bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational risk of COVID-19 in foreign-born employees in Denmark
Authors: Bonde J P E , Begtrup L M , Jensen J H , Flachs E M , Jakobsson K , Nielsen C , Nilsson K , Rylander L , Vilhelmsson A , Petersen K U , Tøttenborg S S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Foreign-born workers in high-income countries experience higher rates of COVID-19 but the causes are only partially known.

Aims
To examine if the occupational risk of COVID-19 in foreign-born workers deviates from the risk in native-born employees in Denmark.

Methods
Within a registry-based cohort of all residents employed in Denmark (n = 2 451 542), we identified four-digit DISCO-08 occupations associated with an increased incidence of COVID-19-related hospital admission during 2020–21 (at-risk occupations). The sex-specific prevalence of at-risk employment in foreign born was compared with the prevalence in native born. Moreover, we examined if the country of birth modified the risk of a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and COVID-19-related hospital admission in at-risk occupations.

Results
Workers born in low-income countries and male workers from Eastern Europe more often worked in at-risk occupations (relative risks between 1.16 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.14–1.17] and 1.87 [95% CI 1.82–1.90]). Being foreign-born modified the adjusted risk of PCR test positivity (test for interaction P &lt; 0.0001), primarily because of higher risk in at-risk occupations among men born in Eastern European countries (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.39 [95% CI 2.09–2.72] versus IRR 1.19 [95% CI 1.14–1.23] in native-born men). For COVID-19-related hospital admission, no overall interaction was seen, and in women, country of birth did not consistently modify the occupational risk.

Conclusions
Workplace viral transmission may contribute to an excess risk of COVID-19 in male workers born in Eastern Europe, but most foreign-born employees in at-risk occupations seem not to be at higher occupational risk than native born.
The ageing immune system as a potential target of senolytics
Authors: Du Peter Yandi , Gandhi Ankesh , Bawa Manraj , Gromala Justyna 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAgeing leads to a sharp decline in immune function, precipitating the development of inflammatory conditions. The combined impact of these processes renders older individuals at greater risk of inflammatory and immune-related diseases, such as cancer and infections. This is compounded by reduced efficacy in interventions aiming to limit disease impact, for instance vaccines being less effective in elderly populations. This state of diminished cellular function is driven by cellular senescence, a process where cells undergo stable growth arrest following exposure to stressful stimuli, and the associated pro-inflammatory secretory phenotype. Removing harmful senescent cells (SnCs) using senolytic therapies is an emerging field holding promise for patient benefit. Current senolytics have been developed either to specifically target SnCs, or repurposed from cancer therapies or vaccination protocols. Herein, we discuss recent developments in senolytic therapies, focusing on how senolytics could be used to combat the age-associated diminution of the immune system. In particular, exploring how these drugs may be used to promote immunity in the elderly, and highlighting recent trials of senolytics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetic kidney disease. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells or monoclonal antibodies targeting SnCs are being investigated to combat the shortcomings of current senolytics and their adverse effects. The flexible nature of senolytic treatment modalities and their efficacy in safely removing harmful SnCs could have great potential to promote healthy immune function in ageing populations.
The importance of embedding an inclusive culture within healthcare teamwork education; an evaluation of implementation methods
Authors: Langford Emily C , Jain Sunjay 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Teamworking is a fundamental concept within most organisations and healthcare is no different. It is at the core of everything we do as professionals and has a multitude of impacts including on patient safety, the quality of care that we provide, and staff morale. This paper looks at why we should prioritize advancing teamwork education; argues the advantages of developing an all-encompassing, inclusive team training approach; and summarizes the different methods of how to implement teamwork education within your organisation.
Key messages Good teamworking processes have significant effects on patient safety and staff well-being. Inclusive training has wide-reaching benefits for staff morale, fostering colleague relationships and breaking down hierarchies. Teamwork education should be embedded within all healthcare organisations with the method used depending on organisational culture, hierarchy gradient and learners’ starting knowledge.
Does the halo count on temporal and axillary ultrasound predict time to relapse in giant cell arteritis?
Authors: Esperança Almeida Diogo , Smith Kate , Sarker Borsha A , Barr Andrew , Wakefield Richard J , Mackie Sarah L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To determine whether the halo count (HC) on temporal and axillary artery US (TAUS) predicts time to relapse in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods
We conducted a single-centre retrospective study of GCA patients. HC, the number of vessels with non-compressible halo on the TAUS at diagnosis, was determined by retrospective review of the US report and images. Relapse was defined as increase in GCA disease activity requiring treatment escalation. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify predictors of time to relapse.

