bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Food, biofuels or cosmetics? Land-use, deforestation and CO2 emissions embodied in the palm oil consumption of four European countries: a biophysical accounting approach
Authors: Bausano Giovanni , Masiero Mauro , Migliavacca Mirco , Pettenella Davide , Rougieux Paul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAround 75% of tropical deforestation in the XXI century has been driven by the expansion of agriculture and forest plantations. Since 1990s, palm oil has been standing for a critical global traded product in terms of embodied deforestation. The European Union (EU) is one of the major players in terms of embodied deforestation linked to palm oil consumption. By adopting a biophysical accounting approach, the study: (1) investigated the palm oil imports between 2000 and 2020 by four EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea, (2) estimated the share of imports driven by the demand from the food, oleochemicals, and energy sectors, and (3) quantified land, deforestation, and CO2 emissions associated with Land-Use Change (LUC) embodied in trade. Different trade profiles have emerged among the four importing countries. Italy and Spain showed a major direct trade link with producing countries, while France and Germany have significant connections with non-producing countries (i.e. intermediate trade partners). Overall, our results show that, following different trends, leading consumption sectors have shifted from the food towards the energy sector. Consequently, the growing demand for palm oil as a feedstock for biofuel production has determined increased environmental impacts in South-East Asia. Since 2000, the total embodied land footprint has increased four-fold, while, over the period considered, according to our second and the third attribution approaches (i.e. historical and rapid-conversion), between 5–78 m2 of deforestation and 28–445 kg CO2 emissions associated with LUC activities have been incorporated in the per-capita consumption of palm oil and its co-products in the leading European economies. Moreover, according to the first attribution approach (i.e. concession-level) and the allocation by sector, we concluded that, between 2004 and 2016, the German food sector is the one that embodied the larger deforestation footprint, followed by the Italian and Spanish energy sectors.
Multi-level resistive switching in hafnium-oxide-based devices for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Hellenbrand Markus , MacManus-Driscoll Judith 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the growing area of neuromorphic and in-memory computing, there are multiple reviews available. Most of them cover a broad range of topics, which naturally comes at the cost of details in specific areas. Here, we address the specific area of multi-level resistive switching in hafnium-oxide-based devices for neuromorphic applications and summarize the progress of the most recent years. While the general approach of resistive switching based on hafnium oxide thin films has been very busy over the last decade or so, the development of hafnium oxide with a continuous range of programmable states per device is still at a very early stage and demonstrations are mostly at the level of individual devices with limited data provided. On the other hand, it is positive that there are a few demonstrations of full network implementations. We summarize the general status of the field, point out open questions, and provide recommendations for future work.
Machine learning emulator for physics-based prediction of ionospheric potential response to solar wind variations
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho , Nakano Shinya , Fujita Shigeru 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPhysics-based simulations are important for elucidating the fundamental mechanisms behind the time-varying complex ionospheric conditions, such as ionospheric potential, against unprecedented solar wind variations incident on the Earth’s magnetosphere. However, carrying out an extensive parameter survey for comprehending the nonlinear solar wind density dependence of the ionospheric potential, for example, requires state-of-the-art global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, which cannot be executed efficiently even on large-scale cluster computers. Here, we report the performance of a machine-learning based surrogate model for estimating the ionospheric potential outputs of a global MHD simulation, using the reservoir computing technique called echo state network (ESN). The trained ESN-based emulator demonstrates exceptional speed in conducting the parameter survey, which can lead to the identification of a solar wind density dependence of the ionospheric polar cap potential. Finally, we discuss future directions including the promising application for space weather forecasting.
Graphical Abstract
Double inferior vena cava, an uncommon but relevant anatomical anomaly in surgery for lower rectal cancer: a report of two cases
Authors: Kawamura Mikio , Yamashita Shinji , Imaoka Hiroki , Shimura Tadanobu , Kitajima Takahito , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Okita Yoshiki , Ohi Masaki , Toiyama Yuji 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Double inferior vena cava (DIVC) is rare and usually detected incidentally. DIVC may be associated with several anatomical variants of the retroperitoneal and pelvic veins. These variants can pose a clinical problem during colorectal surgery. We present two patients with lower rectal cancer who also had a DIVC.

