bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Excess risk of COVID-19 infection and mental distress in healthcare workers during successive pandemic waves: Analysis of matched cohorts of healthcare workers and community referents in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Galarneau Jean-Michel , Labrèche France , Durand-Moreau Quentin , Ruzycki Shannon , Adisesh Anil , Burstyn Igor , Zadunayski Tanis , Cherry Nicola 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate changes in risk of infection and mental distress in healthcare workers (HCWs) relative to the community as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed.

Methods
HCWs in Alberta, Canada, recruited to an interprovincial cohort, were asked consent to link to Alberta’s administrative health database (AHDB) and to information on COVID-19 immunization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Those consenting were matched to records of up to five community referents (CRs). Physician diagnoses of COVID-19 were identified in the AHDB from the start of the pandemic to 31 March 2022. Physician consultations for mental health (MH) conditions (anxiety, stress/adjustment reaction, depressive) were identified from 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2022. Risks for HCW relative to CR were estimated by fitting wave-specific hazard ratios.

Results
Eighty percent (3050/3812) of HCWs consented to be linked to the AHDB; 97% (2959/3050) were matched to 14,546 CRs. HCWs were at greater risk of COVID-19 overall, with first infection defined from either PCR tests (OR=1.96, 95%CI 1.76–2.17) or physician records (OR=1.33, 95%CI 1.21–1.45). They were also at increased risk for each of the three MH diagnoses. In analyses adjusted for confounding, risk of COVID-19 infection was higher than for CRs early in the pandemic and during the fifth (Omicron) wave. The excess risk of stress/adjustment reactions (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.35–1.71) and depressive conditions (OR=1.39, 95%CI 1.24–1.55) increased with successive waves during the epidemic, peaking in the fourth wave.

Conclusion
HCWs were at increased risk of both COVID-19 and mental ill-health with the excess risk continuing late in the pandemic.
Efficacy of subgingival ozone irrigation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in management of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Sharan Sneha , Aeran Himanshu , Tuli Amrinder Singh 
Published: January 2024

: Aim of the study was to determine the adjunctive role of subgingival irrigating solutions i.e., ozonated water, 0.2% chlorhexidine and 5% Povidine Iodine in Phase-I periodontal treatment and to compare the efficacy of subgingival irrigating medicament being used in studyRandomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 45 patients that were divided into three groups, the ozone group (Group A), chlorhexidine group (Group B) and povidone iodine group (Group C). Patients underwent scaling and root planing (SRP) in a single visit followed by irrigation with ozone water, chlorhexidine and povidone iodine in. The clinical parameters of Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and modified sulcular bleeding index were measured at baseline, at 1 month and at the end of 3 months.All clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and modified sulcus bleeding index at baseline, 1 month and after 3 months. Ozone group was found to be superior than chlorhexidine followed by Povidone Iodine in terms of reduction of Plaque Index. However, intergroup comparison for other parameters did showed difference but it was not statistically significant.: It can be concluded that use of ozone can serve as beneficial irrigating solution to treat chronic periodontitis for home care and professional practice. More studies with a larger sample size may be used to evaluate the potential of these irrigating agents.
Auxotrophy of <I>Yersinia pestis</I> Strains of Antiqua Biovar and Its Genetic Basis
Authors: Makashova M. A. , Kukleva L. M. , Chervyakova N. S. , Naryshkina E. A. , Kovrizhnikov A. V. , Eroshenko G. A. , Shvidenko I. G. , Kutyrev V. V. 
