bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the Friction and Wear Performance of Graphene/Porous Bronze Composites
Authors: Xu Jin , Zhang Zheyuan , Qiao Zhijun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhu Fuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The porous surface of air bearings may suffer from surface scratching and wear issues during the start–stop processes or under extreme working conditions. To improve the lubrication performance and service life of the porous restrictors, this study combined powder metallurgy and chemical vapor deposition to fabricate graphene/porous bronze composites. On this basis, the friction and wear properties of porous composites were investigated. The prepared porous composites and the friction surfaces were described by various means such as coefficient of friction (COF), morphology scanning, surface roughness, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Moreover, during the composite fabrication, the flowrates of carbon sources were set to be 3, 6, 9, and 12 sccm, respectively, to investigate the effect of graphene content on the lubrication performance of the original porous matrix. In the experiments, the lubricating performance of the composite was optimized at a flowrate of 12 sccm. Compared to the original porous bronze, the COF was decreased by 8.4% and the wear-rate by 10.5%. Furthermore, the research findings indicated that the grown graphene also affects the sintering process of the porous matrix, leading to weak connections between powders and differences in the final pore structure. Thus, the final pore structure, along with the presence of graphene, jointly influences the lubrication performance of the porous composites.
Rapid virucidal activity of an air sanitizer against aerosolized MS2 and Phi6 phage surrogates for non-enveloped and enveloped vertebrate viruses, including SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ijaz M. Khalid , Zargar Bahram , Nims Raymond W. , McKinney Julie , Sattar Syed A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

An air sanitizer was evaluated using an aerobiology protocol, compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Sanitizer Guidelines, for virucidal activity against bacteriophages Phi6 and MS2 (used as surrogates for enveloped and non-enveloped human pathogenic viruses). The phages were suspended in a medium containing a tripartite soil load simulating body fluids and aerosolized using a six-jet Collison nebulizer in an enclosed 25 m
3
aerobiology chamber at 22 ± 2°C and 50 ± 10% relative humidity. The air sanitizer was sprayed into the chamber for 30 s. Viable phages in the air were captured directly, in real time, on host bacterial lawns using a slit-to-agar sampler. Reductions in viable phage concentration ≥3.0 log
10
(99.9%) were observed after a mean exposure of 3.6 min for Phi6, suggesting efficacy against enveloped viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV), and ~10.6 min for MS2, suggesting virucidal efficacy for non-enveloped viruses (e.g., noroviruses and rhinoviruses). This targeted air sanitization approach represents an important non-pharmaceutical public health intervention with virucidal efficacy against airborne viral pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Airborne viruses are implicated in the transmission indoors of respiratory and enteric viral infections. Air sanitizers represent a non-pharmaceutical intervention to mitigate the risk of such viral transmission. We have developed a method that is now an ASTM International standard (ASTM E3273-21) as well as a test protocol approved by the U.S. EPA to evaluate the efficacy of air sanitizing sprays for inactivating airborne MS2 and Phi6 bacteriophage (used as surrogates for non-enveloped and enveloped human pathogenic viruses, respectively). The test phages were individually suspended in a soil load and aerosolized into a room-sized aerobiology chamber maintained at ambient temperature and relative humidity. Reductions in viable phage concentration ≥3.0 log
10
(99.9%) were observed after a mean exposure of 3.6 min for Phi6, suggesting efficacy against enveloped viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2; influenza; RSV), and ~10.6 min for MS2, suggesting virucidal efficacy for non-enveloped viruses (e.g., noroviruses and rhinoviruses). The data suggest the utility of the air sanitizer for mitigating the risk of indoor viral transmission during viral pandemics and outbreaks.
