bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of IL-33 enhances elastase-induced and cigarette smoke extract-induced emphysema in mice
Authors: Morichika Daisuke , Taniguchi Akihiko , Oda Naohiro , Fujii Utako , Senoo Satoru , Itano Junko , Kanehiro Arihiko , Kitaguchi Yoshiaki , Yasuo Masanori , Hanaoka Masayuki , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Kiura Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Miyahara Nobuaki 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
IL-33, which is known to induce type 2 immune responses via group 2 innate lymphoid cells, has been reported to contribute to neutrophilic airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, its role in the pathogenesis of emphysema remains unclear.

Methods
We determined the role of interleukin (IL)-33 in the development of emphysema using porcine pancreas elastase (PPE) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in mice. First, IL-33−/− mice and wild-type (WT) mice were given PPE intratracheally. The numbers of inflammatory cells, and the levels of cytokines and chemokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung homogenates, were analyzed; quantitative morphometry of lung sections was also performed. Second, mice received CSE by intratracheal instillation. Quantitative morphometry of lung sections was then performed again.

Results
Intratracheal instillation of PPE induced emphysematous changes and increased IL-33 levels in the lungs. Compared to WT mice, IL-33−/− mice showed significantly greater PPE-induced emphysematous changes. No differences were observed between IL-33−/− and WT mice in the numbers of macrophages or neutrophils in BAL fluid. The levels of hepatocyte growth factor were lower in the BAL fluid of PPE-treated IL-33−/− mice than WT mice. IL-33−/− mice also showed significantly greater emphysematous changes in the lungs, compared to WT mice, following intratracheal instillation of CSE.

Conclusion
These observations suggest that loss of IL-33 promotes the development of emphysema and may be potentially harmful to patients with COPD.
Analytical methods to assess the impacts of activity-based funding (ABF): a scoping review
Authors: Valentelyte Gintare , Keegan Conor , Sorensen Jan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Activity-Based Funding (ABF) has been implemented across many countries as a means to incentivise efficient hospital care delivery and resource use. Previous reviews have assessed the impact of ABF implementation on a range of outcomes across health systems. However, no comprehensive review of the methods used to generate this evidence has been undertaken. The aim of this review is to identify and assess the analytical methods employed in research on ABF hospital performance outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Five academic databases and reference lists of included studies were used to identify studies assessing the impact of ABF on hospital performance outcomes. Peer-reviewed quantitative studies published between 2000 and 2019 considering ABF implementation outside the U.S. were included. Qualitative studies, policy discussions and commentaries were excluded. Abstracts and full text studies were double screened to ensure consistency. All analytical approaches and their relative strengths and weaknesses were charted and summarised.

Results
We identified 19 studies that assessed hospital performance outcomes from introduction of ABF in England, Korea, Norway, Portugal, Israel, the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Japan, Belgium, China, and Austria. Quasi-experimental methods were used across most reviewed studies. The most commonly used assessment methods were different forms of interrupted time series analyses. Few studies used difference-in-differences or similar methods to compare outcome changes over time relative to comparator groups. The main hospital performance outcome measures examined were case numbers, length of stay, mortality and readmission.

Conclusions
Non-experimental study designs continue to be the most widely used method in the assessment of ABF impacts. Quasi-experimental approaches examining the impact of ABF implementation on outcomes relative to comparator groups not subject to the reform should be applied where possible to facilitate identification of effects. These approaches provide a more robust evidence-base for informing future financing reform and policy.
The need for translation and cultural adaptation of audiology questionnaires to enable the development of hearing healthcare policies in the Pacific Islands: a Samoan perspective
Authors: Kaspar Annette , Pifeleti Sione , Driscoll Carlie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Translation and cultural adaptation of health resources is an integral part of good health-policy development and health program implementation. As part of our efforts to address ear disease and hearing loss in the Pacific Islands, we promote the translation an cultural adaptation of hearing-related questionnaires into local languages and cultural contexts. The Pacific Islands have among the highest rates of ear and hearing disorders in the world and, given the scarcity of ear/hearing health professionals in the region, a public health approach that uses appropriately translated ear/hearing health resources is highly recommended to tackle this health issue.
Although formal translation and culturally adaption of hearing-related questionnaires may seem a cumbersome process, the aim of this commentary is to illustrate the potential benefits of translating two audiology questionnaires for our use in Samoa. We have carefully selected questionnaires that will serve multiple purposes (i.e., clinical, epidemiology, monitoring and evaluation, evidence-based health policy formulation and implementation), thus making the process ultimately beneficial and worthwhile.