Results
A total of 72 patients with confirmed GCA were followed up for a median of 20.9 months. Thirty-seven of 72 (51.4%) relapsed during follow-up, at a median prednisolone dose of 9 mg (range 0–40 mg). Large-vessel (axillary artery) involvement did not predict relapse. On univariable analysis, a higher HC was associated with shorter time to relapse (per-halo hazard ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30; P = 0.028). However, statistical significance was lost when the 10 GCA patients with an HC of zero were excluded from analysis.

Conclusion
In this real-world setting, relapse occurred at a wide range of glucocorticoid doses and was not predicted by axillary artery involvement. GCA patients with a higher HC at diagnosis were significantly more likely to relapse, but significance was lost on excluding those with HC of zero. HC is feasible in routine care and may be worth incorporating into future prognostic scores. Further research is required to determine whether confirmed GCA patients with negative TAUS represent a qualitatively different subphenotype within the GCA disease spectrum.
Relationship Between Platelets and the Clinical Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure and Liver Cirrhosis: A Preliminary Clinical Study
Authors: Zhang Ka , Jia Yifan , Shu Xin , Yang Xiaoan , Sun Haixia , Cao Hong , Mei Yongyu , Xiao Canhui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have found that the production of platelets could enhance the therapeutic effects of stem cells. Nevertheless, there are still no articles reporting on the relationship between platelets and the clinical efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) for HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and liver cirrhosis (LC).MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, patients who met the criteria were included. Patients were divided into subgroups according to the aims of this study. In the first part, the platelet count changes of ACLF and patients with LC after UCMSC therapy were compared and analyzed. Subgroup analysis based on UCMSC infusion times and patient age was also performed. In the second part, patients in the ACLF group and LC group were further divided into subgroups according to their platelet levels. Their clinical characteristics, demographics, and biochemical factors were compared.ResultsThis study enrolled 64 patients with ACLF and 59 patients with LC. In both groups, platelet levels declined similarly. Compared with the short-course UCMSC treatment group (≤4 times), patients with ACLF and patients with LC with long-course UCMSC treatment (&gt;4 times) showed an overall increasing trend. Younger patients with LC (&lt;45 years) had significantly higher platelet levels than older patients with LC (≥45 years). However, this age difference was not present in the ACLF group. The median TBIL decrease and cumulative TBIL decrease were not significantly different between patients with high PLT and patients with low PLT after UCMSC transfusions. For patients with ACLF, the cumulative TBIL decrease and the median TBIL decrease were significantly greater than those of patients with LC at the same platelet level after UCMSC treatment. However, this difference was not observed at all time points.ConclusionTrend of the platelet levels for HBV-related patients with ACLF and LC after UCMSC treatment did not parallel and varied according to treatment times and patients’ age. Platelet levels did not affect the efficacy of MSCs for patients with ACLF or LC.
New material of Parabrachyodus hyopotamoides from Samane Nala, Bugti Hills (Pakistan) and the origin of Merycopotamini (Mammalia: Hippopotamoidea)
Authors: Gernelle Killian , Lihoreau Fabrice , Boisserie Jean-Renaud , Marivaux Laurent , MéTais Grégoire , Antoine Pierre-Olivier 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Revision of the anthracothere Parabrachyodus hyopotamoides, endemic to the Lower Miocene of the Indian subcontinent and thus far confused with Brachyodus, is made possible by the description of unpublished specimens from the Samane Nala fossil-bearing deposits of the Bugti Hills (Pakistan). This is the first biochronologically constrained occurrence for a comprehensive series of this species. The analysis of cranial and dental morphological variations based on all known specimens of Parabrachyodus allows us to provide diagnostic characters for this monotypic genus. These include a four-crested upper molar protocone unique among artiodactyls and several convergences with subfamily Anthracotheriinae, like the two puzzling distal cristae on the last upper premolar protocone. A phylogenetic analysis at the hippopotamoid level, including Parabrachyodus and the enigmatic genera Telmatodon and Gonotelma (both also endemic to the Bugti Hills), is performed for the first time. These phylogenetically related taxa turn out to be basal to the tribe Merycopotamini, leading us to propose a more inclusive definition of the diagnosis of this tribe. Our results formally establish Elomeryx as the sister-group of Merycopotamini in Bothriodontinae, and definitely locate the early evolutionary history of Merycopotamini on the Indian subcontinent.
Effect of Pedicle Screw Size on Surgical Outcomes Following Surgery for 412 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Sarwahi Vishal , Hasan Sayyida , Koutsogiannis Petros , Visahan Keshin , Rao Himanshu , Patil Aravind , Lo Yungtai , Amaral Terry , DiMauro Jon-Paul 
Published: May 2023

Study Design.
Retrospective Review.