Published: January 2024

The aim of the work was to study the growth dependence on amino acids in Yersinia pestis strains of different phylogenetic branches of the antiqua biovar and to determine the genetic basis of auxotrophy of these strains.Materials and methods. We used 38 strains of Y. pestis, the main subspecies of the antiqua biovar, isolated in various foci of the world in the period of 1928–2020. The nutritional requirements of the strains were determined by incubation on Difco minimal agar with different sets of amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis of the strains was carried out using the Wombac 2.0 and SeaView 5.0.5 programs. Comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the genes was performed using the BLAST algorithm and the Mega 7.0 program.Results and discussion. The phylogenetic appurtenance of the investigated Y. pestis strains of antiqua biovar to the phylogenetic branches 0.ANT3, 0.ANT5, 1.ANT, 2.ANT3, 3.ANT2, 4.ANT has been determined. It is established that all studied strains have a common dependence of growth on three amino acids – phenylalanine, threonine, and methionine. In the majority of the strains of antiqua biovar of all phylogenetic branches, growth is also dependent on the presence of cysteine in the medium, except for a part of the strains of the phylogenetic branch 4.ANT. In 14 genes of sulfur and cysteine metabolism, 19 mutations have been identified. Each phylogenetic group of the antique biovar has a distinct profile of mutations in genes involved in cysteine biosynthesis. The leucine requirement of the strains belonging to phylogenetic branch 0.ANT5 has been established, possibly caused by a frame shift in the leuA gene. Strains of the 1.ANT branch isolated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrate an additional proline-dependent growth. The defined nutritional requirements in the strains and the genetic causes of auxotrophy complement the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the phylogenetic branches of the antiqua biovar and can be used as genetic markers for the differentiation of these strains.
The Long-Lasting Exhumation History of the Ötztal-Stubai Complex (Eastern European Alps): New Constraints from Zircon (U–Th)/He Age-Elevation Profiles and Thermokinematic Modeling
Authors: Hölzer Kyra , Wolff Reinhard , Hetzel Ralf , Dunkl István 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Eastern European Alps formed during two orogenic cycles, which took place in the Cretaceous and Cenozoic, respectively. In the Ötztal-Stubai Complex—a thrust sheet of Variscan basement and Permo-Mesozoic cover rocks—the record of the first (Eoalpine) orogeny is well preserved because during the second (Alpine) orogeny, the complex remained largely undeformed. Here, new zircon (U–Th)/He (ZHe) ages are presented, and thermokinematic modeling is applied to decipher the cooling and exhumation histories of the central part of the Ötztal-Stubai Complex since the Late Cretaceous. The ZHe ages from two elevation profiles increase over a vertical distance of 1500 m from 56 ± 3 to 69 ± 3 Ma (Stubaital) and from 50 ± 2 to 71 ± 4 Ma (Kaunertal), respectively. These ZHe ages and a few published zircon and apatite fission track ages were used for inverse thermokinematic modeling. The modeling results show that the age data are well reproduced with a three-phase exhumation history. The first phase with relatively fast exhumation (~250 m/Myr) during the Late Cretaceous ended at ~70 Ma and is interpreted to reflect the erosion of the Eoalpine mountain belt. As Late Cretaceous normal faults occur at the margins of the Ötztal-Stubai Complex, normal faulting may have also contributed to the exhumation of the study area. Subsequently, a long period with slow exhumation (&lt;10 m/Myr) prevailed until ~16 Ma. This long-lasting phase of slow exhumation suggests a rather low topography with little relief in the Ötztal-Stubai Complex until the mid-Miocene, even though the Alpine orogeny had already begun in the Eocene with the subduction of the European continental margin. Accelerated exhumation since the mid-Miocene (~230 m/Myr) is interpreted to reflect the erosion of the mountain belt due to the development of high topography in front of the Adriatic indenter and repeated glaciations during the Quaternary.
The Generalized AEP for Higher Order Nonhomogeneous Markov Information Source
Authors: Bai Lyu , Shi Zhiyan , Zhu Xiaoyu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The asymptotic equipartiton property (AEP) plays a crucial role in information theory, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding and analyzing aspects such as coding, compression, and the reliability of communication systems. In this paper, we mainly study the generalized AEP of higher order nonhomogeneous Markov information sources by establishing several strong deviation theorems. To achieve this, we first introduce the concepts of generalized sample divergence rate of th-order nonhomogeneous Markov information sources. Meanwhile, we give a class of generalized strong deviation theorems for moving average of the functions of + 1 variables for th-order nonhomogeneous Markov information sources, and also establish strong deviation theorems and strong limit theorems of the frequencies of occurrence of ordered tuples of states for this Markov information sources. Finally, the generalized AEP for th-order nonhomogeneous Markov information sources are establised. Our results also generalize some known results.