Main body
The leading cause of preventable hearing loss among Samoan adolescents and young people is excessive noise exposure to recreational and environmental noise. The Youth Attitude to Noise Scale is a validated tool that assess knowledge and attitudes of adolescents towards recreational and environmental noise, and a Samoan version should provide preliminary data to guide health promotion activities for adolescents on noise-induced hearing loss.
The leading cause of hearing disability among older adult Samoans is age-related hearing loss. The Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory is a tool that assess the emotional and social/situational impact of hearing difficulty among older adults, and a Samoan version should provide preliminary data to guide the development of auditory rehabilitation services.

Conclusion
Investment in quality translations and cultural adaptations of hearing-related questionnaires is essential for the development of audiology services that are relevant to their Pacific Island context. The use of formally translated audiology questionnaires in research studies will optimise data quality, leading to improved hearing health promotion activities, as well as provision of evidence for advocacy for public health noise policy legislation.
Mental health and wellbeing implications of the COVID-19 quarantine for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people: evidence from a cross-cultural study in Zambia and Sierra Leone
Authors: Sharpe Darren , Rajabi Mohsen , Chileshe Clement , Joseph Sitali Mayamba , Sesay Ibrahim , Williams James , Sait Siraj 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantining on children and young people (CYP) living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has yet to be fully comprehended. CYP in LMICs are at utmost risk, given the COVID-19-related restrictions and social distancing measures, resulting in reduced access to school-based services for nutritional and mental health needs. This study examined mental health of CYP during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Zambia and Sierra Leone.MethodA total of 468 disabled and disadvantaged CYP aged 12 to 25 completed a planning tool that comprised the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), as well as open-ended questions covering social connectedness, physical distancing and educational challenges during the lockdown. The community coaches screened individuals and families who could be eligible to receive emergency aid, and based on a convenience sample following distribution of aid, recipients were invited to complete the planning tool.ResultsThe data showed that participants in the global south have increasing anxieties and fears centred on accessing offline educational resources and income loss in the family effecting food security and their ability to return to education. Mean (SD) SWEMWBS scores for all participants in Zambia and Sierra Leone, were 19.61 (3.45) and 21.65 (2.84), respectively. Mental well-being scores were lower in females, children aged 12–14 and participants with two or more disabilities. Factors significantly associated with poor mental wellbeing in the sample were: type of disability, nationality, peer relationships, connection to others during the pandemic, knowledge about COVID-19, worry about the long-term impact of COVID-19, and the types of self-isolating.ConclusionThe study shows that participants who self-reported low levels of COVID-19 health literacy also scored low on the mental wellbeing self-assessment. Yet, despite undoubted limited resources, these CYP are doing well in identifying their needs and maintaining hope in the face of the problems associated with COVID-19 in countries where stigma persists around mental ill-health.
Linearity extensions of the market model: a case of the top 10 cryptocurrency prices during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods
Authors: Neslihanoglu Serdar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis research investigates the appropriateness of the linear specification of the market model for modeling and forecasting the cryptocurrency prices during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Two extensions are offered to compare the performance of the linear specification of the market model (LMM), which allows for the measurement of the cryptocurrency price beta risk. The first is the generalized additive model, which permits flexibility in the rigid shape of the linearity of the LMM. The second is the time-varying linearity specification of the LMM (Tv-LMM), which is based on the state space model form via the Kalman filter, allowing for the measurement of the time-varying beta risk of the cryptocurrency price. The analysis is performed using daily data from both time periods on the top 10 cryptocurrencies by adjusted market capitalization, using the Crypto Currency Index 30 (CCI30) as a market proxy and 1-day and 7-day forward predictions. Such a comparison of cryptocurrency prices has yet to be undertaken in the literature. The empirical findings favor the Tv-LMM, which outperforms the others in terms of modeling and forecasting performance. This result suggests that the relationship between each cryptocurrency price and the CCI30 index should be locally instead of globally linear, especially during the COVID-19 period.
Research on the composite and functional characteristics of leather fiber mixed with nitrile rubber
Authors: Guo Jun , Dai Rui , Chen Hui , Liang Yan , Shan Zhihua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The recycling of leather solid waste not only involves resource utilization and environmental protection but also has important significance for the sustainable development of the leather industry. In this paper, the leather waste was crushed into fibers, which were stabilized and mixed with nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR). The mixture was milled and vulcanized and a composite NBR-SLF (Stabilized Leather Fiber) is prepared for sealing material. The physical and mechanical properties, water resistance, oil resistance and aging resistance of NBR-SLF were tested and analyzed. It is found that the optimized NBR-SLF not only reduces the cost of raw material, but also changes the physical and mechanical performance of NBR. As a sealing material, it satisfies the substitution of NBR in terms of hardness and thermal stability. Especially the anti-aging ability is better than NBR.