Objective.
The objective of this study was to determine differences in surgical and post-operative outcomes in AIS patients undergoing spinal deformity correction surgery using standard or large pedicle screw size.

Summary of Background.
Use of pedicle screw fixation in spinal deformity correction surgery is considered safe and effective. Still, the small size of the pedicle and the complex 3D anatomy of the thoracic spine makes screw placement challenging, with improper pedicle screw fixation leading to catastrophic complications including injuries to nerve roots, spinal cord, and major vessels. Thus, insertion of larger diameter screw sizes has raised concerns amongst surgeons, especially in the pediatric population.

Materials and Methods.
AIS patients undergoing PSF between 2013 and 2019 were included. Demographic, radiographic, and operative outcomes collected. Patients in the large screw size group (GpI) received 6.5 mm diameter screw sizes at all levels while standard screw size group (GpII) received 5.0 to 5.5 mm diameter screw sizes at all levels. Kruskall-Wallis and Fisher’s exact test performed for continuous and categorical variables respectively.
Subanalyses included (1) screw accuracy in patients with available CT scans, (2) stratified analysis of large- and standard-screw patients with ≥60% flexibility rate, (3) stratified analysis of large- and standard-screw patients with <60% flexibility rate, and (4) matched analysis of large- and standard-screw patients by surgeon and year of surgery.

Results.
GpI patients experienced significantly higher overall curve correction (P<0.001), with 87.6% experiencing at least one grade reduction of apical vertebral rotation from preoperative to postoperative visit(P=0.008).
Patients with larger screws displayed higher postoperative kyphosis. No patient experienced medial breaching.

Conclusion.
Large screw sizes have similar safety profiles to standard screws without negatively impacting surgical and perioperative outcomes in AIS patients undergoing PSF. Additionally, coronal, sagittal, and rotational correction is superior for larger-diameter screws in AIS patients.
Implementation of digital home monitoring and management of respiratory disease
Authors: Pinnock Hilary , Hui Chi Yan , van Boven Job F.M. 
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review
Digital respiratory monitoring interventions (e.g. smart inhalers and digital spirometers) can improve clinical outcomes and/or organizational efficiency, and the focus is shifting to sustainable implementation as an approach to delivering respiratory care. This review considers key aspects of the technology infrastructure, discusses the regulatory, financial and policy context that influence implementation, and highlights the over-arching societal themes of equity, trust and communication.

Recent findings
Technological requirements include developing interoperable and connected systems; establishing stable, wide internet coverage; addressing data accuracy and monitoring adherence; realising the potential of artificial intelligence; and avoiding clinician data overload. Policy challenges include concerns about quality assurance and increasingly complex regulatory systems. Financial barriers include lack of clarity over cost-effectiveness, budget impact and reimbursement. Societal concerns focus on the potential to increase inequities because of poor e-health literacy, deprivation or lack of available infrastructure, the need to understand the implications for patient/professional interactions of shifting care to remote delivery and ensuring confidentiality of personal data.

