bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a public-facing office in England
Authors: Nicholls G , Atkinson B , van Veldhoven K , Nicholls I , Coldwell M , Clarke A , Atchison C J , Raja A I , Bennett A M , Morgan D , Pearce N , Fletcher T , Brickley E B , Chen Y 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with an attack rate of 55% (22/40 workers) occurred at a public-facing office in England from August to September 2021. Published evidence regarding outbreaks in office workplaces remains limited.

Aims
To describe an investigation of workplace- and worker-related risk factors following an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a public-facing office.

Methods
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) Outbreak Investigation to Understand Transmission (COVID-OUT) study undertook an investigation of the outbreak. This included surface sampling, occupational environmental assessment, molecular and serological testing of workers, and detailed questionnaires.

Results
Despite existing COVID-19 control measures, surface sampling conducted during a self-imposed 2-week temporary office closure identified viral contamination (10/60 samples, 17% positive), particularly in a small, shared security office (6/9, 67% positive) and on a window handle in one open-plan office. Targeted enhanced cleaning was, therefore, undertaken before the office reopened. Repeat surface sampling after this identified only one positive (2%) sample. Ventilation was deemed adequate using carbon dioxide monitoring (typically ≤1000 ppm). Twelve workers (30%) responded to the COVID-OUT questionnaire, and all had been vaccinated with two doses. One-third of respondents (4/12) reported direct physical or close contact with members of the public; of these, 75% (3/4) reported a divider/screen between themselves and members of the public.

Conclusions
The results highlight the potential utility of surface sampling to identify SARS-CoV-2 control deficiencies and the importance of evolving, site-specific risk assessments with layered COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bland D , Evans R , Binesmael A , Wood S , Qureshi S P , Fearnley K , Small A , Strain W D , Agius R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
As a consequence of their occupation, doctors and other healthcare workers were at higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more likely to experience severe disease compared to the general population. However, systematic information on post-acute COVID complications in doctors is very limited.

Aims
This study aimed to determine the symptoms, perceived determinants, health and occupational impact, and consequent needs relating to post-acute COVID complications in UK doctors.

Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to UK doctors self-identifying as having Long COVID or other post-acute COVID complications.

Results
Of 795 responses, 603 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being a UK-based medical doctor experiencing one or more post-acute COVID complications. Twenty-eight per cent reported a lack of adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment at the time of contracting COVID-19. Eighteen per cent of eligible respondents reported that they had been unable to return to work since acquiring COVID.

Conclusions
Post-acute COVID (Long COVID) in UK doctors is a substantial burden for respondents to our questionnaire. The results indicated that insufficient respiratory protection could have contributed to occupational disease, with COVID-19 being contracted in the workplace, and resultant post-COVID complications. Although it may be too late to address the perceived determinants of inadequate protection for those already suffering with Long COVID, more investment is needed in rehabilitation and support of those afflicted.
Sick leave due to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Vandersmissen G , Verbeeck J , Henckens P , Van Dyck J , Wuytens C , Molenberghs G , Godderis L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a high burden of sick leave worldwide. Long-term sick leave for COVID-19 may be longer than for other influenza-like syndromes. The real impact of long COVID on absenteeism remains uncertain.

Aims
To investigate the burden of sick leave, especially &gt;12 weeks, in Belgian workers with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from July 2020 to September 2021 and to compare these figures with sick leave for other infectious diseases.

Methods
We coupled a database of SARS-CoV-2-positive workers and workers who were absent for other infections with objective absence data. Predictors of prolonged sickness were evaluated by negative binomial regression, Cox proportional hazards regression and ordinal logistic regression.

Results
The study population involved 2569 workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 392 workers who were absent for other infectious diseases. In total, 16% (95% CI 14–17%) of workers with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test had no sick leave registered. Fourteen out of 1000 (95% CI 9–20‰) workers with absenteeism for COVID-19 experienced sick leave &gt;12 weeks as compared to 43 out of 1000 workers (95% CI 3–69‰) with absenteeism due to other infections. When including PCR-positive workers without sick leave, the prevalence of long-term sick leave decreased to 12 per 1000 (95% CI8–17‰). Long-term sick leave was associated with older age, high previous sick leave and low educational level.