Graphical abstract
Synthesis of sulfonated Sesamum indicum L. seed oil and its application as a fatliquor in leather processing
Authors: Nkwor Adachukwu N. , Ukoha Pius O. , Ifijen Ikhazuagbe H. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Fatliquor is an oil-in-water emulsion that improves the physical properties of leather such as tensile strength, flexibility, and softness by lubricating the leather fibres. Sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil was synthesized, characterized, and examined for consideration as a substitute for imported fatliquor in Nigeria. The sulfonation of the oil was confirmed by the significant observations made in the FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 13C NMR DEPT analysis results. A remarkable difference was observed in the physicochemical properties results of both unsulfonated and sulfonated oils. The sulfonated sesame fatliquor was applied onto goatskin and compared with a commercial sulfated fatliquor in the processing of shoe upper leather using standard methods. The average results for tensile strength, double edge tear, elongation, and softness results for the commercial and synthesized fatliquors are as follows: 14.27 N/mm2; 13.77 N/mm2, 50.61 N; 60.11 N, 38.06%; 54.28%, 25.2; 25.0. A comparable level of lubrication of the leather treated with the sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil and that treated with the commercial leather fatliquor was revealed by the Sudan IV stain test as well as scanning electron microscopy analysis results. Experimental analyses, therefore, show that the as-synthesized sulfonated Sesamum indicum oil could be considered as a substitute for imported fatliquor in the leather industry.

Graphical abstract
Acute effects of cigarette smoke on Endothelial Nitric Oxide synthase, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and aortic intima media thickness
Authors: Ardiana Meity , Santoso Anwar , Hermawan Hanestya Oky , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian , Pikir Budi Susetyo , Suryawan I. Gde Rurus 
Published: May 2021

Background. Cigarette smoking could induce endothelial dysfunction and the increase of circulating markers of inflammation by activation of monocytes. This can lead to increased intima media thickness (IMT) of entire blood vessels and result in acceleration of the atherosclerosis process. However, to our knowledge, little is known about the role of cigarette smoking in this atherosclerotic inflammatory process. The aim of this study is to explore the link between cigarette smoking and its effect on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Methods. An experimental study with a post-test only controlled group design was used. We used 18 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) randomly subdivided into two groups: group K (-) were not exposed to tobacco smoke, whereas group K (+) were exposed to smoke equivalent of more than 40 cigarettes for 28 days daily. After 28 days, samples were analyzed for e-NOS, VCAM-1 and aortic IMT. Results. Our results indicate that tobacco smoke can enhance the expression of VCAM-1 on rat cardiac vascular endothelial cells, resulting in a decreased expression of e-NOS level and increase of aortic IMT. Linear regression model found that eNOS level negatively correlated wiith aortic IMT (r2 = 0.584, β = -0.764, p < 0.001), whereas VCAM-1 expression did not correlate with aortic IMT (r2 = 0.197, p = 0.065). Conclusion. Low e-NOS level and high VCAM-1 level observed after cigarette smoke exposure which may increase aortic IMT.
A scoping review protocol of evidence-based guidance published by general practitioner professional organisations
Authors: O'Brien Emer , Clyne Barbara , Smith Susan M. , O'Herlihy Noirin , Harkins Velma , Wallace Emma 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: General practitioners (GPs) strive to use a patient centred approach to achieve shared decision making by integrating clinical evidence, clinical judgement, and patient priorities. This protocol outlines a scoping review to identify what evidence-based guidance is produced by general practitioner professional organisations internationally to support general practice clinical decision making. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted using the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), will be used to guide the reporting. Two researchers will search electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus), grey literature sources and contact international GP professional organisations directly to identify appropriate studies for inclusion. Key information will be categorised and classified to generate a summary of the methods used internationally to develop and implement evidence-based guides for general practitioners and a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Conclusions: This scoping review will identify the role of GP professional organisations in generating, endorsing and/or disseminating evidence-based guidance for supporting general practitioner’s clinical decision making to benefit patient care.
Low diagnostic yield and time to diagnostic confirmation results in prolonged use of antimicrobials in critically ill children
Authors: Clark John , White Deborah , Daubney Esther , Curran Martin , Bousfield Rachel , Gouliouris Theodore , Powell Elizabeth , Palmer Adam , Agrawal Shruti , Inwald David , Kean Iain , Török M. Estée , Baker Stephen , Pathan Nazima 
Published: May 2021

