bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term patency of multiple lymphatic‐venous anastomoses in cancer‐related lymphedema: A single center observational study
Authors: Boccardo Francesco , Santori Gregorio , Villa Giuseppe , Accogli Susanna , Dessalvi Sara 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesLymphedema is always initially treated by combined decongestive physiotherapy (CDP). Those cases, refractory to CDP, may be managed by surgical therapy. One of the most used microsurgical procedures is represented by the technique of lymphatic‐venous anastomosis (LVA). But very few papers report long term results of LVA. The aim of this study is to assess the long‐term patency of multiple lymphatic‐venous anastomosis (MLVA) for the treatment of secondary lymphedemas.MethodsFrom January 2014 to December 2014, 101 patients (mean age: 56.94 ± 8.98 years; female/male: 86/15) affected by secondary cancer‐related lymphedema (38 lower and 63 upper limbs) were treated by MLVA. All lymphedemas had previously been treated by conservative therapy without sustained results. Many patients (78%) had 1–3 episodes of acute lymphangitis/year. Lymphoscintigraphy, venous duplex‐ultrasonography, and abdominal or axillary ultrasound investigation were performed preoperatively. MLVA patency was assessed by the lymphatic transport index (LyTI) and lymphoscintigraphic pattern.ResultsAt 1 year after surgery, excess volume reduction was 75%–90% in the early stage II secondary lymphedemas, and 60%–75% in the late stage II. The decrease in volume maintained stability in the 5‐years follow‐up period. Two more advanced lower and one upper limb lymphedemas had 45%–60% reduction. LyTI showed a significant decrease between the preoperative mean value (31.7 ± 9.43) and after 18 months from surgery (11.2 ± 1.91) (p < .001). MLVA patency was shown in 98 (97%) patients. No patients had evidence of postoperative lymphangitis.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the long‐term patency of MLVA in the treatment of cancer‐related lymphedemas.
Unilateral immediate deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction following skin sparing mastectomy: A comparative study on revision surgeries to improve breast symmetry
Authors: Atzeni Matteo , Salzillo Rosa , Haywood Richard M. , Persichetti Paolo , Ribuffo Diego , Figus Andrea 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe number of revision surgeries to improve breast asymmetry after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is still high worldwide with impact on both patients and healthcare systems. These procedures include fat grafting, contralateral breast symmetrization, scar revision, flap repositioning and remodeling. A previously published DIEP flap insetting algorithm has proven to be effective in selecting patient‐tailored strategies to achieve excellent aesthetic outcomes. This study investigated whether this insetting algorithm was effective in reducing revision surgeries in patients undergoing SSM and immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction to achieve the goal of a one‐stage reconstruction.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study included 60 patients (group A) treated without the DIEP flap standardized insetting algorithm and 60 patients (group B) treated with the standardized insetting algorithm, which considers among its variables the type of breast to be reconstructed, abdominal tissue thickness, rotation due to harvesting side. Demographic data, operative data, complications and number of revision surgeries were recorded.ResultsOne hundred and twenty primary and 106 revision surgeries were performed. Groups were homogenous for age (p = .32), body mass index (p = .77), flap weight (p = .7), operative time (p = .87) and early complications (p = .78). When excluding isolated nipple reconstruction from the revision surgeries, one‐stage reconstruction was successfully performed in 26 patients in group A (43.3%) and 39 patients (65.0%) in group B, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = .003).ConclusionsThe introduction of a standardized insetting algorithm for immediate unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction can be effective in reducing the number of revision surgeries for breast asymmetry, making a one‐stage reconstruction an achievable and reliable target.
