bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of regional air pollutants on respiratory diseases in the basin metropolitan area of central Taiwan
Authors: Liang Chen-Jui , Lin Ping-Yi , Chen Ying-Chieh , Liang Jeng-Jong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study divided a basin metropolitan area with high air pollution into three subareas, namely urban, suburban, and rural, on the basis of population density for a systematic analysis of the effects of local air pollutants on respiratory diseases. A panel data regression model was used to estimate the annual incidence growth rates (AIGRs) of the four respiratory diseases, namely lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pneumonia, resulting from exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5, diameter of 2.5 μm or less), odd oxygen (ODO), or nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC). The results indicate that the prevailing wind direction is not a major factor determining the distribution of air pollutants. The spatial distributions of ODO and NMHC differed from that of PM2.5. Three air pollutants contributed to positive AIGRs of the four diseases in the study area, but PM2.5 which had a negative AIGR for asthma in the rural subarea. The pollutants with the strongest effects on AIGR, in descending order, were NMHC, PM2.5, and ODO. The effect of ambient NMHC was significant and nonnegligible, especially in the urban subarea. A dimensionless potential AIGR (PAIGR) formula was established to quantitatively compare the effects of different air pollutants on the four respiratory diseases. The results indicate that ambient NMHC had the strongest effect on the incidences of the respiratory diseases, followed by that of ambient PM2.5. The effect of ambient NMHC was significant and nonnegligible, especially in the urban subarea. The PAIGR ratio ranges of PM2.5 to ODO and NMHC to ODO for the four diseases in urban subsarea were from 3 to 19 and from 289 to 920, respectively. This study also applied multivariate regression to assess the association among 5 aspects, namely air quality, point source, line source, area source, and socioeconomic status, and the incidences of the four respiratory diseases. The results indicate that the model has favorable fit and can thus reflect the associations of the 15 factors of 5 aspects with the four respiratory diseases in each subarea.
Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease: an overview
Authors: Errami Abderrahmane , El Baghdadi Jamila , Ailal Fatima , Benhsaien Ibtihal , Ouazahrou Kaoutar , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stephanie , Bustamante Jacinta , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Mycobacteria include ubiquitous species of varying virulence. However, environmental and individual-specific factors, particularly host genetics, play a crucial role in the outcome of exposure to mycobacteria. The first molecular evidence of a monogenic predisposition to mycobacteria came from the study of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD), a rare inborn error of IFN-γ immunity conferring a selective susceptibility to infections even with low virulent mycobacteria, in patients, mostly children, without recognizable immune defects in routine tests. This article provides a global and updated description of the most important molecular, cellular, and clinical features of all known monogenic defects of MSMD.

Results
Over the last 20 years, 19 genes were found to be mutated in MSMD patients (IFNGR1, IFNGR2, IFNG, IL12RB1, IL12RB2, IL23R, IL12B, ISG15, USP18, ZNFX1, TBX21, STAT1, TYK2, IRF8, CYBB, JAK1, RORC, NEMO, and SPPL2A), and the allelic heterogeneity at these loci has led to the definition of 35 different genetic defects. Despite the clinical and genetic heterogeneity, almost all genetic etiologies of MSMD alter the interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-mediated immunity, by impairing or abolishing IFN-γ production or the response to this cytokine or both. It was proven that the human IFN-γ level is a quantitative trait that defines the outcome of mycobacterial infection.

