bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking the Performance of the Actuator-Disk Method for Low-Pressure Axial Flow Fan Simulation
Authors: Venter Adam J. , Owen Michael T. F. , Muiyser Jacques 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The actuator-disk method is a cost-effective simulation tool that implicitly represents the rotor of a turbomachine using a blade-element approach combined with two-dimensional (2D) airfoil coefficient input data. Actuator-disk models further rely upon empirical coefficient corrections to modify the 2D input data to better mimic physical blade aerodynamic characteristics. However, the fabrication of high-fidelity, general-purpose corrections remains a formidable challenge, so the limits of actuator-disk model accuracy have never been rigorously tested and remain uncertain. This is especially the case for low-pressure axial flow fan models, given the relative lack of empirical corrections conceived specifically for fan rotor simulation. In this study, benchmark performance limits of the actuator-disk method for axial flow fan analysis are explored. The limits of the modeling approach are interrogated by simulating actuator-disk fan models embedded with accurate physical blade data derived from explicit three-dimensional (3D) fan model computations. It is subsequently shown that even with a near-precise coefficient description, the method remains unreliable. However, using an unconventional actuator-disk model formulation that is based directly on 3D blade force inputs, it is demonstrated that the accuracy of conventional models can be noticeably enhanced if the input coefficient data is artificially manipulated. This nonphysical tuning of the input coefficient data is required to compensate for the simplified flow fields produced by the reduced-order modeling approach. The needed coefficient adjustments, referred to as modeling corrections, are subsequently defined and explained alongside the presentation of new realistic performance targets for future actuator-disk fan model variants.
Vaginal fungi are associated with treatment-induced shifts in the vaginal microbiota and with a distinct genital immune profile
Authors: Armstrong Eric , Hemmerling Anke , Miller Steve , Huibner Sanja , Kulikova Maria , Liu Rachel , Crawford Emily , Castañeda Gloria R. , Coburn Bryan , Cohen Craig R. , Kaul Rupert 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Vaginal colonization by fungi may elicit genital inflammation and enhance the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes, such as HIV acquisition. Cross-sectional studies have linked fungi with an absence of bacterial vaginosis (BV), but it is unclear whether shifts in vaginal bacteria alter the abundance of vaginal fungi. Vaginal swabs collected following topical metronidazole treatment for BV during the phase 2b, placebo-controlled trial of LACTIN-V, a
Lactobacillus crispatus
-based live biotherapeutic, were assayed with semi-quantitative PCR for the relative quantitation of fungi and key bacterial species and multiplex immunoassay for immune factors. Vaginal fungi increased immediately following metronidazole treatment for BV (adjusted
P
= 0.0006), with most of this increase attributable to
Candida albicans
. Vaginal fungi were independently linked to elevated levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL) 17A, although this association did not remain significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Fungal relative abundance by semi-quantitative PCR returned to baseline levels within 1 month of metronidazole treatment and was not affected by LACTIN-V or placebo administration. Fungal abundance was positively associated with
Lactobacillus
species, negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria, and positively associated with a variety of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-17A, during and after study product administration. Antibiotic treatment for BV resulted in a transient expanded abundance of vaginal fungi in a subset of women which was unaffected by subsequent administration of LACTIN-V. Vaginal fungi were positively associated with
Lactobacillus
species and IL-17A and negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria; these associations were most pronounced in the longer-term outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

Vaginal colonization by fungi can enhance the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes and HIV acquisition, potentially by eliciting genital mucosal inflammation. We show that standard antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) results in a transient increase in the absolute abundance of vaginal fungi, most of which was identified as
Candida albicans
. Vaginal fungi were positively associated with proinflammatory immune factors and negatively associated with BV-associated bacteria. These findings improve our understanding of how shifts in the bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiota may enhance proliferation by proinflammatory vaginal fungi, which may have important implications for risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes among women.
Relevance of the bacteriophage adherence to mucus model for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages
Authors: Almeida Gabriel Magno de Freitas , Ravantti Janne , Grdzelishvili Nino , Kakabadze Elene , Bakuradze Nata , Javakhishvili Elene , Megremis Spyridon , Chanishvili Nina , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Sundberg Lotta-Riina 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections are getting increasingly serious as antimicrobial resistance spreads. Phage therapy may be a solution to the problem, especially if improved by current advances on phage-host studies. As a mucosal pathogen, we hypothesize that
P. aeruginosa
and its phages are linked to the bacteriophage adherence to mucus (BAM) model. This means that phage-host interactions could be influenced by mucin presence, impacting the success of phage infections on the
P. aeruginosa
host and consequently leading to the protection of the metazoan host. By using a group of four different phages, we tested three important phenotypes associated with the BAM model: phage binding to mucin, phage growth in mucin-exposed hosts, and the influence of mucin on CRISPR immunity of the bacterium. Three of the tested phages significantly bound to mucin, while two had improved growth rates in mucin-exposed hosts. Improved phage growth was likely the result of phage exploitation of mucin-induced physiological changes in the host. We could not detect CRISPR activity in our system but identified two putative anti-CRISPR proteins coded by the phage. Overall, the differential responses seen for the phages tested show that the same bacterial species can be targeted by mucosal-associated phages or by phages not affected by mucus presence. In conclusion, the BAM model is relevant for phage-bacterium interactions in
P. aeruginosa
, opening new possibilities to improve phage therapy against this important pathogen by considering mucosal interaction dynamics.