Fully automated background phase correction using M‐estimate SAmple consensus (MSAC)—Application to 2D and 4D flow
Authors: Fischer Carola , Wetzl Jens , Schaeffter Tobias , Giese Daniel 
Published: August 2022

PurposeFlow quantification by phase‐contrast MRI is hampered by spatially varying background phase offsets. Correction performance by polynomial regression on stationary tissue may be affected by outliers such as wrap‐around or constant flow. Therefore, we propose an alternative, M‐estimate SAmple Consensus (MSAC) to reject outliers, and improve and fully automate background phase correction.MethodsThe MSAC technique fits polynomials to randomly drawn small samples from the image. Over several trials, it aims to find the best consensus set of valid pixels by rejecting outliers to the fit and minimizing the residuals of the remaining pixels. The robustness of MSAC to its few parameters was investigated and verified using third‐order polynomial correction fits on a total of 118 2D flow (97 with wrap‐around) and 18 4D flow data sets (14 with wrap‐around), acquired at 1.5 T and 3 T. Background phase was compared with standard stationary correction and phantom correction. Pulmonary/systemic flow ratios in 2D flow were derived, and exemplary 4D flow analysis was performed.ResultsThe MSAC technique is robust over a range of parameter choices, and a unique set of parameters is suitable for both 2D and 4D flow. In 2D flow, phase errors were significantly reduced by MSAC compared with stationary correction (p = 0.005), and stationary correction shows larger errors in pulmonary/systemic flow ratios compared with MSAC. In 4D flow, MSAC shows similar performance as stationary correction.ConclusionsThe MSAC method provides fully automated background phase correction to 2D and 4D flow data and shows improved robustness over stationary correction, especially with outliers present.
Characterization and correction of diffusion gradient‐induced eddy currents in second‐order motion‐compensated echo‐planar and spiral cardiac DTI
Authors: van Gorkum Robbert J. H. , Guenthner Christian , Koethe Andreas , Stoeck Christian T. , Kozerke Sebastian 
Published: August 2022

PurposeVery high gradient amplitudes played out over extended time intervals as required for second‐order motion‐compensated cardiac DTI may violate the assumption of a linear time‐invariant gradient system model. The aim of this work was to characterize diffusion gradient‐related system nonlinearity and propose a correction approach for echo‐planar and spiral spin‐echo motion‐compensated cardiac DTI.MethodsDiffusion gradient‐induced eddy currents of 9 diffusion directions were characterized at b values of 150 s/mm2 and 450 s/mm2 for a 1.5 Tesla system and used to correct phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo motion‐compensated cardiac DTI data acquired with echo‐planar and spiral trajectories. Predicted trajectories were calculated using gradient impulse response function and diffusion gradient strength‐ and direction‐dependent zeroth‐ and first‐order eddy current responses. A reconstruction method was implemented using the predicted ‐space trajectories to additionally include off‐resonances and concomitant fields. Resulting images were compared to a reference reconstruction omitting diffusion gradient‐induced eddy current correction.ResultsDiffusion gradient‐induced eddy currents exhibited nonlinear effects when scaling up the gradient amplitude and could not be described by a 3D basis alone. This indicates that a gradient impulse response function does not suffice to describe diffusion gradient‐induced eddy currents. Zeroth‐ and first‐order diffusion gradient‐induced eddy current effects of up to −1.7 rad and −16 to +12 rad/m, respectively, were identified. Zeroth‐ and first‐order diffusion gradient‐induced eddy current correction yielded improved image quality upon image reconstruction.ConclusionThe proposed approach offers correction of diffusion gradient‐induced zeroth‐ and first‐order eddy currents, reducing image distortions to promote improvements of second‐order motion‐compensated spin‐echo cardiac DTI.