MSC(2020): 60J10; 60F15; 94A15
Deformation behaviour of concrete with different moisture contents subjected to compressive creep and cyclic loading
Authors: Kern Bianca , Podhajecky Anna-Lena , Lohaus Ludger , Haist Michael , Oneschkow Nadja 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The expected long-term deformations of concrete structures are calculated using creep models, derived from experiments performed with constant mechanical loads. However, in the majority of real structures, such as bridges, constant creep loads are superimposed with cyclic loads of substantial magnitude. Additionally, such structures are subject to changes in environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). Deformation measurements of existing bridges, have shown significant underestimations by established creep models, which might be traced back to the superimposition of cyclic loads and different moisture contents. Therefore, the developments of strains, viscoplastic strains and modulus of elasticity under creep and cyclic loading of a normal strength concrete have been comparatively investigated for two different pore moisture contents (approx. 100% and 75%). The results show that viscous strains due to cyclic loading are significantly higher than those due to creep loading at the mean stress level of cyclic loading. Furthermore, the strains are higher for the higher moisture content. The differences in the development of the modulus of elasticity and viscoplastic strains of both load types give clear indication for load type dependent microstructural deformation mechanisms. The results obtained concerning the influence of the load type and the moisture content need to be considered for the improvement of existing models.
The effects of Phoniatric PREhabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer patients on Aspi-ration and Preservation of Swallowing (PREHAPS): Study protocol of a monocentric prospective randomized interventional outcome-blinded trial.
Authors: Dürr Stephan , Kuenzel Julian , Vester Sarah , Zeman Florian , Huppertz Gunnar , Koller Michael , Pfleger Gerda , Woertgen Annika , Salloum Hazem , Klinkhammer-Schalke Monika , Pukrop Tobias , Kummer Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background:
Dysphagia, with its negative impact on life expectancy and quality of life, is a major side effect of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a typical Head and Neck Cancer Center, more than half of patients are affected. Improving treatment, and ideally prevention respectively prehabilitation, therefore seems more than desirable.
Methods:
The study is planned as a monocentric, prospective, outcome-blinded, randomized interventional study comparing an advanced phoniatric-logopedic prehabilitation with a control (standard of care). Sixty patients (control group 30/intervention group 30) with an initial diagnosis of invasive HNSCC and curative treatment intention will be included over a period of 17 months. In addition to the previous standard, both groups will undergo both, detailed subjective assessment of swallowing function and quality of life by means of various questionnaires, as well as objective analyses by bioelectrical impedance measurements and phoniatric endoscopic swallowing examinations. In the intervention group, risk-related nutritional counseling (face-to-face) and phoniatric-logopedic prehabilitation are provided: Detailed counseling with video demonstration and exercises to strengthen and improve range of motion of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal muscles (guided by exercise diary). Controls are performed 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, as well as 9 or 12 months after the end of therapy during the regular tumor follow-up. Primary study endpoints are swallowing function and emotional distress at 6 weeks control visit.
Discussion:
Prehabilitation measures have already proven successful in other patient groups, e.g. transplant patients. In the field of head and neck oncology, interest in such concepts has increased significantly in recent years. However, usually only subgroups, e.g. patients with swallowing problems after radiochemotherapy alone, are in focus. Our study aims to investigate the general benefit of prehabilitation with regard to swallowing function, which is so important for protection of aspiration and quality of life.
Trial registration:
DRKS00029676 (German Clinical Trials Register https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00029676; International Clinical Trials Registry Platform https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00029676).