The measles virus matrix F50S mutation from a lethal case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis promotes receptor-independent neuronal spread
Authors: Yousaf Iris , Domanico Luke , Nambara Toshihiko , Yadav Kalpana , Kelly Lauren K. , Trejo-Lopez Jorge , Shieh Wun-Ju , Rota Paul A. , Devaux Patricia , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Taylor Matthew P. , Cattaneo Roberto 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a lethal neurological disorder occurring several years after measles. Reconstruction of the evolution of the measles virus (MeV) genome in an SSPE case suggested that the matrix (M) protein mutation M-F50S, when added to other mutations, drove neuropathogenesis. However, whether and how M-F50S would promote spread independently from other mutations was in question. We investigated here the cell specificity of MeV spread in this brain and documented that both neurons and astrocytes were heavily infected. We then generated recombinant MeV with individual mutations in the three proteins of the viral membrane fusion apparatus, M, fusion (F), and hemagglutinin (H). These viruses reached similar titers as the parental wild-type virus, kept the respective mutations upon passage, and infected cells expressing the tissue-specific MeV receptors SLAM and nectin-4 with similar efficiencies. However, after inoculation of receptor-negative neurons and astrocytes differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells, only
MeV M-F50S
spread with moderate efficiency; the parental virus and its derivatives coding for a hyperfusogenic F protein, or for a cytoplasmic tail-mutated H protein, did not spread. When delivered to primary mouse neurons by cell-mediated neurite overlay,
MeV M-F50S
frequently reached the cell bodies and occasionally formed small infectious centers, while the other MeV reached the cell bodies only sporadically. These results demonstrate that, in neuronal cell cultures, M-F50S can enable receptor-independent spread in the absence of other mutations, and validate the inference that this single amino acid change initiated ubiquitous MeV brain spread.

IMPORTANCE
Measles virus (MeV), a non-integrating negative-strand RNA virus, rarely causes subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) several years after acute infection. During brain adaptation, the MeV genome acquires multiple mutations reducing the dependence of its membrane fusion apparatus (MFA) from an activating receptor. It was proposed that one of these mutations, matrix protein F50S, drove neuropathogenesis in an SSPE case. We report here that, in two types of neuronal cultures, a recombinant MeV with only this mutation gained receptor-independent spread, whereas viruses expressing MFA proteins with other mutations acquired during brain adaptation did not. Our results validate the inference that M-F50S initiated ubiquitous MeV brain spread resulting in lethal disease. They also prompt studies of the impact of analogous amino acid changes of the M proteins of other nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses on their interactions with membrane lipids and cytoskeletal components.
Neuroimmune Characteristics of Animals with Prenatal Alcohol Intoxication
Authors: Shamakina Inna Yu. , Anokhin Petr K. , Ageldinov Ruslan A. , Kokhan Viktor S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Neuroinflammation can be an important factor of many disorders in central nervous system (CNS) including cognitive dysfunction, affective disorders, and addictive behavior associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and presented in early adulthood. In this study we used an experimental rodent model of prenatal alcohol (PA) exposure (consumption of a 10% ethanol solution by female Wistar rats throughout pregnancy), multiplex immunofluorescence analysis of interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IL-9, and IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and chemokine CCL5, as well as quantitative real-time PCR to assess the level of cytokine mRNAs in the prefrontal cortex of the sexually mature (PND60) offspring – male and female rats with prenatal alcohol intoxication and control animals. Significant decrease in the content of TNF-α and interleukins IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IL-9 was detected in the prefrontal cortex of male, but not in the female PA offspring. Importantly, PA males also showed decrease in the level of TNF-α mRNA in the prefrontal cortex by 45% compared to the control males, which may underlie the detected decrease in its content. Taken together, our study demonstrates that a number of neuroimmune factors are regulated in a sex-specific manner in the prefrontal cortex and are differentially affected in males and females by the prenatal exposure to alcohol. Sex factor must be taken into account when conducting further translational studies of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and developing new methods for prevention and therapy.