Deep learning–guided weighted averaging for signal dropout compensation in DWI of the liver
Authors: Gadjimuradov Fasil , Benkert Thomas , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Führes Tobit , Saake Marc , Maier Andreas 
Published: August 2022

PurposeTo develop an algorithm for the retrospective correction of signal dropout artifacts in abdominal DWI resulting from cardiac motion.MethodsGiven a set of image repetitions for a slice, a locally adaptive weighted averaging is proposed that aims to suppress the contribution of image regions affected by signal dropouts. Corresponding weight maps were estimated by a sliding‐window algorithm, which analyzed signal deviations from a patch‐wise reference. In order to ensure the computation of a robust reference, repetitions were filtered by a classifier that was trained to detect images corrupted by signal dropouts. The proposed method, named Deep Learning–guided Adaptive Weighted Averaging (DLAWA), was evaluated in terms of dropout suppression capability, bias reduction in the ADC, and noise characteristics.ResultsIn the case of uniform averaging, motion‐related dropouts caused signal attenuation and ADC overestimation in parts of the liver, with the left lobe being affected particularly. Both effects could be substantially mitigated by DLAWA while preventing global penalties with respect to SNR due to local signal suppression. Performing evaluations on patient data, the capability to recover lesions concealed by signal dropouts was demonstrated as well. Further, DLAWA allowed for transparent control of the trade‐off between SNR and signal dropout suppression by means of a few hyperparameters.ConclusionThis work presents an effective and flexible method for the local compensation of signal dropouts resulting from motion and pulsation. Because DLAWA follows a retrospective approach, no changes to the acquisition are required.
Scoping review of neurogenic bladder patient‐reported readiness and experience following care in a transitional urology clinic
Authors: Chua Michael E. , Tse Lai Nam , Silangcruz Jan Michael , Kim Jin Kyu , Dos Santos Joana , Varghese Abby , Brownrigg Natasha , Rickard Mandy , Ming Jessica M. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Bagli Darius J. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo generate a scoping review that summarizes thematically on all reported patient perceptions on readiness and experiences during transitional urologic care for patients with neurogenic bladder and or congenital genitourinary conditions that require continuity of care into adulthood.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in October 2021. Records were screened and identified for studies relevant to reported readiness and experience in urologic transitional care among patients needing life‐long urologic care. The methodological quality of the cross‐sectional studies was assessed using AXIS. The included studies were clustered according to patient readiness in transition and patient experience—satisfaction in the urologic transition process. This scoping review was part of a systematic review registered on PROSPERO CRD42022306229 and was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews.ResultsA total of 12 articles were included that assessed patients with neurogenic bladder that reported either readiness or patient experience following the transitional care process. The patient readiness was assessed in six studies, determined using the TRAQ score with a range of 3–4/5. Older age, high health literacy, and parental or families' transition process awareness were associated with readiness. Generally, patients experience better satisfaction with pediatric care than with adult care facilities. Most patients felt that sexuality and fertility were not adequately tackled during the transition. The reported barriers to successful transition were patient, provider, and system factors, including lack of insurance coverage/financial management, patient preference, long‐term bond with the pediatric providers, and communication by the adult provider. Based on AXIS, all of the studies identified for this scoping review did not determine the sample size, and most of the studies did not categorize the responders, which could introduce bias to the interpretation of their results.ConclusionThis scoping review summarizes the readiness and experience of neurogenic bladder patients who underwent the urologic transitional process. Overall, understanding the patient, provider, and system factors associated with better readiness and enhancing the patient experience will ensure a better transition process.
Complex exponential smoothing
Authors: Svetunkov Ivan , Kourentzes Nikolaos , Ord John Keith 
Published: August 2022

AbstractExponential smoothing has been one of the most popular forecasting methods used to support various decisions in organizations, in activities such as inventory management, scheduling, revenue management, and other areas. Although its relative simplicity and transparency have made it very attractive for research and practice, identifying the underlying trend remains challenging with significant impact on the resulting accuracy. This has resulted in the development of various modifications of trend models, introducing a model selection problem. With the aim of addressing this problem, we propose the complex exponential smoothing (CES), based on the theory of functions of complex variables. The basic CES approach involves only two parameters and does not require a model selection procedure. Despite these simplifications, CES proves to be competitive with, or even superior to existing methods. We show that CES has several advantages over conventional exponential smoothing models: it can model and forecast both stationary and non‐stationary processes, and CES can capture both level and trend cases, as defined in the conventional exponential smoothing classification. CES is evaluated on several forecasting competition datasets, demonstrating better performance than established benchmarks. We conclude that CES has desirable features for time series modeling and opens new promising avenues for research.