Conclusions
The prevalence of long-term sick leave was lower than estimated in earlier investigations regardless of worrying reports about post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Advancing shipping NOx pollution estimation through a satellite-based approach
Authors: Luo Zhenyu , He Tingkun , Yi Wen , Zhao Junchao , Zhang Zhining , Wang Yongyue , Liu Huan , He Kebin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Estimating shipping nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and their associated ambient NO2 impacts is a complex and time-consuming task. In this study, a satellite-based ship pollution estimation model (SAT-SHIP) is developed to estimate regional shipping NOx emissions and their contribution to ambient NO2 concentrations in China. Unlike the traditional bottom–up approach, SAT-SHIP employs satellite observations with varying wind patterns to improve the top–down emission inversion methods for individual sectors amidst irregular emission plume signals. Through SAT-SHIP, shipping NOx emissions for 17 ports in China are estimated. The results show that SAT-SHIP performed comparably with the bottom–up approach, with an R2 value of 0.8. Additionally, SAT-SHIP reveals that the shipping sector in port areas contributes ∼21 and 11% to NO2 concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta areas of China, respectively, which is consistent with the results from chemical transportation model simulations. This approach has practical implications for policymakers seeking to identify pollution sources and develop effective strategies to mitigate air pollution.
Measuring lipoprotein(a) for cardiovascular disease prevention – in whom and when?
Authors: Thomas Peter E. , Vedel-Krogh Signe , Nordestgaard Børge G. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review
The aim of this study is to summarize major cardiovascular guideline recommendations on lipoprotein(a) and highlighting recent findings that emphasize how measuring lipoprotein(a) once in all adults is meaningful regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, or ethnicity.

Recent findings
Many international guidelines now recommend once in a lifetime measurement of lipoprotein(a) in all adult individuals to facilitate accurate risk prediction. Lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease is on the horizon, with results from the first phase 3 trial expected in 2025.

Summary
Elevated lipoprotein(a) is an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis and measuring lipoprotein(a) once in all individuals regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, or ethnicity is meaningful to aid in risk stratification.
Rapid Progression of Cunninghamella Species Leading to Respiratory Compromise
Authors: Oriaifo Osejie , Pasli Melisa , Sivadanam Supriya , Tedder Brandon , Chan Nim , Adabale Olanrewaju , Dilibe Arthur , Cook Paul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Cunninghamella spp are a group of filamentous fungi commonly found in soil and decaying matter and can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or with hematologic malignancies. These infections can lead to a rapidly progressive and fatal outcome. Despite accounting for less than 10% of documented mucormycosis cases, disseminated Cunninghamella infections have a higher mortality rate when compared with other mucormycosis.
We present the case of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes/myeloproliferative neoplasms overlap, receiving azacitidine, who initially presented with a diabetic foot ulcer infested with maggots. The patient rapidly developed respiratory distress and encephalopathy, with imaging revealing consolidation in the right upper lung lobe infected with Cunninghamella spp. Treatment with amphotericin B did not improve the patient's condition. Brain imaging also indicated a 24.4 × 16.9-mm lesion, and given the patient's comorbidities and disease progression, surgical intervention was not feasible. The patient was subsequently transitioned to comfort care.
Simplified Septal Stabilization in Closed-Approach Low-Septal-Resection Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty
Authors: Erdal Ayhan Işik , Şibar Serhat 
Published: December 2023

Background
Septal fixation is a basic step in low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Inadequate septal stabilization can lead to supratip depression or more severe saddle nose deformity. This paper presents a simple surgical maneuver to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage instead of suture fixation to the anterior nasal spine.

Methods
Thirty patients who underwent closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty between July and December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Depending on the surgical maneuver performed to stabilize quadrangular septal cartilage, the patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: (1) a group in which the septum was stabilized with transfixion sutures (the transfixion suture group) and (2) a group in which the septum was fixed to the anterior nasal spine with suture (the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group). Standardized postoperative 12-month lateral-view photographs were scanned for the presence of supratip depression or saddle nose deformity that may indicate insufficient septum stabilization.

Results
Supratip depression was observed in 1 patient in the transfixion suture group (n = 16) and in 1 patient in the anterior nasal spine suture fixation group (n = 14; P > 0.05). No saddle nose deformity was observed in either group.