Summary
Understanding and addressing the implementation challenges posed by gaps in policy, regulatory, financial, and technical infrastructure is essential to support delivery of equitable respiratory care that is acceptable to patients and professionals.
Demographic and socioeconomic determinants of access to care: A subgroup disparity analysis using new equity-focused measurements
Authors: Qi Miao , Santos Henrique , Pinheiro Paulo , McGuinness Deborah L. , Bennett Kristin P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractDisparities in healthcare access and utilization associated with demographic and socioeconomic status hinder advancement of health equity. Thus, we designed a novel equity-focused approach to quantify variations of healthcare access/utilization from the expectation in national target populations. We additionally applied survey-weighted logistic regression models, to identify factors associated with usage of a particular type of health care. To facilitate generation of analysis datasets, we built an NHANES knowledge graph to help automate source-level dynamic analyses across different survey years and subjects’ characteristics.We performed a cross-sectional subgroup disparity analysis of 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) on U.S. adults for receipt of diabetes treatments and vaccines against Hepatitis A (HAV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Human Papilloma (HPV). Results show that, in populations with hemoglobin A1c level≥6%, patients with non-private insurance were less likely to receive newer and more beneficial antidiabetic medications; being Asian further exacerbated these disparities. For widely used drugs such as insulin, Asians experienced insignificant disparities in odds of prescription compared to White patients but received highly inadequate treatments with regard to their distribution in U.S. diabetic population. Vaccination rates were associated with some demographic/socioeconomic factors but not the others at different degrees for different diseases. For instance, equity scores increase with rising education levels for HBV while decrease with rising wealth levels for HPV. Among women vaccinated against HPV, minorities and poor communities usually received Cervarix while non-Hispanic White and higher-income groups received the more comprehensive Gardasil vaccine.Our study identified and quantified the impact of determinants of healthcare utilization for antidiabetic medications and vaccinations. Our new methods for semantics-aware disparity analysis of NHANES data could be readily generalized to other public health goals to support more rapid identification of disparities and development of policies, thus advancing health equity.
Ambient nitrogen dioxide in 47,187 neighborhoods across 326 cities in eight Latin American countries: population exposures and associations with urban features
Authors: Kephart Josiah L. , Gouveia Nelson , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Indvik Katy , Alfaro Tania , Texcalac José Luis , Miranda J. Jaime , Bilal Usama , Diez Roux Ana V. 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundHealth research on ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is sparse in Latin America, despite the high prevalence of NO2-associated respiratory diseases in the region. This study describes within-city distributions of ambient NO2concentrations at high spatial resolution and urban characteristics associated with neighborhood ambient NO2in 326 Latin American cities.MethodsWe aggregated estimates of annual surface NO2at 1 km2spatial resolution for 2019, population counts, and urban characteristics compiled by the SALURBAL project to the neighborhood level (i.e., census tracts). We described the percent of the urban population living with ambient NO2levels exceeding WHO Air Quality Guidelines. We used multilevel models to describe associations of neighborhood ambient NO2concentrations with population and urban characteristics at the neighborhood and city levels.FindingsWe examined 47,187 neighborhoods in 326 cities from eight Latin American countries. Of the ≈236 million urban residents observed, 85% lived in neighborhoods with ambient annual NO2above WHO guidelines. In adjusted models, higher neighborhood-level educational attainment, closer proximity to the city center, and lower neighborhood-level greenness were associated with higher ambient NO2. At the city level, higher vehicle congestion, population size, and population density were associated with higher ambient NO2.InterpretationAlmost nine out of every 10 residents of Latin American cities live with ambient NO2concentrations above WHO guidelines. Increasing neighborhood greenness and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles warrant further attention as potential actionable urban environmental interventions to reduce population exposure to ambient NO2.FundingWellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health, Cotswold Foundation
Reversal of an existing hearing loss inSpns2mutant mice
Authors: Martelletti Elisa , Ingham Neil J. , Steel Karen P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHearing loss is highly heterogeneous but one common form involves a failure to maintain the local ionic environment of the sensory hair cells reflected in a reduced endocochlear potential. We used a genetic approach to ask if this type of pathology can be reversed, using theSpns2tm1amouse mutant known to show this defect. By activatingSpns2gene transcription at different ages after the onset of hearing loss we found that an existing auditory impairment can be reversed to give close to normal thresholds for an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), at least at low to mid stimulus frequencies. Delaying the activation ofSpns2led to less effective recovery of ABR thresholds suggesting there is a critical period for intervention. Early activation ofSpns2not only led to improvement in auditory function but also to protection of sensory hair cells from secondary degeneration. The genetic approach we have used to establish that this type of hearing loss is in principle reversible could be extended to many other diseases using available mouse resources.Significance statementNeurological diseases are often thought to be irreversible, including hearing loss. In this study we found that one type of hearing loss can be reversed as long as the treatment is delivered within a critical period early in disease progression. This result is a proof-of-concept that hearing loss not only can be avoided but also may be reversed. This genetic approach can be used for a wide range of diseases using existing mouse resources.
Prokaryotic Gabija complex senses and executes nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage for antiviral defense
Authors: Cheng Rui , Huang Fengtao , Lu Xueling , Yan Yan , Yu Bingbing , Wang Xionglue , Zhu Bin 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTThe Gabija antiviral system consists of the GajA and GajB proteins. We previously revealed that GajA is a DNA nicking endonuclease. In this work, we found that the DNA binding of GajA is strictly inhibited by NTP. Furthermore, the antiviral defense of GajA requires the assistance from GajB, which senses DNA termini produced from the DNA nicking by GajA to hydrolyze (d)A/(d)GTP. The synergy between the DNA cleavage by GajA and the nucleotide hydrolysis by GajB results in an efficient abortive infection defense against virulent bacteriophages. GajA binds to GajB to form stable complexesin vivoandin vitro. However, a functional Gabija complex requires the molecular ratio between GajB and GajA below 1:1. Through (i) sequential sensing and executing the nucleotide depletion and DNA cleavage to cause a cascade suicide effect and (ii) stoichiometry regulation of the DNA/nucleotide processing complex, the Gabija system exhibits a unique mechanism distinct from other known prokaryotic antiviral systems.