Preparation of Hybrid Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 Biopolymer Core-Shell Anticancer Drug Carrier for Sustainable Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Chalal Samia , Haddadine Nabila , Thoburn John , Bakel Taha Yakoub , Dria Zakia , Bouslah Naima , Benaboura Ahmed , Beyaz Khaled , Guedouar Bendiba , Barille Regis , El-Shall Samy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Magnetic core-shell drug-carrier microcapsules were prepared and investigated using doxorubicin (Dox) as an anticancer drug model. First, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4), were prepared and coated with silica SiO2 using a sol-gel method. Next, the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized using the (3-aminopropyl) ethoxy silane (APS), to obtain the Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2. Afterward, the (Dox) was added to form the Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2-(Dox), and then the nanoparticles were wrapped in a polymer matrix by adding a chitosan/CaCl2 aqueous solution. The presence of divalent Ca2+ cations ensured hydrogel chain reticulation and the Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2-(Dox) encapsulation into the polymer matrix. The chitosan was chosen to shrink the hydrogel microcapsules' pores and limit the drug diffusion in acidic pH. Finally, a solution of dextran and polyvinyl pyrrolidone in chloroform was added to form the outermost shell structure. This core-shell magnetic drug-carrier microcapsule was noted system (A). The second drug-carrier microcapsule noted (B), was obtained by adding the (Dox) to the outermost polymer shell. The two-hybrid core-shell, drug carriers A, and B were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and their magnetic characteristics were confirmed. The drug diffusion kinetic study revealed that (A) had a greater drug release efficiency than (B), with an enhanced drug release effect at pH 5.8 and 7.4 associated with cancer cell environments, rather than pH 4.9 associated with healthy cell environments. Therefore, the magnetic drug carrier (A) was selected as a promising candidate for cancer cell targeting therapy.
The place of health in the EU-CELAC interregional cooperation from 2005 to 2023: a historical, empirical and prospective analysis.
Authors: Salgado Carolina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: much has been said by actors from different fields and perspectives about the manifold changes in world affairs triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, it is to be expected that there will be impacts on long-standing partnerships such as the one between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean Countries. However, few studies have demonstrated these impacts, either empirically, by uncovering their specificities or from a historical perspective, to allow for a reasonable methodological comparison of the patterns used to define the partnership and that have changed or have been affected in some way by the pandemic.
Results: through an in-depth qualitative assessment of primary and secondary sources, this article contributes to this research gap. It analyzes the patterns and changes or impacts in light of two strands of behavior that can make sense of EU-CELAC health cooperation - revisionist or reformist. The findings show an economy-driven health agenda as a new pattern of cooperation, which derives from EU reformist behavior after the pandemic.
Conclusions: the EU power to enforce its priorities in the context of health cooperation with CELAC is the main factor that will define how (and not just which) competing interests and capacities will be accommodated. The relevance of the study to the fields of global governance for health, interregional health cooperation and EU foreign policy is threefold. It shows us i.how two more international regimes are easily intertwined with health - trade and intellectual property - with the potential to deepen asymmetries and divergences even between long-standing strategic partners; ii.contrary to the idea that reformist behaviors are only adopted by actors who are dissatisfied with the status quo, the study shows us that the reformist actor can also be the one who has more material power and influence and who nevertheless challenges the success of cooperation in the name of new priorities and the means to achieve them; and iii.how the EU will find it difficult to operationalize its new priorities internally, among states and private actors, and with those of CELAC, given the history of intense disputes over health-related economic aspects.
