bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on Covid-19 incidence and mortality in the United States
Authors: Fang Fang , Clemens John David , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Brewer Timothy F. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Given the waning of vaccine effectiveness and the shifting of the most dominant strains in the U.S., it is imperative to understand the association between vaccination coverage and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease and mortality at the community levels and whether that association might vary according to the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strains in the U.S.

Methods
Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate associations between U.S. county-level cumulative vaccination rates and booster distribution and the daily change in county-wide Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) risks and mortality during Alpha, Delta and Omicron predominance. Models were adjusted for potential confounders at both county and state level. A 2-week lag and a 4-week lag were introduced to assess vaccination rate impact on incidence and mortality, respectively.

Results
Among 3,073 counties in 48 states, the average county population complete vaccination rate of all age groups was 50.79% as of March 11th, 2022. Each percentage increase in vaccination rates was associated with reduction of 4% (relative risk (RR) 0.9607 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9553, 0.9661)) and 3% (RR 0.9694 (95% CI: 0.9653, 0.9736)) in county-wide COVID-19 cases and mortality, respectively, when Alpha was the dominant variant. The associations between county-level vaccine rates and COVID-19 incidence diminished during the Delta and Omicron predominance. However, each percent increase in people receiving a booster shot was associated with reduction of 6% (RR 0.9356 (95% CI: 0.9235, 0.9479)) and 4% (RR 0.9595 (95% CI: 0.9431, 0.9761)) in COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the community, respectively, during the Omicron predominance.

Conclusions
Associations between complete vaccination rates and COVID-19 incidence and mortality appeared to vary with shifts in the dominant variant, perhaps due to variations in vaccine efficacy by variant or to waning vaccine immunity over time. Vaccine boosters were associated with notable protection against Omicron disease and mortality.
Laryngeal Recalibration Therapy Improves Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms in Patients With Suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
Authors: Walsh Erin , Krause Amanda J. , Greytak Madeline , Kaizer Alexander M. , Weissbrod Philip A. , Liu Kelli , Taft Tiffany , Yadlapati Rena 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as cough, throat clearing, voice change, paradoxic vocal fold movement, or laryngospasm are hyper-responsive behaviors resulting from local irritation (e.g., refluxate) and heightened sympathetic tone. Laryngeal recalibration therapy (LRT) guided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) provides mechanical desensitization and cognitive recalibration to suppress hyper-responsive laryngeal patterns. The aim of this study was to assess symptom response to LRT among patients with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms undergoing evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS:
Adults with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms referred for evaluation of GERD to a single center were prospectively followed. Inclusion criteria included ≥2 SLP-directed LRT sessions. Data from endoscopy, ambulatory reflux monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes were collected when available. The primary outcome was symptom response.

RESULTS:
Sixty-five participants completed LRT: mean age 55.4 years (SD 17.2), 46 (71%) female, mean body mass index 25.6 kg/m2 (6.8), and mean of 3.7 (1.9) LRT sessions. Overall, 55 participants (85%) met criteria for symptom response. Specifically, symptom response was similar between those with isolated laryngopharyngeal symptoms (13/15, 87%) and concomitant laryngopharyngeal/esophageal symptoms (42/50, 84%). Among participants who underwent reflux monitoring, symptom response was similar between those with proven, inconclusive for, and no GERD (18/21 [86%], 8/9 [89%], 10/13 [77%]).