Case presentation
Case 1 was a 72-year-old man with advanced lower rectal cancer (T3N0M0) who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection after neoadjuvant therapy. A DIVC was detected on preoperative computed tomography (CT). During the operation, a presacral vein was injured while mobilizing the rectum and hemostasis could not be achieved. We converted to open surgery and packed the pelvic cavity for hemostasis. Retrospective analysis suggested the injured vein arose from an interiliac vein of the presacral pelvic venous plexus. Case 2 was a 50-year-old woman with lower rectal cancer (T3N0M0), immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and a DIVC. Although preoperative three-dimensional CT angiography showed no obvious pelvic vein abnormalities, a short course of preoperative radiotherapy was delivered to avoid lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Chemotherapy was deferred owing to her thrombocytopenic disease. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection was performed meticulously to minimize bleeding and achieve rapid hemostasis. No intraoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion
DIVC is often accompanied by venous malformations that may pose a problem when mobilizing the mesorectum from the retroperitoneum. Preoperative assessment of pelvic vessel anatomy using three-dimensional CT is essential in patients with a DIVC who undergo rectal surgery.
Silver nanoparticles–decorated extracellular matrix graft: fabrication and tendon reconstruction performance
Authors: Chen Sunfang , Cai Dan , Dong Qi , Ma Gaoxiang , Xu Chennan , Bao Xiaogang , Yuan Wei , Wu Bing , Fang Bin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
The reconstruction of tendons with large defects requires grafts with high mechanical strength and is often hindered by complications such as infection and adhesion. Hence, grafts combining the advantages of mechanical resilience and antibacterial/antiadhesion activity are highly sought after.

Methods
The silver nanoparticles (GA-Ag NPs) synthesized from gallic acid and silver nitrate were attached to a decellularized extracellular matrix (Decellularized Tendon crosslinking GA-AgNPs, DT-Ag). We examined the histological structure, mechanical property, morphology, Zeta potential, cytotoxicity, antibacterial properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and ability of the DT-Ag to treat tendon defects in animals.

Results

Approximately 108.57 ± 0.94 μg GA-Ag NPs loaded per 50 mg DT, the cross-linked part of GA-Ag NPs was 65.47 ± 0.57%, which provided DT-Ag with long-lasting antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, GA endowed DT-Ag with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, The DT-Ag facilitated M2 macrophage polarization, and suppressed fibrin deposition by hindering fibroblast adhesion. Mormore, the main advantages of DT-Ag, namely its long-lasting antibacterial activity (tested using
Escherichia coli
and
Staphylococcus aureus
as models) and the ability to prevent tissue adhesion were confirmed in vivo.

Conclusion
The fabricated multifunctional tendon graft was highly hydrophilic, biocompatible, and mechanically resilient, and concluded to be well suited for dealing with the main complications of surgical tendon reconstruction and has bright application prospects.

Graphical Abstract
Short-term-outcomes of idiopathic epiretinal membranes treated with pars-plana-vitrectomy – examination of visual function and OCT-morphology
Authors: Englmaier Verena Anna , Storp Jens Julian , Eter Nicole , Al-Nawaiseh Sami 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Epiretinal membranes (ERM) represent one of the most common findings in retinal examination. Structural changes of the retinal layers in patients with ERM can be visualized and classified using OCT. The purpose of this study is to evaluate structural and functional changes related to surgical treatment of ERM.

Methods
Monocentric retrospective analysis of 92 patients who underwent 23-gauge-pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) combined with cataract surgery for idiopathic ERM from 2015 to 2020. Visual acuity was determined directly preoperatively, at four weeks and three months postoperatively. Disease stage and tomographic biomarkers related to ERM were assessed in OCT imaging.