Surface thermodynamic properties by reverse phase chromatography and visual traits using computer vision techniques on Amberlite XAD‐7 acrylic‐ester‐resin
Authors: Kumar Basivi Praveen , Hamieh Tayssir , Kakani Vijay , Rao Pasupuleti Visweswara , Pasupuleti Kedhareswara Sairam , Ramesh Sivalingam , Kim Moon‐Deock , Kim Chang Woo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn the current work, the surface thermodynamic properties of Amberlite XAD‐7 acrylic‐ester‐resin have been determined. The inverse gas chromatography (IGC) technique at infinite dilution was applied to estimate the London dispersive surface free energy was estimated by using the well‐known Fowkes equation, Dorris–Gray relation, Hamieh–Dorris–Gray model and six other molecular models based on the values of the surface areas of organic molecules and Hamieh model considering the thermal effect. The London dispersive surface free energy values are reduced by increasing temperature in all used methods and models. The Gibbs surface free energy of the adsorption values also decreased by increasing temperature in all 14 methods such as that of Swayer–Brookman, Saint–Flour Papirer, Donnet, Brendlé and Papirer, Chehimi et al, Hamieh methods (thermal method) and the methods of the enthalpy of vaporization as a function of the temperature and the standard enthalpy of formation and the six molecular models. The Lewis acidity parameter and Lewis basicity parameter, was calculated by the above stated 14 methods. The surface character “S” value was estimated to be greater than one in all the 14 methods. This indicate that the Amberlite XAD‐7 polymer material contains mostly basic sites than the acidic sites, and it can be strongly interactive with an acidic media. In addition, the visual traits such as pore size distribution, surface roughness and intricate surface morphology of the polymer resin in its original form have been explored using computer vision techniques.
Faecal elastase testing and factors linked with development of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in diabetes: the Belfast Trust experience
Authors: Johnston Philip C , Thompson Judith , Roberts Brona , McKee Allison , Taylor Mark , Ellison Victoria 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is characterised by inadequate secretion of pancreatic enzymes and can result in significant gastrointestinal symptoms, malabsorption and increased morbidity.Aims: To evaluate testing for PEI (with faecal elastase – FEL‐1) among patients with diabetes mellitus in the Belfast Trust, and to identify factors that were associated with the development of PEI.Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from electronic health care records. PEI was assessed by FEL‐1. Based on FEL‐1 levels (μg/g faeces), patients were categorised to have severe PEI (<100), moderate PEI (100–200) and normal (>200). A retrospective analysis of all FEL‐1 samples in patients with diabetes mellitus/pre‐diabetes between 1 February 2019 and 1 February 2020 was undertaken.Results: Of the 536 FEL‐1 samples analysed by the Belfast Trust over the 12‐month period, 162 (30%) were from diabetic or pre‐diabetic patients. A total of 128 (80%) had normal FEL‐1 results, nine (5%) moderate PEI, and 25 (15%) severe PEI. Of the 34 with PEI, 30/34 (88%) had gastrointestinal symptoms at diagnosis of PEI. For those with PEI, three had type 1 diabetes, 15 had type 2 diabetes, 16 had secondary diabetes mellitus; 28/34 (82%) were not on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy previously. Source of testing for those confirmed with PEI included inpatients (n=12), general practice patients (n=5) and outpatients (n=17). PEI was associated more with male gender, those with type 3c diabetes (pancreatic diabetes) and worse glycaemic control.Summary: From our cohort, 1 in 4 FEL‐1 samples sent from patients with diabetes had PEI. There is potential for targeted screening for symptoms in this population which could increase diagnostic rates of PEI and subsequent treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
School‐based racial microaggressions and depression among Indigenous young adults
Authors: Holter Olivia G. , Goforth Anisa N. , Pyke‐Pierce Kristen , Aguilar Lisa N. , Belcourt Annie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPrevious research on the risk factors for the development of mental health disorders among Indigenous Peoples in the United States suggest that experiencing prejudice is correlated with the development of psychopathology. However, the relation between school‐based prejudice, including microaggressions, and the development of depression remains unexamined. As such, the current study is an exploratory analysis among a small sample (N = 47) of age 18–25 Indigenous young adults from the American Northwest examining the predictive relation between their retrospective recall of school‐based racial microaggressions as measured by the School‐Based Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions Subscale and their current levels of depressive symptoms in adulthood as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. There was a statistically significant predictive relation found between participant's retrospective recall of microaggressions and their current levels of depression as young adults. As such, the practice and policy implications for school‐based professionals are discussed.