DISCUSSION:
Eighty-five percent of patients with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms referred for GERD evaluation who underwent LRT-experienced laryngeal symptom response. Rates of symptom response were maintained across patients with or without proven GERD and patients with or without concomitant esophageal reflux symptoms. SLP-directed LRT is an effective approach to incorporate into multidisciplinary management of chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.
ASPECTOS GEOEPIDEMIOLÓGICOS DA HANSENÍASE EM MENORES DE 15 ANOS NO ESTADO DO MARANHÃO, DE 2010 A 2021
Authors: Moreira Rodolfo José de Oliveira , Bussinguer Pamela Rioli Rios , Silva Robson Mariano Oliveira , Neto Pedro Martins Lima , Serra Maria Aparecida Alves de Oliveira , Santos Leonardo Hunaldo dos , Neto Marcelino Santos 
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Analisar a autocorrelação espacial global e o indicador local de associação espacial e determinar a tendência dos casos novos de hanseníase em menores de 15 anos no estado do Maranhão e nas Unidades Regionais de Saúde (URS) de 2010 a 2021. Método - Estudo ecológico de série temporal, de análises distinta, com dados do Sistema de Informações de Agravo de Notificações. A tendência dos casos novos do evento foi analisada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten. Para realizar a análise espacial dos dados, foi realizado a frequência acumulada dos casos e divididos em 3 quadriênios e utilizado o Índice Global de Moran Global e Moran Local (LISA). Resultados: Foram analisados 3.834 casos. A tendência da detecção de casos novos apresentou-se decrescente no estado do Maranhão e em 8 URS, mantendo-se estável nas demais. A análise espacial apresentou autocorrelação espacial positiva pelo Índice Global de Moran nos 3 quadriênios e LISA apresentou significância e municípios clusters nos 3 quadriênios. Conclusão: Tendência de casos novos foi decrescente em oito URS e no estado e estável nas demais URS. Existe uma autocorrelação positiva do coeficiente de detecção anual e a presença de clusters de alto risco no estado.
Atividades extensionistas durante o ensino remoto, são possíveis?
Authors: Ferraz Mikaelle Claro Costa Silva , Leitão Luciana Pereira Colares , Jedlicka Leticia Dias Lima 
Published: April 2024

A disciplina de seminários integrados, ministrada no curso de Saúde Coletiva, possui carga horária 100% extensionista, o que a torna uma disciplina diferenciada e desafiadora. Por conta da pandemia de COVID-19, durante o segundo semestre de 2020, a Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará instituiu o período letivo emergencial, com atividades opcionais e realizadas de forma remota. Com isso, deparamo-nos frente a dois novos desafios: o primeiro, trabalhar de forma remota e o segundo, ministrar uma disciplina com alunos que tinham a opção de cursá-la ou não durante o período emergencial. Este artigo relata a experiência de três docentes que desenvolveram uma disciplina extensionista remotamente pela primeira vez frente a um cenário novo e repleto de desafios. Para tanto, a metodologia de aprendizagem baseada em projetos foi adaptada e, junto com os alunos, criamos quatro cartilhas com assuntos diversos abordando educação em saúde. Além destes produtos que foram publicados em formato digital, também foi realizado um evento on-line de informação e saúde com a participação de convidados com expertise sobre temas abordados nas cartilhas. Assim, foi possível desconstruir e reinventar a forma como docentes e discentes viam e trabalharam com atividades de extensão durante o ensino remoto.
INCURSÃO HISTÓRICA DA POLÍTICA DE EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL NO BRASIL
Authors: Vaz Catia , Brasil Estabel Lizandra 
Published: April 2024

A assistência às pessoas com deficiência no Brasil teve seu início no período Imperial, com o surgimento de duas instituições especializadas para as pessoas cegas e surdas. No entanto, somente no início do século XX, surgem os serviços destinados ao atendimento especializado às diferentes necessidades das pessoas com deficiência. Na trajetória de políticas educacionais especiais, por meio da Constituição Federal de 1988, ocorreram mudanças significativas na educação escolar para as pessoas com deficiência. A Política Nacional de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva (PNEEPEI) tem seu início em 2008, dando ênfase à Educação Especial como modalidade de ensino. Sendo assim, as discussões envolvendo essa temática inserem-se em diferentes etapas da educação básica, assim como no ensino superior. A Política Nacional de Educação Especial na Perspectiva da Educação Inclusiva (PNEEPEI) caracterizou-se como uma mola propulsora no processo de inclusão das Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD), desde a Educação Infantil ao Ensino Superior. A PNEEPI pressupõe a garantia não somente do acesso ao ensino regular, mas também a garantia da permanência e da aprendizagem em todos os níveis de ensino. Diante do exposto, o presente artigo de revisão intenta apresentar e resgatar a incursão histórica da política de Educação Especial no Brasil.
Práticas pedagógicas em educação especial:
Authors: RUSCH KÖNIG FRANCIELE , Romano de Souza Bridi Fabiane 
Published: April 2024