Results
92 eyes of 92 patients were included. At the time of surgery, the mean patient age was 71 years. Visual acuity improved significantly by 2 lines postoperatively, on average from LogMar 0.4 to 0.2 (p < 0.001). Disease stage regressed from stage 3 to stage 2 postoperatively (p < 0.001). No patient had stage 4 postoperatively (n = 0). In the presence of preoperative intraretinal fluid, mean retinal thickness was 488 μm and decreased to 392 μm postoperatively (n = 32; p < 0.001). Preoperative presence of a Cotton Ball Sign (n = 30) was associated with better visual acuity (p = 0.009). This was also visible in patients with preoperative vitreomacular traction syndrome (p < 0.001). The presence of preoperative intraretinal fluid showed a tendency towards better disease staging after surgery (p = 0.080).

Conclusion
Surgery was able to achieve visual improvement and morphological regression of the preoperative OCT findings related to ERM. ppV led to a reduction in retinal thickness and disease stage. The presence of the Cotton Ball Sign and vitreomacular traction was associated with better visual acuity in the follow-up period. In our cohort the preoperative presence of intraretinal fluid showed a tendency for better postoperative disease staging.
Correlation of serum subfatin, cthrc1, ctrp3, ctrp6 levels with disease indices in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Uçar İ.Merve B. , Sargin Gökhan , Tuzcu Ayça , Çildağ Songül , Şentürk Taşkın 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The study aimed to investigate novel biomarkers from the C1q TNF superfamily and evaluate their role in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases with the goal of identifying an effective biomarker to measure clinical disease activity and assess treatment efficacy.

Methods
Sixty-one Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpa) patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The serum biomarkers subfatin, CTHRC1, CTRP3, CTRP6, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α and the disease indices BASDAI, BASFI, MASES, and ASDAS–ESR/CRP were evaluated and compared. The patients were then classified, and their serum biomarkers were assessed according to their ASDAS scores and their treatment regimens.

Results
Among the studied biomarkers, none showed a significant difference between the patients and the healthy controls. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the median values of serum subfatin, CTHRC1, CTRP3, CTRP6, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α were all found to be lower in the AxSpa patients than in the healthy controls. Furthermore, once the patients were classified regarding their disease activity, no correlation between the study biomarkers and levels of clinical disease indices was observed. Finally, biological treatments were found to affect the serum concentration of these biomarkers regardless of the level of disease activity.

Conclusion
Novel adipokines and known modulators of inflammation, circulating subfatin, CTHRC1, CTRP3, CTRP6, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α levels may play a role in assessing treatment efficacy, especially in those treated with TNF-inhibitors. However, we failed to demonstrate a correlation between clinical disease activity and serum biomarker levels.
Evaluation of the referral system for electrodiagnostic testing in the main Alexandria University hospital
Authors: Nassif Mohammed Elsayed , Elshatby Nehad Mohamed 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (NCS/EMG) play a key role in the evaluation of patients with neuromuscular diseases. It serves as an extension of a clinical and neurological examination. Patients should be referred to electrodiagnosis (EDX) examination with an appropriate request, including history and neurological findings. When the referring diagnosis is appropriate, the examination is quicker, less invasive and limited to the verification of the provisional diagnosis. The referral system at the hospital involves only one paper asks for (NCS/EMG) with no specific information, the electromyographer is responsible for taking the patient history and performing clinical examination. Consequently, the current referral system had many flaws that needed to be corrected to enhance it.

Aim
To evaluate the current referral system to the electrodiagnosis unit and to assess the electromyographers’ satisfaction with the new referral system.

Methods
A simple questionnaire was filled by all working electromyographers to assess their satisfaction about the referral system, then a new approved referral sheet was applied by a specialized physician to all patients attending the EDX unit for two months, then the same questionnaire to evaluate the new referral system was filled again by the same electromyographers.

Results
There was a statistically significant difference regarding the electromyographers’ satisfaction with the new referral system.