Conclusion
The study of these monogenic defects contributes to understanding the molecular mechanism of mycobacterial infections in humans and to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve care and prognosis. These discoveries also bridge the gap between the simple Mendelian inheritance and complex human genetics.
A comprehensive survey on reduced switch count multilevel inverter topologies and modulation techniques
Authors: N. V. Vinay Kumar , T GowriManohar 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMultilevel inverters (MLIs) are becoming commonly increasing in high- and medium-power applications. This is because MLI has various intrinsic advantages over conventional two-level inverters, including reduced device ratings, high-quality output, and so on. Most of the traditional topologies are still used in key applications, and there is an increased attentiveness to emerging multilevel topologies to minimize the number of gate drivers, power semiconductor devices, and/or isolated DC sources. Although MLIs have a promising future in industry-oriented applications, their commercial acceptance has been constrained by their size cost, excessive device count, and switch complexity. To convey the drawbacks of MLIs, academics are continually developing next-generation topologies known as reduced switch count (RSC) MLIs. For various reasons throughout the past 10 years, many MLIs with RSC topologies have been described. In this study, an overview of some of the more newly proposed multilevel inverter network topologies that achieve the legitimate goal is presented.
Lessons from COVID-19 outbreaks for spaces between buildings using tactical urbanism
Authors: Abdelkader Mai M. , Khalifa Marwa , Elshater Abeer 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSeveral urban agendas related to different urban spaces in cities are documented in the global literature. This research explores social interactions in voids between buildings using tactical urbanism. As part of this study, we examine changes in perceptions of the use of spaces between buildings by comparing critical differentiation factors before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. We conducted an online survey for three months among residents in Egypt using a comparative method based on personal, residential, and district characteristics. The results revealed that during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the spaces between buildings played a critical role. According to the conclusion, tactical urbanism, rapid and low-cost intervention, material availability, and small-scale pop-ups are essential for reducing the adverse effects of COVID-19. These findings confirmed that the longer the outbreak persisted, the more planning shifted to smaller public spaces within walking distance, resulting in long-term activities rather than large areas of land being planned.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and self-harm: Danish nationwide register-based cohort study
Authors: Erlangsen Annette , Qin Ping , Madsen Trine , Hawton Keith , Osler Merete , Hjorthøj Carsten , Benros Michael E. , Ethelberg Steen , Mølbak Kåre , Laursen Thomas Munk , Nordentoft Merete , Nilsson Sandra Feodor 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundCase studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to suicidal behaviour. However, conclusive evidence is lacking.AimsTo examine whether a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or SARS-CoV-2-related hospital admission was associated with self-harm in the general population and in high-risk groups.MethodA cohort design was applied to nationwide data on all people aged ≥15 years and living in Denmark between 27 February 2020 and 15 October 2021. Exposure was identified as having had a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, and further assessed as SARS-CoV-2-related hospital admission. Rates of probable self-harm were examined using adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs). The following subgroups were identified: (a) lower educational level, (b) chronic medical conditions, (c) disability pension, (d) mental disorders, (e) substance use disorders, and history of (f) homelessness and (g) imprisonment.ResultsAmong 4 412 248 included individuals, 260 663 (5.9%) had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Out of 5453 individuals presenting with self-harm, 131 (2.4%) had been infected. Individuals with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result had an aIRR for self-harm of 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.03) compared with those without. High rates were found after a SARS-CoV-2-related hospital admission (aIRR = 7.68; 95% CI 5.61–10.51) or a non-SARS-CoV-2-related admission (aIRR = 10.27; 95% CI 9.65–10.93) versus non-infected and not admitted. In sensitivity analyses with a more restrictive definition of self-harm, a positive PCR test was associated with lower rates of self-harm.ConclusionsIndividuals with a PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection did not have higher rates of self-harm than those without. Hospital admission in general, rather than being SARS-CoV-2 positive. seemed to be linked to elevated rates of self-harm.
The coupling of multi-channel optical vortices based on angular momentum conservation using a single-layer metal metasurface
Authors: Shangguan Jingcheng , Sun Qing'an , Jin Lei , Deng Xuyan , Cheng Haowei , Wang Yilin , Liang Kun , Yu Li 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Optical vortices (OVs) carry the orbital angular momentum with arbitrary topological charges, which has excellent potential in optical communication, photonic integrated circuits, optical trapping, and so on. However, generating arbitrary orders of adjustable optical vortices remains to be solved. Here, we propose a single-layer metal porous metasurface operating in infrared band for generating vortex beams from first to fourth order based on the spin-orbit interactions (SOI). The optical vortices with integral 2π phase are obtained through generating double geometric phase induced by structural element spin rotation. Furthermore, the new phenomenon of optical vortices emerging on the center has also been observed in our system, which is caused by the coupling of multi-channel same-order OVs. Our work possesses wide applications in optical communication, multiplex and demultiplex systems, optical capture devices, and communication coding.
Preliminary Experience Suggests the Addition of Choroid Plexus Cauterization to Functional Hemispherectomy May Reduce Posthemispherectomy Hydrocephalus
Authors: Phillips H. Westley , Chen Jia-Shu , Tucker Alexander M. , Ding Kevin , Kashanian Alon , Nagahama Yasunori , Mathern Gary W. , Weil Alexander G. , Fallah Aria 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
Cerebral hemispherectomy can effectively treat unihemispheric epilepsy. However, posthemispherectomy hydrocephalus (PHH), a serious life-long complication, remains prevalent, requiring careful considerations in technique selection and postoperative management. In 2016, we began incorporating open choroid plexus cauterization (CPC) into our institution's hemispherectomy procedure in an attempt to prevent PHH.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine whether routine CPC prevented PHH without exacerbating hemispherectomy efficacy or safety.

METHODS:
A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent hemispherectomy for intractable epilepsy between 2011 and 2021 was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with PHH requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.

