bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Noncontact Method for Estimating Thin Metal Film Adhesion Strength Through Current-Induced Void Growth
Authors: Prasanna Prasad Sudarshan , Kumar Vaitheeswaran Pavan , Singh Yuvraj , Chou Pei-En , Liao Huanyu , Subbarayan Ganesh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Studies have reported that the electromigration-induced void growth velocity in metal thin films is inversely related to the adhesion strength of the metal thin film with the base and passivation layers. It was also observed that the contribution of interface adhesion strength to electromigration resistance decreases with an increase in temperature. In this study, an expression is derived for the diffusive void growth velocity induced by electromigration from a generalized thermodynamically consistent continuum-based theory for reaction–diffusion driven solid-state interface evolution. This relation captures the effect of adhesion with the base and passivation layers on electromigration resistance of thin metal films. Electromigration experiments were carried out at elevated temperatures and high current density to induce voiding in thin Cu metal film deposited on a base layer of TiN and passivated with TiN or SiNx. The degradation of interface adhesion strength with temperature is modeled using an Andrade-type of relationship. The void growth rates characterized in these experiments are combined with the expression for void growth rate to estimate the interface adhesion strength for the Cu–TiN and Cu–SiNx interfaces. The methodology for estimating the adhesion strength of the metal-passivation layer interface is validated through comparison with interface adhesion strengths from mechanical de-adhesion tests reported in the literature.
MicroRNAs in infectious diseases: potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets
Authors: Kimura Muneyoshi , Kothari Sagar , Gohir Wajiha , Camargo Jose F. , Husain Shahid 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARY
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved, short, non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurological, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. Several recent studies have suggested that miRNAs are key players in regulating the differentiation, maturation, and activation of immune cells, thereby influencing the host immune response to infection. The resultant upregulation or downregulation of miRNAs from infection influences the protein expression of genes responsible for the immune response and can determine the risk of disease progression. Recently, miRNAs have been explored as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in various infectious diseases. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of miRNAs during viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections from a clinical perspective, including critical functional mechanisms and implications for their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Amplicon sequencing data profiling of rhizospheric microbiome associated with
Capsicum annuum
L. var.
Kulai
cultivated under organic farming
Authors: Tharek Munirah , Mat Amin Noriha 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Data on the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing from the rhizosphere of
Capsicum annuum
L. var.
Kulai
cultivated under organic farming are unveiled. The most dominant phyla for the 16S rRNA gene were
Actinobacteriota
and
Proteobacteria
. As for the 18S rRNA gene amplicon,
Charophyta
and
Fungi
were the major taxonomic groups.
Methanogen-mediated dolomite precipitation in an early Permian lake in northwestern China
Authors: Sun Funing , Hu Wenxuan , Wang Xiaolin , Hu Zhongya , Wu Haiguang , Guo Yangrui , Wei Gangjian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Microbes are known to mediate dolomite precipitation in laboratory experiments; however, the linkage of specific microbes to ancient dolomites remains poorly constrained due to scarce diagnostic biogeochemical signatures and mineralized microbial relics in the rock record. Here, we report the occurrence of methanogen-mediated dolomite in the Lower Permian lacustrine Lucaogou Formation in northwestern China. The clumped isotope (Δ47) temperature provides direct evidence of a low-temperature origin (typically &lt;40 °C). The extremely positive δ26MgDSM3 (up to +0.44‰) and δ13CVPDB (up to +19‰) values in the dolomite indicate authigenic precipitation in methanogenic lake sediments. Micron-sized spheroidal bodies and filamentous and sheetlike structures are interpreted as mineralized coccoid methanogenic archaea and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), respectively. Dolomite nanoglobules (primarily 40–100 nm in diameter) are interpreted as mineralized viruses attached to the archaea and EPSs and between the cells. A combination of geochemical and microscale evidence confirms the microbial origin of the dolomite induced by methanogens and their associated bacteriophages. Furthermore, dolomite nanoglobules initially nucleated on the surfaces of methanogen cells, EPSs, and viruses and then merged into larger aggregates. The formation of microbial dolomite is characterized by a metabolic incubation, heterogeneous nucleation, and aggregative growth pathway. These findings provide valuable clues to decipher the biosignatures of these particular ancient dolomites.