Vimentin and Desmin Intermediate Filaments Maintain Mitochondrial Membrane Potential
Authors: Dayal Alexander A. , Parfenteva Olga I. , Huiying Wang , Shakhov Anton S. , Alieva Irina B. , Minin Alexander A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) represented by a diverse range of proteins, are one of the three main cytoskeleton components in different types of animal cells. IFs provide mechanical strength to cells and help position the nucleus and organelles in the cell. Desmin is an IF protein typical of muscle cells, while vimentin, which has a similar structure, is expressed in many mesenchymal cells. Both proteins are synthesized during myogenesis and regeneration of damaged muscle tissue and form a mixed IF network. Both desmin and vimentin regulate mitochondrial activity, including mitochondrial localization and maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, in the corresponding cells, but the role of mixed IFs in the control of mitochondrial functions remains unclear. To investigate how a simultaneous presence of these proteins affects mitochondrial membrane potential, we used BHK21 cells expressing both vimentin and desmin IFs. Expression of vimentin or desmin individually or both proteins simultaneously was suppressed using gene knockout and/or RNA interference. It was found that disruption of biosynthesis of either vimentin or desmin did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential, which remained unchanged compared to cells expressing both proteins. Simultaneous abolishment of both proteins resulted in a 20% reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating that both vimentin and desmin play an equally important role in its maintenance.
Contribution of malnutrition to infant and child deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Authors: Madewell Zachary J , Keita Adama Mamby , Das Priya Mehta-Gupta , Mehta Ashka , Akelo Victor , Oluoch Ogony Benard , Omore Richard , Onyango Dickens , Sagam Caleb K , Cain Carrie Jo , Chukwuegbo Cornell , Kaluma Erick , Luke Ronita , Ogbuanu Ikechukwu Udo , Bassat Quique , Kincardett Milton , Mandomando Inacio , Rakislova Natalia , Varo Rosauro , Xerinda Elisio G , Dangor Ziyaad , du Toit Jeanie , Lala Sanjay G , Madhi Shabir A , Mahtab Sana , Breines Markus Roos , Degefa Ketema , Heluf Helina , Madrid Lola , Scott J. Anthony G , Sow Samba O , Tapia Milagritos D , El Arifeen Shams , Gurley Emily S , Hossain Mohammad Zahid , Islam Kazi Munisul , Rahman Afruna , Mutevedzi Portia C , Whitney Cynthia G , Blau Dianna M , Suchdev Parminder S , Kotloff Karen L 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionMalnutrition contributes to 45% of all childhood deaths globally, but these modelled estimates lack direct measurements in countries with high malnutrition and under-5 mortality rates. We investigated malnutrition’s role in infant and child deaths in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network.MethodsWe analysed CHAMPS data from seven sites (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and South Africa) collected between 2016 and 2023. An expert panel assessed each death to determine whether malnutrition was an underlying, antecedent or immediate cause or other significant condition. Malnutrition was further classified based on postmortem anthropometry using WHO growth standards for underweight (z-scores for weight-for-age <−2), stunting (length-for-age <−2), and wasting (weight-for-length or MUAC Z-scores <−2).ResultsOf 1601 infant and child deaths, malnutrition was considered a causal or significant condition in 632 (39.5%) cases, including 85 (13.4%) with HIV infection. Postmortem measurements indicated 90.1%, 61.2% and 94.1% of these cases were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively. Most malnutrition-related deaths (n=632) had an infectious cause (89.1%). The adjusted odds of having malnutrition as causal or significant condition were 2.4 (95% CI 1.7 to 3.2) times higher for deaths involving infectious diseases compared with other causes. Common pathogens in the causal pathway for malnutrition-related deaths includedKlebsiella pneumoniae(30.4%),Streptococcus pneumoniae(21.5%),Plasmodium falciparum(18.7%) andEscherichia coli/Shigella(17.2%).ConclusionMalnutrition was identified as a causal or significant factor in 39.5% of under-5 deaths in the CHAMPS network, often in combination with infectious diseases. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing both malnutrition and infectious diseases to effectively reduce under-5 mortality.