Phase Contrast X‐Ray Imaging of the Collapse of an Engineered Void in Single‐Crystal HMX
Authors: Blum‐Sorensen Christian J. , Duarte Camilo A. , Drake Jonathan D. , Kerschen Nicholas E. , Fezzaa Kamel , Koslowski Marisol , Chen Weinong W. , Son Steven F. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractImaging the collapse of a single void that creates a hot spot initiation site in an otherwise defect‐free explosive is challenging given the spatial and temporal scales involved in explosive systems. This work presents our attempt to examine a single hot spot mode (void collapse) in single‐crystal octahydro‐l,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐l,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX) embedded in Sylgard. The hot spot heating mechanisms involved with pore collapse include adiabatic heating, jetting, and viscoplastic dissipation. Quantifying the dynamics of a pore collapse is a crucial step to understanding which mechanisms dominate during ignition events. Our experiments were conducted with a single‐stage, light‐gas gun at Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source, applying the phase contrast imaging technique while collecting high‐speed video. The details of HMX single crystal production, defect (pore) engineering, and sample construction, along with experimental results are presented here. These results demonstrate that detailed collapse dynamics can be obtained from homogeneous, single‐crystal explosives with this approach. Qualitative comparisons are made with simulation data which show good agreement in the transition between a quasi‐symmetric pore collapse and an asymmetric collapse with jetting across the pore as measured with normalized pore area and pore circularity.
Better preservation of erectile function in localized prostate cancer patients with modern proton therapy: Is it cost‐effective?
Authors: Li Guo , Xia Yun‐Fei , Huang Yi‐Xiang , Okat Deniz , Qiu Bo , Doyen Jerome , Bondiau Pierre‐Yves , Benezery Karen , Gao Jin , Qian Chao‐Nan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundStereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has gradually been recognized as favorable curative treatment for localized prostate cancer (PC). However, the high rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) after traditional photon‐based SBRT remains an ongoing challenge that greatly impacts the quality of life of PC survivors. Modern proton therapy allows higher conformal SBRT delivery and has the potential to reduce ED occurrence but its cost‐effectiveness remains uninvestigated.MethodsA Markov decision model was designed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of proton SBRT versus photon SBRT in reducing irradiation‐related ED. Base‐case evaluation was performed on a 66‐year‐old (median age of PC) localized PC patient with normal pretreatment erectile function. Further, stratified analyses were performed for different age groups (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 years) and threshold analyses were conducted to estimate cost‐effective scenarios. A Chinese societal willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold (37,653 US dollars [$])/quality‐adjusted life‐year [QALY]) was adopted.ResultsFor the base case, protons provided an additional 0.152 QALY at an additional cost of $7233.4, and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $47,456.5/QALY. Protons was cost‐effective for patients ≤62‐year‐old at the WTP of China (≤66‐year‐old at a WTP of $50,000/QALY; ≤73‐year‐old at a WTP of $100,000/QALY). For patients at median age, once the current proton cost ($18,000) was reduced to ≤$16,505.7 or the patient had a life expectancy ≥88 years, protons were cost‐effective at the WTP of China.ConclusionsUpon assumption‐based modeling, the results of current study support the use of proton SBRT in younger localized PC patients who are previously potent, for better preservation of erectile function. The findings await further validation using data from future comparative clinical trials.