Mechanical Methods for Materials Concentration of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Cells and Product Potential Evaluation for Recycling
Authors: Camargo Priscila Silva Silveira , Torres Gabriel Gomes Osório , Pacheco João Antônio Scherer , Cenci Marcelo Pilotto , Kasper Angela Cristina , Veit Hugo Marcelo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The production and sales of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are very rapidly expanding nowadays, causing a significant impact on the consumption of critical raw materials, such as lithium. Thus, developing and improving methods for the separation and recovery of materials from lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is necessary to ensure the supply of critical raw materials, as well as to meet the recycling targets set by some countries. This study evaluated and compared two mechanical routes to concentrate materials of LiFePO4 (LPF) cells. In addition, the economic, environmental and scarcity risk potential of the products obtained through the best mechanical route were evaluated. The first route involved 6 grinding cycles in a knife mill, followed by particle size separation into 3 fractions. The second route involved a single grinding cycle (knife and hammer mill were tested), followed by particle size separation into 6 fractions. The second route showed more promise, with obtaining fractions rich in (1) iron, (2) aluminum and copper, and (3) cathode materials. Additionally, less operating time and energy consumption was necessary. The hammer mill offered a better separation for the iron and the cathodic materials (LiFePO4), while the knife mill showed to be more effective in concentrating the aluminum and copper. The product potential evaluation of the best route revealed that the priority fractions for recycling in economic and in the environmental assessment in LFP2 are 2 < n < 9.5 mm (due Cu and Al) and n < 0.5 mm (due Li). Considering the scarcity risk, priority should be assigned to the recycling of the fraction n < 0.5 due to lithium.
Oxidative stress induces ferroptosis in tendon stem cells by regulating mitophagy through cGAS-STING pathway during tendinopathy
Authors: Zheng shizhong , gao yuanyuan , Sun wenshuang , Wang junrui , Zhao danli , Tian haoyuan , Qiu yangling , Ji shufan , Wang shuqi , Fu qiuyu , zhang feng , Zhang zili , Wang feixia , Shao jiangjuan , Meng jia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tendinopathy is one of the most prevalent sports injury diseases in orthopedics. However, there is no effective treatment or medicine. Recently, the discovery of tendon stem cells (TSCs) provides a new perspective to find new therapeutic methods for Tendinopathy. Studies have shown that oxidative stress will inevitably cause TSCs injury during tendinopathy, but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report the oxidative damage of TSCs induced by H2O2 via ferroptosis, as well, treatment with H2O2 raised the proportion of mitochondria engulfed by autophagosomes in TSCs. The suppression of mitophagy by Mdivi-1 significantly attenuates the H2O2-induced ferroptosis in TSCs. Mechanically, H2O2 actives the cGAS-STING pathway, which can regulate the level of mitophagy. Interfering with cGAS could impair mitophagy and the classical ferroptotic events. In the rat model of tendinopathy, interference of cGAS could relieve tendon injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Overall, these results provided novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of tendinopathy, by which pointed to cGAS as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of tendinopathy.
PLCβ1 By-Passes Early Growth Response -1 to Induce and Maintain the Differentiation of Neuronal Cells
Authors: Scarlata Suzanne , González-Burguera Imanol , Lin Guanyu , de Jesús Maider López , Saumell-Esnaola Miquel , Barrondo Sergio , Caño Gontzal García del , Sallés Joan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Gαq/phospholipase C-β (PLCβ) signaling system mediates calcium responses to variety of hormones and neurotransmitters. Recent studies suggest that PLCβ1 expression plays a role in the differentiation of two types of cultured neuronal cells (PC12 and SKNSH) through a mechanism independent of Gαq. Here, we show a similar increase in PLCβ1 expression when human NT2 cells are induced to differentiate either through AraC or retinoic acid. Preventing this increase abolishes differentiation. Surprisingly, transfecting PLCβ1 into undifferentiated PC12 or NT2 cells induces differentiation without the need for differentiating agents. Studies to uncover the underlying mechanism focused on the transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr-1) which mediates the expression of many proteins involved in differentiation including PLCb1. We find that increased levels of cytosolic PLCβ1 in undifferentiated PC12 and NT2 cells promote localization of Egr-1 to the nucleus. This shift to the nucleus is correlated disruption between Egr-1 and its cytosolic binding partner (Tar RNA binding protein) when PLCβ1 is over-expressed. These studies present a novel mechanism through which PLCβ1 can modulate differentiation.