Accuracy of radiologists and radiology residents in detection of paediatric appendicular fractures with and without artificial intelligence
Authors: M Yogendra Praveen , Goh Adriel Guang Wei , Yee Sze Ying , Jawan Freda , Koh Kelvin Kay Nguan , Tan Timothy Shao Ern , Woon Tian Kai , Yeap Phey Ming , Tan Min On 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the accuracy of radiologists and radiology residents in the detection of paediatric appendicular fractures with and without the help of a commercially available fracture detection artificial intelligence (AI) solution in the hopes of showing potential clinical benefits in a general hospital setting.MethodsThis was a retrospective study involving three associate consultants (AC) and three senior residents (SR) in radiology, who acted as readers. One reader from each human group interpreted the radiographs with the aid of AI. Cases were categorised into concordant and discordant cases between each interpreting group. Discordant cases were further evaluated by three independent subspecialty radiology consultants to determine the final diagnosis. A total of 500 anonymised paediatric patient cases (aged 2–15 years) who presented to a tertiary general hospital with a Children’s emergency were retrospectively collected. Main outcome measures include the presence of fracture, accuracy of readers with and without AI, and total time taken to interpret the radiographs.ResultsThe AI solution alone showed the highest accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.97; AC: 95% CI −0.055 to 0.320, p=0; SR: 95% CI 0.244 to 0.598, p=0). The two readers aided with AI had higher area under curves compared with readers without AI support (AC: 95% CI −0.303 to 0.465, p=0; SR: 95% CI −0.154 to 0.331, p=0). These differences were statistically significant.ConclusionOur study demonstrates excellent results in the detection of paediatric appendicular fractures using a commercially available AI solution. There is potential for the AI solution to function autonomously.
Effects of the dyadic FirstStep2Health intervention on parents’ behaviour and anthropometric outcomes: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Ling Jiying , Kao Tsui-Sui Annie , Robbins Lorraine B , Kerver Jean M , Zhang Nanhua , Shi Yan 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the preliminary efficacy of theFirstStep2Healthversus usual care control on improving parents’ lifestyle behaviours (moderate to vigorous physical activity, screen time, fruit/vegetable and fibre intake, skin carotenoids), nutrition and physical activity knowledge, self-efficacy, support, parenting style, feeding practices, home environment, anthropometric outcomes (body mass index, % body fat) and blood pressure from baseline to postintervention after adjusting for random cluster effects.DesignA cluster randomised controlled trial with 10 Head Start daycare centres (five intervention, five control) was conducted using computer-generated randomisation after baseline data collection.SettingUS Head Start daycare centres.Participants95 parent-child dyads (53 intervention, 42 control).InterventionsThe 16-week, dyadic,FirstStep2Healthintervention included: (1) a daycare-based child programme on healthy mindful eating and physical activity, (2) child letters to parents to connect school learning with home practice, (3) social media-based parent programme to assist parents to promote healthy eating and physical activity at home, (4) virtual group parent meetings via Zoom on topics related to healthy eating and physical activity and (5) weekly motivational messages to increase parental motivation to build a healthy home environment.ResultsMixed-effect models were used to examine intervention effects, adjusting for baseline outcome and cluster effects at the daycare and classroom levels. Intervention parents engaged in more moderate to vigorous physical activity (B=0.49, p=0.874) postintervention than controls, although not significantly. However, intervention parents showed significantly higher nutrition knowledge (B=0.87, p=0.009), physical activity knowledge (B=0.95, p=0.049), nutrition self-efficacy (B=0.74, p=0.025) and physical activity self-efficacy (B=0.86, p=0.013) compared with controls at postintervention. Fibre intake was also significantly higher (B=2.99, p=0.049), and intervention parents had lower % body fat (B=−2.56, p=0.005) and systolic blood pressure (B=−10.98, p=0.005) postintervention. No significant effects were found for fruits/vegetables intake, parental support for healthy behaviours, home physical activity environment or authoritative parenting style.ConclusionsFuture endeavours to proactively engage parents in a dyadic childhood obesity prevention approach such as theFirstStep2Healthintervention are warranted to improve outcomes among both children and parents.Trial registration numberNCT04164277.