Conclusions
Transfixion sutures seem effective in providing septal stabilization to prevent supratip depression or saddle nose deformity in closed-approach low-septal-resection dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. Transfixion sutures can be used for septal stabilization in closed-approach rhinoplasty, allowing the surgeon to take advantage of the ease of placement.
Tumor size>5cm is a line of demarcation of mortality and progression of gastric cancer after D2+gastrectomy for Chinese population
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhao Hanliang , Shi Yinan , Yang Ruirui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMethodsGastric cancer between May 2002 and December 2020 and who had undergone resection of the primary cancer. We analyzed these patients to study the association between survival and tumor size by Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic splines.ResultsA total of 1708 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median age of 58 years. The distribution of tumor size was correlated with patients underwent different D2+ gastrectomy (P<0.001) and located different tumor site(P=0.002). The size of the patient’s tumor is closely related to the patient’s prognosis, as well as the overall survival of patients experienced proximal gastrectomy (P for trend= 0.002) and progression free survival of distal(P for trend= 0.03) and total gastrectomy (P for trend= 0.016) in fully adjusted model. Likewise, tumor size displayed its prognostic predictability in subgroup of upper 1/3, but only for overall survival in final model(P for trend= 0.045). Nonlinear relationship of different tumor size and D2+ gastrectomy or tumor site showed in restricted cubic splines, >5cm showed a significant impact in each group, but not for proximal gastrectomy (P for nonlinear=0.305). Overall survival and progression decreased progressively along with upgrading of tumor size accordingly.ConclusionsTumor size>5cm can be seen as a line of demarcation of mortality and progression of gastric cancer after D2+gastrectomy, the hazard ratio began to rise when tumor size large than 5cm.
Effect of Brief Dog-Assisted Interventions on Stress Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Faucher Caroline , Behler Anna , Campbell Megan , Thienel Renate 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDespite the growing popularity of dog-assisted interventions (DAI), limited empirical evidence exists on the effect of this therapeutic approach on biological stress responses. This systematic review focused on single instances of a dog-assisted intervention to specifically assess treatment outcomes on stress biomarkers in participants across the lifespan. A total of 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. Cortisol level, blood pressure and heart rate were the most frequently analyzed biomarkers. Evidence to date partially supports the notion that a brief therapeutic intervention with the assistance of a dog may influence the autonomic stress response given that the majority of studies found significant changes in stress biomarkers in groups receiving DAI compared to control groups. However, the present review failed to reach a conclusion regarding the effect of DAI on stress biomarkers within a specific population or settings mostly due to the heterogeneity of the studies. More studies of high quality, and with more transparent and standardized protocols are necessary to further understand the physiological outcomes of DAI in order to develop targeted, evidence-based interventions.
Adaptive epigenetic regulation of neuronal metabolism by a mitochondrial redox signal
Authors: Baeken Marius W. , Kötzner Philipp , Richly Holger , Behl Christian , Moosmann Bernd , Hajieva Parvana 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDifferent signaling pathways connect the mitochondrion with the transcriptional machinery in the nucleus. Redox events are thought to play a substantial role along this axis, however, many open questions about their specificity, quantitative importance and mode of action remain. Here, we have employed subtoxic doses of the complex I inhibitor MPP+in human neuronal LUHMES cells to characterize the contribution of scavengeable redox signals to mito-nuclear communication. MPP+evoked a broadly targeted transcriptional induction of nuclear-encoded respiratory chain complex (RCC) subunits. Nanomolar doses of phenothiazine (PHT), a mitochondrially active antioxidant, attenuated these transcriptional effects by approximately half, but did not modulate the bioenergetic markers ATP, NAD+, NADH, lactate, or glucose. Transcriptional induction by MPP+was accompanied by a loss of nuclear 5-methyl-cytosine and an increase in histone H3K14 acetylation, both of which were entirely prevented by PHT. Inhibitor and PHT reversibility experiments suggested that these alterations were mediated by lowered DNMT3B and SIRT1 levels, respectively. Analysis of MPTP-treated mice recapitulated the PHT-reversible induction of histone acetylation and DNMT3B suppression in vivo. Moreover, PHT completely abrogated the statistical significance of the association of MPP+with the selective induction of mitochondrially imported proteins and RCC subunits. We conclude that the mitochondrion employs a redox signal to announce impending, but not yet acute mitochondrial distress to the nucleus, in order to selectively upregulate mito-metabolic genes via chromatin reorganization. Our results have implications for the interpretation of the observed epigenetic changes in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
