for predicting SMI, suggesting that swallowing muscles represent a different entity than skeletal muscles and not reflect accurately the general muscle mass.