Aortic stiffness after living kidney donation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Rosendo A , McNeill Kylie , Agharazii Mohsen , Bugeja Ann , Clark Edward G , Burns Kevin D 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesIncreased aortic stiffness measured with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Some studies have reported increased cf-PWV in living kidney donors after nephrectomy. This review aimed to determine the effects of living kidney donation on cf-PWV, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and their differences versus non-nephrectomised healthy individuals.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central databases, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register, Health Technology Database, Technologies in Health, EBM Reviews, ProQuest and ‘Grey Matters Light’). Databases were searched from inception to December 2022.Eligibility criteriaWe searched for studies that measured cf-PWV in living kidney donors before and/or after nephrectomy. Non-nephrectomised healthy individuals included as controls were the comparators. Studies that provided age-adjusted cf-PWV reference values in normotensive healthy individuals were also included.Outcome measuresWe evaluated the mean differences in cf-PWV, GFR and BP before-and-after nephrectomy and their mean differences versus non-nephrectomised healthy comparators. We also explored differences in yearly adjusted cf-PWV changes between donors and normotensive healthy individuals.Data extraction/synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias (Risk of Bias tool for non-Randomised studies: ROBINS-I) and quality of evidence (GRADE). Pooled effect estimates were calculated using the inverse variance method and analysed with random effect models.ResultsNine interventional (652 donors; 602 controls) and 6 reference studies (6278 individuals) were included. cf-PWV increased at 1-year postdonation (p=0.03) and was on average 0.4 m/s (95% CI 0.07; 0.60) higher than in healthy controls (p=0.01). These differences were non-significant 5 years postnephrectomy (p=0.54). GFR decreased after nephrectomy (p<0.001) and remained reduced compared with healthy controls (p<0.001), but SBP and DBP were not significantly different (p≥0.14). Yearly changes in cf-PWV postnephrectomy were similar to age-adjusted reference values in healthy normotensive individuals (p=0.76).ConclusionsAortic stiffness increases independent of BP 1 year after kidney donation, but the long-term effects seem minimal. These findings may impact future consent of prospective living kidney donors.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020185551.
Menstrual hygiene practice needs, and depression among refugee women in Jordan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muhaidat Nadia , Al Karmi Joud , Ibrahim Omar Bassam , Raiq Neven Amer , Alhanbali Abdulrahman E , Ghanem Hadeel H , Khamis Tala , Haddad Tala A , Karam Abdulrahman M , Alshrouf Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate menstrual hygiene practices among women residing in Jordanian refugee camps, and explore their potential relationships with mental health and other sociodemographic characteristics.DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsA total of 387 women were included between January and March 2023, using a convenience sampling method, from five main refugee camps in Jordan.Main outcome measuresMenstrual hygiene practices assessed by the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36) and mental health assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).ResultsThe study included 387 women with an average age of 33.16±9.52 years. The mean±SD MPNS-36 score for the sample was 1.92±0.52. The mean (SD) PHQ-9 score was 10.77±5.94. Moreover, the MPNS-36 overall score had a significant negative correlation with PHQ-9 scores (r=−0.368, p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression found that PHQ-9 score (B=−0.0279, p<0.001), and number of children (B = −0.0423, p=0.004) were negative predictors of the MPNS-36 score, while income was a positive predictor of the MPNS-36 score (B=0.0004, p=0.013).ConclusionThe study highlights potential associations between menstrual hygiene habits and mental health among refugee women, alongside other sociodemographic traits. This highlights the importance of improving the accessibility of menstrual products and promoting menstrual health management among underserved populations, particularly those in refugee camps.