Two phases of Cretaceous dextral shearing recorded in the plutonic rocks of NW Nevada (USA): A tectonic link between intra-arc shearing in the Sierra Nevada and Idaho batholiths
Authors: Trevino Sarah F. , Tikoff Basil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The Cretaceous intrusive units of the Sahwave and Nightingale ranges in northwestern Nevada, USA, located between the Sierra Nevada and Idaho batholiths, represent a critical segment of Cretaceous arc magmatism. U-Pb zircon age dating shows that the older, 104 Ma Power Line intrusive complex is dominantly granodioritic in composition, while the younger 94–88 Ma Sahwave Range intrusive suite (the Juniper Pass, Bob Springs, and Sahwave plutons) is similar in composition (tonalite to granodiorite) and age to the plutons of the Tuolumne intrusive suite of the east-central Sierra Nevada batholith. We present new field measurements, microstructural observations, and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility analyses of the Power Line intrusive complex and Sahwave Range intrusive suite. The Power Line intrusive complex is characterized by a vertical, N–S-striking, solid-state foliation and down-dip lineation. Evidence of dextral shearing is observed on subhorizontal planes that are perpendicular to the lineation, which is consistent with pure shear-dominated transpression. This fabric is similar in style and timing to both the western Idaho shear zone of the Idaho batholith and mid-Cretaceous shear zones of the central Sierra Nevada. The plutons of the Sahwave Range intrusive suite are not affected by the pure shear-dominated transpressional fabric observed in the Power Line intrusive complex, which indicates that this deformation ceased by ca. 94 Ma. Rather, the Juniper Pass pluton contains an E–W-striking magmatic foliation fabric that rotates to a steep NW–SE-striking, solid-state foliation in the younger Sahwave pluton. These fabrics are strikingly similar to fabrics in the Tuolumne intrusive suite, Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Recent work in the western Idaho shear zone also indicates that late-stage deformation occurred there until ca. 85 Ma. Therefore, the intrusions of northwestern Nevada provide a tectonic link between the Sierra Nevada and Idaho batholiths, which suggests that two distinct phases of mid-Cretaceous, transpressional deformation occurred in at least three magmatic arc segments of the western U.S. margin.
Rapid progression of probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with concomitant COVID-19 infection
Authors: McGrath Adrian , Pai Hari , Clack Aidan 
Published: November 2023

A previously healthy man in his 80s was admitted to a district general hospital with rapidly progressing dementia, gait abnormalities and myoclonus alongside COVID-19 infection. Investigations showed mild elevation of C-reactive protein and neutrophils, unremarkable CT head and mildly raised protein in cerebrospinal spinal fluid (CSF). Brain MRI revealed bilateral cortical and striatal diffusion restriction and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings showed diffuse activity slowing with high amplitude sharp/slow-wave complexes. He was diagnosed with probable sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and management prioritised comfort and care. He passed away two weeks following admission and a mere 8 weeks after the first onset of symptoms.We present the first documented case of probable CJD with concomitant COVID-19 infection in the UK. We identified six other cases worldwide identified in our literature review. These cases suggest a role of COVID-19 in the rapid progression of CJD and add to the growing evidence of its neuroinflammatory role in other forms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Association between educational level and self-reported musculoskeletal pain and physical functioning in Danes 60–70 years old from 2010 to 2017: a longitudinal analysis of trends over time on data from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey
Authors: Hansen Jeanette , Hansen Henrik , Nilsson Charlotte , Ekholm Ola , Molsted Stig 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the association between educational level and musculoskeletal pain and physical function, respectively, in persons 60–70 years old, and to investigate if the association changed from 2010 to 2017.Design and participantsThis is a sex-stratified, cross-sectional study based on data from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey in 2010 (n=15 165) and in 2017 (n=14 022).Self-reported data from respondents who were 60–70 years old and reported data for pain or physical function, sociodemographic, education and behavioural factors were included.Primary outcome measuresPrevalence of pain and physical limitations.ResultsAmong men, a high educational level was associated with reduced odds of pain compared with low educational level (OR 0.56 (95% CI 0.41; 0.74)). Medium and high educational levels were associated with reduced odds of pain in women (0.74 (0.59; 0.92) and 0.64 (0.41; 1.00), respectively). High educational level was associated with reduced odds of physical limitations in men (0.35 (0.19; 0.65)) and women (0.33 (0.14; 0.78)). The interaction terms between time and education were not associated with pain and physical function, respectively.ConclusionHigh education was associated with reduced musculoskeletal pain and reduced limitations of physical function. The association between education and musculoskeletal pain and physical function did not change significantly over time. Musculoskeletal pain during the past 14 days and chronic pain among old men and women 60–70 years and their level of physical function contribute to important knowledge of a group near the retirement age. The future perspectives illustrate trends and importance of focusing on adapting job accommodations for senior workers.
Magnitude of occupational exposure to sharp injuries among nurses working in South Gondar zone public hospitals, Northcentral Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Aytenew Tigabu Munye , Kassie Yohannes Tesfahun , Kebede Solomon Demis 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the magnitude of occupational exposure to sharp injuries and identify its associated factors among nurses.DesignInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 1 to 30 November 2022.AnalysisThe collected data were entered into EpiData V.4.2; then, exported to Stata V.14 for analysis. Variables with a p value of <0.05 at 95% CI were considered significantly associated with occupational exposure to sharp injuries.SettingThe study was conducted in South Gondar zone public hospitals.ParticipantsNurses working in South Gondar zone public hospitals.ResultsOf the total respondents, 213 (56.65%) were between the ages of 25 and 34 with the mean±SD of age 30.22±6.63 years. Similarly, 202 (53.72%) of the respondents were women. This study finding showed that the magnitude of occupational exposure to sharp injuries among nurses was 52.39% (95% CI: 47.92% to 56.37%). Moreover, this study finding showed that year of service >10 years (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.35, 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.57), lack of infection prevention training (AOR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.09 to 3.45), job-related stress (AOR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.89) and presence of contaminated sharps at the workplace (AOR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.67 to 4.72) were significantly associated with occupational exposure to sharp injuries among nurses.ConclusionsGenerally, this study finding reported that the magnitude of occupational exposure to sharp injuries among nurses was high. This study finding also showed that years of service >10 years, lack of infection prevention training, job-related stress and the presence of contaminated sharps at the workplace were independent predictors of occupational exposure to sharp injuries among nurses. Hence, all the concerned bodies should strengthen regular provision of infection prevention training to nurses at all levels. Nurses should practice proper use of safety box more than ever in order to avoid the presence of contaminated needles and other sharp materials at the workplace.