Este artigo configura-se como um relato de experiência e tem como objetivo relatar práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas por meio do ensino colaborativo, com ênfase na construção de conhecimento através da interação grupal em uma turma de segundo ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública, no âmbito do PIBID/UFSM/Educação Especial. Como aspectos principais, discutem-se a contribuição das atividades grupais para a tomada coletiva de decisões e a definição de papéis por parte dos estudantes, bem como para sua aprendizagem a partir do confronto de diferentes hipóteses no grupo. Destaca-se o ensino colaborativo como qualificador das práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas, na medida em que prevê a parceria entre a educação especial e o ensino comum em sala de aula, com alternância de papéis e equidade de responsabilidades nas ações de planejamento, desenvolvimento das aulas e avaliação das propostas e dos estudantes.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Olea europaea L. extracted polysaccharides, characterization, and its assessment as an antimicrobial agent against multiple pathogenic microbes
Authors: Hashmi Syeda Safia , Ibrahim Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Ullah Asad , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Kamal Asif , Iqbal Majid , Kaplan Alevcan , Assad Nasir , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Zaman Wajid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Recent advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have revolutionized the medical field, particularly in the treatment and prevention of disease. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered one of the best supreme and most important nanomaterials with a variety of compulsive nanomaterial having diverse array of multifunctional bioapplications. The current study focuses on the green biosynthesis of AgNPs using polysaccharides extracted from Olea europaea leaves. The synthesized AgNPs were thoroughly analyzed and characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques including, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The absorption peak at 440 nm showed a high plasmon resonance band, confirming the formation of green AgNPs by the reduction of Ag+ ions to Ag0. FTIR analysis showed the appearance and extension of different functional groups. The results of EDX and SEM confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs with spherical shape, crystalline structure, and an average size of 64.42 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs possessed improved antimicrobial activities, indicating the importance of biosynthesized NPs in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs were biocompatible and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity (86.29%), almost similar to that of a standard drug (87.78%) at a concentration of 500 µL/mL. The polysaccharides obtained from O. europaea could be considered as effective reducing agent, leading to an environmentally friendly synthesis of stable and biologically important AgNPs with a wide range of applications.
Spatio-temporal analysis of the driving factors of urban land use expansion in China: A study of the Yangtze River Delta region
Authors: Wu Yue , Han Zexu , Koko Auwalu Faisal , Zhang Siyuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Urban land use dynamics play a key role in the sustainable development of rapidly urbanizing regions, such as the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China. In this study, we employed geospatial and statistical methods comprising remotely sensed data, Geographic Information Systems, and the Spatial Durbin model to examine the complex changes in urban land uses. These techniques allowed for a broader assessment of the evolving urban landscape, emphasizing the significance of considering spatial relationships and socioeconomic panel data in the study area. The result indicated a substantial increase in built-up land within the YRD, rising from 6.83% in 2000 to 12.29% in 2020. This growth predominantly occurred at the expense of agricultural land, forests, and water bodies, with agricultural areas contributing over 90.2% to the built-up land expansion. The eastern cities experienced a more noticeable urban expansion compared to the western cities. The findings revealed a positive spatial spillover effect among neighboring cities, indicating a significant spatial clustering of built-up land. Population and urbanization emerged as primary drivers influencing both local and neighboring built-up land expansions. However, economic development, fixed asset investment, and transportation networks influenced the local areas of the YRD region but acted as inhibitors for the growth of neighboring areas. The result also suggests that industrial structures effectively curb local built-up land expansion without adversely affecting neighboring areas. These findings contribute to the existing knowledge by providing a wider understanding of land uses within the YRD region and valuable policy recommendations for sustainable urban planning in similar rapidly urbanizing areas.
Biodegradable thermochromic polylactic acid (PLA) sensor
Authors: Qi-Hua Chan , Tran Dai Lam , Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the development of polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating thermochromic black pigments (TCB) at varying concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 wt% through the process of melt blending. The color transition and reversion behaviors of the resulting specimens were examined at different temperatures (−10, 10, 30, 35 and 50 °C) using colorimetric analysis. Additionally, mechanical properties, thermal characteristic and thermal stability were assessed through tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The study revealed that an increase in TCB concentrations led to a reduction in lightness (L*). Higher pigment content enhanced thermochromic properties, resulting in more pronounced color changes. The total color difference (ΔE) remained reproducible over five cycles of heating and freezing, and this reproducibility persisted after thermal aging. Tensile strength and elongation at break exhibited improvement with increasing pigment content. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of the thermochromic samples showed minimal reduction compared to that of neat PLA, which is 64.2 °C. Crystallinity degree (Xc) increased slightly by 0.2–0.92 %. The thermal stability of the PLA matrix was only marginally affected by the presence of thermochromic pigments.
Assessment of radioactivity and radiological risk indices in the sediments of the Tam Giang-Cau Hai, Thi Nai, and Nai lagoons in the Center of Vietnam
Authors: Nhon Dang Hoai , Van Quan Nguyen , Hai Phan Son , Van Vuong Bui , Anh Nguyen Ngoc , Ve Nguyen Dac , Chien Hoang Thi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Using gamma and alpha spectrometers, the radioactive isotopes 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, and 40K were determined in three sediment cores from the Tam Giang-Cau Hai (TG), Thi Nai (TN), and Nai (DN) lagoons, and radiation risk indices were computed. The radioactivity concentrations of 210Pb, 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra were 55.46 Bq/kg, 675.78 Bq/kg, 67.22 Bq/kg, and 34.15 Bq/kg, respectively. The Raeq, ADR, AEDE, Iγr, AUI, Hex, and AGDE indices were 182.31 Bq/kg, 84.46 nGy/h, 0.10 mSV/y, 1.35, 1, 18, 0.49, and 598.71 µSV/y, respectively; the values of 40K, 232Th, AEDE, ADR, Iγr, and AGDE were greater than the global average and UNSCEAR values. The radioactivity and radiation risk indices decreased in the order DN > TN > TG.
The predictive value of plasma uridine for type 2 diabetes and its atherosclerotic complications
Authors: Yang Yueyuan , Yu Tingting , Niu Zhili , Gao Ling 
Published: April 2024