IMPORTANCE

Some bacteriophages are involved in a symbiotic relationship with animals, in which phages held in mucosal surfaces protect them from invading bacteria.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is one of the many bacterial pathogens threatening humankind during the current antimicrobial resistance crisis. Here, we have tested whether
P. aeruginosa
and its phages are affected by mucosal conditions. We discovered by using a collection of four phages that, indeed, mucosal interaction dynamics can be seen in this model. Three of the tested phages significantly bound to mucin, while two had improved growth rates in mucin-exposed hosts. These results link
P. aeruginosa
and its phages to the bacteriophage adherence to the mucus model and open opportunities to explore this to improve phage therapy, be it by exploiting the phenotypes detected or by actively selecting mucosal-adapted phages for treatment.
Tracking the prevalence and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern using a regional genomic surveillance program
Authors: Jung Ana , Droit Lindsay , Febles Binita , Fronick Catarina , Cook Lisa , Handley Scott A. , Parikh Bijal A. , Wang David 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing coupled with whole-genome sequencing is instrumental for real-time genomic surveillance. Genomic surveillance is critical for monitoring the spread of variants of concern (VOCs) as well as discovery of novel variants. Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been deposited into public sequence databases. This is the result of efforts of both national and regional diagnostic laboratories. In this study, we describe the results of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance from February 2021 to June 2022 at a metropolitan hospital in the United States. We demonstrate that consistent daily sampling is sufficient to track the regional prevalence and emergence of VOCs and recapitulate national trends. Similar sampling efforts should be considered a viable option for local SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance at other regional laboratories.

IMPORTANCE
In our manuscript, we describe the results of SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance from February 2021 to June 2022 at a metropolitan hospital in the United States. We demonstrate that consistent daily sampling is sufficient to track the regional prevalence and emergence of variants of concern (VOCs). Similar sampling efforts should be considered a viable option for local SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance at other regional laboratories. While the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has evolved into a more endemic form, we still believe that additional real-world information about sampling, procedures, and data interpretation is valuable for ongoing as well as future genomic surveillance efforts. Our study should be of substantial interest to clinical virologists.
Future-ready healthcare leadership: the revised International Hospital Federation competency model
Authors: Basterrechea Sylvia , Frich Jan C , Garman Andrew N 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundMajor global trends are reshaping health services delivery, and preparing current and future healthcare leaders requires an understanding of these trends. A well-designed leadership competency model can provide guidance for individuals, as well as for system-level leadership development and integration programmes.ObjectiveTo describe the process of updating the International Hospital Federation’s (IHF) Global Healthcare Management Competency Directory.MethodsRevisions were informed by a recent foresight study of major trends in health services delivery, and an evidence-informed framework of leadership competencies. The original framework competencies were reviewed by 45 subject-matter experts from 30 countries and regions, who provided feedback through electronic surveys and online interviews. We incorporated this iterative feedback to revise the framework design, competencies within the framework and their associated behavioural descriptions.ResultsA total of 45 subject-matter experts from 30 countries and regions participated in 1 or more phases of the survey process. The resulting leadership competency model includes 32 competencies organised into a framework of 6 domains: values, self-development, execution, relations, context management and transformation.ConclusionThe updated IHF Leadership Model provides a robust, evidence-based and up-to-date resource for assessing and developing future-ready healthcare leaders.
Identifying priority groups for pre-exposure prophylaxis among sex workers in Flanders, Belgium: insights into routine HIV and sexually transmitted infection data in community-based clinics
Authors: Van Mieghem Heleen , Nöstlinger Christiana , Smekens Tom , De Cannière Anne-Sophie , Keersmaekers Kris , Scheerder Gert , De Baetselier Irith , Vuylsteke Bea 
Published: June 2024

Objectives
The burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high in sex workers globally, calling for strengthening targeted prevention strategies, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The study’s objective was to assess HIV and STI burden among female, male and transgender sex workers in Flanders, Belgium, to guide targeting of PrEP strategies for sex workers.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of routine data collected between January 2016 and December 2019 by community-based organisations providing sexual healthcare services for sex workers in Flanders. HIV prevalence stratified by gender was assessed and associations with sociodemographic characteristics were explored using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression. Positivity rates of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis tests were used as proxy indicators for STI burden.