Conclusion
The electrodiagnosis examination could be easier, quicker, and more organized if preceded by a proper referral system and electrodiagnosis sheet.
Patterns of emergency department presentations for a youth mental health cohort: data-linkage cohort study
Authors: Iorfino Frank , McHugh Catherine , Richards Matthew , Skinner Adam , Prodan Ante , Occhipinti Jo-an , Song Yun Ju Christine , Chiu Simon , Judkins Simon , Scott Elizabeth , Hickie Ian B. 
Published: September 2023

Background
Primary youth mental health services in Australia have increased access to care for young people, yet the longer-term outcomes and utilisation of other health services among these populations is unclear.

Aims
To describe the emergency department presentation patterns of a help-seeking youth mental health cohort.

Method
Data linkage was performed to extract Emergency Department Data Collection registry data (i.e. emergency department presentations, pattern of re-presentations) for a transdiagnostic cohort of 7024 youths (aged 12–30 years) who presented to mental health services. Outcome measures were pattern of presentations and reason for presentations (i.e. mental illness; suicidal behaviours and self-harm; alcohol and substance use; accident and injury; physical illness; and other).

Results
During the follow-up period, 5372 (76.5%) had at least one emergency department presentation. The presentation rate was lower for males (IRR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.86–0.89) and highest among those aged 18 to 24 (IRR = 1.117, 95% CI 1.086–1.148). Almost one-third (31.12%) had an emergency department presentation that was directly associated with mental illness or substance use, and the most common reasons for presentation were for physical illness and accident or injury. Index visits for mental illness or substance use were associated with a higher rate of re-presentation.

Conclusions
Most young people presenting to primary mental health services also utilised emergency services. The preventable and repeated nature of many presentations suggests that reducing the ongoing secondary risks of mental disorders (i.e. substance misuse, suicidality, physical illness) could substantially improve the mental and physical health outcomes of young people.
Biomechanical Analysis of 2 Versus 4 Rods Across the Cervicothoracic Junction in a Human Cadaveric Model
Authors: Pivazyan Gnel , Winters Carlynn G. , Brooks Daina M. , Sandhu Faheem A. , Cunningham Bryan W. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Posterior reconstruction of the cervicothoracic junction poses significant biomechanical challenges secondary to transition from the mobile cervical to rigid thoracic spines and change in alignment from lordosis to kyphosis. After destabilization, the objectives of the current investigation were to compare the rod strain and multidirectional flexibility properties of the cervicothoracic junction using a 4-rod vs traditional 2-rod reconstructions.

METHODS:
Ten human cadaveric cervicothoracic specimens underwent multidirectional flexibility testing including flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. After intact analysis, specimens were destabilized from C4 to T3 and instrumented from C3 to T4. The following reconstructions were tested: (1) 3.5-mm titanium (Ti) 2-rod, (2) 3.5-mm Ti 4-rod, (3) 4.0-mm cobalt chrome (CoCr) 2-rod, (4) 4.0-mm CoCr 4-rod, and (5) Ti 3.5- to 5.5-mm tapered rod reconstructions. The operative level range of motion and rod strain of the primary and accessory rods were quantified.

RESULTS:
The addition of accessory rods to a traditional 2-rod construct improved the biomechanical stability of the reconstructions in all three loading modalities for Ti (P < .05). The accessory CoCr rods improved stability in flexion-extension and axial rotation (P < .05). The addition of accessory rods in Ti or CoCr reconstructions did not significantly reduce rod strain (P < .05). CoCr 2 and 4 rods exhibited less strain than both Ti 2 and 4 rods.