Objective
Uridine might be a common link between pathological pathways in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of plasma uridine for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and T2D with atherosclerosis.

Methods
Individuals with T2D and healthy controls (n = 218) were randomly enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Patients with T2D were divided into two groups based on carotid ultrasound: patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CA) (group DCA) and patients without CA (group D). Plasma uridine was determined using HPLC-MS/MS. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the results.

Results
Fasting and postprandial uridine were significantly increased in patients with T2D compared with healthy individuals. Logistic regression suggested that fasting and postprandial uridine were independent risk factors for T2D. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that fasting uridine had a predictive value on T2D (95% CI, 0.686–0.863, sensitivity 74.3%, specificity 71.8%). Fasting uridine was positively correlated with LDL-c, FBG, and PBG and negatively correlated with fasting C-peptide (CP-0h) and HOMA-IS. The change in postprandial uridine from fasting baseline (Δuridine) was smaller in T2D patients with CA compared with those without (0.80 (0.04–2.46) vs 2.01 (0.49–3.15), P = 0.010). Δuridine was also associated with T2D with CA and negatively correlated with BMI, CP-0h, and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion
Fasting uridine has potential as a predictor of diabetes. Δuridine is closely associated with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with T2D.
Radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment for Bethesda III thyroid nodules without genetic alterations
Authors: Fugazzola Laura , Deandrea Maurilio , Borgato Stefano , Dell’Acqua Marco , Retta Francesca , Mormile Alberto , Carzaniga Chiara , Gazzano Giacomo , Pogliaghi Gabriele , Muzza Marina , Persani Luca 
Published: April 2024

Background
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is effective in the treatment of thyroid nodules, leading to a 50–90% reduction with respect to baseline. Current guidelines indicate the need for a benign cytology prior to RFA, though, on the other side, this procedure is also successfully used for the treatment of papillary microcarcinomas. No specific indications are available for nodules with an indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III/IV).