Results
The study included a total of 6028 sex workers, comprising 5617 (93.2%) female, 218 (3.6%) male and 193 (3.2%) transgender sex workers. The HIV prevalence was 0.3% among female, 8.9% among male and 12.3% among transgender sex workers. Engaging in escort sex work and originating from South America or Sub-Saharan Africa were associated with a higher likelihood of having acquired HIV. The positivity rate for gonorrhoea was higher among male sex workers (5.2% vs 2.2%) and syphilis was more frequently detected among male and transgender sex workers (3.0% and 6.1% vs 0.5%), all compared with female sex workers.

Conclusions
HIV combination prevention, including improved access to PrEP, should be strengthened among sex workers in Flanders, with particular attention to male and transgender sex workers.
Advances in hepatitis delta research: emerging insights and future directions
Authors: Degasperi Elisabetta , Anolli Maria Paola , Lampertico Pietro 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesHepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective virus needing the envelope provided by hepatitis B virus (HBV) in order to enter liver cells and propagate. Chronic HDV infection is considered the most severe viral hepatitis, resulting in accelerated fibrosis progression until cirrhosis and its complications (hepatocellular carcinoma, liver decompensation) compared with HBV mono-infected patients. Off-label treatment with interferon has represented the only treatment option in the last 40 years, resulting in suboptimal virological response rates and being limited by safety issues especially in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Recently, the first HBV-HDV entry inhibitor Bulevirtide (BLV) has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for treatment of chronic compensated HDV.MethodsThis review summarises most recent updates on HDV epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, with a special focus both on clinical trials and real-life studies about BLV. An overview on new HDV compounds under development is also provided.ResultsBLV, the HBV-HDV entry inhibitor, has shown promising safety and efficacy data in clinical trials and in real-life studies, also in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension. However, according to EMA label treatment is currently intended long-term until clinical benefit and predictors of responses are still undefined. The potential combination with PegIFNα seems to increase virological and clinical responses. New compounds are under development or in pipeline for treatment of HDV.ConclusionAfter more than 40 years since HDV discovery, new treatment options are currently available to provide efficient strategies for chronic hepatitis Delta.
Gravitational waves with generalized holonomy corrections
Authors: Li Shulan , Wu Jian-Pin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe cosmological tensor perturbation equation with generalized holonomy corrections is derived in the framework of effective loop quantum gravity. This results in a generalized dispersion relation for gravitational waves, encompassing holonomy corrections. Furthermore, we conduct an examination of the constraint algebra concerning vector modes with generalized holonomy corrections. The requirement of anomaly cancellation for vector modes imposes constraints on the possible functional forms of the generalized holonomy corrections. What’s more, we estimate the theoretical value of the effective graviton mass and discuss the potential detectability of this effective mass in future observations.
The study of electrochemical stabilization mechanism of Pt, GC, SS304, Ti and Cu as current collectors for aqueous lithium-ion batteries by electrochemical approaches
Authors: Zhang Shenwei , Chen Dongrui , Guo Wenmin , Wang Xiaoming , Ding Zhibin , Tang Xiaofu , Zhang Junxia , Wu Haijiang , Zeng Diping , Wei Hongqing , Wang Wenjun , Ma Yi , Zhou Jinhua , Su Zaijun 
Published: June 2024

This paper employs electrochemical methods (linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)) to investigate the electrochemical behavior of platinum, glassy carbon, 304 stainless steel, titanium, and copper in 21 and 1 M LiTFSI electrolytes. The LSV results indicate that the electrochemical stability window of the materials varies with the electrolyte concentration, and the stability window is wider in the high-concentration system. Through Tafel polarization curves and EIS analysis, the overpotential of the charge exchange process differs due to the type of material and the concentration of the electrolyte, mainly attributed to the influence of the proportion of free water, electrolyte viscosity, and SEI film formation on electrode process kinetics. After comparative analysis, glassy carbon exhibits a higher overpotential than other materials at both the cathode and anode, effectively suppressing water decomposition. These findings provide theoretical support for the development of high-performance aqueous lithium-ion battery current collector materials.
Cardiopulmonary Protection of Modified Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Lianqin , Zhou Kang , Gu Tianchu , Xu Jingjing , Shi Mengzhu , Zhu Jiang , Liu Jindong 
Published: June 2024

Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is reported to have early‐phase and delayed‐phase organ‐protective effects. Previous studies have focused on the organ protection of a single RIPC protocol, and the clinical outcomes remain uncertain. Whether the modified RIPC (mRIPC) protocol performed repeatedly provides cardiopulmonary protection is still uncertain.Methods: In this single‐center, randomized, controlled trial, 86 patients undergoing elective mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery were randomized 1:1 to receive either mRIPC or no ischemic preconditioning (control). Three cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion induced by a blood pressure cuff served as the RIPC stimulus. mRIPC was induced at the following three time points: 24 h, 12 h, and 1 h before surgery. Blood samples were withdrawn at 10 min after intubation (T0), at 1 h after aortic declamping (T1), and at 6 h (T2), 12 h (T3), and 24 h (T4) after surgery to measure the serum concentrations of myocardial enzymes and other biomarkers, including cardiac troponin I (cTnI), which was the primary endpoint of this study. Creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK‐MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), inotropic score (IS), and inflammatory mediators were also measured. Blood gas analysis was conducted to calculate the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and A‐aDO2, and the incidence of acute lung injury (ALI) was also recorded.Results: mRIPC significantly decreased the serum concentrations of cTnI, CK‐MB, and LDH at T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.01), and the IS decreased compared with that in the control group (12.0 ± 1.0 vs. 14.2 ± 1.1, p < 0.01). In addition, the incidence of ALI in the mRIPC group was decreased (32.6% vs. 51.2%, p = 0.039), and the PaO2/FiO2 was higher at T4 (p < 0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were decreased at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.05) in the mRIPC group, and the level of IL‐10 increased at the same time.Conclusions: mRIPC decreased the incidence of myocardial and lung injury in MVR surgery, providing new evidence for the clinical application of RIPC in valve surgery.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01406678).
Mechanical Thrombectomy Workshops Improve Procedural Knowledge and Skills Among Neurointerventional Teams in Low- to Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Inoa Violiza , Then Ryna , Cancelliere Nicole M. , Spiegel Gary R. , Fraser Justin F. , Hepburn Madihah , Martins Sheila C.O. , Guff Lauren , Strong Mindy , Elijovich Lucas , González Fernando , Guerrero Waldo R. , Eusebio Alex , Gayle Francene , Manosalva Alzate Herbert Alejandro , Villamán Cosme G. , Suazo Luis , de Souza Romnesh , Potter-Vig Jennifer , Hassan Ameer E. , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Yavagal Dileep R. , Gordon Perue Gillian L. 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
While mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is proven to be lifesaving and disability sparing, there remains a disparity in its access in low- to middle-income countries. We hypothesized that team-based MT workshops would improve MT knowledge and skills.

METHODS:
We designed a 22-hour MT workshop, conducted as 2 identical events: in English (Jamaica, January 2022) and in Spanish (Dominican Republic, May 2022). The workshops included participating neurointerventional teams (practicing neurointerventionalists, neurointerventional nurses, and technicians) focused on acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion. The course faculty led didactic and hands-on components, covering topics from case selection and postoperative management to device technology and MT surgical techniques. Attendees were evaluated on stroke knowledge and MT skills before and after the course using a multiple choice exam and simulated procedures utilizing flow models under fluoroscopy, respectively. Press conferences for public education with invited government officials were included to raise stroke awareness.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two physicians and their teams from 8 countries across the Caribbean completed the didactic and hands-on training. Overall test scores (n=18) improved from 67% to 85% (
P
<0.002). Precourse and postcourse hands-on assessments demonstrated reduced time to completion from 36.5 to 21.1 minutes (
P
<0.001). All teams showed an improvement in measures of good MT techniques, with 39% improvement in complete reperfusion. Eight teams achieved a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 3 on pre-course versus 15 of 18 teams on post-course. There was a significant reduction in total potentially dangerous maneuvers (70% pre versus 20% post;
P
<0.002). Universally, the workshop was rated as satisfactory and likely to change practice in 93% Dominican Republic and 75% Jamaica.

CONCLUSIONS:
A team-based hands-on simulation approach to MT training is novel, feasible, and effective in improving procedural skills. Participants viewed these workshops as practice-changing and instrumental in creating a pathway for increasing access to MT in low- to middle-income countries.