RESULTS:
Sixty-eight patients were included in this study, of whom 26 (38.2%) underwent CPC. Fewer patients required CSF shunting in the CPC group (7.7% vs 28.7%, P = .033) and no patients who underwent de novo hemispherectomy with CPC developed PHH. Both cohorts experienced seizure freedom (65.4% vs 59.5%, P = .634) and postoperative complications, including infection (3.8% vs 2.4%, P = .728), hemorrhage (0.0% vs 2.4%, P = .428), and revision hemispherectomy (19.2% vs 14.3%, P = .591) at similar rates. Patients without CPC had greater odds of developing PHH requiring CSF shunting (odds ratio = 8.36, P = .026). The number needed to treat with CPC to prevent an additional case of PHH was 4.8, suggesting high effectiveness.

CONCLUSION:
Preventing PHH is critical. Our early experience demonstrated that routinely incorporating CPC into hemispherectomy effectively prevents PHH without causing additional complications, especially in first-time hemispherectomies. A multicenter randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up is required to corroborate the findings of our single-institutional case series and determine whether greater adoption of this technique is justified.
Timing of Recovery After Surgery for Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Observational Study From the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network
Authors: Evaniew Nathan , Coyle Matthew , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Bailey Christopher S. , Jacobs W. Bradley , Cadotte David W. , Thomas Kenneth C. , Attabib Najmedden , Paquet Jérôme , Nataraj Andrew , Christie Sean D. , Weber Michael H. , Phan Philippe , Charest-Morin Raphaële , Fisher Charles G. , Hall Hamilton , McIntosh Greg , Dea Nicolas 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
The time course over which postoperative neurological recovery occurs after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy occurs is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the time point at which patients experience significant neurological improvement.

METHODS:
We reviewed data from an ongoing prospective multicenter cohort study. We measured neurological function at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scale. We implemented minimal clinical important differences (MCIDs) to guide interpretation of mJOA scores, and we used 1-way analysis of variance to compare changes between follow-up intervals.

RESULTS:
Among 330 patients, the mean overall mJOA improved from 12.9 (SD 2.6) to 14.6 (SD 2.4) at 3 months, 14.7 (SD 2.4) at 1 year, and 14.8 (SD 2.5) at 2 years. The difference in means was statistically significant (P < .01) at the interval from baseline to 3 months postoperatively, but not from 3 months to 1 year or 1 year to 2 years. The MCID was reached by 161 patients at 3 months, 32 more at 1 year, and 15 more at 2 years, with a statistically significant difference only at 3 months. Patients with moderate or severe disease reached the MCID more frequently than those with mild disease.

CONCLUSION:
Among patients who underwent surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy, most significant neurological improvement occurred by 3 months after surgery. These findings will facilitate valid discussions about postoperative expectations during shared clinical decision making between patients and their surgeons.
Salvage of Intraoperative Rupture of a Wide-Necked Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm: The Felt-Fenestrated Clipping Technique
Authors: Housley Steven B. , Monteiro Andre , Cappuzzo Justin M. , Khawar Wasiq I. , Levy Elad I. 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
Intraoperative aneurysm rupture during microsurgical clipping can be managed with different salvage techniques. In an aneurysm with a very wide neck that is located at a bifurcation, repairing an iatrogenic tear can be challenging and carry the risk of branch occlusion and infarction.

OBJECTIVE:
To describe a variation of the cotton-clipping technique modified to better fit the bifurcation anatomy, which we call “felt-fenestrated clipping.”

METHODS:
An illustrative case of intraoperative rupture of a wide-necked middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm is presented. Radiological imaging, operative video, and technique illustration were obtained and prepared for this report.

RESULTS:
A middle-aged woman underwent microsurgical clipping of a wide-necked middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm. A right-angle clip became dislodged from the clip applier and snapped across the aneurysm causing a small rupture at the base. This was later determined to be the result of improper placement of a standard clip onto a mini-clip applier. After a few salvage attempts, a small piece of Teflon felt was placed over the rupture site and held in place using a straight, fenestrated clip. Then, the right-angle clip was applied over the true neck of the aneurysm and the edge of the rupture site, covering the Teflon felt to obtain true hemostasis.