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of RFA in Bethesda III nodules without genetic alterations as verified by means of a custom panel.

Methods
We have treated 33 patients (mean delivered energy 1069 ± 1201 J/mL of basal volume) with Bethesda III cytology, EU-TIRADS 3-4, and negative genetic panel. The mean basal nodular volume was 17.3 ± 10.7 mL.

Results
Considering the whole series, the mean volume reduction rate (VRR) was 36.8 ± 16.5% at 1 month, 59.9 ± 15.5% at 6 months, and 62 ± 15.7% at 1-year follow-up. The sub-analysis done in patients with 1 and 2 years follow-up data available (n = 20 and n = 5, respectively) confirmed a progressive nodular volume decrease. At all-time points, the rate of reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.0001), without significant correlation between the VRR and the basal volume. Neither cytological changes nor complications were observed after the procedure.

Conclusion
RFA is effective in Bethesda III, oncogene-negative nodules, with reduction rates similar to those obtained in confirmed benign lesions. This procedure represents a good alternative to surgery or active surveillance in this particular class of nodules, regardless of their initial volume. A longer follow-up will allow to evaluate further reduction or possible regrowth.
Multiple detection of hypermucoviscous and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae: An emergent health care threat
Authors: Ventura Anna , Addis Elena , Bertoncelli Anna , Mazzariol Annarita 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study focused on the characterization of 19 hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, that were identified from 26 hypermucosal strains. In order to identify hypermucoviscous strains of K. pneumoniae, the string test was applied. This phenotype is known in the literature as one of the virulence factors of this species together with the production of biofilm and other hypervirulence factor genes such as: rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, iroB, peg-344. We also investigated presence of magA gene that correlates with the hyper-production of capsule of K1 serotype. Of the strains under study, 13 out of 19 harboured at least one virulence factor.Sequence type (ST) was determined in order to identify known high-risk clones or new emerging high-risk clones and their variability in a single clinical setting. Important STs found among these strains were ST65 and ST29. Carbapenem resistance was also investigated and 4 out of 19 strains harboured at least a carbapenemase: one strain harboured a KPC enzyme alone, one strain carried a KPC and an OXA-48 like, one strain produced OXA-48-like alone, and the last strain harboured two metallo-β-lactamases (VIM-1 and NDM-5) plus OXA-48-like. In particular, this latter strain belongs to ST383, which was recently reported in Northern Italy as a hypervirulent and XDR strain.The global spread of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae is an important epidemiological issue that should be considered in diagnostic and therapeutic managements of patients with K. pneumoniae infections.
Towards a study protocol: A data-driven workflow to identify error sources in direct ink write mechatronics
Authors: Aung Hein Htet , Jimenez Jayvic Cristian , Au Brian , Caviness Pigeon , Cerda Robert , Tran Quynh D. , Tripathi Pawan , Giera Brian , French Roger H. , Bruckman Laura S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUsing Direct Ink Write (DIW) technology in a rapid and large-scale production requires reliable quality control for printed parts. Data streams generated during printing, such as print mechatronics, are massive and diverse which impedes extracting insights. In our study protocol approach, we developed a data-driven workflow to understand the behavior of sensor-measured X- and Y-axes positional errors with process parameters, such as print velocity and velocity control. We uncovered patterns showing that instantaneous changes in the velocity, when the build platform accelerates and decelerates, largely influence the positional errors, especially in the X-axis due to the hardware architecture. Since DIW systems share similar mechatronic inputs and outputs, our study protocol approach is broadly applicable and scalable across multiple systems.
Graphical abstract