CONCLUSION:
Supplemental accessory rods affixed to traditional 2-rod constructs significantly improved stability of Ti alloys and CoCr alloy materials. The 4.0-mm CoCr rods provided greater stability than 3.5-mm Ti rods in flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. While rod strain was not significantly reduced by the addition of accessory rods, it was reduced in CoCr rod treatment groups compared with the Ti rods.
Endovascular Embolization of Basilar Artery Fenestration Aneurysms: A 21-Year Institutional Case Series
Authors: Srinivasan Visish M. , Singh Rohin , Karahalios Katherine , Scherschinski Lea , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Catapano Joshua S. , Winkler Ethan A. , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Ducruet Andrew F. , Albuquerque Felipe C. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Basilar artery fenestration is a rare phenomenon sometimes associated with basilar artery fenestration aneurysms (BAFAs). This review investigates the natural history and management outcomes of BAFAs and describes the outcomes of BAFAs treated with embolization.

METHODS:
A single-center database was queried for all cases of endovascular BAFA treatment. Data on complications, clinical and angiographic outcomes, and retreatment rates were collected.

RESULTS:
Seventeen aneurysms across 17 patients were treated. The mean (SD) age was 56 (13) years, and 15 (88%) patients were women. Among 15 aneurysms with data available, 2 arose from the fenestration limbs and 13 from both limbs and the vertebral artery. Of 16 aneurysmal projections available, 7 projected anteriorly, 7 posteriorly, and 2 superiorly. Among 17 patients, balloon-assisted coiling was the most common treatment (n = 10), followed by primary coiling (n = 3), stent-assisted coiling (n = 2), coiling with flow diversion (n = 1), and balloon-assisted coiling and flow diversion (n = 1). Complications noted in 5 patients included hemorrhage, thromboembolism, paresthesias, vasospasm, and transient hemiparesis. Among 16 patients with postoperative results available, 12 showed favorable clinical outcomes, 3 were disabled, and 1 died. The rates of postoperative complete (Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification 1) and incomplete (Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification 2 and 3) occlusion among 15 patients with available data were 6 and 9, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
Endovascular management of these rare aneurysms is feasible and safe, with high rates of favorable radiographic and clinical outcomes. This series reflects a general preference toward coiling and stent-assisted coiling, although flow diversion may be considered in select cases.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion With Structural Allograft is Associated With Lower Postoperative Health Care Utilization and Reoperations Compared With Cage Implants
Authors: Powers Andrew Y. , Nin Darren Z. , Chen Ya-Wen , Niu Ruijia , Kim David H. , Chang David C. , Hwang Raymond W. 
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Implants represent a large component of surgical cost, with several available options for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Rising ACDF volume highlights the need for accurate cost characterization among implant configurations to inform efficient utilization.

METHODS:
A cohort study of patients who underwent 1-level or 2-level ACDF in 2017 was conducted using the MarketScan national insurance databases, which contain deidentified clinical and financial data. Implant configurations included plate with cage, standalone cage, and plate with structural allograft. Patients who switched insurance providers within 2 years after surgery or underwent concurrent posterior cervical surgery, cervical disk arthroplasty, or cervical corpectomy were excluded. A combined plate/cage and standalone cage group was compared with the allograft group followed by the comparison of the plate/cage and standalone cage groups. In total, 30-day, 90-day, and 2-year aggregate costs; component costs of physical therapy, injections, medications, psychological treatment, and subsequent spine surgery; and reoperation rates were evaluated.

RESULTS:
Of 1723 patients identified, 360 (20.9%) underwent surgery with plate/cage, 184 (10.7%) with standalone cage, and 1179 (68.4%) with allograft. Aggregate costs were lower in the allograft group compared with the combined cage group at 90 days ($36 428 vs $39 875, P = .04) and 2 years ($64 951 vs $74 965, P = .005) postoperatively. There were no significant differences in aggregate costs between the plate/cage and standalone cage groups. The 2-year reoperation rate was higher in the combined cage compared with the allograft group (23.9% vs 10.9%, P < .001) and was also higher in the standalone cage compared with the plate/cage group (32.0% vs 19.7%, P = .002).

CONCLUSION:
Compared with alternative ACDF constructs, allograft is associated with lower postoperative costs and reoperation rates. Although costs are similar, reoperation rates are lower with plate/cage constructs compared with those of standalone cages. Surgeons should consider these financial and clinical differences when selecting implant configurations.