Sex differences among children, adolescents and young adults for mental health service use within inpatient and outpatient settings, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Moin John S , Vigod Simone N , Plumptre Lesley , Troke Natalie , Asaria Miqdad , Papanicolas Irene , Wodchis Walter P , Brail Shauna , Anderson Geoff 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThe pandemic and public health response to contain the virus had impacts on many aspects of young people’s lives including disruptions to daily routines, opportunities for social, academic, recreational engagement and early employment. Consequently, children, adolescents and young adults may have experienced mental health challenges that required use of mental health services. This study compared rates of use for inpatient and outpatient mental health services during the pandemic to pre-pandemic rates.DesignPopulation-based repeated cross-sectional study.SettingPublicly delivered mental healthcare in primary and secondary settings within the province of Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsAll children 6–12 years of age (n=2 043 977), adolescents 13–17 years (n=1 708 754) and young adults 18–24 years (n=2 286 544), living in Ontario and eligible for provincial health insurance between March 2016 and November 2021.Primary outcome measuresOutpatient mental health visitsto family physicians and psychiatrists for: mood and anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, other non-psychotic mental health disorders and social problems.Inpatient mental health visitsto emergency departments and hospitalisations for: substance-related and addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, assault-related injuries, deliberate self-harm and eating disorders. All outcomes were analysed by cohort and sex.ResultsDuring the pandemic, observed outpatient visit rates were higher among young adults by 19.01% (95% CI: 15.56% to 22.37%; 209 vs 175 per 1000) and adolescent women 24.17% (95% CI: 18.93% to 29.15%; 131 vs 105 per 1000) for mood and anxiety disorders and remained higher than expected. Female adolescents had higher than expected usage of inpatient care for deliberate self-harm, eating disorders and assault-related injuries.ConclusionsStudy results raise concerns over prolonged high rates of mental health use during the pandemic, particularly in female adolescents and young women, and highlights the need to better monitor and identify mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19 containment measures and to develop policies to address these concerns.
Asthma-related emergency admissions and associated healthcare resource use in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Mayers Irvin , Randhawa Arsh , Qian Christina , Talukdar Manisha , Soliman Mena , Jayasingh Pramoda , Johnston Karissa , Bhutani Mohit 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThere is a lack of real-world research assessing asthma management following asthma-related emergency department (ED) discharges. The objective of this study was to characterise follow-up care, healthcare resource use (HCRU) and medical costs following ED admissions in Alberta, Canada.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults with asthma using longitudinal population-based administrative data from Alberta Health Services. Adult patients with asthma and ≥1 ED admission from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020 were included. ED admissions, outpatient visits, hospitalisations and asthma-specific medication use were measured in the 30 days before and up to 90 days after each asthma-related ED admission. Mean medical costs attributable to each type of HCRU were summarised. All outcomes were stratified by patient baseline disease severity.ResultsAmong 128 063 patients incurring a total of 20 142 asthma-related ED visits, a substantial rate of ED readmission was observed, with 10% resulting in readmissions within 7 days and 35% within 90 days. Rates increased with baseline asthma severity. Despite recommendations for patients to be followed up with an outpatient visit within 2−7 days of ED discharge, only 6% were followed up within 7 days. The mean total medical cost per patient was $C8143 in the 30 days prior to and $C5407 in the 30 days after an ED admission.ConclusionsDespite recommendations regarding follow-up care for patients after asthma-related ED admissions, there are still low rates of outpatient follow-up visits and high ED readmission rates. New or improved multidimensional approaches must be integrated into follow-up care to optimise asthma control and prevent readmissions.
Cardiovascular risk and systemic inflammation in male professional rugby: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McHugh Clíodhna , Hind Karen , Kelly Aine , Fearon Ursula , Wasfy Meagan , Floudas Achilleas , Barad Zsuzsanna , Dane Kathryn , Farrell Gareth , Wilson Fiona 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate cardiovascular risk factors’ prevalence and association with systemic inflammation in professional male rugby players (RP).MethodsA cross-sectional investigation of 46 professional male RP (26.1±4.1 years) cardiovascular risk factors were compared by position. Inflammatory markers were compared with healthy controls (n=13) and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n=10).ResultsTwenty-six per cent of RP had no risk factors, 49% had 1–2 cardiovascular risk factors and 25% had 3–4 risk factors. Forwards had greater body fat (p<0.001), visceral fat (p<0.001), glucose (p=0.025), and C reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.023) compared with backs. RP demonstrated more favourable lipid and glucose profiles than reference values for the general population. Most RP (n=28, 61%) had elevated blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg). RP had higher vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (p=0.004) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (p=0.002) than healthy controls. RP had lower CRP than patients with RA (p=0.009), while one-third (n=15) displayed equivalent ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels. Multivariate clustering and principal component analysis biplots revealed higher triglycerides, inflammatory markers, and worse body composition were associated with forwards.ConclusionsDespite athletic status, most of this rugby cohort had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Concomitantly, these RP demonstrated increased levels of inflammation, with one-third, primarily forwards, displaying equivalent levels to patients with inflammatory disease. Further studies are needed to unravel the prognostic implications of increased inflammation in RP because unchecked, chronic inflammation may lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Social justice and medical leadership: what is preventing trainees in the East Midlands from accessing leadership training?