TheLegionellacollagen-like protein employs a unique binding mechanism for the recognition of host glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Rehman Saima , Antonovic Anna K. , McIntire Ian E. , Zheng Huaixin , Cleaver Leanne , Adams Carlton O. , Portlock Theo , Richardson Katherine , Shaw Rosie , Oregioni Alain , Mastroianni Giulia , Whittaker Sara B-M , Kelly Geoff , Fornili Arianna , Cianciotto Nicholas P. , Garnett James A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBacterial adhesion is a fundamental process which enables colonisation of niche environments and is key for infection. However, inLegionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, these processes are not well understood. TheLegionellacollagen-like protein (Lcl) is an extracellular peripheral membrane protein that recognises sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on the surface of eukaryotic cells, but also stimulates bacterial aggregation in response to divalent cations. Here we report the crystal structure of the Lcl C-terminal domain (Lcl-CTD) and present a model for intact Lcl. Our data reveal that Lcl-CTD forms an unusual dynamic trimer arrangement with a positively charged external surface and a negatively charged solvent exposed internal cavity. Through Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, we show how the GAG chondroitin-4-sulphate associates with the Lcl-CTD surface via unique binding modes. Our findings show that Lcl homologs are present across both the Pseudomonadota and Fibrobacterota-Chlorobiota-Bacteroidota phyla and suggest that Lcl may represent a versatile carbohydrate binding mechanism.
Proactive and reactive construction of memory-based preferences
Authors: Nicholas Jonathan , Daw Nathaniel D. , Shohamy Daphna 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe are often faced with decisions we have never encountered before, requiring us to infer possible outcomes before making a choice. Computational theories suggest that one way to make these types of decisions is by accessing and linking related experiences stored in memory. Past work has shown that such memory-based preference construction can occur at a number of different timepoints relative to the moment a decision is made. Some studies have found that memories are integrated at the time a decision is faced (reactively) while others found that memory integration happens earlier, when memories were initially encoded (proactively). Here we offer a resolution to this inconsistency, demonstrating that these two strategies tradeoff rationally as a function of the associative structure of memory. We use fMRI to decode patterns of brain responses unique to categories of images in memory and find that proactive memory access is more common and allows more efficient inference. However, we also find that participants use reactive access when choice options are linked to a larger number of memory associations. Together, these results indicate that the brain judiciously conducts proactive inference by accessing memories ahead of time when conditions make this strategy more favorable.
Geographical variation in dementia: systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Walesby K.E. , Shenkin S.D. , Burton J.K. , Dunlop C. , Fenton C. , Gray D , McGillicuddy L.A. , Starr J.M. , Wilkinson T. , Muniz Terrera G. , Russ T.C. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundUnderstanding geographical variation of dementia could highlight important modifiable socio-environmental risk factors. A previous systematic review (2012) identified an increased risk of Alzheimer dementia in rural living in High-Income Countries (HICs), with a dearth of studies in Low to Middle-Income Countries (L-MICs). We updated this review to examine geographical variations in dementia, to encompass the growing number of studies in this field.MethodsWe systematically reviewed the literature for cross-sectional or longitudinal observational studies that compared dementia incidence or prevalence between two or more geographical areas including rural and urban settings.We conducted a narrative synthesis of included papers. Where possible, we undertook meta-analysis, generating odds ratios for rural versus urban dementia prevalence and stratified the analysis by HICs and L-MICs.ResultsWe identified 38 relevant papers, encompassing approximately 98,502,147 people. Twenty-seven papers were included in the quantitative synthesis. Study methodologies varied widely. Dementia rates varied geographically (0.43-38.5%). Overall, rural living was associated with small increased odds of dementia (OR, 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.40;Pvalue = 0.0182). Stratification by HICs and L-MICs demonstrated further variation, with increased odds of dementia in rural areas in L-MICs but not HICs.ConclusionsThere is some evidence of geographical variation of dementia. Rural living was associated with small increased odds of dementia, with stratification showing evidence in rural areas of L-MICs but not HICs. We believe this has not been reported previously. Future research must consider life course geographical exposure and addressing heterogeneity in definitions of ‘rural’ and ‘urban.’What this study addsWe confirm that rural living (compared to urban living) is associated with a small increased odds of dementia (OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.03-1.40). We demonstrate for the first time that this is driven by increased odds of dementia in rural areas in Low to Middle-Income Countries (L-MICs) rather than High Income Countries (HICs), and that the odds of dementia were higher in urban areas in large studies in HICs. Future studies need to carefully consider study setting, method of dementia ascertainment, when exposures may occur, and risk of bias, to understand the role of environment and geography in dementia risk.