CONCLUSION:
We demonstrate a technically successful felt-fenestrated clipping technique for treatment of an intraoperative rupture not amenable to other salvage options. This technique is useful to achieve hemostasis while preserving branches in wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms.
Cisternal, Falciform, and Optic Canal Decompression Influencing Optic Nerve Biomechanics: A Microsurgical Anatomic Study
Authors: Basma Jaafar , Dacus Mallory R. , Kumar Rahul , Spencer David , Arnautović Kenan I. 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:Questions remain regarding optic nerve (ON) physiology, mechanical compliance, and microvasculature, particularly surgical outcomes and atypical visual field defects associated with sellar/parasellar pathology (eg, tumors and aneurysms).OBJECTIVE:To study the microsurgical/histological anatomy of each ON segment and corresponding microvasculature, calculate area of optic-carotid space at each decompression stage, and measure ON tension before/after compression.METHODS:Five cadaveric heads (10 sides) underwent sequential dissection: (1) intradural (arachnoidal) ON dissection; (2) falciform ligament opening; (3) anterior clinoidectomy, optic canal decompression, and ON sheath release. At each step, we pulled the nerve superiorly/laterally with a force meter and measured maximal mobility/mechanical tension in each position.RESULTS:Cisternal ON microvasculature was more superficial and less dense vs the orbital segment. ON tension was significantly lower with higher mobility when manipulated superiorly vs lateromedially. Optic-carotid space significantly increased in size at each decompression stage and with ON mobilization both superiorly and laterally, but the increase was statistically significant in favor of upward mobilization. At decompression step, upward pull provided more space with less tension vs side pull. For upward pull, each step of decompression provided added space as did side pull.CONCLUSION:Opening the optic canal, falciform ligament, and arachnoid membrane decompresses the ON for safer manipulation and provided a wider optic-carotid surgical corridor to access sellar/parasellar pathology. When tailoring decompression, the ON should be manipulated superiorly rather than lateromedially, which may guide surgical technique, help prevent intraoperative visual deterioration, facilitate postoperative visual improvement, and help understand preoperative visual field deficits based on mechanical factors.
International Learner Perceptions, Educational Value, and Cost Associated With the Use of Start-to-Finish Surgical Simulation Compared With Cadaveric Models
Authors: Damon Aaron , Lee Seung Jin , Pichelmann Mark , Nottmeier Eric , CreveCoeur Travis S. , Clifton William 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
Graduate surgical education is highly variable across regions and institutions regarding case volume and degree of trainee participation in each case. Dedicated educational curriculum using cadaveric tissue has been shown to enhance graduate surgical training, however with associated financial and utility burden to the institution.

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the utility of educational and cost applications of a novel method of combining mixed organic hydrogel polymers and 3-dimensional printed anatomic structures to create a complete “start-to-finish” simulation for resident education in spinal anatomy, instrumentation, and surgical techniques.

METHODS:
This qualitative pilot study investigated 14 international participants on achievement of objective and personal learning goals in a standardized curriculum using biomimetic simulation compared with cadaveric tissue. A questionnaire was developed to examine trainee evaluation of individual anatomic components of the biomimetic simulators compared with previous experience with cadaveric tissue.

RESULTS:
A total of 210 responses were acquired from 14 participants. Six participants originated from US residency education programs and 8 from transcontinental residency programs. Survey results for the simulation session revealed high user satisfaction. Score averages for each portion of the simulation session indicated learner validation of anatomic features for the simulation compared with previous cadaveric experience. Cost analysis resulted in an estimated savings of $10 833.00 for this single simulation session compared with previous cadaveric tissue sessions.

CONCLUSION:
The results of this study indicate a strong potential of establishing biomimetic simulation as a cost-effective and high-quality alternative to cadaveric tissue for the instruction of fundamental spine surgical techniques.
Dual Dural Patch Graft With AlloDerm and DuraGen Underlay for Duraplasty in Chiari Malformation Results in Significantly Decreased Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Complications
Authors: Hamrick Forrest , Eli Ilyas M. , Hunsaker Joshua , Kim Robert B. , Karsy Michael , Schmidt Richard H. 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:
Grafts available for posterior fossa dural reconstruction after Chiari decompression surgery include synthetic, xenograft, allograft, and autograft materials. The reported rates of postoperative pseudomeningocele and cerebrospinal fluid leak vary, but so far, no dural patch material or technique has sufficiently eliminated these problems.

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the incidence of graft-related complications after posterior fossa surgery using AlloDerm alone vs AlloDerm with a DuraGen underlay.

METHODS:
We performed a retrospective single-center study of a cohort of 106 patients who underwent Chiari decompression surgery by a single surgeon from 2014 through 2021. Age, sex, body mass index, tonsillar descent, syrinx formation, type of dural graft, and follow-up data were analyzed using univariate and χ2 statistical tests.

RESULTS:
The AlloDerm-only group had a percutaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate of 8.6% vs a 0% rate in the dual graft group (P = .037). At initial follow-up, there was a 15.5% combined rate of pseudomeningocele formation plus CSF leak in the AlloDerm-only group vs 18.8% in the AlloDerm + DuraGen group (P = .659). However, the pseudomeningoceles were larger in the AlloDerm-only cohort (45.5 vs 22.4 mm anteroposterior plane, P = .004), and 5 patients in this group required operative repair (56%). All pseudomeningoceles resolved without reoperation in the AlloDerm + DuraGen group (P = .003).

CONCLUSION:
The use of a DuraGen underlay with a sutured AlloDerm dural patch resulted in significantly fewer CSF-related complications and eliminated the need for reoperation compared with AlloDerm alone. This single-center study provides evidence that buttressing posterior fossa dural grafts with a DuraGen underlay may decrease the risk of postoperative complications.