Background: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance. Here, we aimed to review indications for antimicrobial therapy, determine the proportion of suspected bacterial infections that are confirmed by culture, and assess the time taken for microbiology test results to become available in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: A single-centre prospective observational cohort study of 100 consecutive general PICU admissions from 30 October 2019 to 19 February 2020. Data were collected from the hospital medical record and entered into a study database prior to statistical analysis using standard methods. Results: Of all episodes of suspected infection, 22% of lower respiratory tract infection, 43% of bloodstream and 0% of central nervous system infection were associated with growth on microbiology culture. 90% of children received antimicrobial therapy. Hospital-acquired infection occurred less commonly than primary infection, but an organism was grown in a greater proportion (64%) of cultures. Final laboratory reports for negative cultures were issued at a median of 120.3 hours for blood cultures and 55.5 hours for endotracheal tube aspirate cultures. Conclusions: Despite most critically children receiving antimicrobial therapy, infection was often not microbiologically confirmed. Novel molecular diagnostics may improve rationalisation of treatment in this population.
Towards Standardized Prevention of Unsolicited Communications and Phishing Attacks
Authors: Song JaeSeung , Kunz Andreas 
Published: May 2021

The world of communication technology is changing fast and the means of communication are moving towards a packet switched transmission systems such as Voice over IP (VoIP). Formerly call identity spoofing of the displayed number in circuit switched (CS) networks was too difficult to perform so that people could be sure that when receiving a call on their mobile phone or at home, the displayed number is the one as it is supposed to be. Nowadays this is not the case anymore, voice communication from the internet with VoIP is cheap and spam calls can be easily realized without any costs, also it is getting easier to perform spoofed calls with wrong display name or number.
The mobile network operators have no mechanisms to tackle those threats, but standardization activities are already in place within the security group SA3 of 3GPP. This paper provides an overview of the current status of the standards activities and shows the most promising solutions that are proposed up to now. The proposed solutions detect unsolicited communications and spoofed calls by tracing back to the displayed number used in the attack.
Beam propagation simulation of phased laser arrays with atmospheric
perturbations
Authors: Hettel Will , Meinhold Peter , Suen Jonathan Y. , Srinivasan Prashant , Krogen Peter , Wirth Allan , Lubin Philip 
Published: May 2021

Directed energy phased array (DEPA) systems have been proposed for applications such as beaming optical power for electrical use on remote sensors, rovers, spacecraft, and future moon bases, as well as for planetary defense against asteroids and photonic propulsion up to relativistic speeds. All such scenarios involve transmission through atmosphere and beam perturbations due to turbulence that must be quantified. Numerical beam propagation and feedback control simulations were performed using an algorithm optimized for efficient calculation of real-time beam dynamics in a Kolmogorov atmosphere. Results were used to quantify the effectiveness of the system design with different degrees of atmospheric turbulence and zenith angles, and it was found that a large aperture DEPA system placed at a high altitude site can produce a stable diffraction limited spot (

S
t
r
e
h
l

>

0.8

) on space-based targets for Fried length

r
0

≥
10

c
m

(at 500 nm) and zenith angles up to 60 deg, depending on atmospheric conditions. We believe these results are promising for the next generation of power beaming and deep space exploration applications.
Controlling Tamm phonons using hBN and a distributed Bragg reflector for narrowband refractive index sensing
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Jinlai , Ren Bin , Cui Ying , Song Jie , Jiang Yongyuan 
Published: May 2021

Optical Tamm state with sharp reflection dip provides the sensing potential combined with high sensitivity. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate that narrowband refractive index sensing can be realized in a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structure with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Here, we show that the sensitivity and narrowband properties can not only be regularly governed by different analyte thickness but also exhibit dependence on the number of DBR pairs and the thickness of the hBN layer. With varying the analyte index and optimized analyte thickness, the deep reflectance dip can be sustained with the sensitivity (figure of merit, FOM) close to 3.02 µm/RIU (1093/RIU). In addition, the different analyte categories can be detected through adjusting the thickness of the analyte-filled cavity. High sensitivity, combined with ultra-high FOM originated from strong Tamm phonon mode, offers a promising platform to detect the smallest variation of the refractive index.