Authors: Clegg Rebecca , Bowen Jennifer 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionHealth inequality is a problem worldwide, with life expectancy decreasing in parts of the UK. Social justice requires effective leaders. Doctors can engage with their patients to understand how social determinants of health affect them and use their leadership skills to create meaningful change.The East Midlands Leadership and Management Programme (LMP), run by NHS England (NHSE) East Midlands, teaches trainees the grounding principles for effective leadership and management. Many trainees struggle to access the course; therefore, we created a survey to determine the barriers for access.MethodsThe survey was sent to all applicable trainees in the East Midlands. 210 of 3000 trainees responded (7%). The questions were both qualitative, analysed using thematic analysis; and quantitative, which were descriptively analysed.Results90.5% of trainees said leadership training was somewhat or very important; however, only 52.4% had accessed training. The top barrier was not knowing what training was available (54.3%), followed by a lack of time or study leave (48.6%), and being unable to get a place on a course (46.7%). Concerningly, 3.8% thought leadership training to be of little or no importance.DiscussionDespite most trainees acknowledging the importance of leadership training, barriers to access exist. Of concern, some thought leadership training to be unimportant.Leadership is vital for social justice and to enact positive changes within our communities. The LMP provides tools for doctors to help them achieve this. Our work documents the perceived barriers our trainees have to accessing leadership training, alongside proposals for change and further research.
Clinical research in the NHS: a cross-sectional study of research engagement during the monkeypox pandemic
Authors: Wan Yize I , Smuk Melanie , Pearse Rupert M , Paparini Sara , Apea Vanessa J , Orkin Chloe M 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundRecruitment and retention of clinical academics in the UK is under threat. Acute clinical crises can increase opportunities for clinical research. We aimed to examine research involvement among clinicians working in sexual health and HIV medicine during the monkeypox (mpox) pandemic and identify factors associated with differential research engagement.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study between August and October 2022 using anonymised, self-reported data collected via an online survey disseminated worldwide across multiple specialties. We assessed demographic characteristics, research involvement and outputs, workplace setting, involvement with policy work and public health agencies and media. We examined differences by geographical location comparing the UK, European Union (EU) and the USA.ResultsOf 139 total respondents from the UK, none identified themselves as clinical researchers, compared with 23/210 (11.0%) from the EU and 5/58 (8.6%) from the USA. Overall research engagement was lowest in the UK (15.1% vs EU 36.7% and USA 37.9%). In the UK, research activity was greater among consultant physicians (19.5% vs 18.8% doctors-in-training and 4.9% nurses), those aged 35–50 years (19.7% vs 15.4% <35 and 8.5% >50 years), males (34.3% vs 7.1% females and 33.3% non-binary) and those who self-identified as White (15.6% vs 13.3% all other). In research-active individuals, measurable research achievements by journal publications or submissions and obtainment of grant funding were significantly higher in older, male, White, consultant physicians. Less disparity across demographic characteristic groups were seen in both the EU and the USA compared with the UK reflecting more diversity among research-active clinicians in overall research activity. Markers of research achievement were closer to parity in representation across gender and race and ethnicity, particularly for the EU.ConclusionsAdherence to and evaluation of existing UK-based recommendations to improve the clinical academic pipeline are needed to increase research engagement and diversity to safeguard future UK clinical research.